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REVIEW: ‘Our Flag Means Death’ charts new course for positive representation

Shelby Kleinhans | April 11

This review contains spoilers After scrounging up crumbs for positive representation, David Jenkins’ new series “Our Flag Means Death” on HBO Max shows what a queer rom-com set on the high seas during the golden age of piracy would look like. The 10-episode series dropped the first three 30-minute episodes on March 3, but it wasn’t until after the finale aired on March 24 that I even heard about the show due to HBO’s obscene lack of marketing. After being bombarded with people on my social media singing the sea shanty praises of the show, I queued it up and couldn’t help but consume it all within a day.

Culture

UNM physics professor wins award, seeks to expand research opportunities for students

Nell Johnson | April 4

Darcy Barron, an associate professor at the University of New Mexico with a Ph.D. in physics, has research that’s taken her from the icy Midwest to the dry Atacama Desert of Chile, where she works with a team of collaborators twice a year to monitor the cosmic microwave background of the universe. Barron was recently awarded a Cottrell Scholar Award, which celebrates both her research and teaching achievements. The award, which maintains a three-tiered review process and a competitive 14 percent funding rate, will provide $100,000 over three years to support Barron’s research.

Culture

Local artist imbues art with love and weed

John Scott | April 4

Cannabis has long inspired countless films, music, paintings and other forms of art that all center around an idea of cannabis culture, and Semaj Glover is one such artist inspired by cannabis. Glover not only features cannabis in her art but also attempts to remove the negative stigma around weed, encouraging a more positive attitude. Glover grew up in Oregon but moved to Albuquerque in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic in August 2021. While she was still an artist prior to the start of the pandemic, the free time afforded to her allowed her to sink deeper into her art than ever before. Semaj was raised in an environment of artists, something that has encouraged her to pursue art.

Culture

UNM students vary in feelings on recreational weed

John Scott | April 4

Albuquerque has seen millions of dollars of profit made in the cannabis industry since recreational sales started on Friday, April 1 following the drug’s legalization last summer. This change has brought on a variety of reactions from University of New Mexico students, from indifference to opposition to support. Katy McCarter, a UNM student studying elementary education, said she doesn’t really mind the legalization because she personally doesn’t intake cannabis but that marijuana can be used to help others destress and unwind, which is especially important for students. “A lot of people are stressed with school so, I mean, smoking here and there would probably chill you out a little (because) I know college can be stressful and just taking a hit would cool everything down,” McCarter said.

Culture

Grass Roots Rx explores edible innovation

Nell Johnson | April 4

Most are likely familiar with pot brownies, but what about pot oatmeal? Pot French toast? Desirey Vallejos, manager and master baker at Grass Roots Rx, is no stranger to the different forms edibles can come in. With the start of legal recreational cannabis sales in New Mexico on Friday, April 1, she offers new ways to ingest THC beyond the normal range of baked goods, both in what she sells at her shop and what individuals can make at home. Most medical patients are typically looking for something not only discreet and cost-effective but also fun, according to Vallejos, which she attempts to deliver.

Culture

Ask the Editors: Cannabis cinema

Joseph McKee , John Scott and Mackenzie Schwartz | April 4

As we remain in the weeds of a strenuous spring semester, we all may be searching for some ways to unwind and kick back. Given that this April brought with it the legalization of recreational cannabis sales in New Mexico and the 4/20 holiday, taking a load off and relaxing might become even easier. Here, three Daily Lobo editors have compiled their top picks for chill movies to watch when you’re looking for a way to just sit down and unwind. Joseph’s Pick: “The Endless Summer” (1966) directed by Bruce Brown

Culture

OPINION: Texas lags too far behind New Mexico in cannabis law

Elizabeth Secor | April 4

It never fails to surprise me how much New Mexico and Texas, two states that share a border, differ in their views when it comes to marijuana. New Mexico made cannabis legal for recreational use as of June 29, and recreational sales began April 1. In contrast, cannabis is still illegal in Texas except for a small list of medical reasons and anything that doesn’t need to be smoked. I originally hail from ye olde Texas and moved here for university (go Lobos), where I witnessed a stark difference in the attitude toward cannabis. Cannabis is not something one just saw someone smoking on the street (although that’s still technically illegal in New Mexico).

