Cover Story
And They’re Off!
The 2014 campaign season officially kicked off last week with the filing deadline to run for federal, state and local office. The one obvious trend: There are a lot more Republicans than Democrats running for office this year. Republicans have seven gubernatorial candidates; three candidates in each of the two most competitive congressional races in…
Word Odyssey: Malapropisms and Other Means of Mangling Language
This column strives to be a vast suppository of information about the English language, because I believe that the amount of education you have determines your loot in life. Now, you may think I meant to say “repository of information” instead of “suppository”, and “lot in life” rather than “loot”, but I meant to say…
Word Odyssey: How the Amazon River Got Its Name—Part II
Unlike in later years, the lands bordering this stretch of the mighty river, down which Orellana and his men were headed, was densely populated, kingdoms made prosperous by elaborate techniques for farming turtles, manioc, maize, llamas, nuts, peppers, honey, pineapples, avocados, and other goods. In one region people harvested rubber and manufactured devices from it.…
Word Odyssey – How the Amazon River Got Its Name—Part I
In February, 1541, Gonzalo Pizarro left the South American city of Quito in search of El Dorado, a fabled city of gold, with an expedition consisting of 220 Spanish soldiers, 4,000 native porters, 200 horses, over 2,000 swine, 2,000 war hounds, and countless llamas. The arduous trek over the Andes cost Pizarro nearly all of…
Word Odyssey: A Pair of Haboobs—and Other Arabic Loan Words
When an Arizona weatherman used the Arabic word haboob to describe a Phoenix area dust storm, one outraged listener railed: “I am insulted that local TV news crews are now calling this kind of storm a haboob… hearing some Middle Eastern term?” Apparently haboobs come in pairs, because another one followed just a few days…
Your Guide to The Loft Cinema’s All-Nite Scream-O-Rama
This week, on Friday the 13th, On Friday, June 27, the Loft Cinema presents another All-Nite Scream-O-Rama. This year’s lineup is one of the all-time best. Featured are heavy hitters George Romero, Wes Craven and Tobe Hooper, along with a healthy dose of new blood with Adam Wingard’s terrifying 2011 flick You’re Next. The horror…
‘All by Myself’ Airport Lip-Sync Video Gets 7 Million Hits in Three Days
The airport can be the best place in the world if you some creativity and a background in lighting design. Richard Dunn was stuck at the McCarran International because he was bumped off two consecutive Delta Air Lines flights. Dunn had some time to kill, so he googled songs about being alone and came across some…
Does John Huppenthal Write Blog Comments As Thucydides and Falcon9?
When I was writing at Blog for Arizona, we had two regular and very prolific anonymous commenters on many of our posts, Thucydides and Falcon9. It’s looking very much like they’re both the same person, and that person is Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal. Bob Lord began hinting at this on BfA awhile back,…
Video: ‘Dumb and Dumber To’ Trailer is Finally Here
The Dumb and Dumber sequel is coming, and they still have that shaggy dog van. While it’s been 20 years since the first movie hit theaters, we try our best to forget Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd. Nevertheless, it’s nice to see Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne reunited in another stupid, romantic journey. Dumb…
Dave Chappelle Says He’s 7 Years Late to Work
We don’t have to tell you what kind of cultural impact Dave Chappelle’s variety show had on the world in 2003. But sketch comedy has never been the same since. After two seasons, Chappelle decided that he couldn’t return back to Comedy Central for a third season of the Chappelle in 2006 due to creative…
Check Out Josh Levine on The SideStreets Podcast
Those of you might know Josh Levine as that guy that writes about the live music scene for the Weekly, or the guy in Hairspray Fire and Girls. Levine was a guest on Nick Prevenas’ SideStreets tumblr podcast. You might hear yourself talking in the background because interview took place in the smoking patio at Che’s Lounge. From psych revival…
Looking For A Mailbox?
Did you know, there’s an online map showing you the location of every mailbox in Tucson? You’re welcome.
