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Culture

Empathetic commentary on importance of community in ‘Michelle Obama Podcast’

Genevieve Romero | August 19

“The Michelle Obama Podcast” is a refreshingly relatable and optimistic take on the madness surrounding the United States in the face of a pandemic, racial injustice and political unrest. Rather than focusing on the expected political or legal analysis of current events, the former first lady relates to those around her through “topics and issues that we’re all dealing with, no matter what’s going on — whether that’s a pandemic, a nationwide reckoning with race or just any old summer afternoon sitting with our own thoughts.” Throughout the podcast, Michelle Obama emphasizes the importance of the conversations we have with our loved ones and how they lead to greater growth and change.

Culture

Top 5 hidden sculptural gems in Albuquerque

Joseph McKee and Alex McCausland | August 19

Albuquerque is an artistic city that has more outdoor art pieces than you might expect. Whether you want to go for a drive or take a walk about the town, these art pieces will satisfy your appetite for adventure and exploration. Grab a pair of shoes, a water bottle and your mask! Here are the Daily Lobo’s top five hidden sculptural gems in Albuquerque.

Culture

Professors adapt to online classes with mixed results

Rosanna Samudio | August 17

Online school has become the new norm in 2020, and the University of New Mexico is no exception. Students coming into the fall semester at UNM are preparing to maintain their education virtually amidst the scare and unpredictability of a pandemic. As drastic changes from the realities of COVID-19 arose during the spring semester, professors and students scattered to adapt to new adjustments. Many students were already familiar with online classes, but others were forced to adapt to a surplus of unexpected changes. Business major Stephanie Gonzales graduated from the Anderson School of Management last semester under anomalous circumstances.

Attendees buy tickets for a matinee at Popejoy Hall on Sunday, Oct. 28.

Culture

Popejoy cancels five shows, postpones others

Lauren McDonald | August 17

Popejoy Hall, the largest performing arts center in New Mexico, has announced a multitude of postponed and canceled shows due to the coronavirus pandemic. Due to the devastation COVID-19 is still effectuating in large swaths of the country, many shows have been postponed — and five have been canceled. Upon reopening, Popejoy Hall will follow federal, state, local and University guidelines for the safety and well-being of patrons, staff, artists and volunteers. “It wouldn’t be safe to bring in people,” Tom Tkach, the director of Popejoy Hall, said. “We can’t have more than five people together in a group, so you can imagine it would be impossible to reopen Popejoy.”

Culture

Student Family Housing resident condemns deterioration of housing complex

Gabriel Biadora | August 17

Anne Turner is afraid her children will step on used hypodermic needles when they play in the grass outside their home at the University of New Mexico’s Student Family Housing (SFH). The housing complex, which is set to close on May 31 of next year, has been no stranger to complaints of unsafe and untenable conditions. Notice of the residences’ permanent closure came in an email on June 29, marking the climactic end to the tumultuous relationship between SFH and its residents. For Turner, the final straw came a few days later on July 4 when she witnessed police officers arrest two individuals for solicitation, one of whom allegedly had an outstanding warrant.

Culture

UNM to welcome students back with online events

Lauren McDonald | August 14

Welcome Back Days at the University of New Mexico will look different than ever before with an almost entirely virtual lineup of events designed to acclimate students to a socially distanced campus environment. The Student Activities Center has put together various activities and events online because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The week will kick off with a virtual escape room on Aug. 14 at 7 p.m., provided by Nusenda Credit Union. The first 75 attendees to the event will receive a free voucher for a one-topping slice of pizza from the new Dion’s location in the Student Union Building.

Culture

Virtual Popejoy concert features Christopher Jackson from “Hamilton”

Hannah John | August 14

After months of musical silence caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Popejoy Hall announced its newest event “Christopher Jackson: Live from the West Side,” a livestreamed concert that will run on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 6 p.m. Jackson is an actor and singer with credits on and off Broadway, widely known for playing George Washington in “Hamilton” and Benny in “In The Heights.” He’s also known for starring in the Netflix original “When They See Us.” During this concert, Jackson will perform original songs and Broadway showtunes live from New York City. He will also answer questions from audience members who tune in.

