Gallup Sun

National KIDS COUNT data book released June 14

Dear Editor,

Sophocles wrote that “no one loves the messenger who brings bad news.” As the KIDS COUNT organization for New Mexico, we have long had the grim task of sharing that our favorite state ranks poorly against the rest of the nation in the KIDS COUNT index of child well-being. Sadly, this year is no exception as New Mexico again ranks last on this 50-state scale.

Although this is hardly happy news, we’re here to point out that, while the KIDS COUNT index and data lift up some crucial areas where the state should invest in children, you shouldn’t let the ranking get you down.

The KIDS COUNT rankings are only one small...

The phrase “lean in” may be a corporate buzzword, but it’s worth discussing. Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg immortalized the phrase when she wrote a best-selling book entitled “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead.” What does “lean in” actually mean?

It’s all about posture. If you’re slumped down in your chair at work, whiling away until the five o’clock whistle blows, you’re not leaning in. Not only are you physically disengaged, but your attitude also suggests that you don’t care. However, when you lean forward in your chair, you’re more alert and likely to be listening with rapt attention and prepared to insert your own great ideas. That’s what...

Assisted living is a type of housing option for seniors or disabled individuals who need help with daily activities but still want to maintain some level of independence. It’s a middle ground between independent living (such as in a private home or senior apartments) and more intensive care services like those found in a nursing home.

Assisted living facilities typically offer a range of services to support residents, including:

Personal Care: Staff members are available to help with personal needs like bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility.

Medication Management: Assistance with taking the correct medications at the right times.

Meals: Facilities typically provide three meals a...

Have you ever heard of a politician who is short on words? A terse politician is about as common as a dancing potato, and as unelectable as a vampire who wants to raise taxes.

Surely presidents of the past have something to say about words, right? As surely as more politicians are announcing their presidential candidacies (with lots of words), voices of the past are echoing through the hallowed halls of government.

For the sake of staying apolitical, I won’t include any presidential quotes from the past fifty years; rather, I’m going to shed light on some of the words about words that have staying power.

In an 1819 letter, John Adams wrote, “Abuse of words has been the great...