Duke City Fix

We've Moved!

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 19:40:33 -0700

Duke City Fix has officially moved to a new system at www.dukecityfix.com. Please visit us there!

Big Changes Afoot @ DCF

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 09:15:58 -0700

For about 2 months now, we've been secretly working on a new version of Duke City Fix and its forum.

This weekend we launch!

During the transition period over the next 48 hours, you may notice sporadic outages while we point our domain to the new site.

If you want to head directly to the site itself, it's at http://dukecity.ning.com. Have a look around. We hope you dig it. Here's some info that might help describe how it works.

A Little Early Festivity

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:30:00 -0700

My husband is making his way back from Oracle World in California so I'm at loose ends until his late night pickup. What to do tonight while waiting for the plane? I pick Christmasy arty goodness! Tonight at Richard Levy Gallery from 6pm-8pm is the Friends of Art Gala Holiday Ornament Auction benefiting the UNM Art Museum. Even if you can't stand the thought of Christmas until after Thanksgiving it's still worth going to see what some of Albuquerque's grooviest artists have created for the auction.

Friends of Art Gala Holiday Ornament Auction for the
UNM Art Museum
Richard Levy Gallery, 514 Central Avenue SW, Albuquerque, 505.766.9888
Friday, November 16th, 6pm-8pm

Full press release after the jump...Please join us for The Gala Holiday Ornament Auction held by Friends of Art, the community support group for the University Art Museums. This auction takes place on Friday, November 16th from 6:00 - 8:00 at the Richard Levy Gallery, 514 Central Avenue SW.

The ornaments in this extraordinary show have been created by over seventy selected artists, including Nick Abdalla, Barbara Grothus, Ed Haddaway, Patrick Nagatani, Holly Roberts, Suzanne Sbarge, and more. All proceeds from this Friends of Art auction go to support UNM's Art Museums. This event is open to the public. Mark your calendar for Friday, November 16th and join the festivities.

Through events like this sale and others, the Friends of Art have helped with hundreds of acquisitions on behalf of the University Art Museum and the Jonson Gallery for over forty years. Among the purchases in the past to which they have contributed are works by Albrect D�rer, David Hockney, Georgia O'Keefe, Andy Warhol, Goya, Jasper Johns and more.

At the gallery, paintings by Per M�rtensson will be on view and available for sale. The Swedish based artist paints museum and gallery interior views between installations. The conceptual component adds complexity to these exquisitely executed architectural abstractions. A percentage of any exhibition sales made during this event will go to Friends of Art.

This event is made possible by generous sponsors: American Home Furnishing, The Gap, Gruet, New Mexico Educators Federal Credit Union, New Mexico Sports and Wellness, PaperGami, Quarters, Richard Levy Gallery, & Whole Foods.

Support UNM Art Museum.....Buy an ornament!

Morning Fix: Planes & Trains

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:06:09 -0700

Battery, cellphone recycling awareness program underway.

Bad news if a $5 beer settles your nerves when flying U.S. Air from PHX to ABQ. The state has denied the airline's liquor application.

The city and Amtrak to refurbish the local train station. Amtrak will move to the Greyhound-Americanos station, and the glorified Tuff Shed now housing Amtrak will be restored to its historic glory.

Sheriff target of lawsuit from parents of suicidal 20-year-old shot dead in 2005.

In case you missed it, Eclipse Aviation has a lawsuit to content with from one of its parts suppliers.

KOB takes down the local pirate-DVD market. The KOB story didn't have a fraction of the trauma surrounding the KRQE September State Fair shakedown of a knockoff-purse vendor.

One for the Thumb: Gov. Richardson nominated fifth time for the Nobel Prize.

A Utah Ute fan recounts recent misery against the UNM football squad. The two teams face each other Saturday in Salt Lake.

The Gourmet Side of Lunch

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:15:51 -0700

I don't normally associate Old Town with fine dining. I've had too many mediocre tourist-priced meals there over the years. Sometimes it's important to rediscover the gems that buck the trend. So we found ourselves in La Crepe Michel for lunch.

I have a special fondness for restaurants where you can peek into the workings of the kitchen. It gives you an idea of the organization, dedication and effort behind your meal. La Crepe Michel lets you steal a glimpse into that world as you stroll by in the hallway. The impression is of an active and focused behind-the-scenes staff.

We dined in the middle room - the one that used to be a patio and still sports a nice tree trunk rising up the middle. It's an intimate space, but you're not sitting in your neighbor's lap, either. The lunch menu has a lot of variety without being overwhelming and most options fall into the $7 - $10 range.

Service was friendly and prompt, but unobtrusive. That's an art unto itself. My dining companion went with the $8.95 spinach crepe (Crepe aux Epinards). I stole a good chunk of it for myself. Amidst the attractive presentation, the crepe displayed a deep garlic flavor and quality melted swiss cheese across the top. The upshot is a savory, well-balanced taste that I wouldn't hesitate to order for myself next time.

On the server's recommendation, I tried the $7.50 daily special sandwich with cobia (a firm white fish), cucumbers, avocado, herbed mayo and bean sprouts on house-made panini. Again, this dish hit all the right notes, balancing flavors in a delicate manner. The use of cobia in a sandwich made for an inspired lunch choice.

We couldn't escape without splitting a dessert crepe. The $4.50 three cream (Crepe aux Trois Cremes) is a classic combination of sour cream, cream cheese, heavy cream and lemon. It's light, fluffy and an ideal wrap-up to our lunch. Try it with the San Pellegrino sparkling lemonade.

With most lunches these days landing in the $8- $10 range, you might as well get the most for your money. With excellent service and balanced, flavorful dishes, La Crepe Michel hit all the right notes for a lunch aria.

La Crepe Michel
400 San Felipe Dr. #C2
242-1251

Morning Fix: News from Home, Abroad

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 05:55:25 -0700

N.M. remains high on hunger list. The state ranks second in the nation.

The county clink is packed past capacity, as usual.

New life for railroad yard? City government takes control of dilapidated, Barelas property.

Iranian TV notes ABQ middle schools are airing the Persian-language film Children of Heaven.

KOB reports that either a "topless bar" or a club featuring "burlesque shows" is coming to the Northeast Heights. Can we have a volunteer in the audience explain the difference between topless and burlesque?

Devin D. O'Leary reviews "No Country for Old Men."

You spin me right round, baby

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:00:00 -0700

I miss vinyl record albums. I miss the ritual of examining the cover artwork. I miss reading the liner notes and all the fine print to make sure I knew who wrote what songs, who played on the record and who the artist thanked. I miss the days of going to record stores where the walls were covered with posters of bands and singers.
iTunes is a different world.

Independent music stores are scarce around these parts. For those of us who haven't quite gotten the hang of using iPods and are still hanging on to vinyl and CDs, where do we go to get what we need without being forced to buy from the big box stores? There was a record store in the 60s at Winrock Shopping Center near JC Penny that had booths you could go into and listen to an entire album before you bought it. I want that back.

Remember Odyssey Records in Nob Hill where the Mark Pardo Salon is now? I liked going up and down the aisles flipping through albums in big bins. They even had black light posters and incense! I was so excited the first time my sister took me to Natural Sound when it was in that cool house on Harvard. I remember buying Santana's Amigos and Paul Butterfield's East West. Natural Sound has moved since then, and I'm glad it has survived.

