About.com Albuquerque

Special Sister Portraits at Albuquerque Little Theatre

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:53:51 +0000

The Irving Berlin classic, "White Christmas" runs from November 27 through Christmas Eve at the Albuquerque Little Theatre (ALT). The fun story centers around two sisters who sing their way into the hearts of two friends, played in the movie version by Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. The ALT musical will feature many of the hit songs from the popular show, to include the famous "White Christmas."

To celebrate the show and the ALT's 80th season (wow!), sisters are invited to come out to the shows and get their portraits taken on several special "Sister Sundays." A free commemorative photograph will be taken in the theater's lobby for any sisters, "sisters" who wish they were related, "sisters" by friendship, or any women who feel a sisterly relationship to each other. The portraits will be posted online for downloading and pritning, all free of charge.

The Sister Sundays will run November 29, December 6, December 13 and December 20, before, after and during intermission. Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $10 - $22.

Have a sister or a "sister of the heart" who might like this? I'm already bugging mine to go with me one Sunday. What a fun opportunity!

Special Sister Portraits at Albuquerque Little Theatre originally appeared on About.com Albuquerque on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 11:53:51.

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Best Weekend Bets

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:15:56 +0000

The weather forecast calls for sunny skies and warm temperatures this weekend, so outside is just as good as inside. Enjoy the beautiful sunshine. Can you believe it's almost Thanksgiving?

Tromadance
The independent film festival is now in its 6th year, bringing new films and a "Best of the Fest" retrospective of audience favorites. Visit the Tromadance website for a complete rundown of what's going on.
When: Friday, November 20 - Sunday, November 22
Where: Guild Theater, Central Avenue
Cost: $7 for a block of movies or $40 for an all festival pass.

Placitas Arts and Crafts Festival
If sampling wine, goat cheese and chocolates while browsing arts and crafts is your idea of a day well spent, then shuffle north to the Placitas Holiday Arts and Crafts Festival. There will be over 80 artists in the village with crafts and wares worthy of becoming Christmas presents. This is your chance to visit Anasazi Fields Winery, where a featured cranberry wine might be worth tasting. The event takes place at three locations in the village, so check the website for details. Couple this with a hike to Sandia Man Cave, and you've got a great day.
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday November 21 and Sunday, November 22
Where: Placitas Village
Cost: Free

Zia Arts and Crafts Show
Or if staying in town suits you, try the Zia Arts and Crafts Show at the Expo New Mexico. With over 160 vendors, the shopping is prolific. Check the Zia website for a $1 off admission coupon.
When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday and Sunday; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Expo New Mexico
Cost: $5 admission, check website for coupon.

Rent
Okay, so you don't live anywhere near Broadway, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy live theater. Albuquerque is a lucky city for having a good number of museums and lots and lots of live theater, so much so that it can be difficult to choose. Rent has been hailed as a rock masterpiece, and tells the story of eight friends living life to the fullest despite the odds. Go see for yourself what all the buzz is about.
When: November 20 - December 6
Where: Rodey Theater at UNM
Cost: $10 - $20, booking fee extra.

TedX Conference
Is thinking, creating and coming up with new ideas your cup of tea? The TedX event is for you. The x stands for independently organized, and TED events are gatherings of small groups of people who discuss ideas, hear speakers and peruse videos. Connect with someone and create a new spark. Lunch is provided, but seating is limited.
When: Sunday, November 22, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Hyatt Regency Resort, Tamaya, Bernalillo
Cost: $30

Cause of the Week
Festival of Trees
Looking for decorating ideas for the holidays? Visit 100 decorated trees and wreaths at this 2nd annual fundraiser, and help support a good cause. The gala fundraising event kicks off on Friday, November 20 as sponsored trees decorated by Albuquerque designers are auctioned off to benefit the Carrie Tingley Hospital Foundation. The event runs through the 29th and will have music, to include Charmed on November 21, from noon to 2 p.m.
When: Saturday November 21 - Saturday November 29, 2009, Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sundays, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thanksgiving Day, 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Where: Embassy Suites, 1000 Woodward NE
Cost: Free admission, though the gala is a fundraising event.

Best Weekend Bets originally appeared on About.com Albuquerque on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 12:15:56.

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Albuquerque Treasures - Where to See Sandhill Cranes

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:51:31 +0000

The first time I saw sandhill cranes doing their mating dance, I wasn't sure what it was. It was energetic. It was, well, seemingly antagonistic, yet elegant all at once. Yes, yes, I saw those dancing birds. You can too, and one of the best places to see them up close is right here in town.

