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Written by William Hueppauff
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Sunday, 23 December 2007 |
No George Foreman Grill for Me
Technically the basis for this post is not about Albuquerque, but dogfighting and cockfighting are not unlike in that both are conducted simply for the amusement of human beings. And both allow animals to hurt and/or kill each other. Not to mention, I care about animals too much not to follow-up on my original story.
Prior to Michael Vick's sentencing, on December 10, Judge Henry Hudson received a handwritten letter from Vick, along with letters asking for leniency from the following people:
- Hank Aaron
- George Foreman
- Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin
You may download these letters here, for they arouse the senses by providing a sense of amusement and nausea. In Vick's 5 page letter, he asked for a "second chance" 4 times. I would bet those poor dogs he killed asked for a second chance too. Unfortunately, Vick did not listen to them. Vick also wrote, "...jail is no place for me...". Which I totally disagree with, it is actually the perfect place for him. He also states, "Throughout this entire case, I've just tried to be honest. Sometimes I didn't know how to be..." What? You're either honest or you're not. How do you "try" to be honest? We all remember Vick's public denials of his involvement in this case, which we now know, were lies. Lying is dishonest, period. You cannot be partially honest. Sadly, Michael Vick's parents did not teach him that.
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Written by William Hueppauff
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Sunday, 23 December 2007 |
Recently I found myself in the market for a new trailer. With Michael Vick going to jail, the 3-11 Atlanta Falcons in overall upheaval and owner Arthur Blank (co-founder of the Home Depot) more than likely having a terrible holiday season (three smiles), I lifted my self-imposed ban on Home Depot (read my original story here). To avoid Albuquerque crowds we found ourselves at the Home Depot in Los Lunas (store #3511). During this journey south of the city we met four Home Depot employees, three that were great and one that was, well, not so great.
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Written by William Hueppauff
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Sunday, 23 December 2007 |
Bizarre I know, but just which is it.... Web site, web site or website? Of course, we have all seen it each way and it would seem the conclusion is up in the air. Even the wiki-def (yes, I just made that up) says each is acceptable, but the purist if me (sans spelling) wishes we could all settle on one.
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Written by William Hueppauff
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Saturday, 22 December 2007 |
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For the record and speaking as the founder of ABQ Blogs, I am not employed by any government agency and I am not related to anyone who is employed by a government agency. By government agency I mean any entity that receives tax dollars for anything!
Just as importantly, no blogger or technician on the ABQ Blogs staff is (or has ever been) employed by a government agency, nor related, in any manner, shape or form, to anyone in a position of power in New Mexico government, let alone Albuquerque.
We are, always have been and always will be truly independent from outside forces and influences. Especially those in the government.
This may not mean much right now, but hang tight.
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Written by Administrators
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Friday, 21 December 2007 |
It appears the City of Albuquerque offers free Web site links on the City site to any "music-related organization or business". Whether you are for-profit or non-profit a lot of you are missing the boat. In fact, a number of radio stations are not on the list (hello, Clear Channel, A.G.M., Citidal and Univision). Places to buy cd's are missing (Borders, Hastings, Wal-Mart, Target, the gas station on the corner, etc...). I don't see Garcia Tents. There are only a few graphic designers listed, and we know there are hundreds of you in this town. Events and festivals are missing. Personal music instructors and local DJ's are missing.
Spread the word and let's get it together and make this list more complete! And who can beat free advertising?
Download and complete the PDF application and
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. If you have any questions call him at (505) 771-3166. |
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Written by Administrators
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Friday, 21 December 2007 |
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During the next few days we will be making system and software upgrades to ABQ Blogs. As a result, from time to time the site may be offline. We appreciate your patience.
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Written by William Hueppauff
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Tuesday, 18 December 2007 |
Oh, What A Tangled Internet We Weave...
