Multimedia manager Daniel Buckley

The song is on a collection of various artists called “Conjure” – a jazz setting of poetry by Ishmael Reed. The tune is titled “Dualism 1.” The words (sung by Taj Mahal) are:

“I am outside of history.

I wish I had some peanuts.

It looks lonely there in its cage.”

After the instrumental break it returns with:

“I am inside of history.

It’s hungrier than I thought.”

I pick this song because history has just swallowed the Citizen whole.

Book reviewer Larry Cox

It would have to be “Thanks for the Memories,” originally introduced by Shirley Ross and Bob Hope in the 1937 Paramount film, “Big Broadcast of 1938.” The song is wistful and a little sad, exactly how I feel as we get nearer to the final edition of The Tucson Citizen. A close second comes to mind after reading some of the nutty, over-the-top, hateful comments posted by some of our readers on the paper’s Web site: Bessie Smith’s “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out.”

Features editor Teresa Truelsen

I would dedicate “Closing Time” by Semisonic. Not only is its sentiment appropriate, but it reminds me of happier times at the Citizen, when former sports editor Peter Madrid would sing the one line – incessantly – early in the morning.

Arts writer Chuck Graham

This is a sad one to write, after working 35 years at the Tucson Citizen, but only one song keeps coming to mind. That would be Bob Hope singing “Thanks for the Memories.”

Reporter Ryn Gargulinski

I am in a bubble

I am in a bubble

I am in a bubble

A bubble

Covers

Me.

“The Bubble Song” (2009) by Ryn Gargulinski

Copy editor Rose-Mary Grzasko

This dedication goes out to my comrades in print journalism as we follow the path of the dinosaur (many of us became such during our years at the Citizen): “Time of Your Life” by Green Day.

“For what it’s worth,

It was worth all the while” . . .

“I hope you had the time of your life.”

I know I did!

Events coordinator Elsa Nidia Barrett

The first song that came to my mind is the ’80s rock song, “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen. But the more I thought about it and dozens of endearing memories (about growing up at the Citizen) flooded my head, I could think of only one melody: Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U.”

“But/ nothing/ I said nothing can take away these blues/ Cause nothing compares/ Nothing compares 2 U.”

Online content editor Mike Truelsen

“Still Be Around” by Uncle Tupelo

It’s about loyalty and dedication and coming out the other side of tragedy/addiction and hoping someone is there when you do.

“If I break in two, will you put me back together?

When this puzzle’s figured out, will you still be around?”

Arts writer Otto Ross

“The Times They are A-Changin’ ” by Bob Dylan

“Come writers and critics

Who prophesize with your pen

And keep your eyes wide

The chance won’t come again

And don’t speak too soon

For the wheel’s still in spin

And there’s no tellin’ who

That it’s namin’.

For the loser now

Will be later to win

For the times they are a-changin’.”

Cartoonist Arnie Bermudez

“Where the Birds Always Sing” by The Cure

“The world is neither fair nor unfair

The idea is just a way for us to understand

No the world is neither fair nor unfair

So some survive

And others die

And you always want a reason why”

Copy editor Dave Petruska

I’ll go with The Beatles’ “Good Night.” I probably would have picked Billy Joel’s “This is the Time to Remember” if it hadn’t been used for the Lute Olson farewell.

Online editor Dylan Smith

Joe Jackson’s “Sunday Papers”

“Sunday papers don’t ask no questions

Sunday papers don’t get no lies

Sunday papers don’t raise objection

Sunday papers don’t got no eyes”

Metro columnist Anne T. Denogean

“Another One Bites The Dust” by

Queen

Reporter B. Poole

Sheryl Crow’s “Can’t Cry Anymore”

“It’s never ending

It could be worse

I could’ve missed my calling

Sometimes it hurts

But when you read the writing on the wall

Can’t cry anymore”

And too much time I’ve been spending

With my heart in my hands

Waiting for time to come and mend it

I can’t cry anymore”

Voices editor Paul Schwalbach

Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Gordon Lightfoot and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”

“That good ship and true was a bone to be chewed.” Sounds like us.

And really, for the whole f—— song. As nauseatingly hypersentimental as it is, on our last day, it will be fitting. “Fellas it’s been good to know ya.”

Reporter Heidi Rowley

“Ticket to Ride” by The Beatles or “Unbreak my Heart” by Toni Braxton

Reporter Alan Fischer

Joey Ramone, from a goodbye album he wrote and made while dying of cancer. The title song is “Don’t Worry About Me.”

“Ahh nothing lasts forever

And nothing stays the same

Feeling numb all over

And totally deranged

When you finally make your mind up

I´ll be buried in my grave

You don´t know what you want

You don´t know what you need

You don´t know what you want but you want it”

Information specialist Mary Watt

David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” I feel like the astronaut out in space without a lifeline, with a circuit that’s gone dead.

“Here am I floating round my tin can, far above the moon, Planet Earth is blue and there’s nothing I can do.”

Designer Jan Todd

“Sounds of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel

Former features editor Dina L. Doolen

As corny as it may sound, my dedication song to the Citizen would be “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge. In my 11 years working at the Citizen, that’s exactly how I felt. We were family, warts and all, and when adversity hit, supervisors and peers insisted that our real families came before the Citizen. Also, if the song was good enough for baseball great Willie Stargell and the Pittsburg Pirates, it’s good enough for the Citizen. Best wishes to all.

Designer Jen Lum

It’s too easy to be cynical about everything that’s happened, so instead I’ll dedicate my favorite ode to an ended relationship, “You and I Both” by Jason Mraz.

“You and I both loved

What you and I spoke of

And others just read of

Others only read of the love, the love that I love.”

I’ve never been able to accurately describe to nonnewspaper people just how much I’ve loved my job and the people I work with. I will miss the Citizen dearly. Thanks for a great run.

Calendar editor Rogelio Yubeta Olivas

After getting ridiculed by my co-workers for my first two picks (“My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion and “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler), I’ll go with Charanga Cakewalk’s “Tu y Yo (You and I.” The love song not only adds some Latin spice to the Citizen playlist, it truly describes how I feel about the paper. It’s about two lovers who are linked forever.

Organizers optimistic music fans will fill stadium

UA junior, Kelsey Vaughan, 21, (left) and senior Elle Oviedo, 22, give each other a high five after checking out where their seats are for Wednesday's concert at Arizona Stadium.

With showtime barely 24 hours away, slow ticket sales continued to plague the first major concert in Arizona Stadium since Jimmy Carter was president and Elvis was a reigning king.

