Realistic optimism for 2022

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference.”

Prospective employee weighs friend’s advice

DEAR HARRIETTE: My friend told me not to accept a job offer at her current company because she is miserable there. She told me that she is overworked and grossly undercompensated. If I accept the job, I will be working in the same department as her and receiving the same pay. Should I listen to her?

DO JUST ONE THING

● The National Wildlife Federation estimates as many as 4 billion birds are killed every year by household cats. While hunting birds is instinctual behavior for cats, it takes a heavy toll on bird populations.

Demolishing democratic delusions

Sen. Joe Manchin's announcement that he will not support the Democrats' giant spending bill should not have been a surprise to anyone who has been watching Manchin for the last few months.

Vocal changes common during aging process

Dear Doctors: My chorus has started meeting again – outdoors and vaccinated – to practice and sing. We've had a year off, and I'm upset that my voice is getting to be hoarse, and even cracking on low notes. I'm 67 years old and have always been a good singer.

Freelancer wants to reach out to former co-worker

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been working on a project for several years. It paused for two years because of COVID-19, but it started up again last month. I noticed that one of the key freelancers with whom I had worked on this project was nowhere to be found.

COVID sacrifices compared to 1943

If you want to understand the world we occupy – the challenges we face, but more important, the failures we endure – forget for a moment that this is a day in late December 2021.

Sibling tired of reaching out to sister

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have two siblings. I'm close to one, and things are awkward with the other. Over the years, I have tried to keep a bond going with my sibling, but now I'm tired. Depending on her mood when I call, she can be friendly or terse.

Bad Jokes

My Uncle Andy recently turned 90, and it was hard to imagine what a guy would like for his 90th birthday.At 90, getting a lot of new stuff doesn't sound very appealing.

“The battle is not over”

This battle is not over," President Biden vowed “ at South Carolina State University.He was not speaking about his Build Back Better bill, the $2 trillion spending measure that's been blocked by Sen. Joe Manchin, the West Virginia Democrat who holds veto power over the president's legislative...