Northwest Chatter

Thelma Grimes, The Explorer

When it comes to the special election to replace retired Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Congressional District 8, I’ve heard a couple statements that have got me to thinking. First, a SaddleBrooke resident told me after reading some political statements having to do with the CD8 race between Ron Barber and Jesse Kelly, “Thelma, I don’t know who to believe.” She keeps up with current events, is responsible in voting and is a good citizen, and yet, she’s put in this position of not knowing who is telling the truth anymore. Her problem is not uncommon, as many voters see the television ads, hear the radio shows, the rhetoric, the back and forth politicking, and they wonder if what they are hearing is the truth.

Harrison Avigdor, Explorer intern

As expected, there was no lack of excitement through the first round of the NBA playoffs. Two series’ being decided in a game seven and a #8 seed upsetting the team with the best record throughout the regular season. In addition, a much anticipated Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers matchup is finally set after the Lakers edged out the Denver Nuggets in a season saving game seven. It’s safe to say that these playoffs won’t disappoint.

Austin Stucky

Side two begins with the "ching" of a cash register. In an almost robotic form, money is taken and dispensed into the register repeatedly creating an interesting beginning to the second half of "The Darkside of the Moon." The track "Money," (the other single off of the record other than "Time") introduces the listener into the working world. For us in the west, the accumulation and distribution of currency is a key element of survival. Have enough and you're okay, have too little and life could get very challenging for you. We as humans have adapted to this form of accumulation to the point of having adverse effects towards the well-being of society. The fact is that often times the desire to obtain money takes over the individual's personality and thoughts. Money creates a sense of security within the individual, a security that is necessary to be able to function properly in this world. No matter how you go about obtaining that sense of security, money is a prime method. This is why money is compared to a gas, as it induces a numbing affect on the person that has the potential to affect better judgment.

By Chris Flora, The Explorer

“Marvel’s The Avengers” grossed a whopping $200.3 million domestically over the weekend, claiming the highest grossing weekend total in history, a record previously held by “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2,” at $169.2 million.

By Paul Afek, M.D./Special to The Explorer

With the recent outbreaks of tainted food – from produce to pantry staples like peanut butter – Americans are paying more attention than ever to what they eat. For the several million Americans living with food intolerances and allergies, meticulously reading food labels and monitoring reactions to certain foods is an everyday routine.

By Thelma Grimes, The Explorer

There’s been a lot of talk in the last few months about whether or not the Arizona Legislature has waged war against women. While some shake their heads in disbelief, saying the idea is preposterous, some of us are scratching our heads thinking it may just be happening right before our eyes. As each new bill is approved, or new idea comes from our lawmakers, I ask myself if our gender is taking a giant step backward, rather than leaping forward?

By Chris Flora, The Explorer

“The Five-Year Engagement” had a surprisingly poor opening over the weekend, grossing only $11.1 million and placing fourth at the box office. “Think Like a Man” maintained first place for the second week in a row, grossing $18 million, and somehow, someway, maybe by some misalignment of Jupiter’s moons with Venus, even “The Lucky One” (those who read my review last week know how I feel about this movie) managed to top “The Five-Year Engagement” over the weekend.

By Emil Franzi, Special to The Explorer

Dear Ron,

By Richard Brinkley, Special to The Explorer

Character is essentially about saying and doing the right things. Far too often we see politicians failing in both areas.

By Mari N. Jensen and Daniel Stolte, College of Science and University Communications

Roy Parker, a Regents’ Professor in the department of molecular and cellular biology, and Marcia J. Rieke, a Regents’ Professor in the department of astronomy, have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

By Thelma Grimes, The Explorer

There are some parents in this world who aren’t happy about the products being provided by Apple through their Apps program. They are so unhappy in fact, that they felt the need to file a lawsuit.

