Multimedia

Aki Matsuri Festival highlights Japanese culture in ABQ

On Sunday, the Veteran’s Memorial Park offered a look inside a culture over 5,000 miles away. The Aki Matsuri Festival, meaning “Fall Festival,” annually incorporates a variety of diverse elements within Japanese culture. On Sunday people from out of state and fellow New Mexicans gathered to see the cultural demonstrations that took place at the sunny, outdoor venue. The Japanese American Citizens League has been hosting Japanese culture festivals since the 80s, and has been a collective effort from all those involved to make the event a success.

Crime briefs for Sept. 24, 2018

Battery at UNMH On Sept. 7, a UNM Hospital employee told a UNM Police officer that another employee “slingshotted” a rubber glove, hitting her in the face, according to a police report. Before he did this, he antagonized her and her co-worker. She told him not to fling the glove at her. She thought the glove was contaminated. She informed her supervisors about the incident and was treated at UNM Employee Occupational Health Services. She later returned to work. When she met with the officer, the officer did not notice that she had any visible injuries. The co-worker who witnessed the incident completed a statement that was given to UNMPD. In her statement, she said the male employee flung gloves at the reporting employee and hit her on the cheek. The reporting employee told him to get away from her. The male said the gloves were clean and that he was sorry, and he walked away. In her statement, she said the male employee seemed to be “playing around” and did not intend to be unkind — he and the employee who was hit with the glove usually seem to get along well.

Death row exoneree Juan Melendez speaks at UNM

A death row exoneree and speaker from Witness to Innocence, a nonprofit organization against capital punishment, was hosted by the University of New Mexico Lobo Reading Experience in the Student Union Building Theatre on Sept. 19. Scores of UNM students listened to Juan Melendez — an exonerated Florida death row inmate who was wrongfully convicted — share his experience. “When they put me in death row for 17 years, eight months and one day, the world stopped,” Melendez said.

International Day of Peace celebrated on Johnson Field

Dozens of children, students, activists and peace advocates joined together Sept. 21 at 4 p.m. on Johnson Field to create a human peace sign. In honor of the International Peace Day and Albuquerque Peace Week, this was the first human peace sign done in Albuquerque. Sponsored in part by the United Nations Association Albuquerque chapter, the Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice, GenUN at The University of New Mexico, the UNM Peace Studies Program and Campaign Nonviolence, the event was created in solidarity with several other events around the world encouraging peace.

Volleyball: Lobos fall to .500 after straight-set loss to Boise State

The Boise State Broncos defeated the University of New Mexico volleyball team, playing host to the Lobos on Saturday in Idaho. The Lobos (7-7, 1-1 MW) won its conference opener against Utah State on Wednesday, but fell to the Broncos in straight sets, looking like they were steps behind in each of them as they tried to compete. Boise State opened by scoring six of the first seven points to gain an early five-point advantage. That lead swelled to seven as the match progressed, but the Lobos were able to close the gap with a 6-0 run — one that included three kills from outside hitter Lauren Twitty and an ace from libber Mercedes Pacheco to pull with 14-13.

Ms. Lauryn Hill's career goes far beyond "Miseducation"

From being booed at the age of thirteen, to having the queen of rap, Nicki Minaj fall to her knees in front of her, the life and works of Ms. Lauryn Hill is a fascinating and captivating story. Just one year after the Fugees disbanded in 1997, band member Lauryn Hill released her debut solo album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” (1998). 20 years later the 16-track hip-hop, neo-soul record is hailed as one of the most valuable contributions to the world of music. For any album and artist to withstand the test of time, their work has to influence generations of future artists and albums. For example, projects like “Abbey Road” (1969) by The Beatles, “The Dark Side of the Moon” (1973) by Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mack’s “Rumours” (1977) have all been sampled in other artist’s songs. These artists have influenced the albums within their genre and their lyrics have been reused or referenced within albums that have followed.

Black Student Alliance condemns sorority for racial remarks

The Black Student Alliance (BSA) of the University of New Mexico released a statement Wednesday condemning members of the Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKG) sorority for using “racial remarks” during a workshop for incoming Greek Life members. The workshop was part of Monday’s 2018 Greek New Member Summit, an event that educates incoming Greek Life members on various topics, with the incident occurring during a portion of the event covering mental health. According to the statement, the comments were made when Dr. Stephanie McIver, director of counseling at Student Health and Counseling (SHAC), was making a presentation about the services available at SHAC.

ASUNM discuss finances, compliance at latest committee meetings

The Associated Students of New Mexico Senate Finance and Steering & Rules committees met yesterday evening to discuss an investigation into Lobo Motorsports Formula SAE, appropriations and four resolutions. Finance Committee Among the nearly $25,000 in appropriations discussed, Vice President Emily Wilks announced the Finance Committee was investigating Lobo Motorsports Formula SAE who received about $20,000 in appropriations last year. Lobo Motorsports Formula SAE is a student organization, partly funded by student fees, that builds and races formula one vehicles against other universities.

Temporary waterways may lose environmental protections

Temporary waterways in the United States could potentially lose protection under the Clean Water Act through the Environmental Protection Agency — 90 percent of New Mexico’s water comes from temporary waterways according to Cliff Dahm, a University of New Mexico biology professor. Dahm said temporary waterways can be defined as any waterway that does not flow all year long. Some temporary waterways flow most of the year, but some only flow a few days out of the year.

