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Culture

Balloon Fiesta lifts off

Hevyn Heckes | October 3

Tourists flocked to Albuquerque on Oct. 2 for the first Balloon Fiesta in two years, with more than 600 pilots gathered to produce the spectacle that has become the most photographed event in the world. After Dawn Patrol balloons ascended to provide pilots with an idea of the wind speeds and direction, attendees watched as hundreds of colorful balloons in many different shapes and sizes were inflated by pilots and ground crews in preparation for Mass Ascension. Pilots and crews mingled with attendees to talk about the different aspects of hot air ballooning before the balloons launched.

Culture

Community organizer, UNM alumna Lisa Padilla works to advance gender equity

Rebecca Hobart | September 27

Lisa Padilla, alumna of the University of New Mexico, is the gender justice organizer for NM Con Mujeres, a subsidiary of the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) in Albuquerque. Her work, both domestically and internationally, concentrates its efforts on gender justice to combat the global consequences of the patriarchy. Padilla’s organizational efforts have global implications, she said, as she represents NM Con Mujeres in conversations on LGBT rights at the assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), which is a conglomeration of representatives from the nongovernmental parties throughout the Western hemisphere.

Culture

5 and Why: 5 best things about living on campus

Megan Gleason | September 27

University of New Mexico freshman Emma Evans is getting the classic college experience by living on campus in the dorms her first year. This experience, though slightly different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has introduced Evans to college life. The Daily Lobo asked Evans what the five best things about living in the dorms on campus are, and her answers may remind readers about their own times on campus. Reasonable noise level in dorm Evans said the noise level in her dorm in Casas del Rio is a good balance between loud and soft, which allows her to get more work done. “My dorm’s … not quiet but it’s not insanely loud,” Evans said.

Culture

UNM community finds joy in the outdoors despite pandemic

Zoe Perls | September 27

While the last year and a half of the COVID-19 pandemic has been marked with extreme tragedy and isolation, a silver lining was realized as people turned to the outdoors as a refuge from the stress of the pandemic. At the same time, some are worried about the impact this influx of people outdoors will have on the environment. Haley Myler, a fourth-year student studying music at the University of New Mexico, said spending time outdoors has provided a healing space from the COVID-19 pandemic, especially since she lived alone for the first year of the pandemic.

Culture

Lobos' pandemic pets instill joy amid chaos

Rebecca Hobart | September 27

The lack of in-person engagements and social opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic drove people across the country, including some University of New Mexico students, to bring new pets into their homes. As life picks up again, these Lobos are still finding camaraderie and comfort in their pandemic pets. Naina (Great Pyrenees and German Shepherd dog mix) Sikandar Awan, a Ph.D. student pursuing a Teaching, Learning and Teacher Education degree at UNM, took in a Great Pyrenees and German Shepherd mix named Naina from a friend in Santa Fe in June 2020. Naina is a Hindi name that means “pretty eyes,” Awan said.

Culture

Former UNM professor recounts his road to ethicality in animal testing

Megan Gleason | September 20

Growing up taking in stray dogs off the streets, bioethicist John Gluck has always been an animal lover. However, things changed for this former University of New Mexico professor when he started researching experimental psychology on mostly non-human primates and his own actions within this field caused him to reflect on the ethicality of the work he was undergoing at UNM. Gluck started at UNM in 1971 after being hired under the late Frank Logan, a former chair of the psychology department; part of Logan’s hope was that Gluck would start a primate laboratory at UNM, which he did. However, after creating this lab and doing his own research there, ethical questions started popping up for Gluck.

Culture

Irene Vasquez emphasizes the importance of Latinx history in education

Emma Trevino | September 20

Irene Vasquez is the director of the Chicana and Chicano Studies department at the University of New Mexico. Vasquez started the position in 2013 and from there helped UNM establish not only the department but also the ability to obtain a bachelor’s degree in CCS as well. Vasquez’s passion for collegiate-level teaching stemmed from her experiences as a child and the lack of adequate publications on communities of color, and she is continually working to educate further on marginalized groups. Vasquez found limited material available on communities of color while teaching as a middle school substitute teacher during her master’s program.

