Cover Story
Jan. 8: One Year Later
The horror erupted on Jan. 8, 2011, at 10:11 a.m. More than 30 gunshots. Six dead. Thirteen wounded. Countless lives shattered. The recovery started later that day. It would take many shapes: The shrines of flowers, photos and candles that spread across the University Medical Center lawn. The inspiring words of a president. A new…
John Hodgman Is Coming to the Rialto
I have no idea what he’ll be doing on stage, but I am quite excited that John Hodgman is coming to the Rialto Theatre on March 3rd. You might know Mr. Hodgman from his appearances on The Daily Show, This American Life, or his informational books. Also, he was the PC in those somewhat obnoxious…
Thanks for the Flowers, PETA
Today in “strange things that happen around here” news: We received a shipment of flowers from PETA thanking our editorial board for its piece on the Reid Park Zoo elephant situation. Even stranger, the note on the flowers said that 10% of the cost of the flowers was donated to PETA. So, they managed to…
The Restaurant at Nur Market Is Being Revamped
We’ve gotten word that the fantastic restaurant inside Nur Market at 3565 E. Speedway Blvd. is being revamped. This is good news for those who love the awesome African food the place produces but weren’t as thrilled with the sort of lawn-furniture motif inside. The restaurant is closed right now, but we hear it should…
Al “Dick” Perry on Fox News!
23 Candidates on Arizona’s Primary Ballot: MyFoxPHOENIX.com Presidential candidate Al “Dick” Perry has made quite a splash in the news after yesterday’s drawing to determine the ballot order for candidates in Arizona’s Feb. 28 presidential primary. He made it onto Fox News in Phoenix yesterday and was mentioned all over the web, including a story…
New Cocktail Class Series
What Aaron DeFeo does with liquor is about as close to alchemy as I ever expect to get. I remember one afternoon when he mixed an ancient recipe for what he called “the original martini” and how the three or four liquors used morphed into a new flavor that tasted nothing like any of the…
The Tucson Weekly Poll of the Day
Quipol More to come from Mari Herreras in the coming days regarding the decision last night, but for now, do you think the TUSD School Board made the wrong decision?
Paton Considering Run in New Congressional District 1
Former state lawmaker Jonathan Paton is considering a run for Congress this year in the new Congressional District 1. “I’ve been talking to people about it,” says Paton, who lost a GOP primary in 2010 to Jesse Kelly, the Republican newcomer who would go on to lose to Congreswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Congressional District 8…
Talking to Jamie Hyneman of the Mythbusters
Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage of the Discovery Channel show Mythbusters are coming to Tucson as part of their Behind the Myths tour, performing at Centennial Hall this Saturday at 7:30 pm. I talked to Hyneman on the phone, discussing how the show came about and what Tucson audiences can expect: DG: How did the…
Tucson Will Be Seen During the Super Bowl
However, it will be during an advertisement for Skechers, and the part of town that makes it on camera? Tucson Greyhound Park, and animal rights activists aren’t happy: In the spot, the tiny dog — bedecked in Skechers new GOrun shoes — races a pack of greyhounds. But that, too, is raising eyebrows from an…
Critter of the Week [Dog Edition]: Wendi
Super-special pug Wendi is ready to share tons of love and devotion to a lucky someone; it might be you.Why is Wendi so special? 100% blind, with only one eye, Wendi maneuvers the world by touch, memory and scent. The only two rules about living with a blind dog are: be very verbal and don’t…
Feeling Good and Civil: Bring it to the TUSD Board Meeting Tonight
Mexican American Studies advisory board chair Raul Aguirre speaking at a Jan. 5 press conferecne with other members of the advisory board and community leaders. This past weekend, thousands of Tucsonans including my family, spent time remembering the victims of the Jan. 8, 2011 shooting and celebrating those who survived, saved the day and the…
Finally, the 80’s Pop Tribute to Tim Tebow
This is really confusing, mostly because I thought John Parr was British, and probably isn’t terribly invested in American football, but I suppose this was a better choice from the canon of 80’s film themes than “Tebow’s Theme (The Best Than You Can Do)” or “Tebow My Breath Away”.
