The Nevada Appeal's "Silver Dollar" and "Wooden Nickel" feature recognizes positive achievements from the capital region and, when warranted, points out others that missed the mark.
Wooden nickel: To the fact that all but two dozen spectators have been banned from the Oct. 14 debate between Harry Reid and Sharron Angle after a fight broke out at a Sept. 23 forum. Emotions are running dangerously hot, and candidates have got to do a better job of showing leadership and calling for calm, reasoned debate. Hooliganism has no place in the democratic process.
Silver dollar: To the life and career of Tony Curtis, who died Wednesday at his Henderson home at age 85. One of the last remaining vestiges of Hollywood's Golden Age, Curtis made some memorable movies, and some memorably bad movies. But his turn in "Some Like It Hot" should earn him an eternal place in the pantheon of great entertainers. Rest in peace, "Josephine."
Silver dollar: To Frank Furnari, a volunteer with AARP's Tax-Aide program, for being this year's winner of the Andrus Award for Community Service. Furnari is the second Carson City resident in a row to win the statewide award that is given to individuals who embody the mission and vision of AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, using their time and energy to make a difference in the lives of others.
Wooden nickel: To the loss of Carson Nissan, which closed for good last week after almost a dozen years in business, leaving another empty lot on Carson Street. When will it end?
Silver dollar: To the turning of the calendar to October. Just 27 days until Nevada Day... don't know about you, but we could use a parade right about now.