Letters for November 17, 2005

Too much diversity
Re “Reno’s Women of Rock” (Cover story, Nov. 3):

I’ve read Stephanie Perry’s article on Reno’s Women of Rock. I found it to not show a true understanding of Reno’s local music scene. I’m a local photographer who is very involved with the local music scene. Kate, Sophie and Jen openly admit that they are not rockers. They are singer songwriters. Some of them are very upset about the article. If you really want to hear women rockers, please get out into the clubs and coffee houses of Reno. Lisa McCuiston and Gia Torcaso of BlueStone should have headlined the article. Now these ladies rock and headline an awesome band.

Graham Stafford
via e-mail

Women who really rock
Re “Reno’s Women of Rock” (Cover story, Nov. 3):

I’m glad to see women rockers getting some attention; however, I am amazed that you forgot to mention Bluestone and the two powerful women who front the band! Bluestone was invited to play in Seattle for Rocker Girl Magazine. Out of 15,000 female fronted bands from all over the world, only 250 were chosen. How could you leave Bluestone, fronted by lead singer Lisa McCuiston and bassist Gia Torcaso, out of your article! Bluestone, along with Pushbox, are two local bands actually making it! Let’s do our homework and recognize Reno women that are on their way!

Shannon Wiecking
Carson City

Not likin’ Mike
Re “You might be a liberal, No. 2” (Right Hook, Nov. 3):

I’m not a liberal (in fact, I used to be a Republican until Bush ruined it for me), but I read Mike Lafferty’s article to see if he could shed some light on why liberals are hated so much. I was disappointed to see that Lafferty’s just another lunatic pretending to be a Republican. Can’t you find a sane, reasonably intelligent, non-Evangelical Christian Republican to do this column for you?

Bush is a moron … and you don’t need a college degree to know that!

Romona Malnerich
via e-mail

Pork chops taste good
Re “Homeland Pork” (Cover story, Oct. 6):

A picture of a pig accompanying Mr. Dennis Myers’ nidorous story on Homeland Pork was decidedly accurate for his “boarish” article blasting one of the most important issues emerging in the United States today, Homeland Security. It was not all formed from fact but also from a place of prejudice. His opinion doesn’t take into account that all of the USA is a target for terrorists. The need to develop first-rate responders to terrorist threats is a reality, not only for larger cities such as New York but also for much smaller cities and towns around this nation. And Owyhee is one of those towns.

As residents of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, for decades we have had to endure semi-tractor/trucks hauling malignant toxic waste through our lands on Nevada State Highway 225, to hazwaste repositories in Nevada and in Utah. Additionally, nuclear waste is hauled on this state route. This is one of two roads that connect Nevada with points north and south in this region. It is a fact that terrorists have and will continue to utilize toxic chemicals in their dirty work. Who is to say that they won’t target routes carrying such materials? Terrorists don’t care as they and suicide bombers can easily access any small community to organize and plan attacks. We don’t know what exists in the minds of these sick individuals. But what we DO know is that large cities and small towns MUST be prepared for such an incident.

Instead of writing articles against those of us who are actively developing and implementing programs for Homeland Security to protect the innocent citizens of our nation, maybe you should don a HAZMAT suit and volunteer time in one of our communities to assist in the fight against terrorism. Seek and find the real stories behind this long-required funding.

Marcie Phillips
Owyhee

Editor’s note: Excellent use of the word “nidorous,” which means “resembling the smell or taste of roast meat or of corrupt animal matter.”

Elements of Style
Re “Style with flair” (Editor’s note, Nov. 3):

I’m so happy to see you mention incorrect form in media. I grew up in a family of journalism majors and have been writing for fun and/or professionally since I was 8, and while I see the need for occasional poetic license, there are very common things that drive me nuts. I don’t get why the difference between “its” and “it’s” is so difficult to understand. It drives me insane to hear “less” or “amount” when “fewer” or “number” are required. I go nuts when I hear, “Dave’s Garage IS having THEIR third anniversary sale.” Lately, I see “alot” and “noone” a lot. What happened to spaces? To me, things take on different meanings when expressed incorrectly, but it seems the majority of folks just don’t get it or even care. I’m including, sadly, teachers, media professionals (broadcast and print) and even our lovely U.S. president. If I correct my 12-year-old son on something, and he says, “Dad, no one cares!” I’m starting to wonder if he’s right.

Pat Thomas
via e-mail