The Old Blog in the Desert

When I was but a young sprout, I spent a fair portion of my early days with my grandparents in Rohnerville. They were a pair of seasoned souls who imparted upon me a wealth of knowledge—bits and pieces that have clung to me like burrs to the tail of a dog.

They taught me to be kind and respectful, to mind my manners, and to speak only when I had something worth saying. They hammered into me the virtues of standing my ground and giving folks the benefit of the doubt. They were firm as granite in their ways when it came to discipline.

Now, as a child, those lessons of discipline often felt as if they lacked a certain softness or tenderness. Only later in life did I understand their intentions were rooted in love. More than once, I found myself on the receiving end of a switch, my grandparents debating whether they were “whippin’ the devil” out of me or “switchin’ some sense” into me.”

Either way, it sure got my attention “right quick.”

“Jesus Loves the Little Children,” my mother would say whenever I grumbled about the latest chastisement from her mother.

One particular Saturday morning, I got the rare permission to run errands in town with a friend. We ended up at some rickety old wooden buildings we had no business entering, all for the lure of a couple of Milky Way bars.

In that store, I met a younger Indian boy about my age. On a whim, I invited him home for lunch. I could tell by his tattered clothes that he was poor.

His eyes lit up when I mentioned having bacon-lettuce-and-tomato sandwiches and soup. I figured we would shoot some marbles after we ate, maybe run around the yard, toss a ball, or climb a tree.

As we were about to say blessings, Grandma turned around and did a double-take. Children did not sit at the table in our house—that is how things were.

An uneasy silence settled over us, and I could tell I was about to find myself on the short end of the stick, as it were. Thinking fast, I started singing “Jesus Loves the Little Children.”

It touched Grandma, but because I knew the rules, it did not spare me the rod from Grandpa after my two friends had gone home. Often, I wondered why the Holy Spirit saw fit to step into the kitchen that day but did not follow me out to the woodshed later.

Dayton Pop Warner is holding a two-day strength and conditioning camp set to kick off on Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, June 30.

Hosted at Dayton High School, this camp is to refine the skills of aspiring football stars from across Northern Nevada, including participants from Dayton Pop Warner and Biggest Little City Football Academy. Led by a team of seasoned coaches and fitness experts, the camp offers participants a comprehensive training experience to enhance their physical strength, agility, and endurance using proven football-specific conditioning drills and techniques.

The camp’s itinerary features strength training sessions, speed and agility drills, and nutrition and recovery workshops. Participants will have the chance to learn from experienced coaches and trainers who have honed their craft with athletes at various levels, from local leagues to the professional ranks.

Beyond refining their athletic prowess, participants will also have the opportunity to forge connections with fellow athletes and coaches, fostering a sense of camaraderie and teamwork crucial for success in football and beyond. With limited spots, organizers urge interested athletes to register promptly to secure their place at the Dayton Strength and Conditioning Camp.

For further details and registration information, visit blcfa.com or 775-220-7322. Start time to be determined.

From as far back as I can remember, attention to detail has been a hallmark of my memories in the form of ‘mental pitchers.’ Though I may not recall exact dates, I can vividly recount where I was, the weather, and the people I encountered decades ago.

Ask me about my activities last week or yesterday, and I could not tell you. There is not much out there these days that feels worth remembering.

There is a yearning in me to reconnect with my roots, to return to a time when community, love for life and one another, and a strong belief in a higher power were the pillars of society. They are core values.

My childhood memories are particularly cherished. Growing up in the countryside, I have always believed that being close to nature brings one closer to God. I recall a blue-cold day with a red fox darting across a field, sitting with an aged marmot on a stump, offering comfort in the final hour of its life and the simple pleasure of watching the sun rise and set.

These memories are more than just visual; they are almost panoramic, filled with the sounds, smells, and emotions of the time. I remember the changing seasons, from the green of summer to the crimson hues of fall and the bare, skeletal trees of winter.

How vividly do I remember the cows by the creek, their peaceful demeanor, and the soft jangle of bells collared around their necks. I also remember lying under aspen trees by a wood bridge, daydreaming about catching a legendary fish named George. Despite numerous attempts, George eluded capture, flip-flopping about as I tried pulling the hook out.

