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Reticence: A Beautiful Farewell

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By Nichole Harwood 

Saying goodbye to a favorite book series is not so different from saying farewell to a dear friend. You know there is a chance you will see each other again but you are also faced with the reality that the relationship you held dear for many years is now moving on. Gail Carriger’s Reticence, the fourth book in the Custard Protocol series and seemingly final chapter in the beautiful world that began with Soulless, was released August 6th, closing a final chapter on a world that was just as remarkably witty as it was creative. 

The intelligent and slightly antisocial Percival Tunstell (“Percy” to his friends) takes the reins in the final book, giving us an interesting view of how the world Carriger built looks to one of her less sociable main characters. Unlike his charming sister Primrose and her overly charismatic best friend Prudence (a favorite of mine in the series) Percy is simply not the adventure type. His character hearkens to one that is born into extraordinary circumstances but would rather embrace the ordinary in life. 

While we are told by other main characters that Percy truly belongs among the cast on the Spotted Custard we have never really seen him embrace his place among them. This book finally allows us to see Percy embrace his place and prove that he is a truly valuable member of the Spotted Custard. 

The book begins with Dr. Arsenic Ruthven, a doctor who while brilliant has to often fight for her place among her colleagues due to her gender. The lady doctor strikes gold when she is interviewed by the crew of the Spotted Custard who immediately take a liking to her and quickly hire her as the doctor of their vessel. From the very beginning of the book, there is an attraction between Arsenic and our main character Percy, and the book does a very elegant job of portraying the relationship from both points of view. But while a romance exists in this book it would be a mistake to file the final book of this series under romance. Quite early on we are thrown into a collection of interesting and strange situations ranging from a wedding where the bride’s grandmother is promptly thrown into a fountain (don’t worry she deserved it) to a request for the crew to journey to Japan. Along the way, Carriger introduces a range of characters from past series to new faces that only seem to expand the world she built. When we actually arrive in Japan and are given the conflict of saving a dying fox shifter or not, we as readers are already well invested in the ending of the series. 

As the writing shifts from Percy to Arsenic, readers are given two very different perspectives that I believe shape this book as not just a thrilling conclusion to a beloved series, but a proper stand-alone read on it’s own. Percy serves as the eyes of seasoned readers, who know all the characters introduced, while Arsenic serves as the eyes of new readers who are being introduced to these characters for the first time. 

This book seems to serve two purposes: the first is wrapping up the entirety of the series by allowing us to say goodbye to a cast we have come to love, and the second is solidifying one of the younger cast member’s place in the series. Showing readers both old and new that there is so much more still left to explore in the world Carriger created. 

The parts of the book that stood out to me were the ones that truly dived into Percy’s character. What I really love about his character is how similar he and his mother Ivy are from a reader’s perspective. I don’t mean personality-wise, as the two could not be farther apart in attitude or character, but rather how easily overlooked they are. Ivy is introduced in the first book as the main character Alexia Tarabotti’s best friend, and Percy is the brother of this series main character Prudence’s best friend. Both Ivy and Percy are often wildly underestimated by their peers and yet both end up being integral to the plotlines of their respective series. 

There are two endings to this book: the first is Percy’s ending which gives readers hope as his last lines are perhaps one of my favorite in the book.  

“Percy realized that perhaps he hadn’t estimated properly and that they may not quite make it to Hong Kong, but he had no doubt at all, that they would make it somewhere. 

They would make it happen. 

They would make all of it happen, together. 

And it would be glorious.” (Percy, Reticence the fourth book in the Custard Protocol Series)  

The second ending is a farewell from one character that has been a constant throughout the series, Lord Akeldama. While his letter is beautiful I will admit that one line sticks out to me the most and I think it is the best line to end this review on as it encapsulates not just Carriger’s characters but also a large chunk of humanity. 

“Never discount humans. They try so very hard. Sometimes they become something wonderful.” (Lord Akeldama, Reticence the fourth book in the Custard Protocol Series) 

Banner Courtesy of @gailcarrigerllc via Facebook

It Chapter Two Terrifies Audiences A Second Time

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By Calgary Maez

As if it wasn’t terrifying enough to watch a killer clown terrorize a group of kids in a small town, you can now watch them be terrorized as adults and deal with that trauma all over again. “IT Chapter Two” is the climactic film to Stephen King’s novel “IT” and pits the Loser’s club against Pennywise. 

