On March 2nd I dropped by the reception at the new Wee Gallery in the back of OZMA Atelier (vintage clothing) at the building on the SW corner of 6th St. and 6th Avenue. Address there is 439 N. 6th Avenue, and it’s a wee bit hidden but worth the search. Website: www.gallerywee.com. And it’s also a wee bit small for any art gallery, hence its appropriate name.

Exhibiting for the month of March is the Tucson Weekly’s cartoonist Rand Carlson, with his unique tin collage art pieces/pictures made out of recycled cans and auto license plates. If you haven’t seen his creative art over the years (he used to exhibit at Bohemia), drop by the Wee Gallery which is open Thursday to Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This particular show of 11 pictures is all about guns and the American craze over them, hence the name “Armed and Dangerous”. I particularly liked the one entitled “The Gunited States of America” (take off of United States of America) with cut out pieces from cans depicting portraits of past U.S. Presidents and their First Ladies. I remember eating cookies out of similar cans, as I had saved them for our son to learn about American history.

From Rand’s artist statement:

Collage seems to be a medium of this modern world. It mimics the elements of thought, emotions, and even a diverse society. A collection of similar and dissimilar pieces quilted together to form a new larger whole, a composite reality.

The element of recycling is also a contemporary notion in the art. To reuse and reinvent these materials into a conceptual whole that borrows from folk art, and even a manufacturing environment, morphing into a ‘new’ object.

Over the years we’ve also seen Rand exhibit at the Temple of Music and Art and at the Tucson Museum of Art downtown, and my husband and I started saving our used cookie cans for him to use in his art.

Rand’s art studio is at the Citizens Artist Collective at 44 W. 6th Street (upstairs), and his artist website is: www.randomshots.com. Go to his website to see lots and lots of other one-of-a-kind collage art pieces.

Press release:

Tucson Woman, An exceptional lifestyle magazine, for extraordinary lives
Launches Nov. 9, 2012

Tucson Woman, a new glossy magazine for upscale women in metropolitan Tucson, is appearing in select mailboxes and on newsstands throughout the city.

The magazine is focused on helping women make the best possible decisions in their day-to-day lives. The premiere issue features holiday ideas from Louise Thomas, a Tucson professional party planner. The edition also includes tips for easing holiday stress, and new ways to approach year-end philanthropy. A feature story explores small steps to a greener, more-healthful lifestyle, provided by Mrs. Green’s Garage, written by Gina Murphy-Darling.

Future editions will include features on local personalities, business, health, education, social trends, finance, travel and food.

“Tucson Woman targets the women who move and shape our community,” said Jill A’Hearn, the magazine’s general manager.

Territorial Newspapers, a division of Sierra Vista-based Wick Communications, publishes the magazine.

The quarterly magazine, edited by Linda Ray, will have a press run of 10,000 and will be distributed by mail to select home addresses of women with a household income of $150,000 or more, according to A’Hearn. Additional copies will be available at AJ’s Fine Foods, select physicians’ offices, dental offices, upscale retail outlets and select spa-services locations.

“As we talked to the women within Tucson’s leadership, we found enthusiasm for an opportunity to share information,” A’Hearn said. “Women rely on a circle of friends and role models. Tucson Woman magazine is designed to be at the center of that circle.”

Tucson Woman content will be supplemented week-to-week via Facebook, Twitter, FourSquare, Pinterest and www.tucsonwoman.com.

For more information, contact:
Jill A’Hearn
General Manager
Tucson Woman
(520) 295-4236
jill@tucsonwoman.com

Linda Ray
Editor
Tucson Woman
(520) 295=4224
linda@tucsonwoman.com

Linda Ray works for the Tucson Weekly, and it also the former Executive Director of Tucson’s Birthday. I’m one of Tucson Woman’s freelance contributors, so please check out this new magazine today! Can’t wait to read this premiere issue.

