Thoughts on China, the economy and the Board of Supervisors

Boycott the Olympics! If ever there were a year or a country to avoid, this is it. Why the International Olympic Committee chose China, other than to kiss their political a**, is beyond us. Inhumane treatment of dissidents, polluted air, Tibet, child labor, no "live coverage" from Tiananmen Square ... do we need to go on? Oh, we forgot ... they practically OWN us, so of course our "fearless leader" is going, no matter what. Let's hope the athletes live through it.

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Ahhh, the Rites of Spring can now go on. March Madness, baseball ... things to take our minds off the economy and the war. Most people are feeling the pinch ... higher prices on EVERYTHING, especially gas and food. People on fixed incomes are particularly vulnerable. More billions to Iraq, while they sit on a SURPLUS of oil money and aren't paying for their "training" out of their funds. Just what we wanted to hear. And the Feds may cut interest rates some more ... what happens when there's nothing left to "cut?" And the politicians, Democrat AND Republican, aren't helping. No wonder we need things to take our minds off reality.

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Ron Saunders strikes again ... "A U.S. Senator is killed tragically by a truck. He arrives in Heaven and St. Peter greets him at the Pearly Gates. 'Welcome,' says St. Peter, 'before we let you in, there's a small problem. We seldom see such a high official, so we're not sure what to do with you.' 'Just let me in,' says the Senator. 'Not so fast,' St. Pete replies. 'We've decided you will spend one day in Hell, then one day in Heaven, and then you can choose where you'll spend eternity.' 'But, I want to go to Heaven,' the Senator replies. 'Sorry, but we have our rules.' With that, the elevator takes the man down to Hell, where he meets the very witty and friendly Devil, finds a beautiful green golf course with a gorgeous clubhouse and all his friends and politicians dining on lobster and caviar, and playing golf. He has a marvelous time, but has to leave to go to Heaven. There, he sits on a cloud, singing and playing the harp. It's nice, but pretty dull. St. Peter returns and tells him he has to choose. 'Well,' says the Senator, 'Heaven was nice, but I think I'd like Hell better.' With that, he's led to the elevator, and returns to Hell. The doors open and he finds he's in the middle of a barren wasteland covered with garbage, and his friends all dressed in rags picking up trash, as more of it falls from above. The Devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. 'I don't understand,' says the Senator, 'yesterday everything was beautiful here ... my friends were joking around, playing golf, drinking champagne and dining on lobster and caviar. Now everything's miserable. What happened?' The Devil looks at him and smiles ... 'Yesterday we were campaigning. Today you voted.'"

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Good news: Carol Scott is doing well and feeling better after being laid up for a while; UNLV made it past the first round in the NCAA tourney; the WNC Wildcats swept their first double-header this season at John L. Harvey field; Sol' Jibe will open patio dining at D'Vine Wine with new chef, Eric Liebendorfer, April 1-5. Duane "Beans" Souza appears there, too (call them at 882-7766 for details and specials); "Sounds of Broadway" will be at the Carson Valley Inn in Minden April 3-6 ... call Lucille Rao at 843-3493 for tickets; and, "Bon Voyage" Don ... he's off to Japan ... sayonara and have fun.

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Well, the Board of Supervisors supports an increase of 1Ú8-of-a-cent to help fund the V&T (which M thinks is a good idea, but C doesn't know yet), but wouldn't put an increase for the sheriff and fire department on the ballot. We think they both deserve to be there. We also disagree with Bonnie Ryan (who wrote a letter to the editor last week) that the V&T would have little to offer Carson City and that she wouldn't want to ride it and see sagebrush, etc. Too bad she hasn't taken a walk or drive on the right-of-way ... it's absolutely beautiful. Yes, there is sagebrush, but there also are trees, the river valley, the Sierras in the background ... it's a trip with a truly magnificent view, and would bring a lot of tourism to Virginia City and CARSON. Historical and fun!

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Patsy Schutte, and her husband, Kraig, are off to Raleigh, N.C., to live. They have family there, and we know they'll like it, but we'll miss them here. Carson High Performing Arts will be presenting "Copacabana" at the Community Center beginning April 5 ... it's a great chance to see our high school talent, and a fun, upbeat show, directed by Karen Chandler. Bill Sauer (782-0223) sent us more of his funny cards (but we'll have to save them for next Easter and St. Paddy's Day) ... you, too, can get them if you call him ... i.e., "A kiss is the only time two heads are better than one."

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Ron Saunders also sent us some Ronald Reagan quotes: "I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through Congress." "The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help." And, "Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book." How timely is this?

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P.J. Degross is looking for people to "adopt" soldiers ... to support and send them letters and supplies. Her program, Web of Support, sets people up to help. Please contact her at www.webofsupport.com or e-mail her at PJdahling@aol.com. Don't let them (or her) down. Many thanks.

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Many people find the cost of drugs prohibitive and go without, especially since many drugs (generic or otherwise) are marked up more than 3,000 percent (that's NOT a typo). If you're on a budget (or just want to save money), shop around. Wal-Mart has many prescriptions for $4 for a month's supply, while Costco (you do NOT have to be a member for prescriptions) sells many of their drugs at a little above their cost. Before you buy your next prescription, take some time and call around ... it may save you a LOT of money.

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Paula Morton gave us this "holy" joke: "A little girl was running to church praying, 'Dear Lord, don't let me be late, don't let me be late.' Just then, she tripped on a curb and fell, getting her dress dirty and torn. She got up and continued running and praying, 'Dear Lord, don't let me be late ... but don't shove me again, either.'" Amen.

May your week "run" smoothly.

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