By now, you’re probably familiar with the big issues—jobs, education reform, tax reform, campaign finance, the state budget, etc. But many state lawmakers have filed bills that have nothing to do with those issues—and in some cases (but not all), that’s a good thing.

New Mexico needs jobs. The state has lost roughly 40,000 jobs over the past five years; last year, even as the rest of the country recovered, New Mexico lost another 4,800 jobs.

Around noon on a clear, chilly December day, Steve Schmidt stands in front of his custom-built barbecue smoker in an empty lot on Cerrillos Road, country music playing from a small radio, the aroma of meat and hickory smoke filling the air.

Five Questions
Everything you wanted to know (didn’t you?) about the impending fiscal cliff

Oh, Susana! The rest of the country loves you.

Back in February, after the legislative session, Gov. Susana Martinez publicly excoriated lawmakers for requesting state funds for “wasteful pork.” She called out a few projects in particular—including the Santa Fe Botanical Garden, which had requested $201,000 for construction and improvements. In March, she vetoed the funding.

When it comes to pet-related giving, you can always big-box it up at Petsmart or Petco, but the locally owned Teca Tu sells an exclusive “doggie vestido vest”.

It’s December, which means holiday party season is officially upon us—and while it’s perfectly acceptable (or should be) to give the gift of a few cocktails at your giftee’s favorite watering hole, most parties call for a bit more formal, sharable take on presents.

Got a foodie in the family?

The thing about wearable gifts: They’re always usable, and if you don’t love them, you can return (or consign) them.