Week of Dec. 21, 2022

From the editor’s desk

Children forced into sex trafficking are rarely the victims of stranger abductions, but that myth persists across some websites and on social-media feeds. The Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence is offering a series of virtual training workshops in January and February to inform teachers, social workers and others about the true nature of the very real problem.

Steve Noel, our wine expert, educates readers about how to save money and “drink smarter” by sleuthing out wines that have 80% of the quality of a $100-plus bottle, while costing only around 20% of that price.

Movie maven Bob Grimm admits he may be in the minority, but he absolutely hated Avatar: The Way of Water, the sequel to the 2009 science-fiction hit about a distant planet and its blue, humanoid denizens. But, he writes, “If you liked the original, then you’ll like this one. Two out of 10 people seem to truly hate Avatar and all things Avatar, and I sit among the two. We aren’t popular at parties.”

This month’s Western Lit feature spotlights Close to the Land: Tales of Smith Valley, Nevada, by Reno author Joyce Rowntree Phillips. In the collection, Smith Valley residents recall what it was like living in rural Nevada and tell tales about sheepherding, hunting, early aviation, general mischief-making, and a rooster chase.

Breck Lee Durham, the subject of Matt King’s Lucky 13 feature, talks about his musical influences and his band, Trouble Show.

This month’s letters column features epistles from readers about animal shelters that kill pets, climate change, the Donner Party’s ordeal and information about a cycling survey and grants available from the Washoe County HOME Consortium.

May you have a superlative solstice, merry Christmas, happy Hanukah, cool Kwanza—and a joyous holiday season.

I’ll see you in the funny papers.

Take care,

—Frank X. Mullen, Editor