Calvin Spencer is the fastest wiener dog in the nation

Who even knew there WAS a national dachshund dash??

They may be the little guys in the dog world, but dachshunds can move.

There's even a content to prove it!

Calvin is wiener dog racing royalty. He's a spotted dachshund from Albuquerque who, turns out, is pretty gosh darn fast.

"He's the current wiener national champion, so the fastest wiener dog in the nation," said his owner, Cindy Spencer.

Spencer says last year she heard an ad on the radio for a national dachshund dash. On a whim, she trucked over to the tryouts.

"He ended up sweeping the whole thing. We got the trip to San Diego, we flew out there, and he ended up sweeping that too," she said.

He's currently the fastest wiener in the west, which is what sponsor Wienerschnitzel calls him.

Spencer says there's no true training involved.

"He's really excited about the tennis balls, so that's pretty much all it takes is I just bounce the tennis ball, and he just about comes undone," she said.

She's not kidding.

"I think he has, he has an intense focus on the tennis ball, so he's pretty obsessive about it," she said.

Lucky for this short-legged fellow, all he has to do is run 50 feet faster than his six competitors, and he'll win $1,000 and retain the title of the most fleet-footed dachshund in the country.

"Even though he has no idea what it's about, for us, it's pretty funny," said Spencer.

Looks like he plans to run circles around his competition.

Calvin will compete in the Wienerschnitzel Nationals in San Diego Wednesday.

Read more http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/293360/28/Fastest-wiener-dog-in-the-nation

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Merry Christmas

Happy Holiday's and Merry Christmas from Lincoln Heights!

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Albuquerque gives Chipotle Mexican Grill hearty welcome

Are you planning to check out our first Chipotle? Or do you already have loyalties to another Mexican restaurant?

Albuquerque’s first Chipotle Mexican Grill opened Tuesday to long lines of patrons eager to try its fare.

The Denver-based chain of gourmet burrito and taco restaurants opened in the former Shoney’s restaurant on the southeast corner of one of the city’s busiest intersections, Menaul and Louisiana boulevards, immediately east of the state’s largest enclosed shopping mall, Coronado Center.

Chipotle’s (NYSE:CMG) website reports that the chain was started in 1993 by founder and CEO Steve Ells, whose first store was a former ice cream parlor. The company went public in 2006, after opening restaurants outside of Colorado.

Chipotle’s menu features salads, gourmet tacos and gigantic burritos with make-it-your-own options, such as rice, pinto or vegetarian black beans, “naturally” raised meat (braised carnitas or barbacoa, adobo-marinated and grilled chicken or steak) or guacamole, salsa and cheese or sour cream. Customers can order take-out online on its website.

The new restaurant, at 6810 Menaul Blvd. NE, is open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Read more http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/blog/2011/12/slideshow-albuquerque-gives-chipotle.html 

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Marine Toys for Tots – Donate or Request a Toy

Every year, the Marine Albuquerque Toys for Tots Foundation collects and donates thousands of new toys and distributes them to local children who otherwise might not have gotten any presents. If you find yourself in a rough spot this year, but still want your kids to have a nice Christmas, you can request toys for your family by following the instructions below. If you’re having a good year, please consider donating a toy so that other families can enjoy the holiday season too!

Requesting Toys

Those living in the Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Bernalillo County New Mexico areas wishing to request toys for their children, will need to register through our friends at the Albuquerque Department of Family and Community Services.

Please contact them at 505-256-2070.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

1. Valid Government issued ID

2. Birth Certificate (for each child 12 years old and younger)

• Child must be 12 years old on or before date registered to qualify.    
• Only the parents listed on the Birth Certificate will be allowed to register.
• If you are not the parent you must show Legal Custody Documents.

3. Current bill must be one of the following:

• Electric, Gas, Phone bill, Comcast, Direct TV or a Current Lease
• Bill date must be within 30 days of registration date.
• Bill must have the name and current address of the parent that is registering.
• Current Lease can not be expired and must have Parent/Legal Guardian listed
  as a tenant.

* * * The LAST DAY to register is 12/08/11 at John Marshall HSSC, 1500 Walter SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 * * *

Donating Toys

Check out this link for a list of places in Albuquerque where you can drop off toys: http://albuquerque-nm.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/donate-toys.asp. Toys must be new and unwrapped to be accepted.

Read more: http://albuquerque-nm.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/request-toys.asp

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Criminals Target Holiday Shoppers

Please stay safe when you’re out shopping this year!

Police are warning all shoppers to be on high-alert this holiday weekend.

Officers said thieves are targeting shoppers, and parking lots are presenting the biggest problem. Thieves will approach women carrying a lot of bags, then distract them and take off with their purse.

Criminals are also targeting mothers and the elderly. Police arrested three men in connection to a recent purse-snatching at a Walmart on Albuquerque's west side.

Authorities said the woman was putting her child in the car when a man came up, distracted her and grabbed her purse

Police said it's important to be aware of your surroundings and stay focused if someone approaches you. They also recommend leaving your purse at home when you go shopping.

