Nevada Up North

Watch the Presidential Debate with Libertarian VP Candidate Judge Jim Gray

2012-09-30T20:41:00.001-07:00

If you would like to watch a presidential debate with a candidate who is actually on the ballot, then head over to UNR's library this Wednesday, October 3, at 5:30 pm in the Wells Fargo Auditorium.

You will join Libertarian Vice President candidate Judge Jim Gray as he responds to the questions President Barack Obama and challenger Mitt Romney will probably dance around with their tightly-scripted answers. Gray is the running mate of former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson.

"Free lollipops and other goodies" are promised.

Reno's Vast Array of Auction Houses

2011-08-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

As Craigslist and the internet slowly kill the printed classified ad, I sometimes think the only thing keeping The Big Nickel afloat is the plethora of weekend auctions and the auction houses that host them. Take away those guys and Twin City Surplus's full-page spot and the Sparks Tribune freebie becomes even more exceedingly slim.

And while Lightning Auctions and Anchor Auctions have been mainstays forever, I've noticed a bunch of new auctioneers have appeared on the scene in recent years. Maybe it is the moribund Nevada economy, or the reality-tv inspired craze of hitting it rich at auctions, but for an auction fan, Saturdays can be a difficult day for choosing which of the half-dozen or so events to attend.

Luckily, the web has made it a little easier for people to preview the items up for sale and, in some cases, actually place an absentee bid.

So in the interest of helping you find said auctions (and the fact that the Nickel may well be on its last legs), here is a list of Reno and Sparks auction houses:

Lightning Auctions (LightningAuctions.com)
870 S. Rock Blvd. - Sparks
775-331-4222
A lot of vehicle auctions, plus estate and some business liquidations.

Anchor Auctions (AnchorAuctions.com)
601 E. 4th Street - Reno
775-827-1801
Mostly estate auctions, but some big ones.

Weathervane Auctions "Buy" Sammy B (WeathervaneAuctions.com)
955 S. Rock Blvd. - Sparks
775-331-2009
Mainly estate and bankruptcy.

5 Brothers Auctions (5BrothersAuctions.com)
1521 Greg St. - Sparks
775-284-5554
Estate, business, government, fundraising, etc.

Arundel Auctions and Appraisals (ArundelAuction.net)
Fuji Park - Carson City
775-883-0808
Technically in Carson City, but a lot of nice estate and collectible auctions.

Karin A Costa Auctions (KarinCosta.net)
On location - Reno
775-969-3060
Estate and fundraising auctions.

Stremmel Auctions (StremmelAuctions.com)
On location - Reno
775 787-7000
Fine art estates.

Brand Used Works (BrandUsedWorks.com)
16 Salvadore Dr. - Fernley
775-527-0775
Estate, business.

Peavine Auctions (PeavineAuctions.com)
504 El Rancho Dr. - Sparks
775-356-7107
Not sure if currently active, but great estate deals when it was.

Baxtin's Reno Auction Center (BaxtinsAuctions.com)
9959 N. Virginia St. - Reno
775-972-6621
Mainly government surplus cars and some equipment.

Brasher's Reno Auto Auction (BrashersReno.com)
6000 Echo Ave. - Reno
775-828-2437
Auctions off a lot of local car dealer overstock.

Anderson Towing
1388 Glendale Ave. - Sparks
775-358-1155
Seems like weekly auto lien sales.

I Think WinCo Has the Absolute Worst Strawberries in Reno

2011-08-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

It pains me to say this, as I am always championing WinCo as the best grocery store in town (price-wise), but their produce section is middling at best.

Of course, considering shopping at WinCo is like possessing an invisible 30-40% off everything discount card, that is to be expected. You can't have Whole Food's veggies at, well, WinCo prices.

But I have to draw the line at their strawberries. I've lost track of the times I have bought a basket, only to see mold take over within 24 hours. And it wasn't just one brand. It has been all of them. This week's adventure found a raft of strawberries at $1.68 (I think) a basket and it was a different farm. Unfortunately, there were a lot of yellowish ones in the bunch. But with that, I figured, at least they weren't overly ripe for mold.