Tuesday morning, Tommy Bruce, president of the Associated Students of University of Arizona, which is sponsoring the Wednesday multigenre show, would say only that more than half of the 17,000 available tickets had sold.

It’s the same thing he said April 12, but organizers still cling to threads of optimism.

“Ticket sales are slow, but they’ve definitely picked up the past few days,” said.

The show features Aussie twins The Veronicas, San Francisco alt rockers Third Eye Blind, “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson and rapper Jay Z (his only American concert thus far in 2009).

It’s the first show in Arizona Stadium since 1977, when Fleetwood Mac packed 67,000 into the Wildcats’ home.

It was unclear Tuesday if the show would break even. Final expenses and revenue won’t be known until a month after the concert, Bruce said.

Don’t expect a traffic snarl on par with a football game. Average attendance for home games hovers around 50,000. Even basketball games draw an average of 14,000. Nearby parking likely will be available.

Though ticket sales have been disappointing, Bruce considers the concert a good opportunity for students to bridge the gap between the campus and the community at large.

He wouldn’t rule out a ticket sale surge on the final two days.

“We’re optimistic,” he said.

A stage is built in Arizona Stadium for the first concert there since 1977.

———

If you go

What: The Veronicas, Third Eye Blind, Kelly Clarkson and Jay Z concert.

Where: Arizona Stadium at the University of Arizona

When: Doors open at 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Tickets: $27-$200; available at http://asuaspecialevents.com

The gloves and muzzles are off! As the newspaper prepares to close, Calendar staffers cull 35 years of experiences and tell all about their most memorable celebrity encounters: some good, some bad. Divas, divos, sourpusses, hot lips, evil pets – we’ve come across them all. But now we’re naming names and sparing no one!

DANIEL BUCKLEY

As we dish the dirt, several silly things stand out for me.

The diva and the surgical mask

About 15 years ago, I had the opportunity to interview a very famous operatic diva, who shall remain nameless because despite the weird circumstances, she was very nice.

I arrived at her hotel room and was greeted at the door by her manager. He handed me a surgical mask and latex gloves and asked me to turn on my tape recorder. He then led me into the room and sat me down in one corner, placing my recorder on a coffee table about 20 feet away from me. The diva entered and sat by the coffee table. We waved at each other rather than shake hands.

Exactly 20 minutes into the conversation, the manager returned, picked up my tape recorder and showed me the door. I started to hand him my mask and he said, “You can keep that.” I dumped it and the gloves in the trash.

The temperamental composer

During the University of Arizona’s short-lived Festival in the Sun, composer John Adams was coming to town for the première of “The Wound Dresser.” I wanted to record the interview (which I did nearly every time during my years at the Citizen) and I have a special line at my house that goes to a recording machine.

So we set a day and time for the interview. When I got to my house, there was a nasty message from Adams saying that he called (two hours before the appointed time) and why wasn’t I there. I called his public relations person and we set another time. And the same thing happened – four more times. At that point, I sent a sympathy bouquet to his PR person because she had to deal with him all of the time.

Later when Adams was in town, we had a great conversation. While we were playing phone tag, he had been at work on his “Nixon in China” follow-up opera, “The Death of Klinghoffer.” He was just so frazzled at trying to meet the deadline that he was burnt to a crisp. We ended up getting along very well.

A couple of years later, I did a very long (three-hour) interview with him for Stereophile Magazine that may well be the best interview I ever got with any living composer. So this guy I thought initially was a petty tyrant turned out to be one of the most articulate, thoughtful minds I’ve ever had the opportunity to talk with.

A Stern awakening

Someone who I have considerably less respect for is renowned violinist Isaac Stern. He was a terrific violinist, but as a human being, he was something you just want to wipe off your shoe. Or maybe throw those shoes away.

Again at a Festival in the Sun event, Stern came in and got an honorary doctorate from UA. His residency was for several days and I had made arrangements to do a “fly on the wall” piece about his visit here. His PR person stressed to me that I could not ask him any questions at any point, but that at the end of his stay he might grant me a quick interview.

It didn’t take long for me to see that Stern viewed people as two types: those with money, with whom he was very gracious, and those who were completely beneath him. At a lavish dinner party with the big spenders, he was charming to the guests and an absolute creep to those with the misfortune of being waiters at the event.

The next to the last day of his residency I got a call from his PR person telling me that early the next day he would be doing a master class with UA students, and that there would be a question-and-answer session at the close. She told me that I could ask ONE question at that class.

It happened to be the year that the Republican Party was doing everything it could to kill the National Endowment for the Arts. Knowing that President Kennedy had asked Stern to be one of the founders of the NEA, I asked him what he thought about this. Stern gave a very articulate answer about how we needed to keep politics out of the arts. It was brilliant, and the students applauded.

After, I hung around for a few minutes talking to a friend when the Festival in the Sun PR guy ran up to me and said, “Mr. Stern would like to talk to you.” I thought, “Great, we’re finally going to do an actual interview.” Instead, Stern told me that I could not print his answer on the NEA question because it would be too inflammatory and he could do much more about this behind the scenes. I believe I called him an unprintable name involving fowl and waste and walked off.

Six months later, the PR guy from UA gave me a photo he thought I’d treasure: a shot of me with Isaac Stern. When I looked at it I realized it had been snapped just at the moment I’d called Stern a chicken****. It’s under a pile of junk somewhere in my house.

Sharing the love

Sometimes, the dish comes back to you, and those are the best times of all. My favorite came from pianist Olga Kern, of whom I wrote a scathing review after her appearance with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. I dropped by the TSO office a few days later and was handed a poster of Kern, which she signed, “To Dan, Much Love, Olga.” Now I’m pretty sure she meant what she wrote, though not necessarily in those words. It’s hung over my desk at work ever since.

POLLY HIGGINS

Over nine years at the Citizen, I’ve amassed a lot of bylines, but not a lot of dirt. I perhaps got dirty here and there, but I’ll blame that on those reviews (“Sex and the City,” “The Vagina Monologues”) I co-wrote with the truly talented-with-a-turn-of-phrase Chuck Graham. So, here’s a hodgepodge of some notable celebrity action. It’s a messy article, yes. You might even say it’s dirty.

Biggest response to something I wrote

Sadly, this award goes to a review I wrote of *NSync when the boys played Phoenix in early June 2000. Nothing gets the ire of tweens, apparently, more than writing things like “At least Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance were environmentally friendly, though, as they recycled their way through an 86-minute show that was a paler shade of New Kids on the Block.”

