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Everyone was in for a surprise in 1909 when New Mexico declared open the Spanish American Normal School at El Rito. The school had been founded to train teachers for the vast region of the "e;Rio Arriba"e; in which there were few schools and the citizenry still did not speak English, sixty years after becoming a territory of the United States. The Territory of New Mexico, in quest of statehood, had decided that fluency of its people in English would earn it the right to become one of the Forty-eight, which it did three years later. State and school officials were dismayed that few students were sufficiently prepared to become teachers. First, most had to learn to cipher and to read and write. The region's geographic isolation, scant means of communication, and lack of roadways rendered it impossible for anyone to make the proper estimate of educational need, it turned out. But the school's students soon discovered how much they liked the Normal School, and how willing the school was to meet their educational need. Although the Normal School trained as many as one hundred teachers in the first decades, in time it became an elementary and high school with strong traditions and loyal students. As a boarding campus, the Normal School attracted students from throughout New Mexico, many at a very young age. Children of the Normal School recount how unity of spirit created a new culture of Americans that few knew about, and how their esprit was built on mutual esteem and shared belief.

John Gaw Meem was one of New Mexico's most renowned architects and his legacy is in part his contribution to the preservation and renewal of historic American Southwestern architecture. Because of his interest in the preservation, restoration and revival of this architecture, one of his major contributions was the design of a group of Spanish Pueblo Style buildings at the University of New Mexico. Today, Meem's Zimmerman Library remains a centerpiece for his designs on the campus. The archives of the Meem Room in the library contain a wealth of drawings done by Meem and this book lauds Meem's substantial use of crafted ornamentation and details such as gates, doors, corbels, fireplaces, metal work and light fixtures, and shows his sensitivity to the cultural environment he in turn contributed so much to as an example for homeowners, builders, and designers everywhere.

Researching for her book on 19th-century virtuoso pianist Clara Schumann and her eight children, Professor Megan Crespi encounters startling hatred or praise for them and for Clara's composer husband Robert. These strong reactions come in the form of grave vandalism, outrageous graffiti on Schumann museums across Germany, in Switzerland and Vienna, and even murder. Why? Megan's travel companion is her sister-in-law Susan, a pediatrician whose expertise becomes crucial for the thirteen-year-old Italian child prodigy Stella Scarpauomo, referred to by the press as "the twenty-first-century Clara Schumann." Disparate characters include three dedicated detectives, two Viennese widows who are founders of the local Clara Schumann Society, and two Schumann museum directors, one helpful, the other easily annoyed. Also involved are a wacky Schumann archivist, a patroness of the arts who refuses to use one of her two surnames, and a brilliant young pianist from Liberia whose promising career has veered from that of performing artist to assistant piano tuner. Will Crespi and the detectives put the dangerous jigsaw puzzle together before further disaster strikes? Includes Readers Guide.

In 1998, Colorado state lawmakers mandated that American Indian history and culture be included in the curriculum of high schools in Colorado, based on the persistent efforts of Comanche State Senator Suzanne Williams. In 2003, they broadened the law mandating that in order to graduate students must satisfactorily complete a civil government course which includes the history, culture and social contributions of Indians and other groups. Yet tens of thousands of students graduate each year in the state without learning any of the information that is mandated in that single state graduation requirement. The U.S. Civil Rights Commission noted in 2018 that the "lack of appropriate cultural awareness in school curriculum focusing on Native American history or culture" can (1) be harmful to American Indian students; (2) contribute to a negative learning environment; (3) be isolating and limiting; (4) trigger bullying; and (5) result in negative stereotypes across the board. In Colorado, 81% of American Indian students don't meet state math benchmarks, 85% don't meet state science benchmarks, and 70% don't meet state English language benchmarks. Colorado's continuing neglect of Indian students by excluding anything Indian from their education is harmful. The state is denying Indian students' rights to see themselves in their education, which is necessary to ensure their academic success. The arguments made in this book are rooted in a sacred commitment to protect Indian children.