I know a few others are still around - Krazy Kat on East Central and Charley's on Menaul. Charley�s still has vinyl! I buy most of my music now at Bookworks on Rio Grande. They have a great selection of blues, jazz and local bands.

But the biggest loss for me was Christy Records. It was the best place in town to find Nuevo Mexicano, Mexican and Tejano music and of course, oldies. Where can I find Tiny Morrie, Baby Gaby, Al Hurricane, Little Joe Y La Familia, Vicente Fernandez and Lydia Mendoza? Cucurrucuc� Palmona...

Morning Fix: Cheery Wednesday

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 05:30:00 -0700

Drug-resistant gonorrhea on the march.

Rob Fresh: Local Subway robbed three times in two weeks.

Chamber of Commerce calls attention to property crime in ABQ. Also, ABQ thieves like Ford pickup trucks..

$260,000 for the new school superintendent.

By the way, the school district can't keep track of its money.

Not to dwell too much on the Trib, but here's a columnist with the information you need about The End Times. Not the end times for the Tribune itself, but for humanity.

Interview with that Gerard Butler fellow and the movie being shot here. And be on the lookout for Ludacris.

Chavez and the newfangled webcast thingie

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 19:12:34 -0700

Having ignored the earlier "blogger conference call" hosted a couple of weeks ago by Senate candidate Marty Chavez, I decided to log on to his webcast tonight at ustream.tv. Marjorie was there from M-Pyre with the night's most pressing question about NAFTA.

I thought it was grassrootsy and all, but is it enough to counteract the blog smackdown?

Here's the video and a transcript of the chatter.Marty Chavez for U.S. Senate Video Town Hall

