Archive for April, 2010

Fashion students plan show for April 30

Pima Community College’s Introduction to Fashion class will host its annual fashion show on April 30 at 7 p.m. at the Proscenium Theatre on West Campus. The show is free and open to the public.

“Living the Dream,” a student-run event, will showcase more than 80 garments designed by students.

Elizabeth Smith, a PCC fashion instructor, sees the event as a major milestone in the careers of new designers.

“This show is about turning students’ fashion dreams into reality,” she said.

-By Mike Hawkins

Army service opens path to United States

By Samantha Munsey

Pima Community College student Ammar Alsamawy, 27, is earning a master’s degree in veterinary science, has one brother and one sister, likes to ice sculpt in his spare time and enjoys adventures to Mount Lemmon.

But, the most interesting fact about Alsamawy is that he was born and raised in a country very different from the United States.

Alsamawy, who has lived in Tucson since last summer, is originally from Baghdad, Iraq, a place most of us recognize from television and the news as being a site for war.

In Iraq, Alsamawy tried to lead a normal life as a veterinarian to local farm animals in his neighborhood.

“I mostly took care of large animals. Dogs, cats, cows, and chickens,” Alsamawy said. “Everything except horses.”

While following his usual work routine in September 2007, Alsamawy found himself caught in the middle of a Sunni and Shiite conflict. He was kidnapped and threatened with his life before being released.

“I was terrified, I thought I was going to die,” Alsamawy said.

Realizing the instability of his country and being concerned about safety for himself and his family, Alsamawy signed up for the U.S. Army.

“People who are from Iraq can get a special migration visa if they serve in the Army more than a year, so I did it,” Alsamawy said.

While in the Army, he worked as an interpreter for more than two years. During this period, he was able to learn English.

After completing his time, Alsamawy moved from Iraq with his family to the United States. He is currently residing in Tucson with his cousin, who also served in the U.S. Army in order to obtain a visa.

He is grateful to be out of Iraq and its ongoing turmoil of war and religious conflict. “My family is safer in Tucson,” Alsamawy said.

Since moving to Tucson, Alsamawy has had his fair share of culture shock, especially when it comes to everyday tasks.

“Completely different way of living,” Alsamawy said. “I didn’t even make my own food until I moved here.”

He was equally surprised to discover the weather in Tucson is much cooler and less humid than in Iraq.

Alsamawy enrolled in an English as a Second Language class at PCC, where he is working to perfect his English speaking skills and discover new things about American culture.

“I learn something new every day,” Alsamawy said.

His advice for people who are new to the United States: take any job that is available, work hard and try new things.

Ammar Alsamawy - Aztec Press photo by Gabi Pina

Iraqi student seeks peace and a new beginning

By Christine Woodrich

Ali Aljanabi left Baghdad, Iraq, last summer in hope of finding peace and a new beginning in the United States.

Growing up in Baghdad, Aljanabi had a happy childhood despite the constant war. He had a loving and supportive family, but with the country’s latest war, everything changed.

The peace and stability he knew as a child were gone. Instead of looking toward a bright future, Aljanabi’s family was simply looking for safety.

At this point, Aljanabi decided it was time to leave his home country for the United States in order to start life anew.

“United States was my goal because of the freedom and country of opportunity,” Aljanabi said.

In Baghdad, Aljanabi worked in information technology for an American company named BearingPoint. As a student at Pima Community College, he hopes to further his knowledge of computers and develop more IT skills.

But first, he says, he needs to better his English.

“Everyone thinks I’m Mexican!” Aljanabi said, as he described the typical greetings he receives from Latinos. “I cannot speak Spanish.”

However, Aljanabi did graduate with a bachelor’s degree in French studies from Al-Mustansiriya University in Baghdad. In his English as a Second Language class, he is working on becoming trilingual.

Aljanabi said he is enjoying his first semester at Pima and that Tucson reminds him of home.

“I like it, it’s like Baghdad,” he said, in reference to the broad cultural backgrounds of both cities.

But the cultural differences between Baghdad and Tucson are indeed vast.

“Thinking in Iraq is different,” Aljanabi said, as are social relations. He explained that in Iraq’s family-oriented culture, people do not date. They only get married, and they generally live with the husband’s parents well into adulthood.

“I want to change my life, try something new,” Aljanabi said of moving to the United States.