Will TUSD Violate a Federal Court Order Tonight?
When the Tucson Unified School District governing board meets tonight it could mean several possibilities, including an expected vote to not appeal state Superintendent John Huppenthal’s recent ruling on Friday, Jan. 6 that the district’s Mexican American Studies classes are illegal. If the district appeals it would force the state to take their case before…
Please Don’t Make a “Goodfellas” TV Show
For me, Goodfellas is nearly a perfect movie. It tells a story, essentially from start to finish, and it’s exciting the entire time. So, naturally, someone has to try to ruin it by creating a TV version no one really asked for: AMC’s 1960s mad men may be soon joined by some goodfellas from the…
Al “Dick” Perry Lands No. 4 Spot on AZ Ballot. Texas Gov. Rick Perry in No. 17 Spot
The list of candidates for Arizona’s Feb. 28 presidential primary is complete—and Project White House 2012, the Weekly’s Reality Journalism competition, is underway! A total of 23 Republicans are on the ballot, which is one less than the 24 Republicans who were on the ballot in 2008. We would have gotten to 24 candidates this…
Quality Education in Korean Schools
Here’s another issue with TUSD…a serious Daft Punk deficiency in the educational process. What if synchronized sign holding is the job of the future? The Koreans are already way ahead of us. It’s sad, really. [Daily What]
Cruise With Kate Gosselin, If That Interests You
If you’re not busy August 12-19 of this year, you might want to consider spending a week on a cruise ship in the Caribbean Sea with Kate Gosselin. No, seriously, stop laughing. There are apparently people who think this would be a good way to spend their time. Here’s some of what you can expect…
Hello, Hellon: Former Chair of AZ Republican Party Files for Pima County Board of Supervisors Campaign
Mike Hellon, the former chairman of the Arizona Republican Party and a onetime Republican national committeeman, jumped into the race for Pima County Supervisor yesterday. Hellon, who last ran an unsuccessful campaign for Congress in 2006, wants the job of retiring Pima County Supervisor Ann Day. “This is not a decision I made lightly,” Hellon…
Adorable Puppy Being Adorable While Eating
I don’t understand how this puppy defies gravity while eating, but I have had a few meals in my life that made me feel that way too, so I understand. [Daily What]
The Coachella Lineup Is Out
Every time I’ve gone to Coachella, it seems like there are ton of Tucsonans there, so this might of interest to some of you. Mostly I’d really like to see Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg together on the same day as the Hives. That’s exactly the sort of thing that I enjoy.
If You Have TVOne, Watch “Unsung” Tonight
You might have some issues finding TVOne on your cable lineup – on DirecTV, it’s near BET, for what it’s worth – but the channel’s documentary series Unsung is a great look at the history of gospel and R&B. This week’s episode is a can’t miss, since it features the underrated musical genius Bobby Womack.…
Website With Links to Stuff Gets Giant Pile of Money
Buzzfeed has been a nice collection of what’s happening on the internet at any given time for awhile, and they’re making in-roads into driving their own editorial content with the help of Ben Smith, formerly of Politico, but I’m 1) surprised they’re actually making money and 2) trying to figure out if someone would give…
Gabby Comes Home: Students Cover Weekend Events
As it was in Jan. 2010 and 2008 before that, The New York Times Student Journalism Institute is back in Tucson. This time, five journalism students fro the University of Arizona are part of the program, joining 18 other students to provide a very talented and strong newsroom. This year’s group boasts a talented group…
Facebook Updates From Beyond the Grave
I’m not so much concerned about getting one last sentimental message out to the world via Facebook after I die, although it seems like I should have one last topical music video ready to post, but who will take care of my carefully tended game of Farmville after I depart the earth? Is there an…
Spotify Is Going to Be Somewhat Less Awesome Soon
It certainly was fun while it lasted, having unlimited free (with a few commercials mixed in) access to nearly all of the songs, but I suppose every party comes to an end. In one week, we’ll be marking the streaming music service’s six-month anniversary. And in one week, all those users who signed up for…
Welcome to the World, Blue Ivy Carter
I wasn’t quite sure how to put the birth of the future ruler of the universe as we know it into proper context, but thankfully the Taiwanese animated news service NMA is on it.
