The UNR Wolfpack defeated the Dominican Penguins last weekend in their 2004-05 season opener … Brian Whalen and Jim Gardner, two of the official scorers, were talking … Jim asked Brian, “Why are they called the Penguins?”

“Duh,” says Brian, “it’s a Catholic school … nuns … penguins … ” Aaaaaargh …

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We have nothing but praise for the County Clerk’s Office during the election … everyone was exceptionally helpful and most people got to vote quite easily. Carolyn and her mother and sister, who are disabled, were in and out in half an hour; while Maizie was allowed to vote absentee because she was sick. Many thanks to Alan Glover and his staff …

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And aren’t we glad the election is over … no more seedy commercials … no more hate spewed over our TV screens … and even though we didn’t agree with the winner, the process went on without a hitch … so congratulations to all the winners (and losers, too) … it takes a lot of guts to put yourself out there to be vilified by those who disagree with you. Civility has certainly taken a back seat in this country, and rational discussion has gone the way of the dodo bird … maybe, next time …

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The pumpkin winners at John Bibee and Associates contest were a clever blinking carved bat, and a big green frog. All the entries were great and we enjoyed being “celebrity judges (the mailman wasn’t available this year).” And we certainly enjoyed the gift certificates to Grandma Hattie’s … thanks, John and gang …

At Grandma Hattie’s, we wrote this week’s column and met a nice, cute couple Christina Richter and David Hillis (he helped Carolyn find some apple jelly for her toast) … they mentioned they were going to get married that afternoon, and, during the discussion, they found out that Maizie’s daughter, Helaine, is a Justice of the Peace pro tem … so they called her (since they know her) and she performed the ceremony that day.

Talk about us being in the right place at the right time … best wishes, and many happy years to you both …

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With the advent of picture cell phones, your privacy is at a premium … when you cash a check, use an ATM, vote or use your credit or debit cards, anyone can take a picture of your number and misuse it in the future. It’s a scam to watch out for. We were reminded of it when a friend of Carolyn’s saw an election official using one near a voting booth … and while that person wasn’t using it for nefarious purposes, someone else could be … so beware …

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“You know I can’t hear you when the water’s running,” Proscenium Player’s second play of the season, is appearing at the Brewery Arts Center (883-1976) … we saw it opening night … ’tis not a children’s play, but is very funny. The cast and direction are great (especially Ryan Lynskey … he bribed Carolyn to mention him) and a good time was had by all. You have two more weekends to catch it, so call for reservations ASAP … The same goes for WNCC’s wonderful “Carousel” … (445-4249) … you’ll love it, too..

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Pete Levy (otherwise known as Terry’s husband) was at the play, and we decided that if we were going to need being saved by a handsome, hunky EMT fireman, he’d be it … just pin this up at the firehouse, Pete … I’m sure they’ll agree with us … (signed: the dirty rotten rotters … )

And don’t forget to fly your flags on Veteran’s Day Thursday … thanks to all of you!

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