Culture

REVIEW: ‘Dazed and Confused’ sets high bar for ’90s flicks

Emma Trevino | April 4

Whether you’re watching high or sober, Richard Linklater’s iconic 1993 movie “Dazed and Confused” hits all the right notes. This coming-of-age masterpiece features themes of rebellion and lasting friendship all overlaid with — you guessed it — some very potent marijuana imagery. Almost 30 years on, “Dazed and Confused” feels as fresh as ever with a killer soundtrack and marvelously endearing characters. While critically acclaimed, “Dazed and Confused” was a box office failure, earning $7.9 million worldwide, a number that’s barely above the film’s $6.9 million budget. However, it has gained and maintained a steady cult following, cementing it as quintessential viewing for anyone who has ever tried growing up.

Culture

Many UNM students benefit from legalized cannabis usage

Megan Gleason | April 4

Since cannabis was legalized recreationally last summer in New Mexico, University of New Mexico students have been able to legally partake in the drug, so long as they’re over 21. After recreational sales started on Friday, April 1, many students have said this chain of legalization will have many positive impacts on the local community and its members despite the misinformation that America’s war on drugs has produced. Cannabis can be used both medically and recreationally, according to graduate music student Sam Lutz, and the only drug he uses is cannabis. It helps him calm down, as it does for graduate music students Hunter Wheatcraft and Daniel Yim as well.

Culture

Local cannabis growers are the ‘Carver B’s knees

Zara Roy | April 3

Carver Family Farm was the first micro producer of cannabis to gain their growing license. Now, it’s full steam ahead for business partners Andrew Brown, Erika Hartwick Brown and Mathew Muñoz as the April 1 start date for recreational cannabis sales has begun, and they open up their odorless storefront. Passionate about providing clean, organic cannabis, they settled on no-till organic growing as the best option for them in their own personal medical growth, according to Hartwick Brown. All of their product is currently grown in-house through the no-till organic method, including their flagship “Carver” strain, which Hartwick Brown said helps her personally with her migraines.

Culture

REVIEW: ‘Moon Knight’ premiere eclipsed by MCU staleness

John Scott | March 31

This review contains spoilers for episode 1 of “Moon Knight” and the “Moon Knight” comic books Since the show’s announcement in 2019 and following confirmation of Oscar Isaac’s casting in May 2021, anticipation for the Disney+ series “Moon Knight” has been steadily building for quite some time now. Personally, Moon Knight is my favorite comic book character and Isaac’s casting as well as the addition of Ethan Hawke as the villain sounded like a dream come true. After watching the premiere, though, I’m not sure that dream turned into reality. The series premiere introduced us to Isaac’s Steven Grant, a museum gift shop working, friendless loner who longs to be anywhere other than where he is.

Culture

UNM student talks spring fashion

Natalie Jude | March 28

University of New Mexico student Emma Harrison has always been interested in clothes and has taken her passion for fashion to the next level since beginning college, using her freedom as a means for increased creative expression. Harrison is currently studying design and technology for performance with a concentration in costuming and she shared the top five ways to jump into spring fashion with the Daily Lobo. Creativity Harrison is sad to see layers go with the colder weather leaving but finds that spring can create opportunities for more creative piece play because of the adaptability of lighter garments. She’s excited to see how people experiment this season.

Culture

UNM student takes on American Ninja Warrior challenge

Elizabeth Secor | March 28

University of New Mexico student Cassie Dierks will be competing for the third time through the American Ninja Warrior challenge course. Dierks previously competed in 2020 on season 12 and in 2021 on season 13. The course features intricate obstacles, including the infamous warp wall, which contestants must make their way through in an attempt to be first through the first of four courses to win the cash grand prize. In both of her past runs, Dierks has wiped out on the second obstacles, called “Lunatic Ledges” and “Overpass.” Going into her third competition, she has adopted a specific training policy to prevent repeating the same mistakes.