However, seeing how I have burned so many times before, I decided to really examine the containers this time. Good thing, too, as more than half already had mold in them.

At least their cherries looked good. (Update: though not as tasty as Scolari's Rainiers)

Looking for Info on Nevada's Congressional Special Election Candidates?

2011-08-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

Although there is currently a squawk over how many candidates to invite to a certain Channel 4 debate, the fact remains that the once threatened "Ballot Royale" has shrunk to a more manageable four candidates. Plus, don't forget, we get to do this all again next year.

That said, here's who is running in Nevada's Congressional District-2 special election slated for September 13, 2011. If you are so inclined, early voting runs August 27 through September 9, 2011.

Mark Amodei -- Republican; former state assemblyman and senator
Tim Fasano -- Independent American Party of Nevada
Helmuth Lehmann -- Independent
Kate Marshall -- Democrat; current Nevada State Treasurer

If you haven't registered to vote yet (and this is still mid-August) your last day to register by mail or online (in Clark County) for this election is August 13. If you make a trip to your county clerk's office you do have a slight reprieve, in-person registrations are accepted up until August 23, 2011.

Fastest Reno Car Smog Ever at Nevada Auto Diagnostics

2011-08-07T15:22:00.000-07:00

I've never really understood Nevada's car smog laws. For one thing it only applies to the metro counties, which is where the cars are I guess, and has to be done on a yearly basis (as opposed to, say, California's every-other-year requirement).

The problem, though, is if you look at the allowed emissions on a Nevada test you will see they are far greater than what is allowed in California. So the question arises, why make Nevadans pay annually for essentially a weak test? Why not require a test every two years and, perhaps, tighten the standards a bit instead? You would save Nevada motorists money and clean the air a bit more. It would seem a classic win-win. Well, except for smog shops (which is probably why we have such an asinine law here).

Anyway, as long as we are required to hit the smog station every year, a person might as well save some time and money. Considering my recent run of poor customer service (except for Amazon), perhaps this smog check experience isn't as great as it seemed. But in a world of generally crappy service this was a bright spot, so I figured I would pass it along.

After running my registration down to the wire, I drove by Nevada Auto Diagnostics on Kietzke Lane (near the A&W and Reno Toyota) to see if there were any openings. There was, but the older gentleman with a Chrysler beat me to it. But, apparently, they now do two at a time and the tech waved me to the left stall. A minute later he was hooking the machine up and in a few more I was paying and preparing to leave. I literally was there for only five minutes. Insanely fast.

Plus, at $18.95 they probably are one of the cheapest in town, and I think you can find coupons for another buck or two in savings in those Jack Joseph mailers that hit the mail every month.

I can't vouch for their repair service (never used them), but for a quick smog I would put them on your list.

Sierra Summerfest Replaces Nevada State Fair this Year

2011-08-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

For people craving fried Oreos, a spin on the Scream Machine or the chance to watch oversized trucks crunch undersized beaters, August was their Woodstock. And while the Nevada State Fair has been in serious decline for years, it still provided the basics. But that ended this year with an unprecedented cancellation (once again falling to the bottom of the barrel in a U.S. state list).

However, apparently the lost rent and parking fees (about $25K) was too much for the Reno Sparks Convention Authority so they whipped up Sierra Summerfest, replete with carnies, concerts, fried food, demolition derbies and monster trucks (but sans the animals).

Summerfest runs Friday, August 26, to Sunday, August 28 at the Livestock Events Center with two demolition derby and monster truck exhibitions. Plus, throw in a pair of Reno Roller Girl performances and the fest has some attractive offerings.

Friday's concert is country singer James Ingram, while The Romantics play Saturday.

Advance tickets, available at Scolari's, are $10 for adults ($15 at the gate) and $5 for children 12 and under ($10 at gate). An all-day ride pass in advance is just $20 ($28 at gate). Parking is $5.