[NOTE: I missed the first 10 minutes, but I think it was just politico intro stuff...]
[17:10:42] [Live-stuff-online] : im telling.
[17:10:45] [ustreamer|98710] : What do you think of layed off weapons scientist Are you worried they might work for Pakistan or Iran
[17:11:04] [pinstripepower] : we need better programs for youths here, to keep them out of trouble
[17:11:08] [ustreamer|53167] : Mayor, please describe your position on a balanced budget and deficit reduction.
[17:11:15] [ustreamer|67598] : Marty, You've supported the integration of alternative health care methods in the past, will that change at the federal level? Wouldn't the integration of chiropractic and DOM's into the health delivery system on a more substantial basis help improve access and availability to primary health care. B
[17:11:40] [ustreamer|67598] : That's Bill Doggett DC on 67598
[17:12:18] [ustreamer|90645] : Do you support making plutonium pits at Los Alamos?
[17:12:40] [pinstripepower] : can we do something about the camera that keeps giving me a 300 dollar speeding ticket?
[17:12:49] [ustreamer|98710] : What are your feelings on government transparency
[17:13:37] [ustreamer|31486] : If/when Sandia Labs lays off employees, does Albuquerque have anything in place to deal with the economic impact?
[17:14:31] [ustreamer|74714] : Marty, are you a progressive or a moderate? There is no such thing as a "progressive moderate." They are called Connecticut for Liebermans.
[17:14:31] [ustreamer|79297] : What will you do resolve the extremely heavy truck traffic along I 40??
[17:14:39] [ustreamer|57643] : My question is about the Water Authority spending money to identify high volume users with expensive methods. First, can't they just review the bills? Also, these high use people are mostly financially fit to not care how much water they use. They have million dollar properties to keep up.
[17:14:41] [bontb] : Hi
[17:14:41] [martychavez] : 53167 please identify yourself
[17:14:45] [pinstripepower] : can we not waste money?
[17:14:45] [ustreamer|90645] : Are you a veteran?
[17:14:47] [ustreamer|98710] : If a ground swell of people asked you to reconsider and run for Governor, would you?
[17:14:48] [martychavez] : welcome all!
[17:14:52] [ustreamer|34014] : Mayor: Upon winning the Senatorial seat, how will you continue to implement your connective strategies towards economic growth, excellence in education and strong public safety/ national security? Thanks, Gary, Rio Rancho
[17:14:55] [martychavez] : please keep asking questions
[17:14:56] [ustreamer|31486] : Hello Mayor :)
[17:15:03] [martychavez] : hello
[17:15:15] [ustreamer|31486] : I'm Cory, Albuquerque
[17:15:22] [ustreamer|57643] : Water question, Richard M.
[17:15:27] [ustreamer|98710] : 98710=Katherine Guidry Los Alamos
[17:15:30] [pinstripepower] : mayor can we get rid of the speed trap camera on paseo?
[17:15:38] [ustreamer|30995] : Marty, I live in Las Cruces when you are elected to the senate what will you do for southern NM?
[17:15:57] [ustreamer|53167] : Apparently lost the feed
[17:16:07] [ustreamer|56832] : How do you feel about immigration issues and how will you represent NM in the national debate about immigration? - Kyle Messer, Las Cruces and the rest of Dr. Hacker's graduate seminar in persuasion at NMSU
[17:16:21] [ustreamer|30995] : Marty, What can you do for Economic Development. JONI
[17:16:32] [ustreamer|53334] : How will you end the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan?
[17:16:41] [ustreamer|53334] : Tom in Taos
[17:17:08] [ustreamer|74714] : Tom in Taos: My great grandfather served Rio Arriba County in the early 20th century.
[17:17:12] [pinstripepower] : sure blame bill
[17:17:14] [pinstripepower] : llol
[17:17:19] [ustreamer|30995] : Way to go marty, Fernando from Las Cruces
[17:17:22] [ustreamer|49924] : Marty, as a Senator would you vote in favor of neo-liberal trade agreements, which are modeled on NAFTA, or would you seek to reform the current U.S. approach which cuts off international financial support to countries that seek an autonomous approach to development? Marjorie in Albuquerque
[17:17:22] [ustreamer|31594] : Scott, can the mayor repeat the question before answering it? We can't hear you.
[17:17:29] [ustreamer|69755] : Can we drop the nuisance abatement scam and go back to due process in the legal system?
[17:17:32] [ustreamer|69207] : way to go Marty!!
[17:17:33] [ustreamer|10069] : did it pause for anyone else?
[17:17:39] [ustreamer|98710] : Are you in favor of the uranium mining in Navajo country
[17:17:43] [ustreamer|69207] : yes
[17:17:57] [ustreamer|30995] : Marty we love you in southern NM JONI
[17:17:58] [ustreamer|42133] : ALBUQUERQUE--JOHN HALEY; WE NEED THE INTERSECTION CAMERAS. I WOULD RATHER BE HIT IN THE REAR ( WHILE BOTH OF US ARE DECELERATING) THAN BE HIT ON THE SIDE (T-BONED)BY SOMEBODY WHO IS SPEEDING.
[17:18:10] [ustreamer|49683] : Marty, Do you believe that campaign finance reform, can change politics to the point that voter apathy will decline and more citizins will vote? Jeremy Toulouse, Albuquerque.
[17:18:14] [ustreamer|29257] : Mayor, this is richard rodriguez. Do you plan to expand your "Green" concept for the State of NM I think this is a great beginning and would serve the entire state
[17:18:20] [ustreamer|5079] : As a US Senator will you restrict ATVs on federal public lands(i.e. Forest Service , BLM)? Reuben from Santa Fe
[17:18:31] [pinstripepower] : john will you pay my 300 ticket for me?
[17:18:47] [ustreamer|42003] : Can you talk about your ideas for water security and conservation in New Mexico? Chantal from www.dukecityfix.com.
[17:18:58] [ustreamer|30138] : HI MARTY,WHAT IS YOUR FEELING ON UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE?
[17:19:18] [ustreamer|11121] : Mr. Chavez, as a U.S. senator you're supposed to represent the state of New Mexico (pre-17th amendment), how would you move to get our state to operate with less federal control? And how much control should government have over us?
[17:19:22] [ustreamer|30995] : Mayor, you have done many great economic development programs for the city of ABQ Peter M
[17:19:24] [pinstripepower] : why do we sell water to texas?
[17:19:25] [ustreamer|53167] : Scott the feed was working fine at initial sign on--now just a frozen pic and no audio at least for me
[17:19:28] [ustreamer|90645] : How do you see sprawl development affecting water use?
[17:20:03] [ustreamer|56565] : works fine for me
[17:20:04] [ustreamer|86018] : Stream is working great
[17:20:04] [ustreamer|98710] : I have a frozen picture and no audio
[17:20:08] [ustreamer|79297] : Hello Mayor - What is your position on the AMERO? Preston Albuquerque
[17:20:11] [ustreamer|96778] : Can you tell us a little about your work on climate change?
[17:20:19] [ustreamer|86018] : Hit play if your screen is frozen
[17:20:21] [ustreamer|85670] : refresh if you're having any audio/video questions... it'll come right back on
[17:20:25] [ustreamer|71488] : marty, what would you do to fight global warming from washington?
[17:20:43] [ustreamer|30138] : TRACY FROM FARMINGTON, MARTY HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE?
[17:20:45] [martychavez] : 71488 please identify yourself
[17:20:48] [ustreamer|90645] : Why did you fight against ethics and campaign finance reform if you are for transparency?
[17:21:48] [ustreamer|98710] : Jeez this is frustrating ..will there be a program with answers from the mayor?
[17:21:58] [ustreamer|53334] : Again: please repeat question, thanks. tom in taos
[17:22:03] [ustreamer|86018] : Chantal don't you work for the Mayor on the city's website?
[17:22:07] [martychavez] : 98710 what was ur question?
[17:22:22] [ustreamer|10290] : How come is it that all of a sudden when the redlight cameras appeared, the patrols of officers stopped. I still see people talking on cell phones, traffic violators, maybe a presence at the Abq uptown to prevent a stabbing. How about going green when every srgnt has an SUV.
[17:22:26] [ustreamer|13360] : Scooter is doing a wonderful job! - and so is Marty
[17:22:27] [ustreamer|90645] : How much water use was added by West Side development?
[17:22:28] [ustreamer|92527] : How do you feel about drilling in ANWR? ABQ Travis
[17:22:31] [pinstripepower] : i have asked questions, just not the ones they want to answer
[17:22:39] [ustreamer|42003] : Chantal here. No, I no longer work for the city ;-)
[17:22:49] [ustreamer|31486] : As Senator, what will you try to do for the National Labs in NM despite DC's $ momentum? (Cory, Albuquerque)
[17:22:50] [martychavez] : no ask againa, there are a alot
[17:22:58] [martychavez] : again*
[17:23:11] [ustreamer|68986] : Lots of folks believe that the Constitution has been systematically disected in the last 6 years -what would you do to see that things are set right again?
[17:23:12] [ustreamer|98710] : I have asked several ...transparency and uranium mining in the North and also what to do if Weapons scientist are layed off
[17:23:35] [pinstripepower] : why do we sell water to texas?
[17:23:51] [ustreamer|90645] : Does the possibility of leakage of radioactive materials into the Rio Grande bother you in terms of our new water system?
