National News Notes: It was reported in the national news this week that the Senate approved spending to build 700 miles of fencing between this country and Mexico, and that it will cost between $2 billion and $9 billion to build. Our bet is, if Halliburton is given the contract, prepare to pay at least $9 billion and probably more. Any takers? Then Congressman Foley of Florida quits because he e-mailed male senate pages "inappropriately." Yeah, right. And how will "those who knew" weasel out of this one? Just proves what our mothers said: don't put anything in writing you don't want seen or heard in public. Still good advice.
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The Prez was in Reno yesterday. We didn't spend the $2,100 to have our picture taken with him, nor did we cough up the $250 for admittance. He didn't miss us, either. Are you surprised? Naaaaah...
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Last week, we wrote, "Was it Churchill who said 'War is hell?'" The answer is, "No, it wasn't." It was Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman when he burned Atlanta. Ellen Nelson graciously provided the information, and said her grandmother was alive there when it happened. Unfortunately, it's applicable to every war.
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And while we're on the "national scene," how would YOU solve this mess in Iraq and the Middle East? We'll print the best solutions (it might give our "leaders" an option they haven't thought of). However, jokes, cursing and nukes are not an option.
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Since we're in a betting mood this week, any bets whether prosecutors ask that Tamir Hamilton get the death penalty in Reno over allegedly killing Holly Quick and raping a UNR student? Or would it be because he's black and poor, not white and rich like Darren Mack? Wonder how they'll cover their hind ends on this one? (Write your own "excuse" in here _____ ).
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The Sheriff's Office and the Fire Department held a great dinner together a week ago to honor their volunteers. It was held at the Carson Senior Center and catered by Carson City BBQ Co. A good time was had by all. Really good, since the Fire Department was called to the sheriff's place of business last weekend to put out a fire in the office. Something tells us they didn't want THAT kind of closeness between the departments ... snicker, snicker. All's well that ends well though. The sheriff is getting a new building soon, and the fire department can be proud of doing a great job.
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Good news: Glen Lucky did bring Carson City some "excitement" last week. He successfully pulled an 18-wheeler in the Bully's parking lot. Way to go, Glen. And Carson High School teams are "looking gooood." The soccer teams are going great guns, the football team won, and the marching band will be strutting its stuff this weekend. Go cheer them all on.
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Carolyn found out why men are not secretaries: "A husband put this note on the refrigerator for his wife ... 'Someone from the Gyna College called. They said the Pabst Beer is normal. I didn't know you liked beer.'"
And these are the men we allow to become fathers?
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Fond messages: The Millard family had a family reunion this past weekend. Unfortunately, Dwight had to miss the Sunday brunch at Mallards ... he was ill. So "get well" to him, and to Janet Heller, Claire Dufresne and Danielle Conway. May you all feel better soon. And happy birthday to Jerry Ruggeri, you old dog, you. And belated ones to Nathan and Mattie Clinger from your Auntie C ... she apologizes that she's getting senile and didn't remember them on time.
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For those of you waiting to see M, Tim and Dave make fools of themselves this weekend in the Improv, forget it. It had to be canceled because of scheduling problems with the class. Maybe another time ... ratz.
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Carolyn had a delightful breakfast at the Postal Cafe on the East Lake Road in Washoe Valley. You can also mail your letters there. Wow, postal, letters ... who'd have guessed? Anyway, it was great.
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A friend of ours in Virginia, Diane, sent us the following: "A female police officer arrests a guy for drunken driving. While reading him his Miranda Rights, the officer tells the man, 'Sir, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be held against you.' 'Boobs,' the drunk replied."
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"Applause for Paws, A benefit for pets in need," will be Friday the 13th, from 6-9 p.m. at Circus Circus in Reno. KTVN's Bill Brown will host, and it will feature all kinds of goodies, along with a silent auction. Call 342-7040 for tickets, go have a good time, and help pets in need.
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We hear Jonni Moon was sitting on a park bench in the Park Royale trailer park, "when a man walked over and sat down on the other end of the bench. After a few moments, she asked, 'Are you a stranger here?' He replied, 'I lived here a few years ago.' 'So, where were you all these years?' 'In prison,' he said. 'Why did they put you in prison?' He looked at her, and very quietly said, 'I killed my wife.' 'Oh,' said Jonni, 'So you're single...'" Then a day later, "a neighbor was telling her, 'I just bought a new hearing aid for $4.000, but it's perfect, state of the art.' 'Really,' answered Jonni, 'What kind is it?' '12:30.'" (Thanks to Jonni for "sharing" her secrets with us)
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'Tis the season ... free flu shots will be given, first come, first served, at the Carson Senior Center this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 887-2190 for details.
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Enjoy the beautiful weather we're having ... too soon it will be winter ... Brrrrrrr.
• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. Write to them at editor@nevadaappeal.com.