Carson City and Reno Housing to Rise from the Dead?

2011-08-03T21:22:00.000-07:00

That's the guess from Fiserv Case Shiller, with Eeno sporting a 9.3% annual growth and Carson a robust 11.9%. Of course that doesn't seem to gibe with the report that Reno will be the last metro center to recover (in 2021!).

The best and worst house markets in the country – which list did Reno make? | RRB Home

Free International Choral Festival Tickets

2011-05-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

Reno hosts the 2011 American International Choral Festival this week, May 4-8. See some of the world's best choirs compete in a series of concerts and competitions.

Tickets for the opening concert, Wednesday May 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Pioneer Center, are free and still available (Saturday's Grand Prix concert has sold out). For tickets just stop by the Pioneer Center Box Office (100 S. Virginia St.) or the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (4001 S. Virginia Street, Suite G [Town Center Mall]).

Also available on a first-come, first-serve basis is Saturday's afternoon Friendship Concert at the Trinity Episcopal Church (200 Island Drive). Concert starts at 2 p.m.

How to "Loose" Your Credibility and Customers

2011-03-08T17:59:00.000-08:00

Not only did The Vitamin Connection misuse "loose" twice, but it apparently slipped by the ad department and editors of the Reno magazine it appeared in (Healthy Beginnings). Granted the products in question are scientific hooey, but wouldn't you still question the credentials of a firm that can't tell the difference between "loose" and "lose?"

Embarrassing for all concerned.

Since When Did Dollar Tree Start Charging $2.50 an Item?

2010-11-16T18:51:00.000-08:00

Considering the inevitable creep of inflation one had to figure the end of Dollar Tree's "everything only a dollar" price strategy would come to an end. I mean, one can only apply the Grocery Shrink Ray so many times before the product disappears.

But it appears Dollar Tree has solved the problem. They just charge $2.50 for random items in the store. Who knew their registers were even programmed for any other number but a buck?

Kieckhefer Stumbles Out of the Gate Early

2009-09-08T12:59:00.000-07:00

While it still may be early in the political season, some mistakes can say a lot about your whole campaign.

For Example #1, see what happened to Nevada State Senate candidate Ben Kieckhefer.

That's gotta hurt.

Nevada State Fair Carnival a Good One

2009-08-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

Just back from the 2009 Nevada State Fair and while it continues its downward drift in size, the carnival was pretty nice. Paul Maurer Shows has that concession and did a good job. I always thought one way to judge the quality of a carnival was how many burnt light bulbs were on the rides. If there are a lot, it makes you wonder what else they skimp on or overlook -- like safety. But glad to say the Maurer carnival was in great shape.

Besides the all-time great Zipper, they also had the Giant Wheel, Gravitron and something you usually see at amusement parks, the Super Shot. Plus they had quite a good selection of kiddie rides to round out the experience. One word of advice, stop by Scolari's and pick up your Ride Wrist Band ticket. It's only $16 (instead of $26 at the fair) and gives you all-day access to all the rides. And considering the bumper cars alone take five individual tickets (at a buck a pop), even a wrist band purchased at full price will pay for itself very quickly.

Scolari's also has fair entrance tickets for $8, instead of $10 at the gate. Parking is free.

How to Change the Rear Wiper Blade on a 2004 Nissan Xterra

2009-08-23T22:53:00.000-07:00

The internet is a great thing for finding those little bits of info that automobile owner manuals tend to leave out. Case in point, changing the rear wiper blade on a 2004 Nissan Xterra. You'll notice it isn't connected the same way as the front windshield wipers are. But a quick perusal of the Xterra manual's (.pdf ) page 8-27 shows a very detailed description (unlike the great mystery of changing a bulb in the third brake light) on how to easily do it. Plus there are numerous Q and As on the web telling you how to do this, if your manual isn't handy.

Basically it is this:

1. Lift the wiper arm away from rear window.
2. Push the wiper blade in (to your left) and then pivot it (pulling the right part of the blade towards you) off the arm.
3. Snap on new blade.