As a child, I spent lonely hours watching clouds transform into shapes of dogs, pirates, and angels before reverting to their original forms. I remember standing in a pasture with my dog, King, as a summer storm approached. Racing the storm back home, King and I got soaked, an exhilarating experience that made the warmth of home even more comforting.

Not all memories come without hazards, having stripped off my wet clothes and stood before the fireplace to dry off. I recall winching from standing too close and burning my behind. It was like being branded.

Running in the rain, the smell of fresh-cut summer lawns, and the feel of a pat on the back from an approving parent are memories that many can relate to. These experiences are part of my human experience, especially for those who grew up like I did.

In a world where we reportedly use only six percent of our brains, memories are an untapped potential. They are a mental escape from reality, a source of joy and comfort that costs nothing.

So, take a moment to sit quietly and let your mind wander. Close your eyes, revisit your fondest memories, and maybe write down a few later.

Memories and the ‘mental pitchers,’ they bring are your defense to keeping your mind healthy and vibrant. In a time when many of us are overwhelmed by the present, embracing our past can provide a much-needed respite and a reminder of the simple joys that make life worthwhile.

Americans For Prosperity (AFP) has launched a new campaign targeting Representative Susie Lee and Senator Jackie Rosen, accusing them of endorsing “Bidenomics” and attributing high inflation rates to their support for the Inflation Reduction Act.

The $740 billion Inflation Reduction Act, championed by Lee and Rosen and passed by both chambers in August 2022, has come under fire for its alleged failure to alleviate inflationary pressures. Despite warnings from 230 economists that the bill would not effectively address inflation and could exacerbate the issue, Democrats proceeded with its passage.

A non-partisan analysis by the Joint Committee on Taxation predicted that working families would be worse under the legislation. Unfortunately, this prediction has materialized, with Nevada households experiencing tripling household expenses over two years.

In March 2024, Nevada’s inflation rate surged to a staggering 21.6 percent, resulting in an additional $27,782 per year in basic household expenses for Nevadans compared to January 2021 prices. Governor Joe Lombardo condemned the Biden administration’s handling of inflation, urging them to rein in federal spending to prevent further economic turmoil. Lombardo warned that excessive government expenditure could lead to irreversible damage to Nevada’s economy and beyond.

Before the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, Democrats signaled their intention to raise additional taxes on individuals and businesses if they gained control of Congress after the midterms. With interest payments on the national debt consuming nearly 40 percent of individual personal income taxes, further tax hikes became necessary to fund government spending.

Biden’s proposed five trillion dollars in additional taxes, aimed at the middle class rather than the wealthy, has sparked controversy. Meanwhile, wages have stagnated or decreased since Biden took office, exacerbating financial strain for many Americans.

According to Statista, the median hourly wage in the U.S. decreased from $18.12 in 2022 to $16.75 in 1979 when adjusted for inflation. As a result, Americans now require an additional $11,400 to cover basic expenses, with over 60 percent living paycheck to paycheck.

Nevadan Robert Beadles has intensified his legal battle with the Nevada Supreme Court, filing a Rule 40 Petition for Rehearing and a motion to expedite the process.

It comes after the court, comprising Justices Pickering, Parraguirre, and Stiglich, affirmed a lower court ruling to dismiss his case, a decision Beadles and several legal experts find perplexing. His latest filing includes several binders filled with exhibits and disclosures, reinforcing his argument that the previous ruling failed to address critical points of his appeal.

He asserts that the dismissal overlooked substantial evidence he presented, which directly countered the reasons cited for the initial dismissal.

The Nevada Supreme Court upheld the decision of the First Judicial District Court to deny Robert Beadles’ motion to change venue and to dismiss his complaint. The ruling, involving a pro se appeal from Beadles, addressed allegations of election law violations in the 2020 election.

Beadles had informed the respondents of his belief in ongoing breaches of legal procedures related to the election. When the respondents did not respond to his claims, Beadles filed a complaint.

He alleged that the respondents violated several sections of the Nevada Constitution and state law, and he sought their removal from office due to their failure to address his allegations. The Supreme Court noted that it considered Beadles’ pro se brief and found that no response was necessary from the respondents.

