Culture - The Daily Lobo

Culture

OPINION: “Space Jam: A New Legacy” works as a revival for a new generation despite poor reviews

Matthew Salcido | July 20

This review contains spoilers for “Space Jam” Now that “Space Jam: A New Legacy” has been out for almost a week, we should be able to recognize it as the perfectly passable and outright fun family movie that it is. While watching it, I felt reassured that this wasn’t the terrible rehash that many feared but instead a natural revival of a childhood cult classic. The concept of “Space Jam” would make anyone incredulous at first: this movie franchise is about a film production company pairing an all-time basketball legend with Looney Tunes teammates that are forced to play a basketball game with twisted physics. That is such an easy marketing sell that, to the uninitiated, it can seem cynical.

Culture

OPINION: “Black Widow” top-tier acting saves it from disappointing villains

Maxwell Minty McGrael / Daily Lobo | July 18

This review contains spoilers Finally, after two years of no theatrical releases, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) returned with its 24th installment, “Black Widow.” This film is an action-packed spy thriller starring Scarlett Johansson as the title character. With well-acted protagonists and a heavy focus on family, it’s a genuinely good time from start to finish, despite some villain development problems. Soon after the events of “Captain America: Civil War,” Natasha Romanoff (aka Black Widow) is on the run when she receives the antidote to the mind control that she and the rest of the Widows have been subjected to.

Culture

Albuquerque senior attempts to break Guinness World Record for her culture

Megan Gleason | July 18

For Albuquerque senior and retired nurse Hiddekel Sara Burks, breaking a Guinness World Record isn’t just for fun — it’s an expression of her culture. Currently sitting in the Holocaust Museum is a nearly 4,000 foot long textile braid that still isn’t done. This long array of colors won’t be finished until Burks, founder of the National Braiders Guild, braids 6,000 feet and breaks the Guinness World Record for the longest handmade textile braid, which currently stands at about 5,217 feet. Burks estimates that she’ll finish in about six to eight more weeks, and will basket-weave all of the braids into a double helix.

Culture

Grow the Growers program supports farmers in the South Valley

Rebecca Hobart | July 15

Grow the Growers is a program in Albuquerque that provides farm training and business development education for emerging farmers, even amid the current historic drought. This program seeks to strengthen the food sector in the South Valley, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Historically, the South Valley has experienced a lot of environmental injustice, so it’s really important to keep the land that’s been in agriculture here in agriculture for the well-being of the ecosystem and community,” Alicia Robinson-Walsh, a manager for La Cosecha Community Supported Agriculture, said.

Culture

National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation receives $30,000 grant

Emma Trevino | July 13

On Tuesday, the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation announced that they had received a $30,000 grant back in March from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) to help support their Circo Latino program. Circo Latino is an educational class for children and teenagers ages 7 to 18 to learn about the circus arts. The program has equitable tuition payments from participants, and this grant allows the department to create scholarships for those who can’t normally afford tuition. “Spanish-language and Latin American culture are taught alongside juggling, stilt-walking, clowning, movement, aerial, mask-making, leadership, environmental stewardship, compassion, empathy, community vibrancy and healthy lifestyles,” the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs press release states.

Culture

OPINION: The new “Gossip Girl” makes no sense

Emma Trevino | July 11

Last Thursday, the first episode of HBO Max’s “Gossip Girl” reboot premiered and it was … weird. While the hierarchical energy of its predecessor was evident, this new iteration lacked the charm and intrigue that gave the original version from 2007 its massive success. The new series revolves around a group of friends that rule Constance Billard School for Girls, the same school that Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodson ruled 14 years ago. The highly exclusive private institution is riddled with money, drugs and frantic power grabs from anyone and everyone.

Culture

5 and Why: 5 best things to do over summer break

Megan Gleason | July 6

Lounging in the shade of the Duck Pond on a sunny Monday afternoon were two UNM students, Rose Hurlow and Margaret Glasgow, who agreed to let Daily Lobo readers in on their idea of the best five things to do over summer break. As a second-year master’s student and a Ph.D. candidate respectively, both agreed that this summer is a time for relaxation. Listed below are their top five favorite activities this summer break. River Surfing River surfing is an exciting way to explore different parts of the state, and Glasgow said they both enjoy surfing in New Mexico and Colorado. “It’s the desert and you can go surfing, which is kind of awesome,” Glasgow said.

