Weekly Alibi
 Dec 13 - 19, 2007
You (by which we mean "we") haven't started holiday shopping yet and now you're stuck doing the stressed-out winter dance of the credit-card fairies to get it done. Have no fear! The Alibi is here with ideas for affordable, unique gifts from locally owned shops based on their proximity to your neighborhood.
NEWS/OPINION
An Albuquerque institution reopens its doors. The media hearts Huckabee even though it shouldn't. Hey consumer! Protect yourself before you wreck yourself; our series on debt continues.
MUSIC
Agonize along to Michael Bolton's latest Christmas release. Local Greg Ruggiero moved to Brooklyn's school of musical hard knocks, but he came out the other side with a new album.
FOOD
You've got your pick of Vietnamese restaurants in Albuquerque. If you want something middle-of-the-road, go to Phở Nguyen.
FILM & TV
Atonement is an unabashedly sweeping romantic drama. King Corn takes bites out of the industry, row by row.
ARTS/LIT
Get jaded with Ross Kelly's interpretation of The Santaland Diaries by David Sedaris. On the 12th day of Xmas my true love gave to me a Southwest writer in a pear tree ... looking uncomfortable.

RSSRaw posts and updates from our writers with info too timely or uncategorizable for print. What, we said something stupid? Chime in, buddy.
Music

Jackson 5 vibe still alive?

Jermaine Jackson aims to create a modern-day Jackson 5

Jermaine Jackson
Jermaine Jackson

Upon reading that Jermaine Jackson was on a quest to find five Australian artists to turn into a modern-day Jackson 5, I was a little perplexed, maybe a little befuddled. Jackson 5 were one of my favorite groups as a youngster because they encapsulated the joy and freedom that many associate with childhood. In other words, they’ve always been a perfect soundtrack to anything resembling happiness (in my humble opinion). C’mon, who doesn’t love “I Want You Back”? Just take a listen to their greatest hits if you’re a skeptic. So, what exactly is Jackson trying to accomplish? Is he trying to revive the soul-group aesthetic of a past generation? Or is he simply trying to realign himself with pop culture to give his name some longevity and weight?

Your guess is as good as mine, but in an interview with UnderCover, Jackson states that “you just don’t see the kind of band or that kind of mania that the Jacksons created any more.” Jackson is even wrangling the kids online by using the Internet to give his endeavor an extra boost. Using online social media and a website, JJ5TV.com, where users and viewers can give their opinions and feedback, Jackson can pick the top five people to take JJ5 to the brink of stardom. (Oh yeah, JJ5 is the name of the group). So, keep your eyes peeled, your mouse in hand, and you could be one of the voices that decides who and what JJ5 will be—assuming you care, of course.

    Alibi Picks

    In Memoriam: 145th Memorial Day Remembrance

    Memorial Day, originally called "Decoration Day," was proclaimed an official holiday on May 5, 1868 by Army General John Logan. On this day, the flag of the United States is kept at half-mass until noon in remembrance of those who have lost their lives in service of our country, and then raised back to full-staff for the remainder of the day as an inspiration to the living to continue to fight for liberty and justice. The flags on the historic Old Town Plaza in Albuquerque have observed this tradition for 145 years and will fly proudly once again this year. Join the City of Albuquerque Cultural Services Department today for a special day of remembrance. The flag ceremony will begin at noon and will be followed by special dance performances from local groups. Professional dance company Ballet en Fuego will take the stage at 6 p.m. and Grammy nominee Micky Cruz will perform at 7 p.m. Old Town Plaza • Fri May 24 • 'Til 9 pm • FREE • View on Alibi calendar

      news

      The Daily Word in launch pad for lease, park flasher, glow-in-the-dark cockroaches

      The Daily Word

      British police arrested two men on board a Pakistan International Airlines plane that was diverted to an airport near London.

      Bernalillo corrections officer said he was fired over medical marijuana use.

      Finally what I've been looking for: The NASA shuttle launch pad is up for lease.

      As if cockroaches weren't disgusting enough, now they glow in the dark.

      Cibola High School teacher was arrested yesterday on charges of criminal sexual contact of a minor.

      What a nice day at the park, too bad that flasher had to come ruin in.

      Scientists may finally know why we itch.

      Friday is for space pictures.

        Nonmobile version