Where’s a Bingo MC Drag Queen When You Need One?
This past Saturday night my wife and I were excited to share with some friends a guilty pleasure of ours: Cosmic Bingo at Casino del Sol. And not because of the chance to win $100 in a cramped, smoky bingo hall. No, the real reason to go to this event — at least until now…
Shame on You, Sen. Rich Crandall
From the Arizona Republic’s Political Insider on Saturday: “If you’re going to beat your wife, at least have the decency to do it at home.” — Sen. Rich Crandall, R-Mesa, speaking at a Valley Leadership forum. He was reacting to Peoria Sen. Scott Bundgaard’s resignation following two days of ethics hearings. I’ve been trying to…
Welcome Home, Gabby
Jim Nintzel
Together We Heal
Arizona Public Media has created Together We Heal, a heartfelt documentary catching up with many of those affected by the shootings of Jan. 8. AZPM will also be streaming the REFLECTIONS program online from Centennial Hall this afternoon and airing the vigil on the mall tonight live on the PBS World Channel (Digital 27.3, Cox…
Our Post From January 8th, 2011
Here is our post on The Range from one year ago today, as we attempted to cover what was happening at the Safeway at Ina and Oracle and across town. For more on the year since the tragedy, read our cover features in this week’s issue. Updated: Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Critical Condition After Being…
Dear Christians, Please Stop Remaking Songs
It never turns out well and everyone involved just ends up feeling embarrassed. Related: I helped DJ a dance at a Christian high school recently and when we played a heavily edited version of “Super Bass”, it was one of the most floor-filling songs of the night. Maybe there are two kids in whatever youth…
Political Roundtable: Gabby’s Political Future, New Congressional Maps, State of the State & TUSD’s Ethnic Studies
Another lively edition of Political Roundtable from Arizona Illustrated, featuring the debut of Pima County Democratic Party chairman Jeff Rogers alongside Republican strategist Jonathan Paton, Arizona Public Media’s Andrea Kelly and moderator Jim Nintzel. We tackle Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ political possibilities, the new congressional and legislative maps, the upcoming legislative session and the latest trouble…
Somewhat Terrible Day, Quite Happy Song
Thursday, you were so good to me. Friday, you’ve been an awful pain, but thankfully still somewhat repairable with the assistance of the happiest song ever, Pogo’s musical pastiche of clips from the Pixar film Up. The song is nothing new, for sure (the original version has racked up 5.5 million views on YouTube, after…
The Latest in Tucson’s (Alleged) Criminal Element
Crime happens every day. No matter how many police officers patrol the streets, no matter what other prevention efforts are undertaken, it’s going to happen. There’s no way around it. All we can hope for is that the cops catch the bad guys, and in some cases, shed some light on some rather interesting (read:…
Scott Bundgaard Resigns
In the middle of his ethics hearing today, Arizona State Senator Scott Bundgaard quit. It probably would have been a little better for the institution of the Senate if he would have saved everyone some trouble and resigned earlier, but whatever. From Senate President-elect Steve Pierce: Today Senator Scott Bundgaard submitted a letter of resignation…
Today in Not Surprising at All Ethnic Studies News
State Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal ruled today that TUSD’s Mexican-American Studies program violates state law, so TUSD either has to drop the program, appeal the decision, or lose ten percent of their funding. Actually, even better, it appears that the Department of Education can yank funding retroactively, dating back to August 15th, which…
A Q&A Interview with Mark Stegeman: Before He Became TUSD Board President (Again)
Prior to our interview with Tucson Unified School District Superintendent John Pedicone, we interviewed TUSD governing board member Mark Stegemen, who was recently voted back as president of the board. Like Pedicone, Stegeman was asked to look back on this past year. When we met, the board had just met to pick members of selection…
George Lucas Really Wants You to Hate Star Wars
In France, a fast food chain is selling Darth Vader burgers with black-dyed buns. Apparently, everyone in the 3D version of The Phantom Menace will be drinking Lipton Brisk. There’s something almost admirable in how George Lucas seems to find new ways to obliterate any sentimentality for the original stories he created. Oh, you thought…
