Bill Neal

It may seem strange that a musician would tap into a vein of calm to bring power to his work. But it makes perfect sense to Bill Neal. He has to block out the ruckus of everyday life to capture the mood for playing his traditional Native American flutes. "We're becoming numb to all of the manufactured sounds that invade our space on a daily basis," said Neal, who counts Cherokees among his ancestors and performs under the name Elk Whistle.

It may seem strange that a musician would tap into a vein of calm to bring power to his work. But it makes perfect sense to Bill Neal. He has to block out the ruckus of everyday life to capture the mood for playing his traditional Native American flutes. "We're becoming numb to all of the manufactured sounds that invade our space on a daily basis," said Neal, who counts Cherokees among his ancestors and performs under the name Elk Whistle.

An outstretched hand hovers over a pond, then lowers until just the fingertips kiss the pond's silent face. The touch is brief and gentle, but it sets the still surface into soft, circular ripples. It's a soothing image, one that Native American flutist Bill Neal says he tries to impart to audiences wherever he goes.

An outstretched hand hovers over a pond, then lowers until just the fingertips kiss the pond's silent face. The touch is brief and gentle, but it sets the still surface into soft, circular ripples. It's a soothing image, one that Native American flutist Bill Neal says he tries to impart to audiences wherever he goes.

Opening Day--Hours are 10 a.m. to midnight. Kids' Day--children age 12 and younger are admitted free all day. All day * Embroidery Artistry by the Embroidery Guild of America * Quilting Quicks and Ques by Southern California Quilters * Timeless Techniques in China Painting by California China Painters Art Assn. * Demonstrations by the Gem Carvers Guild of America 10 a.m. * Junior poultry judging (until 3 p.m.) * Open breeding swine judging (until 5 p.m.

Regarding Judith Michaelson's Sept. 30 article on the Von Bulow case, "It Begged to Be a Movie": The movie begs to be boring. Just when American society is faced with possible war with Iraq, a possible economic recession, AIDS, poverty, homelessness and environmental woes, along comes another movie we can all relate too. Yes, another multimillion-dollar movie about wasted lives and miserable self-absorption. Another journey into the lives of the rich and meaningless. Come on, Hollywood, give us something that can make a difference in our lives.

Senior quarterback Craig Wallace threw a 33-yard touchdown pass with 1:25 left in the game to lead Chico State to a 44-38 nonconference victory over visiting Sacramento State on Saturday night. Wallace completed 25 of 45 passes for 307 yards and 3 touchdowns. Chico (3-2) led, 21-17, at the half, but Sacramento State (1-2-1) pulled ahead, building a 38-28 margin with 11:24 left in the game. Sacramento quarterback Phil Hickey was 16 of 28 for 262 yards and 2 touchdowns.