Dr. Word makes one of his rare appearances on The Range to express his mystification at the tenacity with which certain words stick to certain subjects in the journalistic world, often words inadequate to the task of reporting a story accurately. Such is true of the use of the word "meddling" when referring to Russian actions during the 2016 election.

The Russian government made a sustained, systematic attempt to influence the outcome of the 2016 U.S. presidential election using a multi-pronged approach to swaying voters. A significant majority of the populace, including a sizable number of Republicans, acknowledge Russia's actions, though whether the foreign power's attempts were successful at changing the outcome of the election is a matter of some debate. (The Doctor is of the opinion that the Russians' success is no more debatable than the existence of climate change, or gravity.) What we witnessed in 2016 was a clear example of cyber warfare mounted with hostile intent by a state whose interests, more often or not, are antithetical to those of the United States. To say using the term "meddling" to describe these intrusions is an understatement is, at the risk of sounding redundant, an understatement.

"Meddling" most often refers to a minor offense, such as when a busybody interferes in matters which are not said busybody's concern. A "meddle" often begins with a phrase such as, "If you ask me . . ." in situations where, in point of fact, no one asked. When someone offers advice or performs actions which are neither requested nor appreciated, that qualifies as meddling.

"Interference" is a better term than meddling to describe the level of disruption the Russians created in our 2016 elections, but it is still too neutral. "Attack" is a significantly better term. "Warfare," "Information warfare" or "Cyber warfare," are more accurate still. They capture the nature of the attack.

And yet, when journalists and analysts refer to the Russian attacks in print and audiovisual media, the phrase most often employed is "Russian meddling." One has to wonder two things. First, who initiated the use of "meddling," and why? Second, why have Democrats acquiesced to employing such a weak term when "attack" or "warfare" are more potent and therefore more potentially damaging to Republicans who benefitted from the attack?

Gus Van Sant gets back into fine directing shape with Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot, his best effort in years. Joaquin Phoenix gets much of the credit; he’s terrific as real-life cartoonist John Callahan, an alcoholic who wound up in a wheelchair after a car accident with a new friend (Jack Black). Van Sant jumps around with his timeline, but the film is never confusing no matter where it goes. We see Callahan pre-accident, drinking tequila first thing in the morning. We also see him during one of the film’s framing devices, a convention where Callahan is sharing his story. Most effectively, we see him in group therapy sessions led by Donnie (Jonah Hill), a free spirited, generally kind man who, nevertheless, isn’t going to give you many breaks as your sponsor. Those sessions have a documentary-like feel, and Hill is especially good (and nearly unrecognizable) in them. Phoenix is having a great year (if you haven’t seen him in You Were Never Really Here, you must), and this might be his very best work yet. Rooney Mara, Carrie Brownstein and Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth show up in brief, yet effective roles. This is one of the summer’s better films.

In America, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner, and every day domestic violence hotlines receive approximately 21,000 calls, an average of close to 15 calls every minute, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

In an effort to raise money for Wings For Women, a local nonprofit that provides services to women and children that are facing domestic violence, drag queens from across Arizona will be coming to Tucson to perform on the Screening Room stage starting at 7 p.m. this Sunday, July 29.

According to their Facebook event, the lineup currently includes: Miss Nature, Apple Q. Bottoms, Queerella D' Vil, Leaoura D' Rains, Phoenix Peacox, Jeena Doucure, Luna Louvet, Lisa DLeon, Lady Ashley, Cassandra A. McKenzie, Ima Peepers and Ana Malia.

Each performance will be dedicated to the empowerment of women, and the show is open to all ages. 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Wings for Women, and the organization's founder will be present to talk about the work they do in the Southern Arizona community.

Why are you hearing about this show almost a full week in advance? Because the organizers expect the show to sell out very soon! So if you're interested, you can buy the $10 tickets here.

Honey has been waiting to meet her fur-ever family for over 100 days! She is a very sweet girl who loves to play. Honey enjoys running and spending time in the pool. When she is ready to relax she can't turn away a back scratch.

Visit Honey at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. and make sure to bring your family, dogs included! Have questions? Give an adoptions counselor a call at 520-327-6088, ext. 173. Not ready to adopt? Share Honey to help her find her fur-ever home!

The Psychedelic Furs at The Rialto Theater, Tuesday, July 17

Before being banished for making a hellish cacophony, brothers Richard and Tim Butler started out jamming in their parents living room. During a time of mass unemployment, seeing the Sex Pistols at London’s 100 Club in 1976 proved transformative.