The Loft Film Fest

Thursday, November 8, 2012 –

Thursday, November 15, 2012

The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ

520-794-0844 / www.loftfilmfest.com

The third annual Loft Film Fest lights up the desert November 8-15, 2012, with an extraordinary line-up of stellar films, guests and special events at The Loft Cinema in Tucson, Arizona. Produced and presented by The Loft Cinema, this eight-day cinematic showcase of exclusive screenings will feature: hand-selected festival favorites from Cannes, Sundance, South by Southwest and more; lively Q&A’s with industry professionals; exciting retrospective screenings; edgy late-night programming; and stimulating short films from the filmmakers of tomorrow!

In total, this year’s Loft Film Fest will present 40 feature films and short film programs – the festival’s largest line-up to date.

2012 also marks The Loft Cinema’s 40th anniversary as Tucson’s premier venue for art, indie and alternative cinema, making this year’s Loft Film Fest an especially significant milestone in the Loft’s history. Adding to the excitement of the festival will be the grand opening on Nov. 9 of the Loft’s brand-new third screen, a fittingly serendipitous bit of timing for the Loft’s “third annual” film festival.

Some of the highlights of this year’s Loft Film Fest include:

-A special career tribute to legendary director/producer Roger Corman, who will be on hand to receive the 2012 “Lofty” Achievement Award, The award will be presented to the iconic filmmaker during a special tribute event on Saturday, November 10th at 7:00 p.m. A screening of the 2011 documentary Corman’s World (detailing Corman’s incredible 60 year career as one of the pioneering figures in independent film) will be followed by a live onstage Q&A with the filmmaker and the presentation of the Lofty Achievement Award. Corman, affectionately referred to by many as “The King of the B’s,” will then introduce a 10:00 p.m. screening on Saturday, November 10th of the classic exploitation film Death Race 2000 starring David Carradine, which he produced through his company New World Pictures in 1975. Finally, on Sunday, November 11th at 11:00 a.m., Corman will introduce a screening of the 1964 horror classic The Masque of the Red Death starring Vincent Price, based on the works of Edgar Allan Poe, which he directed in 1964. All screenings and events will take place at The Loft Cinema.

-An appearance by 2012 Cannes Film Festival Best Director Award Winner Carlos Reygadas, presenting his latest film, Post Tenebras Lux;

-The Arizona Premiere of the highly-anticipated animated Monty Python documentary Liar’s Autobiography in 3D;

-Hollywood legend Jane Fonda speaking French(!) in the new Gallic comedy All Together;

-The widely-acclaimed new adaptation of Wuthering Heights from director Andrea Arnold;

-Oscar-winner Melissa Leo in the new drama Francine;

-The new comedy It’s A Disaster, starring Julia Stiles, America Ferrara and David Cross;

-The Tucson premieres of several official Academy Award submissions for “Best Foreign Language Film,” including Barbara (Germany), Sister (Switzerland) and A Royal Affair (Denmark).

For ticketing information and to see the full schedule of Loft Film Fest screenings and events, please visit www.loftfilmfest.com. All screenings will be held at The Loft Cinema, 3233 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ.

About The Loft Film Fest:

Hailed by Filmmaker Magazine as being “geared truly toward cinephiles of nearly every stipe,” and praised for its “phantasmagorical programming … and astute choice of guests,” The Loft Film Fest was created in 2010 as a showcase for the very best independent, foreign and classic cinema. Highlighting hand-picked festival favorites from around the world, The Loft Film Fest presents an exceptional array of award-winning features, documentaries and shorts (many of them Arizona or Southwest Premieres), and hosts the most talented emerging and established professionals in the movie industry.

The Loft Film Fest’s eclectic and prestigious roster of special guests has included such acclaimed filmmakers as Carlos Reygadas, Alex Cox, Chris Eyre, The Zellner Brothers, Bobcat Goldthwait, Kirby Dick and Richard Kelly, as well as celebrated actors including Griffin Dunne, Rosanna Arquette, Robert Carradine and Udo Kier, recipient of the first-ever “Lofty” Achievement Award.