“We have a very bad regime,” he said. “Always there is war.”

Aljanabi encourages the U.S. Army’s involvement in the reconstruction of the Iraqi government. He said that Iraq’s army lacks the soldiers, weapons and experience necessary to control the country’s fundamentalists.

He anticipates that the Iraqi army and police force should be able to manage the country in about a year, and hopes to move back home once everything has calmed down.

“I came here to find peace,” Aljanabi said.

Ali Aljanabi - Aztec Press photo by Gabi Pina

Aztec Press feedback

Thank you, softball team!

Recently, my family in Clifton went through a traumatic experience. My high school freshman daughter, Julia, was injured during a softball game. She was hospitalized at Tucson’s University Hospital with a punctured spleen and lacerated kidney after being cleated while sliding to third base during a high school softball game.

Her hospital stay was difficult. She was in constant pain and was constantly poked and prodded, not to mention being so far away from home, friends and family.

After the fourth grueling day of a five-day stay, a ray of sunshine came to her room in the form of three Pima Community College softball players and one amazing coach!

These four wonderful ladies took time out of their busy schedules to visit my daughter and bring her a signed team softball and team T-shirt. I don’t think they realize the effect this visit had on my daughter, and on us as well!

I would like to thank these awesome ladies for their selfless act of kindness to a teenager who really needed to believe that there are angels among us!

Rebekah Quiroz, Jordan Trujillo, Mercedes Garcia and Vanessa Arandules: Thank you from our whole hearts for taking the time to make our daughter’s day, and making her hospital stay a little less stressful.

There’s just one small problem. She and her older sister, who also plays softball, are in constant battle for the team T-shirt! LoL

Jesse, Janet and Julia Chavarria

Clifton, AZ (Home of the Fighting Trojans)

Another PCC tuition increase?

I read your article, “PCC eyes new round of cost-cutting steps” [Issue 3.] Another PCC tuition increase? When was the last time we had one, last year?

I’m a housewife with two children pursuing a degree in ECS, but this goal seems more out of my reach every day.

I’m considering quitting school altogether and just looking for a full-time job. A degree doesn’t seem worthy for a job and I can’t just work to pay school. It’s not like a few years ago. Too many cons to become a professional.

Financial aid is not of help for me. They want me to do full-time school, and I need to work, take care of the house, the kids and other activities.

I really hope we do not have another raise in tuition. Not everybody qualifies and gets financial aid for school studies.

Mary Spears

PCC student

‘Celebration of Nations’ explores origins of dance

By Manny Manriquez III

Pima Community College dancers will explore the origins of dance in “A Celebration of Nations” performances May 6-8 at the Center for the Arts Proscenium Theatre at West Campus.

The shows will pay tribute to the cultures of North, Central and South America, plus Africa and Western Europe. PCC student dancers will showcase a semester’s worth of dance techniques in ballet, modern and jazz.

The program was choreographed by PCC faculty Aurora Gonçalves-Shaner, Claire Hancock, Colleen Beaman and Kim Hennes. Gonçalves-Shaner was born in Brazil and developed her classical ballet and modern dance techniques in Bahia, where she grew up.

“I selected an international theme due to the fact that we live in a multicultural country and, most importantly, in a multicultural state,” said Gonçalves-Shaner, who is also directing the show.

“Our faculty is very creative and competent in their work with their students and in making this collaborative process successful,” Gonçalves-Shaner added.

She said she felt inspired to focus on North, Central and South America. Other cultures represented come from Africa, Italy, France, Spain, Mexico, Cuba, Brazil, Argentina and the United States.

Dancers will perform hip-hop and swing from the United States, folklorico from Mexico, samba from Brazil, paso-doble and flamenco from Spain, tango from Argentina, salsa and cha-cha from Cuba and can-can from France.

University Of Arizona dancers will also perform, as will Folklorico Arizona and Viva Arizona Dance Company members.

The program theme celebrates a diversity of backgrounds and cultures, Gonçalves-Shaner said.

“I myself am Brazilian-born, and half-Argentine,” she said. “Let us share our cultures and backgrounds in order to better understand who we are and where we came from.”

Performance times are 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets cost $6 with discounts available, and can be purchased at the CFA box office on West Campus. For more information, call 206-6986.

