Culture

Culture

Top 10 movies of 2017

Hector Valverde | March 4

2017 had plenty of ups accompanying its many downs. Marked mostly by a lacking summer blockbuster season, there were a few surprise hits that kicked off early in the year, along with some later prestige films reliably packing in its conclusion. Perhaps most notable of 2017 was the diminishing returns yielded from franchise film tickets at the box office, indicating at least a moderate degree of audience fatigue toward sequels. In preparation for the Oscars, here are some of my top picks for 2017 in film.

---

Music

Album Review: Basic, tedious tracks prevent Jaden Smith from making name for himself on “SYRE”

Colton Newman | March 2

A lot can be said about Jaden Smith — but, in a much more real sense, not much can be said about him either. He’s the son of one of the most famous celebrities to ever grace this planet, he wore a white Batman costume to Kanye West and Kim Kardashian’s wedding, his sister had that one song a while back called “I Whip My Hair” and he somehow caused a stir when he cut off his dread-locks and carried them around. Seemingly following in the steps of his father and sister, Jaden decided to dip his toes into the world of music. On Nov. 16, 2017 Jaden Smith released his first attempt at an album, “SYRE.”

---

Culture

Book Review: “Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda” shines light on self-discovery and teen romance

Colton Newman | March 2

“Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli is a new-age gay romance novel that follows the ever-deepening relationship between Simon and an unknown closeted gay student identified by the alias, “Blue.” Simon and Blue’s relationship starts off simply. They talk about their favorite foods, the music they like and their similar situation of both being closeted in high school.

---

News

Workshop discusses ethnic invisibility, identity

Annie Edwards | March 1

The University of New Mexico Student Health and Counseling hosted “The Self-hood Struggle” student workshop with African American Student Services in Mesa Vista Hall Monday. Desa Karye Daniel, a doctoral student at UNM and a mental health counselor for African American Student Services, gave a presentation titled “A Phenomenological Study of the Invisibility Syndrome Among African American College Students.” This presentation covered the background of Daniel’s own study. Christopher Collins, senior student program advisor at African American Student Services, helped organize the event. “I just think that this was a great event, and we definitely want to raise cultural awareness here, on campus, and just have everyone’s experiences be that much better here at UNM,” he said. Daniel opened her presentation by asking attendees to think about their emotions when they were accepted into college, during their college career and after graduation or right before graduation.

---

Music

“Turn of the Screw" opera to be performed at Keller Hall

Aubrie Powell | March 1

Opening Thursday night, the University of New Mexico Opera Theatre presents Benjamin Britten’s “Turn of the Screw” based on the gothic novella by Henry James. Professor Leslie Umphrey directs and Kristin Ditlow, Ph.D. conducts the music for the dark ghost story. “It’s really ‘Downton Abbey’ gone terribly wrong in a way,” Ditlow said.

---

Culture

Movie Review: Despite amateur acting, “The 15:17 to Paris” tells moving story

Timber Mabes | March 1

Released on Feb. 9, “The 15:17 to Paris” tells an extremely moving story made even more memorable by its actors. Recreating the true story of three American soldiers who fight to stop an attacker from unleashing 300 rounds of ammunition on a train to Paris in 2015, the train’s true heroes acted their own roles in this film. Directed by the renowned Clint Eastwood and based on the book, “The 15:17 to Paris: The True Story of a Terrorist, a Train and Three American Soldiers,” the film had extreme potential to be a cinematic masterpiece but felt somewhat short of what it could have been.

---

Culture

Book Review: "The Cruel Prince" proves to be thrilling fantasy

Nichole Harwood | March 1

Warning: Spoilers Ahead Author of bestselling contemporary fantasy books Holly Black returns once again to the realm of fairies this year with a new series. The first book of the series, “The Folk of the Air” is titled “The Cruel Prince” and plunges readers once again into a world of magic that holds both beauty and cruelty in the same regard. We view the story through the eyes of Jude, a young human woman who is initially introduced in the book as a child. Alongside her, we witness the brutal death of her parents followed immediately by the abduction of her and her sisters, Vivienne and Taryn. The abductor/murderer Madoc is Jude’s mother’s ex-husband, who she fled with their child Vivienne before remarrying and giving birth to twins Jude and Taryn.

---

Music

Concert Review: Brockhampton lights up Denver

Colton Newman | March 1

With the 2017 release of three albums Saturation 1, 2 and 3, America’s favorite boy band Brockhampton took a sledgehammer to the door of the hip-hop game. With their 2018 Love Your Parents tour, Brockhampton is shoving their faces through that shattered door to let the world know they are not going anywhere. The 15-member band first met on a Kanye West fan forum. From there, group curator Kevin Abstract built off each member’s strengths to form the now-famous group, Brockhampton.

---

Culture

Artist promotes environmentalism through dance

Nichole Harwood | March 1

A famed environmentalist’s work will be incorporated in a flamenco performance as part of the Aliento Latino Dance Season 2018 Saturday and Sunday at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Alice Blumenfeld and Abrepaso Flamenco Dance Company will be presenting “Vacío/Void” — a show that Blumenfeld said got its start from environmentalist Rachel Carson’s book, “Silent Spring.” Blumenfeld said Carson was a childhood hero of hers because of her environmental work and writing — the imagery Carson uses inspired her choreography.

