We think the late Dr. Martin Luther King is looking down this week and smiling over the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama. How far things have come since he had a dream. However, we still have a long way to go, particularly in light of the Israeli-Palestinian fighting, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the drug wars, other insurrections around the world, and the global economy.
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It's too bad GWB's dreams were nightmares ... "Operation Iraqi Freedom," the glorious plot to overthrow Saddam Hussein, then plunged this country into a trillion dollar plus deficit. Just think where that money could have gone had it not been used helping the great "decider" to accomplish his "mission." As Georgie-boy rides off into history, let's hope our next president can bring us out of this mess.
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And thanks to Steve McGoff for his letter regarding the Palestinian side of the current conflict. We agree that neither side is entirely blameless, but do believe that Hamas shelling Israel was a flash-point for the Israelis. All sides have their extremist factions, but both groups should be listening to the more levelheaded voices who are looking for solutions, not the volatile status quo.
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God forbid ... with all that's going on globally, don't forget to watch the "State of the State" tonight being given by Governor Jim Gibbons. With proposed cutbacks, it's like a size 24 trying to squeeze into a size 10. Good luck.
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For those of you who need a pick-me-up on the resolution scene, here is the "Norwegian Diet," found on the Internet by Lucy Adams. "Ole and Sven packed on the pounds over the holidays, so they wanted the doctor to put them on a diet. 'OK,' says the doctor ... 'Eat regularly for two days, then skip a day, then repeat for two weeks. The next time I see you, you should have each lost about five pounds.' Two weeks later, Ole and Sven returned to the doctor's office, and, amazingly, had lost 25 pounds EACH. 'That's remarkable,' says the doctor. 'Did you follow my instructions?' They both nodded and said, 'Yup ... ve vant to tell you dough, dat ve tought ve vas going to drop dead de turd day.' 'From hunger?' asked the doc. 'No ... yust from all dat skippin'.'"
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Eloise Koenig was a judge at the Carson High School Talent Show last week. She was very impressed, not only by the talent, but by the audience (a full house) who supported all the acts. She was thrilled by how enthusiastic and polite (albeit LOUD) they were. So congrats to the CHS student body, the talent, and to producer Maggie Jesse and her crew for a great show.
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Carson High's Performing Arts "John Brown's Body" opens tomorrow night at the Community Center at 7:30 p.m., starring the advanced students and the Chamber Choir. They are always great. For details, call 230-8919, then go and see it. Wild Horse Children's Theater will be holding auditions for the delightful "Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Jr.," ages 5-17, on Jan. 28 and 31 at the Children's Museum. Please call 887-0438 for an appointment.
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MANY people are adding a candle to their cakes this week: Reed Lequerica (now 10); Tamie Jesse; Steve Wassner; Mike Greco; Sarah Kerkla ("I want a puppy"); Jake Kerkla; Josh Peacock; Anna Montagano; Cindy Byington; and Betty Mahoney. Geez...we hope the Fire Department is on alert.
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Carolyn tried L&L Hawaiian Barbeque, Finx Hot Dogs, and Charley's Grilled Subs this week and pronounced them all good. And while we're on the subject of restaurants, M wishes they all had "sample plates" (sort of like a Chinese pupu platter), where you can get a "taste" of lots of things without ordering just one. How about it Carson City? Order in, and enjoy your TV front row seat at the Inauguration on Tuesday!
- Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. They can be reached by e-mail at editor@nevadaappeal.com.