Big Trouble for Project White House
Might Jimmy McMillan run for president in Arizona? We’ll find out Monday!It’s the same old story: Forces in the state of Arizona are out to squash the voice of the little guy. The Arizona Secretary of State is telling potential candidates for Project White House 2012 that they are ineligible to run for president simply…
Mitt Romney, Political Outsider
[Update on my own stupidity: This is from the ’08 campaign, apparently. Still, the idea of Mitt Romney providing anything but a different perspective on the same old Washington money game is just absurd.] To be clear, Mitt Romney knows some lobbyists, they’re involved with his campaign, but since the head of his campaign isn’t…
Chupacabra Sighting in Tucson and the Beauty of an Open Mind
Illustration Ryn Gargulinski One rendition of a Chupacabra Hide the children and secure the goats — a Chupacabra was spotted in Tucson. Although this creepy creature was originally born of Puerto Rican myth, it has since materialized and made its way across several continents. The coyote-like critter has enjoyed sightings throughout the 1980s in South…
Want to See the B-52s at Casino Del Sol for Free?
The B-52s are coming to Casino Del Sol on January 15th, undoubtedly playing all of their party anthem hits. If you’d like to go for free, enter our giveaway for a pair of tickets courtesy of Casino Del Sol. A winner will be selected on January 12th at 5 pm and notified by email. Good…
Let’s Go See “The Muppet Movie” Together
As part of Second Saturdays downtown, Cinema La Placita is screening the 1979 classic The Muppet Movie on a wall off Congress (between Scott and Stone) on January 14th. The first screening starts at 6 pm, with another following at 7:40. Also, it should be noted that this is a great movie and you will…
Alana, My New Favorite Person Ever
It’s still very strange to me that someone would campaign against a show portraying some Muslims in Michigan to be just as boring as most Americans everywhere when the same network’s Toddlers & Tiaras exists, making the entire human race look bad. Still, you have to admire a six year old with a wicked head…
Get to Know Grimes
Grimes – Genesis by factmag She’s Canadian, she’s on 4AD, her music is influenced by New Jack Swing and Aphex Twin. Her name is Claire Boucher, she performs as Grimes, and her debut album Visions comes out on February 21st. “Genesis” is a song from that album, is awesome, and you can stream or download…
Together We Heal: Arizona Public Media Looks Back at Jan. 8
Arizona Public Media will air a one-hour special looking back at how the community has responded to the Jan. 8 shootings tonight at 8 p.m. The description from AZPM: Jan. 8, 2012 will mark the anniversary of the tragic shooting of 19 people at a Congress on Your Corner event in Tucson. Arizona Public Media…
This is What Every 80’s TV Title Sequence Is Like
Buildings – watch more funny videos I really feel like I grew to love some of those buildings. Title sequences used to mean something, now it’s all just corporate garbage. [Aziz is Bored]
Our Issue Looking at the Year Since January 8th Is Out
I generally assume that people who read The Range realize that we put out an issue every week, so I don’t always mention the great stuff we have outside of the blog. However, this week’s issue is particularly notable due to the subject matter and the excellent reporting involved, so if you haven’t read our…
The Expanded Tucson Weekly Q&A With John Pedicone
When we ran the interview with Tucson Unified School District Superintendent John Pedicone last week, we hoped to get the full interview up on the Range. Apologies for the delay, as well as the length of the interview below that goes over decisions on ethnic studies, transportation, desegregation litigation, special education issues and rumors about…
My New Favorite YouTube Series: Thin Wall Challenge
The best concepts for online videos operate on the simplest of ideas, and the Thin Wall Challenges fit that mold. A guy lives in an apartment with thin walls, his neighbors have sex a few times a week and it doesn’t last terribly long, so the guy challenges himself to accomplish Minute to Win It-style…
Today in Great Corrections in New York Times History
I can only imagine the nasty emails the New York Times received from angry Bronies wanting to clarify which pony is which. Bronies are serious about their passion. An article on Monday about Jack Robison and Kirsten Lindsmith, two college students with Asperger syndrome who are navigating the perils of an intimate relationship, misidentified the…
Judge Tells Gov. Jan, ‘Talk To The Hand.’
