Columns

Americans feeling more Grinch than Santa

Americans are in an unusually foul mood during what is a typically merry and jolly holiday season, ensconced in tribal politics and living in different pandemic realities. Despite myriad differences on policy prescriptions and political beliefs, one thing actually is uniting Americans as Christmas and New Year’s approach: worries about the direction of the country and the elected officials leading it.

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Daughter’s husband electronically monitors everything in the house

Dear Annie: I have a loving daughter, and I respect her husband greatly. I have visited from across the country countless times. I am 84, and they have two grown children. Everyone is happy when we are together. The only issue as far as I’m concerned is that the hubby, although generous and kind, is overly domineering, bordering on being a tyrant, and a nut about managing things, especially electronics.

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Be wary of buying a pet online

Today’s Sound Off is about buying pets online: Dear Heloise: With the holiday season coming on, some folks might be thinking of buying a pet for a loved one, but let me warn you and your readers about buying an animal online from anyone. An animal may look cute, healthy and make you smile the moment you see them, but all too often they are the product of inbreeding, or have worms or other parasites.

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Unanswered prayers can be a blessing

Dear Annie: This letter is addressed to all those who think back on a first love and believe their feelings are undiminished.I did that and had the ability to discreetly check back on that love. I found that he had told his wife he was glad he married her because he never could have married an independent woman, which is what I am. I also found out that he had spent the last several years of his life in a facility as an Alzheimer’s patient.

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