Aerie comes UNM to spread body positivity

Aerie brought its campus pop-up tour to the University of New Mexico on Sept. 17 and 18 to promote the brand’s new fall collection and new wireless push-up bra, as well as to spread a message of body positivity to students. This was the first time that Aerie has done a promotion at UNM, since it’s opening at the Coronado Mall in 2017. “I’m not a big fan of the mall, so I like pop-ups,” said Bethany Rivera, a psychology major at UNM, when explaining the appeal that the event held for her.

Five and why: Kathleen Clawson's favorite books

Much like her work in the arts, Kathleen Clawson’s taste in books is unique and dynamic. She is a professor in the University of New Mexico’s Department of Theatre and Dance, where she directs shows, teaches classes in musical theatre and serves as the director of publicity for the department. Most recently, she directed the UNM production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Along with her work at UNM, she is also part of the staff at the Santa Fe Opera where she provides direction and vocal training. Here she describes her current favorite books which provide guidance and inspiration for her daily life.

El Centro celebrates its 50th anniversary

El Centro de la Raza kicked off their year-long 50th year celebration on Sept.17. The student services center was opened at the University of New Mexico in 1969 under the name Chicano Student Services and is a part of the Division of Student Affairs. The kickoff event included speakers from every decade since El Centro’s founding. Speakers talked about El Centro de la Raza’s evolution, and a special anniversary logo for the center was also revealed.

Concert Review: "Hive Tour" makes its way to ABQ

Four bands made their stop in Albuquerque on Sept. 18, for “The Hive” tour. Arcade Rivals, Selfish Things, Punchline and The Spill Canvas played at Launchpad Tuesday night. The title of the tour is in reference to the new EP by The Spill Canvas called “Hivemind.” “It’s good now that we have new music to talk with people about, instead of just old stuff,” said Bryce Job, the drummer and backing vocals for The Spill Canvas. “Especially since the newer members are recorded on our new stuff now.” The Albuquerque show was stop number four on their second leg of their Western U.S. tour. The tour previously stopped in Texas for three shows, in Austin, Houston and Dallas as part of the tour, they have had great fan interaction on the road so far.

Stokes unpacks first 200 days as president at State of University address

After 200 days, the University of New Mexico no longer has a “new” President. UNM President Garnett Stokes gave her first State of the University address Monday to a crowd of 200 people. She was introduced by Faculty President Pamela Pyle, and spoke for nearly half an hour.  Framed on each side by arrangements of red and white gladiolas, Stokes touted University success in healthcare programs, teaching educators, research initiatives, and student entrepreneurs and startups.

"Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story" captures history of a national movement

The six-part documentary series “Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story,” made its dramatic close on Monday, Sep. 10. The series recapped what occurred during the 2012 trial for the murder of Trayvon Martin, and how George Zimmerman’s defense team played a crucial role in his acquittal. One of the trials that took the nation by storm occured only six years ago. UNM students were present during this evocative moment in history, and were either touched by the case through the television, social media or protests. This nationally broadcasted trial ultimately led to the creation of the Black Lives Matter movement. “The whole movement of young people becoming active started with that not guilty verdict,” Reverend Al Sharpton said in an interview on the show.

Video: White Sands Balloon Invitational

Between Two Lobos: What UNM students think about Lobo football

This week on Between Two Lobos, Danielle and Emily went out to talk to UNM about their feelings on UNM Football before the big game.

Photo Story: Renaissance Faire offers old-time fun

This past weekend at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a history museum and historic ranch in Santa Fe, the eleventh annual Santa Fe Renaissance Faire was celebrated. The fair grounds were separated out into sections based upon activities or people who inhabited those areas. At the Royal Pavilion, one could meet the king and queen of the fair as well as their court. A town crier would announce activities from in front of their tent, these activities were from a long list of scheduled out plans for each area of the fair.

Crime Briefs for Sept. 16, 2018

Misdemeanor warrant arrest, battery, escape from custody of a peace officer On the afternoon of Aug. 30, an officer was sent to Zimmerman Library, according to a UNMPD report. The officer met with a female student who said a male followed her from the Student Union Building to the library. The male sat at the same table as her and stared at her. She ignored him. The male started to eat part of the student’s lunch. She asked him not to do that, and another person at the table told him to leave, stating that he was bothering them. The male began to caress the student’s arm from her shoulder to her elbow. She said that “she was creeped out and told him to stop,” according to the report.

UNM rededicates naval bell to Smith Plaza

University of New Mexico students may notice something new in front of Zimmerman Library next time they are walking through Smith Plaza — if they are looking carefully enough. Last Thursday, the ship bell of the World War II era USS New Mexico battleship was rededicated during its rehanging in front of Zimmerman Library. The bell previously hung from a turquoise metal frame above Smith Plaza before the plaza’s renovation over the summer. The rededication ceremony detailed the history of the bell and included speeches from UNM President Garnett Stokes, Rear Admiral Mark Bipes, Greg Trapp of the New Mexico Council of the Navy League and the commanding officer of the current USS New Mexico nuclear powered fast attack submarine, Commander James Morrow.