Christmas thoughts, hopes, humor and thanks

MERRY CHRISTMAS! On this day we celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth ... an event that many lose in the hubbub of commercialism and political correctness. To everyone, we wish you the gifts of kindness and love. They cost nothing, and are never wasted. And thank you all for putting up with us all year.

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Our condolences go out to Kelli DuFresne, our City Editor, and her family, on the death of her mother, Lorraine DuFresne, in Virginia City. And to the family of our friend, Johnny Johnston, of Leavenworth, Kansas, who passed away on Saturday. They will be missed greatly.

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Mars is on display right now in all its red beauty. For a really good look, go up to the Jack C. Davis Observatory at WNC on Saturday nights at their "star party" (from 7-10 p.m.) and see it through their fine telescopes. It's free, and there will be people there to explain it all to you. We can guarantee you'll see the canals ... but Martians?

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Chuck Muth mentioned in his column that Nevadans should be heard on Yucca Mountain, not just politicians. We would like to add a few things: Not only would we never be taxed again, we could tax those who send it to us, then recycle it (like many countries already do) and SELL it back to those who sent it to us in the first place. He was wrong about one thing though. If the politicians get $2 million to spend, he said they'd spend two million. Naaaah, they'd spend three. Isn't that how it works? (Thanks to a "friend" for picking up on that). So, he's right about putting restrictions on this "cash cow." Everyone in Nevada, BEFORE they make up their minds, should take a tour of Yucca Mountain and get more facts before they dis it out of hand.

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Patty and Woody Sharpe tell us this sad Christmas tale: "An old man was shopping for Christmas presents with his grandson, who was wailing away in the cart. The old man kept saying, 'We're almost done, Albert. Try not to cry, Albert. Life will get better, Albert.' As he approached the checkout counter, he brushed the tears from the young boy's eyes and said, 'Try not to cry, Albert. We'll be home soon.' As he was paying the cashier, the toddler continued to cry as a young woman in line said, 'Sir, I think it is wonderful how sweet you are to your little Albert.' The old gentleman blinked his eyes a couple of times before replying, 'My grandson's name is John. I'm Albert.'"

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The Nevada Wolfpack proved why a 6-6 ball club does NOT belong in a "bowl" game. Better luck next year!

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A "get well soon" to Karen Chandler ... we know she'll be up and running again soon. And Happy Birthdays to all the "old" people, Jonni Moon, Karen Hinton and Marty Tate (hey, it takes two to know three).

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Sally and Carl Bennett say that Carson City has reached the big time. There's now an escalator at the Fandango. Whoopee!

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For those of you who watch the bond issues in Carson City, the money from the school infrastructure bond is being well spent on the Carson Middle School. The work is pretty much on time and on the money. Way to go, guys.

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Did you know that most jails will take credit cards for bail these days? Gee, you get out and get bonus points on your card. What a win-win. Almost makes an arrest worthwhile (in your dreams).

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Auditions are coming up for two shows: "Romeo and Juliet" will hold tryouts on Jan. 7, at 7 p.m. at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall. It will be Proscenium Player's fourth production of the season, and is directed by Christopher James. He is looking for actors from 15-100, men and women. Call 883-1976 for details. Also auditioning, will be Wild Horse Production's, "The Vagina Monologues," on Saturday, Jan. 5 at 1 p.m. at Marlette Hall at WNC. For more information, call 887-0438. It will be a benefit to stop violence against women and children.

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Did you know that grapes and raisins can be as deadly as chocolate if you feed them to dogs? A big no-no according to Bottom Line magazine. So, be kind to your pet, and go with the dog food instead.

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Jerry Burnette came up with this Christmas goodie: "A gentleman was looking at a nativity scene in Happy, Texas, when he noticed that the three wise men were dressed as firemen. He asked the preacher about that, and was told "it's in the Bible." Curious, he asked how they knew that. 'Oh, it's easy,' said the preacher, (use your suthin' accent hyar) 'it says the wise men came from a fahr.'"

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This is the time of year we are grateful to so many people: to our editor, Barry Ginter, and his staff (especially for the beautiful office and our large salaries ... HAHAHA) ... they are really great; to all our readers, kind and not so, who keep us on our toes and in stitches most of the time; to our families and friends, who stick with us through thick and thin, and help us through the trying times (like Carolyn's mom having a hard time right now ... prayers appreciated); to our many friends in the restaurant business: Charlie and Karen and staff at Adele's, Jerry Massad at the Crackerbox, Nan, Bob, TJ and Paul at the Basil, Tina, Gilles, Ashleigh, and Michael at ZBistro, Don, Chris, Rod, and Brandy at Mallard's, Pete, Martha, Luis, Damien, et al from the Villa Basque Deli, and countless other places that we graze in. Thanks to "Sprinkler Larry" for C's sprinkler system; Todd, Dan and Jesse at Empire Landscape; all the garbage men in town; the Sheriff's Dept.; the Fire Dept.; the health care establishment; streets and roads; Terry Ward; and all the other people who make us feel loved. Thank you all ... and may your new year be absolutely wonderful!

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