Chewbacca Chit Chat

By Shaya Rogers, Managing Editor | Photos By: Rene Thompson

“What is your favorite thing about the Albuquerque Comic Expo?”

 Ziek Carter  “The video games. I came for the tournaments. I’ve played in so many tournaments. I come to a lot of the big tournaments to try and get my name discovered because I’m an online player. I play for sport, literally.”   Alicia Bracken  “Getting away from El Paso for a little bit, even though it’s not that different from El Paso, it’s still nice to have a little vacation. It’s like a four-hour drive to get here.”
Ziek Carter
“The video games. I came for the tournaments. I’ve played in so many tournaments. I come to a lot of the big tournaments to try and get my name discovered because I’m an online player. I play for sport, literally.”
Alicia Bracken
“Getting away from El Paso for a little bit, even though it’s not that different from El Paso, it’s still nice to have a little vacation. It’s like a four-hour drive to get here.”
 Desiree Smith, CNM Nursing major  “Dressing up, all the way. I love dressing up. It’s incredibly uncomfortable, but so much fun.”
Desiree Smith, CNM Nursing major
“Dressing up, all the way. I love dressing up. It’s incredibly uncomfortable, but so much fun.”
  Nick Boucher  “The costumes, honestly. Seeing everyone dress up and have a good time is probably the best part about this. Seeing the stars that show up and meeting the comic book artists that, you know, I read all the time, is another highlight of this. But overall, it’s the costumes.”

Nick Boucher
“The costumes, honestly. Seeing everyone dress up and have a good time is probably the best part about this. Seeing the stars that show up and meeting the comic book artists that, you know, I read all the time, is another highlight of this. But overall, it’s the costumes.”
Olivia Webb “This is my first time being here, there’s this cute shop at the back with cupcake rings and everything, so that is my favorite part so far.”
Olivia Webb
“This is my first time
being here, there’s this
cute shop at the back
with cupcake rings and
everything, so that is my
favorite part so far.”
Melissa King  “The costumes, it’s really cool to see all of these people dressing up as their favorite characters.”  Chris Whyman  “The costumes, also the artwork. They have some amazing artwork here.” Jenny Ramsey  “A lot of it is the people who come out to it, the costumes people put together and the hard work everyone puts into it.”  John Ramsey  “The costumes, and the response we get from fans, especially the kids, they get so excited and terrified.”
Melissa King
“The costumes, it’s really cool to see all of these people dressing up as their favorite characters.”
Chris Whyman
“The costumes, also the artwork. They have some amazing artwork here.”
Jenny Ramsey
“A lot of it is the people who come out to it, the costumes people put together and the hard work everyone puts into it.”
John Ramsey
“The costumes, and the response we get from fans, especially the kids, they get so excited and terrified.”
  Christie Waldschmidt  “I love dressing up, it’s fun. And seeing people in costumes.”

Christie Waldschmidt
“I love dressing up, it’s fun. And seeing people in costumes.”
  Duke, Owner of Kaboom Test Labs  “That it’s on. ACE is the premier event, the one that we get the most excited about and not only that, it’s a chance for everyone to get the nerd inside of them to come out. Comic Expo is the best.”

Duke, Owner of Kaboom Test Labs
“That it’s on. ACE is the premier event, the one that we get the most excited about and not only that, it’s a chance for everyone to get the nerd inside of them to come out. Comic Expo is the best.”
  Gwen Orr  “Probably all of the costumes and all of the people walking around and seeing all of my favorite characters and meeting people that are like minded.”

Gwen Orr
“Probably all of the costumes and all of the people walking around and seeing all of my favorite characters and meeting people that are like minded.”

Column: How to deal with summer boredom

By: Shaya Rogers, Managing Editor

In the wintertime, many of us wish there was more time in the day to get everything done; there just never seems to be enough daylight. As the summer rolls around, we find ourselves bored, trying to fill the longer days. Of course, most of us are still busy with our normal responsibilities like work, school, family, etc, but summer does provide us with the time to take care of what we need, and then some. If you are bored this summer and need something to do, take a look at the options I have put together.