They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, but it's really starting to piss me off. Over the weekend, an acquaintance (who I am close to calling a friend), informed me the Albuquerque Independent Business Alliance (AIBA) had a new Web site. My new friend told me this Web site had a photo header that looked "very familiar". When my browser landed on their Web site, for a few moments, I couldn't blink and I had to catch my breath. I think my heart even skipped a beat. WOW! Sure enough, the AIBA Web site has a wonderful photo of Albuquerque as it's header, that I found very pleasant and eerily familiar. The season is different, and it was taken with a better camera, but if it doesn't look like our own copyrighted photo header right here on ABQ BLOGS you have the permission to slap me silly.
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Written by Administrators
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Tuesday, 18 December 2007 |
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ABQ Blogs is seeking a new attorney to represent us in several matters. We're the good guys/plaintiffs. While we do not require extensive experience in intellectual property, trademarks, copyrights and the Internet, obviously some experience in this field would be helpful. But here is the rub, although we are technically not a non-profit we are certainly a little-profit. We do have advertising opportunities available, including the ability to showcase your practice/firm on our Web site under an exclusive agreement. We'll cover our own court costs and we can work out a deal for a generous percentage of the back-end.
Furthermore, we have skills! Advertising, marketing and Web searches are in our blood. You help us and we'll help you build your business. Guaranteed!
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Written by William Hueppauff
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Monday, 17 December 2007 |
A fellow Albuquerquian, who describes himself as "Sick and Tired of Bad Drivers", has been operating a blog since this summer focusing on bad drivers in the Duke City. Yet, he just doesn't rant about our bad drivers, he can often prove it! This gentleman must carry his camera with him, like some of us carry our wallet or purse. The blog is funny, scary and sad, rolled up into one, like a Judd Apatow film. Check it out here.
Sick and Tired, you're our kinda guy, so if you ever want a new blog home, we would welcome you into the ABQ Blogs fold in a second.
By the way, while we're on the subject of bad driving... please, everyone, use your directional indicators! Which is the true name of the signal device. Calling them "blinkers" does not properly describe the device, and by doing so, I believe it is why many drivers just don't get it. They are DIRECTIONAL INDICATORS or even DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS. And they come standard on all automobiles! Under state law, you turn them on at least 100 feet prior to changing lanes, making a turn or merging into traffic. Not during and not after. You are indicating, hence the name, to other drivers your intention to change your direction. You should not be telling us what you've already done. By then, we get it.
To review the traffic laws visit the online manual provided by the State of New Mexico. Respect each other and save lives. |
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Written by William Hueppauff
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Monday, 17 December 2007 |
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Refreshingly unique. Flavorsome. Sensational. Presented amidst a wonderful decor, housed within the cozy walls of an old gas station.
For many months now my favorite restaurant in Albuquerque has been Sumo Sushi Japanese Restaurant, at 300 3rd Street at Slate, just one block north of Lomas.
Owner and Chef Woo Young Yi has succeeded in bringing about an eating experience unlike any other in Albuquerque. Reminiscent of a dining experience in Scottsdale or Hollywood, Sumo Sushi accomplishes what many restaurateurs in the Duke City have only dreamed.
The downtown lunch crowd has discovered Sumo Sushi, which often makes the confines noisy and crowded. But on most evenings Sumo Sushi is a quiet, joyous place to wind-down and relish a meal. Still, calling it a meal is probably an injustice.
Take my word for it, you must try the Mountain Roll, which is absolutely heavenly. Cheers Chef Woo Young Yi and I wish you many years of success.
The tales that could be told by the aged bricks and mortar are nothing compared to those they will tell.
DISCLAIMER: As always, the author and/or ABQblogs.com were not compensated in any manner for writing this post. It is a true and accurate accounting of the author’s experience(s).
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Written by William Hueppauff
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Saturday, 15 December 2007 |
Yawn.... Why is a store opening in Albuquerque a semi-major, often major event? Sure, we were excited to see the Apple store come to Albuquerque, which by the way, we scooped the Journal and the NM Business "our job is to announce new business openings" Weekly. But having lived in larger cities I never recall local media or Web sites in those towns being so interested in wasting time or bandwidth talking about for-profit businesses and by doing so, providing free advertising.
