LXS

Can I just designate this Steve McQueen Day? After all it is his birthday, but it’s so more than that. The Great Escape, one of McQueen’s most iconic films, is based the true story of 76 Allied prisoners of war and how, on this day in 1944, they began breaking out of the German camp Stalag Luft III. I wonder if the casting directors knew of the connection.

Nothing takes the edge off a Monday like a cute puppy on National Puppy Day. The one pictured is no longer that little, but he’s mine; and, no, you can’t have him. If you are looking for a dog to call your own, check out the Nevada Humane Society: they have several pooches (and kitties) looking for their forever homes.

It’s the International Day of Happiness and I hope song and dance make you happy. Carson City is awash with live music and theater tonight. Local favorite Stereo Galaxy teams up with Southern California performer, Loc Lion, for a show at Sassafras. You’ll find the Remains at Westside Pour House, and Jaime Rollins keeps it rollin at Living the Good Life. Just Sayin’ is this months featured talent in the Brewery Arts Center’s Eclectic Electric Series.

On this day in 1931 our state legalized gambling; what laws will they be making today? You can always head over to the Legislature building to sit in on a committee meeting or an Assembly session, eat in the café, or track down your representative to voice your opinion. But there is quite a bit more available in those halls.

I hope everyone is feeling okay this morning; lots of fun was had throughout town yesterday. Please be aware that schoolchildren are celebrating Nevada Moves Day today, and there will be several little ones walking or biking to school.

Enjoy a nice dinner tonight, complete with live music, if you head to Sassafras Eclectic Food Joint, Glen Eagles, or Living the Good Life. The Carson City Symphony is looking for bassoons, French horns, and violas to join them at rehearsals tonight.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for free ice cream day at Dairy Queen. Hopefully that will take the edge off of Monday.

A weeklong St. Patrick’s Sale at Browser’s Book Store kicks off today. Everything is half off and benefits the Friends of the Carson City Library.

MONDAY:

• WNC Spring Break
• Alzheimers Advocacy Day at the Legislature

Are you ready to paint the town green? St. Patrick’s Day quickly approaches and there will be plenty of Irish action throughout town. The festivities start this weekend with the annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fest in Virginia City, complete with a parade and saloon crawl.

It’s finally here, Nevada’s Big Give. Nevada’s Big Give is a 24 hour online donation push for non-profits, charities, and causes around the state. Plus, a world record attempt at the longest speech is taking place at the Brewery Arts Center. Ian Hill is raising money for the girls of CPAC soccer; they have been invited to represent the USA in a competition being held during the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada.

It’s finally here, Nevada’s Big Give. Nevada’s Big Give is a 24 hour online donation push for non-profits, charities, and causes around the state.

There’s a good chance that you are viewing this on a phone. I think that Alexander Graham Bell would be blown away with how far his invention had come in the 139 years since he first said ‘Mr. Watson, come here, I want to see you’. Today is the birthday of the first telephone call."

The athletics program at Western Nevada College is facing drastic cuts. A group is forming to seek ways to fundraise and keep our Wildcats in the game. Head over to the Legislature Building this morning at 10 a.m.; you’re looking for room 2149.

The first harbinger of spring arrived over the weekend, Daylight Saving Time. That’s bound to make this Monday a little sleepier than usual, but there’s good news: it’s National Napping Day! Take back that hour you lost with a cozy catnap, a midday siesta, or a quick snooze and you’ll be bright-eyed in time to watch the sunset at seven.

If you’d like to catch Congressman Amodei at the Chamber of Commerce’s Soup’s On luncheon this week, make sure and RSVP today. This is sure to sell out, as everyone wants to know how the local boy is holding up in Washington.

Happy Friday, Carson City. Grab a bite at Meek’s Lumber at their first Friday BBQ for lunch, or at the Lions Club Crab Feed at Fuji Park tonight. Cheer on the Western Nevada College Wildcats as they battle Salt Lake City Community College on the softball and baseball fields.

We have almost made it to the weekend. Let visions of the Downtown Wine Walk, CASI’s Woof, Wine, and Whiskers, and the kick-off of Carson Comedy at the Carson Nugget keep you buoyant until then. Just don’t be in such a hurry to enjoy the weekend that you miss out on what Thursday in Carson City can offer.

Yes. You are looking at a bunny with a pancake on its head, but I can explain. Today is National Pancake Day, so head over to the International House of Pancakes for your free short stack and donate to this year’s charity, the Children’s Miracle Network. It is also National ‘I Want You to Be Happy Day.’ Pancake Day and trying to share a smile, ergo silly picture of a bunny with a pancake on its head. Find your own way to share some happiness today.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

It’s never too cold, too wet or too hot
To pick up a book, and share what you’ve got
You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild
To pick up a book, and read to a child...
― Anita Merina, 1997

“Act out being alive, like a play. And after a while, a long while, it will be true.”
― John Steinbeck, East of Eden

Birthday boy Steinbeck has it right. Carson City is what you make of it; plenty going on, but it won’t come to your home and ask you to get involved. Music, art, theater, dance, hiking, biking, wining, dining, volunteering, sports, and more are available in our area.