The Loft Film Fest, produced by the award-winning, non-profit Loft Cinema (a member of the Sundance Art House Project and named “Best Movie Theatre in Tucson” by readers of the Tucson Weekly every year since 2002), is fiercely committed to continuing its tradition of bringing world-class film festival programming to Tucson, connecting audiences with artists and celebrating the unique spirit of independent cinema.

Jeff Yanc
The Loft Cinema
3233 E. Speedway Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85716
520-322-5638 ex. 2#
jeff@loftaz.com

The General Election is a week away (November 6) and many voters have already cast their ballots. If you are undecided, or prefer going to your polling place, here’s some information about the 3-way race for Pima County Sheriff.

Long time Democratic incumbent Clarence Dupnik is facing two challengers, Green Party activist Dave Croteau and Republican Mark Napier, retired Tucson Police Dept.Captain. Dupnik has been Sheriff since February, 1980.

They debated on October 17 on the Bill Buckmaster radio show:

http://tucsoncitizen.com/buckmaster-show/2012/10/17/buckmaster-show-10172012-three-way-race-for-pima-county-sheriff/

And all 3 men were on Arizona Public Media/AZPM Channel 6 last night, interviewed by political reporter Andrea Kelly (video above).

Campaign websites:

Dave Croteau: former candidate for Sheriff and Mayor of City of Tucson, https://www.facebook.com/DaveCroteau4sheriff

Clarence Dupnik: incumbent, http://reelectdupnik2012.com/

Mark Napier: political newcomer, http://www.marknapier4sheriff.org/

The Arizona Daily Star endorsed challenger Mark Napier, and the Tucson Weekly endorsed Sheriff Clarence Dupnik.

Dave Croteau (G)

Sheriff Clarence Dupnik (D)

Mark Napier (R)

Vote wisely on or before Nov. 6.

Arizona Illustrated: The CD2 Forum
Airs Tuesday, October 23rd @ 6pm
Live simulcast on NPR 89.1 and azpm.org

This is a live, one-hour forum.

Panelists include:
AZPM’s Christopher Conover & Andrea Kelly (political reporters)
Tucson Weekly’s Jim Nintzel (investigative reporter)
ASUA President Katy Murray

Campaign websites:

Ron Barber (D), incumbent Congressman in CD 8, former Tucson District Director for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, www.ronbarberforcongress.com

Martha McSally (R), retired Colonel in U.S. Air Force, former Professor of National Security Studies at the George C. Marshall Center in Germany, www.mcsallyforcongress.com

There is also a Libertarian write-in candidate Anthony Prowell in this race.

Arrive early as this may be a crowded debate as there have been very few in this particular race in CD 2.

Martha McSally

Congressman Ron Barber

The Tucson Weekly also endorsed political newcomer Dr. Carmona, who served as the 17th Surgeon General of the U.S. under President George W. Bush’s administration. Dr. Carmona was a life-long Independent until he registered as a Democrat last November, 2011.

I knew trauma surgeon Dr. Carmona (slightly) when we were both Commissioners on the now defunct Domestic Violence Commission back in the 1990′s. His campaign website is www.carmonaforarizona.com.

Republican candidate for this U.S. Senate seat is CD 6 Congressman Jeff Flake, who has served in that office since 2003, and for CD 1 in 2001 – 2003. He is the nephew of the late State Senator Jake Flake.

Libertarian candidate is Marc Victor, a criminal defense attorney in Phoenix.

Dr. Richard Carmona

Read the endorsements for yourself, and vote on or before Nov. 6:

Star:http://azstarnet.com/news/opinion/editorial/carmona-s-bipartisan-views-will-benefit-all/article_e32337ef-d256-592c-b6f1-db0b580897ff.html

Weekly:http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/the-tucson-weekly-2012-endorsements/Content?oid=3546754

Here’s whom their editorial board recommends for three seats:

Ralph Ellinwood
Betts Putnam-Hidalgo
Mark Stegeman (incumbent)

This week the Tucson Weekly endorsed Ralph Ellinwood and Cam Juarez for TUSD school board, with “honorable mentions” to Betts Putnam-Hidalgo and Kristel Foster. Read their endorsements, click here. The Weekly did not endorse for the PCC governing board.