I did go back for more, though, when Justin & Co. played Phoenix 13 months later, and I gave them an overall favorable review. The dance steps were much better.

Worst interview

This one is easy: Moby. Sadly, my notes for this excruciating chat (in April 2000) went the way of DOS on my computer, so I don’t have many quotes from it, but I probably didn’t get many, anyway. This guy was screwed as tightly as a child-protected pill bottle, giving out terse answers to my questions. I understand that some people hate to do interviews, but why be a total grump? It turned out that the concert I’d interviewed him for – a double bill with Bush – got canceled. To quote Nelson from “The Simpsons”: “Ha, ha!”

Best interview

This one is tough. So we need some subcategories. Most surprising goes to (the very friendly and hilarious) Dave Mustaine of Megadeth. When we chatted over the phone in the fall of 2004, he let the p-word slip. (Let me help, here: A not-so-nice word for a woman.) Normally, no big deal. He’s Dave Mustaine. I don’t expect clean. But he had recently converted to Christianity and was very disappointed in himself. He apologized all over the place.

Most canned: David Lee Roth. But, as a fan, I expected nothing less. Diamond Dave has his phrases and he knows how to reuse them. And he didn’t know I’d read his autobiography. So, I got to hear such practiced material as “my inner child wants to get laid,” “I’m a black man trapped in a Jewish body” and “the sound of Van Halen, when I was a part of it, is as familiar as the Nike swoosh.” Love it all.

Sweetest: Tammy Faye. Promoting her appearance on the second season of “The Surreal Life,” Tammy Faye Messner (nee Bakker) discussed wanting to sleep in the closet so she had space to herself, how she and Erik Estrada became the surrogate parents of the house (that included Ron Jeremy and Vanilla Ice) and how the hardest part of the 12-day filming was not seeing her husband, Roe Messner. Best quote: “I took away the fact that I’m a tough old broad. Ha! Ha!”

Chattiest: That goes to local singer-songwriter Howe Gelb. As garrulous as he is prolific, Gelb was a gracious subject, welcoming me into his home for two in-person interviews. The man can tell a tale.

Some favorite quotes

“Even if we had sex education, we would never have the kind we need. . . . Kids who are horny don’t think about fallopian tubes.”

- Dan Savage, syndicated columnist behind “Savage Love” (2005)

“Somebody took my makeup.”

- Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance (2004)

“I’ve looked in the mirror and thought, ‘What the f— am I wearing?’ ”

- Juliette Lewis, on her wide stylistic umbrella when performing with Juliette & the Licks (2007)

“I used to be a lot taller. I used to be 6-1, now I’m only 5-5. So you see what it’s done to me.”

- Ronnie James Dio, on the toll touring has taken lo these many years (2002)

“When you make the first movie, you have to think of a new way to do sex and violence to get on the generation’s nerves.”

- John Waters’ advice to wannabe filmmakers

“A surprising number of Shakespeare fans . . . have also seen every episode of ‘Twin Peaks.’ I wonder what the appeal is? Probably complicated plot lines – that’s something Shakespeare has in common with David Lynch.

“And crossdressing.”

- Shakespearean actor and The Log Lady from “Twin Peaks” Catherine E. Coulson (2006)

LARRY COX

The real poop on Mae West

One summer during the 1970s, I found myself in Los Angeles visiting a friend. He knew Mae West in a round about way and asked if I would like to meet her. Naturally, I jumped at the chance to meet a true screen legend. I was immediately surprised by two things: the modesty of her apartment and the fact that she was much shorter than I had expected. After a few minutes of small talk, a monkey scampered into the room. He took one look at me and showed his instant dislike. He then inched his way closer and closer to me and without warning, jumped into my lap. Just as Mae West said, “I think he likes you,” the evil little bastard pooped all over me. It was a memorable afternoon, but not in the way I had hoped.

CHUCK GRAHAM

The führer over Ted Nugent’s concert review

Ted Nugent was playing the Tucson Arena sometime in the 1980s, screaming out his right-wing politics to a packed house of 10,000 screaming fanatics. The air was thick with fascist rhetoric as well as Nugent’s trademark buzz-saw rock ‘n’ roll. The rabid cheering of support for Nugent’s rigid right-wing attitudes and the brute force of pile-driving rock beats drove home the image of America’s own torque-jawed conservatives grabbing power at gunpoint.

All those stories of Hitler’s rave-up speeches in giant Munich beer halls came to mind. In my review of the show, I pointed out the parallels between Ted and Hitler.

The headline on the review linked Ted with the Nazis.

The next day Nugent was screaming into my answering machine at the newspaper that he wasn’t a Nazi. When his plane got to San Diego, he called me back again and started screaming again. I kept those messages on my answering machine for a long time.

Jimmy Buffett’s trouble in paradise

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band were playing the Tucson Arena on one of their first national tours. Buffett was years away from recording future hits about Margaritaville and those cheeseburgers in Paradise. In fact, the good-time country rocker was getting rough treatment facing raucous crowds while opening for those white-line-fever boys who called themselves Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The touring combo of acts made no sense musically, but both bands had signed contracts with the tandem record companies, ABC and MCA. So there they were, Buffett taking a bruising while “Free Bird” was on everybody’s mind. “Sweet Home Alabama” was looking like it would become Lynyrd Skynyrd’s follow-up hit.

Buffett and I were backstage swapping stories about Key West when he sputtered “I hate Lynyrd Skynyrd” with such uncharacteristic ill will it kind of stopped me. In those days, all rock ‘n’ rollers stood together against the world. His eagerness to go against this youthful unity was impressive

Later I realized the real lesson was to be true to know yourself and be true to who you are – a lesson that’s even more important in today’s celebrity-crazed media world.

He writes the songs – but doesn’t know all that jazz

Barry Manilow was on the phone, hyping his 1984 dip into jazz with the album “Paradise Café.” On hand to help the singer carry this swinging load were guest artists Mel Torme, Sarah Vaughan and sax man Gerry Mulligan. Disco was over. Punk rock was the new Colossus. Soft rock guys like Manilow had nowhere to hide.

But Manilow was always sensitive about his pop culture image. After breaking out early with such hits as “Mandy”" and “I Write the Songs,” who could blame him?

So in the spirit of truth in advertising, I was wanting to measure the depth of Manilow’s jazz soul, basically. I kept asking him about the songs and singers from those years. He must have thought it was a music history test.

“How old do you think I am?” he finally growled in frustration.

Not old enough, apparently.