A federal judge has thrown out Arizona Gov. Jan’s lawsuit over the state’s medical marijuana program. Back in May, the governor, who had ordered the state Department of Health Services not to issue dispensary licenses as required by the state law passed by voters in 2010, asked the court to decide whether the state MMJ…
McCain: Romney “Has Had Two Positions, At Least, On Every Issue”
Sen. John McCain endorsed Mitt Romney in New Hampshire yesterday, leading the Democratic National Committee to assemble this video of McCain openly mocking Romney for his flip-flopping. So is McCain flip-flopping on his flip-flop charges? This is getting really meta.
Downing
So this morning, I sat down at my desk thinking I might write something about how much I love the Internet—and not just because I did 80 percent of my Christmas shopping on it this year. That’s one reason for my affection, but saying so would give the impression that I’m a shallow person. Not…
Noshing Around
Café a La C’Art expands; Asian buffet madness; Downtown gets a patio; The return of The Home Den; and more!
Moving Forward
When the Tucson Weekly talked to Mike Nowak almost one year ago, he was still recovering from the loss of his best friend, 76-year-old Dorwan Stoddard, who was killed on Jan. 8, 2011, while protecting his wife, Mavanell “Mavy” Stoddard. Mavy was shot in the legs three times. From a wheelchair at Dorwan’s funeral on…
Mailbag
More on Occupy; Young Adult is a serious film!; The Constitution stands up for marijuana use
More Faves From 2011
As always at this time of year, we’ve asked some of our resident music critics what their favorite albums of 2011 were. Three writers weighed in last week, and this week, we present three more opinions on the matter. Curtis McCrary (in no particular order) In the Annals of Pointlessness (which are kept in the…
Guns Galore
Scott Zike makes black holsters for pistols, assault rifles and any other manner of weapon in between. And he’s selling them with a vengeance on this gray December morning, his inventory dangling overhead like so many dead crows. Surrounding him is a sea of like-minded vendors at a gun show that fills one cavernous, rented…
Weekly Wide Web
I was trying to think of something to write about in this space that is unrelated to last year’s shooting, considering that so much of the copy in this week’s issue is already focused on Jan. 8, but it seems a little strange to talk about, say, an amusing app instead of the anniversary of…
Soundbites
Remembering January 8th; New music from Tucson musicians; Thank you, Tucson; and more!