Santa Fe artist Jimmy Mackey wakes up in his studio on Canyon Road with a massive hangover. His morning gets worse when a police cruiser pulls into his parking lot next to a strange car and even worse when police find a dead woman in the trunk of the car. The dead woman turns out to be the estranged wife of the Santa Fe mayor. The ultra-sensitive case winds up in the hands of retiring police detective Fernando Lopez, the only detective with enough experience to conduct the politically fraught investigation. Lopez interviews Mackey and the artists who were drinking at Jimmy's studio the night of the murder, all deeply suspicious with flimsy alibis. He also interviews the mayor in a tense scene at City Hall. When Mackey flees Santa Fe, Lopez chases him across northern New Mexico--from haunted Ghost Ranch to the counterculture city of Taos, where he finds Mackey hiding at the home of one of his ex-wives. Before Mackey can be arrested he is shot and killed by two assassins. Suddenly the Police Chief and the Mayor want Lopez to close the case, since the main suspect is now dead. When Lopez refuses, the two assassins come after him. Lopez senses a cover-up. The case takes a surprising turn at the end, which forces Lopez to rethink his idea of justice. Includes Readers Guide

In 1961, Holm O. Bursum III led a group of enthusiastic Young Republicans (YRs) into an unprecedentedly close partnership with the senior wing of their party. From a family of prominent public servants, Bursum became a protégé of Republican Governor Edwin L. Mechem. Mechem's own political achievements a decade before were astonishing given the GOP's extreme minority position in New Mexico at the time. Building on Mechem's success, Bursum had ambitious goals for the Young Republicans: to charter active clubs throughout the state, including the predominantly Democratic east side; to do legwork for the senior party in fund-raising and campaigning, and to encourage young candidates to run for public office. His organizing and networking brought him into collegial relationships with Young Republicans like Hoyt Pattison, Richard Cheney, and Colin McMillan, who became state legislators and took on leadership positions when few of their party could get elected to the body. In his five years of Young Republican leadership, Bursum also created strong bonds nationally. Young Republican National Federation leaders such as Leonard Nadasdy sought him out, and with them, he attended a North Atlantic Conference of Young Political Leaders at the University of Oxford in 1965. In 1961, Holm O. Bursum III led a group of enthusiastic Young Republicans (YRs) into an unprecedentedly close partnership with the senior wing of their party. From a family of prominent public servants, Bursum became a protégé of Republican Governor Edwin L. Mechem. Mechem's own political achievements a decade before were astonishing given the GOP's extreme minority position in New Mexico at the time. Building on Mechem's success, Bursum had ambitious goals for the Young Republicans: to charter active clubs throughout the state, including the predominantly Democratic east side; to do legwork for the senior party in fund-raising and campaigning, and to encourage young candidates to run for public office. His organizing and networking brought him into collegial relationships with Young Republicans like Hoyt Pattison, Richard Cheney, and Colin McMillan, who became state legislators and took on leadership positions when few of their party could get elected to the body. In his five years of Young Republican leadership, Bursum also created strong bonds nationally. Young Republican National Federation leaders such as Leonard Nadasdy sought him out, and with them, he attended a North Atlantic Conference of Young Political Leaders at the University of Oxford in 1965. By 1968, the fortunes of the GOP in New Mexico had changed. No longer shut out of state offices and congressional delegation seats, Republicans began to serve throughout the government. Bursum's work complemented that of fellow Young Republican David Cargo, a state representative and governor, whose reapportionment and districting efforts helped bring New Mexico closer to the one-person, one-vote principle. From 1968 forward, the two-party system in the state has become more robust than it had been in the earlier decades of the twentieth century, to the benefit of both parties and of the government itself.By 1968, the fortunes of the GOP in New Mexico had changed. No longer shut out of state offices and congressional delegation seats, Republicans began to serve throughout the government. Bursum's work complemented that of fellow Young Republican David Cargo, a state representative and governor, whose reapportionment and districting efforts helped bring New Mexico closer to the one-person, one-vote principle. From 1968 forward, the two-party system in the state has become more robust than it had been in the earlier decades of the twentieth century, to the benefit of both parties and of the government itself.

Eleven years ago, psychologist Scott Hunter departed Santa Fe totally humiliated, his life torn asunder by the betrayal of his wife Rebecca. Now, at Rebecca's request, Scott is unexpectedly returning to the scene of her betrayal to help solve the murder of her current husband Blake Martin, the man with whom she cheated on Scott. In Santa Fe, Scott reconnects with his old friend Miguel Montez, now a detective with the Santa Fe Police Department. With Scott's understanding of psychopathic behavior and Miguel's sleuthing abilities, they begin to unravel the complexities of Martin's life and nefarious business dealings. The investigation of the murder leads to a wide array of suspects, their motives, and even the cause of death. Just as one suspect is eliminated, another surfaces, making the identification of the actual killer elusive and challenging. Scott's journey takes him face-to-face with his own demons as well as the underbelly of the art world and drug scene. Working the case shakes up Scott's world and causes him to rethink everything. Includes Readers Guide.