Dems File Suit To Knock Ethan Orr From Ballot
Attorney Jeff Rogers, representing Legislative District 9 voter Paul Hilts, has filed a lawsuit today to knock state Rep. Ethan Orr from the 2014 ballot. Orr, a freshman Republican in a swing district that includes midtown Tucson and the Catalina Foothills, would be facing two Democrats, state Rep. Victoria Steele and political newcomer Randy Friese,…
President Obama Conducted Q&A on Tumblr
President Obama is answering some questions off the White House Tumblr page. The interview is taking place live and students are encouraged to ask questions on education and college affordability. Go to whitehouse.gov for more information. (via Yahoo)
Video Introducing Ed Supe Candidate David Garcia
Full disclosure: I support David Garcia for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction and recently had an event for him at my home. Clearly, I want more people to know about and support this excellent candidate. But I’m also interested in educating voters about the candidates running for the office. If any of the other three…
Neyoy Granted Work Permit and Stay of Removal
Daniel Neyoy Ruiz, his family and the Southside Presbyterian Church congregation are celebrating tonight with news that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) granted Neyoy a work permit and stay of removal. A press conference and community event takes place tomorrow, Tuesday, June 10, at 12 Noon at Southside Presbyterian Church, 317 W 23rd Street (10th…
Nine Questions With Henry Barajas
So, I have decided to ask myself these questions so I can know what it’s like to be put on the spot and define my musical tastes for all of you to admire and or judge. Full disclosure: I used to play the trumpet when I was a lad, so I’m qualified and of sound…
In Which I Discuss The Nature Of Blogging
Image courtesy of shutterstock.com I truly love the comments on my posts, including the ones from people who disagree with me. I often read them multiple times. Lots to learn from both sides of the argument. That being said, some people without much to say figure they’re making a point by commenting about my failings…
The Iron Maidens Are Coming to the Casino Del Sol on Thursday
Run to the hills because The Iron Maidens are coming. The self proclaimed world’s lone Iron Maiden cover band will be performing a free show at 8 p.m., Thursday, June 12, at the Paradiso Bar & Lounge in the Casino Del Sol, 5655 W. Valencia Road. The rockers have their very own Eddie mascot. This might be better than the original…
Sir Mix-a-Lot Performs ‘Baby’s Got Back’ With Seattle Symphony
Some things go together because it just feels right. Sir Mix-a-Lot is still riding the never ending fascination that “Baby’s Got Back” induces, and finds new ways to make it appealing. Chief Boot Knocka’s performed his celebrated hit with the help of the Seattle Symphony on Friday. Sir Mix-a-Lot asked some lovely ladies in the audience to join him…
John Oliver Slams FIFA on ‘Last Week Tonight’
Apparently, Soccer is a religion everywhere except for the United States. FIFA, also known as the The Fédération Internationale de Football Association, will be holding the 2014 World Cup in an extremely remote location in Brazil. Brazilians aren’t happy about this, but FIFA doesn’t care. The country is allowing the soccer organization forgo paying $250 million…
Nicolas Cage and Andrew Dice Clay Dressed Up for GNR Show
The Internet feeds off of Nicolas Cage’s unexplainable antics. We can’t confirm if Cage and Andrew Dice Clay decided to get dressed in the dark before going to see Guns N’ Roses in Las Vegas on Sunday. But I’m glad the poor soul that manages the GNR social media duties snapped this epic picture that…
A Successful Chicago Charter School — And The Story Behind It
The Star ran an AP story in its Sunday edition, Inner-city charter school applauds its first batch of college graduates. It’s about a Chicago charter school, Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men, where 100% of the graduates are admitted to college. Since these are young black men from the inner city, that’s a significant…
Begger Needs a Home
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona presents Begger, a 14-year-old domestic short-hair male Reference no.: 779159 Begger knows that all you need is love. This special sweetheart is discovering just how wonderful life with humans can be. After spending most of his 14 years in an outdoor enclosure with many other cats, Begger is searching…
The Sonoran Soundtrack for Your Weekend
Occasional Tucson Weekly contributor Jason Woodbury has compiled the second volume of his series of Arizona music rarities for the blog Aquarium Drunkard. Give the mix a download and bask in the “sunbaked soul, psych, country, garage, and folk,” including Roy & the Dew Drops (above) from 1967.