“I had never seen anybody with that much confrontational in-your-face charisma. It was mind-blowing,” says Richard Butler of Johnny Rotten.

Embracing the three-chord revolution, soon after the Butler’s formed a band. The Psychedelic Furs emerged onto the London scene in 1977, far too melodic to be punk. Produced by Steve Lillywhite (U2, Peter Gabriel), their debut, The Psychedelic Furs (1980), was awash with dissonant guitars, brash outbursts of saxophone and Richard Butler’s snide growl. The LP became a top 20 hit in the UK. Then, with the advent of MTV in 1981, a more poetic second album Talk Talk Talk (Columbia), and lush videos directed by Tim Pope, The Furs trajectory was set.

The Psychedelic Furs played to a rabid audience of approximately 700 at The Rialto Theater on Tuesday, July 17. Here are some highlights.

After long minutes of soundchecks and roadies tweaking gadgetry, keyboardist Amanda Kramer fingered the stately intro to “Dumb Waiters” as the band came to life. Enter Richard Butler wearing shades. Sounding somewhat like Johnny Lydon, Butler sang, “Gimme all your paper, mah/So I can get a gun/She has got it in for me/Yeah, I mean it honestly.”

Next, Paul Garisto, a session drummer since the age of 17, pistoned the beat like a locomotive on “Into You Like A Train.” Racing, the band hit full stride. Ever charismatic, Butler worked the stage like a Shakespearean thespian who has played the same role countless times—hands on hips, crouching down catlike, arms outstretched grasping for something unseen. His signature moves still strike a chord with the audience.

It’s been four months since the University of Arizona men’s basketball team lost in unceremonious fashion to the Buffalo Bulls in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.

Fast-forward some 16 weeks, after the loss of the team’s top five scorers (Deandre Ayton, Allonzo Trier, Rawle Alkins, Dusan Ristic and Parker Jackson-Cartwright) and addition of prized recruit Brandon Williams.

The core of what’s left for coach Sean Miller’s team, in rising sophomore guards Brandon Randolph and Alex Barcello, as well as incoming transfer forward Chase Jeter, made their case for why the team’s brightest days are ahead of them.

The trio addressed a litany of topics on Friday afternoon, ranging from the team’s standing in what should be a stacked Pac-12 Conference to how the team will overcome the loss of a generational center like Ayton.

The group, who combined to average 6.1 points per game last season, seem confident that the Wildcats’ won’t falter this winter.

Randolph, who appeared in 31 games as a freshman, has embraced the team’s under-the-radar status nationally, with many college basketball experts picking them to finish in the middle of the conference.

“It’s cool … It’s actually getting me kind of hyped. I can’t wait 'till we surprise people,” Randolph said.

For Barcello, this season provides a fantastic opportunity to show what on-court camaraderie and chemistry can do, working together to take the conference by storm.

“I feel like that's our motivation right now. There's a lot of people doubting us and we use that as motivation,” he said. “Every time we step into the weight room in the gym and even off the court. I mean, we're taking care of our bodies every day. We're busting our butts. Every time we step out on that court were together. And if you watch one of our workouts, I mean our energy levels up, no matter if it's 6:45 AM or 4:30 PM we're were working.”

Barcello says fans can expect the Wildcats to run a more up-tempo offense this year, with a team full of smaller, quicker players than in previous years.

He believes the team will provide the type of can’t-miss action that has been its calling card of-late, with returning three-point specialist Dylan Smith returning for the Wildcats.

Barcello says that Miller and assistant coach Mark Phelps have high expectations for the team and that there will be no pity party for the Wildcats in the Conference of Champions.

“They expect a lot from us returning guys and I mean they expect a lot from the freshmen too because it's going to be, collectively with this team, we're obviously not as talented, but I mean we have a great mindset right now,” Barcello said. “I mean those coaches are only helping us with that mindset because they come ready to work every day ready to push us to be the best that we can be.”

Long time coming

For Jeter, the thrill of getting to lace up the sneakers and take the court for Miller and company is something he won’t take for granted.

Jeter, who missed all of last season after transferring from Duke, averaged 2.1 points and 2.2 rebounds in 48 games with the Blue Devils in two seasons in Durham.

The 6-foot-10-inch forward will be trusted with manning the paint on both sides of the ball for Miller this season, a role he covets.

“For me it's been a long time coming, so I'm going to say, I mean for me it feels like I really haven't played in three years so getting an opportunity now, I feel like my table kind of set,” Jeter said. “It's going to be a great opportunity for everybody this year to kind of step up and show their worth their value on the court and we got a lot of great guys so it's going be good for everybody.”