Read more: http://www.koat.com/news/29858969/detail.html#ixzz1fJ8Wtsid Photo from: http://karateworldkickboxing.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/shopping.jpg 

Other Holiday Shopping Safety Tips:

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
• Dress casually and comfortably.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
• Always carry your Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
• Keep cash in your front pocket.
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Read more: http://crime.about.com/od/prevent/qt/tips_shopping.htm

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TOP TEN REASONS to “SHOP SMALL” in OLD TOWN Albuquerque this year

Support your local economy this year when shopping for holiday gifts – come to Old Town Albuquerque! Why, you ask? Here are 10 reasons:

1.  FIND THAT  ONE OF A KIND UNIQUE ITEM – Old Town has special gifts for  everyone on your list that you just won’t find in a mall.  Shopping in Old Town is a truly delightful experience. Unique items from around the world, as well as those that are distinctly Southwestern, can be found in more than 150  shops, boutiques, galleries and artist studios.

2. CREATE JOBS & JOB SECURITY – According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses represent 99.7% of all employer firms in the U.S. economy. Small businesses employ 50% of all private sector employees and created 65% of the net new jobs over the past 17 years. Several  hundred people are  employed within Old Town.

3.  THE “OLD TOWN” AMBIANCE – Shopping in Old Town is always a beautiful experience, but it is especially enchanting when decked out for  the Holiday Season!  Unique historic architecture, the huge  Christmas Tree in Plaza Don Luis, the romantic Gazebo on the Plaza and the charming patios and courtyards will make your shopping trip an exciting adventure. LUMINARIAS (Farolitos) - Thousands of visitors and residents come to Old Town on Christmas Eve and during
the Holiday Stroll (Friday, December 2, 2011) to see the spectacular display of luminarias. Candles are set in a bed of sand inside the bottom of a paper bag. When lit, they create a golden glow. Thousands of luminarias line the Church, Plaza, streets and walkways of Old Town.

4.  EXPERTS YOU CAN TALK TO – Old Town’s Specialty Shops know their stuff!  Merchants have dedicated their lives to learning their trades.  Would you prefer ask the teenage department store cashier about the special gift you’re buying, or to ask the actual artisan who lovingly hand crafted the item?

5.  KEEP YOUR MONEY IN ALBUQUERQUE – Money spent in Old Town is more likely to stay within Albuquerque.  Old Town’s Merchants typically bank  with local banks, use services from local firms, buy advertising  space in local publications and support other Albuquerque businesses in all that they do.

6. YOU DESERVE A BETTER MEAL THAN CAN BE FOUND IN A FOOD COURT - Enjoy the spice & flair of our traditional cuisine at one of the dozen restaurants, cafes & coffee shops featuring everything from the All-American hamburger to  fine continental cuisine.  Need a double espresso or a chocolate pick me up so that you can shop till you drop? Take your pick from Old Town’s finest purveyors.

7. MAKE A DATE OUT OF IT! Take a break &  have some fun while out doing your shopping. Take a guided tour, explore a local museum, look at the  Christmas Lights or enjoy live entertainment that is sure to put a spring in your step.

8.  FRIENDS & FAMILY CAN VISIT WITHOUT HAVING TO SPEND HOURS CLEANING! Several Hotel, Motels and Bed & Breakfasts are within walking distance to Old Town.

9.  BE A PART OF THE HISTORY AND TRADITION! People have been spending the Holiday Season in Old Town for the past 305 years.  For over three centuries Old Town has been the crossroads of the Southwest. It is a Historical Zone of the City of Albuquerque and is still home to many families whose ancestors founded the town.  Shopping in Old Town is a celebration of what it means to live in the Southwest!

10.  CREATING GOODWILL - YOU WILL FEEL GOOD ABOUT THE MONEY YOU SPENT! You’ll feel great that you found spectacular gifts for the people you love; sold to you by people who not only LOVE what they do, but are legitimately grateful for your purchase and truly appreciate your business.  You supported Albuquerque’s economy!  Good for you!

Read more http://albuquerqueoldtown.com/uploads/Top_10_Reasons_to_SHOP_SMALL_in_Old_Town_Albuquerque.pdf

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Albuquerque residents oppose Westside Wal-Mart

How do you feel about the proposed Wal-Mart near Coors Blvd and Montano Road?

In a classic example of David and Goliath, a group of Albuquerque residents are taking on big box development on the Westside.

The protesters arrived dressed in boxes – some even covered themselves in grocery bags – for a rally against a proposed Wal-Mart in a vacant lot near Coors Boulevard and Montano Road.

"How many Wal-Marts do you need in one square mile? A rhetorical question,” state representative Bill O’Neil said. “I don't understand it, I don't think it's appropriate on any levels.”

The city recently approved zoning for mixed-use development in the privately owned property in front of the Bosque School.

“Having a big box store that close to the school is a problem traffic wise,” Tom Allen, a teacher at the school said.

Other protesters were concerned about the items that could be sold at the store.

“We are concerned that there would be a big box here that would sell fire arms and alcohol in such close proximity to a school,” Nancy Henson said.

The school even hired a land use lawyer to fight any possible development.

We contacted city councilor Dan Lewis, who represents the area, but he refused to talk to us.

He said attorneys told all city councilors to not discuss the issue because it could end up before the council – and in a lawsuit – if the development is appealed.

The developer sent his plans for development to the Environmental Protection Committee.

The group will hear his proposal in a December meeting.

KOB Eyewitness News 4 tried to contact Wal-Mart but no one was available for a comment.

A public meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. inside the Cibola High School auditorium.

The Bosque School has created a petition against the current development plans.

It is available at the Middle School Administration Building until November 18.

Read more http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S2370412.shtml

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