Most movie reviews written at the time a movie comes out are inscribed by critics on stone tablets. These opinions hardly ever change even if there is discernible positive or negative reactions from movie audiences. Movie reviewers and critics are part of the movie industry and this can obstruct their objectivity. This author trained to enter that industry at USC Cinema School but instead entered another industry with a strong classical and scientific background while remaining a movie lover since age five. As time goes on, social mores change and some movies, although perhaps not the great classics, get vastly outdated. Traditional critics would still like you to see them all! But practically, how many lifetimes do you have? This author, along with his collaborator Joyce, have seen most of the movies selected for this list of 769 movies two or three times. They selected only those movies they think still speak to people today and don't put the contemporary viewer to sleep. This vetting process resulted in 336 movies they rate as "e;Classics"e; and 433 movies they rate as "e;Gems"e; in 39 movie genres (categories) covering 91 years (1929-2020). This book is a bodacious bucket list of all-time sure-fire winners, plus ideas for future movies. It is not an encyclopedic movie guide (which are generally written by committees!) or a book slanted toward foreign films or those deemed historically significant for some reason other than enjoyment and engagement for the viewer. Explore these movies and you will give yourself many fulfilling movie memories.

In 2009, Northern New Mexico College celebrated 100 years of its founding as the Spanish American Normal School. This book is about the Normal School and what it became. Although a very small school in its early history, it served its students, the majority of them from this region of the Río Arriba, by adapting to their times and changing needs. Northern New Mexico College, as the school is known today, evolved from its origin in 1909 to become a source of pride for people and a cause for hope for better lives. Its influence is known and felt by people in its service area, educationally, socially, culturally, and economically. The book is celebratory, not profoundly analytical nor intentionally critical. Sigfredo Maestas has first-hand knowledge about the institution as a student of the Northern New Mexico Normal School in the mid-1950s. His acquaintance with the present college grew in the latter part of the 20th century, and the turn of the new century, when he became its dean and later its seventeenth president. He acquired a great appreciation for the social and cultural history of this region, aided by first-hand accounts of people who lived here. Names of people he has known over tIn 2009, Northern New Mexico College celebrated 100 years of its founding as the Spanish American Normal School. This book is about the Normal School and what it became. Although a very small school in its early history, it served its students, the majority of them from this region of the Río Arriba, by adapting to their times and changing needs. Northern New Mexico College, as the school is known today, evolved from its origin in 1909 to become a source of pride for people and a cause for hope for better lives. Its influence is known and felt by people in its service area, educationally, socially, culturally, and economically. The book is celebratory, not profoundly analytical nor intentionally critical. Sigfredo Maestas has first-hand knowledge about the institution as a student of the Northern New Mexico Normal School in the mid-1950s. His acquaintance with the present college grew in the latter part of the 20th century, and the turn of the new century, when he became its dean and later its seventeenth president. He acquired a great appreciation for the social and cultural history of this region, aided by first-hand accounts of people who lived here. Names of people he has known over the years figure prominently in this story. "Annals" seems like an apt title for these facts and recollections. Public and higher education in New Mexico have changed greatly since 1909 when the Spanish American Normal School was founded. The needs of students and potential students have also changed. Many times the Normal School's adaptation was exactly what the populace demanded, but sometimes it was not. The author has tried to point out, as honestly as the dim light of history permits, where the Normal School was successful in serving its people, and when it was less so. Because the school at El Rito was a boarding campus serving people who were economically poor, however, someone's need was always met.he years figure prominently in this story. "Annals" seems like an apt title for these facts and recollections. Public and higher education in New Mexico have changed greatly since 1909 when the Spanish American Normal School was founded. The needs of students and potential students have also changed. Many times the Normal School's adaptation was exactly what the populace demanded, but sometimes it was not. The author has tried to point out, as honestly as the dim light of history permits, where the Normal School was successful in serving its people, and when it was less so. Because the school at El Rito was a boarding campus serving people who were economically poor, however, someone's need was always met.