The Las Vegas native said his love for the game of basketball only grew as he was forced into a sabbatical of sorts last season.

“You just develop an appreciation for it, you know, when you're not allowed to play the game,” he said. “The amount of appreciation you have being away from getting on a court and actually playing in games. So, I feel like that's the biggest thrill of playing the game of basketball and when you can't do that, it takes your spirit a little bit, but it also makes you appreciate them a lot more.”

Jeter expressed some level of disappointment in how his time with the Blue Devils turned out, but, said he’s excited for the potential that’s available in Tucson.

He and his newfound Wildcat brethren are chomping at the bit to hit the hardwood this season, with Jeter expressing gratitude for the opportunity to don the cardinal and navy going forward.
“Initially when I went to Duke it was opportunity in the role that I wanted it to feel. Things didn't work out for me there,” he said. “So, once I got the opportunity in Arizona, I don't think anything could have worked out better for myself and for my teammates as well.”

.@teambarbara's website says Congress should "abolish ICE and start fresh, building a new immigration enforcement system that is fair, just, compassionate and reflects the values of a nation of immigrants."

She was accidentally booked for a Fox News interview this morning: pic.twitter.com/WFT0JDu88b

— Matt Shuham (@mattshuham) July 23, 2018

The Daily Beast reports that this morning, Fox & Friends got bamboozled by a candidate claiming to be Democratic Ann Kirkpatrick, who is running in Arizona's Congressional District 2:

The show began the segment by playing video from last week’s Democratic primary debate for Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District, in which candidate Ann Kirkpatrick was booed for being the sole participant to offer unqualified support for U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE).

Fox host Jillian Mele then wound up for some slow-pitch softball: “And joining us now, that candidate. The only Democrat on stage to support ICE. Ann Kirkpatrick, thank you for joining us, we appreciate it. Tell us why you do support ICE.”

“Good morning. I’m actually here to speak directly to Donald Trump,” the woman began, appearing via satellite. “I feel that what’s happening at the border is wrong. I’m a mother of four and I believe that separating kids from their parents is illegal and inhumane.”

And without pausing, she revealed herself: “I’m actually Barbara L’Italien. I’m a state senator representing a large immigrant community. I’m running for Congress in Massachusetts. I keep thinking about what we’re putting parents through and imagining how terrifying that must be for those families, imagining how it would feel not knowing if I’d ever see my kids again. We have to stop abducting children and ripping them from their parents’ arms, and stop putting kids in cages, and stop making 3-year-olds defend themselves in court.”

Co-host Rob Schmitt, realizing the planned message had been hijacked, attempted to interrupt L’Italien, telling her: “That practice has stopped at this point, Ms. Kirkpatrick, right?”

The real Ann Kirkpatrick, who was booed last week at a forum for her response regarding a congressional vote supporting ICE, sent out a press release stating her own position on ICE:

Pima County Democratic party revoked support of Congressional District 2 primary candidate Yahya Yuksel following an explosive press conference a little over one week ago at which Yuksel failed to adequately defend himself against recently surfaced rape allegations.

Last week, Represent Me AZ held a forum at Tucson Magnet High School for the candidates of CD2 to discuss topics and issues that matter most to their voters. Six out of the seven candidates running for CD2 attended the event. All seven candidates were originally invited, but Represent Me AZ revoked Yahya Yuksel’s invitation.

“We announced on Sunday that we have revoked the invitation to Yahya Yuksel following his lack of responsibility in his handling of rape allegations,” said Marion Chubon, the moderator of the forum. “The Pima County Democratic party voted unanimously, in an extremely rare decision, to remove support for a Democratic candidate. And in doing so, they made a meaningful commitment to ensuring that party operations and support is consistent with Democrats’ values and our commitment to ending rape culture and all manifestations of it.”

According to the Pima County court documents, an unnamed female accused Yuksel of raping her approximately 10 years ago after a night of drinking Sky Vodka and Cola. Although officers did not pursue criminal charges against Yuksel, his rigid unwillingness to answer questions and his blatant inability to provide a meaningful explanation to the accusations has many voters unwilling to turn a blind eye.

At his press conference, Yuksel fled the room after he was unable to defend himself or answer questions, despite saying that the public could talk with him and that he would be listening, only moments prior. His mother and father stayed behind to advocate for their son, but those attending disregarded their defense and followed Yuksel outside, persisting with questions. After Yuksel remained unable to face the barrage of questions being thrown his way, his campaign manager physically pulled him away from the scene and secluded him in a nearby vehicle.