By Harrison Avigdor, Explorer intern

Darrell Patton, Assistant Varsity coach at St. Gregory College Preparatory School and director of Tucson Magic Basketball Association has won a national award. He was awarded the Positive Coaching Alliance Double-Goal Coach Award for his work in developing young players on and off the court. The Positive Coaching Alliance is a national not-for-profit organization devoted to providing youth and high school athletes with positive and character building youth sports experiences.

By Thelma Grimes, The Explorer

Next month we will be celebrating our mothers. On Mother’s Day we thank them for raising us, caring for us and being there for us with gifts, hugs and sometimes tears. This year, instead of just telling mom how great she is in person, The Explorer is looking for you to tell thousands of people just how you feel about your mom. Through the “What makes your mom great?” contest, we are taking essays and will be handing out prizes for that special day. 

By Peter Hanna, M.D., Special to The Explorer

Until recently, type 2 diabetes was also known as adult-onset diabetes. Now, it is no longer called adult-onset diabetes because so many children are developing the condition.

By Thelma Grimes, The Explorer

Over the last year, it’s becoming more and more alarming to see how some politicians are “serving constituents” in Congress, and the Arizona Legislature. I am not talking about the bills being passed, even though there are plenty of them that are just ridiculous. No, I am talking about behavior.

By Harrison Avigdor, Explorer intern

It’s the offseason and the NFL is making the headlines. That should speak for itself. However, if you aren’t impressed, arguably the biggest free agent signing recently took place. Not only was he one of the biggest free agent signings of all time, but he also happened to land in a particularly special place. This is because their previous quarterback was praised and hated at the same time, he would make the news regardless of how he played.

Randy Metcalf/The Explorer

Yes, Facebook now has a new format for the way you view yours and others’ profiles called Timeline.

By Thelma Grimes, The Explorer

Oro Valley’s Harvest Restaurant fell under new ownership in October, and after nearly six months of Reza and Lisa Shapouri setting the menu for both lunch and dinner, it was time to test the food.

By Alex Westerband, M.D., Special to The Explorer

When most of us think about heart health and warning signs of heart trouble, we usually focus on symptoms involving the chest, not the legs. However, chronic leg pain may signal peripheral artery disease, a condition that shares a common cause with heart disease: hardening of the arteries. Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, is the primary cause of peripheral artery disease, or PAD. As we age, fatty deposits of excess cholesterol and calcium, also known as plaque, build up in the arteries. Over time, these fatty deposits accumulate, narrowing the blood vessel. Blockages develop, or the arteries stiffen, making blood flow difficult. This can happen not only to the arteries clos=e to the heart, but also, in other locations of the body. When arteries in the leg become blocked, they cannot deliver sufficient blood and oxygen to the body’s extremities. This causes the legs to ache or feel numb. PAD increases the risk for heart attack, stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA, also known as a “mini-stroke”). If left untreated, PAD can sometimes lead to severe infection or gangrene, the deterioration of leg tissue and possible amputation of a leg or foot.

By Harrison Avigdor, Explorer intern

The NFL officially punished the New Orleans Saints this past Wednesday for the so called “Bounty Program”. The NFL concluded its investigation that proved former Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams guilty of administering an illegal bounty program, which started in 2009.

Thelma Grimes / The Explorer

Last week, there were two DVD releases that were must sees: George Clooney’s hit, “The Descendents,” and Charlize Theron’s “Young Adult.”

By Kathy Bullerman, Special to The Explorer

With spring being here, the first thing that comes to this foodies’ mind is fresh asparagus.

By Harrison Avigdor, Explorer intern

The Arizona Wildcats’ season came to a bitter end in March with a first round loss in the NIT Tournament to an inferior Bucknell team. It’s time to look back to see what went wrong this season, and to look forward to next season. The Wildcats have a lot to look forward to.

By Chris Flora, The Explorer

“Silent House” didn’t make much noise at the box office over the weekend, grossing only $7 million and rightfully receiving an “F” grade from CinemaScore surveys, becoming only the second movie of the year to receive a failing grade.