Culture

OPINION: Dessert in the desert: Top 5 frozen treat destinations to beat ABQ’s heat

Annya Loya | July 5

College students continue to drift lazily through summer break as the heat waves keep rolling in. As Albuquerque’s temperature heads back into the 90s this week, along with lowered COVID-19 restrictions, it’s time to enjoy a sweet treat. Here are the top 5 ice cream and frozen yogurt spots you can find in the city. 5. Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt If you’re looking for something cold but ice cream isn’t the right fit for you, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt is the way to go. This spot is among the best frozen yogurt places in Albuquerque, with over 70 flavors of delicious froyo. Far more refreshing and healthy than ice cream, frozen yogurt is a must-have this summer.

Culture

LOBO PRIDE: UNM Alumna Larissa Romero continues fight for inclusion at UNM

Rebecca Hobart | June 29

As a former resident advisor of the University of New Mexico’s Gender Neutral and Allies Living Learning Community (LLC), recent graduate Larissa Romero has encouraged and empowered LGBTQ+ students on campus both while attending and after graduating from the University. After finding herself in life, Romero wants others to be able to do the same. “She’s such a loving and caring person and just wants everyone to feel comfortable and confident being their true, authentic self no matter what sexual orientation,” Romero’s close friend, Natalie Carson, said. Romero worked to facilitate essential discussions on queer experiences as a resident advisor in the dorms, according to Carson. This motivation to start conversations didn’t stop at graduation, though.

Culture

Locally-produced pilot by UNM alumna showcases exclusively New Mexican cast and crew

Matthew Salcido | June 29

“Capitol Barbie,” a locally-produced pilot written, directed and produced by UNM alumna Riley Del Rey, premiered on Sunday at the Guild Cinema in Albuquerque. Boasting an entirely New Mexican cast and crew, it is based on Del Rey’s alleged experiences working as a transgender Latina congressional intern for Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, a former U.S. house representative. The fictional pilot, labeled as an episode based on a true story, follows a new congressional intern, Dolly Golightly, as she navigates the realities of working in Washington, D.C., facing constant reprimands over her dress and relationships with fellow Latinx interns. When an unwanted advance by a congressman reveals that Dolly is transgender, her boss, Representative Melissa Lopez-Gaffney, terminates her.

Culture

LOBO PRIDE: Shane Hall’s queer liberation from a small New Mexican town

Rebecca Hobart | June 27

With a deep love for the queer community and its rich history, University of New Mexico student Shane Hall celebrates pride by embracing queer individuals and broaching conversations on LGBTQ+ equality, gender and friendship. Raised in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, Hall’s love for his community at UNM rose from the humble beginnings of being queer in a small town. “For Pride month this year, I’m going to hang out with a few friends, have a good time, have a little bit of a party and drive around and just be gay,” Hall said.

Culture

UNM Committee on Naming plans to suggest specialized panel for racist building names

Gabriel Saiz | June 24

In over a year-long effort by the University of New Mexico to reconsider its racist building names, the next potential step forward is the formation of an academic team to write a formal report recommending the names to either be removed or not. The UNM Committee on Naming, which normally researches the honorees behind proposed building names, plans to suggest before August that President Garnett Stokes create the specialized panel to review and possibly recommend the renaming of campus buildings bearing the names of Spanish conquistadors.

Culture

Femme and nonbinary-led skate group starts weekly skating sessions at UNM

Avery Rogers | June 23

On Tuesday, a group of femme-identifying and nonbinary individuals gathered for their first summer skate session at the University of New Mexico, starting a regular event that will be held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Smith Plaza. Organizer Ashley Varela said those forming and joining their skate group are “making space” for themselves and “creating more than just one look for skating.” The event was meant to encourage those intimidated by the traditionally male-dominated sport to learn to skate without pressure through the use of community and inclusive practices, according to the organizers.

