The discussion continues. First I wrote a guest opinion in the Weekly's print edition about University of Arizona's Center for the Philosophy of Freedom, aka the Freedom Center, creating a high school course being taught in Tucson Unified and other local school districts. The next week, Michael McKenna, director of the Freedom Center, responded with a guest opinion of his own. I followed with a post about one small part of what McKenna's wrote, promising I would write more in the future.

In place of my post, here is a letter submitted to the Weekly by David N. Gibbs, Professor of History at the UA, which wasn't included in this week's print edition. It covers the main points I was planning to make and takes it a few steps further by linking the Center to state politics.

To the editor:

David Safier’s recent article brought to light disturbing connections between the Center for the Philosophy of Freedom, associated with the UA Philosophy Department, and a series of far right funders, including Charles Koch. Safier noted that the Freedom Center has produced a high school curriculum that contains a strong flavor of political indoctrination.

In a Guest Opinion, Freedom Center director Michael McKenna defends his program, but if read carefully, McKenna confirms much of Safier’s original article. Thus McKenna bristles at the notion that the Koch family has influenced the center – but he concedes that they provided $1.8 million in funding, a sizable sum for an academic unit, and have played a major role in funding the Philosophy Department’s graduate program. McKenna adds that the center has received funds from approximately twenty-four other sources, including such conservative stalwarts as the Kendrick family and the Templeton Foundation. Clearly, the Freedom Center has not been hurting for funds. McKenna bristles at the accusation that the Freedom Center’s high school textbook is tendentiously slanted in favor of the libertarian economics favored by their funders; but McKenna concedes that the text “is perhaps intellectually biased.” And yes, the textbook does “favor somewhat libertarian or more generally right-leaning views.” This is hardly a model of balance.

One might add that Republican legislators have provided additional funds for the Freedom Center, and also its counterpart in Tempe. According to the Arizona Republic (4/27/16), the two freedom centers have become “academic allies” for Governor Doug Ducey and his friends. Legislators of both parties acknowledge that the two freedom centers serve ideological purposes – or to quote Republican legislator Jay Lawrence, the state funding for the centers constitutes “'a wonderful opportunity' to fund conservative viewpoints.” And in the view of Democrat Eric Meyer, the centers constitute a “think tank that spews out propaganda.”

What is this ideological Freedom Center doing at a state university? Why is the UA administration allowing this to happen?


David N. Gibbs
Professor of History
University of Arizona

Have you missed out on watching Arizona’s gargantuan gunslinger Khalil Tate and find yourself with a bad case of buyer’s remorse as a result? Have you watched an Arizona defensive unit that starts five or more freshmen crush opponents in ways unseen in these parts since legends named Bruschi and Briggs roamed about?

If so, then boy are you in luck—as Rich Rodriguez, Tate and the prodigal sons of Southern Arizona will soon return to the lovingly dated confines of Arizona for a swan song of sorts this Saturday.

The Wildcats host a mystery wrapped in an enigma, to paraphrase the late Winston Churchill, in Oregon State, for the Wildcats final home game of the year.

The Beavers enter Saturday’s contest, which kicks off at 8 p.m., under interim coach Cory Hall, with a seemingly abysmal 1-8 record.

The present (and future) had a fatalistic outlook in Corvallis, especially after third-year coach Gary Andersen quit on his team—literally walking away from $12.6 million in guaranteed money.

Looks can be deceiving, however, as the Beavers have looked like a new team of-late.

They’ve come painstakingly close to winning their past three games—all coached by Hall—losing to Colorado and 20th-ranked Stanford by scores of 36-33 and 15-14.

The Beavers, in other words, are not a team that Rodriguez, Tate and company can overlook, and worthy of showing up for as a fan.

Rodriguez said as much during his weekly press conference on Monday afternoon, praising the Beavers’ recent resurgence and newfound confidence.

