Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa, died yesterday at the age of 95.

It looks like Carrie Underwood struck gold (not really). Apparently, even though not everyone loved it, The Sound of Music was watched by many.

Over 100 people were left dead in Bangui, Central African Republic, due to political unrest between Muslim rebels and Christian citizens.

Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston has not been charged with rape.

Shaine Sherrill, who was shot by APD officers Sunday afternoon, did not have a gun. Apparently, Sherrill was suicidal and had said he wanted to be shot by police.

Just for future reference, when you use the wrong dirt … it might cause some setbacks.

Andrew Coppler faces up to nine years in prison after being convicted of second-degree murder for the death of his father.

A restaurant owner is facing some scrutiny for putting a surveillance camera in the men's bathroom. Yikes.

The desert inspires and frustrates utopian dreams in equal measure. California City, California is a case in point. Decades ago, developers optimistically earmarked 80,000 acres of raw Mojave desert as the future site of a great metropolis. But it wasn’t to be. With fewer than 15,000 inhabitants, California City is now a parody of its founders’ intentions. A vast grid of decaying roads stretches over the desert like a graft that never took. Artist Jesse Sugarmann pays tribute to this surreal landscape in his videoed performance piece “California Bloodlines,” which invites us to view these roadways as a sacred architecture. At one point in the video, a lone woman sweeps sand off a street with the same loving devotion a curator at the Louvre might dust the Mona Lisa. As the late author J.G. Ballard wondered, could our sprawling highways one day be seen as “enigmatic and mysterious monuments” that inspire the same awe as the Egyptian pyramids do today? Ponder that question yourself while viewing the video “California Bloodlines” at Albuquerque’s project space Spirit Abuse tonight at 6pm, or by appointment throughout December. Spirit Abuse • Fri Dec 6 • 6-11:30pm • View on Alibi calendar

• spirit abuse
• art event

via Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau

When I moved to Burque a year ago, I set out to find not only tourist attractions, but staples of this grand city that “trap” people into calling this fair metropolis their home. And Old Town was one that most people recommended for Native jewelry, books, restaurants and scenic beauty. My first few weeks of living here were spent people watching in the Old Town square, scrounging through multiple stores for a slick bracelet and photographing in the Don Luiz Plaza. Now folks can further understand and appreciate the appeal of this city section by attending the Annual Old Town Holiday Stroll. The event, which kicks off today at 4pm, features a Color Guard performance and singing of the National Anthem at the gazebo, the Blessing of the Tree, a Santa Parade and much more. Not to mention luminarias and twinkle lights. This illustrious event is known for being Albuquerque's official kickstart of the holiday season, so it's not to be missed. And it's also a great way to pick up some Christmas presents for friends, loved ones or obligatory acquaintances. So head to Historic Old Town (303 Romero NW) to bask in the holidays in style. Historic Old Town • Fri Dec 6 • 4-10pm • View on Alibi calendar

• community event