Arts + Culture

Eva Encinias, Award-winning Flamenco Artist

World-Class Dance in Albuquerque Article by By Richard Lakin and Andrea Jacquin | Photography by Ale Padilla, Rafael Manjavacas, Richard Lakin Flamenco, comprising of baile (dance), cante (singing), and toque (guitar playing), is rooted in Andalucía, the southernmost autonomous region of Peninsular Spain. This expressive art form often involves improvisation and theatricality in its dance. Its origins can be traced back to the 15th century when gypsies migrated from India, Egypt, and Iran...

April 2024

Health + Wellness

Allison Hendricks-Smith

Battling with the Pink Warriors Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by Richard Lakin and the Pink Warrior House Foundation Allison Hendricks-Smith experienced a profound shift in her life in March 2018 upon receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. This diagnosis came as a shock since she lacked any lifestyle factors or family history that typically contribute to such illnesses. Although she found local medical treatment readily accessible, there was a notable absence of support for the...

April 2024

Entertainment

Albuquerque Film Liaison Cyndy McCrossen

Bringing Hollywood to Albuquerque Article by Andrea Jacquin and Richard Lakin | Photography by Denise Husted and Universal Pictures “Do you have filmable locations?” “How many stages are available?” “What’s the labor pool?” These are just a few questions movie producers ask before filming in a location. Financial incentives, a strong labor pool, and a variety of location “looks” help bring movies to New Mexico. The City of Albuquerque and The Albuquerque Film Office are investing in the future...

April 2024

Health + Wellness

Six Things Your Doctor Did Not Tell You

Advice on Resilient Menopause Article by Kalena Chang | Photography by Courtesy of Mangostana Kalena Chan has 30+ years of experience as a physical therapist. She is the owner of Mangostana Pelvic Health and Body Care, and has offered our readers some insightful menopause advice. Perimenopause and Menopause is one of the critical times in our life cycle that women go through with often not much information of how to make a smooth transition. 1. Bladder dysfunction and frequency is common...

April 2024

Local Services

Big Brothers Big Sisters

An investment of time and love for the kids Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by photos courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters Many investments are oriented to economic results, but Big Brothers Big Sisters in Albuquerque is all about preparing local youth for successful lives. The non-profit organization is funded by private donations and state and federal programs. Jessica Sosa, a native New Mexican, is the Advancement Manager for the group. Her job is recruitment and marketing in the...

March 2024

Life + Culture

Spaceport America

Investment for the future Article by Andrea Jacquin | Photography by photos courtesy of Virgin Galactic Scott McLaughlin is the executive director of Spaceport America, which is adjacent to the Army White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico. McLaughlin was born and raised in New Mexico. After graduating with an electrical engineering degree from New Mexico State University, he left New Mexico and started a radar design and manufacturing business in Colorado. After 25 years, he returned...

March 2024

Education

Acton Academy

Finding a calling Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by Jonathan Woods Current news is full of stories of technology, and more specifically, AI changing the world. The pace of change in almost all areas of life has outstripped the pace of change in education. While many parents have questioned how best to address this or looked for innovative options, the pandemic was a catalyst and instrumental in the emergence of micro-schools and alternative learning environments.  Educating their...

March 2024

Professional Services

John Thomas Jewelers

A custom symbol of your love Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by courtesy of John Thomas Jewelers John Thomas Jewelers in Uptown Albuquerque has received many accolades for its custom-designed jewelry. Local consumers have voted them the best jewelry store in the city for three years. Instore Magazine , a trade publication of the American jewelry business, named them “one of the top ten coolest jewelry stores in the country.” Their exponential growth has more than doubled their floor...

March 2024

Life + Culture

The WHEELS Museum

An investment in New Mexico's history Article by Andrea Jacquin | Photography by Denise Husted Leba Freed is the founder of the WHEELS Museum in Albuquerque. Her dream was to showcase how transportation has shaped our history. She hoped to collect enough items to honor the past and eventually fill a museum. While she worked toward that dream, the museum was housed in seven different locations as the non-profit organization developed exhibits and found more space to house them. In 2008, the...

March 2024

Home + Design

Jeebs and Zuzu

Energy efficient design and building Article by Richard Lakin | Photography by Courtesy of Jeebs and Zuzu We asked J. Dave Hickman, owner of Jeebs and Zuzu, an Albuquerque architecture and construction firm, about the origin of his company name. He told us, "Jeebs and Zuzu are typical names of butlers and domestic servants in stories and films, and we endeavor to provide old-world, attentive service to our clients." Dave's slogan for the company, "Easy as pie…have the life you want," reflects...

February 2024