On Sep. 27, the Daily Lobo asked students at the University of New Mexico to submit their best photos for a chance to be featured on the cover of our Art and Photo issue, published this past Monday, Oct. 17. Here, the three winners provide a brief statement on their photographs and the stories behind them.
The principal concern of the filmmaker is image. Story, character, even sound are all secondary to the creation of compelling images. Think of the shower scene in “Psycho,” Gene Kelly and the lamppost in “Singing in the Rain.” With their composition, these iconic images, both within and outside their original contexts, provide sensations beyond sight to the audience — touch, smell, taste, even intrigue; a sixth sense of danger and imbalance or joy and virility. Now, think of an iconic shot from the past few years in film, particularly blockbusters: those we’re leaving behind to later generations. Our cultural footprint. Think of a shot as divorced from the context of plot as well, just what’s in the frame. Finding anything interesting? Likely not.
The city of Albuquerque and its surrounding area provides ample opportunity for both professional and amateur photographers to photograph places that are both beautiful and unique. Isaac Martinez, a film student at The University of New Mexico and practicing photographer for the last four years, spoke to the Daily Lobo about his favorite spots to take photographs with some common and uncommon spots.
University of New Mexico student Meg Vlaun is no stranger to hard work; a writer and mother of two with a job tutoring at Central New Mexico Community College and two master's degrees and aspirations for a third in tow, she possesses that rare quality which separates a good writer from the greats — drive and determination. Vlaun splits her time between her numerous commitments, including a new volunteer position as an editor on “Limina: UNM Nonfiction Review.” Through determination, she’s thrived across the board in her work.
The University of New Mexico women’s soccer team played the San Jose State University Spartans on Sunday, Oct 9, ending in a tie. The Lobos have a record of 4-3-6 and are 2-1-2 in conference play, which makes them tied for third in the Mountain West conference. It was a frustrating game for the Lobos, as they had six shots hit the goal post; had they gone in, they could have easily flipped the outcome of the match. The Lobos put up 20 shot attempts whereas the Spartans only had 11 — only three were credited as shots on the goal, though.
As you make your way through October, you may find yourself seeking out movies and Halloween specials from your favorite TV shows to get you in the mood for spooky season. An all-time favorite of Halloween lovers is the 1993 film “Hocus Pocus.” While for many years this film has been a Halloween staple with a conclusive and relatively satisfying ending, it, like many other classic films, has fallen victim to the dreaded sequel. On Sept. 30, “Hocus Pocus 2” was released on Disney+, and many fans flocked to the streaming service to see the Sanderson sisters resurrected once again. Unfortunately, the film does not live up to its predecessor, and it’s difficult to imagine it becoming nearly as popular.
The University of New Mexico football team lost to the University of Wyoming Cowboys on Saturday, Oct 8. The Lobos looked to repeat last year’s 14-3 upset win but ultimately fell short with the Cowboys winning 27-14. Receivers Luke Wysong and Geordon Porter, and running backs Christian Washington and Sherod White were all out for noninjury reasons. Their presence was missed with quarterback Miles Kendrick taking on a larger offensive load, racking up 72 rushing yards — the most on the team. Andrew Erickson had the most receiving yards with 46 but only had two catches.
With governor elections coming up on Nov. 8, students at the University of New Mexico are preparing to make their voices heard by exercising their right to vote. To many students on both sides of the aisle, this election is crucial in determining the future of the state. As of the time of publication, polls have Democrat incumbent Michelle Lujan Grisham with a 6.1 point lead over Republican opponent Mark Ronchetti — but this still could be anyone’s election. Exercising the right to vote is the best way to ensure that we elect people who are willing to fight for our rights, according to Marcela Johnson, a third-year journalism and communications major.
With this year’s “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” Marvel proved they weren’t too afraid to conjure up a film that leans heavy into the horror genre. Now, with their first special presentation “Werewolf by Night,” Marvel is doubling down on the creepier side of the Marvel Cinematic Universe — so long as it is still identifiably Marvel.
The University of New Mexico volleyball team lost 3-0 against The University of Nevada, Las Vegas on Thursday, Oct. 6. The game marked the fourth loss in conference play for UNM after losing to Colorado State University on Oct.1 and the University of Wyoming on Sept. 29. Despite coming close in all three sets, UNLV did not let UNM catch a break by controlling the entire match. The first set came to an end at 25-22, marking the pace for what would be the results for the next two sets. Currently, UNLV has a 13-3 record. UNM has had a total of 11 wins and, against UNLV, they acquired their fifth loss.
With the fall movie season nearly in full swing, you might find yourself spending more time deciding what movie to watch than actually watching. But don’t you worry, darling — The Daily Lobo is here with a guide on the most notable films coming to theaters or streaming on Friday, Oct. 7, to hopefully save you from hours of indecision.
