Does this mean no one will come to help you in the event of an earthquake, wildfire, power-gutting snowstorm, or flood? Not exactly. But it does mean rescuers may not be able to mobilize goods and services fast enough to reach you quickly in the event of a major disaster. People need to prepare for certain types of emergencies well in advance.

Furthermore, as became evident in New Orleans during Katrina, emergency personnel are in the same disaster situation as everyone else. They think about their own families...in addition to helping distressed members of the public.

Mr. P. was a big African-American man with large brown eyes full of tears and a face etched with equal parts relief and worry. He ran into Parker Coliseum, cradling Chewy, a stoic 3-year old, brindle-colored Boxer, in his arms. Chewy had become separated from his family during Hurricane Katrina. Twenty-six days later, on the eve of Hurricane Rita, Chewy found his way home again.

"Maia lives up to being a woman of exemplary character, and is certainly a role model for other women in our community," said Joan Hartwell, coordinator for the Woman of Distinction program. Tamara Lieberman, the 2004 recipient, introduced Schneider before the standing room only crowd.

Ingemanson says there are two reasons for going after McGowan. The property tax battle is four years old and she has filed six cases, one of which went all the way to the Nevada Supreme Court. The case was completed a year ago and the judge still refuses to provide a ruling. She was left holding the bag and the bill, so-to-speak. In the case against McGowan, the law requires that the judge rule and that the ruling occur in a set time period.

Your computer probably didn't even cross your mind when you started thinking about winterizing. But that little machine that you've come to rely on more than you've ever imagined is vulnerable in the winter months, just like your engine. And like your car, there are simple, proactive things that you can do to protect it. Winterizing your computer can save you hundreds and hundreds of dollars in repairs or lost revenue in the long run, money better spent on a season pass, new pair of skis or, if you're a business owner, Christmas bonuses.

Check computer location

On September 24, in keeping with tradition, Father Nelson Van Gundy blessed this year's wine grapes with snow saved from last winter. This blessing marks the beginning of harvest when grapes arrive at the “Big Red Barn,” otherwise known as the Truckee River Winery.

The grapes were hauled over the Sierras from Lodi, Nevada County, and the Santa Lucia Highlands. They will be used to start the current production of merlot, zinfandel and award-winning pinot noir wines.

One aid produced in the DOE’s Federal Energy Management Program is an easily conducted, home energy audit. It is excerpted below. The DOE also has tips on saving the amount of energy used by your vehicle. Visit: www.eere.energy.gov

Here are the suggestions from the Department of Energy, including how to check your home for back drafting and for the adequacy of your air supply if you are using natural gas, fuel oil, propane, or wood for heat.

Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit

I lean back against a young pine tree and gaze at the blue sky. It is a blue you would expect to see in an over-contrasted photograph, or in the eyes of a newborn baby. It’s a surreal color that tickles my imagination; I feel content.

The ponderosa pines to my left and right sway with the wind, dancing in the sky. I look around the lake to the far end. Purple mountaintops line the horizon. They surround the lake as if to cuddle it, keep it safe, keep it hidden.