DO JUST ONE THING

• Does pet hair seem permanently trapped in your carpets, and no amount of vacuuming will free it? While a vacuum can do a great job at suctioning up dirt, the weight of the vac can actually compress the fur more deeply into the fibers of the carpet.

The ghosts of essays unwritten

The year slouches to an end, no one mourning its passing, none among us hesitating to turn the calendar page.

Resistant starches newest big topic

ASK THE DOCTORSDear Doctors: I’ve been learning about the gut microbiome, and the terminology keeps changing. I understand probiotics. Then came prebiotics and postbiotics, which I think I finally get. But now people are talking about resistant starch. What is it, and why is it important?

Boyfriend tells lies to get alone time

DEAR HARRIETTE: My boyfriend lied about going to a work thing and instead went to the movies alone, saying I’m “too clingy.” Hearing this felt like a huge blow. I want to give him some space, but how can I talk to him about the lie without making things worse?

HISTORY

In 1492, the Moors were driven out of Spain as Granada fell to the forces of Ferdinand and Isabella.In 1967, Ronald Reagan was sworn in as governor of California.

Pondering the thoughts of a red squirrel

Idrove my parents to their cabin this week.My mom is having some terrible pain in her jaw and wasn’t sure she was up to the drive, and my dad doesn’t see well enough to drive anymore. I felt lucky to spend time in the car with them, driving north. There was almost no snow.

Mom distraught upon learning son is a bully

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a single mother, and I recently discovered that my 12-year-old son has been engaging in bullying behavior at school. I received a call from his teacher expressing concerns about his interactions with classmates and some reported incidents.

Making the same mistake many times

The left wing of the Democratic Party is fully capable of self-delusion and selfdestruction. In 2000, Green Party votes for Ralph Nader gave Florida and New Hampshire to George Bush and cost Al Gore the election.

Research being conducted on stem cells

ASK THE DOCTORSDear Doctors: My 11-year-old granddaughter was recently hospitalized for two days and diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. This came as a shock. Her cord blood has been stored since her birth.Is there any way it can be used to help with this disease?

Designer considers turning hobby into career

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve recently taken up beading as a hobby, creating waist beads and bracelets. Lately, my work has gained attention, and people are asking about purchasing my jewelry. I’ve been taking credit for my creations and even making custom pieces for others.