After an amazing season, Aaron Judge hit his 62nd home run of the year on Tuesday, Oct. 4 against the Texas Rangers, passing Roger Maris’ 61 to take the American League single-season home run record. But his 62 is seventh all-time in Major League Baseball history while the names of the three players ahead of him haunt baseball: Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds, icons of the steroid era. Now a question is being asked within baseball: which is the real home run record, Judge’s clean 62 or Bonds’ tainted 73?
On Monday, Oct. 3rd, the Albuquerque City Council voted in favor of continued funding for safe outdoor spaces. The vote was to decide on an override of Mayor Tim Keller’s veto on an ordinance that would have reallocated the funds to supporting unhoused veterans. Safe outdoor spaces would be city-sanctioned locations of temporary occupancy for individuals who are experiencing homelessness to camp in tents or recreational vehicles. The spaces would include restrooms, showers and 24/7 security with monitored access. There also would be behavioral, mental and social support available, and all residents would need to be working toward finding housing, according to the City of Albuquerque.
Laurie Chavez has been involved with the International Balloon Fiesta since childhood. A pilot at the 50th Fiesta this year, she and her family have been participating since it began back in 1972, joining due to connections with Sid Cutter, one of the founding members of the Fiesta. Now, she carries on the family legacy as pilot of balloon “Jesse’s Girl Too.”
Listen, I get it: Blue cat-people, Unobtanium, Sam Worthington and hair sex, if you watch the extended edition. James Cameron’s “Avatar,” released in 2009, is inherently a little bit bad. But watching the re-release in IMAX 3D this week, I can’t help but find myself completely bought in anyway — visually stunning, emotionally compelling and technologically impressive, I hate to say that “Avatar” is kind of good. It’s December 2009. “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas is dominating the radio. The economy is in shambles. People still can’t get enough of the most recent “Twilight” movie that just came out the month before. But you — all you are thinking about as you take your seat in a surprisingly crowded moviehouse with your 3D glasses is the film you are about to watch, a film that is about to become the highest-grossing movie of all time. Wait, sorry, I’m having trouble recalling the title … Oh! James Cameron’s “Avatar.”
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta took flight for the 50th time at the Balloon Fiesta Park on Saturday, Oct. 1st, sending hundreds of hot air balloons up into the sky once again to enchant the thousands of visitors who will gather from the first through the ninth of this month. The Fiesta is an event that attracts both balloonists and visitors from all over the world. The event being hosted in Albuqerque was no matter of chance: the so-called “Albuquerque Box,” a mix of weather patterns and landscape, provides the perfect conditions for flying, according to the Fiesta’s website.
On Thursday, Sept. 29, the Albuquerque Starbucks located off of Rio Grande Boulevard and Interstate 40 became the first location of the national coffee chain to unionize in New Mexico. The New Mexico Public Relations Board counted employee ballots ultimately siding in favor of unionizing in a 10-7 vote. Jacob Sherwood, a barista and lead organizer, said that they began the unionization process in May after having several issues with the company.
The University of New Mexico volleyball team played the Colorado State University Rams on Saturday, Oct. 1. The final score of 3-1 Rams does not reflect how competitive of a match it was: the Lobos lost with a scoring margin of only -5 and had more blocks and digs than the Rams. Kaitlynn Biassou had 17.5 points to lead the team in scoring. Uxue Guereca had a double-double with 12.5 points and 12 digs. Avital Jaloba led in blocks with eight and had a hitting percentage of .538. The Rams are 11-4 on the season and are undefeated in conference play at 4-0, making them first in the Mountain West Conference.
The Associated Students at the University of New Mexico senate passed measures to combat conflicts of interest this Wednesday, Sept. 29. They also approved over $43,000 of appropriations for student organizations. Student organizations may present an extraordinary funding request, known as an appropriation, to the senate finance committee, which makes cuts as deemed appropriate. The request then moves to the senate and, if passed, to the ASUNM president. Bills 4F and 6F passed unanimously while 5F passed 18 in favor and 1 against, with 19 senators present at the meeting.
The University of New Mexico volleyball team played the University of Wyoming Cowgirls on Thursday, Sept. 29 in their third game of conference play. The game lasted all five sets with the Cowgirls ultimately winning the match 3-2. The Lobos led the Cowgirls in total points scored, but they were unable to win the match after falling 2-0 to start the match. They rallied back to force a fifth set after 10 ties and five lead changes. Kaitlynn Biassou led the team in scoring with 31 points and also had a team high 26 kills. Melissa Walden had 52 assists and 17 digs. Avital Joloba led the team in blocks with seven.
Solutions by The State News