Once upon a time in Nevada, a Reno tailor named Jacob Davis wrote a letter to Levi Strauss about his pocket rivets, and thus the blue jean was born. Coincidentally, today is Strauss’ birthday. Once upon a time in Nevada, Buffalo Bill Cody was just a kid riding for the Pony Express. It’s his birthday, too. Fun fact: Cuba Crutchfield, a trick-rope cowboy with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West, is buried in Carson City’s Lone Mountain Cemetery. Once upon a time in Nevada, a man was shot in Reno.

Applebee’s is the place to be for dinner tonight if you want to help the 2015 Carson City Leadership Class raise funds for the children’s area of the Carson City Library. You do need to bring the flyer with you if you want Applebee's to donate a portion of your bill. Print it out or grab a copy at the Library’s youth desk.

Grab your dance shoes and kick up your heels at a beginning swing dance lesson at El Charro’s tonight. The High Sierra Swing Dance Club hosts its monthly Swing Dance Party in the Ballroom of the Brewery Arts Center Saturday night. If you prefer to dance in cowboy boots, you can learn Country Line and Partner Dancing at the 11th Frame Lounge in Carson Lanes every Tuesday and Wednesday night.

Just another Monday in the Capital City. The Legislative Gallery has a new offering: Natural Memorial Realist by artist Max Bunnell of Overton. The gallery rotates every two weeks. The CCAI Gallery in the Courthouse features Nevada Watersheds by Nolan Preece, and the Nevada Artists Association is hosting their Winter Art Show at the Brewery Arts Center.

Kick up your heels, it’s finally Friday. World Dance Open Floor will be dancing for donations for CASI tonight at Comma Coffee. The Brewery Arts Center is hosting Mixed Company as part of its new Eclectic Electric series. The party is at Remedy’s; the blacklight body paint Mardi Gras Masquerade starts at 9pm, with the talented Lynzie Ruecker doing free body paint and music by DJ Justincredible.

It’s National Love Your Pet Day, so give your pooches and kitties some extra love.

FRIDAY:

Gung Hay Fat Choy! Happy Chinese New Year; welcome to the year of yang, which could be a goat, a sheep, or a ram, depending on the translation. Time to reunite with family and loved ones and celebrate spring. New York City got in on the festivities with its first ever fireworks display for the Lunar New Year; I've included a YouTube video, just in case fireworks really are lucky.

The Pizza Factory on Hwy 50 East is holding a fundraiser for Eagle Valley Middle School today. 20% of the day’s proceeds will benefit their Parent Teacher Organization.

It’s a great day for the arts in Carson City today. An artist reception honoring Sarah Lillegard will be held at the Nevada Arts Council where her exhibit ‘Second Skin’ is on display. Sande Rowan will share knowledge about baskets around the world in the first of six ‘The Work of Artists’ SENarts events. The Galaxy Theatre brings the Metropolitan Opera back to Carson City this week with an Encore showing of Duke Bluebeard’s Castle, the live showing occurred Saturday morning.

It's Random Act of Kindness Day. I think the inventor of the smiley said it best.

"The catch phrase for the day is 'Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile.'"
Harvey Ball

Have a great day, Carson City. Do something nice for no reason.

TUESDAY: Fat Tuesday – Mardi Gras:

• Catholic Charities Day at the Legislature

Rounding out the three-day weekend, happy President's Day. Here's what's going on in and around Carson City today, Feb. 16, 2015:

• Animal Protection Day at the Legislature
• ’Pine Spirit’ by basket maker Sande Rowan at the LXS Gallery in the Legislature Building
• Opening Day of the Winter Art Show at the Nevada Artists Association Gallery in the Brewery Arts Center (10am-4pm)

Where to start? This weekend is chock-full of options. The local 4-H club is hosting their annual Fabric and Rummage Sale at Fuji Park. The Annual Feast of Chocolate, hosted by AAUW, is Saturday afternoon at the Plaza Event Center. The Vagina Monologues and One Billion Rising are both raising awareness this V-Day weekend for women’s issues.

If you have a hard time deciding what to do tonight, may I suggest you blame me? After all, the first Friday the 13th of the year is known as National Blame Someone Else Day.

First things first. Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching, so I’m reminding you to make reservations for your favorite restaurant if you haven’t already. Check out the Carson Mall’s Craft Fair and Gift Sale or any of Carson City’s great shops like Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery, Evergreen Gene’s, Morley’s Books, the Artisan Store at the Brewery Arts Center or Purple Avocado for something special for that special someone.

If you are looking to take advantage of National Make a Friend Day, try one of our many art galleries to spark up a conversation with a stranger. You may also strike it rich while listening to Dave Leather play the blues at Comma Coffee, or tonight, during the first of many Jazz Jams that Sassafras will be home to. It’s also National Shut-in Visitation Day, so you could always make a new friend at one of Carson City’s nursing homes.

Today kicks off the second annual International Film Weekend in Carson City. The main event is this evening in the Bob Boldrick Theater at the Community Center, a free showing of “Boy.” “Boy” is about a youth coming of age in the Maori culture in New Zealand in 1984.