[17:24:00] [ustreamer|32134] : Why does Texas buy water from NM? Now thats the question...
[17:24:20] [ustreamer|13360] : Texans are a very thirsty people pinstripes.
[17:24:33] [pinstripepower] : so are we
[17:24:51] [ustreamer|13360] : maybe texans will pay your ticket?
[17:24:58] [ustreamer|98710] : Texans are no thirstier than we are...they just have more lawyers working on water issues.
[17:24:58] [pinstripepower] : you can walk across the rio grande right now
[17:25:05] [ustreamer|90645] : Drought means stopping sprawl development
[17:25:18] [ustreamer|32134] : You could always walk across the rio grande, but I prefer a bridge.
[17:25:26] [pinstripepower] : don't tazr me bro
[17:25:28] [ustreamer|31539] : there is no rio grande by las cruces right now
[17:25:39] [ustreamer|13360] : since, like the 1930's, that's when the compacts were made federally
[17:25:39] [ustreamer|53334] : Will you help mandate real gasoline savings per vehicle? No more (b)ummer greed!
[17:25:43] [ustreamer|98710] : ok...my picture has moved...marty is now smiling
[17:26:09] [ustreamer|10290] : how about going geen?
[17:26:14] [ustreamer|90645] : Can you work cooperatively within a Senate based on collegial compromise?
[17:26:17] [pinstripepower] : llol
[17:26:34] [pinstripepower] : who voted? all of new mexico?
[17:26:36] [ustreamer|2006] : who are you hoping to face in the general electoin?
[17:26:36] [ustreamer|86018] : What is your view on universal health care
[17:26:56] [ustreamer|61385] : Will you refuse money from corporate lobbyists?
[17:26:59] [ustreamer|32134] : We should cover people on earth before the rest of the universe!
[17:27:01] [ustreamer|69055] : Yes tell us about health care
[17:27:05] [ustreamer|90645] : Do you favor single payer health care or continuing to pay high profits to insurance companies?
[17:27:23] [ustreamer|92527] : What kind of pork barrel projects will you bring to New Mexico?
[17:27:40] [ustreamer|86018] : The health of the enviroment is important, but what about HUMAN health
[17:27:45] [ustreamer|2006] : vive le burque
[17:27:50] [ustreamer|90645] : I understand you worked to water down the new green building code. Why?
[17:27:55] [ustreamer|96778] : say what?!??!?
[17:27:59] [ustreamer|53334] : Besides continuing LANL and Sandia labs and Cannon AFB? Tom in Taos
[17:28:01] [ustreamer|61385] : The environment is where we live, work and play. Environmental improvement is one form of healthcare.
[17:28:33] [ustreamer|98710] : I agree
[17:28:39] [ustreamer|61385] : No new coal! Thank you. Two proposed just went down in Illinois and Kansas.
[17:28:43] [ustreamer|90645] : Do you support the decentralization of power production?
[17:29:03] [martychavez] : what is your first name and where are u from 90645?
[17:29:07] [ustreamer|53334] : How about solar power initiatives so all building geberate electricty and we all stay on the grid - eliminating the need for nuclear power and coal. tom in taos
[17:29:21] [ustreamer|90645] : Pete, Albuquerque
[17:29:25] [ustreamer|53334] : tom in taos can't type yet.
[17:29:45] [martychavez] : thank you
[17:29:52] [ustreamer|61385] : They're threatening to dump the Bingeman-inspired RES.
[17:30:04] [ustreamer|13360] : Abq has the most comprehensive green building code in the country. not sure what you heard but they are badly misinformed
[17:30:29] [ustreamer|2006] : wouldn't a former mayor be better suited to be in the House rather than the Senate?
[17:30:32] [ustreamer|90645] : Yes but the Mayor was against charging more for larger homes
[17:30:38] [ustreamer|61385] : Union of Concerned Scientists did a study on jobs from renewable energy in the states.
[17:31:17] [ustreamer|90645] : Are you for gay marriage? Pete, Albuquerque
[17:31:19] [ustreamer|98710] : Marty, could we set up your town hall meetings in Library..so many more can participate in this discussion. for me it is one-sided
[17:31:28] [ustreamer|11121] : Mr. Chavez, what about developing an energy plan that promotes the states to function autonomously, including nuclear power plants? Jason ABQ
[17:31:40] [ustreamer|92527] : What's the deal with the red light cameras? You have made them look like President Bush's WMDs.
[17:32:15] [ustreamer|49924] : I really want to know where Marty falls on the neoliberal trade spectrum. Are you a free trader? In the senate, would you vote for agreements modeled on NAFTA? Marjorie in Albuquerque
[17:32:36] [ustreamer|31486] : Would you please elaborate on what you mean when you say we need to "secure our borders"? (Cory, Albuquerque)
[17:33:16] [ustreamer|90645] : Why would you create a permanent underclass of "guest workers"?
[17:34:42] [ustreamer|25582] : hello
[17:35:12] [ustreamer|32134] : Answer Marjorie's question!
[17:35:27] [ustreamer|90645] : Answer Marjorie's question!
[17:35:57] [ustreamer|42003] : Marjorie! Marjorie! ;-)
[17:35:57] [ustreamer|49924] : that isn't me by the way, but thanks for the support! marjorie in albuquerque
[17:36:07] [martychavez] : thank you for the question
[17:36:18] [ustreamer|32134] : thank everyone!
[17:36:23] [pinstripepower] : i recently seen ohbama not pledging when they reaised the flag....do you support this type of action?
[17:36:40] [ustreamer|8486] : Mr. future senator, what position do you take as for Medicare having control over drug prices. Steve, ABQ
[17:36:59] [ustreamer|90645] : Yeah but do you support single payer?
[17:37:15] [ustreamer|61385] : That Obama picture was right-wing bunk. Don't buy it.
[17:37:31] [ustreamer|32134] : Have you smoked pot? Really, like did you inhale? Then eat and eat and eat and laugh and then get all paranoid?
[17:37:56] [ustreamer|85209] : How much can you realistically expect to accomplish as a new senator, especially given the current climate in Washington. Are things already changing? (Mark in ABQ).
[17:38:07] [ustreamer|90645] : Don't trust the AMA or the market in health care. Read Paul Krugman
[17:38:09] [ustreamer|69055] : ll is more than the Ins. will pay.
[17:38:17] [ustreamer|10922] : on the topic of healthcare, how are you going to improve the healthcare for Urban American Indians, as senator how are you going improve the Indian Health Service Hospital in Albuquerque?
[17:38:29] [ustreamer|10922] : kellen from albuquerque
[17:38:51] [pinstripepower] : i have heard obama talk about it on the radio, and he said yes that he did not
[17:38:59] [ustreamer|11121] : Would somebody please show me where in the constitution that we have a right to government provided health care?
[17:39:02] [ustreamer|90645] : decentralized power means each building-home produces its own
[17:39:09] [ustreamer|78108] : What is your plan for Medicare?
[17:39:12] [ustreamer|90645] : no use of private lines
[17:39:26] [ustreamer|31486] : What would you do to accelerate the urgency of addressing global warming? (Cory, Abq)
[17:39:28] [ustreamer|78108] : Are you going to do something about the rising drug costs for seniors
[17:39:29] [ustreamer|42003] : When you become Senator, are you going to name a bevvy of buildings after yourself?
[17:39:33] [ustreamer|61385] : Then you heard Obama wrong and didn't listen to the context of what he said.
[17:39:39] [ustreamer|32134] : Does that mean I should put my kids on a treadmill that produces power? Like the rats in a wheel? That is a great idea!
[17:40:05] [ustreamer|90645] : The grid owners are the ones who are sucking all the money into the system from the users
[17:40:13] [ustreamer|69055] : My kids are in on the treadmill deal
[17:40:14] [ustreamer|13360] : That's what that doc wanted to do with the homeless.
[17:40:14] [ustreamer|86018] : Douglas in ABQ asks: What will you do to save or rebuild the Social Security
[17:40:51] [ustreamer|14491] : Woud you sponsor or support legislation to create a system of public financing of congressional elections?
[17:41:07] [ustreamer|74920] : if you lose the primary, will you run on as the nominee of the 'Chavez for New Mexico' party?
[17:41:08] [pinstripepower] : yeah i did.....he did not ......why is it that people will vote for a guy who is not as proud of the these great states
[17:41:10] [ustreamer|61385] : Yeah - public financing and corruption. Would you really fight for a better system?
[17:41:21] [ustreamer|90645] : Who would you caucus with in the Senate, Blue Dogs, Progressives?
[17:41:50] [ustreamer|32134] : Blue dogs... woof, woof, woof....
[17:42:14] [ustreamer|79297] : Will you support domestic partnership?
[17:42:21] [ustreamer|31486] : What will you do to try and make college education more affordable for more people? (Cory, Abq)
[17:42:35] [ustreamer|90645] : Answer marjorie's question
[17:43:01] [ustreamer|32134] : no more coal and opposed to drilling in anwar... did you get that dukecityfix???
[17:43:14] [ustreamer|90645] : Anyone can say anything
[17:43:24] [ustreamer|10922] : new sources? but if the expansion of albuquerque grows how will this impact the aquifers that you highly speak of: kellen, albuquerque
[17:43:24] [ustreamer|90645] : Sprawl speaks
[17:43:24] [ustreamer|25582] : what is marjorie's question? I lost it when I refreshed
[17:43:52] [ustreamer|32134] : Marjorie asked about his stance on free trade? NAFTA?
[17:44:16] [ustreamer|13360] : MARJORIE!
