UNM Professor Believes Bone Yard Is The Work of a Serial Killer!

Could there be a serial killer on the loose in Albuquerque?

Police Chief Ray Schultz says it's to early to tell, but yesterday the bones of an 11th victim (who was 4th months pregnant at the time of her death) were unearthed at a crime scene where investigators have been searching for a month.

KRQE TV Anchor Jessica Garate, who won an Emmy in Wyoming for her coverage on the killing of Wyoming Student Matthew Shepard, talked to UNM Professor Dirk Gibson, who has done research on serial killers, believes the grave yard was likely the "dumping ground" for a serial killer.

In this studio interview taped before three more victims were found, Prof. Gibson tells Garate there could be many motives for the killings. He says some serial murderers want bodies to be found, but believe the suspect in these killings probably didn't ever want his victims located.



Chief Schultz says digging at the "city's biggest crime scene" will continue with help from the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

Penn and Watts Cast as Wilson and Plame!

The story of Santa Fe residents Valerie Plame and her husband former Ambassador Joe Wilson is one-step closer to the silver screen.

Actors Sean Penn and Naomi Watts have agreed to play the husband and wife team. The movie project is based on Plame's autobiography, Fair Game: My Life as A Spy, My Betrayal by the White House.

E! Online:

Not that Sean Penn hasn't been writing his own ticket for years, but it's nice to see winning his second Best Actor Oscar hasn't made him lazy.

The Milk star is in talks to join the cast of Fair Game, about the government-orchestrated outing of former CIA agent Valerie Plame, per Variety. Penn would play Plame's husband, Ambassador James Wilson, who penned a series of op-eds discrediting the Bush Administration's argument that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass distruction.

Variety Magazine has more about the turnaround production here.

Local Photo credit: MG Bralley

First Republican Candidate Jumps Into Mayoral Race.

On Monday evening, New Mexico businessman and State Representative Richard "RJ" Berry (R-Albuquerque Dist #20) announced on Jim Villanucci talk show program that he will run for Mayor of Albuquerque.

From a campaign news release:

"Now more than ever, Americans across the country are watching their wallets and expecting their elected officials to do the same. Those of us in Albuquerque are no different. We are at a crossroads when it comes to government. We can either choose to adopt the bailout mentality that looks to a big and powerful government for everything, or we can choose to have a limited and responsible government that spends within its means and helps provide an environment where small businesses can flourish and create jobs on their own. As Mayor, I will restore fiscal discipline to City Hall and focus on policies that will help small businesses create jobs.

Richard J. Berry is a businessman and entrepreneur with over twenty years of real business experience here in New Mexico and the greater Southwest region. He and his wife Maria own and operate Cumbre Construction, Inc., a multi-award winning business.

In addition to cutting wasteful spending and creating jobs, Berry also said he will also focus on cracking down on crime and ethics in government.

Berry received his B.A. in Finance from the University of New Mexico in 1985. While in college he lettered in track and field and specialized in the decathlon while working his way through college on an athletic scholarship.

In 2006, Berry was elected to the State House of Representatives where he now serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Transportation and Public Works Committee.

Albuquerque is a great city and we have a bright future. As mayor, I will strive for efficient government and responsible leadership. I will work to promote an inclusive and optimistic vision for Albuquerque, one driven by bold ideas, but tempered with pragmatism and common sense.

Video: Val Kilmer at Mardi Gras in New Orleans

One of New Orleans' perennial favorite Mardi Gras parades - the Krewe of Bacchus - rolled this year with actor Val Kilmer as King.

Kilmer, who's considering running for Governor in New Mexico, tossed Bacchus coin or doubloon to the cheering crowds as the parade crossed the city to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on the New Orleans riverfront where the serious partying began.



To read more on Kilmer's possible political interest check out New Mexico bloggers NMFBIHOP and Heath Haussamen, the New Mexico Independent and one of our favorites, Democracy for New Mexico.

Thanks to Jeremy Jojola for the video hattip.

Crunching the Numbers: Stimulus vs Iraq War!

From the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Is Bush Looking For a Job in Dallas?

Here's the scoop from a friend in Dallas.

In one of his first outings in Dallas since leaving the White House, former President Bush made a surprise appearance at a hardware store Saturday and joked, "I'm looking for a job."

Bush was responding to an open letter to him from the store's manager inviting him to consider a position as a part-time greeter.

Kyle Walters, president and CEO of Elliot's Hardware, wrote in a letter published in The Dallas Morning News on Feb. 5 that the position of greeter would offer Bush several perks, including a flexible schedule to allow him to travel to Crawford, an opportunity for him to maintain his people skills, ample parking -- including space for his security detail -- and an employee discount for any projects Bush many have on the "Honey-Do" list.

Bush has not accepted the position, but he spent about an hour browsing the aisles and purchased batteries, flashlights and WD-40, the store said in a news release.

"We are thrilled Mr. Bush was able to stop and get a few items for his new home," Andrea Bond, a spokeswoman for Elliot's Hardware, said.