“…Getting ready for an Oregon State team that is clearly better than their record, and has been playing really good football the last several weeks,” Rodriguez said. “I thought our guys bounded back pretty well mentally. They understand what a big game this is going to be for our seniors, this coming weekend, our last home game. We want to put on a good performance.”

A feat to remember

Speaking of Mr. Tate—the Inglewood, California native did something during last Saturday’s 49-35 loss to USC that no other Pac 12 signal caller has in the 58-year history: Rush for 1,000 yards.

Tate, who ran for 161 yards and a touchdown on a career-high 26 attempts against the Trojans, has propelled himself into the Heisman Trophy debate.

Rodriguez doesn’t believe that Tate will be affected by the newfound hype machine surrounding his meteoric rise from backup to a bona fide celebrity on the West Coast.

“That’s a great individual award and everyone wants to talk about it,” Rodriguez said of the Heisman. “But I think even the guys that are in contention of it don’t worry about it as much as winning games.”

Take me out to the (football) game

Heisman or not, Tate and company have become a must-see attraction in town, already doubling their win total from last year’s sad season-long showing.

There are plenty of good seats left for the game, with the University’s ticketing site showing price ranges from $10 a ticket in the upper deck to $405 for a suite on the 50-yard line.

This is your last chance to catch Tate and company play in town, before the Wildcats close out its season with road games in Eugene, Ore., and Tempe (plus a bowl game at a to be determined location).

There’s a well-known derogatory thought around town that football is merely an unsavory appetizer to the real show in town, that being the men’s basketball team (of course).

There are plenty of others that deserve your attention come Saturday night, such as running back Nick Wilson—who’s weathered bruises, broken bones and broken hearts to quietly put up a solid senior campaign.

There’s 6-foot-7-inch South African lineman Gerhard De Beer, who has a legitimate shot at being the first non-kicker from South Africa to play in the NFL.

There are many others that deserve your praise, and to go out knowing that all of Tucson supports their blood, sweat (and mainly tears).

Rodriguez said as much in his closing remarks on Monday, as the long-time coach knows full-well what Senior Night means to players, as well as their friends and family.

“Saturday night will be a big, emotional night for our seniors, and then we have two on the road to finish out the season,” Rodriguez said. “We have to be ready to go.”

Here’s hoping Rodriguez and company aren’t the only ones to do so.

How to watch:
Arizona and Oregon State kick off at 8 p.m. from Arizona Stadium, with ESPN broadcasting the game live.

How to bet:
The bookies in Las Vegas have Arizona as a 21.5 point favorite over the Beavers, with the over/under at 71.5

You’re invited to be the laugh track when Creative Tucson broadcasts its first live comedy show, Airing It Out Live, at 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov 11. Next week, the show will be posted on Creative Tucson’s YouTube channel, home of Tucson Weekly editor Jim Nintzel’s weekly broadcast, ZONA Politics; the comedy news show, 5 on 20, with Rich Gary, ContantCon’s Frank Powers and others; and scores of classic cartoons and movies.

The 90-minute program’s debut features Los Angeles comic Jay Light, most familiar to fans of Comedy Roast Battles. Also featured are Tucsonans Rory Monserat, who cohosts with Cindell Hansen, a Tuesday open mic at Loudhouse; Ali Musa, who recently revived a long-standing comedy night at Mr. Heads; and newcomer Steena Salido, an Estrogen Hour favorite. Gary will host; a spotlight to be shared in future shows with Matt Ziemak, who guests in St. Louis’ comedy festival that weekend.

Gary says of the show’s genesis, “We were brainstorming ideas for our fall programming, and somebody suggested that I should do a comedy show at the station. I had been thinking awhile as how I would pull it off, then Matt told me Jay White wanted us to try and get him a show.” Gary and Ziemak now plan to produce the show monthly with known performers like Light.