ELSA NIDIA BARRETT

THE JERKS: Mexican actor Jaime Camil and Alicia Villarreal, lead singer of Grupo Limite, were two of the most unpleasant interviews I did for the Citizen. Both were arrogant, just giving “yes” and “no” answers – or, with Villarreal, just nodding her head. But at least she didn’t get furious with me, like Camil did when I compared his style of music to Enrique Iglesias’. He should be so lucky.

Another jerk was Morris Day (of the Time). After scheduling an interview with his publicist, Day refused to talk to me after his performance. He figured just shaking my hand was enough.

I had many artists cancel at the last minute, but the one that hurt the most was Mr. Funkadelic himself, George Clinton. I sooo wanted to talk to him, but after five canceled interviews, I realized he really didn’t want to talk to me.

THE GOOD GUYS: On the brighter side, I talked to some of the nicest, coolest people. After his concert at Club Congress, El Vez, the Mexican Elvis, talked to me for 30 minutes about every aspect of his life. He made me feel at home, switching from English to Spanish and calling me “mija.”

I got several dear “mijitas” from the lovely and funny Freddy Fender when he and Flaco Jimenez performed in Tucson. He laughed so hard when he referred to his band, The Texas Tornadoes,” as “The Old Farts On the Block.”

BESAME MUCHO – OR NOT: Julio Iglesias was also a very sweet, funny and flirtatious man. He put me at ease when I told him how nervous I was. “No, no, Amor, don’t feel that way,” he said. “I’m like you. The only difference is that I’m a singer and you’re a writer.” I got a kiss on the cheek from him. He went for my lips, but I freaked out and turned my head. Good thing, because my cheek was so wet after he slobbered all over it.

Another memorable moment for me was meeting actor Sam Elliott at Club Congress. He was seated at the bar with some friends, including a very intoxicated Val Kilmer, who was hard to recognize under two buxom blondes. Everyone at the club was being “very cool” and not bothering Elliott. But not me. I got up my nerve and asked him if I could shake his hand. He stood and gave me a kiss on my hand. “You’re the first one to ask me that,” he said. I felt my legs melting.

ROGELIO YUBETA OLIVAS

Unlike my colleagues, I don’t have any dirt to dish. My column is pretty lame, mainly because I haven’t been an entertainment reporter for as long as they have. So instead of dishin’ the dirt, I will offer my impressions about celebrities I’ve interviewed and share some memorable experiences I’ve had covering the Latin music beat and entertainment in general at the Citizen.

ALEJANDRO FERNANDEZ: The hunky Mexican singer struck me as sincere and very down to earth. He also was extremely gracious and helped me (with no hint of judgment) when I struggled with my Spanish during the interview.

Fernandez put on a great concert and oozed with sex appeal in his form-fitting mariachi outfit. My favorite line from the night came from a tipsy and overly amorous female fan, who shouted to Fernandez, “Ven a mi rancho, papacito! (Come to my ranch, daddy!)” Ay!

GEORGE LOPEZ: What struck me most about the comedian was that he always spoke his mind. He didn’t care whom he offended. You have to respect him for that.

We kind of bonded when we discussed how hard it is for guys with fat heads (like us) to find good hats.

ALEJANDRO SANZ: The talented Spanish singer-songwriter was one of the few Latin music superstars I got to spend time with. I met him backstage after his concert at Casino Del Sol’s AVA. He sat right next to me on the couch and asked about my family’s background.

He’s a decent guy, more handsome in person, humble and very easy to talk to. Nothing pretentious about him.

CHAYANNE: The Puerto Rican sex symbol is just as nice on the phone as he is in the movies and on TV. He laughed a lot during our interview, especially when I asked him what it was like to pose for Playgirl. In the middle of his answer, his publicist abruptly cut in and said my time was up. So I never got the naked truth about the experience.

PABLO MONTERO: The Mexican singer-actor wasn’t rude to me but he was very detached. I never felt at ease when I interviewed him before his headlining appearance at the Tucson International Mariachi Conference. His answers were short and he didn’t show any sign of enthusiasm.

RUBEN RAMOS: The Tejano music legend is a class act, with charm and personality to spare. He was superpolite during our talk – and funny as heck.

In describing his fans in the Old Pueblo, “El Gato Negro” said “Tucson has been like the Cool Whip on a pie.” You gotta love him.

JUANES: I was supposed to interview the Colombian superstar before his show at AVA, but he came down with a throat infection and had to rest his voice. So we did an e-mail interview instead. Even in writing, his warmth and Everyman vibe came through.

I had seen him the first time he performed in Tucson (at the Pima County Fairgrounds) before he hit it big, and his talent was evident. My friends and I that night predicted that he would be a major star within a couple of years.

EDDIE PALMIERI: Interviewing the Latin jazz legend was just like talking to a regular Joe on the streets of The Big Apple. The Spanish Harlem native still has his New York City accent and is the only person I’ve ever interviewed who used the expression “Fuggetaboutit.” He was incredibly friendly and accessible and his knowledge of music is awe-inspiring.

MOST MEMORABLE CONCERT MOMENT: For most of her 67 years, world music chanteuse Cesaria Evora has never let decorum stand in the way of comfort. During her Tucson concert, in 2001 at stodgy Centennial Hall, the Cape Verde native walked over in her trademark bare feet to her piano player, lit a cigarette, leaned against the instrument and proceeded to puff away as he performed his solo. The amused audience in the no-smoking hall erupted in laughter and applause. Priceless.

BEST CONCERT: I’ve attended some good ones (Lila Downs, the Buena Vista Social Club, Quetzal), but I have to give the honor to k.d. lang, whose Nov. 12 show at Centennial Hall was a vibrant display of vocal prowess and technical excellence. I knew she had a great voice but her performance exceeded my expectations. Her voice is so pure and crystal clear, and she’s one of the few musicians in the world who sounds just as good if not better live. Everyone in my group also raved about the excellent acoustics (thanks to the new state-of-the-art sound system) in Centennial Hall, two things that I never thought would go hand in hand.

WORST CONCERT: Mexican actor-singer Jaime Camil’s show at Centennial Hall in 2002. The telenovela heartthrob showcased Latin pop at its worst with tacky Las Vegas-style showmanship and cheesy cover material, such as “All Night Long” by Lionel Ritchie. Man it was painful to see and hear.

MOST SURREAL MOMENT DURING AN INTERVIEW: When I was interviewing Tejano singer Adalberto Gallegos in his Southwest Side home in 2003 and he was showing me his LP collection, I came across my sister’s Latin Breed album that had been stolen years before. It had her name, which she had written in marker, all over the cover. When I told him that that was my sister’s album, he said a friend of his had given it to him but that I could have it. I snatched it up and returned it to my sister, who was thrilled to have it back. Weird.