[17:44:22] [ustreamer|92527] : What is your Ultimate goal in becoming a Senator? Are you going to pull a stint like Senator Obama?
[17:44:23] [ustreamer|79297] : and the Amero too = Preston Roberts
[17:44:36] [ustreamer|98193] : marty what will you do for southern nm?
[17:44:40] [ustreamer|61385] : What will you do to end the practice of scientists being censored by the current administration?
[17:44:42] [ustreamer|32134] : The gov channel today explained about Abq. water future ... was hosted by Heinrich... I guess Heinrich is a sprawler..
[17:44:46] [ustreamer|65687] : would you try to get phys. ed. and music back in schools? AMOS ABUQ.
[17:44:50] [ustreamer|97424] : 79297 what is ur first name?
[17:44:51] [ustreamer|74920] : why does mexico send senators to Washington, DC.. shouldn't they go to Mexico City?
[17:45:03] [ustreamer|98193] : free trader
[17:45:05] [ustreamer|90645] : heinrich never pushed for sprawl growth
[17:45:18] [ustreamer|11121] : Mr. Chavez what is your opinion of the Fair Tax? Jason in Abq.
[17:45:26] [ustreamer|79297] : Preston
[17:45:37] [ustreamer|31486] : What about protecting us from toxic products from China & other foreign countries? (Cory, Abq)
[17:45:37] [ustreamer|32134] : but his consultants and their clients all live on the westside...
[17:45:46] [ustreamer|79297] : preston
[17:46:10] [ustreamer|90645] : Will you support gay marriage?
[17:46:15] [ustreamer|61385] : Partnerships are a joke. Everyone deserves the same rights. Full marriage.
[17:46:17] [ustreamer|86018] : Fax tax is ridiculous. If it had any merit it would be considered by the Senate already. Drop it and let's tax toliet paper. That way it's a little off everyone's a##
[17:46:17] [ustreamer|98193] : good answer
[17:46:23] [ustreamer|97424] : everyone please identify yourself with a name and place where u are from
[17:46:40] [ustreamer|98193] : joni from las cruces
[17:46:46] [ustreamer|61385] : Great answer, thank you!
[17:47:06] [ustreamer|13360] : Scooter!
[17:47:15] [ustreamer|49531] : What is your position on the controversy in the far NE Heights on the APS plan to build a new school on the existing O'Keffe park? Fred from Abq.
[17:47:45] [ustreamer|32134] : Wow lets recap... no new coal plants, no to drilling in anwar, supports domestic partnerships, free trade as long as fair trade...
[17:48:05] [ustreamer|90645] : If global warming continues how can we depend on RG Chama water from Colorado snowmelt? Pete, Albuquerque
[17:48:18] [ustreamer|67753] : Have any studies been done to find out if the new Medicare D program is accomplishing what it was designed to do? Ryan, KY
[17:48:32] [ustreamer|98193] : joni from las cruces
[17:48:42] [ustreamer|90645] : Everyone supports free trade if it's fair, it's all in the details which no one goes into
[17:48:57] [pinstripepower] : dog bark
[17:48:59] [pinstripepower] : llol
[17:49:11] [ustreamer|31486] : Woof Woof Dukes - you're a beautiful dog (I have 8 rescues myself) (Cory, Abq)
[17:49:19] [ustreamer|37371] : has Dukes ever been to Washington DC? debbie from cedar crest
[17:49:28] [ustreamer|98193] : joni from las cruces
[17:49:28] [ustreamer|49924] : thats why...it is in the details, and they don't
[17:49:34] [ustreamer|97424] : no ma'am he hasn't
[17:49:36] [ustreamer|90645] : yup
[17:50:01] [ustreamer|90645] : I wonder if the mayor is still a DLC Democrat
[17:50:02] [ustreamer|8876] : what will you do to see the needs of our nation's veterans and there particularly the funding of their Health Care? Dave ABQ
[17:50:14] [ustreamer|32134] : Mayor, do you support a ban on toys made in China? Ray, Albuquerque
[17:50:16] [ustreamer|13360] : Dukes from Abq: I'm REALLY bored dad!
[17:50:20] [ustreamer|69055] : James ABQ What can be done to limit campaign spending?
[17:50:31] [ustreamer|98193] : marty can you help southern nm?
[17:51:35] [ustreamer|69055] : Thats not a word
[17:51:41] [ustreamer|90645] : How supportive are you of unions? I remember you crossed a picket line in Boston during the convention there
[17:51:41] [ustreamer|31486] : Here Here Mayor!! FYI: I graduated high school in MN so NM college is not free for me)
[17:51:42] [ustreamer|10922] : college is not free i graduated from West Mesa and i have student loans and as the price of tuitition goes up, the amount of lottery scholarship does not account for this rise. kellen from albuquerque
[17:51:53] [ustreamer|97424] : 98193 first name?
[17:51:56] [ustreamer|11121] : Nothing is FREE, we the tax payers always fund "free stuff".
[17:52:17] [ustreamer|90645] : Why were you against campaign finance reform in Albuquerque then?
[17:52:19] [ustreamer|9625] : Mr, Chavez, what is your stance on the War in Iraq, and what will you do if elected to senate to that end? (Deseret, Norfolk, VA)
[17:52:36] [ustreamer|49567] : Give me the top three reasons I should vote for you for senate--SC albuq
[17:53:11] [ustreamer|90645] : Now you are for public financing? You weren't when the bill was up.
[17:53:55] [ustreamer|69055] : Why not have a publicly financed TV channel for campaigns only?
[17:53:56] [ustreamer|22687] : Mayor, if you were a senator today would you vote "no" on additional funding for the Iraq war until domestic bills, like healthcare for children, were passed? -Max Riggs, Las Cruses
[17:54:28] [ustreamer|10922] : do you have an exit strategy? kellen from abq
[17:54:32] [ustreamer|11121] : Max is a moron!
[17:54:40] [ustreamer|90645] : Would you cut funding for the troops?
[17:55:27] [ustreamer|10922] : Do you support torture? kellen from abq
[17:55:55] [ustreamer|36257] : Matt from ABQ. How would you have voted on the Senate resolution which designated the Iraninan Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization?
[17:56:12] [ustreamer|31539] : good question Matt
[17:56:15] [ustreamer|31539] : ask that one!
[17:56:21] [ustreamer|67753] : are you going to get to my question Scott
[17:56:37] [ustreamer|36257] : excuse my spelling... Iranian
[17:57:01] [ustreamer|37371] : Could you talk about social security - can our generation count on it being there? Debbie from Cedar Crest
[17:57:03] [ustreamer|10922] : what makes you the best candidate for senator? kellen from abq
[17:57:22] [ustreamer|22687] : Thank you mayor
[17:57:40] [ustreamer|31486] : Mayor, thank you for this online town hall - please publicize it more next time - I just heard about it on the tv newscast & thank you again! (Cory)
[17:58:26] [ustreamer|10922] : This is an interesting new venue to reach voters thank you for this opportunity: kellen
[17:58:56] [ustreamer|31486] : Top reason to vote for Marty Chavez for Senate: he works his butt off for us! proven history!
[17:58:58] [ustreamer|10922] : would the local governments include tribal governments: kellen
[17:58:59] [ustreamer|90645] : The cut was for nuke bomb production and research
[17:59:12] [ustreamer|97424] : thank you for coming Cory!
[17:59:14] [ustreamer|11121] : Kellen, voters have no clue how their supposed to be represented.
[17:59:21] [ustreamer|31486] : You're welcome :) Have a great evening you all
[17:59:25] [ustreamer|97424] : check out our new website at this end of this week
[17:59:34] [ustreamer|90645] : I love New Mexico and I'm not a native
[17:59:36] [ustreamer|31486] : what is the URL?
[17:59:43] [ustreamer|85670] : http://www.martychavez.com
[17:59:48] [ustreamer|31486] : will do, thanks again!
[18:00:01] [ustreamer|97424] : martychavez.com
[18:00:06] [ustreamer|97424] : chavezforsenate.com
[18:00:09] [ustreamer|90645] : What positions do you differ on with Tom Udall?
[18:00:10] [ustreamer|10922] : true that they have no idea but a few who are on this chat do
[18:00:29] [ustreamer|10922] : and are formulating their decision on who to vote for
[18:00:31] [ustreamer|31539] : Note the shot at Udall - "who would have thought" any member of congress would vote to cut lab funding...
[18:00:54] [ustreamer|31486] : udall voted to cut lab funding?
[18:00:59] [ustreamer|13360] : yep
[18:01:06] [ustreamer|31486] : dang what was he thinking???
[18:01:20] [ustreamer|10922] : thanks mayor marty c
[18:01:29] [ustreamer|13360] : ?
[18:01:49] [ustreamer|97424] : thank you all for coming, please visit my website at martychavez.com
[18:01:57] [ustreamer|37371] : Thanks. This is a great way to ask and get answers. Debbie, CC
[18:02:05] [ustreamer|97424] : it will be updated at the end of this week with picts and video!
[18:02:16] [ustreamer|9625] : Mayor Chavez, do you support tax breaks for business that go green?
[18:02:17] [ustreamer|13360] : please check my site - i'mnotoscar.com
[18:02:35] [ustreamer|97424] : thank you all for participating in democracy....
[18:03:06] [ustreamer|31486] : God Bless Marty Chavez, God Bless America!
[18:03:12] [ustreamer|90645] : Udall voted to cut only one kind of funding - for nuke weapons - and increase the other kind
[18:03:21] [ustreamer|69055] : thank you Marty!
[18:03:24] [ustreamer|97424] : if you would like to help on the campaign please call 830 2008
[18:03:26] [ustreamer|31486] : thanks 90645, I'll check it out
[18:03:26] [ustreamer|68986] : WTG Marty!
[18:03:28] [ustreamer|13360] : no increase, not sure if you're right on nukes
[18:03:36] [ustreamer|90645] : look it up
[18:03:46] [ustreamer|13360] : I did, with my guts!
[18:03:52] [ustreamer|90645] : use your head instead