Richardson Moves to Ensure Survival of The Screen in Santa Fe.

On the same weekend film fans will meet to watch the Oscar Awards, at The Screen, in Santa Fe, Governor Richardson say's he is moving to keep the local Santa Fe art-house cinema scene alive by allocating $150,000 to support and enhance programming there.

Richardson also wants supporters of The Screen to consider relocating the struggling program from its present location at the College of Santa Fe to a new home at the Jean Cocteau theatre.

"My intent is to ensure the continued vitality of this unique cultural resource," Governor Richardson said. "I think The Screen program is a vital asset not only to the community at large but, with the addition of the educational and interactive components, to our growing local filmmaking community. I want to make sure this program continues as the overall situation with the College of Santa Fe sorts itself out."

The Governor did not say where the money for the project would come from. The programs, and education series, would be run by the state Department of Cultural Affairs.

The Screen's proximity to the RailRunner could encourage filmmakers, and film aficionados, from Albuquerque, Bernalillo, and other areas outside of Santa Fe, to benefit from film curation at The Screen.

Since its inception in 1998, The Screen has featured contemporary foreign and American-made art and independent films, and as well as classic European and American movies. With funding from Governor Richardson and in response to the public outcry, this venerated cultural venue will be preserved.

Blooper of The Day!

Does President Barack Obama dislike members of the media so much as to wipe his snot on them?

Yikes.

At least it's not water torture or Bush-like sophomoric nicknames.

Love is in the Air on Valentine's Day at Albuquerque's Bio Park and Zoo.

Are you still looking for a hot date for Valentine's Day? We decided to take a romantic stroll through the Rio Grande Zoo,
We might even drop by to look at the fishes at the Albuquerque Aquarium, or the garden Rio Grande Botanic Garden . Each are promising great fun, and lot of activities, on Valentine's Day from 10a to 2p.

We got all this info from the folks from the City of Albuquerque's Bio Parks and thought we'd share it with you.

“Animal attraction” is the topic of Discovery Stations around the Zoo. Educators will teach guests about the sometimes scintillating details of courtship and reproduction in the animal world. Guests will also learn how the Zoo acts as a “matchmaker” for endangered species, such as elephants, orangutans and snow leopards, as part of the Species Survival Program. Children can create a Valentine for the animal they love, and all guests will be able to make enrichment items to be given to the Zoo animals. Pink and red paintings created by the Zoo’s own elephants will be on display. Zookeepers will deliver special Valentine’s popsicles (blood-sicles, that is) to the polar bears at 12:30pm, and other animals will be enjoying Valentine’s treats throughout the day. Call (505) 764-6214 for more information about Zoo activities.

At the Aquarium, visit Discovery Stations to find out how male seahorses get pregnant, look for “kissing” in the coral reef exhibit and learn why some fish undergo a sex change. Call (505) 848-7180 for more information about Aquarium activities. Visit the Garden’s conservatories for a romance-themed display of pink and red cyclamens and impatiens. Delicious Valentine’s Day goodies will be available for purchase at Zoo and Aquarium cafes. All Valentine's Day education activities are included with general admission.

The Albuquerque Biological Park is an accessible facility and a division of the City of Albuquerque’s Cultural Services Department. For assistance in visiting, please call 311 (Relay NM or 711), preferably with three days advance notice. Hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. Zoo admission is $7.00 for adults and $3.00 for seniors 65 and older and children 3-12. Same day combo admission to all BioPark facilities is $12 for adults; $5 for seniors and children.

New Mexico BioPark Society membership offers free general admission to all BioPark facilities and discounts to many special events. Find out more about becoming a BioPark Society member.

The Albuquerque Biological Park is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

Journalists to Attempt Webcasting Ethics Reform Hearing in Santa Fe

Online journalist extraordinaire Heath Haussamen just gave us some good news.

Haussamen is reporting on his blog that the New Mexico Independent, an online news portal, will attempt to webcast (video & audio) from the Senate Rules Committee's hearing on ethics reform on Friday.

The hearing is scheduled in Santa Fe at 8am.

This is a must watch hearing because critical reforms in campaign finance laws, for one, are needed in the state.

Just look at all the pay-to-play investigations and grand jury investigations underway in the state and federal systems involving leaders who may be taking advantage of big money donations and giving access and contracts to friends, family and companies that support their campaigns.

Haussemen has been reporting on ethics reform for years. This morning, he wrote a summary on many of the pending reform measures here.

The omnibus bill he outlines is downright scary. Read why leaders may be able to kill most ethics bill in one clean sweep. Haussamen makes it easy to find and read the actual bills with multiple links in this morning's story.

Everyone has been hopeful during this year's 60-day session lawmakers would adopt drastic changes and pass new ethics laws.

Tomorrow's your chance to monitor the webcast to see if Senators kill the bills to protect their own interests.

For more information on tomorrow's planned webcast read the New Mexico Independent online here, and plan to tune to the webcast here on Friday morning at 8am.