In following, I refuse to mention the store because they are not compensating me to promote their opening, and frankly, I could care less. I would like to believe we all have bigger and better things to be talking about. |
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Written by William Hueppauff
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Friday, 14 December 2007 |
Admittedly, I do not listen to local radio, but this afternoon I did not have my MP3 player in the car and I happened to hear what may be the funniest spot to hit local airwaves in years. It seems our Mayor is up to his old tricks, and this time, in protecting his developer buddies, Marty vetoed a bill that would have saved all of us tax dollars. Listen to the spot here.
The spot was paid for and approved by The Campaign for a Better New Mexico, which is a nonpartisan, nonprofit effort of the SouthWest Organizing Project (SWOP) that engages in voter registration, education and inspiration.
Being nonpartisan and only speaking for myself, this issue aside, I am becoming very tired of Mr. Chavez. Having said that I believe as taxpayers, myself included, we should all learn more about TIDD's and TIF, and just what Marty is up to. Some of us realize, life in Albuquerque is not always about rainbows, butterflies and good times. Sometimes the dark, seedy, dishonest side rises to the top and makes my stomach turn. Nevertheless, since I am not employed by Marty nor would I want to be, count on getting your fix of truth and reality right here. |
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Written by William Hueppauff
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Thursday, 13 December 2007 |
As you know, and as anyone can see, this Web site is named ABQ BLOGS, and our domain is ABQBLOGS.COM. From the very day this site was launched, in December 2005, we have maintained our logo on this site, in fact the same logo above, that clearly shows "TM" as part of the logo. Further, we also have the same TM information on our footer. TM, of course, means trademark. A trademark is a form of intellectual property that identifies, in this case, an organization named ABQ BLOGS. ABQ BLOGS is a trademark owned by the same people who conceived, launched and own this Web site.
Unfortunately, certain individuals feel the necessity to use our trademark to their own advantage. In this case, I am talking about Chantal Foster over at Duke City Fix, who has decided to utilize our name... ABQ BLOGS on her Web site. She didn't ask us if she could use our name and she does not have our permission to do so. Worse yet, she did not respond to two separate e-mails I sent her on December 4, 2007 in an effort to establish communication. In fact, Chantal has ignored my last three e-mails. Grow up Chantal.
It should be noted, John Fleck, over at the Journal, once used our name on their Web site and after I sent Mr. Fleck an e-mail he quickly responded and removed it. Kudos! You see Chantal, some of us get it.
All of us at ABQ BLOGS have worked hard to build this brand. Under no circumstances, will I allow another entity to utilize our name without our permission. Chantal, if you want to play games that's your business, but don't play games with our intellectual property. You had an opportunity to respond to my recent e-mails and you choose not to, and now our little "pissing match" (as you put it in your March 12, 2006 e-mail) is public knowledge.
Remove our name, ABQ BLOGS, from your Web site immediately, and please refrain from using it again unless you have our written permission. Or at least until you grow up.
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Written by William Hueppauff
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Tuesday, 11 December 2007 |
Kudos to the voters of District 2 and District 6 for realizing the last thing Albuquerque needed was two of Martin Chavez's drones sitting on the City Council. At first, when I learned of Joanie Griffin (Griffin and Associates) and Katherine Martinez running I thought Marty figured if you can't beat 'em, stack 'em. I know, I know, both will say their decision to run was their very own. But I cannot believe that.
Thankfully, Griffin, Marty's campaign spokesperson/resident crazy woman (remember her nutty display on television during Marty's reelection campaign) and Ms. "I have been endorsed by our Mayor" Martinez lost. And lost handily! Sometimes, the people of Albuquerque do not get the credit they deserve. The Griffin and Martinez losses showed me the voters of District 2 and District 6 understand how one person with too much power in government is never a good thing.
Thank you.
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Written by William Hueppauff
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Monday, 10 December 2007 |
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In what may have been his smartest move in years, Mayor Martin Chavez has decided not to run for the senate seat vacated by Pete Domenici. Marty just saved himself, and his supporters, a lot of time and money.