Glenn Close would take on corporate suit Al Pacino in director Gabrielle Fimbres' "Journalism's Last Stand."

This week’s question: If you made a movie about the closing of the Tucson Citizen, who would play the villainous corporate suit delivering the bad news and whom would you cast as the tortured heroine fighting to save the newspaper? What would you title the film?

Book reviewer Larry Cox

Casting the villainous corporate suit would be a no-brainer. I would bring Dick Cheney out of retirement and cast him to portray the role he was born to play, that of a heartless, ruthless, evil scoundrel. Liza Minnelli would be cast as Cynthia Citizen, the poor-but-honest reporter, who fights to save the paper against incredible odds. Her showstopping all-singing, all-tapping finale would be an uptempo arrangement of “There’s Got to be a Morning After,” originally heard in “The Poseidon Adventure,” a film about yet another tragic disaster. It would be filmed in a new cutting-edge process: Greed-O-Vision and it would be titled “Death by a Thousand Cuts.”

Events coordinator Elsa Nidia Barrett

The perfect heroine for my movie, “Al Diablo con el Citizen!” is the new Madame President on the hit television show “24,” Cherry Jones. The intense actress would give true justice to the role of our current editor in charge, a tough cookie who’s under a tremendous amount of emotional strain, but keeps fighting. As for the heartless corporate suit, I’m choosing Ted Danson, for his vicious character of billionaire CEO Arthur Frobisher on “Damages.” I know, I know, I watch too much TV, and come March 21, not even Hiro Nakamura (“Heroes”) can save the day.

Metromix editor Polly Higgins

I can’t think of much that’s scarier than a) losing your job in a bad economy or b) ZOMBIES. So, my zombie movie, “Dawn of the Deadline,” will star Bruce Campbell (all great villains are charming, right?) as the zombie who tries to undead the newsroom. Struggling to save as many of her co-workers as possible from this flesh-ripping, brain-munching blight is that plucky Parker Posey.

Features writer Gabrielle Fimbres

Al Pacino, whom I love, can be pretty heartless, so he could make an outstanding evil corporate suit. Glenn Close in her “Jagged Edge” days would star as the heroine in my film. The title: “The Devil in a Blue Suit” or “Journalism’s Last Stand.”

Features editor Teresa Truelsen

For the villainous corporate suit, Alec Baldwin in his “Glengarry Glen Ross” persona. And for the tortured heroine, Geena Davis. A delicious twist, since the two of them played husband and wife in BeetleJuice. The title? “Futility.”

Calendar editor Rogelio Yubeta Olivas

Someone who’s brassy and bold needs to play the editor-heroine, because she’s tough and doesn’t take any poop from anyone. Academy Award winner Cher would be perfect. The ruthless corporate suit would be played by disgraced financier Bernard L. Madoff. In the movie he would swing by the newsroom on his way to a ritzy pro-am golf tournament. He’d be wearing his plaid golf knickers, and his ankle bracelet would be in full view. He’d also have his golf clubs in tow, including his favorite one emblazoned with the name “Rosebud.” Naturally, the movie would be called “Citizen Pain.”

Arts writer Chuck Graham

The villain would have to be played by Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) in the “Saw” series who mercilessly tortures all his victims for inhumanely long periods of time before finally putting them to death. The tortured heroine would be played by Rose McGowan in her “Planet Terror” guise as Cherry the go-go slinky pole dancer who uses an M4 assault rifle for a prosthetic leg. She wouldn’t be tortured for long.

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NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION

If you could dedicate a song to the Tucson Citizen before it closes March 21, what would it be and why?

> Readers, we’d love for you to play along. Please e-mail your response by noon Monday to calendar@tucsoncitizen.com (calendar@tucsoncitizen.com). Please include your name, age, occupation and phone number.

NEW YORK – Prince is coming to a Target near you.

The superstar is releasing a three-disc CD set through the retailer at the end of this month. The set will include two new albums – “LOtUSFLOW3R” and “MPLSoUND” – as well as a third by his new artist, Bria Valente, for the price of $11.98.

Prince is just the latest music legend to release new music exclusively through a major retailer. AC/DC and the Eagles were among the acts who sold millions of CDs through their partnership with Wal-Mart.

Prince has released his recent CDs through major labels, but they were one-album deals that gave him the flexibility to go elsewhere when the project was done. Last fall, he released a coffee table book of photos titled “21 Nights” documenting his record-breaking, 21-night run at London’s 02 Arena in 2007. The book also included a CD of live performances.

“Prince has long been renowned as one of the world’s most original and iconic musical artists,” said Mark Schindele, Target’s senior vice president of merchandising. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to share his most recent work with our Target guests.”

The CD set will be on sale at Target and its Web site March 29.

This week’s question: What was the stupidest dare you ever accepted?

Book reviewer

Larry Cox

When I was about 5 or 6, an older cousin dared me to jump out of the hay barn loft with an umbrella. He claimed it would act like a parachute (it didn’t) and that it would be fun, fun, fun (it wasn’t).

Arts writer

Chuck Graham

Hmmmmmmmmmm . . . At the risk of appearing to lead a boring life, I really haven’t accepted any dares at all. Mainly that’s because nobody is daring, and especially double-daring, or even double-dog-daring me to do anything. However, there have been lots of times when I’ve bitten off more than I could chew.

Calendar editor

Rogelio Yubeta Olivas

My friends dared me to enter a dance contest in junior high. I partnered with my cousin and we made up a cute little routine to “Shame” by Evelyn “Champagne” King. I still remember all the steps, too. We were decked out in our best disco duds and showed off our moves at the Ramada Inn downtown. The judges weren’t impressed and sent us packin’ in the first round. We didn’t care. We had fun.

Cafe Poca Cosa's "El Plato" is always a surprise.

This week’s question: If you had to pick a dish from a local restaurant for your last meal, what would it be and why?

Features writer Gabrielle Fimbres

Easy. The Pastel de Elote from Cafe Poca Cosa is heaven on earth, comfort food in its finest form. That would send me on my way with a smile on my face.

Metromix editor Polly Higgins

I’m feeling all pasta-y: the gnocchi in gorgonzola cream sauce from Caffe Milano. It’s melt-in-your mouth good. Then, I’d walk over to Barrio and get my favorite dessert in town, their chocolate custard, and pair it with their genius mixologist’s Air Mail cocktail, which has lime juice and Champagne.