Culture

‘Too Much and Never Enough:’ Mary L. Trump’s scathing exposé on the Trump family

Hevyn Heckes | August 12

Since 2015, there has been speculation on the mental faculties of the man who would become our nation’s 45th president. Donald Trump has been a fixture of the tabloid media for several decades, but never before has his eccentric nature influenced the fate of an entire country. Clinical psychologist Mary L. Trump’s “Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man” is a must-read exposé on the Trump family, told from the point of view of Donald Trump’s niece. The first part reads like a CliffsNotes version of Donald Trump’s family history. The most intensive feature in this section is the early childhood trauma that Donald endured when his mother was hospitalized. This is the first insight into Donald Trump’s early childhood and how his development was interrupted by his father’s inability to adequately care for him while his mother was ailing.

Culture

AMP Concerts rock New Mexicans with drive-in concerts, neighborhood shows

Lauren McDonald | August 10

Music has found a way to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the nation. AMP Concerts is composing virtual, neighborhood and drive-in concerts for New Mexicans around the state. AMP Concerts have recently started offering in-person events, with locations like neighborhood driveways. People on the street can watch from their porch or sidewalk while still social distancing. “We saw ‘Zoltan and the Fortune Tellers’ right across the street from our home. It was an amazing experience to see a show right across from my house,” Therese Dooner, a northeast Albuquerque resident, said “We sat on the porch and ate dinner while cheering on the band. It was such a nice surprise during this time.”

Culture

National Farmers’ Market Week highlights need to support local businesses

Megan Gleason | August 10

Local businesses have been struggling amidst the coronavirus pandemic, and local farmers’ markets are no exception. National Farmers’ Market Week was Aug. 2 through Aug. 8 this year, bringing a much-needed burst of attention to farmers’ markets across the country. “(The pandemic) has definitely sent a shockwave through the farmers’ market sector,” Ben Feldman, executive director at Farmers Market Coalition, said. “For quite some time now, it’s been pretty much impossible to be a market operator.” The Albuquerque Growers’ Market Alliance banded together to present the Downtown Growers’ Market, the Rail Yards Market, the Mile-Hi Farmers’ Market and the Dominga Baca Farmers’ Market during National Farmers Market Week.

Culture

Instituto Cervantes conducts interviews revealing pandemic’s cultural impacts

Jasmine Casillas | August 7

A series of interviews conducted by the Instituto Cervantes of Albuquerque brought together three musicians in a collection titled “Porque Canto en Español.” The videos explain cultural influences as well as the impact of the pandemic on being a musician. The interviews were conducted via video conferencing and then uploaded in late July onto the Instituto Cervantes YouTube page. The director of the non-profit institute and interviewer of the series, Silvia Grijalba, states the purpose of the project is “to introduce people who live in the United States (born here or not) and have chosen Spanish to develop their career.”

Culture

‘Saving Alex:’ An education on coming out and escaping systematic abuse

Hevyn Heckes | August 7

This article contains spoilers. When Alex Cooper was fifteen years old, she told her strict Mormon parents that she was gay. She was then shipped off to live in St. George, Utah to participate in a “conversion therapy” program where she was abused for eight months by her host family. “Saving Alex” is her story. Her account is an eye-opening education on how coming out to one’s parents can go horribly wrong and the anxiety young LGBTQ+ people share when contemplating doing so. Cooper’s memoir divulges the events that transpired while she was under the guardianship of fundamentalist strangers in Utah. The moment her parents left her in their care, her worldly possessions were stripped from her and withheld.

Culture

Tradition, courage and honor: ‘Ghost of Tsushima’ dazzles with state of the art graphics, combat engine

Gino Gutierrez | August 4

This review contains spoilers. A true masterclass in storytelling, the newly released video game “Ghost of Tsushima” takes players on a sweeping journey filled with rich character development and stunning visuals. “Ghost of Tsushima” is a new title from Sucker Punch Studios, released on July 17 and available exclusively on the Playstation 4 (PS4). Set on the island of Tsushima during the first Mongol invasion of Japan, “Ghost of Tsushima” puts players in the shoes of Jin Sakai, a samurai and sworn protector of the people of Tsushima. For Jin and his fellow samurai, the Mongol Empire represents a threat unlike any other. They are an enemy with no remorse, conscience or honor, which comes into direct conflict with the way the samurai live their lives.