Simple and quick, once you figure it out. But then comes the part nobody seems to mention anywhere. What do you replace it with?

If you go to a Wal-Mart or someplace with one of those push-button machines where, after inputting all your info, it tells you what you need, you will be greatly disappointed as they are wrong. Anco, Pylon, Tripledge, Bosch? None of them worked. For some strange reason, Nissan decided not to have the common loop- or bayonet-style connector on the rear. It's like a rectangle box. I figured the solution would be to pop out the swing-arm connector piece most of the replacement ones had. The remaining hole was a perfect fit width-wise, but it was always way too long in length. Giving up, I called the Nissan dealership and was told they did have one, but that it was $13.99.

I then decided to try a different Kragen's and look for just a wiper blade refill, not the assembly. I figured I'd just reuse the blade holder and do my small part at keeping the Reno landfill a little lighter. But apparently that thinking is old hat as it was next to impossible to find just blade refills. Resigned to overpaying at the dealership, I happened to spy the Trico brand wiper blades. Not only were they cheaper ($6.99) than the other brands, well at Kragen's, but the connecting slot was a lot shorter. In fact, it was short enough that it actually fit.

So to complete the blade changing process:

1. Buy a Trico brand 14-1 wiper blade.
2. Use some pliers to remove the connecting swing-arm piece. It's plastic and you kind of push it back through.
3. What's left is a pin in the middle. I tried to push it through but eventually settled on some wire cutters and snipped it out.
4. Attach blade like in above directions.

How to Change a Third Brake Light Bulb in a 2004 Nissan Xterra

2009-08-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

Why should something so simple be made so difficult? After having my oil changed, the shop mentioned one of the three bulbs in my 2004 Nissan Xterra's third brake light (or, officially, the high-mounted stop light) wasn't working. Naturally I figured I could at least do that myself. After all, the designers at Nissan had included a handy pop-out door for easy access. Unfortunately the same designers weren't in charge of the owner manual's illustration. Go ahead and look at the manual (.pdf) and page 8-36. WTF?

So is it telling you to just yank the bulb holder straight back out of the assembly, or the bulb straight out after you somehow figure out how to pull the holder out to reach the bulb? It's a joke. But there would soon be a bigger joke. Calling the dealership. Or, more accurately, three different Nissan dealership service departments (in two states no less!).

I figured I'd start local and called the Reno dealership. The guys there told me it just pulls straight out. Not just the bulb, but the holder as well. It didn't budge.

Tried the Carson City dealer and the guy was at least honest, he asked around before coming to the conclusion that they didn't know.

Then I decided to try California and called Future Nissan in Roseville. The guy did ask around and apparently looked up something as he came back on the line and told me "Do you see those two bolts?" I told him I had. "You need to unscrew them to take out the light assembly to change the bulb." I thanked him, but knew that couldn't possibly be correct as the third brake light assembly is about twice as big as the pop-out door Nissan put there for access.

So I called Reno again and once again was told to just pull it straight out and that it could be a snug fit. Since it hadn't moved at all the first few times, I grabbed some pliers to give another try. Seeing how the whole damn light assembly is plastic I was a little wary of putting too much pressure as I pulled. Then I figured I would try and twist it to loosen. It did. In fact it twisted itself right off. Like it was designed to do. Not pulled or removed entirely like Nissan service departments claim.

So, since I couldn't find anything on the web to help, and there might be someone else wondering how the hell do they do something that should be a piece of cake, here goes the easy steps to change the third brake light bulb on a Nissan Xterra (or at least the 2004 model).

1. Open rear hatch.
2. Look up and remove little pop-out door in paneling. I used a key, but a thin screwdriver would do (though I would suggest wrapping it with cloth or something so you don't scratch the plastic).
3. You will now be looking at the rear of three white plastic knob-like bulb holders with wires in them. Grasp the one that needs changing and turn counter-clockwise about a quarter turn. If yours is like mine, you might need some pliers for leverage.
4. Pull bulb holder back out of the assembly to access bulb.
5. The bulb easily pulls straight out.
6. Replace with a 912 bulb.
7. Reverse steps.

