Thanks, praise and humor for the week ahead

66 years ago the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, on Dec. 7, 1941, and began the second World War. Fortunately, it ended four years later. Unfortunately, it did not end the world's appetite for more wars. Korea, Vietnam, Ireland, the Falklands, Grenada, Iraq, Afghanistan, the Middle East in general, and dozens of other insurrections and altercations blemish attempts for us to "all get along." The governments of the world have failed, and religions haven't solved the problems. It all comes down to us, the individual, to try to make this a better place. Love one another ... don't hurt others ... you know the drill. Now, practice it. And thanks to all those who put their lives on the line to keep the "bad guys" at bay.

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Tomorrow is the eve of "Little Christmas." That's the day people in Europe put out their shoes and Sinter Klaus or Kris Kringle comes to fill them with candy and cookies if you're good, or coal, sticks and stones if you've been bad. On Dec. 6, you wake up and find out where you stand with ol' Kris, and, if you're the coal and sticks person, you have 18 days to turn it around. Good luck.

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Carla J. Wilson sent us some messages from "the dog": "1) the litter box is not a cookie jar; 2) the garbage collector is not stealing our stuff; 3) sticking my nose into someone's crotch is not an acceptable way of saying 'hello;' 4) I will not come in from outside and immediately drag my butt; 5) the cat is not a 'squeaky toy, so when I play with him and he makes that noise, it's usually not a good thing; and 6) Dear God, when I get to Heaven, may I have my testicles back?"

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Carson City's Silver and Snowflake Festival of Lights takes place on Thursday at the Capitol tree at the Capitol at 5:30 p.m., then proceeds to the city tree after the lighting. Santa, caroling and refreshments will be there, too, and everyone is invited. (887-1294 for details) A neat way to start the season.

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So Darren Mack, a convicted murderer, wants to change his plea and get a new trial. Will changing his plea bring back his wife and "unshoot" Judge Weller? Just wondering if the Washoe County taxpayers agree with him?

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Maizie was one of the judges at the CHS talent show last Wednesday. It was fantastic that so many young people put themselves out there and showed off their talents. One tip, however: If the rules say "21Ú2 minutes to 5 minutes," make sure your talent runs within the time allotted. If it was over or under, 5 points was deducted, and in one case, was the difference between winning and losing. It also would help to watch yourselves in a mirror and see yourselves as the audience will ... if your back is to us, you're "dissing" us. And, don't forget to smile at the beginning and end of your act. Good show, Maggie J.

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The fifth grade DARE graduation at Fritsch School was a great success. Deputy Lisa Davis did a fine job with all the kids, and they just loved her. May they all remember everything she taught them ... it will save their lives later. Thanks, Deputy Lisa.

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One of the members of the LDS Church has found out how good King Wenceslas likes his pizza ... "deep and crisp and even." Right on.

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And the Olson family tells us about the wife who invited some people to dinner. "She turned to her 6-year-old daughter and asked her to say the blessing. 'I wouldn't know what to say,' the girl replied. 'Just say what you hear Mommy say,' the mother answered. The little girl bowed her head and said, 'Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?'"

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Carson High School's Capitol Stars is presenting their Silent Auction and Holiday Performance on Monday, Dec. 10 at the Brewery Arts Center ballroom from 6-8 p.m. There is a $5 donation, and a lot of silent auction packages. Dessert and beverages will be served. If you have any items you'd like to donate for the auction, please call Tracy at 230-8862. It promises to be a really nice evening.

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With Christmas right around the corner, DO NOT fall prey to scam artists. We can't tell you enough NOT to give out ANY personal information ... i.e. name, address, Social Security number, bank accounts or credit card numbers, no matter how good "the deal" is. If you initiate the call, that's different, but if you are called, CLAM UP or HANG UP. They only want your money, and, no matter how "nice" they sound, they aren't. For the latest "scam alerts," go to www.consumer.gov/yourmoney.htm,

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There were also some good numbers to call given on one of the major TV shows last week. 1-866-MYTRAFC will get you traffic conditions anywhere in the country. 1-334-844-4244 (a toll call) will connect you to students at Auburn University who will answer any questions you have. They tried it on the TV show, and it worked (darned if we can remember which show it was). 1-866-QUITNOW will put you in contact with a quit-smoking hotline, and 1-866-412-SONG will call you back or e-mail you after you hum a tune you can't remember with the title of the song, as well as who sang it (who hasn't had one drive you crazy once in a while?). Good services.

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From Cold and Flu Myths by Rich Maloof for MSN Health & Fitness: Colds are caused by going outside without a coat - FALSE, you already had the virus; Flu vaccines do not cause flu - TRUE, they're dead; Feed a cold, starve a fever - FALSE, feed 'em both; Viruses survive on surfaces - TRUE, but they get weaker with time, so keep washing your hands; Colds that linger or worsen may indicate sinusitis - TRUE, if it hangs on after 10 days, see a doctor; Vitamin C is ineffective for preventing or treating colds or flu - TRUE, sorry; We can put a man on the moon, but we can't cure the common cold - TRUE, you can't win 'em all.

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Get ready to celebrate all year long in 2008. It will be Carson City's 150th birthday party. CHS will be putting on its annual Christmas show soon. Call the BAC at 883-1976 for the details. The students always put on a cute show for the holidays. Have a great week.

• To reach Maizie Harris Jesse or Carolyn Tate, e-mail carolynandmaizie@yahoo.com.