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There Ed goes again... missing the point and getting all caught up on definitions! But not only can Ed predict that the Spanish page published by the Bonanza would stir up controversy, he knows three different languages and by his own definition he is not an American... impressive! However, I do feel the need to educate Ed with a little geography lesson: Incline Village is located in the great state of Nevada which is located in the English speaking country of the United States of America.
Sure we can all use a dictionary and understand what the word "illiterate" means but the point that he wishes to get technical about and avoid, is that if you live in this country then you need to be able to read and write the English language just as everybody else has chosen to do before us. Don't get me wrong; I love the Spanish community. They are great people who also realize their need to learn the English language if they want to be a part of the American dream. Unless someone knows something about America becoming a part of Mexico, we shouldn't encourage our Spanish friends not to learn our language which is what you do by publishing in Spanish. Did you get that Ed? Or should I use a different language? Where is the French page or the Russian page or the Chinese page?
If the Bonanza wants to appeal to the Spanish community then they should create a Spanish version of their paper; don''t mess with mine!
Eric Pansegrau
Incline Village
Being American is learning
English
With reference to Dr. Gurowitz's article last Wednesday, I would like to say that being literate in any of the languages of the world is indeed not un-American. But being illiterate in American (as the British call the language of this country) is "Un-American."
My children do not speak my two foreign native languages because I wanted them to be what they are "All-American."
My friend Don grew up in a household where his grandparents spoke only Italian, his parents spoke Italian and English, but he and his siblings were forbidden to speak Italian - that is "emphatically American."
Sid Bekowich
Incline Village
Meaning of jihad, Islam is different
Some of the readers of my article on Islam said Islam means 'surrender...but not peace and 'Jihad' is a holy war against all non-Muslims. So allow me to explain and please bear with me through the following semantics exercise, which is very relevant to this discussion.
The structure of the Arabic language is very elegant: Most Arabic words are derived from past tense, second person 'root' verbs by keeping the consonants of the root verb, changing the vowels and adding suffixes and prefixes. Thus a group of words derived from a given root verb would have different meanings, but all of these words would connote the meaning of the root verb.
In the case of the word 'Islam' things get somewhat complex. The words: iSLAM: the name of the religion - SaLaaM: peace/safety - aSLaM: to covert to Islam - SaLLam: to surrender, as in war. to put ones' faith in..... . to deliver, as in trust. to greet someone, are all derivatives from the root verb 'SaLiMa', which means he was safe/to be safe. However, none of these words are in the defining statement of Islam, which is: 'There is no god but God and Muhammad is his messenger.'
The name given to this religion in the Quran, evolved in part from the Arab culture that was extant during the period of nascent Islam.
In those days, the Arabs were mostly nomads who roamed the desert, raiding each other and the fear of being attacked was always present in one's mind. So, for instance, when two groups of people approached each other, one group would shout from a distance 'Assalaamu alaikum' (peace be upon you) and the other group would shout back, 'Wa alaikum assalaam,' (peace be upon you too), thus each declaring that theirs is not a raiding party. So one can see why the word for 'peace/safety' was embodied in the very name of Islam.
As to 'Jihad,' the root verb is 'JaaHaDa,' which means to work hard, to do one's best at a given endeavor, whatever that endeavor may be. The concept of jihad is referred to in the Quran in various contexts, including that of self defense against religious persecution. Unfortunately, some in the Western media choose to characterize jihad erroneously as a holy war by Muslims against the rest of humanity.
Sid Bekowich
Incline Village
XTERRA offers response to IVGID
My first quote in the Sept. 21 article about XTERRA in paragraph 7 "I think the truth of the matter probably lies somewhere in the middle," implies that I'm responding to the allegations Bill Horn set forth in the preceding paragraphs. That was not the case in the article.
While it is true that progress is being made in the IVGID/XTERRA relationship, I'm responding to inaccuracies in comments made by IVGID General Manager, Bill Horn as reported in the Bonanza's story.