Photo by Ed Flores

FYI

‘A Celebration of Nations’ dance performances

When: May 6-8, Thurs-Fri at 7:30 p.m., Sat at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Where: Proscenium Theatre, CFA, West Campus
Tickets: $6, with discounts available
Box office: 206-6986

‘Plastic Beach’ favorite pop album of year

By Chris Coco

“Plastic Beach”

Gorillaz

“Plastic Beach,” the third studio album released in March 2010, was produced by the virtual band, Gorillaz, as a follow-up to their sophomore album, “Demon Days.”

After the single “Stylo” was leaked on the Internet in January, Gorillaz released it via iTunes and on Youtube with an official music video, which stars Bruce Willis and features Bobby Womack and Mos Def.

The opening of “Plastic Beach” starts slow with an orchestra. It leads into the second track, titled “Welcome to the World of the Plastic Beach,” featuring Snoop Dogg and the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.

The rest of the album is far different from the past two studio albums. The songs contain fewer dark elements, more synth pop and the fairly recent genre called “nu-disco.”

Two of the virtual members appear to be absent, drummer Russel Hobbs and the guitar player, Noodle. They have been mentioned as MIA, according to bassist Murdoc Niccals.

Various editions of “Plastic Beach” have become available since the official release in stores, including the standard edition, “Experience Edition,” a Japanese edition, a Japanese “Experience Edition” and an iTunes Delux edition.

“Plastic Beach” is nearly an hour long, with 16 tracks. There is one music video out currently and two more to come out later in 2010. The next two singles in sequence post-“Stylo” are “Super Fast Jellyfish” and “On Melancholy Hill.”

For the most part, “Plastic Beach” seems to be collaborations with other musicians such as Lou Reed, De La Soul and Mick Jones – and not so much Gorillaz anymore.

In an interview with The Observer, an artist for Gorillaz, Jamie Hewlett, said, “Gorillaz now to us is not like four animated characters anymore – it’s more like an organization of people doing new projects…”

I have been a fan of Gorillaz for nearly a decade and have loved nearly all the songs and music videos that have been released. Four months into 2010, I can already say that this will be my favorite pop album of the year.

Favorite tracks: “On Melancholy Hill,” “Empire Ants” and “White Flag.”

Jump the Otis, C. Taylor Bock – 4-22-10

Click to enlarge

Sculptures beautify West Campus

Story and photos by Narciso Villarreal

Keep your eyes open for sculptures popping up for display on Pima Community College West Campus.

The PCC Sculpture-on-Campus program began in 2004 at East Campus and expanded to West Campus this spring.

Artists Lynn Aldrich and the team of David and Tom Weiss currently have sculptures on display at West Campus.

The program allows artists to loan their sculptural artwork to PCC for a minimum of 18 months.

“This program has a potential to draw people to the campus that normally wouldn’t be here,” West Campus art instructor Joe Dal Pra said.

“It gives artists a chance to develop and show their work and allows the Pima community to view and have discussions about the work and ideas,” he added.

Artists were selected after they submitted résumés, four to six images of their artwork and other information to six members of a selection committee.

Each artist selected receives $250 to help pay for transportation and installation of artwork on campus. An additional $100 stipend will be given to the artists if they make a formal presentation about their artwork at an April 22 reception.

Aldrich created her piece, “Desert Springs,” by purchasing do-it-yourself items such as gutter corners and extensions, exterior enamel and steel downspouts. The sculpture was placed near the Center for the Arts complex.

The piece represents a thirst for meaning or a lack of spirituality, Aldrich said. The inside of the downspouts may represent curious eyes or empty mouths. The title indicates the optimism that is associated with names of suburban developments.

David and Tom Weiss, who work with paints, steel and other media, called their sculpture “Standing Tall.” It is located near the ‘L’ art building.

David Weiss said the piece reflects the healthy pride that PCC students express as they go after dreams and goals. The taller sliver column expresses the pride that PCC students show, while the sliver column that lays over on top of itself expresses the confidence PCC students display.

The piece is also intended for contemplation, he added.

For more information about the Sculpture-on-Campus program, call 206-6690 or visit www.pima.edu.


PCC students win fashion honors

Story and photos by Mike Hawkins

Three Pima Community College students won first-place awards at the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation’s annual fashion show, Moda Provocateur.

Melanie Lockwood, Luz Escalante and Victoria Villela chat during the Moda Provocateur fashio show.

Luz Escalante won top prize in the wedding category for her bridal gown creation.