Creative Tucson Studios, at 1100 S. 6th St., represents the rebirth of public access production following the demise of Channel 12. That project, innovative in the 70s, stumbled with the advent of cable TV and collapsed with the aggressive growth of the Internet. Tucson’s three production powerhouses, KXCI, Brink Media and Wavelab Studios arranged with the City of Tucson to continue public access to hands on training, production equipment and facilities to launch creative projects in streaming media. Airing It Out Live allows Tucson comedians a worldwide audience.

FEST UP!

Don’t miss the Tucson Comedy Arts Festival 2017, with 30 improv teams from Tucson, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Chicago headlined by Kevin McDonald of Kids in the Hall, who will appear several times throughout the Fest. See last week’s Laughing Stock for more info. Details online.

PAULA POUNDSTONE’S AT THE FOX

Get tickets while you can to see Paula Pounstone at the Fox Tucson Theatre on Saturday, November 18. She’s touring behind her new book, The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness. Details and tickets are available online.

Sips for Seniors. Seniors are the homemade popcorn of the canine world: completely underrated. Lots of people picture a spunky puppy when they think about getting a new dog, but consider the benefits of taking in a more mature mutt: they usually require less training, they’re as big as they’re gonna get, they’ve grown out of the hyperactive puppy stage, and they have lots of sage wisdom to share from their years of experience. So go adopt a senior dog! And after that (or instead of that), head over to Sentinel Peak for this event, where one dollar from every pint of beer sold will be donated to PACC to sponsor senior dogs and cats. Senior dogs will also be available for adoption on the patio, ready and waiting for your unconditional love. 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. Sentinel Peak Brewing Co., 4746 E. Grant Road. Free entry.

Pueblo Vida Brewing Third Anniversary. Three years of serving up brews deserves three days of celebrating, wouldn’t you say? And the brewers over at Pueblo Vida are going all out with guiding tasting sessions, brewery tours, anniversary can releases of three double IPAs, an anniversary toast, pints & poses yoga, and a free “Thank you a Brunch” brunch catered by BOCA Tacos. Fiamme Pizza Napoletana will be onsite Friday, and Hot Bamboo and cakes from 5 Points Market & Restaurant will be around Saturday. Friday they’ll be tapping “best of” infusions like a peach tea double IPA, a pineapple and coconut pale ale, an orange creamsicle double IPA and a s’mores porter. Let’s just say there's definitely more going on than we can fit in a quick bite. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10. Noon to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. Pueblo Vida Brewing Company, 115 E. Broadway Blvd. Prices for different events vary.

Your Weekly guide to keeping busy in the Old Pueblo.

Theater and Shows

Popol Vuh: The Story of Seven Macaw. Pima Community College’s newest
production is a recreation of a Mayan creation myth, in which the Mayan hero twins must come to the rescue to end the reign of terror over the earth by corrupt Seven Macaw. They use cleverness, stealth, and their convenient abilities to shape shift in order to defeat the forces of evil, while the theater artists at PCC use enormous puppets, elaborate masks and a fusion of different dance styles to tell the story. Nov. 9 through Nov. 19. Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. ASL interpreters Thursday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Black Box Theatre in PCC Center for the Arts, 2202 W. Anklam Road. $18, discounts for students, seniors, military, PCC employees and groups.

UA Dance “Premium Blend.” UA Dance, considered one of the top dance programs in the U.S., presents its fall show at the Stevie Eller Theatre, the 300-seat auditorium which will allow the audience to experience the show on an intimate level. The ensemble contains 140 dancers and performs more than 40 times each year. In the past, they’ve presented works by the likes of Jerome Robbins and George Balanchine. Don’t miss an opportunity to see some of best dancing around, right in your own backyard. 7:30 on Wednesday, Nov. 15 through Friday, Nov. 17. 1:30 on Saturday, Nov. 18 and Sunday, Nov. 19. Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, 1737 E. University Blvd. Tickets must be purchased in conjunction with tickets for other shows during the season, so prices vary.