Bookmans Warehouse Sale This Weekend
Here’s some good news for those of you that still buy tangible objects. Bookmans Exchange is having a two-day warehouse sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 7, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 8. There will be books, DVDs, music, sporting goods, furniture, books and much more for sale. The warehouse is located on…
Get Well, Tiger
We have some good news and some bad news. Bad news: Tom Ziegler, legendary Tucson Bartender also known as Tiger, was in a car accident earlier this week, according to the Hotel Congress Facebook page. Good news: Tiger is doing alright and will be released on Monday. Here’s the official word from Congress: Tucson’s favorite bartender, Tiger,…
Surly Wench Pub Celebrates 10 Years of Service
It’s five o’clock somewhere, and it’s always time to drink at the Surly Wench Pub. The Wench is celebrating its 10-year anniversary of geek nights, art shows, air hockey, burlesques, manly manlesque, dance nights, live concerts, booze, friends and everything in between. So in honor of the decade of party, the Wench slapped together this nostalgic YouTube video…
Where to Get Donuts in Tucson on National Doughnut Day
If you don’t have a donut near your mouth then you’re doing Friday all wrong. Today is National Donut day, so here are some shops I think you should visit in honor of this savory holiday. This list is not in any particular order, so don’t kill me. Le Cave’s Bakery: This South Tucson bakery…
Irony Alert: Goldwater Institute Asks Me To “Clear Up Some Factual Inaccuracies”
Image courtesy of shutterstock.com Are school bus drivers “bureaucrats”? The Goldwater Institute insists they are, even though no reasonable person or respectable dictionary would agree. More on that later. Tuesday, Goldwater Institute’s Communications Director Lucy Caldwell contacted me about “clearing up some factual inaccuracies in a story you published last week.” I had a perfectly…
A Very Frightening Story From BASIS San Antonio
This horror story written by a parent of a child at BASIS San Antonio deserves to be read in its entirety. I don’t know enough about the daily education at BASIS charters to write about the curriculum, pedagogy or atmosphere at the schools, which is why I stay away of those topics in my posts.…
Save the Scenic Santa Ritas Shouted ‘Let There be Hope,’ And There Was Hope
The Save the Scenic Santa Ritas coalition filed a lawsuit yesterday to overturn the state’s air pollution permit for the proposed Rosemont Mine. You can read the court filing here. According to a SSSR press release, the lawsuit intends to show that the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality illegally approved Rosemont’s air pollution permit application:…
Word Odyssey: A Roman Holiday – Words from Ancient Rome
Image courtesy of Shutterstock Veni, vidi, vici—I came, I saw, I conquered. That was Julius Caesar’s famous dispatch to Rome after he and his legions dispatched King Pharnaces. While I didn’t conquer anything on my trip to Rome, I can say I ate a lot of food, drank a lot of wine and picked up…
Preview of Isaiah Toothtaker’s Emoji Book
It’s Isaiah Toothtaker week here at The Range. You all saw his latest video on SPIN and downloaded Toothtaker’s free album. But the best news I heard all week is the fact that he’s publishing a book comprised of emojis. Here’s a preview from his Instagram account:
Cinema Showdown: The Filthiest People Alive Vs. The Purple One Edition
At some point in the 1970s, art house theaters began keeping their box offices open into the wee hours. Film snobs, stoners, freaks and the curious flocked to films that offered all sorts of outlandish onscreen behavior. The king daddy (or better yet, the queen daddy) of them all was The Rocky Horror Picture Show.…
True TV
Doin’ Time Orange Is the New Black Friday, June 6 (Netflix) Season Premiere: How badly did Piper (Taylor Schilling) beat down Pennastucky (Taryn Manning) at the end of Season 1? The bigger, more unexpected question is, were the two alone at the scene? Orange Is the New Black grew stealthily and deliberately from a pretty-white-girl-goes-to-prison…
DVD Roundup
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit An operative (Chris Pine) in the CIA’s Financial Intelligence Unit (sure, it’s a thing) uncovers a Russian plot to collapse the U.S. economy and flips into action-spy mode to save the day. Shouldn’t this be called Shadow Accountant? (Paramount) Non-Stop A U.S. Air Marshal (Liam Neeson) receives a mysterious text demanding…
Shovel: Shovel
From the outset of Shovel’s self-titled debut cassette, it’s clear that the band’s roots lie in the various scenes of the late-’80s Pacific Northwest that spawned, most influentially, Riot Grrrl and grunge rock. Of course, these movements were instrumental in shaping the aesthetic of the alternative rock that defined much of the ’90s, but by…
California Dreaming
Almost two dozen California lawmakers stood by silently as yet another chance to regulate medical marijuana in the state died silently in the state assembly, but California’s Senate passed a bill that would do some of the same things, albeit with much more stringent restrictions. It’s indicative of what’s happening around the nation. Assembly Bill…
Jax, Redux?