Modern Dance at Navajo Elementary School

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 10:00:00 -0700

NEAR BARCELONA & COORS SW--The students of Yvette Groves' class knew the three rules by heart. And when dance instructor Jackie Oliver raised her hand the class shouted in unison. The whole portable building vibrated from the steel beams under the floor to the tin roof over head.Work hard!

A whole class of 4th and 5th graders, 27 of them, eager to dance...eager to learn new steps...and perhaps just as eager to show what they could do to the two visitors who couldn't stop smiling.

Never give up!

Adelita and I looked into their faces. They seemed ready to take on the world.

Personal best!

We knew we were watching something very, very special.

The program is part of National Dance Institute of New Mexico. NDI started out in New York City about 30 years ago. It has been a part of New Mexico arts education for the last 10 years. In Albuquerque NDI-NM serves 1148 students in 14 locations. Jackie Oliver is the Albuquerque Artistic Director. Todd Lowry is Musical Director.

"Excellence is the message; dance is the medium."
If ever an educational organization had its head screwed on straight, it has to be this one. Their mission statement says it best...but let's look at what's in front of us: a dance class filled with the joy of hard work and success.

There are things to note about the above video. For instance how do they keep those rambunctious kids interested in dance? Strong rhythms, big movements, and a lot of stomping. The dance the kids are learning is actually loosely based on doing the laundry: washing, hanging, drying, then folding and putting away. This not only help the kids remember the sequence, it reinforces the carry-over between class and home. I like the idea of kids using the motions of household chores.

Another activity had the kids sitting in a circle and passing a clap around the group. A student had to anticipate when the student next to him was going to clap and try to clap together...then turn and do the same with the student sitting on the other side. They timed how long it took the 'simultaneous' claps to make it around the circle. Of course it was not long before the whole class realized that if they did it in a rhythm they could anticipate the next clap more quickly. They were so proud when they set a school record: 11 seconds.

Ms. Groves Has Something To Say

The classroom teacher, Yvette Groves, walked across the room to make sure I understood what the program meant to her students. She told me how she believed the program carried over into the rest of the school day. She said that it helped her kids academically and socially...that they were able to focus more. She went on to say how some of the kids had blossomed this year directly as a result of the program.

In fact, her classroom mission statement is now based on the three rules of NDI-NM: Work hard. Never give up. Personal best.

Nothing Happened
I know schools are under a lot of pressure. Those tests are killing the spirit of both kids and teachers. There seems to be no time for "frills" that will never show up on a standardized test. Oh, everybody says they support the Arts in public schools, but all they want to talk about in the press is whether or not a school makes "adequate yearly progress."

But how do we know what the real benefits of this program are? Show me where Motivation is measured. Show me where Helping with family chores is noted. Show me how to explain on a standardized test that this child worked harder in class...and achieved something very difficult personally...no matter what his or her circumstances. Show me where it says, "No fights on the playground." Show me the circle to mark for Proud, Happy, Helpful, or Respected.

There is nowhere to say, "Of all the terrible things that could have happened, nothing did. And oh, by the way, he danced all the way through high school."

A Waiting List

There is a waiting list for schools to participate in the NDI-NM program. And there is a need for money. Spend some time on their website. You will be amazed.

One Night Only - German Theatre Group in ABQ

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 08:57:00 -0700

In what promises to be a little like Road Rules meets the theater scene, German Theater Abroad and FUSION Theatre Company are proud to present the marauding and adventurous play, "Start Up" by Roland Schimmelpfennig, for one performance only on Sunday, November 18 at 6 pm.

In "Start Up," an assorted crew of merry pranksters come up with what they believe is their million-euro idea: to sell German culture to Americans - which is of course the exact same thing that GTA is doing as it travels across the country presenting this fast-paced farce.

Tickets are $20 general admission and $15 for seniors and students and are available online or by calling the box office, 766-9412.

GTA's Road Theater USA embarks on a hilarious theatrical adventure - or misadventure - as five actors (three German and two from the U.S.), two Austrian video artists and the GTA team go cross-country in a tricked out school bus, traveling from New York to Los Angeles in search of the "American Dream" and touring the world premiere of "Start Up", a black comedy written specifically for GTA by Roland Schimmelpfennig, Germany's most produced contemporary playwright.

A video team documents this ambitious road trip, then mines the video material collected up to that point live during each performance where it is projected on set. This always new and expanded dramatic "Road Journal" will interact with the production of the play "Start Up" as background and stage design. The audience is treated to a unique, riotous and ever- changing performance event, a combination of the filmed "reality" of the tour and the theatrical "fiction" of the Schimmelpfennig play. There will be an audience talkback following the play.

The trip will take the troupe from New York through 24 cities in the U.S. over 7 weeks. They will travel 6,000 miles and perform in 24 locations - including sleepy villages (Edmonton, Kentucky), and hot beds of American culture like Las Vegas, and El Paso and even an actual ghost town, Death Valley Junction - until they reach Los Angeles. The tour can be followed on their interactive website.

Morning Fix: Still Using Nine-Tenths

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 06:30:00 -0700

Spiking oil prices pinch Meals on Wheels.

Firewood also is expensive.

Grandparents raising their grandchildren ask for family law reform to make the job easier.

Saga over a 128-year-old destroyed adobe building in Valencia Co. Neighbor allegedly levelled the building and snatched the vigas.

Frontierland lacks "after dark" offerings for tourists, says some magazine survey.

UNM men's basketball wins home opener.

Carla Aragon leaving KOB-TV.

Mid-Day Fix: Only Better

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:34:10 -0700

Sunport fuel truck spill causes air traffic delays around the nation.

Intersections of Death band-aid isn't popular, and competent urban planning isn't a hot topic at the moment.

Accused deputy-killer Michael Paul Astorga reports that prison guards feed him meals infested with hair and insects served on dirty trays. Prison attorneys pledge to remedy the situation.

Docs: Sheriff in Alamogordo targeted migrants despite denials.

Sports Monday: Some ESPN guy eats a Bhut Jolokia at NMSU. Dumbass.

