You know deep down money can’t buy happiness, but that sure doesn’t stop you from trying. An ancient Chinese proverb says, “They who pile up grain hoards have much to lose.” In between pinching pennies, you could occupy your time with pursuits like these.
Lecture
WEDNESDAY
The New Mexico Centennial keeps on giving this week with “Nuevo Méjico: The Spanish Colony.” The talk, given by UNM professor Enrique Lamadrid, explores the relationship between native peoples and Spaniards during the state’s 400-year colonization period. It begins at 7 p.m. at the KiMo Theatre, at 423 Central Avenue N.W.
Co-op
WEDNESDAY
Documentaries like “Supersize Me” and “Food, Inc.” have revealed to the masses how food is produced. Perhaps you are one of them and have found yourself wondering what else goes on behind closed doors. La Montanita Co-op gives people a chance to look firsthand into their operation and learn how food gets from distributors to the Co-op. The tour is from 9 -10:30 a.m. at La Montanita Co-operative Distribution Center, at 901 Menaul Boulevard N.E.
Concert
THURSDAY
For anyone who thinks mainstream music lacks the substance of old school artists like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash, Tom Irwin may fill that void. He doesn’t just write music about his own life; for the last three decades, he’s transformed the experiences of others into songs, too. His latest release “Sangamon Songs” uses excerpts from an 1893 farm boy’s journal, for instance. You may wonder what this has to do with you – living in modern, urban America is hardly like those days – but the basic human condition is timeless. You can hear for yourself at the North Valley Library, at 7704 Second Street N.W. from noon to 1 p.m.
Films and Conversation
FRIDAY, SATURDAY
We drink it, bathe in it and apparently don’t have enough for green landscaping. Although it is part of a cycle that drops it across the world, water is a valuable resource that can be owned. “It’s all About Water,” a series of films and discussions at the South Broadway Cultural Center, highlights the ways people try to protect or exploit it. The sponsors (New Mexico Wilderness Alliance, Amigos Bravos, Sierra Club, and Food & Water Watch) provide refreshments. Attendees are directed to bring water in a sustainable container, instead of commercial bottled water. The series runs Friday from 5 – 9 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 1025 Broadway Boulevard S.E.
Open Mic
SATURDAY
Two poets unite to share their lofty lyrics with the public at Alamosa Books’ spotlight of the New Mexico State Poetry Society. Jeanne Shannon and Shirley Blackwell, both NMSPS members, will also sign their recently published poetry books, but only after they’ve shared some aloud. NMSPS members are eligible for the open mic at 1 p.m. If you’re not a member, you can still listen and enjoy the free refreshments at 2:30 p.m. after the readings and the open mic are over. Alamosa Books is located at 8810 Holly Avenue N.E.
Anti-Valentine’s Day Contest
UNTIL FRIDAY
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The Valentine’s Day date that is horrid enough to win this contest is probably one you’ve locked away forever in your memory. Take heart, local bookstore Bookworks is not asking you to dig up and share your personal life for nothing. If it’s as bad as you think it is, sharing may mean winning prizes. These include gift certificates, a copy of “Why We Broke Up” by Daniel Handler and more. Submit your entry (250 words or fewer) to events@bkwrks.com by Friday. Winners and their entries are announced and posted on Valentine’s Day on bkwrks.com and Bookworks’ Facebook page.