Melanie Lockwood and Victoria Villella tied for first place in the art nouveau category, and Lockwood also scored top marks in the “eco friendly” and “AIDS awareness” classes.

In addition, Villella won overall Best of Show for a green dress resembling something a Greek goddess would wear. The dress was featured on the March cover of Tucson Lifestyle magazine.

Moda Provocateur, held at the University of Arizona’s student union grand ballroom, works to increase funding for and awareness of the fight against AIDS.

PCC fashion student Kyz Escalante, right, fluffs her award-winning bridal gown.

Before the show, dressing areas buzzed more than a beehive. Half-dressed people clamored to get their hair and make-up done while clad in lingerie and the frames of elaborate dresses.

The pre-show reception area resemble a mob scene in a Lady Gaga video: brightly lit with teeming masses jostling to be noticed over the thumping music and transsexual M.C.

Middle-aged women stalked the scene in form-flattering little black dresses. Adolescent girls ambled shyly, fully aware of eyes, cameras and superior competition. Models posed with attitudes set to stun, while photographers struck odd poses of their own trying to stay out of each other’s shots.

The ballroom décor displayed dramatic flair, as would be fully expected for a fashion show. Hundreds of red velvet chairs encircled white tables adorned with dazzling centerpieces.

A condom dress by PCC student Rima Dolgoff-Kaspar.

The tables surrounded the crucifix-shaped runway, a cross to bear in the name of the fashion gods.

Once the show started, the ballroom took on the air of an NBA arena during player introductions. Dozens of roaming spotlights replaced main lights. Music played while big screens emitted images that would be at home in a perfume commercial. An electric air took over. Fashion was ready to happen.

People cheered and clapped, flashbulbs twinkled as hundreds of cameras snapped pictures and only the edges of seats saw use.

PCC’s award-winning fashion design students gave this fashion-blind man a glimpse of a new world.

Gena Pursley models the Best of Show dress created by Victoria Villela.

Aztec Calendar – April 8-21

Compiled by Conrad Pursley

Thursday, April 8:

Men’s tennis vs. Scottsdale CC, 1:30 p.m., Tucson Racquet Club, 4001 N. Country Club.

April 8-11: Spring Fling, Rillito Downs, North First Avenue at River Road. Admission $5, parking $5. Times vary by day. Details: springfling.arizona.edu.

Through April 18: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Black Box Theater , West Campus CFA. Thurs-Sat, 7:30 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m. Tickets: $15, with discounts available. Details: 206-6986.

Friday, April 9:

Through April 30: “Annual Student Juried Exhibition,” Louis Carlos Bernal Gallery, West Campus CFA. Free. Details: 206-6942.

April 9-May 9: Tucson Audubon Society Birdathon 2010.  Details: 622-5622 or tucsonaudubon.org.

“Food, Inc.,” 4-6 p.m., Miller-Golf Links Branch Library, 9640 E. Golf Links Road. Free. Details: 594-5355 or library.pima.gov.

Saturday, April 10:

“The Wizard of Oz,” 7 p.m., Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. Tickets: $8 general, $6 students. Details: foxtucsontheatre.org.

The Massive Movie Musical Sing-Along, 7 p.m., Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Tickets: $8. Details: loftcinema.com.

Kick Ass-Midnight Movie Screening, Tower Theatres, Arizona Pavilions, 8031 N. Business Park Drive. Tickets: $9.21. Details: kfma.com/events.php.

Sunday, April 11:

12^th annual Race for the Cure, Reid Park. Events begin at 6 a.m. Details: komensaz.org/race.html.

KFMA Day, Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road. Gates open at noon. Admission:  $35. Details: 407-4500 or kfma.com/concerts.php

Sons of Orpheus 19th Annual Spring Concert, 3 p.m., Proscenium Theater, West Campus CFA. Tickets: $15, students $12. Box office: 206-6986. Details: sonsoforpheus.org/perform.htm.

Monday, April 12:

Rock and Stroll, Meet Me at Maynards, 4-8 p.m., Maynards Market, 400 N. Toole Ave. Free. Bands at 15 locations along four-mile walk/run route. Details: meetmeatmaynards.com.

“Sense of Style,” 7:30 p.m., Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave. Admission $10, students $5. Details: 318-2721 or TucsonMuseumofArt.org.

