Columns & Opinions

Black mold should be eradicated by experts

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Black mold should be eradicated by experts

Friday, April 5, 2024

ASK THE DOCTORSDear Doctors: My husband and I bought a lake cabin for our family to use in the summers. We're doing some remodeling and have learned there's black mold in the basement. What are the health risks of black mold? We have already spent a few nights there.Should we be worried?

Student wants to change major despite mom’s wish

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Student wants to change major despite mom’s wish

Friday, April 5, 2024

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.However, my true passion lies in filmmaking, a dream I have harbored for years.

‘Difficult conversation’ threatens free speech

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‘Difficult conversation’ threatens free speech

Friday, April 5, 2024

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.

DO JUST ONE THING

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DO JUST ONE THING

Thursday, April 4, 2024

• 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.

Grandchild feels guilty for not calling grandmother

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Grandchild feels guilty for not calling grandmother

Thursday, April 4, 2024

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.

Cats love us on their terms

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Cats love us on their terms

Thursday, April 4, 2024

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.

The problem with secret weapons

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The problem with secret weapons

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Down in the polls, facing calls from his own party to step away from the 2024 presidential campaign, and struggling to keep his party together on the Israel-Hamas war, Joe Biden nonetheless may possess a secret weapon. It's the Republicans.

Formerly infatuated friend ready to move on

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Formerly infatuated friend ready to move on

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

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.

Music can be therapeutic for those with dementia

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Music can be therapeutic for those with dementia

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

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?My father-in-law has mild cognitive impairment and may be progressing to dementia. He is very interested in applying.

Perfection is not always perfect

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Perfection is not always perfect

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Iwas lying in bed the other night in the little apartment my husband, Peter, and I rent in Mexico, and thinking that things were perfect. Then I wondered what that meant.