Learn something new 

Have you always wanted to learn how to play the guitar, but have never gotten around to it? Now is the perfect time to get with a friend, or schedule some lessons with a local music school or store. Starting now ensures that by August, you will probably have some sort of grasp over your craft, which is exciting to think about.

Get active 

New Year’s resolutions are an excuse to take better care of our bodies, but why not start in the summer? Something as simple as walking around a local park and getting some Vitamin D can change your whole mood. Consider making small changes. Start by walking for ten minutes a day, and gradually either add more time or speed up. Before you know it, you will have added an activity that helps you look and feel better.

Get outdoors 

There are many great places all over New Mexico to stay, whether it is a day trip or an overnight trip. The Sandia Mountains are a thirty minute drive from town and provide a backdrop for a beautiful day, surrounded by nature. In most national forests, they charge a fee for parking or for camping, but it’s always reasonable, especially if you split it between friends. If camping is not your cup of tea, there are also many options around town that will excite your senses. The BioPark is a great example of adventure without the commitment. Sharks, gardens, and elephants are all just a short drive and 9 dollars away.

Become an activist 

Summertime is when many organizations are planning events and making things happen. Whatever you are interested in, call and ask what you can do. Many places will be more than happy to have a helping hand, even if all you can spare is an hour here and there. Project Share and The Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice are just a few of the places around town currently looking for volunteers. This is the perfect time to make a difference in the community, get experience, and do something important to you.

“May the Schwartz be with you”

By: Shaya Rogers, Managing Editor

Inhabitants of Burque host film festival

Summertime is all about enjoying the outdoors and the Film and Food Festival created by Inhabitants of Burque wants to give Burquenos the chance to do just that, said creator and operator Leo York.

On Sunday, June 2 at Bataan Park from 3 to 10 p.m., members of the community can enjoy a free showing of the ‘80s cult classic film “Spaceballs,” he said.

“It is an event to give families and individuals a chance to enjoy a day in the park with movies, acro yoga, and any other activities people would like to do in the park,” York said.

The event was created to give people more options for things to do in the summer and anyone is welcome, he said.

“I want to make this a community event where people can enjoy a beautiful park, the outdoors, community bonding and time with their friends and loved ones,” he said.

A friend of York’s runs the Boiler Monkey food truck and came to him with the idea, he said.

“I agreed and I do the permits, sound, film, event organizing and promoting of the event,” he said.

The Supper food truck has also helped with organizing, he said, and the two food trucks will be there on the day of the event to sell food, he said.

The event creates an opportunity for members of the Albuquerque community to get to know one another, while enjoying spending the day outside, he said.

Although the movie starts at 5, attendees are encouraged to come around 3 if they want to participate in activities like yoga, hula hooping, juggling or anything else they may be interested in and to bring things to share, he said.

York plans on continuing the event throughout the summer as long as he can before the weather turns cold, he said.

“I hope to bring the community together and to make an awesome event for everyone to enjoy on the weekend,” he said.

Any businesses interested in sponsoring or getting involved with the event are encouraged to contact Inhabitants of Burque, he said.

“We are also taking sponsorships for businesses that would like to be involved and would like to promote their business to a large and diverse group of people from the city,” he said.

For more details visit facebook.com/ InhabitantsofBurque.

Film and Food Festival

When: Sunday, June 2 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: West of Carlisle on Lomas Bataan Park, ABQ

Film Showing: Spaceballs

Free

Column: How to deal with crappy roomates

By: Shaya Rogers, Managing Editor

The problem with roommates is that you cannot live with them, but you cannot afford a place to live without them. In college, we often hear horror stories from friends and acquaintances about all types of roommates.

Like many aspects of adulthood, sharing a home with someone does not come with a guide. It is figured out through trial and error, which depending on the error can be a terrible experience.

