I’m a proud librocubicularist. As much as you probably want this to mean I’m starting a new political party of which I will be its presidential candidate, alas, this isn’t the case. The Word Nerd party would be a better name, although “librocubicularist” is my current favorite sesquipedalian word.

To be a librocubicularist is to be someone who reads in bed. I love reading in bed. After the kids are asleep and I’m winding down for the day, I read for about 20–30 minutes. And, for me, it has to be fiction.

You see, I used to read non-fiction books about ways to help right the wrongs of the world, or about problems of injustice. While these books are definitely important...

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced May 10 the 59th class of U.S. Presidential Scholars, recognizing 161 high school seniors for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields.

The New Mexico scholars are:

Brian L. Han, Los Alamos High School, Los Alamos

Emma Elizabeth Clayton, The ASK Academy, Rio Rancho

“U.S. Presidential Scholars have always represented the future of our country and the bright promise it holds.  I want each of these remarkable students to know: your passion and intellect, pursuit of excellence, and spirit of service are exactly what our country needs,” Cardona said.

Cardona applauded the...

A beneficiary is a person or entity who receives the benefits of a financial account, insurance policy, or estate plan in the event of the account owner’s death.

For example, if you have a life insurance policy, you would name a beneficiary to receive the proceeds of the policy if you were to pass away. Similarly, if you have a retirement account, you would name a beneficiary to receive the funds in the account after your death.

Beneficiaries can be individuals, such as family members or friends, or they can be entities, such as a charity or a trust. It’s important to ensure that your beneficiary designations are up to date and reflect your wishes to ensure that your assets are...

Where we stand today

PART FOUR OF FOUR

We now are faced with a frustrated Russia at war with Ukraine. I make no comment here as the facts are really in flux except to say that it’s quite clear that former Soviet States want no part of going back to Russian control, while Russia, after centuries of invasion, desperately wants buffer nations under its control.

But what worries me is our current belligerent attitude with China. China, over the course of 75 years, has raised the economic welfare of its citizens, raising a billion people out of poverty.

At the same time, our relations with China have left China feeling left at the door. They have waited for 50 years for the...