Culture

LOBO PRIDE: Uris Tapia-Flores’ journey to queer acceptance through social media

Rebecca Hobart | June 20

Coming from a traditional Mexican and Christian household, University of New Mexico student Uris Tapia-Flores experienced isolation as they grew into their identity as an LGBTQ+ individual, feeling separation from the communities that had once embraced them. Throughout their teen years and into college, Uris Tapia-Flores found queer acceptance and kinship through social media despite an unaccepting home life. “(Being queer) is kind of hard because at home, I can’t really express myself the way I want to. I’m still in a Mexican household and I also grew up Christian,” Uris Tapia-Flores said. “At home, I can’t really express my queerness. Even if I do, the way I express myself is dressing myself the way I want to dress.”

Culture

OPINION: Rainbow capitalism’s performative toxicity

Shelby Kleinhans | June 17

It’s the month of June again, which means that it’s time for corporations to roll out a newly colorful logo, slap rainbows on their already-existing merchandise and pretend as if they’ve always cared about the rights of LGBTQIA+ people. This shallow attempt at pandering to the LGBTQIA+ community is commonly referred to as rainbow capitalism. Users on the social media app Tik Tok have been quick to point out how out of touch pride collections by several corporations are by making videos that highlight their “interesting” collections. It’s painfully obvious in most cases that no queer person was consulted about the design, resulting in hastily-made and mass-produced products.

Culture

OPINION: “In the Heights” is a party, but not everyone got their invitations

Matthew Salcido | June 15

“Technically, it is superb; use of color is dazzling, camera work often is thrilling, editing fast with dramatic punch, production design catches mood as well as action itself.” This quote, written by Whitney Williams in 1961 for Variety heralding the soon-to-be released “West Side Story,” could easily be used to describe “In the Heights,” Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation of the 2008 Tony Award-winning smash hit penned by a pre-”Hamilton” Lin-Manuel Miranda. “In the Heights” follows the everyday lives and dreams of inhabitants of Washington Heights, a neighborhood in northern Manhattan. The main protagonist is Usnavi, a bodega owner who dreams of traveling back to his native Dominican Republic.

Culture

New season of ‘The Bachelorette’ filmed in New Mexico

Tina Memarian and Zoe Perls | June 13

Coming all the way from Lynnwood, Washington, Katie Lane Thurston seems like she is going to get her fairy tale ending in this newest season of “The Bachelorette,” filmed in the Land of Enchantment. Thurston first appeared on screen as a contestant of the 25th season of “The Bachelor,” and is now taking over as the newest bachelorette on “The Bachelorette,” which has finished filming at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa. The first episode aired on Monday, June 7. The resort is located on and owned by the Santa Ana Pueblo. According to Hyatt, the resort was named after the ancient Tamayame people of the area.

Culture

LOBO PRIDE: ASUNM Senator Raina Harper advocates for UNM queer community

Rebecca Hobart | June 13

With her mind and heart set on making a difference for the LGBTQ+ community, University of New Mexico student Raina Harper is paving the way for greater transgender representation for UNM’s queer community. As a multi-term senator for the Associated Students of the University of New Mexico (ASUNM), Harper is empowering UNM’s LGTBQ+ students every step of the way. One such move was resolution 3F, which illustrates ASUNM’s support for specific, long-term goals and actions on behalf of UNM to support LGBTQ+ students, which Harper said is a big step to support and empower marginalized communities.

Culture

OPINION: A Filipino’s modern journey to Independence Day

Gabriel Biadora | June 10

Philippines Independence Day on June 12 not only commemorates the day the nation was declared as independent from Spanish colonial rule, but also serves as a continual reminder of the struggle for the liberation of Filipinos in America. My family settled into New Mexico in 2008, when I was in third grade. My mom had been living in the state for three years already, working as a nurse, but my dad was still waiting on his visa before he could come to the mainland from Saipan, an island 120 miles north of Guam.

Culture

Top 5 things to look forward to about in-person classes at UNM

Megan Gleason | June 8

After more than a year of living in a very isolating pandemic, students are looking forward to coming back in person to the University of New Mexico. The Daily Lobo talked to Lawrence Fisher, an upcoming sophomore, about the five things he’s looking forward to the most at UNM in the fall after spending most of his time in the last year online. Fisher said he is looking forward to meeting new people as he attends UNM in person in the fall. Due to the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, students have been very isolated, making them unable to socialize as they would during normal times.