Culture

REVIEW: Pixar's 'Turning Red' is a colorful exploration of family dynamics

Nell Johnson | March 28

While I was thrilled that Pixar finally returned to making movies with more than one word in the title, I didn’t have much hope for “Turning Red” originally. After all, it’s hard to compete with the classics of the aughts. Despite this, I realized that the film actually leans into the viewer’s nostalgia to soothe the older viewer and draw them into the plot. I immediately enjoyed the setting, color scheme and animation of the movie. The protagonist, spunky Chinese Canadian Mei Lee, isn’t that awkward blend of hyperrealistic and cartoonish character design seen in films like “Encanto” and “Frozen.”

Culture

ABQ Backyard Refuge program sows homes for wildlife

Liam Debonis | March 28

When one thinks of a city, wildlife is likely to be the last thing in the mind’s image. But the Albuquerque Backyard Refuge program aims to change that by increasing the presence of wildlife in the city by empowering residents to create sanctuaries for the living creatures who are native to the land. Through the program, citizens transform their patios, balconies and lawns into diverse environments teeming with life. Residents whose yards meet the standards of the program can apply to certify their spaces as a backyard refuge. “The goal is to create a mosaic of habitats across the city,” said Laurel Ladwig, the program’s director and a graduate from UNM with a master’s in geography.

Culture

REVIEW: 2022 presents a weak slate of Oscar-nominated animated shorts

Matthew Salcido | March 22

The nominees for the 2022 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film showcase a weaker set of nominees than years previous. None of the shorts pushed the boundaries of animation particularly far with most being light on any kind of emotional substance. “Boxballet,” directed by Anton Dyakov “Boxballet” is a brilliant little short out of Russia and easily my favorite of the nominees. We follow a boxer, Evgeny, and a ballerina, Olya, after their initial meeting as they get to know each other and try to decide whether anything romantic might happen between them. Through a familiar story, “Boxballet” utilizes no dialogue, with the entire story being told through the animation and its visuals, culminating in a truly riveting experience.

Culture

Artist welcomed to UNM faculty, Albuquerque

Natalie Jude | March 21

Delaney Moghanian is a filmmaker and musician who was brought on as a multimedia development specialist with the University of New Mexico’s Adobe Creative Campus. Moganian recently moved to Albuquerque from Los Angeles with her husband, Trevor Marcotte, to expand their production company, New Angeles Productions, and explore a different industry space. Following more than a decade of working mostly on others’ productions, Moghanian wanted to take a step toward independence in Albuquerque. “I’ve kind of been through the gamut in the industry,” Moghanian said. “My husband and I, we own our own production company so we do freelance work … The industry has been burgeoning here and there are lots of opportunities for filmmakers and creators.”

Culture

UNM English professor awarded 2022 Medieval Academy of America Article Prize

Natalie Jude | March 21

University of New Mexico professor of English Nahir Otaño Gracia was presented with the 2022 Medieval Academy of America Article Prize in Critical Race Studies for her article “Towards a decentered Global North Atlantic: Blackness in Saga af Tristram ok Ísodd” on March 12 during the 97th Annual Meeting of the Medieval Academy of America at the University of Virginia. Having initially been ostracized for her choice to study medievalism, Otaño Gracia was excited, albeit somewhat surprised, to receive the award. “When I started doing this work I was often told it wasn’t a real thing … or I wasn’t taken seriously … I was told, ‘Maybe you shouldn’t be here; maybe you shouldn’t be doing this work.’”

Culture

REVIEW: ‘After Yang’ is far from robotic

John Scott | March 21

This review contains spoilers Following his quiet and subtly beautiful debut “Columbus” in 2017, expectations for writer and director Kogonada’s next project were extremely high. But going from a subdued romance set in a small Midwestern town to a sci-fi drama about a family’s robot breaking down would be a daunting task for any director. Luckily, Kogonada deftly handles this weighty task in “After Yang,” while retaining the detail and quiet beauty that made his directorial debut so appealing. “After Yang” premiered on Showtime on March 4 as a part of Showtime and A24’s streaming partnership.

Culture

Catopia Cat Café searches for fur-ever homes for cats

Megan Gleason | March 21

Nearly 700 cats have found their homes in the span of three years through Catopia Cat Café, a space that houses cats that are up for adoption in a cozy café environment. Around 20 cats roam the café at a time, laying on cat towers or meowing for customers’ attention. Customers can pay about $10 to get in for an hour and can also purchase food or drinks and relax on a couch or study at a table. All of the proceeds made in the shop go directly back to the cats.