Mention the word “politics” and the first inclination is for people to wrinkle their noses in disgust. Then a little colorful language could follow and an unwarranted 15-minute discourse often takes place.
In 1830, Joseph Smith established the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Fayette, N.Y.
DEAR HARRIETTE: As my graduation approaches, my mother has set her expectations for me to pursue a business course followed by a career in law.
ASK THE DOCTORS
Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland is perhaps the leading Trump inquisitor in the House of Representatives. He led one impeachment, played a key role in another and helped produce the anti-Trump reality series that was the Jan. 6 committee. So when Raskin proposes to give a speech titled 'Democracy, Autocracy, and the Threat to Reason in the 21st Century,' you can probably guess what it is going to be about.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I'm feeling torn and guilty about something that happened recently. My grandma turned 80, and while I knew it was a significant milestone, I didn't call her to wish her a happy birthday. The truth is, my grandma and I aren't particularly close, and to complicate matters, she struggles with mental health issues that make it challenging to have a conversation with her.
• If you're choosing plants for your landscaping or garden, there are two purple flowering ones you should avoid. One is called wisteria. It's a beautiful vine with gorgeous flowers, but it's invasive and can kill native plants and trees by choking them to death.
Given the time and money people lavish on their pets, it's remarkable how little we appear to understand them. Recently at the dog park, for example, I watched a woman with an enormous Great Dane puppy doing everything in her power to turn him into a fear-biter.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been infatuated with someone for far too long — years, actually. Recently, though, I have come to see this man for who he is: an opportunist, a user, someone who thinks mostly about himself. This hurts to realize, but it also helps me create some distance. I heard from him recently, and I wasn't as responsive as usual. He said that in the past I was always immediately quick to reply. That's true. He acted hurt. I've been hurt for years. Do I have that come-to-Jesus meeting that we probably need, or do I just let it go and accept that we are in different places? Do you think that if I tell him how he has taken me for granted for years, he will understand? — Next Steps DEAR NEXT STEPS: From your newfound perspective, your behavior is already showing this man that you have changed. It may benefit you both if you say out loud where you are.
Dear Doctors: We got an email from a medical center looking for adults with cognitive problems to be in a study about music. What would be the connection?