Magic Powers Record Show with Matt and Dan, Red Room at Grill, 100 E. Congress St. Details: 623-7621.

Tuesday, April 13:

Salon de Refuses’ art exhibit reception, noon-2 p.m., West Campus Student Gallery, Santa Rita building.

Baseball vs. Yavapai College, noon, West Campus baseball field.

Women’s tennis vs. Eastern Arizona College, 1:30 p.m., Tucson Racquet Club, 4001 N. Country Club.

Softball vs. Yavapai College, 2 p.m., West Campus softball field.

Wednesday, April 14:

April 13-18: “Chicago,” TCC Music Hall, 260 S. Church Ave. Tickets: $20+. Details: 903-2929 or broadwayintucson.com.

Through May 16: “New Topographics: Photographs of a Man-altered Landscape,” Center for Creative Photography, Park Avenue at Speedway Boulevard. Free. Details: 621-7968 or creativephotography.org.

Through June 12: “The Son of the Sheik,” 7 p.m., Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway Blvd. Tickets:  $17.95, students $15.95. Details: 886-9428 or thegaslighttheatre.com.

Thursday, April 15:

Sports Tournament, 1-5 p.m., Desert Vista Campus. Sponsored by student government and the Intramural Club.

April 15-25: Pima County Fair, Pima County Fairgrounds, 11300 S. Houghton Road. Admission $7, parking $5. Details: 762-9100 or pimacountyfair.com.

Mark Nelson Tuba Recital, 7 p.m., Recital Hall, West Campus CFA. Tickets: $6, with discounts available. Details: 206-6986.

Friday, April 16:

April 15-25: Arizona International Film Festival. Most events at The Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St. Details: 882-0204 or filmfestivalarizona.org.

Through July 3: Andy Warhol Portfolios: Life & Legends, Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave. 12-5 p.m., Admission: $8. Details: 624-2333 or TucsonMuseumofArt.org.

April 16-17: “The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Universe,” 10 p.m., Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd. Tickets: $5. Details: loftcinema.com.

Saturday, April 17:

Spring Club Crawl, 80 bands on 25 stages downtown and along Fourth Avenue. Venues open at 7 p.m. Wristband tickets $8 in advance at Zia Records, or $10 day of event. Details: clubcrawl.net.

16th Annual Tucson Earth Day Festival, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Reid Park on Country Club at 22^nd Street. Free. Details: tucsonearthday.org.

Ed Mell: Paintings of the New West, Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave. Admission: $8. Details: 624-2333 or TucsonMuseumofArt.org.

Sunday, April 18:

GABA Bicycle Swap Meet, 6 a.m. to noon, Fourth Avenue between Sixth Street and Ninth Street. Free. Details: 624-5004 or fourthavenue.org.

Cyclovia Tucson, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Streets near UA will be closed to cars for socializing and non-motorized transport. Details: cycloviatucson.com.

Keep on Truckin’ Family Festival, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Congregation Anshei Israel, 5550 E. Fifth St. Admission: $2. Details: 745-5550 or caiaz.org.

Monday, April 19:

PCC Jazz Improv Combos, 7:30 p.m., Proscenium Theatre, West Campus CFA. Tickets: $6, with discounts available. Details: 206-6986.

Twilight Walking Tour of the Mansions of Main Avenue, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Meet on northwest corner of Main Avenue and Alameda Street. Tickets: $15. Reservations recommended. Details: 881-1638 or krusearizona.com.

Yann Tierson, Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress. Details: 740-1000 or rialtotheatre.com.

Tuesday, April 20:

April 20-21: American Red Cross Blood drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Northwest Campus A-207. Details: 206-2121.

Softball vs. Eastern Arizona College, 2 p.m., West Campus softball field.

Local Natives, Solar Culture, 31 E. Toole Ave. Details: 884-0874 or solarculture.org.

Wednesday, April 21:

Earth Day Celebration, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Northwest Campus, second level. Details: Denise Meeks, 206-2247 or dmeeks@pima.edu.

John C. Frémont, Pathfinder of the American West, noon, Western National Parks Association, 12880 N. Vistoso Village Drive. Free. Details: 622-6014 or wnpa.org.

Murs, Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Details: 622-8848 or hotelcongress.com.