Culture

Balloon Fiesta drive-in offers safe and enjoyable summer activity during pandemic

Lauren McDonald | July 25

With almost everyone stuck at home this summer, the Balloon Fiesta Park’s new drive-in theater offers a fun and exciting option to get out of the house and make a new memory. This drive-in was created by three friends from St. Michael’s High School in Santa Fe. Other locations hosting drive-ins include O'Reilly's Pub, Cottonwood Mall and the occasional night hosted by the Guild Theatre at Balloon Fiesta Park. Due to the pandemic, the drive-in’s operators need to heed ongoing social distancing regulations, keeping cars four to six feet apart and requiring masks whenever outside of a car.

Culture

Lobo face masks helping bring campus back to work

Daniel Ward | July 22

After nearly four months into the dawn of COVID-19 safety regulations from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, many people are beginning to stylize what masks they wear. The University of New Mexico has joined the trend with Lobo face masks available in the bookstore. There are multiple types and designs of Lobo masks that have been created by different vendors for the bookstore. Marketing Divisions Manager Lisa Walden said the demand for masks is high, not only to keep everyone safe, but because people want to show off their love for the Lobo. She said they sometimes sell about 250 masks in a day between individual sales and orders from departments.

Culture

Paint for Peace 505 restores beauty in a desolate downtown

Megan Gleason | July 21

Although the pandemic has caused local businesses in downtown Albuquerque to close up shop, their boarded-up windows have given local artists a new canvas to display their work. Paint for Peace 505 is a local movement in Albuquerque to cover boarded-up windows with art. Many local artists contributed to this movement simply for the benefit of the community. “It was really healing to turn that area into something so beautiful,” Jessica Anderson, one of the organizers, said. After two weeks of work and preparation, an art show was held for the public on the evening of July 17. People drove or walked through, all wearing masks and keeping their distance.

Culture

Splash of Funk art exhibit displayed at OT Circus

Daniel Ward and Cameron Ward | July 21

therapeutic escape of selling his art. While battling depression, Cantrell found peace in the never-ending creation of his paintings. On June 18, a solo pop-up show dedicated to Cantrell and his art called “A Splash of Funk” shared a wide range of good vibes, including a live DJ and food from Elevate Food Truck. Cantrell’s art was also on display inside OT Circus Gallery and was available to purchase, with prices ranging between $60 and $300. “I try to up the game every time I have a show here,” Cantrell said. “Last time, I was the first person to have a caterer; this year, I have a DJ and the food truck is on the premises instead of out on the street.”

Culture

Mental health resources available at Student Health and Counseling during the summer

Lauren McDonald | July 19

Dealing with mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic can be stressful. Luckily, Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) at the University of New Mexico is available to students during this time, over the summer and in the future as well. All regular services of SHAC are currently open, such as counseling, acupuncture, appointments, nutrition, pharmacy, physical therapy, sexual and reproductive health services and call-ahead coronavirus-related visits for students who may have symptoms. “We are having people do telephone or Zoom appointments. There has been a slight increase in calls but not necessarily COVID related,” said Victoria Cee, manager at SHAC. “We are all functional, everything in the SHAC is open, (but) students do have to call ahead of time or call when they are in the building.”

Culture

Renowned artist recounts systemic racism within artistic institutions

Beatrice Nisoli | July 17

The recent resurgence of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has proven that racism is not solely confined to the streets. Its systemic influence pervades all institutions — including artistic ones. Several artists have found that the galleries they sell to on commission are unwilling to accept BLM-themed art out of fear of diminishing customer interest, thus prioritizing business over the racial justice movement. Bruce Carlton (B.C.) Nowlin, a renowned artist and New Mexico local, has been painting since high school and has utilized his Southwestern roots to produce vibrant, culturally significant artwork. Nowlin’s work has never had issues selling — indeed, it has appealed to celebrity circles and album covers for decades — but a recent painting of his has been met with a ringing silence from collectors.

Culture

UNM duck pond is cleaned and ready for fish, ducks and turtles to return

Lauren McDonald | July 17

Every couple years, the University of New Mexico duck pond is drained by UNM’s Facilities Management department. The drainage makes the pond a cleaner and healthier environment for the fish, ducks and turtles that reside in the center of campus. “We take all the turtles and fish to one of the golf courses while it’s emptied, then bring them back once the cleaning is done,, but there’s still a few of them — turtles and ducks — around here. They hang out, you know?” said Dwayne Jones, UNM’s water systems master technician.