Opened just a few years ago on the city's westside, the Open Space Visitor Center already qualifies as an Albuquerque treasure, providing interpretive exhibits and special events. The other day, I visited during the Sandhill Crane Celebration, and I wasn't disappointed. A few of the large, crackling birds found their way down to the cut sorghum fields at the center. I love their signature sound. Take a look at my walk through tour of some of what I saw that day.

But for me, I can never get enough of the cranes, even though we live along their flyway and hear them every day for months on end. One of our favorite places to see them is the Bosque del Apache, where thousands of birds gather this time each year on their way further south. This weekend is the annual Festival of the Cranes. Running November 17-22, there will be talks, hikes, art, special events, and of course, the mass movement of birds. If you haven't yet been to the Festival and you live here, here's a tip: there is a reason why people come from around the world for this. Even if you aren't a naturalist or bird lover, it's an amazing event. If you don't like the crowds, the birds will still be there for a while. Just promise yourself that this year, you'll check out those cackling birds, either at the festival or at the Open Space Center. Who knows, you might get to see some dance. Did you know sandhill cranes mate for life?

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_{Photo Courtesy FrankyBoy5}

Albuquerque Treasures - Where to See Sandhill Cranes originally appeared on About.com Albuquerque on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 11:51:31.

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Wordless Wednesday

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:00:33 +0000

Where in Albuquerque? Let me know in the comments section below.

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_{Photo � Aileen O'Catherine}

Wordless Wednesday originally appeared on About.com Albuquerque on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 10:00:33.

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Thanksgiving Dinner in Albuquerque

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:25:45 +0000

Have you decided where you want to eat dinner in Albuquerque? There are a number of choices available, from brunch to buffets to a sit down meal. Find the right place in town for your Thanksgiving dinner.

Or maybe you want to have dinner at home, but don't have time to cook. Consider the takeout possibilities that might make your life less stressful. Pick up a pre-cooked bird, or one that's smoked or bbq'd, or even consider a ham. Thanksgiving dinner doesn't have to have a turkey. After all, at the original Thanksgiving, they ate eels.

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_{Photo � Getty Images}

Thanksgiving Dinner in Albuquerque originally appeared on About.com Albuquerque on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 12:25:45.

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Two New Exhibits at Very Special Arts

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:28:12 +0000

The Very Special Arts Program announces two new openings this week. Fresh Faces will run at the North 4th Gallery from November 20 to January 24, and features the work of eight emerging artists in a range of subjects. Quilts from the Day Arts fabric class will also be on display. Opening reception is Friday, November 20 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. VSA is located at 4904 4th NW. Call (505) 344-4542 for more information.

The VSA also presents Everything's Different at the Petting Zoo, a week-long exhibit to complement Fresh Faces. New work from 18 VSA artists will be on display at the Petting Zoo, located at 1407 Fourth St. SW. Opening reception is Friday, November 20 from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Admission is free. This show runs through November 27.

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Two New Exhibits at Very Special Arts originally appeared on About.com Albuquerque on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 12:28:12.

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Best Weekend Bets

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:08:51 +0000

November 13 - 15
Weems Artfest
The 26th annual ArtFest is a great place to purchase art made by local artists and help local charities. The Artfest is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education of the arts. There is an ArtSmart shopping area just for children, where they can shop for items $10 or less, donated by the artists themselves. Proceeds go to local charities and children learn about art. At the silent auction, 12 original pieces of art will be auctioned off, the proceeds going to local charities. A special reception honoring Cabinet Secretary Janet Napolitano will take place Friday, November 13 at 7 pm. Napolitano will be awarded the 2009 Art Patron award, and will be introduced by former Senator Pete Domenici.
When: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday, November 13; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, November 14; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday, November 15
Where: Expo New Mexico Fairgrounds
Cost: $5 admission, $4 seniors (65+); Chidren 12 and under free, or donate 1 penny for Pennies for the Homeless. Parking extra.

November 14
Albuquerque BioPark
If you've been thinking about visiting the BioPark, consider going Saturday. There will be a free fishing clinic from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Tingley Beach. From 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., there will be activities and a talk on ape conservation at the zoo. Find out what gifts you can give an orangutan. And Daizy the baby elephant is thriving, partly because of all the great love from Mom and everyone at the zoo. There will be a baby shower for Daizy from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the Colores Education building. Register at the gate from 1:30 - 2:30, or do it online.
When: See above.
Where: Albuquerque Zoo, 903 Tenth SW
Cost: Prices vary depending on event. Zoo admission $7 adults, $3 seniors and children 3-12.