Find more Claytoonz here.

Birds of Tohono Chul Walking Tour. It’s easy these days to look up at the sky and see only a fickle force of nature, which seems like it’s trying to set you on fire until it starts unpredictably pouring down water. But when you look up at the sky, you also have a pretty good shot at seeing one of the 140 species of birds that have visited Tohono Chul Park (on any given morning, you’re pretty likely to see at least a dozen). From our state bird the cactus wren to sweet little families of quail, from woodpeckers hiding in cactus holes to one of our year-round hummingbird species, they’re everywhere! Head over to Tohono Chul and a docent will walk you through it, teaching you how to identify birds and guiding you down the easy-to walk paths. 8 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday through September.  Tohono Chul, 7366 Paseo del Norte. $10 seniors/military/student, $13 adults, $3 kids 5 to 12, free for members and kids under 5. Details here.

Uptown Funk with the Desert Divas. Maybe you like to think of yourself as a desert diva: You can tell the different kinds of cacti apart, you have a fabulous hat to protect you from the summer sun, or maybe you know EXACTLY what ratio you like your Arnold Palmers to be. But the Desert Divas are on a whole other level. These fabulous, feather boa-wearing women are coming to the Gaslight to pay tribute to the pop/rock/R&B sounds of Bruno Mars, Alicia Keys, Adele, Meghan Trainor, Amy Winehouse and more. Grab your fancy hat, an Arnold Palmer, and maybe even a feather boa of your own, and hightail it over to this show. 7 p.m. Monday, July 23. The Gaslight Theatre, 7010 E. Broadway. $22.95 adult, $20.95 senior/student/military, $12.95 children. Details here.

March for Science Presents: Summer Science Trivia! Hooray for beer! And hooray for science! It’s easy to forget (especially after you’ve had a couple of ’em), but a lot of science goes into the making of beer. This week, Mike Mallozzi, the cofounder of Borderlands himself, will be speaking about the science of brewing. He’ll speak and lead hands-on activities for an hour, followed by an hour of science trivia on all sorts of topics. They say you learn better when you really dive into a subject, so you should probably have a beer to get a solid feel for the subject at hand. But this event is also kid-friendly, so beer-drinking is in no way mandatory. 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, July 23. Borderlands Brewing Company, 119 Toole Ave. Free. Details here.

Save Face. Like a graphic novel depiction of human folly, Save Face draw bold outlines, pen quirky lyrics and hold a mirror to modern-age pitfalls. In the fist-pump Epitaph Records tradition of The Weakerthans, New Jersey’s Save Face straddle lines between funny and gut-wrenching, “Are you bored or just preoccupied?” While fans of pre-millennial indie will likely find singer Tyler Povanda’s delivery somewhat cartoony and overwrought, closer listens reveal for all his broad emoting, his intention is sincere, at times thought-provoking. The relentless power-chording and percussive drum/bass recall The Dismemberment Plan when they’re good, or woefully overlooked ’90s band The Cunninghams, steering listeners through hyperbolic nightmares and suburban mundanities with aplomb. And their “Heartache” is the best power-pop song of the last decade, easy. With Prince Daddy & the Hyena. Monday, July 23. Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St. Doors at 7 p.m. $10-$12, 16+. —B.S. Eliot. Details here.

Car Seat Headrest. In 2011 Will Toledo penned his heart out. The tunes, raw and painfully adolescent, particularly in their first-person accounts of a small-town Virginia gay boy, “I never came out to my friends on Skype … I laughed and I changed the subject,” earned Toledo a sizable cult following. Twelve albums (!) and a Matador Records deal later, Toledo returned to his beloved debut, with a full band and the musical know-how to see his songs through. Filled with hard-won grace, the Twin Fantasy album is vital and relevant account of silent suffering many of us do even while scrolling social media. Still searching but now well-worn, Toledo’s scratched-up voice carries the ghost of Elliot Smith and even Nick Drake, nestled in a sweetened swirl of post-Sonic Youth guitars and staccato down beats. And still the brutal honesty, with rising hope prevails: “One day we won’t be alone.” With Naked Giants on Monday, July 23. 191 Toole. Doors at 7 p.m. $15-$17. All ages. —B.S. Eliot. Details here.

Events compiled by Emily Dieckman, Dylan Reynolds, BS Eliot, Ava Garcia and Jeff Gardner.