Culture

The Lobo photographers’ perspectives on nature

Shelby Kleinhans , Maxwell Minty McGrael / Daily Lobo , Theresa Monjaras / Daily Lobo and Henry Hammel / Daily Lobo | September 20

Nature can mean many things to many people. For some, nature is trees, grass and rivers. For others, nature is a specific place or even a feeling. For these four Lobo photographers, though, nature mainly serves as a source of inspiration and an escape from the stress of everyday life. Menaul Trailhead The Menaul Trailhead at the Sandia Foothills is my favorite nature spot in the city. Being 15 to 20 minutes away from the University of New Mexico, it really allows me to take a step back and clear my head. My favorite time to be here is at night with a couple friends.

Culture

OPINION: Sparse tree canopy in International District indicates environmental racism

Rebecca Hobart | September 20

The International District, one of the least affluent areas of Albuquerque, might as well be the poster child for environmental injustice. This ethnically diverse area is knee-deep in the cruxes of climate change, seen by way of the urban heat island effect, which comes to fruition through substantial infrastructure development such as concrete buildings and asphalt in cities. The effect causes cities to absorb and trap heat in areas like the International District, which is an area between Lomas, Eubank, Gibson and San Mateo. This trapped heat results in hotter temperatures during the day and less cooling at night, which is particularly impactful on the most densely populated neighborhood in New Mexico.

Culture

Loose Leaf Farm bolsters local food systems

Rebecca Hobart | September 20

From growing food with her grandmother as a young child to owning Loose Leaf Farm in Albuquerque’s North Valley, Sarah Robertson has had a long history of understanding the critical role of farming in global food systems and climate change. Robertson graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2012 with a degree in communications. Shortly thereafter, she started working in a management position for La Montañita Co-op Food Market, where she began to seriously consider farming as a career option. Robertson said La Montañita was where she was able to work closely with local farmers, which set in motion profound conversations with her now-husband about local food.

Culture

2021 Daily Lobo Nature Photo Contest Finalists

Ryan del Rosario , Tristan Aguilar and Brianna Drapeau | September 19

For this yearu2019s special nature issue, the Daily Lobo issued a challenge to photographers willing to answer the call: photographers needed to submit their highest-quality nature photo for their chance at being on its cover. All submissions were fantastic and showcased the talent of student photographers, but these top three finalists truly stood out. Growing into Beauty Brianna Drapeau As an upcoming photographer I sought to capture the beauty of the natural landscape. As a Native American, it is important to represent our culture. I chose to photograph my cousin Jacey in traditional native wear as a way to capture Navajo culture and to represent the contrast of colors/beauty in our culture.

Culture

REVIEW: Sally Rooney’s new novel serves to reinforce her place among the greats

Emma Trevino | September 16

“Beautiful World, Where Are You,” Sally Rooney’s third novel, is a marvelous display of deft description and skillful storytelling. It’s safe to say that Rooney’s smash hit, “Normal People,” wasn’t her last masterpiece; rather, it was clearly just the beginning of her (hopefully) long lasting and successful career. “Beautiful World” tells the story of best friends Alice Kelleher and Eileen Lydon from college to early 30s; they live apart but stay connected over email, and are forever intertwined through lasting friendship. Of course there are other characters, like both women’s respective love interests, as well as Eileen’s chaotic sister Lola, but Alice and Eileen are the main focus of the novel.

Culture

Shanti Rosen works tirelessly to support UNM community at Agora Crisis Center

Emma Trevino | September 13

With a fierce passion for helping those in need, University of New Mexico senior Shanti Rosen works at the Agora Crisis Center on campus to uplift students and community members, especially during the trying times of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Rosen, who is double majoring in psychology and sociology, realized they wanted to work at Agora in high school, when information cards were being “passed around like candy.” They were inspired by the idea of helping people by giving them the support they wouldn’t otherwise get. Speaking on the importance of looking after one’s mental health, Rosen emphasized that surviving isn’t thriving.

