Editor's Note

Thanks a Bunch

Courtesy

It's an old chestnut for columnists to come up with the list of what they're grateful for when Thanksgiving rolls around. This week, our longtime columnist Tom Danehy does just that and I'm sure you'll enjoy his list.

Given that Danehy beat me to the punch, I really shouldn't do it myself—but the truth is, there's a lot to be thankful for this year.

First, family. My wife Jennifer and I are blessed beyond belief to have the two sweet girls we're raising. All the exhaustion that comes with chasing around those lil' kids vanishes every time I hear their laughter. And we're so fortunate to have the extended family here in Tucson—our siblings, our nieces and nephews, the girls' grandparents.

I'm thankful for the remarkable crew we have here at Tucson Weekly and the rest of the Tucson Local Media empire. I'm lucky beyond belief to have such a great crew working for me here in the editorial department. And you wouldn't have this paper in your hand if it weren't for the rest of the Tucson Local Media team who put the papers together and sell ads and keep the trains running (more or less) on time. In an age when alt-weekly papers seem to be an endangered species, we're still going strong. A big thanks goes out to the advertisers who continue to support our efforts down here. And of course, I'm grateful for all you readers who continue to pick up the paper each week.

So now that you've picked it up, here's what you'll find in this week's paper: We've got the details on the best holiday events coming up, as well as some ideas about where you might want to do some holiday shopping. Staff writer Christopher Boan looks at Rio Nuevo's plans for a major Tucson Convention Center makeover; arts writer Margaret Regan checks out a show of work by acclaimed local painter Alfred Quiroz; music contributor Brett Callwood gets a glimpse of former Barenaked Lady Steven Page ahead of his show next week at 191 Toole; movie critic Bob Grimm says you should get a taste of Wildlife; Chow writer Mark Whittaker slurps down ramen at Fat Noodle's new brick-and-mortar; Cannabis 520 columnist Nick Meyers profiles an entrepreneur who is building a massive greenhouse on the southeast side. And there's plenty more in the book, so settle in and give it a read before you use it for kindling in your fireplace.

See you at downtown's Christmas tree lighting!

— Jim Nintzel Executive Editor

Hear Nintz talk about what's happening in Tucson's entertainment scene Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. during The Frank Show on KLPX, 96.1 FM.