The one challenge that presented itself was to find actors that could successfully portray the kids as adults. This is the films strongest piece because not only do the adults act exactly like their younger counterparts, but some even look like them! It’s impressive how well the actors perform in their roles, especially Bill Hader. The only one that felt slightly off was Jessica Chastain as Beverly Marsh. It’s not that she does a bad job — she is a phenomenal actress — but refer back to the first installment, Bev was a carefree, rebellious girl, which wasn’t translated to her adult character. This is especially true when you see the kids in certain flashback scenes. 

If you loved the first film, you’ll likely leave the theater satisfied once again. 

What makes “IT Chapter Two” unique as a horror film is the comedic relief that is sprinkled among the horror and scares. There are several hilarious moments throughout the film that were done very well. Even though it’s meant to be a horror film, the comedy lets you connect with the characters more and makes you root for them. 

It’s a breath of fresh air for the horror genre because the film doesn’t rely on the cliché horror tropes that are present in most blockbuster films. But when those horrific scenes play, they leave you on the edge of your seat. The film does a better job with its horror elements than the first film and makes you fear Pennywise even more. 

Without getting too much into spoiler territory, there are some decisions made by the filmmakers that didn’t work in the film. There were a couple of twists that didn’t pay off well, and even some that probably would have been best left out. While there are some minor gripes about the film, it makes you scratch your head a bit when really thinking about it and trying to make sense of it. Not only that, but the film feels too long with the run time coming in at 2 hours and 50 minutes. The first installment is one of those films where you can just pop it in and enjoy, but this one feels like you have to set some time aside and really be in the mood to watch. 

Overall, “It Chapter Two” is a solid sequel and good conclusion to the franchise. The film has amazing acting performances, hilarious comedic and horrific scenes, good visual effects and an overall decent conclusion. Some of the lackluster twists and the long run time holds the film back a bit, but if you were to watch both the first film and this one back to back, it would be a solid story to experience. 

Poster Courtesy of @ItChapterT_wo

Toy Story 4 a New Beginning for a New Generation

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By Calgary Maez

One of the most beloved Pixar franchises has returned this summer to bring a new adventure for the beloved band of toys. However, the ending of Toy Story 3 raises the question: Was a sequel really necessary?

In many ways, Toy Story 4 feels like a new beginning in the franchise. In the newest installment, Bonnie, the child from the third movie, has the toys she received from Andy, but ultimately she cares the most for the toy she made in school, named Forky. Woody sets out to protect the plastic cutlery so that he can continue to serve his purpose to make Bonnie happy. And that’s really what Toy Story 4 focuses: What is one’s purpose throughout life?

Characters, new and old, come together with empowering, positive messages for children, resonating with parents who grew up watching the original Toy Story.

Pixar is one of the best innovators when it comes to animation. The fabric on the toys have immaculate attention to detail, and there are scenes that look as if they were shot with real cameras and animation added in later. We’ve come a long way with technology and Toy Story 4 is a great achievement in the animated film genre.

However, the film doesn’t really stand out much as a Toy Story film. Yes, the original characters are there and Woody is the obvious star of the film, but they ultimately get left on the back burner with their screen time extremely limited. It was disappointing to see Buzz Lightyear getting that same treatment when him and Woody were such an iconic duo. In previous films, the original toys had a larger role to play by adding more to the story. 
The messages and overall plot of Toy Story 4 is great for all families to enjoy. The incredible animation is stunning to look at and the voice acting is spectacular. It would have been nice to see the original toys get more screen time, or even a scene like the first three films where they were getting played with like an over-the-top action movie. While it is a good Toy Story movie, it’s not particularly the most stand out film in the franchise as it feels a little more separated from the rest.

Poster Courtesy of movieweb.com


Taos Vortex 2019 – Gallery 1

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ABQ Live made the journey up North to Meow Wolf’s immersive weekend experience in Taos, New Mexico. The Taos Vortex featured three days of live music, adventure, experimental interactions, and friends. Enjoy two photo galleries from the festival.

Taos Vortex Photo Galleries: 1 | 2

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Taos Vortex 2019 – Gallery 2

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ABQ Live made the journey up North to Meow Wolf’s immersive weekend experience in Taos, New Mexico. The Taos Vortex featured three days of live music, adventure, experimental interactions, and friends. Enjoy two photo galleries from the festival.

Taos Vortex Photo Galleries: 1 | 2

[Read more…]

The Hidden Treasures of Nob Hill

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By Ludella Awad 

If you’re strolling through Nob Hill, you might want to take another look at these old city treasures.  