However, I am certain his wading into the reality end of the pool is only temporary and before you know it his Napoleon complex will force him to seek a higher office.
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Written by William Hueppauff
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Tuesday, 04 December 2007 |
Dr. Richard White Retires from New Mexico Orthopaedics After Huge Payday from Zimmer Holdings
In a story that appears to have flown under the radar in Albuquerque, the United States Department of Justice has reached an agreement with companies that manufacturer artificial hips and knees. The government claimed “consulting fees” paid to surgeons violated federal anti-kickback laws because money paid these doctors was, in reality, an incentive for doctors to use their products.
To avoid prosecution, Zimmer Holdings and four other manufacturers, Smith and Nephew, Biomet and DePuy Orthopaedics, reached an agreement, namely a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA), with the Justice Department. A DPA allows a company to avoid indictment if they consent to reforms and monitoring. Along with the agreement the companies agreed to pay a total of $311 million in penalties. In fact, Zimmer Holdings was hit the hardest, with a $169.5 million settlement. Stryker, the fifth company involved, was not penalized and agreed to a Non-Prosecution Agreement because they cooperated with the investigation. However, the most interesting part of the agreements was the fact that each company, while they admitted no wrongdoing (don’t they always), agreed to list doctors and entities that were paid money in 2007. Part of the concession was that any monies paid prior to 2007 were not part of the investigation or settlement, but the individual websites of each of the aforementioned companies lists all payments made in 2007.
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Written by William Hueppauff
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Wednesday, 05 September 2007 |
Men's Tailored Suits Department A Delight
As I was recently in the market for several new suits, I am proud to report one store, in particular, was able to provide fine clothing at reasonable prices, accompanied by great service. That store is Dillard’s at Winrock Center.
Doug Eiferle was my Sales Associate, and simply put, Doug knows suits. He knows suit makers, fabric, cut and is not afraid to tell you what looks good on you, and frankly, what may not look so good. That is impressive. Let’s face it; a salesperson that actually cares about making a customer look good versus making a quick sale is a rare breed indeed. Thanks for your honesty Doug.
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Written by Administrators
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Thursday, 15 February 2007 |
We're the Best Blog in Albuquerque
Thanks! ABQblogs.com was voted best blog in Albuquerque for 2006. We (blush) appreciate the honor and are very grateful to everyone who voted for us.
ABQ Blogs learned our story about Bernalillo County Treasurer Patrick Padilla selling drug paraphernalia at his South Valley car wash may have helped us win a few votes. Although some probably loved our story about the Apple Store coming to Albuquerque, especially since ABQ Blogs was the FIRST to report it. Of course, we really liked our story about APS Board President Paula Maes being married to a vendor - talk about a conflict of interest.
When you put it all together, we'd like to believe it's our whole approach to blogging... which is not listing local events, sharing personal stories or basking in our own glory (except for this post). Not there's anything wrong with listing events or sharing stories, but we'll leave that for other Web sites. And we truly don't like those who've built Web sites and done so with ulterior motives, or maybe even for shameless self-promotion to further their own careers. No, that's just not us. To be honest, we've turned down several requests for interviews and guest appearances. It's nothing personal, but that's just it... it's not about us. It's about Albuquerque. It's about reporting stories local media either hasn't uncovered or has refused (although they'll never admit it) to report. It's about making Albuquerque a better place to live - for all of us!
"What good is being the best, if it brings out the worst in you?" - Rodney Dangerfield
Thanks again!AUTHOR'S UPDATE (December 17, 2007): The administrators of ABQ Blogs had not published this post when it was written for fear of being viewed... well, too pretentious or competitive for our own good. But, in view of recent events by other local bloggers (who claim to operate with a sense of community) we've reconsidered our decision. We realize competition is a good thing, even if the competition is good, bad, honest or dishonest. Because if competition makes other sites adopt our business model then we are a success. By the very definition of the word. And our city will become a better place to live because of it. Thanks for the vote of confidence! |
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