Culture

Cheerleader Jordan Sanchez represents UNM with passion

Megan Gleason | September 13

From the moment she picked up her pompoms at three years old, Jordan Sanchez had found a love that would continue throughout her entire life. With a passion for helping others and lifting spirits, Sanchez has been shining at the University of New Mexico as a member of the All-Girl Cheer Squad. As a cheerleader and member of the squad for four years now, Sanchez is proud to represent UNM in the best way possible. “I love the sense of community in (cheerleading), how you can be kind of a representative for your school or your team, and some people look to you for great spirit … It’s something that I think is a true honor and blessing,” Sanchez said.

Culture

REVIEW: “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” is more than just another Marvel success

John Scott | September 13

This review contains spoilers. Each time I find myself in a theater gearing up for Marvel’s newest offering, I can’t help but prepare for the worst. As the lights dim and that iconic Marvel opening plays, I shield my eyes from the screen, prepping myself for the impossible: a disappointing Marvel movie. But just from the first few minutes of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,'' I quickly realized that Marvel has another hit on their hands. What I didn’t realize until the credits started rolling, though, was to what scale this film might have an impact on Asian representation in film.

Culture

‘One for 5’ beer created to support local food pantry

Rebecca Hobart | September 13

Three local breweries — Steel Bender Brewyard, Sierra Blanca Brewing Company and Second Street Brewery — teamed up for Hunger Action Month this September to create the third annual “One for 5” collaborative stout in support of Storehouse New Mexico, the largest food pantry in the state. A dollar from every pint sold in a taproom and 100% of package sales go to the local storehouse, where one dollar will provide five meals for anyone in New Mexico who needs them, according to Shelby Chant, co-owner and marketing director of Steel Bender Brewyard.

Culture

The Pack lights up Johnson Field for Red Rally

John Scott | September 12

A distinct orange glow lit up the night sky on Sept. 9 as hundreds of students flocked to Johnson Field for Red Rally. This annual event featured the burning of a 25-foot-tall Aggie effigy ahead of the University of New Mexico’s rivalry football match against New Mexico State University, which happened on Saturday, Sept. 11. This year was the first time Red Rally has taken place since 2019, following the COVID-19 shutdown that began in March 2020. The rally began with a few short words from Lobo Spirit Executive Director Joshua LaFayette, ASUNM President Greg Romero, UNM President Garnett Stokes and members of the UNM football team, all hyping up the student body for a rivalry game win.

Culture

Water drives UNM professor Mark Stone to build a better future

Megan Gleason | September 6

Kayaking in a river or hiking along a stream, you’re likely to find water expert Mark Stone basking in nature. As a University of New Mexico professor with interest and research invested in many water-related matters, Stone pulls his energy from the outdoors and does everything he can to protect it. “Water runs through everything and defines what I do, both on the work front and when I’m not working,” Stone said. Stone works in the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering and has a variety of different focuses, from headwater-dependent systems like the Rio Grande to river restoration to climate change to natural disasters.

Culture

Grad student Duncan McGraw seeks to support his community

Maddie Pukite | September 6

Duncan McGraw, who works as a research assistant and is pursuing a Ph.D. in optical science and engineering at the University of New Mexico, is passionate about playing an active role in his community and bringing more perspectives to STEM fields, as well as promoting fair working conditions for graduate workers. A lot of the work McGraw does involves lasers and studying light. Specifically, McGraw studies how light interacts with materials and how to use it to convey information and do computations. According to McGraw, lasers have always been of interest to him, which is what inspired his interest in this field.

Culture

OPINION: UNM men's basketball player pairing could solve team's issues

Matthew Salcido | September 6

Last year, the University of New Mexico men’s basketball team was terrible on the offensive. They couldn’t shoot, they turned the ball over way too much and their defense was poor in the backcourt. There were problems all over the roster, but the most glaring started at the guard positions, which are the most important positions in college basketball. This season won’t be perfect in that department either, but UNM does have two players that could propel the Lobos to better offensive bliss if they can play together: Saquan Singleton and Jamal Mashburn Jr.