Hurricane Ike blew in and out, leaving a stupendous amount of damage. What we want to know, is what part of "stupid" don't you understand when Homeland Security, the National Weather Service, and all the emergency agencies tell you to "evacuate or face certain death?" Then you get the rescuers, risking their lives, going in to try to find survivors, who invariably say, "I didn't know it was going to be this bad." It's always a horrible situation in a natural disaster, but idiots make it much harder on those who try to warn and help.
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On happier notes: The Western Nevada Astronomical Society is hosting NASA scientist, Dr. Dana Backman, this Saturday at Marlette Hall at 7 p.m. on the WNC campus (445-3000 or 857-3033), with a "Meet & Greet" at the Jack C. Davis Observatory at 5:30 p.m. to meet Dr. Backman and to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the observatory. Everyone is welcome. St. Gall Catholic Church, in Gardnerville, will be having a wine tasting on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. at the church. It's $25 per person, and features wine, music, and art. There will also be great raffle prizes. Here at home, St. Teresa's will present the 11th annual Basque Festival at Fuji Park. Tickets are $25 in advance ($30 at the door), with kids 16 and under, free. Call 882-1968 or 882-2130 for details. Doors open at 11 a.m., followed by Mass at noon, and delicious food from 1-3 p.m. And you don't even have to be Basque.
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Sarah Palin is every woman's and man's dream. She was a fairy princess (beauty queen) ... married the handsome prince (the "First Dude"), and can shoot and cook a moose ("way to go, woman, bring home meat, fix stew") ... she has five children ('nuff said), and became a governor (power, money and a vice-presidential nod). The only thing left is ... well, put it this way ... John McCain better watch his back.
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If you did not see "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)" this summer, you should hurry on down to the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St., this Friday or Saturday at 7:30 p.m. It is hysterical. To see Jason Macy in a dress is worth the price of admission (Jim Godwin and Rich Garrett are wonderful, too). Call 883-1976 for reservations and tickets ($15 and $12). It also plays on the following weekend and is certainly worth your while. And singing auditions for "I Say Nevada" will be at 7 p.m. tonight at the BAC ... if you've ever wanted to be in a musical, now's your chance.
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Ben Duncan passed away this week. He was a gentle man and a Vietnam veteran who volunteered to help many in need. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his wife, Donna, and his family and friends ... and, as the piper piped, it reminded us that "grace will lead him home."
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Ken Fraser learned a lot of things on the Internet, some of which follow: "I've learned that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and give in. Then, I've learned that we are responsible for what we do ... unless we are celebrities. I've also learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to others. They are more screwed up than you think." There were some things he "learned" that were much funnier, but can't be printed in a family newspaper. Darn.
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UNR and CHS are using the "pistol offense" this year ... too bad they're shooting blanks so far. Happy birthdays to both Maggie Jesse and Dave Josten this week. Cuter and older ... you pick which one. "Let's Dance Carson City 2008!" is coming up on Sept. 27, Oct. 4 and 11, with the finale on Oct. 25, 2008, at the Brewery Arts Center. Tickets are available at the BAC (883-1976) ... it's lots of fun and you can see the "stars" shine.
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Rhonda Knox came up with these Internet gems: "A teacher asked Maria to go to the map and find North America. 'Here it is,' says Maria. The teacher said that was correct, then asked the class, 'Who discovered America?' The class yelled back, "Maria!" She then asked Glenn, 'How do you spell crocodile?' 'KROKODIAL,' he answered. 'No, that's wrong,' she said. 'Maybe it's wrong,' says Glenn, 'but you asked me how I spell it.' The teacher tries again, 'Millie, give me a sentence starting with 'I.' Millie begins, 'I is ...' 'No, Millie ... you should always say 'I am.' 'All right,' Millie replies, 'I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.'"
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A neat joke Nina Bailey sent us from a magazine: "The judge said to the defendant, 'I thought I told you I never wanted to see you again.' 'Your honor,' the defendant replied, 'That's what I tried to tell the police, but they wouldn't listen.'"
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If there is anything good about funerals, it is, perhaps, the reminiscing with old friends, like Bruce Bertram and Darryl Brown at Ben's; and the many people at Danielle's on Saturday. It reminds us of how valuable are all the friendships we encounter along the way, as well as the great support of family. Maybe it takes away the sadness we feel, when all that love is shown. Thank you all.