Albuquerque in Trip Advisor’s Top 15 Destinations on the Rise

The Duke City was ranked 11th out of 15 “Destinations on the Rise.” This is great news on so many different levels – for our economy, for residents’ perception of the city, for job creation, for morale. It’s an exciting time to live in Albuquerque!

This is what Trip Advisor had to say about our city:

Whether you're into history, culture, outdoor adventures or just in need of some new and unique scenery, Albuquerque offers exciting attractions for all ages and interests, anytime of the year. In the historic section of Old Town, ancient Indian and Spanish cultures come to life through old churches, quaint shops and piazzas, winding brick paths and adobe benches. Families will find plenty to do at the Albuquerque Biological Park, which features a zoo, aquarium and botanic garden. Outdoor types will find ample opportunities for hiking, biking and golf. After working up an appetite, head to any number of fine restaurants that serve up a choice of hot or even hotter New Mexican cuisine. To top it all off, take a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for spectacular views of all this vibrant city has to offer.

See who else made this list!

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Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from Continental Arms Apartments and Happy Holiday's!

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Albuquerque’s First Chipotle Opens to Long Line of Eager Customers

Are you planning to go to our first Chipotle?

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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Dee Gordon Named To Topps Rookie All-Star Team

Congratulations Dee!

Former Albuquerque Isotopes shortstop Dee Gordon had been named to the Topps Major League Rookie All-Star Team after batting .304 in 56 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Gordon started the 2011 campaign in Albuquerque and immediately thrilled 'Topes fans, batting .333 with 51 runs scored and 30 stolen bases in 70 games.

After making his Major League debut on June 6 at Philadelphia, Gordon returned to the Isotopes on July 5 for about a month before joining the Dodgers for good on July 31. By the end of the season, the 23 year-old established himself as the everyday shortstop and leadoff hitter in Los Angeles and his .304 average ranked second-highest among Major League rookies (min. 200 at-bats) and fifth-highest ever by a Dodgers rookie. The native of Windemere, Florida also tied for second among big league rookies with 24 steals, ranking fifth all-time among Dodger rookies.

A fourth-round selection in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, Gordon finished the season batting .345 over his last 34 games, the fifth-highest average among qualifying National League hitters in the second half.

Gordon was recognized as the Gillette presents National Rookie of the Month of September, batting .372 with a league-leading 42 hits in 26 games. Gordon also ranked second in the NL with 12 steals in the month to go along with his 21 runs scored, seven doubles, one triple, and six RBI. He posted a career-long 11-game hitting streak from September 13-24, batting .400 (18x45) during the run, and set a career high with four hits on September 8 at Washington.

He is the first Dodger shortstop and 20th all-time Los Angeles player to be selected as a Topps Major League Rookie All-Star in the 53 years of the award. First baseman James Loney was the last Dodger to be selected to the Topps All-Rookie team in 2007.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Read more http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111130&content_id=26064030&vkey=news_t342&fext=.jsp&sid=t342

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