Illness and Ignorance
A central issue in the case against accused Jan. 8 shooter Jared Lee Loughner involves his sanity: Does he suffer from mental illness, and if so, did that impact the events of that tragic day a year ago? Can he ever be restored to competency so he can be tried for the crimes? The uncertainty…
The Skinny
Doug Biggers leaves the Rialto; Rick Grinnell should leave the Rio Nuevo Board
Nine Questions
Don Gest began playing acoustic Irish music in 1975. He moved to Tucson in 1980 and soon began promoting Celtic and acoustic-folk concerts. For the Arizona Theatre Company, he works as the facility coordinator and house manager of the Temple of Music and Art. Since 1995, he’s been a host on Acoustic Alternative, which airs…
The Heroes
Bill Badger knows he’s lucky to be alive. The 75-year-old retired Army colonel went to the Congress on Your Corner event on Jan. 8 to talk to U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords about how federal health-care reform would affect his military benefits. When the shooting started, his first thought was that someone was tossing around fireworks…
Police Dispatch
Shirtless and spitting; Drugs and repos
Live
To hold a roast, in the Dean Martin tradition, is probably more old-school than even the founders of community gem KXCI FM 91.3 could have imagined. Cutting-edge clever, or fraught with disaster? This easily could have gone either way. Here was the premise: Stick four of the oldest, crustiest, longest-tenured volunteer DJs onstage for three…
Jan. 8 Briefs
Beyond Tucson Packs Jan. 7 With Events in Memory of Gabe Zimmerman, Other Shooting Victims Beyond Tucson: Commemorate, Celebrate, Commit—created by Gabe Zimmerman’s family and friends—is holding a wide variety of events on Saturday, Jan. 7. (For more on the creation of Beyond Tucson, see our TQ&A interview with Ross Zimmerman, Gabe’s father, in the…
Media Watch
The KMSB shuffle continues; The battle for ratings still too close to call; Churck Meyer returns to the radio
Aztec Two-Step : Cause and Effect (Red Engine)
With five engaging and completely different retrospectives behind them, Rex Fowler and Neal Shulman have long since mastered the art of repackaging and rerecording much of their best—if not best-known—works. With this collection of so-called “message songs,” the lads may have finally outdone themselves. Returning to the studio to commemorate their 40th anniversary, these vets—who…
In Memory Of
It was exactly three weeks before the shootings, on a typical Saturday in Tucson, when the phone at the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona rang. Gabrielle Giffords’ office ran an annual food drive, and the congresswoman was calling to say she wanted to come by and drop off the goods. “Down came Gabby and…
Re-enacting the Response
Just about everyone who was in Tucson on Jan. 8, 2011, had something to say about the shootings that day that killed six people and wounded 13, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Michael Fenlason, of Beowulf Alley Theatre Company, decided to write down some of those responses—and the result is the play Word Clouds. Last…
Guided by Voices: Let’s Go Eat the Factory (Guided by Voices Inc.)
GBV’s latest is a “let’s get the band back together” album, featuring what’s being marketed as the band’s “classic” lineup (Pollard, Sprout, Mitchell, Fennell, Demos). This is the same crew that put out the band’s (arguably) most-beloved trilogy of records: 1994’s Bee Thousand, 1995’s Alien Lanes and 1996’s Under the Bushes Under the Stars. As…
Not in a Vacuum
What was the ultimate meaning of the mass murder at the Safeway? What are we supposed to learn from such a perverse event? Did it mean nothing at all? These are uncomfortable questions. But as the anniversary comes around, it seems appropriate to reflect on whether this was a catastrophe that came out of nowhere,…
City Week
Dance collaboration; Love stories and injuries; Hip-hop dance making dreams come true; Abstract art
Rocket From the Tombs: Barfly (Fire)
During the last 30 years, many more music buffs have heard of this proto-punk band—active in Cleveland in 1974-1975 and responsible for spinning members off into Pere Ubu and the Dead Boys—than have actually heard its music. In fact, this album is the band’s first full-length studio recording of all-new material. Although founding member Peter…
TQ&A
Darren Rhodes, owner of YogaOasis, says his first experience with yoga came when his mother practiced hatha yoga while she was pregnant with him. Last September, Rhodes and Michael Longstaff, who did the photography and design, published Yoga Resource ($39.95). The book shows Rhodes doing a series of 400 yoga positions. For more info on…
Ask a Mexican!
Dear Mexican: In my hometown of Playa Larga (Long Beach, Calif.), natives refer to a major avenida in our villa, Junipero Avenue (named for Father Junipero Serra, accused native genocider, a candidate for sainthood—but I digress) as Juan-a-pear-o. There is no “Juan” in Junipero, but that’s how everyone in this town pronounces it. People who…
Pip Squeaks!