Real-life dramas lurk behind the more familiar formal and structured content of archaeological literature. These untold tales reveal the personal experiences of the authors and the events encountered in the course of many decades of archaeological field work and travels throughout the Northern Plains, the American Southwest, and Mesoamerica. Some of them describe threatening encounters between landowners, stakeholders, and a public unsympathetic to archaeological pursuits. Close calls and drug-runners add to the potential risk of visiting rock art sites near the US/Mexican border. Other accounts explore the challenges of conducting rock art field work in adverse and demanding physical and social contexts. While these personal adventures are often shared between archaeologists over a beer, at parties and conferences, or around the campfire, they are seldom written down. Here are a few of these stories.

Las Vegas, New Mexico was officially settled along the Gallinas River in 1835 even though a community had been established more than 10 years earlier. This settlement became known as West Las Vegas, Town of Las Vegas, or Old Town. When Mexico declared its independence from Spain in 1821 the Santa Fe Trail opened and Las Vegas quickly grew as an important commercial stop. After traveling weeks across the prairies, this was the first settlement for the pioneers in the wagon trains to enjoy fresh food, a bath, and maybe even a bed! As the years progressed many stores, restaurants, and bars sprang up. The town has preserved both early Hispanic architecture and the Anglo Qnfluence brought in from the Santa Fe Trail and the railroad. There are many buildings well over 100 years old that currently house working businesses. With this book you can explore the growth of the original town and learn about the people who helped it grow, creating a blend of cultures. The Montezuma hot springs, only a few miles away, were a special treat. Various hotels and bath houses hosted guests here. The last hotel, now known fondly known as the Castle, is currently the site of the international school, the United World College of the American West. This book also explains how this unique school was founded and how it strives to positively affect world affairs. In 1879 the railroad laid tracks a mile away and a new community, East Las Vegas, City of Las Vegas, or New Town popped up. The two communities joined in 1970. Over 900 buildings in Las Vegas are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The American Southwest, known in Chicano myth as Aztlan, is rediscovered by a phantom jaguar known as El Jefe ( the chief). His discovery takes him into New Mexico and the mountains near the Salinas ruins outside of Mountainair. His autumn arrival is announced in the darkness of the night by a bloodcurdling roar which echoes throughout the hills and awakens rancher Raul Lucero, who senses his life as a hunting guide is in jeopardy. Raul''s niece, Nina Lucero, is stalked by Felix Aguilar, an Albuquerque police detective, soon revealed to be a serial killer of young women found murdered on Albuquerque''s West Mesa. The mystical powers of El Jefe ultimately work to save not only Nina but also Lillian Gonzalez, a young Mexican immigrant targeted by Aguilar in his demented killing spree. Raul makes it through a stressful hunting season, which includes a shooting accident investigated by Roscoe Powers, a no-nonsense game warden. A colorful assembly of townsmen, including the barber Shorty Sisneros and his son, Manny, lend their voices and actions to the incredible events. Includes Readers Guide.

In this stunning collection, the photographer/author has fulfilled a long-term mission to photograph the captivating and evocative historic Catholic churches of the state of New Mexico. The mission became a journey that covered the highways, back roads, and SUV trails of the state, from north to south, east to west. He has driven these roads, photographing these churches that reflect New Mexico's complex history and beautiful landscapes, and talked to many people who attend, maintain, and love them. His descriptions of the churches reflect that complex beauty and provide enough information for the reader to find each of them. The photographs and descriptions also reflect an urgency: many small, rural, historic churches in New Mexico lack funds for maintenance as rural populations decline, and some of them are at risk of disappearing forever. This volume covers the churches along the Rio Grande, a transportation and trade corridor for millennia and home to many of New Mexico's oldest Catholic churches. The churches include famous and imposing ones like Holy Cross in Santa Cruz de la Cañada, with its glorious artwork, and more-modest ones off the beaten track like San Antonio Mission Church in Alamillo. They include churches from near the Mexican border in the south to Taos County in the north, covering not only a geographic span but a time span from the early 1700s to the 20th century. The churches reflect the diversity of New Mexico's communities and history. Each is unique and each one claims the Land of Enchantment as home.