The Chronicle has put together a few options to consider when choosing a roommate, and what to do when dealing with a crappy roommate.

A good way to ensure a peaceful living situation is to choose wisely. Choosing someone with somewhat similar life goals and qualities should provide a head start to co-existing.

When one roommate is uncomfortable with parties and the other wants to have people over almost every night, it is going to create problems. Pay attention to the little things and set a solid foundation. Do not be scared to interview a few different people to get a feel for their communication skills and their likes and dislikes.

Making a contract sounds a lot more intimidating than it should be. It is fairly easy to sit down and agree to a few basic guidelines. This contract should not include nit picking every small detail, but should map out a few major issues including sharing utilities, a cleaning schedule, sharing food, sharing electronics and noise levels. Keeping an open line of communication and about important guidelines is a good place to start and will hopefully inspire an open dialog. The longer the conversation is put off, the harder it will be to approach and no one wants to deal with a roommate that is freaking out about cleaning the bathroom.

A good rule of thumb, let go of the little things. Try not to let negative feelings linger. If there is a big issue that needs to be addressed, then take care of it. Do not let personal quirks get in the way of the living situation. A messy room is allowed, however, a messy shared space is not. Let go and realize that roommates are going to be annoying and that is just part of living with another person. Take a moment to consider if an issue is worth making a big deal about.

There is a possibility that someone may need to move out. If the living situation has become unbearable and there is obvious awkward, uncomfortable tension, moving out may be a positive thing. It is not the end of the world, sometimes people just do not get along. Try to approach the split in an objective way, making it clear that it is not going to work, and give at least one month’s notice. Most of the time, the feeling will be mutual anyway. Try to find a place that is paid for month to month rather than getting a place with a lease. This way, just in case it does not work out, no one is trapped into staying somewhere they do not want to be.

Shooting Club: Allow student to carry

By Shaya Rogers, Features Reporter

 The CNM Shooting Club believes that carry­ing firearms should be legal on campus, Mitchell Jackson, CNM Shooting Club president, said.

Illegal weapons are brought on campus, and the issue has not been addressed, he said.

“The law-abiding, licensed individuals that could make a difference in the event of a school shooting are following the law. We know they don’t have a weapon, but there are weapons at the school,” he said.

To protest the ban of firearms on campus, the shooting club is hold­ing an Empty Holster Protest, which began on April 8 and runs through April 12, Jackson said.

Continue reading “Shooting Club: Allow student to carry”

A pretty dress does not mean yes

By Shaya Rogers, Features Reporter

SlutWalk protest comes to Albuquerque

More than 300 people are expected to attend this month’s SlutWalk to raise awareness about rape culture and sexual vio­lence, Bianca Villani, Prevention Education Coordinator for the Rape Crisis Center, said.

In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the free event, sponsored by the Rape Crisis Center and UNM Women’s Resource Center, will be on Saturday, April 13. Protestors will begin at The Pit arena, at 1414 University Blvd. SE, then march along University Boulevard to Central Avenue and wrap back around. A community fair will follow the event from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., she said.

“Part of this march is raising awareness about this ugly culture we have, which we call rape cul­ture, that says somebody, based on what they’re wearing, how they’re walking, how they’re flirting, what they’re drinking; they deserve to get raped,” she said.

Continue reading “A pretty dress does not mean yes”

Bike Swap to raise money for rider advocacy

By Shaya Rogers, Features Reporter

Bicyclists looking to trade up or buy a new set of wheels will have a chance to do so while also doing some good for the com­munity, Willie Smoker, office manager for TRiO Support Services on Main campus, said.

The 19th Annual Bike Swap, held at Sport Systems at 6915 Montgomery NE on April 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., will donate 18 percent of all the sales to BikeABQ, a nonprofit bike advocacy and educa­tion group, he said.

“The event helps them financially because they get money off the sales, and within that it helps them get out there, and be more evident within the community and actually help with bike advocacy,” he said.