1. XTERRA has violated parking rules, IVGID's alcohol policy and have "continually violated use of Incline beaches" in past years.
• This is the first we have heard about parking violations.
• Alcohol policy - we have not violated alcohol policy. Last year we held a private, catered party in an enclosed space at the conclusion of our event. We were advised by Washoe County Business Licensing, that a liquor permit was not required. This year we have all permits and approvals necessary to operate a beer garden that is open to the public.
• In past years, our IVGID contract has included beach access, and we have worked with IVGID to ensure that we stay within beach use guidelines in place at that time.
2. "In past years XTERRA has marked running and bike paths incorrectly and breached stream environmental zone guildelines"
• We work with IVGID staff every year on approval of our running trails.
• Several years ago permanent markings were found on the running trails that were used by XTERRA and our organization was blamed for creating these. It has subsequently come to light that these markings were made by another group. IVGID staff, management and board are all in agreement that this is not an XTERRA issue.
• Breach of stream environment guidelines - there was a perception that XTERRA had impinged on a protected area along a stream bank. Upon review, it was determined that this had not occured, as footage of the location showed runners in front of the signage that marked this area. Had they been impinging on the area, they would have been seen running behind the sign. Additionally, last year we protected one stream bank area by building a bridge across the stream (with IVGID's approval). This bridge now is used by the community daily.
It should also be noted that this year, XTERRA's Eco Team, a group of XTERRA competitors from all over the nation, will give back to the community through a work party designed to improve and maintain the area. The work party is scheduled for today and projects that they will undertake at the direction of IVGID parks include:
a) Placing new signs to designate environmentally sensitive areas: Ten signs have been made to be put along the SEZ areas. Volunteers will attach signs to posts, dig holes and concrete signs into place.
b) Tree Planting: Tree planting of six aspen trees and one maple tree. Volunteers will plant trees in predetermined locations using proper techniques demonstrated by parks staff.
c) Installing new bear boxes: Installation of bear proof containers need to be installed.
Volunteers will dig and form concrete slabs for containers and attach the bear proof containers to the slabs.
d) Stream zone litter pickup: volunteers will police the stream and pickup any litter which will be placed in trash or recycling bags.
e) Fire prevention clean-up: defensible space, fuels management of dead brush and removal of small competing trees. Volunteers will stack or remove brush and vegetation that has been cut by parks staff.
3. Wear and tear of Village Green: We are good custodians of Village Green. We walk through the property with the staff each year before and after the event, and there has never been an issue with regards to damage. Further more, we have received a full refund of our damage deposit.
4. AYSO/Area Children: We share the use of Village Green with AYSO through Thursday prior to the event.
We invite AYSO's children to participate in the free events of the XTERRA Kids Zone and typically see a good turn out. Additionally, beginning last year, AYSO has been named the beneficiary of our XTERRA 5K/10K Trail Run. They received a donation of $1,220 in 2006 and our goal to donate more than $1,500 in 2007.
It should be noted that there are area children who do not play soccer and have benefited from the presence of XTERRA - both by the lifestyle example our athletes provide and by the free, healthy, outdoor activities that we provide at the event venue.
A group of children and youth who are now bike riders, runners and swimmers has been built over the years.
Thanks for your support of XTERRA!
Janet Clark
President
TEAM Unlimited/XTERRA
Fun for all at the community
picnic
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office Incline Substation would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of those who braved the questionable weather and attended the Annual Community Picnic. We could not have done it without the support of our very generous sponsors from the community. Our thanks, also, to the many agencies that represent the finest in public service in North Lake Tahoe for their displays, demonstrations and information.
The Incline High School ROTC unit, the Child ID station staff, the blood pressure nurse from IVCH, the Lions Club, CERT, the Incline Marine 9 Auxiliary, Red Cross, Pet Network and Dick Minto were instrumental in making this day a big success. A lively band, good barbecued food, bouncy house, and great raffle prizes rounded out a fun day at Aspen Grove. Thank you to all the parents who brought their kids out on a chilly day!