When the Metzger family announced in January that Jax Kitchen would be closing in February, they also announced that they would be opening Poppy Kitchen just a week after the closing of Jax, and that many of the same menu items would be available at the new location, in the former Janos and JBar building…
Ask A Mexican!
Dear Mexican: I am a Mexican who owns a successful wholesale liquidation business, which happens to be an industry dominated by Jews and Asians and some gringos. So why does almost everyone, including mexicanos, that visit my warehouse think my business or any successful business (for that matter) is always owned by a Jew or…
Semantic Spaces
After running a recent blog post on local organizations celebrating former Senator Dennis DeConcini’s departure from the Corrections Corporation of America board of directors, we heard from a CCA spokesperson that a correction was in order. This isn’t the first time the Nashville-based corporation asked the Tucson Weekly to run a correction of previous posts…
The Drunk and the Ice Queen
There’s an embrace between Clive Owen and Juliette Binoche in Words and Pictures that is downright creepy in its artificiality. Seconds after sniping at the other’s faults — she’s an ice queen, he’s a drunk — they turn to one another, hug, and let out great big laughs. Oh, it’s fun to find a friend.…
Now on Shelves
The Last Kind Words Saloon Larry McMurtry Liveright Publishing $24.95; 224 pages; fiction Words feature thematically in this spare Wyatt Earp novella by novelist, essayist and screenwriter Larry McMurtry. Few of them are kind. And many are left unsaid. The Last Kind Words Saloon opens in Long Grass, Texas. After Earp’s stints in Dodge and…
The Life at Reilly
For the last few years, downtown’s Scott and Co. was the gold standard in Tucson’s cocktail scene — particularly if you take recent Best of Tucson® results into account. But, as Frost wrote, nothing gold can stay, and many of the talented folks who’ve spent time behind their bar have spread out to ply their…
Editor’s Note
The first month of life at the Tucson Weekly under new ownership has been a little strange at times, but hey, we made it into June, even with the challenges of working with new people, temporarily having two offices and just the general issues that come with new systems and ways of doing things. Nearly…
Theme Songs for People
Twenty-two-year-old Clay Dudash is an interesting character. Naturally charismatic, raised in rural Nevada surrounded by the hip-hop music he inherited from his older brother and sister, and then finding his own musical voice by turning the emotionally detached sounds of the ’00’s post-punk revival into warm hearted folk, this would be troubadour, complete with a…
Serraglio
Aahhh. Hear all that peace and quiet? Nothing but the buzz of cicadas and snoozing desert rats. It’s the sound of June in the dusty old pueblo. The college kids are gone. Snowbirds, too. And the tourons are detouring to the high country. It’s safe to be on the streets again. Or not. The past…
Nine Questions
You may have seen Adam Yeater’s “commix” on your way out of Bookmans. Yeater is local comic book creator and fine artist that’s famous for his on-going story, One Last Day. The funny book consists of his strangely simplistic character committing suicide at the end of every page. It doesn’t look like the indie artist…
Noshing Around
Visit Singapore Without the Airfare Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails rolled out their annual Downtown’s Across the Globe concept last week, beginning in Singapore. The Southeast Asian country has a very eclectic and unique cuisine, fitting for a Janos dining experience. The regional menu features such dishes as Pork Belly/Pineapple Satay, Singapore Chili Crab with fried…