Courtesy of www.newmexiconewsport.com

1) Astro Zombies 

For 20 years, Astro Zombies has been serving the community in a world of fun and pop culture. 

Mike D’Elia, the owner of Astro Zombies, said he appreciates every person who walks through the front door, even if they are just looking around for a few minutes

Other than providing the fun and pop culture side of today, he said he also hopes to provide a great experience through his customer service. 

The community is vital to Astro Zombies and D’Elia said he looks forward to continuing to be a valuable asset to Nob Hill. 

“Without the community, Astro Zombies does not exist,” D’Elia said. 

Courtesy of www.offbroadwaycostumes.com

2) Off Broadway Vintage Clothing and Costumes

From movie stars and fancy vintage costumes to makeup and accessories, Off Broadway Vintage Clothing and Costumes, is ready to dress the town in style.

Off Broadway Vintage Clothing and Costume shop has been in business for 35 years. They pride themselves on their antiques that can be seen on movie stars, the University of New Mexico students, and people from all over the world. 

The store sells high-end, vintage clothing from the last century through the ‘80s. Whether its a timeless piece someone is looking to add to their closet, or a costume just to rent for an event, Off Broadway has options. 

Susan Ricker, the owner of the store, shares her passion for helping others pick out clothes for the right event. 

“I love being in Nob Hill — it is the only place I want to be. It is a great atmosphere and there are a lot of families that shop here.” 

Courtesy of www.facebook.com/guildcinema/

3) Guild Cinema 

Guild Cinema has been around for 53 years, showing a variety of films that are underrepresented, including documentaries, older movies, foreign movies, and experimental films. 

Guild Cinema formed partnerships with many local organizations around the city 15 years ago. Co-owner of Guild Cinema, Keif Henley, is very passionate about the films that are shown at the theatre. 

“I would like to think we offer an exchange of ideas and culture here — a window to a larger world,” Henley said. 

He said he would like to see younger people come to Guild Cinema, but he is grateful for the diversity amongst the people that attend the movie showings already. 

Courtesy of 66diner.com

4) 66 Diner

66 Diner is locally owned and shares an authentic and historical experience to customers in Nob Hill. Once a Phillips 66 gas station during the ’40s and ’50s, 66 Diner now preserves a part of New Mexico history rarely found at other restaurants.

Because of its rich history, 66 Diner attracts many tourists from all over the world, enchanting patrons with its style and delicious cuisine. 

Cassie Brown, manager of the diner, said Albuquerque is a very unique city that has great features. 

“We really appreciate their [community’s] support through the 33 years we have been open,” she said.  

Courtesy of www.newmexiconewsport.com

5) Sachs Body Modification

If any tattoo shop has a long-standing history with Nob Hill, it’s Sachs Body Modification. Tattooing and piercing the community and visitors of the Duke City for 27 years, Sachs continues to hold the spotlight in Nob Hill. They provide a variety of body jewelry to add a whole new look, as well as providing high quality tattoos. Additionally, Sachs is the first to start vegan inks in New Mexico. 

Sachs offers customers a consultation by appointment in preparation of a new tattoo or piercing. Sachs is also well known to the University of New Mexico students who come through. 

Owner of Sachs, Callen Gurule, said, “We’re constantly changing, so if you haven’t come to visit us for a while, come stop by and check us out.”

Spider-Man: Far From Home delivers a new twist to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

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By Calgary Maez

As the 23rd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Spider-Man: Far From Home is one of the best films Marvel Studios has put out. It’s also one of the best Spider-Man films ever made with amazing storytelling, great acting from Tom Holland, Jake Gyllenhaal, Samuel L. Jackson, and the rest of the cast.

Spider-Man: Far From Home picks up right where Avengers: Endgame left off. As Peter Parker has come home from helping to save the universe, a much-needed summer vacation with all of his friends is much needed. However, Nick Fury hijacks his vacation and has him team up with the mysterious Mysterio to help fight elemental beings.

Have you ever gone on vacation only to have the experience ruined by constant phone calls from work, pulling you away from your fun? Imagine being a high school teenager on summer vacation in Europe who happens to be The Amazing Spider-Man and has to save the world halfway across the globe.

What works so much in the film is the fantastic casting choice for the characters. Tom Holland is the perfect Spider-Man and gives the character so much heart that you can instantly relate to him. He tackles being a superhero while also wanting to be a normal teenager around his friends and trying to spend time with his high school crush, MJ. Spider-Man is one of those grounded superheroes who have this immense responsibility as a superhero but also want to lead a normal life. Tom Holland nails this perfectly and makes you really feel and sometimes relate with his character.