WCSO Incline Substation Picnic Committee
Sure we can all use a dictionary and understand what the word "illiterate" means but the point that he wishes to get technical about and avoid, is that if you live in this country then you need to be able to read and write the English language just as everybody else has chosen to do before us. Don't get me wrong; I love the Spanish community. They are great people who also realize their need to learn the English language if they want to be a part of the American dream. Unless someone knows something about America becoming a part of Mexico, we shouldn't encourage our Spanish friends not to learn our language which is what you do by publishing in Spanish. Did you get that Ed? Or should I use a different language? Where is the French page or the Russian page or the Chinese page?
If the Bonanza wants to appeal to the Spanish community then they should create a Spanish version of their paper; don''t mess with mine!
Eric Pansegrau
Incline Village
Being American is learning
English
With reference to Dr. Gurowitz's article last Wednesday, I would like to say that being literate in any of the languages of the world is indeed not un-American. But being illiterate in American (as the British call the language of this country) is "Un-American."
My children do not speak my two foreign native languages because I wanted them to be what they are "All-American."
My friend Don grew up in a household where his grandparents spoke only Italian, his parents spoke Italian and English, but he and his siblings were forbidden to speak Italian - that is "emphatically American."
Sid Bekowich
Incline Village
Meaning of jihad, Islam is different
Some of the readers of my article on Islam said Islam means 'surrender...but not peace and 'Jihad' is a holy war against all non-Muslims. So allow me to explain and please bear with me through the following semantics exercise, which is very relevant to this discussion.
The structure of the Arabic language is very elegant: Most Arabic words are derived from past tense, second person 'root' verbs by keeping the consonants of the root verb, changing the vowels and adding suffixes and prefixes. Thus a group of words derived from a given root verb would have different meanings, but all of these words would connote the meaning of the root verb.
In the case of the word 'Islam' things get somewhat complex. The words: iSLAM: the name of the religion - SaLaaM: peace/safety - aSLaM: to covert to Islam - SaLLam: to surrender, as in war. to put ones' faith in..... . to deliver, as in trust. to greet someone, are all derivatives from the root verb 'SaLiMa', which means he was safe/to be safe. However, none of these words are in the defining statement of Islam, which is: 'There is no god but God and Muhammad is his messenger.'
The name given to this religion in the Quran, evolved in part from the Arab culture that was extant during the period of nascent Islam.
In those days, the Arabs were mostly nomads who roamed the desert, raiding each other and the fear of being attacked was always present in one's mind. So, for instance, when two groups of people approached each other, one group would shout from a distance 'Assalaamu alaikum' (peace be upon you) and the other group would shout back, 'Wa alaikum assalaam,' (peace be upon you too), thus each declaring that theirs is not a raiding party. So one can see why the word for 'peace/safety' was embodied in the very name of Islam.
As to 'Jihad,' the root verb is 'JaaHaDa,' which means to work hard, to do one's best at a given endeavor, whatever that endeavor may be. The concept of jihad is referred to in the Quran in various contexts, including that of self defense against religious persecution. Unfortunately, some in the Western media choose to characterize jihad erroneously as a holy war by Muslims against the rest of humanity.
Sid Bekowich
Incline Village
XTERRA offers response to IVGID
My first quote in the Sept. 21 article about XTERRA in paragraph 7 "I think the truth of the matter probably lies somewhere in the middle," implies that I'm responding to the allegations Bill Horn set forth in the preceding paragraphs. That was not the case in the article.
While it is true that progress is being made in the IVGID/XTERRA relationship, I'm responding to inaccuracies in comments made by IVGID General Manager, Bill Horn as reported in the Bonanza's story.
1. XTERRA has violated parking rules, IVGID's alcohol policy and have "continually violated use of Incline beaches" in past years.
• This is the first we have heard about parking violations.