The appeal was decided on Beadles’ brief, a supporting amicus brief, and the case record.

It first addressed Beadles’ motion to change venue. Beadles had filed the action in the Second Judicial District Court and successfully had the venue changed. However, instead of moving the case to the Third Judicial District Court as Beadles requested, they transferred it to the First Judicial District Court, for “the convenience of witnesses.”

The Supreme Court agreed with the district court’s decision, noting that Beadles failed to demonstrate a need for another venue change and that the First Judicial District Court could hold an impartial trial.

It then examined the dismissal of Beadles’ complaint. It concluded that, even when assuming all the factual allegations in the complaint were true, Beadles could not prove any facts that would entitle him to relief. The Justices also upheld the district court’s decision to deny Beadles’ alternative request for a writ of mandamus, agreeing that the respondents had no duty to respond to his allegations as required by the cited constitutional and statutory provisions.

Specifically, the Justices explained that Article 1, Section 10 of the Nevada Constitution, which guarantees the right to petition, does not obligate the respondents to reply to Beadles’ claims. Additionally, Article 2, Section 1A, Subsection 11 of the Nevada Constitution, and NRS 293.2546(11) allow voters to file complaints about elections but do not mandate responses from the respondents.

Further, Article 15, Section 2 of the Nevada Constitution, which requires public officers to take an oath of office, does not extend to the respondents’ obligation to answer Beadles’ allegations. It also found that Beadles misinterpreted NRS 266.430 and NRS 283.440, which outline procedures for removing certain public officers, noting that none of the respondents fell under these categories.

The Supreme Court concluded that Beadles’ complaint did not present grounds for removing the respondents from office. Moreover, any allegations of election law violations should go to the Secretary of State.

Finally, it addressed Beadles’ assertion regarding the district court’s award of attorney fees to the respondents. It noted that the district court had withdrawn this order, and Beadles had not appealed any subsequent order regarding attorney fees.

He emphasizes the gravity of the case, which alleges severe election violations by three Nevada officials, and outlines potential remedies to ensure electoral integrity. Beadles has made it clear that if Justices Pickering, Parraguirre, and Stiglich do not correct their decision, he is prepared to take the matter to the full bench of the Nevada Supreme Court via an En Banc review, which involves all seven justices.

He urged the justices to follow the law and rectify what he sees as a gross oversight. In his appeal, Beadles highlighted numerous election violations and proposed court-enforced measures to hold officials accountable for ineptitude and safeguard future elections.

The case has garnered attention due to its implications for the electoral system in Nevada and public trust in judicial processes. He expressed frustration over the procedural hurdles and financial burdens he has faced, which he believes should not have been necessary for a straightforward trial.

If need be, he plans to file a Rule 40a, ensuring all seven justices review the decision if the current justices do not grant his rehearing request. The legal community and public are watching closely to see whether Justices Pickering, Parraguirre, and Stiglich will adjust their ruling in light of the new evidence presented.

Beadles has also made his recent filings publicly available for those following the case. Here it is in a nutshell:

The Nevada Supreme Court continues processing an appeal filed by Robert Beadles on Thursday, November 30, 2023. The case involved multiple procedural steps and filings as the appellant, Beadles, navigated the appeals process.

On that date, Beadles submitted a Notice of Appeal in proper person (pro se), and the Supreme Court issued notices regarding deadlines and filed the necessary documents, including the Case Appeal Statement and Docketing Statement for Civil Appeals. On Friday, December 1, 2023, Coral Bay paid the $250 filing fee on behalf of Beadles.

Beadles then filed a Certificate of No Transcript Request on Monday, December 4. Subsequently, on the following Monday, he submitted his Opening Brief, and the court issued a procedural order to transmit the record from the district court, which was due in 30 days.

Beadles filed a motion to transfer exhibits to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. A motion for “leave to file an amicus brief” was submitted by Oscar Williams, Janice Hermsen, Lena Alexander, and David Chamberlain six days later.