Jake Gyllenhaal also gives a phenomenal performance as Mysterio. This mysterious ally is one of the best newcomers to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and plays a fantastic role throughout the film. The costume designs for him and Spidey stand out the most as they make them look so much more comic book accurate on-screen. The visual effects for both characters stand out as well, especially for scenes with Mysterio. Visually, it’s one of the best looking Marvel films to date.

With action scenes and dynamic casting, the film is a beauty to view. Spider-Man: Far From Home is one summer blockbuster filled with twists and turns that you don’t want to miss.

Poster courtesy of IMDb.

Griff Lamar: Return to Music

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By Chris Castellanos

In a genre of music that celebrates the constant flexing of sex, cars, money, and drugs, one artist, Griff Lamar, decided to take a step back before diving into the alluring shimmer of the professional hip-hop scene. Back in 2012, thousands of people knew Lamar when his song “Super Swag” played on BET’s “106 & Park.” Finding himself in a spotlight, which he had been so eager to grasp, Lamar wasn’t satisfied. For Lamar, there were voices where there weren’t any before, questioning his actions: What does my music mean? What am I saying? Will I be proud of what I have done with my voice? Lamar took a hiatus promising himself that if he ever was going to come back to hip-hop, it was going to be with something to say from the heart.

Fast forward to the start of 2019, Griff Lamar was featured by KRQE for his remake of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, staged at the KiMO Theatre. ABQ-Live had a chance to sit down with Griff Lamar and discuss how he plans to move forward in his return. 

Q&A

Can you tell us about yourself?

Griff Lamar, Air Force Veteran, college graduate, father. That should have been first honestly (laughs). Jack of all trades, I film my videos, I edit my videos. I write music, I have a very particular way of doing things that help me to accomplish what I want. I have a lot of ambition and it’s always been there. I am a person who makes it happen, if I want it I get it, nothing is going to stop me.” 

Can you tell us a little about your song “Super Swag”?

I was going to UNM during that time. To be honest, it was something to do. I had just gotten out of the military. Because of the military, I had the benefit of going to college. I was more focused on the music. With the success of “Super Swag”, I gained a lot of confidence — it was like I knew this is the route.

To be constantly working is something that seems embedded in our culture, especially for a creator. While on your break, did you feel a lot of pressure to get back to creating music, or were you content in your hiatus?

I have to tell you why I stepped away first: I was conflicted about the message I was giving. I was on that whole wave of doing what everyone else was doing. Being young in your 20’s living that life, going out, partying, drinking, smoking, all of the above. –it was conflicting for me because I may have been living that lifestyle, but it wasn’t something I was necessarily proud of. I had a daughter at the time and as she got older, I started to realize: What am I instilling in her? What am I going to tell her as far as what she should and shouldn’t do? She can look back on me and literally look me up on YouTube. That was a big part of it. I wanted to keep my morals whether or not I saw that quick success. 

I had thousands of views on YouTube, but I deleted them because I wasn’t proud of them. I didn’t know what I was going to talk about, but I knew that I didn’t want to talk about that lifestyle anymore. I didn’t want “Super Swag” to be my whole image and that’s it. There is so much more depth to me not only as an artist, but as a person and I didn’t feel that I had the opportunity or platform to really show that. I wanted to please everyone or not please but I wanted the approval. All [of] that made me want to step back. I want to make sure that I look back at what I did and be proud of it, even if they [fans] don’t like it.

In your new songs. “Energy” and “Talk About It,” the idea of a complex past keeps coming up. Can you explain why that is? 

Even during the “Super Swag” era, there were plenty of songs that were more emotional, that came from my heart that had to do with my personal experiences with relationships, but those didn’t get as much attention as “Super Swag.” I wrote “Talk About It” during the “Super Swag” era, and there were other songs that I planned to release. “Talk About It” was a song I never really got behind because it was also during a time when I was wondering if I wanted to keep doing this. 

Hip-hop and rap started out almost therapeutically to tell the stories of those who seemingly had no voice. How do you explain the shift from real-life struggles to a more materialistic brag? 

