Do you want to do something really nice for our servicemen and -women in Iraq and Afghanistan? Then make sure they get Silly String (or stuff like that). They spray it into so-called "empty" rooms, and, if there's a trip wire there, that will set off a bomb. The Silly String hangs on it without setting off the bomb and saves their lives, giving them time to disarm it.
Sounds too good to be true, but it is true. A lady in New Jersey is collecting money (and the companies that make the stuff are donating some) to buy and send it to the troops. Send donations to Marcelle Shriver, at St. Luke's Church, 55 Warwick Rd., Stratford, NJ, 08084; or contact ron101abu@comcast.net to give names of soldiers who may need it. This story has appeared on TV and in the newspapers, but in case you missed it, please remember that sometimes the simplest thing can be a life saver.
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And in that vein, we compliment the Bierman family of Carson City who, with some great help, has aided the people of Bercini, Romania, with school renovations, medical needs, business acumen (including a computer lab), homes, and now, a senior center.
The Rotary Club of Carson City, St. Teresa's school and many Carson City citizens are helping the people there, too. Real toilets, running water and electricity are taken for granted here, but there, they are a real luxury. If you would like to help them, please send a donation to the "Romanian Families Fund, Inc., 811 Weninger Dr., Carson City, NV 89703. Your donation is tax-deductible, and you will have made a real difference to some very poor people around the world.
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According to one of our readers, we have embarrassed ourselves again (this is news?). Apparently, Sen. Randolph Townsend IS on the cutting edge when using the word "incentivize." We were accused by Maryann of not using the dictionary to check this out (or spelling it right), and of mentioning it only because he is a Republican. Naaaaah, if he'd been a Democrat, we would have picked it out, too.
We DID check THREE dictionaries, and, NOT ONE of them had the word in it (neither does "spell check"). Turns out it is a "new" word (and the library verifies this) made up of a noun and then made into a verb by adding "-ize" to "incentive." We certainly don't want to embarrassize ourselves again. Mercy.
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Carol thinks Ron Saunders knew about this one (it helps if you're Swedish or from Minnesota): "Sven and Olaf worked together in a Minnesota factory and were laid off one day. So dey vent to da Unemployment Office togedder. Asked his occupation, Olaf said, 'Panty stitcher. I sew da elastic onto da ladies' cotton panties.' Finding it classified as unskilled labor, she gave Olaf $300 a week. She then asked Sven what he did. 'Diesel fitter,' he replied. She looked this up, and, since it was classified as a skilled job, Sven got $600 a week. When finding this out, Olaf was furious, stormed back into the office and demanded why his friend got twice as much as he did. The clerk explained that panty stitchers are unskilled labor and diesel fitters are skilled. 'Vat skill?' yelled Olaf. 'I sew da elastic on da panties, and Sven puts dem over his head and says, 'DIESEL FITTER.'"
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If you like Celtic and American tunes, go to the Carson Library tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. to hear Wild Sage play some reels, jigs, hornpipes and waltzes. The Leaping Lassies will also perform. It is the second annual fundraiser for the Do Drop Inn homeless day shelter here in Carson City. Donations will be appreciated. For information, call 841-2580.
Also performing this weekend will be DanceSpirit in their story of "Scrooge." They will be at Piper's Opera House, then at the Community Center Saturday and Sunday. For times, details and tickets, call 884-1066.
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Ouch ... UNLV popped Nevada's bubble Saturday with a win over the previously undefeated Nevada Wolfpack. Double-ouch, since it was in front of a sold-out Lawlor Events Center hometown crowd. Never mind; we just hope it makes them a better team down the stretch.
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For some great Christmas lights, go to the Kremer house at 1176 Chaparral Court off Stephanie Lane on the way to Minden. Go to www.nevadachristmas.com for directions and times, and bring a can of food to donate while you're listening to Christmas carols and watching the display. It's really something.
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The community said good bye to a very nice man this week, Ted Thornton. Ted always had time to smile and say hello. Our sympathy to his wife, Jean, and his family. He will be missed.
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Bits and pieces: Michael, our waiter at the Gold Hill Hotel, promises to sit with us when he's rich and famous. He's already cute. Now we can hardly wait for him to be rich. And our friends at Mallard's at Empire Ranch - Don, Anna, Rod, Stephanie, Hank and Allison - blatantly want you to know that they're there toiling away from 8-3, seven days a week. Good food, good people.
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Since we're into Minnesota jokes this week, Connie Lord sent us these: "A group of Nevada friends went deer hunting in Minnesota. They went out in pairs, but that evening one of them came in alone, staggering under the weight of a big buck. 'Where's Quilici?' Norm asked. 'Oh, he had a fit of some kind,' Slick replied. 'You left Don out there and carried the deer back?' Norm asked. 'A tough call,' Slick replied, 'but I figured no one is going to steal Don.'"
"News flash: Minnesota's worst air disaster occurred when a small Cessna 150, piloted by two UNLV students, crashed into a cemetery earlier today. Search-and-rescue workers have recovered 300 bodies so far and expect the number to climb as digging continues. The pilot and the copilot survived and are helping in the recovery efforts.'"
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Watch your purses, wallets and credit cards this season ... scams of all kinds are always appearing this time of year. Be safe and beware.
• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. Write to them at editor@nevadaappeal.com.