• Alcohol policy - we have not violated alcohol policy. Last year we held a private, catered party in an enclosed space at the conclusion of our event. We were advised by Washoe County Business Licensing, that a liquor permit was not required. This year we have all permits and approvals necessary to operate a beer garden that is open to the public.
• In past years, our IVGID contract has included beach access, and we have worked with IVGID to ensure that we stay within beach use guidelines in place at that time.
2. "In past years XTERRA has marked running and bike paths incorrectly and breached stream environmental zone guildelines"
• We work with IVGID staff every year on approval of our running trails.
• Several years ago permanent markings were found on the running trails that were used by XTERRA and our organization was blamed for creating these. It has subsequently come to light that these markings were made by another group. IVGID staff, management and board are all in agreement that this is not an XTERRA issue.
• Breach of stream environment guidelines - there was a perception that XTERRA had impinged on a protected area along a stream bank. Upon review, it was determined that this had not occured, as footage of the location showed runners in front of the signage that marked this area. Had they been impinging on the area, they would have been seen running behind the sign. Additionally, last year we protected one stream bank area by building a bridge across the stream (with IVGID's approval). This bridge now is used by the community daily.
It should also be noted that this year, XTERRA's Eco Team, a group of XTERRA competitors from all over the nation, will give back to the community through a work party designed to improve and maintain the area. The work party is scheduled for today and projects that they will undertake at the direction of IVGID parks include:
a) Placing new signs to designate environmentally sensitive areas: Ten signs have been made to be put along the SEZ areas. Volunteers will attach signs to posts, dig holes and concrete signs into place.
b) Tree Planting: Tree planting of six aspen trees and one maple tree. Volunteers will plant trees in predetermined locations using proper techniques demonstrated by parks staff.
c) Installing new bear boxes: Installation of bear proof containers need to be installed.
Volunteers will dig and form concrete slabs for containers and attach the bear proof containers to the slabs.
d) Stream zone litter pickup: volunteers will police the stream and pickup any litter which will be placed in trash or recycling bags.
e) Fire prevention clean-up: defensible space, fuels management of dead brush and removal of small competing trees. Volunteers will stack or remove brush and vegetation that has been cut by parks staff.
3. Wear and tear of Village Green: We are good custodians of Village Green. We walk through the property with the staff each year before and after the event, and there has never been an issue with regards to damage. Further more, we have received a full refund of our damage deposit.
4. AYSO/Area Children: We share the use of Village Green with AYSO through Thursday prior to the event.
We invite AYSO's children to participate in the free events of the XTERRA Kids Zone and typically see a good turn out. Additionally, beginning last year, AYSO has been named the beneficiary of our XTERRA 5K/10K Trail Run. They received a donation of $1,220 in 2006 and our goal to donate more than $1,500 in 2007.
It should be noted that there are area children who do not play soccer and have benefited from the presence of XTERRA - both by the lifestyle example our athletes provide and by the free, healthy, outdoor activities that we provide at the event venue.
A group of children and youth who are now bike riders, runners and swimmers has been built over the years.
Thanks for your support of XTERRA!
Janet Clark
President
TEAM Unlimited/XTERRA
Fun for all at the community
picnic
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office Incline Substation would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of those who braved the questionable weather and attended the Annual Community Picnic. We could not have done it without the support of our very generous sponsors from the community. Our thanks, also, to the many agencies that represent the finest in public service in North Lake Tahoe for their displays, demonstrations and information.
The Incline High School ROTC unit, the Child ID station staff, the blood pressure nurse from IVCH, the Lions Club, CERT, the Incline Marine 9 Auxiliary, Red Cross, Pet Network and Dick Minto were instrumental in making this day a big success. A lively band, good barbecued food, bouncy house, and great raffle prizes rounded out a fun day at Aspen Grove. Thank you to all the parents who brought their kids out on a chilly day!
WCSO Incline Substation Picnic Committee