Book reviewer Larry Cox

It would be the carne seca dinner at the main El Charro restaurant downtown. I had never tasted carne seca before I moved to Arizona in 1996. It is a perfect blend of flavors and textures and has remained one of my all-time favorites despite its high salt content. I also like it because southern Arizona is one of the few places that has the perfect conditions where the meat can be cured and prepared. If El Charro was closed the day of my last meal, I would pick a tamale pie and a steak covered with chiles at El Corral on River Road.

Events coordinator Elsa Nidia Barrett

I love surprises. For that reason I’m choosing Cafe Poca Cosa’s “El Plato” for my last meal. You can never go wrong with this chef’s choice of three items. Everything on the menu is absolutely delicioso! Chicken, beef, pork and seafood dishes prepared Oaxacan-style are served – all topped with a huge salad of green vegetables and fruit. My mouth waters just thinking about it.

Calendar editor Rogelio Yubeta Olivas

The two dishes I’d pick are no longer available, but this is make-believe, so we’ll pretend they are. I’d first have the turkey pipian that El Torero used to make. It is the best pipian I’ve ever had and so different from all the others I’ve tasted. For the uninitiated, pipian is a sauce made from pumpkin seeds, chile and spices. Most restaurants serve the red chile variety. El Torero’s was pink-cream colored.

For dessert I’d have the capirotada (bread pudding) bread that El Rio Bakery used to serve. The chef there took the pudding, made it into a loaf and served it by the slice.

Arts writer Chuck Graham

Wow . . . well, this question is way too appropriate. But for my last meal I would like to go out in a blaze of glory, or at least a blaze of margaritas. So I would head over to Guadalajara Grill, my personal favorite Mexican restaurant, and order a tray full of Bandera Margaritas and the super-sized Pancho Villa maxi-combo. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh . . . then you could take me away.

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NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION

What was the stupidest dare you ever accepted?

> Readers, we’d love for you to play along. Please e-mail your response by noon Monday to calendar@tucsoncitizen.com (calendar@tucsoncitizen.com). Please include your name, age, occupation and phone number.

Kristin Davis (left) and Sarah Jessica Parker will return to the big screen.

LOS ANGELES – There’s still sex to be had in the city, even though Carrie Bradshaw has settled down with one man.

New Line Cinema spokeswoman Candice McDonough confirms that “Sex and the City” star Sarah Jessica Parker, her three co-stars and writer-director Michael Patrick King are signed for a sequel to last year’s hit movie.

The film will reunite Parker and gal pals Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon.

In a statement, King says: “I’m very excited to work with these amazing actresses again and would love to give everyone more information about the sequel … but I’m busy with my ‘Sex’ life.”

New Line parent Warner Bros. plans to have the sequel out in summer 2010.

This week’s question: What was the most embarrassing or unusual experience you had while shopping?

Book reviewer Larry Cox

A number of years ago I went shopping for a new suit at a major department store. It was a Saturday afternoon and the store was crowded. I finally found a suit I liked and took it into the dressing room. I pulled on the pants but somehow got my feet tangled and I fell against the door tumbling out into the store in my underwear with the legs of the pants still twisted around my knees. As I looked up helplessly, one of the clerks (a woman) asked if I needed help. I said no, I could make a jackass of myself without any help from others. I left the store as soon as possible with no suit but a rather red face.

Events coordinator Elsa Nidia Barrett

Some of the more embarrassing moments happened not when I was shopping, but when I was helping people with their shopping. I was one of the unfortunate ones working for Dillard’s at El Con when it closed in 1999. During the final weeks nice, polite customers became “out of control animals.” It wasn’t just the sale items they were quarreling about; it was those darn fitting rooms. Fights broke out every day.

Many customers took out their frustrations about the long lines by letting their young ones use the fitting rooms as bathrooms. Others took the faster approach: they gathered all their clothes in a huge pile (3-4 feet) and just dressed and undressed themselves and their kids without a care in the world. Those were some of the saddest and embarrassing moments I had ever experienced in the retail world.

Calendar editor Rogelio Yubeta Olivas

I was going to write about how when I was a little kid, I used to shoplift Jesus statues from the local TG&Y.

But then I remembered a more recent experience. When I was visiting friends in Missouri two years ago, we went to a three-story hat store. I was in heaven – until the weird sales guy with the (literally) wandering eye approached me. I just picked up a creepy vibe from him. He was checking me out and was a little too familiar. After helping me try on a couple of hats, he asks me – out of the blue – if he can have the tennis shoes I’m wearing. I say no. Then he asks for my UA windbreaker. I don’t know why he wanted my clothes. I didn’t give him anything. The whole time my friends were just sitting near the window, laughing and enjoying the show. They said it was like watching a David Lynch movie. Totally bizarro.

Metromix editor Polly Higgins

Does gassing up the car count as shopping? Several years ago I was filling up the tank at a Circle K on South Sixth Avenue when I hear “how much?” We all know what that refers to. So I ignored the gruff voice, kept about my business. Again: “How much?” It was early, and I just wanted to get to work, so I responded with an annoyed, “You know . . .” Turns out it was my friend Liza. Ha!

Calendar designer Kristina Dunham

One day, two summers ago, I spent several hours in the pool at a house where I was house-sitting, and then I headed to the mall to go shopping, despite some slight discomfort from getting sunburned. I started to feel worse as I tried on clothes, so I quickly picked out what I wanted and headed to the counter. As I stood in line, I started to feel queasy, and when I finally got to the counter, I felt very ill and tried to tell the woman I would have to come back later. Apparently my words came out as gibberish though, and within seconds I fainted! I don’t think I actually lost consciousness because I remember that everyone behind the counter and several customers rushed to my side to help me up from the floor. I insisted I was fine and that it was just because I had too much sun, but they wouldn’t let me leave the store without lying down on a bench behind the counter. I wasn’t in a position to argue, so I reluctantly lay on the bench, which was against the glass wall looking out into the mall. A woman brought me a bottle of water, and soon I felt better enough to get up, pay and leave, but I was thoroughly mortified. I still cringe when I walk by the bench in the window, and I can’t bring myself to go back inside that store.

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NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION

If you had to pick a dish from a local restaurant for your last meal, what would it be and why?

> Readers, we’d love for you to play along. Please e-mail your response by noon Monday to calendar@tucsoncitizen.com (calendar@tucsoncitizen.com). Please include your name, age, occupation and phone number.

Snuggie's cheesy television ad, which shows people sporting the sleeved blankets, has become a pop culture phenomenon. It has inspired talk-show jokes, Internet spoofs and college drinking games.