November 14 - 15
Sandhill Cranes Celebration
They've been visiting the fields around my home for weeks now, the sandhill cranes. Every year I watch for them, and mostly listen. I love the cackling sound they make, and their ruffling floof of wings. Watch them yourself at the Open Space Center, where there will be a weekend long celebration of this transitory bird. On Saturday, there will be a nature walk, origami, wildlife rescue birds, and storytimes. On Sunday, there will be yoga, a talk on cranes, and the Cottonwood String Quartet. If you've never seen a courting pair of cranes dance, this might be your chance.
When: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors NW
Cost: Free

November 15
Celtic Woman
This musical production brings Irish song and music to the stage, starring five Celtic women.
When: 3 p.m and 7:30 p.m., Sunday, November 15
Where: Popejoy Hall
Cost: Ticket prices vary.

America Recycles Day
If you have unwanted electronics or computers, today is the day to clear them out of the house. It's America Recycles Day nationwide, and Re505 will be taking your unwanted (but reusable, that's the beauty) stuff. Anyone who drops something off for recycling gets a raffle ticket and a chance to win a gift certificate from Two Fools, Farina or Gold Rush Cupcakes. Sounds like a win-win to me.
When: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: On Lead between High and Elm (west of I-25)
Cost: Free.

Cause of the Week

Celebrate Daizy's Birthday
She's small, cute, and fighting against the odds. What's not to love about this addition to the zoo? Daizy will have her own event, a Baby Shower, to welcome her to the world. He-men, if you've never been to a baby shower, here's your chance. No one will think less of you, and you'll be helping Daizy a whole bunch. Bring a registry gift, or bring cash, but help support this cute addition to the zoo.
When: Saturday, November 14, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Colores Building, Rio Grande Zoo
Cost: Registry gift or $10 or more donation.

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Best Weekend Bets originally appeared on About.com Albuquerque on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 13:08:51.

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Farewell Bruce King

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:00:54 +0000

Former Governor Bruce King died this morning at the age of 85. King served three terms as Governor. His wife Alice King was a tireless advocate for children, and together they were a formidable team.

King was governor from 1971-74, 1979-82 and 1991-94. He had also been a Santa Fe County commissioner and served in the state House of Representatives, where he was Speaker as well.

The King family still ranches in New Mexico. The former governor's political legacy lives on in his son Gary, currently New Mexico Attorney General.

His roots were in New Mexico's vast spaces open spaces, and like the land he lived and worked, Mr. King was open as well. His folksy style made him popular with constituents and politicians alike. He reminded me of another politician, the late Lyndon B. Johnson.

Donations can be made to New Mexico Children's Foundation.

Farewell Bruce King originally appeared on About.com Albuquerque on Friday, November 13th, 2009 at 13:00:54.

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Albuquerque Treasures

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:43:41 +0000

It isn't fancy, but it's real. That pretty much sums up Albuquerque for me. The Duke City has a lot of local treasures, many of which fly beneath the radar screen. I'd like to rectify that, so whenever I'm able to on Thursdays, I'll profile a local treasure or two. Today I've got Lindy's Restaurant within my sights, as it typefies for me what I can only call my own unique view of what makes Albuquerque, well, Albuquerque.

Lindy's has been a staple stopoff restaurant for me since I've lived here, which, gasp, is now over 30 years. It's changed a lot in the last 15 or so, but only in an update that was much needed, giving it a fresh, clean look. Opened in 1929 when downtown must have truly been the heart of the city, it has been serving with a smile for the past 80 years, dishing up platters of hot dogs, french fries, meatloaf, and more recently, Greek food.

It's all good, all affordable, and yes, even little boys love Lindy's, and not just because they have the requiste kid food. Lindy's has a lunch counter with stools. Yes, the stools do turn, which for a young boy is an absolute must. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, New Mexican, Greek, American, all can be found at this institution, as well as a heavy dose of Route 66 decor.

But more than anything, Lindy's is fun. It celebrates itself (shouldn't we all?) and posts pictures of celebrities on the walls, in poses side by side with the owner. (Yes, New Mexico staple Dennis Hopper was there, but so was Jessica Alba). Lindy's still offers its 1929 specialty, the Coney Island hot dog smothered in chile, but they also have cowboy breakfasts and chile pie. How Albuquerque is that? Sure, you might get the same in Vegas, but at Lindy's, you're eating at the corner of 5th and Central, so you're part of the local lore. Okay, so Jessica Alba and Dennis Hopper may eat in Vegas, but sorry Vegas, but you just don't compare. We've got the original lunch counter, we've got the stools, and yes, they really do twirl. Typical Albuquerque, nothing fancy, but hey, at least it's real.

Albuquerque Treasures originally appeared on About.com Albuquerque on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 13:43:41.

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Wordless Wednesday

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:20:12 +0000

It's Veteran's Day.

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_{Photo � Aileen O'Catherine}

Wordless Wednesday originally appeared on About.com Albuquerque on Wednesday, November 11th, 2009 at 12:20:12.

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