Reporter’s Notebook

LAS VEGAS MARKETING FIRM R&R PARTNERS is best known for the whole "What happens here" phenomenon, but they also produced another campaign with legs: The old lady who gives her water-wasting neighbor a swift kick to the conscience.

On Thursday, Mrs. Nuttington, as she is known, helped R&R win a $1.9 million extension of its marketing contract with the Southern Nevada Water Authority.

Now R&R plans to go viral with the crotch-kicking old lady. "She's going to be Twittering," said company CEO Billy Vassiliadis.

There is also a plan in the works for the water authority to start handing out a "Mrs. Nuttington Water Hero Award."

Vassiliadis showed a mock-up of the certificate on Thursday. It features a silhouette, in regal blue, of what might just go down as the groin kick heard 'round the world.

HENRY BREAN

OVERHEARD ON THE SCANNER: Dispatcher: "He's a white male in a hospital gown."

Police officer: "Copy. I just found him at the bus stop."

A GROUP OF ABOUT 30 RABID "STAR TREK" fans from three states gathered at Valley of Fire State Park recently to dress up like Klingons and share a feast under the stars.

Colorado Klingon Bruce Kesler understands what he is doing is considered nerdy. But it at least it's more social and active than other dorky hobbies.

"It's a little cooler than (collecting) coins or comic books or Hot Wheel cars," Kesler joked. "Wait, I collect Hot Wheels."

HENRY BREAN

THERE IS AN UNEXPECTED BENEFIT to holding the annual Klingon gathering in the Nevada desert instead of Colorado: Denver club member Arilyn Starling said it's easier to breathe in her Klingon corset here than it is in the high mountain air.

HENRY BREAN

OF COURSE, BENEATH ALL THE LEATHER AND FUR and forehead ridges, the Klingons belong to a club like any other. There are personality conflicts and power struggles that lead to infighting. Some members seem to take their roles far too seriously, others not seriously enough. And the fractures among members can sometimes breed whole new fan club chapters.

As Starling explained, "We're all technically human."

HENRY BREAN

OVERHEARD ON THE SCANNER: "He's not dangerous; he's just special."

CORRIDOR OF HOPE ALLIANCE VOLUNTEER Rich Ariola knows how to help the down-and-out find a variety of services: jobs, temporary housing, food and clothing. But one recent request at the alliance's downtown office left the burly 44-year-old stumped.

"This lady, she just got out of jail and she wanted tampons," the New York City native and Harley-Davidson motorcycle aficionado said. "I don't have tampons. I told her I just ran out."

LYNNETTE CURTIS