By Friday, January 5, 2024, the district court record on appeal, consisting of multiple volumes, was filed with the Supreme Court. On the same day, the Supreme Court issued a procedural order denying the motions to transfer exhibits and to file an amicus brief, citing insufficient detail in the exhibit request and procedural deficiencies in the amici’s motion.

The following Friday, Beadles and the proposed amici filed additional motions related to transferring exhibits and expediting the ruling. Two weeks later, on Friday, January 26, 2024, the Supreme Court granted the motion to file the amicus brief but denied the motion to transfer exhibits without prejudice. It also agreed to expedite the ruling as much as its docket allowed.

Beadles made further expedited ruling requests on Tuesday, March 5, and Friday, March 8, 2024, but it denied the requests, reaffirming it would expedite it as much as possible within its schedule. Finally, on Friday, May 15, 2024, the Supreme Court issued an order affirming the district court’s judgment.

Subsequently, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, Beadles filed a petition for rehearing, including exhibits, and paid the rehearing fee.

Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen is gearing up for her reelection campaign, aiming to highlight her bipartisan credentials as she faces a tough battle for her seat. Rosen, who launched her campaign in April 2023, emphasized her commitment to working across party lines to address the needs of Nevada families.

Nevada’s electorate presents a unique challenge for candidates due to its diverse and independent nature. With frequent population shifts, candidates must constantly adapt their strategies to connect with voters.

Senate Republicans view Nevada as an opportunity to gain a majority in the Senate. With Democrats holding a slim 51-49 majority, Republicans are eyeing seats like Rosen’s as potential pickups, making it a battleground for both parties.

Rosen’s bipartisan approach, which has seen her vote 93.5 percent of the time with the Biden administration according to the online polling of FiveThirtyEight Interactives, has seen her stray from her party’s stance on issues. In May 2023, she joined Senate Republicans in passing a resolution aimed at police accountability, breaking ranks with her Democratic colleagues. Additionally, Rosen called on the Biden administration to freeze Iranian assets following a Hamas attack against Israel.

Despite Rosen’s efforts to appear bipartisan, Senate Republicans have linked her to President Joe Biden, whose approval ratings remain lukewarm.

In the Republican primary, Sam Brown is the frontrunner, with Jeff Gunter also vying for the nomination. Both candidates position themselves as alternatives to Rosen, touting their conservative credentials and commitment to Nevada’s interests.

Most veterans signed up for the need of a job, the promise of a career, educational opportunities, and medical care. Once in combat, each immediately forgot everything promised, including our duty, “the red, white, and blue,” and even the Constitution.

Instead, frightened but well-trained and armed, each fought only to survive, as did the soldier, sailor, Marine, and airman at their side. Each came away humbled yet ashamed of selfishness and fear, growing a sense of guilt around “why me?” upon returning to the World.

Those who survived the battle understand they have never been unsworn from the initial duty “to protect and defend…from all foreign and domestic enemies.” And should an uncivil war come, each will again forget the flag and the Constitution, leaning on the other and their experience to fight for what is dear — family.

Washoe County’s election integrity is in question following the discovery of Albert Sensors within its closed electronic election system.

At issue is technology in a system purportedly designed to be secure and isolated. An Albert Sensor is designed to prevent cyber intrusions within the election system and is back-engineered to transmit data.

The sensor transmits data packets to the Center for Internet Security (CIS) and other entities. If the election systems are not connected to the Internet and are air-gapped and closed-looped, there should be no need for an Albert Sensor.

However, the existence of the sensor contradicts the stated security measures and raises questions about its purpose. Also concerning is the involvement of CIS and its political connections, including The Democracy Fund, which provides partial financing to the so-called non-profit.

“We can also collaborate with you to write custom signatures to detect specific types of malicious activity on your network,” reads the CIS website regarding its Albert Sensors.

As the Albert Sensor introduces vulnerabilities, no one wants to answer why a device that creates a new pathway to the Internet is part of a system that is supposed to be isolated. Additionally, there are concerns about the limited access to the Election Management System (EMS) and whether the Albert Sensor undermines these security protocols.

Then there is the matter of the law as the use of an Albert Sensor appears to violate the Voter Bill of Rights, the Nevada Administrative Code (NAC), and Nevada Revised Statutes 197, 281A, 283.440, 293, and 293B.

