Columns

Cinema Cindy Reviews ‘Birdman (Or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)’

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By CYNTHIA BIDDLECOMB
Los Alamos

“Birdman (or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” is a film exploring the self-absorption of actors, the nature of reality and the role of the theatrical arts in the lives of those who watch. Or it could be a movie about what is real and our own self-absorption. Either way, it is a film one must negotiate along with the characters.

Birdman is worthy of our attention. It was nominated for 7 Golden Globes, on Thursday, and garnered four nominations from the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Wednesday. Oscar nods are rumored, as you might expect.

But, be aware that this is Read More

Solo Traveler: Prehistoric Man Part II

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The Visitors Center at Les Combarelles. Photo by Sherry Hardage
 
The displays of the new drawings recently discovered in Les Combarelles. Photo by Sherry Hardage
 
Solo Traveler: Prehistoric Man Part II
By SHERRY HARDAGE

Our guide at Combarelles, the day after we visited L’Abri du Cap Blanc, was the same man from Cap Blanc! His English had improved slightly with all that practice with us the day before. He did a decent job explaining the inscribed drawings in the narrow snake-like cave.

Combarelles consists of two caves that open into a single entrance. One is closed off completely.  Read More

This Week at the Reel Deal

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Column By JIM O’DONNELL
Reel Deal Theater  

This Friday we are opening The Theory of Everything and Exodus. Penguins of Madagascar, and Hunger Games: Mockingjay: Part 1 will hold for another week. Birdman and Horrible Bosses 2 will end this Thursday.

I saw Birdman last night and it probably is in my top three favorite films so far this year. This film is one you want to see on the big screen as it is set within the vestiges of the rambling old St. James Theater (est. 1927) in New York City which in its youth premiered the likes of Oklahoma, The King and I, and Hello Dolly. It really sets the stage Read More

Food on the Hill: Muhammara Sauce

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Food on the Hill
By FELICIA ORTH
 

The unmistakable influence of the Arab world in New Mexico came as a surprise to me when I was preparing a meal for a special Earth Day event a few years ago—a meal based on the fruits and vegetables in the gardens of “New Spain.” 

Ultimately, it was the fragrant and concentrated flavors of orange blossom essence, rosewater, rose petal syrup and pomegranate molasses in some of the Spanish recipes I found that revealed the depth of the Arabic contributions to that cuisine. 

A book published this fall by the late Juan Estevan Arellano, “Enduring Acequias—Wisdom

Read More

Yang: Versus, Either-Or: It’s A Lazy Way Of Thinking

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Versus, Either-Or: It’s A Lazy Way Of Thinking

By ELENA YANG
Los Alamos

In management talks, one common framing is “leaders vs. managers,” or, “leadership vs. management.” Many managers like to think that they are leaders when they can’t even manage well. And most self-proclaimed leaders think that managing is beneath them. 

Clearly, in our minds we assign values to these two roles. Yet, true leaders, with humility, spend valuable time understanding the people around them, their work, and the context; wise managers value the knowledge of how work is done and think holistically.  Read More

Goldblatt: How To Handle The Holidays

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By CYNTHIA GOLDBLATT, MSW, LPCC, Ph.D.
Bereavement and Volunteer Coordinator
Los Alamos Visiting Nurses/www.lavns.com
 
How To Handle The Holidays

With the Holidays fast approaching, you may feel the absence of your loved one even more than at other times of the year.  It may seem strange to you to celebrate, in light of your recent or past loss. You may even feel it would be somehow inappropriate to make preparations for festivities without the presence of your family member, or friend.

It is true that holidays can be a most difficult time for those who are recently bereaved. However,

Read More

Smart Design With Suzette: What Is Eco-Design?

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An updated wreath is now the perfect color for this salmon door. Photo by Suzette Fox
 
Put treasured decorations in a new spot every year. Photo by Suzette Fox
 
Smart Design with Suzette
What is Eco-Design?
By SUZETTE FOX

Today launches the first of a series of columns on design. I’ve been in the design world since 1985 when I worked for an architectural firm in Florida known for their modern office buildings. A lot has changed since then. My love of interior design has blossomed into a passion for ‘green’ living.

I am an Eco-Designer. For me, it is imperative to search for new design and building Read More

Hannemann’s Music Corner: Clean Your Instrument

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Grant: Tis The Season To Take Care Of Yourself

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By ELIZABETH GRANT
Los Alamos

Christmas is the time of year when music choruses of “Fa La La La La” chime through our ears. For some this may invoke joy, for others it can create dread, stress, depression and loneliness.  

I come from a large Irish-Catholic family and when we were growing up, we lived on a shoe string. But we still celebrated Christmas with a fresh tree and food on the table. I don’t remember a sense of deprivation because I had something extraordinary: seven brothers and sisters. Because I was the baby of the family, the Holidays became all about eagerly anticipating the Read More

This Week at the Reel Deal

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Column By JIM O’DONNELL
Reel Deal Theater  

This Friday our line-up will be Birdman, Penguins of Madagascar, Horrible Bosses 2 and Hunger Games: Mockingjay: Part 1. Interstellar will end this Thursday.

Birdman won Best Picture and Michael Keaton won Best Actor for his performance at the Gotham Independent Film Awards last evening. This film will open at the Reel Deal this Friday and probably run for one week only unless folks really come out for it in which case we could play it for two weeks. It has gotten rave reviews so we hope to see you at the theater.

Theory of Everything will open Read More