Downing Archives

Monsoon Sadness
Lamenting the loss of our rainy season. (08/21/03)
By Renée Downing

True Colors
The right-wingers in charge say they follow God. Which one? (08/07/03)
By Renée Downing

The News in Review
While things have been all quiet on the local front, national news is picking up. (07/24/03)
By Renée Downing

Angry Computer Gods
Switching Internet providers can be hell. (07/10/03)
By Renée Downing

Return of the Grammar Goddess
Run for cover--the English language is falling apart. (06/26/03)
By Renée Downing

I Can See Clearly Now
How I learned to stop worrying (and love George Bush). (06/12/03)
By Renée Downing

Bulldozers and Bullets
Notable local women mow down century-old mesquites, arm their sisters. (05/29/03)
By Renée Downing

Street Walker
Tucson takes on a different hue when you aren't in your car. (05/15/03)
By Renée Downing

The Boob Tube
Bad television is affecting our sensibilities and judgment. (05/01/03)
By Renée Downing

In Search of Some Good Amusement
When you don't want to watch war coverage, there's plenty to keep you entertained. (04/17/03)
By Renée Downing

A Fine Line
Are we liberators or invaders of Iraq? (04/03/03)
By Renée Downing

War Games
Do we really know what we're in for? (03/20/03)
By Renée Downing

It's a Dog's Life
Running and playing at Reid Park, chasing tennis balls and meeting new friends--life is good. (03/06/03)
By Renée Downing

Texas Two Step
Sometimes a Lone Star murder trial is more interesting than the national news. (02/20/03)
By Renée Downing

Selective Satisfaction
Some aging rockers benefit from the media glare, but others find it a menace. (02/06/03)
By Renée Downing

Swarmin'
Just call the bee guys, write a check and all will be as before. (01/16/03)
By Renée Downing

A Lott to be Thankful For
What a great new year it would be if the "guys" finally got theirs. (01/02/03)
By Renée Downing

Wicked Food Hell
During the holidays, it's easy to be tempted by the dark side. (12/19/02)
By Renée Downing

Shower of Gold
Poetry--and weather--that incite and soothe our passions. (12/05/02)
By Renée Downing

The Age of Chatter
To avoid information overload, it helps to narrow your vision. (11/14/02)
By Renée Downing

Best o' Ernesto
Oh, to be a star columnist three mornings a week. (11/07/02)
By Renée Downing

Long Shot
A sniper strikes more fear into part of America than invading Iraq. (10/17/02)
By Renée Downing

All the World's a Stage
Forget Iraq. See a movie instead. (09/12/02)
By Renée Downing

Innocence Lost
September 11 put the long American childhood to rest. (09/05/02)
By Renée Downing

Rising Damp
The monsoons make life more sticky. But it could be worse. (08/22/02)
By Renée Downing

Show Us the Money
Make the corporate criminals give their fair share back to the investors they suckered. (08/15/02)
By Renée Downing

SimTucson
If only real life was as refreshing as a computer game. (08/08/02)
By Renée Downing

Our Friend the Mesquite
It will outlast storms, drought and even us. (07/25/02)
By Renée Downing

French Bliss
Did I tell you about the last time I saw Paris? (07/11/02)
By Renée Downing

Salad Days
Martha Stewart is a self-made woman, and now she has to eat her own cooking. (07/04/02)
By Renée Downing

Pill Box
A new crop of TV commercials promises pain relief and pleasure. Why do you think they call it dope? (06/20/02)
By Renée Downing

Of Course It's Hot. What Did You Expect?
Basic survival tips for summering in Tucson. (06/06/02)
By Renée Downing

Auto Erotic
A half-penny is only a fraction of what our love affair with our Almighty vehicles truly costs us. (05/16/02)
By Renée Downing

Double Take
Our business leaders have our best interests at heart. If you don't believe us, just read the 'Star.' (05/09/02)
By Renée Downing