---

News

Lobo Day celebrates UNM's 129th birthday

Megan Holmen | February 28

The University of New Mexico turned 129 years old Wednesday, and the Associated Students of UNM Lobo Spirit celebrated with the annual Lobo Day. Lobo Day is an opportunity to meet new people and celebrate the University that brings all of us together, said Kaylie Huizenga, the executive director of ASUNM Lobo Spirit. UNM hosts Lobo Day every year on Feb. 28 to bring students together for fun activities and a commemorative photograph.

---

News

Greek Man and Woman of the Year selected

Catherine Stringam | February 27

Aaron Ochoa and Jessica Marrello were named Greek Man and Woman of the Year at the conclusion of last week’s Greek Week. Each year, the University of New Mexico’s fraternities and sororities on campus join together for the contests, events and fundraising for a local charitable cause during Greek Week. During the annual Greek Banquet at the end of the week, the philanthropy is presented with a check. This year, over $18,000 was raised for Locker 505, an organization that helps provide school clothing for children in Bernalillo County.

---

Culture

Movie Review: Strong cast and hilarious plot makes “Game Night” a great comedy

Timber Mabes | February 26

From the trailer, it is difficult to tell if “Game Night” is a serious murder mystery laced with tension-relieving humor, or if the film is just a straight-up comedy. Allow me to resolve this quandary. The film is a straight-up comedy — a good one with an amazing cast.

---

Culture

"AMPLIFY” showcases student dancers along with faculty and guest choreographers

Ariel Lutnesky | February 26

People filed into Rodey Theatre Friday evening for the opening night of “AMPLIFY,” a dance performance by the University of New Mexico Department of Theatre and Dance. For audience member Theresa Sherman, the performance was one to remember. “It's really impressive to see students do such a quality, professional level of performance,” Sherman said. 

---

Music

Concert Review: Vista Kicks rock despite subpar venue

Colton Newman | February 22

Four velvet orange sport coats, three creative band picks and one annoying audience was the breakdown of Vista Kicks’ latest Albuquerque performance Saturday. The Northern California rock band Vista Kicks made a quick stop through Albuquerque on their Booty Shakers Ball Tour to play a show at the mysterious Moonlight Lounge. To warm up the venue before Vista Kicks, local bands Eugene and Treehouse Basement both performed six to seven song sets. Both groups came with something to prove — and prove it they did, creating catchy beats and a warm presence.

---

Music

UNM-Valencia celebrates Japanese drumming

Annie Edwards | February 22

The University of New Mexico Valencia Campus hosted a taiko Japanese drumming lecture and demonstration Monday, as part of the “Valencia Speaks” series. Dr. Julia So organized this event, inviting Anita Lee Gallegos to the Student Community Center at the Valencia campus to demonstrate traditional Japanese drumming, called taiko. Gallegos, a 2018 New Mexico Women of STEM honoree, is a physicist as well as a martial artist and founder of the Bushido Kenkyukai in Albuquerque.

---

News

Law professor discusses oil, environment

Megan Holmen | February 22

As part of its “Lunch and Learn Careers Lecture Series,” the University of New Mexico School of Law invited former professor Alex Ritchie to speak Monday, in a talk geared toward students interested in pursuing a career in oil and gas law, environmental law or water resources law. Ritchie, the Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation, said oil and gas production involves so many steps that countless areas of expertise are needed during this process. He recently taught at UNM’s School of Law for five years, focusing on oil and gas law, property law and business law. “I am here to speak to students about the career opportunities in oil and gas law and environmental law. I am also here to encourage students to keep learning after they leave law school,” Ritchie said.

---

Culture

Photo Story: Chiang Mai markets showcase unique Thai qualities

Jenny Liang | February 22

I traveled to Chiang Mai, Thailand over winter break and captured a few photos along the way.

---

Culture

Alum hopes to make campus more bike-friendly

Ariel Lutnesky | February 22

If someone spends any amount of time on the University of New Mexico campus, they know there’s a big mix of cyclists, skateboarders, rollerbladers and pedestrians on the sidewalks. This mix is concerning to some, such as recent UNM graduate Channing Hofman, who said that the lack of structure between pedestrians and non-pedestrians is hazardous. “Biking around campus has always proved to be difficult at best,” Hofman said. “It's always crowded, there are no clear directions or anything and it's always frustrating getting from class to class. That's kind of what sparked the idea of getting some folks together to try to make UNM a better place to bike.”

---

Culture

Movie Review: "Black Panther" comes just shy of greatness

Hector Valverde | February 21

Light plot-related spoilers are ahead. Oh man, Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther” is almost there. Almost. The themes echoed across the piece are not just societally relevant, but universal. There couldn’t have been a more perfect director hired than Ryan Coogler of “Creed” and “Fruitvale Station” fame (and hey, Michael B. Jordan as well). And the magnificent art design of the fictional Wakanda is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.

---

Music

Maxwell Museum hosts exhibit supporting refugees

Megan Holmen | February 21

The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology at The University of New Mexico is taking an anthropological perspective on the current political climate. Now through March 3, the museum’s open-to-the-public exhibit, “No Hate, No Fear,” will focus on immigrants and refugees in the United States. Devorah Romanek, the curator of exhibits at the Maxwell Museum, said that this particular exhibit is part of a series that addresses contemporary anthropological issues that are in the news.