Thursday, Sept. 12, 2002 | 8:16 a.m.
In the past day or so, we have relived the terrible devastation and horror of the events of Sept. 11.
Some of us recall the horror of the sneak attack by the Japanese on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
There was the same anger, frustration and disbelief we felt on Sept. 11.
In both cases, our nation was the victim of willful deceit and treachery.
And, in both cases we have been able to dig out from the rubble and carry on the great traditions of the United States of America.
Our nation, indivisible (and yes, under God) shall not perish.
After the inspirational programs of the past few days, it is fitting that we look forward to a worthy project -- the National Day of Service -- sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons.
Sept. 26 has been set as a time to encourage citizens to continue, renew or begin volunteer work.
Actually, the idea for such a day grew out of the tragedy of Sept. 11.
Four national organizations are participating with AARP in the special day -- Points of Light Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Habitat for Humanity and Faith in Action.
"Our goal is to provide opportunities for citizens to improve their communities," William Brown, AARP coordinator for Day of Service, said.
Last year volunteers worked on many different projects, gathering food for the homeless, tutoring disadvantaged children, caring for the elderly, cleaning up neighborhoods and assisting with community programs.
Information on volunteering can be found on the website aarp.org/dayofservice or through local chapters of the four organizations.
The sorrow and disbelief friends and associates still feel over the tragic death of the Sun's Sandy Thompson has been aggravated, as information regarding the driver who caused her death has come forth. The driver was reported to have high levels of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, in his system at the time of the fatal accident.
Marijuana, speed and reckless disregard for other drivers is a potent mixture.
Success at last -- or is it?
The Nevada State College in Henderson is up and running with barely 200 students. Certainly not an auspicious start.
Hopefully the fledgling university can fulfill all the expectations of the Board of Regents and its supporters.
How many people actually fall for those innocuous e-mails promising untold riches if you participate in a scheme to deposit foreign money in your name in an international or state bank?
The plots are imaginative and enticing, but neglect to warn that you seldom get something for nothing.
While all kinds of devious methods to separate you from your money are hatched on the Web, federal regulators also warn against telemarketers who prey on people with poor credit.
The scams involve false credit cards, fraudulent debt reduction programs or promises to erase poor credit ratings.
Federal officials investigating the schemes point out that they prey on the most vulnerable --- the jobless, those with credit problems or persons who need money for emergencies.
In all such cases the best rule to follow is the old caveat emptor -- let the buyer beware.
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