Tragedy struck in Yerington as a late-night house fire claimed the life of Jessica Canterbury, 36, on Monday, May 5, at approximately 11:49 p.m. on Spence Lane.

Upon receiving a 9-1-1 call reporting the residential structure fire, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Communications Division dispatched emergency services. First responders, including the Yerington/Mason Valley Fire Department, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Southern Command Patrol Division, and the Yerington Police Department, arrived to find the single-family home fully engulfed in flames.

While one adult woman and two juveniles managed to escape without harm, a male individual suffered severe burns and needed airlifting to Reno for medical treatment. Unable to escape the blaze, Jessica Canterbury remained trapped inside the burning home.

Following the extinguishing of the fire, investigators from the Nevada Department of Public Safety and State Fire Marshal’s Office launched an inquiry into the blaze’s cause. The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division, aided by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Investigation Section, is conducting a thorough investigation into Canterbury’s death.

Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward by contacting the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division via email at detective@lyon-county.org or by phone at 775-463-6600.

Starfleet’s Commander Pelia has a surprising history that ties her to 20th-century Earth. Known for her longevity and psychic abilities as a member of the Lanthanite race, Pelia once lived under the alias Simka Dahblitz-Gravas, the wife of Latka Gravas, a taxi driver in New York City during the late 20th century.

Lanthanites and El-Aurians resemble humans but possess extraordinarily long lifespans and psychic capabilities. Pelia, with her mischievous nature, Eastern European-like accent, and multilingual prowess—including fluency in Klingon—fits this description perfectly.

Pelia’s dual identity as Simka Dahblitz-Gravas sheds light on her unique life journey. She lived incognito among humans in New York City in the 1980s, where she embraced the life of an immigrant housewife. It was before humans made First Contact with extraterrestrial life, in this case, the Vulcans, allowing Lanthanites like Pelia to blend in seamlessly.

The connection between Pelia and Simka grows clearer when considering the longevity of the Lanthanites. Pelia stated that she can live “almost forever,” echoing the El-Aurian Guinan’s claim that El-Aurians only age “if they want to.” The El-Aurians are known as the “listeners” of the galaxy, while the Lanthanites are the “watchers,” both roles involving close observation and interaction with other species.

Pelia’s decision to live as Simka highlights the lengths to which Lanthanites went to hide their true identities on Earth. Pelia’s eventual revelation as a Lanthanite marked her as one of the first of her kind to acknowledge her true heritage.

Reflecting on her time in New York, it’s evident that Pelia’s life was more than just a cover; it was a genuine part of her long and varied existence. She and Latka, both Lanthanites, maintained their secret to protect their identities and assimilate into human society.

The revelation that Starfleet’s Commander Pelia once lived as Simka Dahblitz-Gravas, wife to the late 20th-century New York City taxi driver Latka Gravas, has intrigued many. While Pelia’s longevity and hidden identity have come to light, the fate of her husband, Latka, remains a compelling aspect of her story.

Latka Gravas, remembered by many as the quirky and lovable mechanic on the New York City taxi scene, was also a Lanthanite. As a member of this long-lived and secretive race, Latka shared Pelia’s extraordinary lifespan and abilities. Together, they navigated the complexities of living incognito among humans when Earth had not yet made First Contact with the Vulcans.

However, unlike Pelia, Latka did not transition into a future Starfleet career. Over time, as Earth advanced towards its first interactions with alien species, many Lanthanites chose different paths. While some, like Pelia, eventually revealed their true identities and integrated into broader interstellar society, others opted for quieter, more obscure lives.

Latka’s fate is a story with a larger narrative of the Lanthanites on Earth. As humans began to discover the existence of these hidden alien races, some Lanthanites, including Latka, decided to maintain their low profiles.

It’s believed that Latka chose to continue living quietly, away from the burgeoning spotlight on alien beings. Whether he lived out his years in peaceful anonymity or moved on to other ventures remains part of the mystery surrounding the Lanthanites’ history.