Jordan World Circus. Head on over to the circus, and don’t be late, because kids will be there, adults will be there, and the Hendersons will all be there, according to the Beatles. See the classic circus aerial act and performances, as well as tigers and elephants. Perhaps best of all, kids will have the chance to ride and pet different types of animals. Don’t be late! 3 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, 1 and 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12. Tucson Rodeo Grounds, 4823 S. Sixth Ave. $10 to $30.

Art

Art Now! Makers, Crafters, Educators: Working for Cultural Change. UA art professors Elizabeth Garber, Ph.D., Lisa Hochtritt, Ed.D. and Manisha Sharma, Ph.D. are coming to MOCA to talk about their new anthology, which examines the Pinteresting ways that the DIY movement for crafters, bakers and candlestick makers has shifted our social fabric. Could a focus on arts education, grassroots crafting and DIY social design be an important way to make strides toward social justice? Learn more at this casual, interactive lecture, and enjoy some light refreshments while you’re at it. 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9. MOCA, 265 S. Church Ave. $10, or free for MOCA members.

Mariano Rodriguez had already left the room by the time a group of ladies sang “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” in his honor. The results were undeniable—he lost his race for City Council Ward 6.

“This has taught me a lot, and I’m not going to go away,” he said. “We’ll see what happens in the future.”

It may not seem surprising that a Republican, and Trump supporter to boot, would lose to Steve Kozachik, the only Democrat to unseat a sitting Democrat in as long as this Tucson Weekly scribe can remember (although Kozachik was a Republican when he managed that feat).

It doesn’t take reading the tea leaves to figure out that Tucson is a liberal city. But what may surprise some, especially those of us surrounded by libs and Dems, is that Trump supporters do exist in Tucson, and many of them were at Las Margaritas Restaurant, Tuesday night, praying (yes, literally praying) that Rodriguez would win. That he would represent them in the
all-Democrat city council. That through him, their voices would be heard.

Rodriguez was not alone in starting the night off hopeful, with his message of ending bureaucratic waste and championing the people—not unlike Trump’s massage that won him the presidency (though not in Tucson).

Nadia Larsen says Rodriguez is her Tucson Trump—and she loves Trump. She was out at the Tucson Republican fiesta the night Trump won the presidency, looking stunning with her sharp features, cropped bleach-blond hair and sparkling smile. And she was here tonight, fawning over Rodrigues, taking selfies and posing for the press.

The Loft Film Fest kicks off tonight with a screening of Revenge of the Nerds," a performance by ’80s cover band 80s and Gentlemen and an appearance by Curtis Armstrong, who played Booger in the film. It's just the start of the Loft Film Fest, which you can read about in last week's Tucson Weekly cover story or at the Loft Film Fest's official website.

The Weekly caught up with Armstrong ahead of his visit to Tucson. This interview has been edited for clarity.

You have a new book, Revenge of the Nerd: The Singular Adventures of the Man Who Would Be Booger. Tell me a little bit about that and what your impetus was for writing.

I don’t know exactly how it manifested. It was one of those things. I’ve written a lot but mainly it’s been articles for literary journals that I subscribe to. It’s not a part of my life that a lot of people know about. I guess I reached a point where I was starting to look back on these things, as you do. I think you get to a point in your life and you starting thinking, “How did I wind up here?” My daughter is in college now and she’s going for her master’s degree at Oxford and I’ve had this career lasting 40 years. You start doing the conventions and you see how many generations are into work that you’ve done over the years and it just makes you reflective.

I look at Revenge of the Nerds as the coolest movie ever shot in Tucson. Tell me what you knew about Tucson before you filmed here and your experience of Tucson as a city while you were here in ’84.