So the rockin’ holidays are over. The kids are heading back to school, which is just as well, because their holiday toys and treats have lost a bit of their luster. According to every store’s ads, items that were must-haves a few days ago have now been demoted to “clearance” status. And flipping through those…
Locked Up
Here we go again with the schedules. Late last month, Colorado, which has had medical marijuana on the books since voters passed it in 2000, jumped on the bandwagon with Vermont, Washington and Rhode Island to ask the federal government to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule 2 drug. (See “Off Schedule,” Dec. 8.) On the…
Last of a Breed
Harley Shaw and Mara Weisenberger’s fascinating new book, Twelve Hundred Miles by Horse and Burro: J. Stokely Ligon and New Mexico’s First Breeding Bird Survey, tells the story of one of the last great field biologists/explorers in the American Southwest—and one of the least-known. Shaw, one of our most-thoughtful and most-respected wildlife biologists, worked for…
Top Ten in Books
1. The Hunger Games Suzanne Collins, Scholastic ($8.99) 2. Thirteen Reasons Why Jay Asher, Razorbill ($10.99) 3. Inheritance Christopher Paolini, Knopf ($22.39, sale) 4. Death Comes to Pemberley: A Novel P.D. James, Knopf ($20.76, sale) 5. 77 Shadow Street Dean Koontz, Bantam ($22.40, sale) 6. Catching Fire Suzanne Collins, Scholastic ($17.99) 7. Unbroken: A World…
Top Ten in Music
1. Drake Take Care (Cash Money) 2. Adele 21 (XL) 3. The Black Keys El Camino (Nonesuch) 4. Young Jeezy TM 103: Hustlerz Ambition (CTE/Def Jam) 5. Korn The Path of Totality (Roadrunner) 6. Skrillex Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites (Big Beat/Atlantic) 7. Rise of the Planet of the Apes (DVD) 20th Century Fox 8. Amy Winehouse Lioness: Hidden Treasures (Universal Republic) 9. Foster…
Slow Burner
Almost 20 minutes goes by before George Smiley (Gary Oldman) says a word in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, and it’s this kind of quiet reservation that spills all over this adaptation of John le Carré’s classic spy caper. When Smiley finally does speak, he says only what he needs to—and the film reveals its information…
Top Ten in Movies
1. Midnight in Paris Sony 2. The Help Touchstone 3. Cowboys and Aliens Universal 4. Rise of the Planet of the Apes 20th Century Fox 5. The Hangover Part II Warner Bros. 6. The Debt Miramax 7. Apollo 18 Weinstein 8. Margin Call Roadside 9. Colombiana Sony 10. Warrior Lionsgate
Editor’s Note
After the shootings of Jan. 8, 2011, those of us here at the Tucson Weekly ripped up our planned Currents section for the Jan. 13 issue and dedicated the space to coverage and reaction to the tragedy. As we went to press that week, we were all still kind of stunned (like much of the…
Now Showing at Home
Contagion (Blu-ray); The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret: Series One; Apollo 18 (Blu-ray)
Danehy
There are election years that are set apart, like outcroppings of rock standing up stubbornly in a rushing stream with the flow of history bending around them. Years like 1950, when Richard Nixon used Red-baiting tactics to beat Helen Gahagan Douglas for a U.S. Senate seat from California and usher in a decade of paranoia…
French Delights
At Frogs Organic Bakery, owned by authentic French bakers, the wholesome breakfast and lunch fare is simple—perhaps even plain—while the pastries manage a superb balance of flavors, some of them subtle, without the slightest trace of French pastry-chef arrogance. Chef Jean-Luc Labat’s attitude toward food is neatly reflected in the bakery’s physical environment. It’s in…
Recovery in Process
It’s been one hell of a year for the people who work for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Giffords herself has been focused on recovering from the unthinkable: a gunshot wound to the head. Her district director, Ron Barber, who runs the Southern Arizona office, was shot twice and spent six months recovering before he could come…
Rep. Giffords to Attend Event on the University Mall
Gabrielle Giffords’ office has announced that the Congresswoman will attend Sunday night’s vigil on the University of Arizona Mall honoring those who lost their lives last year on Jan. 8th. From her office: TUCSON — U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords will attend a vigil at the University of Arizona Sunday evening to commemorate the anniversary of…
