Struggles of anglers against moguls

When the going gets tough, the clever go fishing. Few pastimes connect a person to the natural world like standing in a freeflowing stream casting for smallmouth or trout. The distant noise of commerce and the clamor of politics fade to nothing.

Co-workers ignore employee’s graduation party

DEAR HARRIETTE: I invited my coworkers to my graduation party, and none of them showed up. Now I want to resign.My co-workers have never made me feel welcome in the 10 months that I've been with our company.When I first started, I admired how close all of my co-workers were with one another.

DO JUST ONE THING

Try this trick at night to find out if your dog or cat has fleas. Fill a shallow baking dish with water and a few squirts of dishwashing soap, then place the tray near your dog's bed. Plug in an LED nightlight and focus the light so it's shining right onto the tray of soapy water.

Biden’s place shaped by bygone politics

Joe Biden may have been the right answer to the tumult in the country at the end of Donald Trump’s first term. His climate-change legislation is a substantial, enduring achievement.It will place the country on a new glide path on the environment, making a difference in the fight to save the Earth.

Drinking beer can boost microbial diversity

Dear Doctors: I enjoy staying current on research into the gut microbiome.But I have to say, the new information I've been reading — that drinking beer is good for your gut — sounds a lot like wishful thinking. Where did this idea come from? Will having a beer really help your gut microbiome?

Boyfriend failed to defend partner from harassment

DEAR HARRIETTE: My boyfriend didn't defend me against another man, and now I can't look at him the same.My boyfriend and I were out at a nightclub over the weekend when a drunk man started to verbally harass me. He shouted several profanities at me for no reason.

Helpful advice: ‘Remember the ladies’

“Remember the ladies!” Abigail Adams wrote that famous admonition to her husband John in 1776, while he was helping to draft the Declaration of Independence. It took another 144 years for women to gain the right to vote.

Reminiscing at our high school reunion

“ Idon't remember you at all!' the portly man informed my husband, Peter.Peter smiled, introduced himself.The man shook his head. 'Nope!'This was the first high school class reunion I had ever attended, and it was filled with moments like that.I have never gone to my own class reunions.

Overcommitting can lead to exhaustion

DEAR HARRIETTE: I feel like I can never say no when I am asked to do something. This is getting to be a problem because I feel like I am stretched too thin. My job is stressful, and the stakes are high right now. As a result, my boss is piling on more and more work.

Simple acts become contagious

Ever get stuck holding the door for what seems like a long line of people? Here’s a transcript of what usually happens: “Thank you so much!” a woman says as she picks up her pace to double time out of courtesy to the door holder.“Looking for a job as a doorman?” a jovial jokester asks.