I had never been to Tucson before. When we got there, we really were very focused on making sense of this screenplay, which was kind of a mess. We spent the first week with the writers and the director, just going through everything and trying to find the humanity in these cartoon characters. The thing that Jeff Kanew, the director, felt strongly about—having been a recovering nerd himself—was that we needed to be able to make the characters human so we would empathize with them. It was a tough challenge. In my case, of course, I’m playing someone named Booger and I’m picking my nose, belching and saying all these horibble things, but you still have to find a way to make that character accessible. So we did a lot of things, a lot improv, a lot of working out stuff on our own about who these characters were. That was the first week, and in the meantime, we were going out in the evenings and going to bars and restaurants, most of which, I think, are gone now. We would go to these places and party. I remember going out to Old Tucson, and that was a thrill to all of us, because we were all film nerds. We shot the interior scenes of the Nerd House inside a house at Old Tucson. It was really strange because you’d shoot all day inside this house and then you’d walk outside and you were in an Old West town.

Talk a little bit about Revenge of the Nerds as the proto-nerd culture movie. Nerd culture has kind of taken over, with computer culture and the conventions you were talking about. Did you have any sense you were on the cutting edge of that?

Here's what's important about the state's school grades.

If a school gets an A, it gets a sack full of results-based funding money—somewhere between $5,500 and $10,000 per teacher, depending on the number of low income students at the school. That's a big friggin' deal.

If a school gets an F, that means it failed as a school and is officially on notice. Different types of remedial actions can come into play. For a charter it can mean the school will be closed if it doesn't improve. For a district, it can mean the school will come under state control, though it's not clear what exactly that entails. That's a big deal too.

The other three grades, the B's, C's and D's, don't result in any direct changes for the school. No money, no threats from the state. Each school and district determines how it's going to deal with the B's, C's and D's, and public may raise or lower its estimation of the schools, but that's it.

So if a school moves in or out of an A or F designation, that really matters. If it moves up or down among the B, C and D grades, that's not nothing, but it's not a momentous change.

The state is going to make changes to the grading system, which means some school grades will change from what they are now. If you want to know what's happening, don't be distracted by some fancy new grading rubric. First, follow the money. The biggest battle will be over which schools get both an A and the money that comes with it. Then follow the charter closures. When someone like Republican Senator Sylvia Allen has a charter that received an F using the current grading system, something has to be done to make sure powerful people like her don't come under the gun. If the B, C and D grades get scrambled a bit in the process, that doesn't have much to do with the power struggles going on behind the scenes.

Voters rejected bond proposals and budget overrides in school districts across Pima County.

The big exception was in the Flowing Wells School District, where 61 percent of voters approved nearly $24 million in bonds.

In the Tucson Unified School District, nearly 59 percent of voters rejected $180 million in bonds.

In the Marana School District, nearly 62 percent of voters rejected an budget override.

In the Sunnyside School District, nearly 64 percent of voters rejected a budget override.

To no great surprise on Election Day:

• Ward 6 Councilman Steve Kozachik cruised to reelection over his Republican opponent, Mariano Rodriguez. The two-term Democrat had 60 percent of the vote as the first ballot results were released.

* In Ward 3, Democrat Paul Durham had 59 percent of the vote over independent candidate Gary Watson. Durham will replace three-term Councilwoman Karin Uhlich, who chose not to run for reelection.

• Ward 5 Councilman Richard Fimbres, who faced no opposition, grabbed 94 percent of the vote in his hunt for a third term.

• Prop 204, which would have hiked the sales tax by a half-cent per dollar to pay for early-childhood education programs, was getting crushed by 66 percent of voters.

• Nearly 72 percent Tucson voters soundly rejected a raise for the mayor and City Council members.

The big surprise—and we may have to wait for a few days until all votes are counted on this one—was the zoo props. Props 202 and 203, a combo plate that would have increased the sales tax by one-tenth of a cent for zoo improvements, had a weird split: Prop 202 was ahead with 52 percent of the vote, but voters were narrowly rejecting the companion measure Prop 203, with the no votes running ahead of yes by by 350 votes.