Chatroulette latest Internet fad

By Mike Hawkins

Internet fads sweep across the Web like a tornado in the Texas panhandle. Appearing out of nowhere, they tear across the pop culture landscape leaving hapless onlookers in their wake. Before you know it, your parents are calling to ask if you saw it.

Chatroulette.com may be the next big storm on the Internet’s horizon.

The site can be described as Internet speed dating. Your webcam broadcasts your image to some random person and vice-versa. You can chat like you normally would on the Web or, occasionally, actually speak.

When you’re done, you click ‘next’ and repeat the process with another random person.

You can access the site without a webcam, but I wouldn’t advise it because everyone will just ignore you.

In case you’re new to the whole business, I should make one thing explicitly clear: Chatroulette will expose you to all the penis you can handle. Erect or flaccid, constrained by briefs or out in the open, lonely or being lovingly stroked, this site always seems to offer another phallus.

If you’re into that sort of thing, you may as well stop reading now and get after it. If you’re feeling repulsed, Chatroulette is definitely not for you. If it doesn’t matter to you one way or the other, you may be able to gain an interesting experience from the site.

The main thing that happens on Chatroulette is that new people get flashed up. Sometimes they skip you for whatever reason and sometimes you’ll skip them because you can’t see the feed from their webcam. Some people just look too funny to converse with. If you like people watching, you’ll probably enjoy Chatroulette.

After that, the most common thing you’ll see is a penis. I’m not exaggerating about this and you shouldn’t underestimate the sheer number of guys who want you to see what they have.

You’ll see more wieners on Chatroulette than a Fourth of July cookout. You’ll see more wangs than a Chinese phone book. More dongs than a doorbell. I could do this all day and still not overstate it.

But every now and then, the chat gods will smile down from on high and bestow upon you an interesting person to converse with. I’ve chatted with people from all over the United States, as well as folks from Australia, Greece, Germany and quite a few more countries.

These occasions are where Chatroulette is at its best. More personal than a traditional chat room, but still anonymous, it’s a completely different experience than any other I’ve had on the Net.

In case you get tired of all the penis, or if someone is berating you, there is a handy ‘report’ button. If someone gets reported enough, the site bans them for a few minutes.

The problem is that you too will be banned and Chatroulette won’t give a good explanation as to why.

I’ve been banned three times in the last couple of days and I wasn’t doing anything outrageous. Perhaps that’s the problem. Maybe if I had unsheathed Excalibur, I would have garnered more positive responses.

It could be that penile exhibition is the life blood of Chatroulette and I’m just not showing off enough.

That’s what Choatroulette does to hook you: it gets you thinking about nonsense. It supplies you with more “wtf” moments than you know what to do with, and just when you’re ready to give up on it a worthwhile person salvages the experience.

Whoever runs the site is going to have to make a few changes before Chatroulette can really take off, but it could turn out to be the next YouTube. Or, it could vanish like AOL.

Conservatives are out of control

By James Kelley

On Election Night 2008, CNN talking heads applauded the enormity of the event.

That November evening now seems so long ago and I don’t mean because President Obama has been a little slow in fulfilling campaign promises. We are still waiting on free community college.

No, it seems like ages ago because the commentators were marveling at how great the US of A is, that we can have a peaceful transition of power every four to eight years. My, how times have changed.

Not even a year and a half later, conservatives still can’t accept the presidential loss or the 2006 loss of both houses of Congress.

Now, just to be clear, I am most assuredly a moderate and I think Obama should have fixed the economy before touching health care, but the Right has really gone over the line.

OK, so maybe they feel the legally elected executive and legislative branches are overstepping authority, but their actions only support the notion that your average American Right-Winger is from a family tree with no branches.

It is one thing to yell “you lie” or “baby killer” in Congress. That’s childish and embarrassing, but if that’s the line then people like the Tea Baggers passed it long ago. That line no longer appears in the rear-view mirror of their pickup trucks.

It is one thing to brandish nonsensical signs at rallies. (Seriously, next time learn what a Nazi is or actually rent “The Dark Knight” before making signs of Obama as Hitler or the Joker. Maybe they meant he was Two Face? Clips of the rallies imply the average education of Tea Baggers is 5^th grade.)

For the record, even though Nazis were called National Socialists, they fiercely opposed Communist/Socialists. They were right-wing, racist and took power with violence. Try researching Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass.

It is quite another thing to literally attack Democrats.