Kerak Shrine Circus in Reno this Weekend

2009-03-27T20:21:00.000-07:00

The Kerak Shrine Circus hits Reno this weekend, March 27-29, at the Livestock Event Center. It's the local Shriners big fundraiser for the year and if you know even a little about what this organization does (think Shriners Hospitals for Children) go out there and support a great group.

Tickets range from $12 to $18, with performances at 7 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday; and 1 and 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are available at the box office or local Scolari's. You can also call 856-3330, 688-5771 or 688-5722 for more information.

Is the Downtown Nugget's Awful Awful Shrinking?

2009-03-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

Well, in size anyway.

Stopped by the Nugget last week for the first time in quite awhile and was a little surprised at the price of the Reno tradition (the perennial "Best Burger in Reno" winner). It seemed like it was $3.50 not too long ago. In fact there is a press clipping on the wall with a quote from the owner saying it would stay $3.50 until he dies. Of course that was 2003. Apparently it went to $5.50 and now is at an even $6 ($6.50 to go).

That said, it is still a deal, if only for the insanely large amount of french fries (think four super-size containers) they pile in the basket (and yes, they still are a tad undercooked). But the burger seemed like it had shrank some. It was big and delicious as always but it just seemed a bit smaller. But maybe it was the outsized portion of fries that were dwarfing it some. Either way, it still is a must-stop location if you are downtown.

Sam Hui to Play In Reno

2008-11-14T17:39:00.000-08:00

Considered the "God of Song" in Hong Kong, Sam Hui brings his style of Cantopop to the Reno Events Center Thanksgiving evening.

A star of numerous comedy blockbusters in the 70s, Hui also specialized in light-hearted pop that blended traditional Cantonese music with western-style music.

Tickets for the November 27 show range from $78 to $168.

Reno's Best Buffet Is At The Atlantis Casino Resort

2008-11-14T05:08:00.000-08:00

You don't need the 2008 RNR reader poll to tell you Toucan Charlie's Buffet and Grille is the hands-down best buffet in Reno (though they did it again this year). This Atlantis Casino Resort buffet in south Reno is like a trip around the world. From it's Mexican, Asian, American and carving stations, to its made-on-the-spot Caesar salads, to its Mongolian BBQ, to piles of shrimp in the salad bar, this isn't one of those $3.99 buffets of yesteryear. Actually, it's a $16.99 and up dinner. But well worth it.

Friday is seafood night ($27.99), while Saturday is steak and seafood ($26.99). Wednesday is steak and crab legs ($19.99). There is also a Sunday champagne brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $18.99. The buffet is also open for breakfast and lunch, starting at $10.99.

The Atlantis also picked up a bevy of other "Best ofs" in the 2008 poll. Along with buffet, they won best poker room, security, casino promotion, customer service and place to cash your check.

Reno's Peppermill Named Best Casino

2008-11-13T16:59:00.000-08:00

Reno News & Review readers named the Peppermill Hotel casino the best in northern Nevada in their 2008 poll.

And it wasn't just the casino that grabbed top honors this year. The Peppermill was also named best hotel, edging the Grand Sierra Resort and Silver Legacy Resort Casino. They also had the best "color scheme" and carpet (yes, those were actually categories) as well as being named, along with the Atlantis Casino Resort, best place to "cash your check."

Oh, and it also snagged best hotel for that romantic getaway.

Little Nugget's Awful Awful Burger Does It Again

2008-11-13T16:36:00.000-08:00

Has there ever been a "Best of Reno" survey that didn't name the Downtown Nugget's Awful Awful the best damn burger in town? I don't think so and with good reason. The perennial favorite won again in the Reno News and Review's 2008 Best of Northern Nevada guide.

For pure size, taste and value there is no comparison. It's a monster plopped onto a massive pile of fries. French fries that were ranked third by voters (behind In-N-Out and McDonald's?).

