Hooray for folks who made our 'C' purty again

The "C" has been repaired, thanks to Adam and Roy Houghton and "friends." We think they should be Carson's "People of the Year" for making it look "purty" once more. Let's hope this doesn't become a habit ... thanks again, guys.

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We received a comment from a local soldier in Iraq. Seems every time politicians come over and say, "We know how you feel," they all want to shoot them in the face and say, "NOW you know how we feel." He also said that the Iraqi insurgents have brand-new handguns, accounting for the increase of brutal small-arms fire in the area that has been devastating to the Americans and Iraqis. Was it Churchill who said, "War is hell"? And there's no end in sight.

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Jessi Winchester sent us this one: "Seems four presidents were caught up in a tornado and ended up in the Emerald City. "What brings you before me?" asked the Great Oz. "I'd like some courage," Jimmy Carter replied. "No problem," said the Wizard, "Who's next?" Richard Nixon stepped forward and said, "I think I need a heart." "Done," says the Wizard, "Your wish is granted." "Some people think I need a brain," stated George W. Bush. "About time," says the Wizard. Finally, Bill Clinton steps up ... there is a looong silence. "Well, what do you want?" asks the Wizard impatiently. "Is Dorothy here?"

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So, Washoe Medical Center has changed its name to Renown Medical Center. Big deal. The old name said it all, whereas the new name doesn't say much of anything. Terry Ward thinks the "consultants" who fed the board that malarkey were "too many people getting paid too much money to know too little." We agree.

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But speaking of hospitals, Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center had a record number of babies born recently. In June and August, more than 100 babies were born, a record for the hospital. And it looks like they'll break the record again this month, keeping the doctors and nurses VERY busy. Welcome to the world and Carson, tiny people.

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The Brewery Arts Center will be hosting Gerry Orton and his Improv classes starting Monday for kids and adults (call 883-1976 for times and details). The adults will be seen Monday, 7 p.m., $5 admission, in a "showcase." In other words, come see them a la "Whose Line Is It Anyway." Maizie, Tim Morsani and Dave Josten will be among those making fools of themselves and hoping to make you laugh.

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"The Birthday Club" held court last week to celebrate September birthdays. Carolyn, Uncle Joe Fee, Paula Morton, Eileen Paloolian, Doris Gillie, Sheryl Lindquist, Norma Holland, Sylvia Dominguez, Nancy Carnahan, Betty Ruggeri and Joe Spencer all turned 21 ... some of them several times over. Katie Jesse and Jack Heller should have been invited, too, because they are just as old. Happy b-day to all.

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Oktoberfest, put on by the Carson City Library Foundation, is almost upon us. It will be Saturday, Oct. 7, in the Pony Express pavilion in Mills Park from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Good food, good music, lots of fun and open to all. Das ist sehr gut.

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We have a "bone to pick" with someone at the Appeal. Last week, we wrote about the C Hill "prank" that left it looking like an ad for Douglas High, and we said, "It now has stripes and a 'D' for Douglas..." It was, however, changed to "... stripes and an "L" for loser (we assume) ..." Wrongo, Jack. We "assumed" nothing of the kind, and would NEVER call Carson High kids "losers," no matter what the deal. So there.

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DeeAnn overheard this conversation at the Carson Senior Center this week (at least we "think" that's where it was): "Dorothy and Edna, two widows, were talking. Dorothy said, 'That nice George Johnson asked me out for a date. I know you went out with him last week, and I just wanted to ask you about him before I give him an answer.' Edna says, 'Well, he showed up on time dressed in a very nice suit. He brought me beautiful flowers and took me for a lobster-and-champagne dinner at a lovely restaurant, then we went to a show. Actually, Dorothy, I enjoyed it so much, I could have just died with pleasure. Then we went back to my apartment, and he turned into an animal ... he went completely crazy, tore off my new dress, and had his way with me ... two times.' Dorothy looks at Edna, amazed. 'Goodness gracious, are you telling me I shouldn't go out with him?' 'Oh, no,' says Edna, 'I'm just saying wear an old dress.'"

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The Community Counseling Center will hold its 15th annual golf tournament Sunday, Oct. 8, at Empire Ranch Golf Course. Their hole-in-one prize is a new car donated by Carson Dodge-Chrysler, plus many other prizes, and good food prepared by Adele's and the Cracker Box. Sign up by the Sunday deadline by calling 882-3945, and you'll have a great time.

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People we take for granted ... the guys and gals who plant, weed, and water the medians in our downtown corridor. Thanks for making them always look nice. And the nice ladies at the south Jack-in-the-Box drive-in on Thursday morning at 11:10 a.m. who made M smile. The same goes for Sonic's Araceli Martinez ... always pleasant and kind. There are many more ... we are lucky here in CC.

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Debbie Foster tells us of good news regarding her son, Kevin Bunch. Seems Kevin graduated from the University of Cincinnati, Conservatory of Music, with a BFA in sound design. Next week, he begins a tour with the Omaha Theater Company as their tech director, and will be touring across the country (unfortunately, not in Nevada) to bring great performances to kids. You can visit Kevin's page on MySpace.com if you want to know more. We remember Kevin well from all the times he appeared in CHS productions. Congrats...

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Vern Manke relates a couple of things regarding women: "There are two times when a man doesn't understand a woman ... before marriage and after marriage." Also, "Any married man should forget his mistakes. No use two people remembering the same thing." Ouch...

• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. Write to them at editor@nevadaappeal.com.