Conservatives have moved beyond childish behavior. They’ve spit on congressmen, called them niggers and faggots and mailed them white powder. They’ve broken office windows, including those of Tucson representative Gabrielle Giffords. They’ve posted assassination threats.

On part-time politician Sarah Palin’s Facebook page, there was a map with crosshairs on Democrats and she tweeted, “don’t retreat, reload.” Remember, that’s not the Imperial Wizard’s Web site. It is a legit GOP candidate, even though I think voting for her is straight Palin, I mean retarded.

Lawmakers had to step up security at the House after more than 10 representatives were subjected to threats of snipers and cut gas lines. White trash has no qualms with making assassination threats against Obama. Republicans are hardly trying to stop it.

This is not how America works. This is not democracy. If your party loses, you can’t just go to war.

I never really thought democracy would stick in Afghanistan or Iraq because I think the countries are too culturally backward. Is this where the United States is headed? It is not hard to imagine Dixie suicide bombers.

Remember, the KKK used terrorism long before any extremist Muslim.

Where is the end game? What happens if the Democrats retain both Houses?

Will Red(neck) states secede and attack Real America? Will there be another Civil War because some residents of the country are sore losers?

Learn some manners, gamers!

By Mike Hawkins

Online gaming is fun. You get to blast fools without getting arrested, dominate real opposition on virtual playing fields and even make a new friend or two. At least in theory.

In reality you have a good time with the games, but you’ll nearly always be inundated by a sea of moronic behavior, potentially drowning your enjoyment.

I’m not going to complain about the rampant racism, homophobia and sexism that exists in online gaming. That’s just passe. Here, I plan to sound off against, and suggest some quality fixes for, a few of the more irritating acts propagated on XBOX Live and PlayStation Network.

First on my list is children, or everybody under 16 years old. I can’t stand their voices. One of them is bad enough but any more than that sounds like the front row of a Justin Bieber concert. And when they get mad their voices get even higher… I just want to choke them.

XBL and PSN should make separate rooms for teeny-boppers and regular people. There’s no reason we should have to put up with those scamps. Besides, they like each other anyway.

Next up are boosters, people who team up to beat each other so it looks like they’re excellent. For example, you and I join a game where we won’t be the only ones playing. We find a quiet corner, where you proceed to kill me repeatedly. Next game is my turn to be the killer.

Sounds pathetic, right? Of course it does. How sad does your life need to be that you’ll cheat to make yourself look better than you really are at a video game? What happens when you play someone good and it’s obvious that you suck?

Video games are meant to be fun. People who feel the need to ruin other people’s enjoyment shouldn’t be part of the group. I’m sure XBL and PSN can trace their specific game systems. They should ban the cheaters. Just that simple.

The final fetid gonads are folks who play music over their headphones. Do you play music over XBL or PSN? If you said “yes,” slap yourself. Hard. Don’t get me wrong. I love music, just not over the Internet off a video game microphone. It always sounds crappy and they never play a song you want to hear.

Just the other week I was playing “Modern Warfare 2” and two prepubescent scallywags thought they were auditioning for “American Idol” during the same game.

One kid was having a singalong to Owl City’s “Fireflies,” while the other little cretin played Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” But not even the whole song. He had it on a loop that just kept going, “Gaga, oh lala… roma oh rama…” You want to stab them just hearing about it.

XBL and PSN should rectify this situation by hiring music slappers. If you play music over your headphones, one of these fine employees will come to your house and slap the top four layers of skin off your face. It’s a very fair punishment.

It really shouldn’t even be an issue. All you have to do is not be an ass online. That and kick your little brother in the chest if you hear him screeching into the Internet.

Video games are meant to be fun. Don’t spoil other people’s experience.

Entertainment industry lacks innovation

By Austin Driscoll

Innovation is lost in today’s entertainment industry. While many are making strides to improve it, most fall way too short.

The movie industry has seen the worst of it. Filmmakers may be trying new things with technology but there are no innovative plots. The stories are recycled and reused stories that we have seen in about a hundred other movies.

Beautiful 3-D graphics are very nice but do nothing for me if I’ve already seen the same movie with different characters.

The video game industry has also been hit hard. Nintendo has a motion-controlled video game console but the company still releases Mario game after Mario game and most don’t even use the motion controls.

I’m not just picking on Nintendo. Many game developers and publishers are to blame because of overused sequels. It shows me that publishers are too afraid to step out of the box to make something completely new, so they just expand on what they already have.

