What We Learned from COVID in the “New Normal” — By Richard Smith Medium Staff Writer RIO RANCHO, New Mexico — Going into year four of COVID-19, American life has become a tale of two realities in our bipolar ‘new normal’ — and its effect on various aspects of our lives has been significant. From changes in how we work…

Songs and melodies and sounds… oh my! — By Richard Smith SYNERGY Staff Writer Topics: Self-development, Health & Wellness, Psychology, Mindfulness RIO RANCHO, New Mexico — Regardless of how popular, cutting-edge, or innovative a song is alleged to be, the relationship that exists between our brain’s chemistry and the frequency of sound is what dictates whether or not…

Books, Film, Television, Music, and Memes — RIO RANCHO, New Mexico — I was inspired recently to share my list of favorite books, movies, and music with all of you. Admittedly, being as busy as I am, the number of books on my reading list is not nearly as impressive as I would have hoped for. Here…

A misguided and poorly reasoned assumption. — By Richard Smith Haven Staff Writer RIO RANCHO, New Mexico — I often hear this misguided and poorly reasoned assumption: “At one time, science said man came from apes, did it not? If this is true, why are there still apes? Think about it.” I am thinking about it and…

The power of a compelling connection with your audience. — By Richard Smith Medium Staff Writer RIO RANCHO, New Mexico — Ask me about my passion for art, messaging, and graphic design. …

How Verizon’s inept disability policy jeopardizes its employees. — By Richard Smith Haven Staff Writer RIO RANCHO, New Mexico — I love my job. As a long-term employee of Verizon for the past 13 years, I have been enjoying the satisfaction that my job gives me on many levels, including the ability to help people in need of assistance…

Revisiting the historic 2008 election in a 2022 atmosphere. — By Richard Smith Haven Staff Writer RIO RANCHO, New Mexico — On November 6, 2008, at 10:16 AM, an email correspondent asked me this question: “What do you think of the Election?” Considering today’s political climate in our absurd ‘new normal’ reality known as 2022, it seemed appropriate to dig…

How a cross-country trek conspired to do me in. — By Richard Smith Haven Staff Writer RIO RANCHO, New Mexico — Hello fellow readers. I have a life story to share, one that you might relate to. It all started a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. Well, more like a state far away — Pennsylvania, to…

The cultural, aesthetic, and economic vitality of our community. — By Richard Smith ILLUMINATION Staff Writer RIO RANCHO, New Mexico — I recently joined the Arts Commission for the City of Rio Rancho, New Mexico. It is a great honor to be included on such a commission due to the community service initiatives it represents. I also feel privileged to…