News

'Tis the season to shoplift

Most people are paying for holiday gifts with hard-earned money, but others pursue a different avenue for the season of giving: the five-finger discount. Trish Hoffman, spokeswoman for the Albuquerque Police Department, said shoplifting rises dramatically between Nov. 25 and Jan. 1. APD has received 67 shoplifting calls since Thanksgiving. During the 2005 holiday season, APD received 360 shoplifting calls. "Within November to January, 360 calls in just two months - that's really, really high," Hoffman said.

Einstein's visit on exhibit

Albert Einstein brought more to New Mexico than the Atomic Age. During a 1931 trip across the West, Einstein made a short stop in New Mexico, where he signed a book for F.M. Denton, the first chairman of UNM's Electrical Engineering Department. Denton's family donated that book to the University this month. "The family said they had a book signed by Einstein and wondered if we would be interested in having it," said Bruce Neville, director of Centennial Science and Engineering Library. "Of course, I said yes."

Sharp shooting saves Lobos

With a 13-point lead at halftime, it seemed like the UNM men's basketball team was about to coast to another blowout victory. However, the New Mexico State Aggies came out swinging in the second half and had the Lobos teetering, but they couldn't deliver the knockout blow.

Students decide future of dorms

Depending on the results of a survey conducted this month, UNM might get new residence halls and renovate old ones. It's important to improve on-campus housing in order to compete with other universities, said Chris Vallejos, planning officer in the Department of Business Development and Auxiliary Enterprises. "We've probably fallen behind a little because of not having an aggressive plan to keep our facilities modern," he said. "A lot of other institutions have embarked on new housing projects. We have to be competitive."

Classes to take on hobbits and MySpace

Harry Potter, renewable energy, science fiction and copyright law are some of the topics covered in next semester's University Honors Program classes.

No shortage of ways for students to give

Student Hans Moen said it's good to help the less fortunate by donating to charity. Moen makes donations to the Giving Tree at Coronado Mall, and he gives his niece and three nephews money every year so they can buy a gift to put under the tree.

Giving tree planted in SUB

PlayStation 3s and iPods might be the most wanted Christmas presents, but all some people want is underwear, batteries and soccer balls. The UNM Giving Tree is now in the SUB Atrium. The ornaments hanging on the tree have gift tags with information about a child or family, including age range, gender and things they would like for Christmas.

Daily Lobo spotlight

Juan Carlos Holmes 23 Junior Political science Do you commute? Yes. What do you do during the drive? Mostly, I drive. That's about all you should do. I have the music on and turn the phone off so no one can bug me. What type of music? On the way in, usually NPR. On the way out, usually a CD, either ...

Nude models portray art of assurance

Student Liz Caldwell said getting naked isn't always about sex. "Because I'm willing to be nude by nature, people think that I'm supposed to be an exotic person," she said. "I have almost punched people in the face for that and get very adamant about stating that I am not an object of desire. I am an object of art." Caldwell modeled for UNM art classes for four years and now models for artists and studios around town. Finding artistic models can be difficult

Crime rates increase south of Main Campus

The area south of UNM has more crime than on campus, but Albuquerque Police Capt. Murray Conrad said the criminal activity off campus is proportional to the population. Police Beat 323 covers neighborhoods south and east of UNM. There are three beats that cover the University area. At any given time, there are about 20 officials patrolling UNM, including police officers and security guards, said Lt. Pat Davis, UNM Police spokesman. The University averages about 44,000 visitors per day during the school year and as many as 100,000 during special events, Davis said. Conrad said there are three officers on patrol during the day in Beat 323 and four officers patrolling on bicycles on either side of Central Avenue between Presbyterian Hospital and San Mateo Boulevard. Conrad said he doesn't know how many people live in Beat 323, but the population in the area doubles during the day.

For students low on cash, seasonal jobs bring relief

Presents, food, decorations and travel expenses are some of the extra costs that come with the holidays. That means it's time for some students to start looking for seasonal work. For students who forgot to save this year, there is help. Robert Amos, a supervisor at the state's Department of Labor, said college students have a good chance of being hired for seasonal work.

Escapee slips past police, still at large

Brandon Medina, a man arrested on charges of armed robbery, escaped from sheriff's deputies at the UNM Hospital parking structure Tuesday morning, said Scott Baird, spokesman for the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department.

Police to be arrested for charitable cause

UNM Police lieutenants Pat Davis and Mike Young each need to raise $1,000 for bail. They were recommended to participate in Jail and Bail, a fundraiser for the March of Dimes where participants are arrested, booked and must post bail to get out of jail.

Cadavers lend helping hand

While other students take notes and solve math problems, medical student Matt Garcia dissects cadavers. It's the best way to learn how to be a doctor, he said.

Freshmen's ideas put to real-life test

Women's attractiveness depends on their fertility, according to a study by psychology student Brent Jordan.

Daily Lobo spotlight

Kathleen Mast 20 Junior Biology What are you going to do for Thanksgiving? I'm going to my dad's house to have a feast. What are some of your family's traditions for Thanksgiving? Going to my dad's house in the morning, eating around 2 (p.m.) and having a couple drinks - sparkling cider when I ...

Turkey Trot

RÇsumÇ pile grows for UNM president

In its hunt for presidential candidates, UNM has to compete with other universities looking for leadership, including Purdue University, the University of Iowa and George Washington University.

Regents discuss buying building

The Board of Regents' Finance and Facilities Committee approved a rent-to-buy plan for the old Social Security Building at the UNM Science and Technology Park on Thursday. The board will act on the plan at its December meeting.

Regional universities tackle border issues

UNM will join eight other Southwestern universities in a consortium for research on issues related to the U.S.-Mexico border.