The three incumbents on the TUSD board seeking election are Miguel Cuevas, Dr. Mark Stegeman, and Dr. Alex Sugiyama. This is a non-partisan race, with 12 candidates running. For more info the official twelve candidates, click here for my previous blog post, with campaign websites (updated).

And for the Star’s endorsements for Pima Community College governing board in which their editorial board urged change and voting for the political newcomers: http://azstarnet.com/news/opinion/editorial/change-is-imperative-vote-for-lee-and-fridena/article_ddf76307-5b9f-57ab-b7eb-ac0f4528882a.html:

Sylvia Lee (District 3)
Richard Fridena (District 5)

The incumbents at PCC are “Vicki” Marshall (District 3) and Marty Cortez (District 5).

Another TUSD candidate forum coming up next week:

Save our Students: Save our Schools
TUSD Candidate Board Forum
How will you vote to make sure your child is getting the best education possible?

Our students/children deserve excellent public education and YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT! Learn where school board candidates stand on what matters most to our families:

Description:
(1) Safe transportation to neighborhood schools

(2) No small school closures

Lemonade, Coffee & Pan Dulce!

Join us October 16th 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at St. John’s Catholic Church (12th Ave and Ajo, 602 W. Ajo Way).

Early voting for the AZ General election began on October 11. Vote wisely on or before November 6.

Mark Napier (R) for Sheriff, http://azstarnet.com/news/opinion/editorial/pima-county-sheriff-napier-s-fresh-ideas-mean-he-s/article_a807cb13-3c63-5332-9356-8d82836c5b56.html

Nancy Young Wright (D) for Pima County Supervisor District 1 (open seat),http://azstarnet.com/news/opinion/editorial/endorsement-pima-county-board-of-supervisors-dist/article_858ca2ba-8fa2-5cc1-b48a-161d026a3196.html

Sharon Bronson (D) for Pima County Supervisor District 3, incumbent, http://azstarnet.com/news/opinion/editorial/endorsement-pima-county-board-of-supervisors-dist/article_09212ffb-e1a1-588d-8390-cdf56433e7b2.html

Tucson Weekly’s 2012 endorsements, http://www.tucsonweekly.com/tucson/the-tucson-weekly-2012-endorsements/Content?oid=3546754:

Clarence Dupnik (D) for Sheriff, incumbent

F. Ann Rodriguez (D) for Recorder, incumbent

Beth Ford (R) for Treasurer, incumbent

Supervisors:

District 1: Nancy Young Wright (D)

District 2: Ramon Valadez (D), incumbent

District 3: Sharon Bronson (D), incumbent

District 5: Richard Elias (D), incumbent

District 4 Supervisor Ray Carroll (R) is running unopposed, and won his primary in August, as did School Superintendent Linda Arzoumanian (R). Assessor Bill Staples (D) had no opponent in either the Primary or General. And Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall (D) is facing only a Green Party opponent in the General Election (whom she has defeated before).

Early voting starts today (October 11), so vote wisely on or before the November 6th General Election.

So being as I like Japanese/Chinese food I tried it out yesterday and was impressed with the large number of delicious-looking and tasting choices, too many to select from. I started out with one each of the 11 choices of nigiri sushi (including California roll, tamago (egg), inari, crab/avocado, etc.) with some vegetable tempura also on the side.

Then I started tackling the salad choices, vegetables & main dishes (mostly Chinese chicken ones, like kung pao, soy sauce, orange), grilled selections like grilled mackerel, shrimp on a skewer, other seafood delicacies such stuffed crab shells, mushrooms, scallops. I didn’t even get to the hot sukiyaki selection in which you choose beef, vegetables, noodles and have the cook saute and grill it all up in front of you, with your choice of one of 3 dressings: lo mein, teriyaki, or soy sauce.