Pelia’s emergence as a Starfleet officer highlights her willingness to embrace her heritage and contribute to the future of interstellar relations. Latka’s story, while less public, shows the varied responses of Lanthanites to the changing dynamics on Earth. His decision to stay hidden or retire from the public eye reflects the personal choices made by many of his kind during this transitional period.

How Commander Pelia became embroiled in a plot to steal the U.S.S. Enterprise is unclear. Captured and held as a prisoner awaiting court-martial, Pelia managed to escape using her psychic abilities, setting off a dramatic chain of events that culminated in her time-traveling to Earth in 2027.

Pelia overwhelmed her two guards mentally, escaping her cell with ease.

“I never thought I’d have to use my abilities against fellow officers,” Pelia remarked, reflecting on her bold escape. “But desperate times call for desperate measures.”

Brady, now isolated and under state surveillance, was removed from the facility he entered while falling through a time loop from the 1870s by the government.

“Where are you taking me?” Brady demanded as they dragged him away.

“To a place where we can find out who and what you really are.”

Over the following weeks, they subjected Brady to a series of brutal interrogations and invasive medical procedures.

“Hold still,” a technician barked at Brady while strapped to a gurney, with needles and scanners probing his body.

“We need to understand why we can’t find a genetic match for you.”

“I’ve told you everything I know,” Brady insisted, his voice strained with pain.

Authorities, however, remained unconvinced.

“Nothing about you adds up,” one of them muttered. “No family records, no genetic matches. You might not even be human.”

When the state could not determine his origins, they relocated him to some land 15 minutes from the nearest neighborhood. The former cryptid-killer was closely monitored by wiring embedded in the sidewalk surrounding his shack, ensuring he remained within the designated perimeter.

Despite the oppressive surveillance, Brady maintained a low profile. He confined his activities to some woods behind his house, where he hunted and trapped small game to supplement the meager supplies of food and coffee provided by the state.

Brady found solace in simple pleasures, such as sipping coffee on his front step when the weather allowed. Otherwise, he kept to himself, avoiding unnecessary trouble with the state.

Unbeknownst to the authorities, Brady was meticulously planning his escape. He was secretly stockpiling supplies in a small bunker he created in the wooded area, waiting for the right moment to disappear.

The moment came unexpectedly with the appearance of Commander Pelia. When Pelia materialized near Brady’s home, she was desperate for help.

Making her way to Engineering, Pelia ingeniously utilized a transporter as a makeshift time machine. Arriving near a solitary house occupied by Brady, Pelia found an unlikely ally.

Without hesitation, she swiftly removed her composite Starfleet uniform insignia and dropped it onto the hard-packed ground. With a determined stomp, she shattered the emblem into three pieces, the sound echoing in the quiet surroundings.

Seated on his step, Brady watched in stunned silence as Pelia’s defiant act unfolded. Her sudden appearance had caught him off guard, his mouth half open in surprise at the unexpected turn of events.

The insignia lay broken at Pelia’s feet. As she turned to face Brady, there was a fire in her eyes—a determination to break free from the constraints of her past and forge a new path forward.

Brady’s surprise slowly gave way to curiosity and admiration for the stranger before him. In Pelia’s bold defiance, he saw echoes of his desire to break free and reclaim his independence.

Brady, a dissident living under the radar of a repressive State regime, was taken aback when he saw her materialize out of thin air.

“Who are you?”

“No time to explain. I need your help. Starfleet officers are right behind me.”

“Who?”

Sensing her urgency, Brady gave Pelia his hat and coat to disguise herself. Just as two Starfleet officers arrived at their location, Brady misled them, directing them away from Pelia’s true path.

“She went that way, towards the main road,” Brady said, pointing in the opposite direction of his cabin.

With Brady’s assistance, Pelia slipped through the back of his cabin, and the pair vanished into a nearby tree line.

“Thank you,” Pelia whispered as they ran. “Why are you helping me?”

Brady glanced at her, determination in his eyes. “I’ve been preparing a hideout to escape the state’s watchful eye. Looks like we both need to stay hidden.”

The pair ran to a line of trees a quarter mile behind the place Brady had called home for nearly two years.

“What’s the plan now?” Brady asked as they reached his hidden shelter.

“First, we stay out of sight. Then, I figure out how to fix this mess.”