The Cult of the Snuggie threatens to take over America! Or at least, a substantial number – 4 million – of late-night couch spuds.

The Snuggie, an oversized fleece blanket with sleeves, stars in a ubiquitous TV ad so cheesy it’s practically art, and apparently wildly entertaining. The ad shows people wearing Snuggies at a sporting event, cheering and high-fiving each other while dressed sort of like medieval monks.

“Every once in a while, a product transcends advertising to become part of pop culture,” says Scott Boilen, president and CEO of Allstar Products Group of Hawthorne, N.Y., which conceived and markets the China-made Snuggie.

Indeed, Snuggies seem to be everywhere. See them on Facebook – nearly 250 groups, pro and con; one fan club lists 5,999 members. Watch them on YouTube – nearly 300 parody videos posted, including one titled “The Cult of the Snuggie.”

Jay Leno makes fun of them: “Lard-ass quilt was the original name! Why not just put your robe on backwards?” Ellen DeGeneres spoofed them, trying one on during her show. Fox News even spotted someone wearing a Snuggie in the crowd at President Obama’s inauguration.

There are snarky Snuggie-love sites on the Internet, such as SnuggieSightings.com, where fans post photos, videos and “news.” Did you know that Snuggie drinking games are sweeping colleges? Students take a swig every time a Snuggie ad airs after midnight.

The Snuggie concept is not new, nor is it the only such product on the market, but the Snuggie proves once again that an attractive price (two for $19.95, plus free book light online and on TV, about $14.99 for one in stores) and clever marketing can take you far in American retailing.

Snuggies went on sale in August, began TV advertising in October and started shipping to retailers in December. Already, 4 million have been sold. But the Internet is crowded with angry testimonials from consumers who say they were overcharged or never got their order or waited much longer than four to six weeks for their Snuggies to arrive.

Boilen promises that all complaints will be resolved. “In our internal consumer-focus groups, Snuggie got the highest rating ever for any product, even (among) people who had to wait,” he says.

Or despite other consequences. “I’ve gained 20 pounds since I started using my Snuggie,” jokes Amy Norris of Baltimore, a member of a Snuggie fan club on Facebook. “I got it for a Christmas gift and initially thought it was just funny, but now we fight over it at my house.”

Nancy Wilson's "Guess Who I Saw Today" still packs an emotional punch after 40 years.

This week’s question: Which song by one of your favorite performers is an undiscovered gem, and why?

Arts writer Chuck Graham

Here’s a rare one. Back in the 1970s, when half the people in Tucson wanted to become rock stars, local singer-songwriter Fred Knipe wrote and recorded a song called “Roses and Stones.” It was haunting and unforgettable. Fred went on to write songs recorded by Don Williams and other stars, but so far as I know nobody famous has ever recorded “Roses and Stones.” If they ever did, it would be a hit. For sure.

Metromix editor Polly Higgins

I’ll pick The Cure, because so many of the band’s good songs never got radio play, at least on this side of the pond. “10:15 Saturday Night” (off 1979′s “Three Imaginary Boys”) sums up what I like about Robert Smith – creative production (the guitar solo is so loud! I love it), vocal lines (Smith’s drip-drip-drip-drip-drip of a sink tap) and guitar work. It’s off and it’s pop at the same time.

Book reviewer Larry Cox

One of my favorite LPs is “The Nancy Wilson Show,” which was recorded in 1965 onstage at the Hotel Ambassador’s Cocoanut Grove in Los Angeles. On this incredible album is “Guess Who I Saw Today,” which – even after more than 40 years – still packs quite an emotional punch. This forgotten performance featuring one of the most ironic songs ever written deserves another listen. If you’ve ever had your heart kicked over the goalpost of life, this cut is for you.

Calendar editor Rogelio Yubeta Olivas

On her 1989 CD “Foreign Affair,” sultry Tina Turner shows that she can sing more than just rock and pop. She is cool and sexy in the sizzlin’ “Undercover Agent for the Blues,” and proves that she can keep up with even the best blues musicians.

Another favorite is Sade’s smooth, jazzy instrumental “Punch Drunk” from the 1985 CD “Promise.” The track showcases the talents of her amazing band, who are true collaborators with the exotic singer – not just backing props.

Reader Rhonda Wilkie

My nomination for undiscovered gem is the song “Banana Wind” by Jimmy Buffett. It’s the most beautiful instrumental that only the most die-hard parrot head knows. When listening to it you can smell the salt air and feel a warm breeze flow past. My Prince Charming and I were married to this song six years ago this month in Nassau. The song is very special to us.

Reader Chuck Wilkie

While not totally undiscovered, the Ramones song “Bonzo Goes to Bitburg” was a protest song that got no airplay. (Not that any Ramones song did.) It was also arguably the Ramones at their best lyrically and musically.

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NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION

What was the most embarrassing or unusual experience you had while shopping?

> Readers, we’d love for you to play along. Please e-mail your response by noon Monday to calendar@tucsoncitizen.com (calendar@tucsoncitizen.com). Please include your name, age, occupation and phone number.

If Gov. Blago's footwork can top his hand gestures, he might be a shoo-in for that shiny disco-ball trophy.

This week’s question: Cindy McCain was mentioned as a possible candidate for “Dancing with the Stars.” Which celeb or politician would you like to see as a competitor on the new season and why?

Book reviewer Larry Cox

Without a doubt, my pick would be former Gov. Blago from Illinois who has proved in recent weeks that he can out step and out flank even the pros. The way (Rod Blagojevich) danced around the issues is a true wonder to watch. That hair is a plus, too.

Events coordinator Elsa Nidia Barrett

MC Hammer! Can you just imagine the dance moves? Plus winning this competition would be a great addition to his résumé: rapper, preacher, Internet business entrepreneur, actor and winner of “Dancing with the Stars.” And no matter how bad the judges criticize him, we all know the Hammer is “Too Legit to Quit.”

Calendar editor Rogelio Yubeta Olivas

I bet you that Queen of the BBWs, Mo’Nique, can bust a move. (Do people still say that?) The saucy comedian would get out there and proudly represent the big girls of the world.

Calendar designer Kristina Dunham

I’ve always thought Freddie Prinze Jr. should be a contestant on the show merely because I would love to watch him dance. The more I think about it though, I think it would be interesting to have Freddie and his wife, Sarah Michelle Gellar, join the show so they could compete against each other.