Marty Chavez�s Donkey Con

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 17:17:00 -0700

�Let me be clear -- I'm proud to be a Democrat.�
(Marty Chavez on NM FBIHOP, Nov. 1, 2007)

"I have every intention of endorsing Pete Domenici, and I'm going to catch a lot of heat for that.�
(Marty Chavez, Albuq. Journal, May 28, 2006)

By the weekend, events were breaking fast. Tom Udall is in. Marty Chavez is out of sorts -- reduced to wrapping sour grapes in wisecracks about toilet paper.The ground really began to give way with the release on Daily Kos last week of a poll of likely NM voters showing Tom Udall whuppin� Republicans Steve Pearce and Heather Wilson in the Senate race. Then NM FBIHOP reported on an internal Udall poll showing Tom whuppin� Marty in a Democratic primary. (See DFNM for the numbers in depth.)

All of this news puts Marty's fundraising effort (to borrow his own metaphor) in the crapper. Meanwhile, Udall starts the campaign flush with $800,000 in the bank.

But this only serves to underscore the real challenge confronting Marty if he stays in the race. To overtake Udall in the hearts of Democratic Primary voters, Chavez has to de-spin the pro-Republican image he has worked so hard to cultivate over his last six years as mayor. Can Marty pull it off? Can he con the donkey?

Marty vs. Marty

Chavez has a de-spin/re-spin task before him. But he�s already started with the help of his new spinmeisters at Blackrock Associates.

NEW MARTY
�The war in Iraq was a mistake from the very beginning -- one of the greatest foreign policy blunders our country has ever seen.�

(from Marty�s e-mail invite to his on-line video townhall,
Nov. 9, 2007)

OLD MARTY:
AMY GOODMAN: "Let me ask you, Mayor Chavez, on another issue, as you talk about hopefully this administration being gone in Washington, your views on the war in Iraq and how that affects your community in Albuquerque."

MAYOR MARTIN CHAVEZ: "Well, I�m just a mayor. I�m trying to make sure the garbage gets picked up and that my police are on the streets to keep us safe and our senior centers are open. I know that we have felt it here in New Mexico. We have a long history of service in the military, and we�re very proud of that. It�s a heartbreak to see our National Guardsmen, our police forces depleted, because we have people who served in the Guard, our firefighters are overseas, when they should be here protecting us. And so, my hope is that, you know, we�re going to bring some sanity to this situation. But I�m just a mayor. I�m a local guy."

(from interview on Democracy Now,
Sept. 26, 2006)

Note from consultant: You have to show some passion! Connect with the outrage! Remember the vision thing! The hard part: Be authentic!

The new narrative: Mayor Marty picked up our garbage. Now he's ready to wake up, smell the coffee and end the war in Iraq.

For the complete Amy Goodman 2006 interview, go here.

Mystery robo poll?

Also last week, several people around the Duke City received a mystery robo poll. Blogger extraordinaire Burque Babble tells about it along with his long-term political prognostication for the next two years.

The Saturday Evening Postcard: The Franciscan Hotel...Built 1922, Demolished About 1970

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 22:12:10 -0700

DOWNTOWN--Designed by Trost & Trost of El Paso, the Franciscan was considered to be the epitome of what is known as "Pueblo Revival" architecture.

The Trosts were also the architects for the Sunshine Building, the Rosenwald Building, and the First National Bank Building (now the Banque Lofts). For my money, the Franciscan was the highpoint of their work in Albuquerque. The Franciscan used to be on Central near the Masonic Temple...that 'Whitehouse' looking building across from Robinson Park downtown.

The Fruits of My Ahem Labor

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 10:00:00 -0700

I am often amazed by what grows in Albuquerque. Last week my neighbor called me to let me know a package of mine had been delivered to her. When I went over to get it she showed me the saffron stigmas that she was harvesting from her yard-so cool! Then she made sure I got a jar of her red currant jelly before I left and when I asked where she got red currants she told me that she grows them.

Inspired by her example I went home and picked the prickly pears from my cactus and made jelly. Then I picked the pomegranates from my tree and seeded them all, you can freeze the seeds and I did. The cactus and the pomegranate tree have survived admirably despite the shameful way that I neglect them; it's wild what survives here.

Morning Fix: Our Country for a Dairy Section

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 05:30:00 -0700

We Suck At Driving: Motorists Hit Railroad Crossing Bar 15 Times During Past Two Months.

Four UNM profs try to explain New Mexico.

~~Much-needed grocery finally coming to Downtown~~ More yammering about the mother-loving arena. Like listening to a child make excuses for not doing his school homework.

Their 2007 season ended more than two months ago, but the Isotopes keep winning awards. The latest is Baseball America proclaiming Orbit and the gang as tops in Triple-A.

The blue-face anti-smoking ad campaign also is award-winning.

Busted: Another meth ring broken up.

Busted: La Cueva high schoolers caught with alcohol.

Busted: One of those schoolers is a student athlete.

Busted: School board caught voting to arm school police.

Busted: You're still interested in that grade-change story. So interested, you're making plans to watch the District Court proceedings in person with hopes that the case gets transfered to the Hague Tribunal.

Morning Fix: Sunny and Hip

Thu, 8 Nov 2007 05:30:00 -0700

ABQ among Sunbelt cities attracting 25-34 demo workers.

The CIA seeks Spanish-speaking recruits. We suppose the Monroe Doctrine is still in effect, at least as far as Langley is concerned.

Sen. Domenici worried about energy worker shortage.

KOAT has online poll about N.M.'s best city, so stuff the ballot for Clovis. Wait, Clovis isn't listed in the survey.

The state is funding another Rose Bowl parade float, and tourists never tire of UFO lore.

Dangerous dogs to be listed on Internet.

Crazy cool accordion tip from a reader

Wed, 7 Nov 2007 22:06:43 -0700

From W.S.

I've got a tip about a performance at the Outpost this Saturday by accordionist Guy Klucevsek.

For anyone that's musically adventurous, this is a rare chance to see a phenomenal musician performing some truly original music.

He is featured in the wonderful film Accordion Tribe: Music Travels, which will be shown in Santa Fe this Thursday night (well worth the trip, see SFNM link below), and he will also be performing there on Friday.I wish I could write a short article about him for your site, but unfortunately I'm not gifted with that kind of writing skill.

So instead I'll pass along some links that might be useful if anyone at DCF might be inclined to follow up on this:

Also, for what it's worth, Spencer Beckwith will be broadcasting an interview with Guy on KUNM on Wednesday 11/7 at 10 am.

Adelita: Character Counts

Wed, 7 Nov 2007 10:00:00 -0700

How do you define the essence of a city? Is it the climate, the cultural scene, the architecture? For me, the very essence of �Burque can be best described by its cast of characters.

Every town has them. I lived in San Francisco in the early 90�s and there was no shortage of personalities there. There are the San Francisco Brown twins, and the Bushman in Fisherman�s Wharf to name two. New York City�s Times Square has the Naked Cowboy. It made me think of some of our own character icons here in �Burque. Of course Don Schrader comes to mind, but I know there are so many more. Here are a few of my favorites:

Space Cowboy � Not long ago I used to work at the planetarium at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science. My co-workers and I would occasionally walk to Little Anita�s for lunch. We noticed that we would frequently see a man we called the �Space Cowboy�; he always wore a silver lam� jacket and cowboy hat. He would either be coming out of or going into Little Anita�s. While eating lunch there one time, we asked our waitress about the Space Cowboy. She said that he ate there frequently, always ordered the same meal, always had a beer, and always left a quarter on the table for a tip.