The lack of innovation may be a direct result of the economic issues in today’s society. Most games and movies are on a tight budget and a strict deadline because of the lack of money funding them. It’s difficult to hire innovative people when you don’t have the money.

Luckily, the music industry hasn’t been affected quite as much or even at all. There are still many new artists experimenting with new instruments and technology. I just wish that every other entertainment outlet was willing to take bigger risks too.

Not all movies and video games suffer from lack of innovation. There are still many movies and games raising the bar. I just feel that no one else is able to reach that bar.

Lindy’s dares you to finish its O.M.F.G. burger

Story and photo by Daniel Gaona

Imagine a burger so big you can’t even take a standard bite. So big, it towers 12 patties with as many slices of cheese packed inside a regular bun, not to mention the lettuce, onion and special sauce. Try to envision that monster sandwich.

Or, just go to Lindy’s on 4^th in Tucson.

It’s not a joke or a trick: there is a burger joint in town that actually serves this heavyweight. When it hits the plate, it weighs more than three pounds and is held together with a long skewer.

It’s called the O.M.F.G. and costs $19.99.

However, if someone conquers the beast in less than 20 minutes, they get it for free. Just finishing it in 30 minutes will get that person’s picture on the wall and a $5 gift card. Not finishing it earns nothing.

“I just had one more patty to go but I couldn’t eat anymore,” patron Michael Craven said about trying the O.M.F.G. “It’s the closest I have come to getting the whole thing down. I’m not going to be able to do any eating contests for a while now.”

For someone seeking a lesser challenge, there is the AZ Hooligan. This one is stacked with six patties and six slices of cheese, plus the basic toppings.

It weighs about half as much as the O.M.F.G. and costs $14.99. The only award for finishing it is your picture on the wall.

The “challenge burgers” are not available for takeout, most likely because there are not boxes capable of holding them.

Lindy Reilly, owner of Lindy's, at last year's Earth Hour. (Aztec Press photo by Matthew Henry)

Lindy Reilly, the restaurant owner, said the O.M.F.G. originated from his Hooligan burger because the Hooligan just didn’t seem like enough. There is a slim margin of victory against the 12-layer burger.

“We have just under 1,200 sold to date and less than 60 have been finished,” Reilly said.

Last month, a patron set a time record and finished one in 3:47 minutes. Even Reilly was in awe.

Aside from challenges, the eatery specializes in unique burgers.

There are 17 burgers to choose from, and patrons can select their preferred size: one, two or three patties. For an additional cost, Lindy’s will replace the standard patty with a fried chicken breast or vegetarian patty.

The menu also includes cheesesteaks, which can be ordered with the same toppings as the burgers.

The menu classifies Super Sunrise Burger as a breakfast sandwich, but it is available at all times. It is a single patty, topped with two fried eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, tater tots and ketchup.

“That was probably the best burger I ever had,” Ernie Cruz said after eating one for the first time. “It was awesome how the tater tots are actually part of the burger and having eggs on it too was great.”

Other options include the Lindy’s Original, known as “The OG,” and the Blue Suede Cow. The Mac-N-Cheese remains a top seller, along with the ever-popular Dirty Sanchez, which is drenched in green chiles, jalapenos, guacamole and pepper jack cheese.

“It’s a burger filled with flavors from south of the border,” patron Will Russell said. “The best part was all the cheese on it.”

While Reilly offers many burgers, he has a personal favorite.

“I love the Velvet Hammer,” he said. “It’s a fried egg on a cheeseburger. The Fat Bastard is my No. 2 to that one.”

The Fat Bastard is a newer addition to the menu, based on the Krispy Kreme burger. The patty is loaded with lettuce, tomato, onions, mayo, bacon, eggs and cheddar packed between two honey buns.

“It’s like pancakes and eggs and steak, it’s so good,” Reilly said.

Regardless of the toppings, Reilly wants to respect the beef.

“I don’t like to lose the flavor of the meat because that messes with the burger,” he said.

Lindy’s is always a good choice for lunch. The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. every day except Sunday, when it opens at noon.

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, Lindy’s stays open until 2 a.m., making it a prime spot to gather and end the night. With an O.M.F.G., perhaps.

FYI

Lindy’s on 4^th

431 N. Fourth Ave.

207-2384

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