It's a little dingy and a lot crowded but if you are in downtown Reno you have to stop in and make your way to the back and try a legend.

The Nugget
233 N. Virginia St.
(775) 323-0716

Obama and Biden Stickers for Free

2008-08-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

If you don't mind giving MoveOn.org your address and email they will send you a free Barack Obama and Joe Biden sticker. They'll probably also send you emails and such, but free is free.

Where To Find a Digital to Analog TV Converter Box In Reno

2008-07-27T17:22:00.000-07:00

If you are one of those folks with a soon-to-expire $40 TV Converter Box Coupon and who have been nervously waiting for your local Wal-Mart to actually stock those $49.87 Magnavox or RCA devices, we suggest you head over to Circuit City or Radio Shack.

While Wal-Mart allegedly has them on order, but can never tell you when or how many, Reno's Circuit City not only has them, but have stacks of them (over 40 this weekend). Granted, they are $59.99, but they are also the better built Zenith DTT901 Digital to Analog TV/Tuner Box. Besides having analog pass-through (which really doesn't mean much) these also have the LG tuner and more advanced chipset that fixed the previous problems with the DTT900. And, yes, the boxes at this Circuit City have a May 2008 build date and not the infamous April 2008.

Radio Shack also has converter boxes available. The Digital Stream DTX9950 is $59.99 and can be ordered through the store with your $40 coupon. Shipping is free.

We set up the DTT901 with just some rabbit ears, though with the UHF loop, and the results were truly amazing. In south Reno we were able to receive all 15 available channels with good signal strength. And while some of them were either weather (KTVN's 2.1 and KRNV's 4.3) or are just an SD duplicate (KAME 21.2) there were some cool bonus channels. The Retro Network on 11.2, LATV on 4.2 and Universal Sports on 8.2 (ironically, the ABC affiliate) are all new to non-digital over-the-air viewers.

But the big plus is with KNPB-5. The PBS station now has three channels with each airing different shows. It's the crown jewel for local digital TV in Northern Nevada.

CFL Recycling Hits Nevada, But It Will Cost You

2008-07-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

The Reno News & Review had a blurb about how Nevadans can finally recycle those compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). Waste Management launched ThinkGreenFromHome.com where you can receive a prepaid-postage box for mailing those bulbs in for proper recycling.

Unfortunately, the RNR left out the part where the "pre-paid postage" is footed by the consumer and not Waste Management. For a box that will hold up to 15 10-watt bulbs, probably less for the more prevalent 23-watt CFL (the 100-watt replacement), your cost is $14.95. And if you want to recycle those long fluorescent tubes, you're looking at a whopping $59.95 for a box that will hold seven to 16 bulbs.

97.3 Bob FM Playlist Is Getting Tiring

2008-06-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

There is something inherently cool about a radio station that will play a Ratt song, followed by Sinead O'Connor, then Duran Duran followed by Iggy Pop. You could honestly say you never know what is going to play next on Reno's 97.3 Bob FM. That is until you are laid up and listen to them for a couple hours.

Since they claim to have a 4,000 song library, why the hell do we hear Beck's "Loser," Berlin's "The Metro," Beastie Boys' "No Sleep Till Brooklyn," etc. multiple times every day? For criminy sakes, days should go by before you hit repeat, not hours.

Top 100 Things To Do In Reno This Summer

2008-06-01T21:23:00.000-07:00

Can't think of anything to do this summer in Reno? Then check out the Reno News & Review's list of 100 things to do in the Biggest Little City (well, Tahoe and Sparks too).

Some of the highlights: Go to the El Rancho Drive-In, eat at Scooper's, listen to a concert at Bartley Ranch, drive "The Loneliest Road in America," skip stones in the Truckeee, make lemonade, take a nap in a hammock, etc. All excellent suggestions.

The RNR also lays out the summer's best music fests, including the Lake Tahoe Music Festival, High Sierra Music Fest, and Outside Lands.