Mr. Benavidez � In my Los Griegos neighborhood you have to have at least seen Mr. Benavidez walking around. He�s small in stature, long on pork chop sideburns, wears a plaid shirts and I�ve never seen the man drive a car. He walks EVERYWHERE. I�ve seen him up and down Fourth Street, along Rio Grande Blvd, all over the North Valley and even on the West Side. I know that he lives in a tiny little house with lots of cactus in the yard. As long as I�ve lived in the valley, he�s always been around.

Pops � My memories are sketchy, but when my dad used to take me to Lobo basketball games in the late 60�s, this little old man, Pops, would sit in the front row of the student section. He was either in his eighties or nineties. He could barely stand on his own, but would be at every game cheering for the Lobos.

The Rag Man � No words could describe the Ragman better than what is written in the middle of this story. R.I.P Carlos

The Shark Truck � This truck strutted around town like a supermodel on a catwalk. It had more personality than many people I�ve met. Its stories may be buried with it now, but its legend lives on.

Many of these icons are unique to certain neighborhoods. I�m sure there are several around town that I have never encountered or simply forgotten about. Fill me in�

How Hot is the Sun in Albuquerque...?

Wed, 7 Nov 2007 09:55:00 -0700

...It's so hot that when my husband leaves his magnifying shaving mirror facing the window, it burns a solar calendar onto the wood panelling on the wall! I know, not a great punchline, but you should have heard me laugh when I finally tracked down the source of that burning smell in my bathroom (it was a nervous laugh, half genuine amusement, half curiosity about how inflammable that wood might be.) Note the the voids for the two cloudy days we had.

Morning Fix: Not Yet Tenured

Wed, 7 Nov 2007 05:30:00 -0700

UNM prof. Charles Truxillo, that Chicano nationalism guy who scares the piss out of otherwise fearless cultural warriors, could be looking for work next semester. We predict a lawsuit, rallies or a walk-out, a news link on Drudge, props from Don Schrader -- or not.

Albuquerque police get around to releasing the name of the chase suspect killed in a confrontation with an officer.

The fedz look into health concerns among neighbors of Intel plant. Rio Rancho, Corrales residents fear higher rates of lung disease and cancer.

Navajo court receives sexual assault lawsuit against a former Gallup diocese priest. Allegations date to the mid-1980s, and the diocese said it knew nothing of the lawsuit.

KOAT jets Mike Garofalo to the Country Music Awards in Nashville, and he interviews Jewel.

Topping The List of Weird Things I've Seen Today

Tue, 6 Nov 2007 14:23:31 -0700

I'm pretty sure the gentlemen at this apartment complex are skinning a deer. In the middle of an apartment complex. Um, is that kosher?

I'm actually positive it's not kosher, but I'm also pretty sure it's not a common occurrence in the middle of Uptown. God I love this city.

a little birdy

Tue, 6 Nov 2007 13:50:23 -0700

...tells us that the staff of a certain troubled local newspaper had a huge meeting this morning. Anyone care to comment (anonymously, natch), about the content of that rumored meeting?

We also hear that a certain other local paper (which has already snapped up a few columnists from its sister paper) is holding off on its own hiring until they see who might suddenly become available.

Wow. That was some seriously tortured writing.

Lives of Birds: The Raven & the Owl

Tue, 6 Nov 2007 10:37:13 -0700

NOB HILL--Anything is possible on Central Ave. Even so, when I saw that Raven trying to chat up a plastic owl it caught my attention. I wondered what sort of line he was handing her. My personal favorite heard along this stretch of restaurants and bars is, "Say Babe, are you as dangerous as you look?"

Whatever he was saying, whatever kind of Cra-ack he was up to, well it just wasn't working. The plastic owl just sat there on her perch atop a roof-top cooler where she has been lording it over pigeons for the last 10 years. Finally the raven left...rejected by a resin statue. "Nevermore," he muttered.

Morning Fix: Prophecy in the News

Tue, 6 Nov 2007 05:29:00 -0700

Illegal immigrants not ~~eligable~~ eligible for Gov. Richardson health plan that doesn't exist.

N.E. couple face 26 felony charges related to underage-alcohol party.

Valencia Country closes several railroad crossings following the two Railrunner Express fatalities, and Belen folks are furious.

Rob Zombie plans Dec. 3 show.

LATimes has a piece on John Nichols' latest novel, "The Empanada Brotherhood."

Morning Fix: We Like Tucson, Too

Mon, 5 Nov 2007 05:30:00 -0700

In the unknown competition over Downtown Development between sisters Albuquerque and Tucson, the Duke City is moving along faster. If only ABQ Downtown had a grocery or Walgreens.
A photo slide show from the Daily Star.

Albuquerque police officer survives shooting incident; Albuquerque police officer shoots fleeing subject.

A nice obit for John Budagher Sr.

Free uranium testing for veterans of Iraq I, Iraq II, Afghanistan.

UNM Football sucked really hard against TCU.

The Saturday Evening Postcard: El Vado Court...Opened 1937, Closed 2005

Sat, 3 Nov 2007 19:31:05 -0600

Route 66 & El Rio Grande--The El Vado Court has been on Route 66 from the day the route started coming through Tijeras Canyon, crossed the river, and continued straight west. Prior to 1937 Route 66 came in from the north on 4th St. and went down through Isleta Pueblo to Los Lunas before turning west on what is now NM 6.

How I miss that wonderful neon sign! It has not been lit up since the property was sold to local developer Richard Gonzales. His plan to tear it down (or at least part of it at this point) has been fought by neighbors, historians, Route 66 buffs, and those in love with this place.

This long battle continues next week at a hearing to determine whether the El Vado should be again designated a City Landmark and whether Gonzales' request to demolish the building should be approved.The issues are defined in a post on the blog Route 66 News. The post includes email addresses for letters of concern.

If you are concerned enough to attend the meeting, here are the details:
November 14
Wednesday
3:00 PM
Basement Hearing Room
600 Second St. NW

I know the fate of this motel has been discussed on the Duke City Fix before...as well as on my own blog Albloggerque. Check them out. Click here for a picture of the head on the neon sign suitable for your desktop wallpaper.

Itchycoo Park

Sat, 3 Nov 2007 08:34:11 -0600

A guestblogger post by Alex Marentes.

Back in my high school days I grew up listening to Carlos Santana. My crazy friends and I would drive around all over the south valley jamming to his music for hours.

One of the songs, actually there is no singing just pure bad ass guitar, is a song by the name Samba Pa' Ti. I recently heard a young "musico" play it and he nailed every note to the bone. Miranda enchanted me as I watched his fingers make his guitar come alive in tribute to Santana and a flood of memories overwhelmed me. Ah yes, the memories of this "old school" song.I wish that I was back in Rio Grande High School hanging out with my friends while cruising at Itchycoo Park, but now is all gone. At one time they had renamed it San Gabriel Park but to us, it was always Itchycoo Park. It was a park where you could escape into a thick forest (bosque) of cottonwoods and find peace while enjoying the sound of Carlos' guitar. Parked underneath the shade of an old ancient tree, laughing with your friends, only exisiting with the beautiful melody of the music and the sanctuary of the towering trees by the river.

But now the park is gone.

Now, the park is just a fading memory, and only the music remains. They tore it down a while back and built the Botanic Garden. The place is now full of tourists, walking around like if it was Disneyland or something. But if you walk to a quiet corner, away from all the noise and crowds, you can hear the distant melody of a guitar.

So play it Hendry Miranda, play it one more time like you have never played it before and, take me back to Itchycoo Park.