Continue reading “Bike Swap to raise money for rider advocacy”

Saying no: Why some choose abstinence

By Shaya Rogers, Features Reporter

Jaden Cowboy, a senior at Native American Community Academy High School, said she is committed to remaining a virgin until marriage because she wants sex to be meaningful and special.
“I just think it’s some¬thing really special and you should wait and share it with somebody that you really care about and that you love,” she said.
Cowboy said she thinks people her age are too focused on sex and should let it come naturally.
Continue reading “Saying no: Why some choose abstinence”

Shopping with ideals

By Shaya Rogers, Features Reporter

Living in a capitalist society often means that people must vote with their money. It can be difficult to find businesses that support beliefs that one holds dear.

To ease the headache of such a search, the CNM Chronicle has put together a list of businesses that self-identify as LGBT-friendly and a list of businesses that support marriage between only a man and a woman.

This list is a small sampling of businesses on either side of the fence. Most businesses will openly state their policy on the LGBT community either on their website or when directly phoned and asked.

Businesses identified as supporting marriage between a man and a woman were identified through policymic.com.

Continue reading “Shopping with ideals”

‘Leonardo Literary Magazine’ release party announced

By: Adriana Avila, Managing Editor | Photo Illustration By: Jonathan Gamboa, Production Manager

Previous issues of the “Leonardo Literary Magazine.”
Previous issues of the “Leonardo Literary Magazine.”

The 2013 edition of “Leonardo Literary Magazine” is scheduled to be released next month, said “Leonardo” adviser and Full-time Creative Writing instructor Patrick Houlihan.

The release party for this year’s edition will be held at the Main campus Student Resource Center on April 5 where stu­dents will have the opportunity to share their works during the festivities, he said.

“It’s a celebration of what’s in it. Anyone who is published in it can stand up and read their stuff and pick up copies, share them with friends,” he said.

“Leonardo” is funded by through student activ­ity fees and prints only 250 copies of each edition, which are free, he said.

With the increase of student interest, “Leonardo” has grown from tabloid size to an actual magazine length, he said.

“It’s grown and sta­bilized over the years to where it’s now a 50 or 60 page magazine full color and student activities has been great at funding the increase costs. Paper and ink took a huge jump about five or seven years ago,” he said.

Being published is a big step for people and it helps a great deal to write it on resumes, he said.

“It’s a wonderful resume line to say ‘I’m a published author or artist selected,’” Houlihan said.

English major and “Leonardo” editor Shaya Rogers said it is a privilege to review student works because this year’s submis­sions were impressive.

“Giving students the opportunity to share their creative work is a positive aspect of the CNM community and I am so happy to support that,” Rogers said.

Rogers, who also works as the features reporter for the CNM Chronicle, has three nature photos and two poems featured in the magazine: one about her challenges with monog­amy and the other an ode to her sister who commit­ted suicide when she was a teenager, she said.

Business and Communications major and layout designer Jonathan Gamboa, who also works at the produc­tion manager for the CNM Chronicle, said he enjoys designing the magazine because it gives him the opportunity be creative.

“I think it’s fun. Since I am the only one designing, it allows me to have more freedom in producing the magazine,” Gamboa said.

This is Gamboa’s second design year and his role for “Leonardo” extends further profes­sionally from the mouse and screen, he said.

“I really did get pro­fessional experience doing it the first year because I was having to stay in touch with the printers and coordinat­ing the release party with the editors, along with setting my own deadlines to finish the magazine,” he said.

Houlihan said “Leonardo” used to be a semester project for the Business and Graphics department, but the magazine became the work of volunteer stu­dents after the pro­gram was cut a couple of years ago.

Submissions for “Leonardo” for 2014 are now being accepted and deadline for works will probably be in early January 2014, he said.

Houlihan hopes to continue the works of “Leonardo” because of the community’s great reviews and the benefits students receive when published, he said.

“It’s a nice repre­sentation of us to the community and I’d hate for it to disappear,” Houlihan said.