There are also buffets kiosks with soup (5 choices), fruits, puddings, desserts (7 pastries), ice cream (8 choices). Some of these had no labels so I wasn’t sure what they all were, but it was fun sampling some of them.

As I mentioned before there was just too much to eat and savor. I barely had room for dessert but I also had to try the sesame seed ball dumplings (with azuki beans) which was very soft & yummy, just what the way I like it.

I tend to judge an Asian restaurant by the food selections of course, but also what type of soy sauce they have on the table and in Hibachi’s case, it was just fine as they had my favorite Japanese Kikkoman Shoyu on the table. And of course they had optional chopsticks for us Asians, and Chinese fortune cookies when you paid your bill.

At lunch I happened to meet two friends, Japanese American Junko with 3 other Japanese women friends. Junko enjoyed her meal and said it was the third time she had eaten there since they opened a month ago. Then I ran into Patsy, a local born Chinese American who said it was her first time there and she was pleased with the variety of food, especially since they offered Japanese, Chinese & Korean (kim chee).

The restaurant itself is very spacious, with Chinese and Japanese decorations/art work on the walls, and a large water fountain with koi fish in the foyer, complete with a neon green/red flowering “sakura” tree and two palms.

Hibachi’s Super Buffet hours:
Monday to Thursday & Sunday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Lunch buffet costs $6.99 for adults,
$2.99 for children (3 to 6 years), $3.99 (7 to 10 years)
Dinner buffet costs $9.99,
children $3.99 (3 to 6 years), $5.49 (7 to 10 years)
Take out buffets are also available
Phone: 520-326-0000

If you just want to order off the menu, there is a large selection of Chinese dishes as well.

Discounts available online at www.hibachitucson.com for Senior Citizens over 60 years, Students, and for their grand opening. I noticed coupons in the Tucson Weekly and AZ Daily Star’s Caliente as well, for 20 to 30% off.

Lastly, what does “hibachi” mean? It is a type of charcoal-burning Japanese brazier (usually a low outdoor metal one with a grill) and we in Hawaii even use the word as a verb. For example, we say we are going to “hibachi” the meat or chicken on the Hibachi grill outdoors.

Don’t miss the grand opening of this new, super buffet in town, probably the largest in Tucson.

OASIS at the Junior League of Tucson building is located at 2099 E. River Rd. Phone 520-322-5627, website:www.oasisnet.org/tucson. All types of classes are offered for the September-December session, with classes beginning on September 10. Processing fee is $12 per registration form. Classes are also offered at 11 other community locations in town.

Here’s the schedule for the Fall featuring journalists in Tucson:

October 8, 1 to 3 p.m. $10, OASIS at Junior League
“Whatever Happened to the Rio Nuevo that Voters Thought They were Getting?” by Josh Brodesky (Reporter/Metro columnist) and Team Leader Joe Burchell of AZ Daily Star

October 9, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, $7, OASIS at Junior League
Pulse of the Media with Kristi Tedesco, KVOA Channel 4 anchor

October 24, 10 a.m. to 12 noon, $9, OASIS at Junior League
“Examine the Year 2012 with David Fitzsimmons”, political cartoonist at the AZ Daily Star

November 13, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, $7, OASIS at Junior League
Pulse of the Media with Jim Nintzel, political reporter at Tucson Weekly, and AZPM Channel 6′s host of Arizona Illustrated’s Political Roundtable (Friday evenings)

December 11, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon, $7, OASIS at Junior League
Pulse of the Media with Forrest Carr, KGUN 9′s News Director

Pick up the Tucson OASIS catalog (at Pima County public libraries) to select from a wide variety of classes in tai chi, yoga, computer skills, art, cooking, dance, foreign languages (Spanish, German), etc. Tours around town (i.e Benedictine Monastery, Mansions of Main Avenue) or out of town (i.e. Canyon Lake, Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Pecan Festival in Sahuarita) are also offered.

You can register online (click here), by mail, or in person.