It’s always been a part of it, even back in the early ’90s and it was so easy to get swept up into it. It’s not like I was lying. I had girls, I had money, I had friends and that whole lifestyle– it was just an aspect of my life I never wanted growing up. I know I wanted to create, I wanted to be appreciated for my talents. That whole lifestyle was a product of my environment. All of us are kind of caught up in this space where we pretend like it is the best thing to live that way, but the reality is that we are using this to cope with our issues — that’s what I was doing. I’m not going to shun people for doing that, because I know, I lived it. I know how easy it is to get sucked into that. I just can’t glorify that kind of lifestyle anymore.

Are there any influences in the music or crazy music video ideas from your experience in the Air Force? 

The Air Force introduced me to some really close friends. You meet people from all over and y’all bond up, you’re tight and then go our own ways. I’ve had some of my best friendship experiences in the Air Force because I lived everywhere growing up. This was the first time I got a chance to get familiar with the area. If you asked me where Central and Wyoming are, I could tell you — that was one of the best aspects of the military — a bunch of people in an unfamiliar area and we grew to know it as well as each other. As far as writing music, not right now. As I delve deeper to tell my story, I’m sure it’ll come up. 

Authenticity is another running theme in your music Can you talk about why that is important to you? 

I experienced this rare thing where everyone was my friend and no one was at the same time. I didn’t have anyone checking on me or asking how I was doing I had people asking if I wanted to go party or if I knew where the party was. No one cared about asking about me. They wanted to tell me about their cousin who raps, their brothers, sisters, uncles, their mom. They wanted to tell me about all these people who hated me and then I would see these people in person and they would make a beeline for me, shake my hand, pat me on the back and tell me I’m doing a great job. I didn’t know how to feel about it. I think everyone wanted to be cool with me because they didn’t know how far I was going to go. They would say how they really felt with friends, but in public show open support to me and it was confusing. I honestly had more respect to the people [who] stood by what they said about not liking me or my music.

The way I was raised, you communicate your differences. Communication was the way you bridge the gap between personalities and differences. It comes up in the music because it’s a reality. I’m not going to pretend I don’t have my issues, because I do, just like everyone else, but I am self-aware. I don’t get in my own way and if I do, I have people around me who are going to help me. 

What are your plans for the future?

I definitely wanted to shoot a music video for “Energy,” [so] I’m putting things together for that. I have a couple of other songs that have already been released that I am not actively pushing for I also plan to do videos for. I am starting a clothing line, and I designed my own logo. I am really trying to dig my hands into every aspect of this. I’m going to hit the ground running, go places. If you like good music, good art, I’m your guy. More than anything good work that I’m proud of. 

Griff Lamar’s new music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, and YouTube.  


     

2019 Summerween Costume Ideas

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By August Edwards

If you’re like me, you have no idea what to wear for Summerween 2019, and you love being the center of attention. I’ve compiled a list to help you achieve all of your Summerween dreams for Saturday, August 10th at the Salt Yard.

Courtesy of www.marthastewart.com

1)  Area 51-themed: Something (Twitter) tells me that this Area 51 raid is a hot summer topic. Come as an alien, a citizen with a heart of gold, or even the Air Force. We can’t stop all of you from storming this cool, trendy costume concept.

Courtesy of www.makeupbyrenren.com

2) Any animal, really: Let’s face it; we all might just end up here anyway. Have a pair of nondescript-animal-ears-on-a-headband laying around? Do you have paint or some opaque-ish substance to create a snout, whiskers, or smear under your eyes (in a raccoon-like fashion)? A fur-colored shirt? You’re good, my friend!

Courtesy of gmispace.com , scholastic.com, halloweencostumes.com

3)  A Teacher: Sexy! Knowledge! Scorn! Teachers have made some of the biggest impacts in our lives; let’s pay a hearty homage to them by putting on our best, homiest tie or ill-fitting slacks. Remember that sweater Mrs. Howard always wore? Feel free to spice it up and make our beloved teachers the best versions of themselves. You can even put one of those old apples on your counter to good use as a prop!

Courtesy of loudwire.com
4)  A Rockstar (Who’s Music You’ve Never Heard): We all know that one song—we don’t need to know their whole story, for cryin’ out loud. Slap on a wig, dabble with some spicy guy-liner, and carry around that ukulele that you store in your closet (folks will get the gist). If someone asks you about discographies, or whatever, you can always distract them by buying them a drink.


5) Your Favorite Brand Mascot: Did someone say “I’m sponsored”? Everyone will recognize you in that bald cap, white eyebrows to match the t-shirt, and an inexplicable, singular, gold hoop earring—that’s right, it’s Mr. Clean! Be the Geico Gecko of the ball while supporting the corporation close to home. 

Contact us: info@abq-live.com

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