Contemporary on the Cruise
Scott Baker and Mary Ann Hesseldenz are bringing a whole new genre to a corner of town where bathtubs once were sold. “It will be pop surrealist LA lowbrow,” says Hesseldenz of the paintings Baker + Hesseldenz Fine Art plan to exhibit. Located in the Tucson Warehouse and Transfer Co. building at Sixth Street and…
Danehy
My wife, Ana, and I just had our 36th wedding anniversary. I celebrated it; she kinda’ endured it. Thus it has always been. We’ve pretty much never been on the same page, going all the way back to when I met her in college. She was a beauty queen, college Homecoming Queen, an absolute knockout.…
Teen Turmoil
Yet another Coppola throws down as a director with Palo Alto, the uneven but ultimately OK (and very good looking) debut from Gia Coppola. For those of you keeping score, Gia is the granddaughter of Francis Ford Coppola, the niece of Sofia and Roman Coppola, cousin of Nicolas Cage and Jason Schwartzman, grandniece of Talia…
Immigration Central
Standing outside the Greyhound bus depot on Wednesday, May 28 at 9 p.m., a woman leans against the railing, takes a deep breath and looks across the parking lot at the I-10 traffic. A break from the noise and activity inside, where about 20 other women and their children, more than 10 children—crying, laughing, playing…
The Skinny
RTA BALLOTS ON THE ROAD TO DESTRUCTION The Arizona Supreme Court recently upheld an appeals court decision that will likely bring an end to the litigation over the 2006 Regional Transportation Authority election. The Weekly has done extensive reporting on the RTA election and the subsequent legal battles over the last eight years, but to…
Primer
WHO IS HE? Tech N9ne, a guy who can either sell out the Rialto or come very close every time he comes to town, probably doesn’t need our promotional help. After all, every time he releases a new album (like last month’s Strangeulation, part of Tech’s collaborations series, which features a track with Tucsonan Murs,…
Live
Infernal Awakening and Casket Birth, Space Smoke Shop, Sunday, June 1 Joshua Levine Casket Birth seems to have taken the most extreme sub-genres of metal as far as they can realistically go. The bass-less trio played one rant after another, mixing blast beats played faster than a programmed drum machine could reproduce and scooped-toned guitar…
Soundbites
WE’RE AN INDUSTRY I was a little concerned this week that the number of articles we have in the music section previewing concerts (features on Clay Dudash and Mute Swan, a primer on Tech N9ne, a review of a tape by Shovel) that there might not be much left for me to cover in Soundbites…
Open Every Door
Mute Swan is a fairly new local rock band. They’ve only played one show to date and have not issued any recordings. The quartet’s relevance lies within its artistic greatness rather than popularity and how Mute Swan represents a watershed moment in the coalescing of Tucson’s thriving neo-psychedelic scene, and how rapidly it’s progressing. Along…
Media Watch
KUAT UNVEILS METRO WEEK, MAKES MASSIVE REVAMP TO ARIZONA ILLUSTRATED PBS affiliate AZPM is adding a weekly local public affairs program and is in the process of dramatically retooling Arizona Illustrated. Andrea Kelly will host Metro Week. The debut is June 6. The half hour program, which will air Friday nights at 8:30 and Sunday…
Fraud At A Goldwater Institute-Run STO [Headline correction below]
Ann-Eve Pedersen looks at the theft of half a million dollars by an employee of the STO, Arizona School Choice Trust (ASCT), in a segment of our cable access program, Education: The Rest of the Story. “STO” is short for School Tuition Organization, an organization that uses tuition tax credits, aka backdoor vouchers, to pay…
