Can you hear me now? Yes, even in the restroom

This probably comes under the "has the world gone mad?" category ... "A gentleman we know was traveling across the country and stopped to use the restroom. As he was quietly minding his business, he heard a voice from the next stall say, "Hi, how are you?"

Somewhat startled and embarrassed, he replied, "Doin' just fine."

The other person continued, "So what are you up to?" At this point, he's thinking this is just too bizarre, but replies, "Uh, just traveling." As he was about to leave, the guy asks, "Can I come over?" Our friend figured he'd better leave as soon as possible, and said, "No, I'm still busy."

But then, he heard the person who started all this say nervously, "Listen ... I'll have to call you back. There's an idiot in the next stall who keeps answering all my questions."

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So in case you believe cell phones have not become an integral part of most peoples' lives ... consider the time Maizie was walking out of a football game and the two girls in front of her were talking on their cell phones to each other! And how much was your bill this month?

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Do you think that the person who designed the Wal-Mart parking lot also designed the one at the Post Office? Or at least went to the same design school ... and can someone tell us why "poker" is listed in the sports pages? Why not bridge and canasta? Watching celebrity poker on TV is about as exciting as watching paint dry ... whoopee! And we also heard Winco was looking at the K-mart property ... let's hope somebody wants it soon ...

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Frank Taylor tells us he was excited to learn that the new Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center was going to have a doctor specifically charged with handling low-income cases ... if you can't afford a big operation, the doctor will touch up your X-rays ... (don't write ... we know it's a groaner)

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Casino Fandango is expanding by leaps and bounds ... however, we haven't noticed an enclosed "walk-through" from the new parking garage to the casino. If one is not planned, it will be the same mistake the "old" Ormsby House made when it built its parking garage ... no one wants to park in a dry place, then brave snow or rain to get to the hotel or casino. If one is planned, great, but, if not, think about it ...

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Carolyn spent a day in the Carson-Tahoe Hospital emergency room last week (you would have thought that after she'd taken a tour of the new hospital, she would have waited a month ... but, noooo). Dr. Jack Schnurr took good care of her, and even called her a day later at home to see how she was ... now that's service above and beyond ... thanks, Doc ...

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With the bird flu on everyone's mind, and colds rampant in Carson City, we thought you'd enjoy knowing the CDC's list of symptoms for bird flu (if you experience these, contact your doctor immediately): "1) high fever; 2) congestion; 3) nausea; 4) fatigue; 5) aching in the joints; and 6) an irresistible urge to poop on someone's windshield."

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We went to the Mallard's wine tasting last Thursday at the Empire Ranch golf course and had a great time. They had a nice selection of affordable wines and Chef Don's tasty appetizers to boot ... the "chocolate fountain" was a "fave" with many.

We also met some really neat people, Gayle Maine, Katie and Ralph Bregg, and Lisa and Jerry Allred ... so neat, that we're going back on Dec. 15 to attend the next one with them (Mallard's is going to have one once a month ... 885-1019 for reservations and information) ... a fun and happy evening ...

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One of our readers called to say that the new lanes on Roop Street are not well marked, and that she's seen several accidents there when vehicles were trying to merge at the last minute. We drove both ways, and, although they are both marked in both directions, they probably could be made clearer by marking "left turn only" and "thru traffic" as soon as you turn into that segment of the road. Once you've driven that way a couple of times, it's a given, but for those who are new to it, it is confusing ...

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The Artisans Store at the Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St., Carson City, is having its eighth annual holiday open house Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Delightful one-of-a-kind gifts for Christmas, and a Raku Pottery firing on Saturday ... an interesting thing to watch.

Also, Carson Performing Arts (Carson High's theater group) will be putting on its annual Christmas fundraiser for the BAC, "Christmas with Little Women," adapted from the Louisa Mae Alcott book, on Dec. 2 and 9 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 3, 10 and 11 at 1:30 p.m. Call 883-1976 for tickets and information. Also, if you are interested in the special daytime shows on Dec. 7 and 8, call 887-0438 for details ... this is perfect for families and small children ... and a wonderful introduction to the Christmas season ...

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Why is President Bush threatening to veto the "torture bill," (which would prevent the United States from using torture on prisoners) when Sen. John McCain (who was terribly tortured in Vietnam) is urging him not to do so? It seems to us that someone who "has been there"; i.e., McCain, has a better perspective than one who has not ...

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Perhaps you will have time to read some of the "World's Thinnest Books" during the days before Thanksgiving ... here's a sample ... "'How I Served My Country', by Jane Fonda; 'Guide to Dating Etiquette,' by Mike Tyson; 'My Plan to Find the Real Killers,' by O. J. Simpson; 'Things I Love About Bill,' by Hillary Clinton; and finally (just before turkey day), 'Spotted Owl Recipes,' by the EPA."

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May you all have a Happy Thanksgiving with family and friends ... and don't forget to take a turkey or non-perishable canned goods to FISH for those less fortunate. And thank you for your many kindnesses to both of us ... we are very grateful ...

n Carolyn DeMar and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. Write to them at editor@nevadaappeal.com.