Metromix editor Polly Higgins

I’d like to see “Dancing with the Convicted Stars,” with O.J. Simpson tripping the light fantastic in his orange jumpsuit. (The athletes always do so well.) Of course, we have lots of options, but the cast could be filled out with Robert Downey Jr., Paris Hilton, Tommy Lee, Michelle Rodriguez, Martha Stewart, Bobby Brown, Keifer Sutherland and Boy George.

Reader Rachel Ingegneri

I am an avid fan of “Dancing with the Stars” and would like to see Donny Osmond on the show. His sister, Marie, took her turn. Let’s see if Donny can measure up!

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NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION

Which song by one of your favorite performers is an undiscovered gem, and why?

> Readers, we’d love for you to play along. Please e-mail your response by noon Monday to calendar@tucsoncitizen.com (calendar@tucsoncitizen.com). Please include your name, age, occupation and phone number.

Zachary Quinto, who plays Spock in the new movie, will soon see his likeness on toy store shelves.

A new “Star Trek” film without new toys would be, as Spock might say, highly illogical. So action figures and other items are beaming down to stores in advance of the J.J. Abrams-directed film, opening May 8.

The Playmates Toys’ products, in stores starting April 19, are part of a marketing mission that includes Mattel Barbie collector dolls (Kirk, Spock and Uhura), trading cards, radio-controlled spaceships and board games.

The action figures re-energize a franchise that “helped prove figures based on science-fiction properties not directly created with kids in mind were a viable market,” says Cliff Annicelli of “Playthings” magazine. “They paved the way for the development of what today is a cottage industry for collectible toys targeted primarily towards adult males.”

The starring triumvirate of Kirk, Spock and McCoy will be available in 3-inch ($7), 6-inch ($9-$10) and 12-inch ($30) models. Also available will be figures of the original Spock, who meets the young Spock in a time anomaly. Other crewmembers will be available in the smaller sizes. Playsets include the Enterprise Bridge and Transporter Room.

The goal: to “make the brand more accessible to not only existing fans but to a new generation,” says Liz Kalodner of CBS Consumer Products. “It’s important to us that we honor the iconic property for what it has contributed to American pop culture.”

“Since this is a whole new take on the franchise, we followed (Abrams’) lead with a new approach including collectible features, new figure and vehicle scales, and new materials,” Playmates’ Paul Fish says.

Thanks to a new layaway option, music fans who want to go to this year's Coachella festival won't have to come up with ticket money all at once.

Fans who can’t pony up the bucks for a colossal music festival touting big acts on multiple stages have an alternative.

Pay in multiple stages.

Layaway plans, recently resurrected by Sears and other retail chains, will be available to consumers who buy tickets to several 2009 festivals, including the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. It returns April 17-19 in Indio, Calif.

At the indie-rock fest, fans will have two options besides money upfront when buying a $269 three-day pass: pay half down and the rest April 1, or pay 10 percent followed by equal installments on March 1 and April 1 without interest or additional fees. The plans are sold only online and aren’t available for $99 single-day admission.

Layaway systems already are in place for the Stagecoach Country Music Festival, Country Thunder USA and the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, which offered an installment service last year.

The struggling economy prompted the expansion, “though we probably should have been doing this all along,” says Paul Tollett, Coachella founder and president of concert promoter Goldenvoice. “It’s great for people who want to go but don’t have all the money at once. When we did it for Stagecoach, 24 percent of people picked layaway, which is eye-opening. So we’re doing it for all our festivals.”

Fans can expect layaway choices at the All Points West Music & Arts Festival in Jersey City, Rothbury Festival in Michigan and the Mile High Music Festival in Commerce City, Colo.

The system, which entails higher processing costs, is best suited for large general-admission festivals, not reserved-seating arena shows with smaller staffs, Tollett says.

Though there is a risk for fans (having their order canceled and losing their deposits if they default on payment), layaway boosts the allure of festivals, says Ray Waddell, “Billboard”‘s touring editor.

“For the big festivals, the cost-per-band is a bargain,” he says. “And the overall experience offers a lot of value. Still, producers would be crazy not to react to what is bound to be a more price-sensitive market this year.”

Spreading a hefty cost over a period of weeks or months naturally appeals to buyers on tight budgets, Waddell says. “Just ask QVC.”

Abigail Breslin

This week’s question: Which new entertainer (in movies, music, TV, publishing, etc.) has the talent and charisma to endure in the industry?

Book reviewer Larry Cox

Because I know more about books than I do about either music or entertainment, I have to tip my hat to Selden Edwards, a California teacher. He wrote, rewrote and polished a manuscript for more than two decades before finally getting it published. “The Little Book” was one of the top novels of 2008 and it still knocks my socks off. I wait in anticipation for his second book and, hopefully, unlike his first, it won’t take another 20 years to complete.

Arts writer Chuck Graham

Maybe you won’t recognize her face, but I’m hoping the ingeniously clever new screenwriter Diablo Cody (not her real name) never gets writer’s block. Anyone who could dream up a nom de plume that good has got to be on to something. In 2007, Cody broke through big time with her script for “Juno,” an insider-smart film dazzling for its word play. After the former striptease dancer won the Best Screenplay Oscar last year, she became one very hot property (in more ways than one).

Events coordinator Elsa Nidia Barrett

Abigail Breslin, the little girl who upstaged all her costars in last year’s indie hit movie, “Little Miss Sunshine,” is my pick. The role that got her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. At only 12 years old, this young star has only one way to go: UP!

Calendar editor Rogelio Yubeta Olivas

Although few people know of these talented musicians on a national level, former Tucson folk singer Jose “Pepo” Saavedra and alt-Latin band Maneja Beto of Austin, Texas, are the real thing. Their sound is fresh and is complemented by intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics. Take a listen on iTunes or their Web sites. You’ll be impressed.

FROM READERS

(Editor’s note: One reader’s response to last week’s question about favorite expressions got lost in the shuffle, so we’re running it this week. Another reader enlightened us about the origins of one of our staffers’ favorite sayings.)

Wayne Komorowski

Why do ads always say “state of the art”? It is an overused term and what the heck is it supposed to indicate? Let’s dump it forever.

Don T. Thompson

(RE: Features writer Jen Lum’s answer to last week’s question) The expression “balls to the wall” originated in England during the second world war. It refers to the practice of pushing the ball-ends on the throttles of a fighter aircraft (I can’t remember if it was the Spitfire or the Hurricane) to the firewall to achieve maximum output from the engines in a combat situation, hence the meaning “all-out effort without regard to immediate consequences.” Had there been female fighter pilots in the Battle of Britain, they would have been fully justified in going balls to the wall.

What in the world did you think the expression refers to?