Columns & Opinions

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THE VILLAGE IDIOT

Saturday, February 8, 2020

“ Who do you think will win?" I asked Stan as he replaced the starter on my old beater. Stan watches all those cable TV shows about politics all day long at his garage, so I knew he'd have an informed opinion. It's a well known fact that the more TV you watch, the smarter you become.

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The church is supposed to be like a family

Saturday, February 8, 2020

The email was signed "Worried Wife," and contained a blunt version of a question Bronwyn Lea has heard many times while working with women in and around churches. The writer said her husband had become friends with another woman his own age.

Teen in sketchy situation resists efforts to help her

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Teen in sketchy situation resists efforts to help her

Friday, February 7, 2020

DEAR ABBY: My 15-year-old granddaughter has lived for the past several years in an environment with adults who have done drugs, can’t or won’t keep a job and are in and out of jail. I want her to have a better life, and I try to explain what a responsible adult life looks like.

Shingles vaccination is needed for older patients

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Shingles vaccination is needed for older patients

Friday, February 7, 2020

Dear Doctor: My daughter took her kids to the pediatrician the other day for their chickenpox vaccinations. Now, because I had chickenpox as a child, she’s after me to get a shingles vaccine. What is shingles, and what’s the connection to chickenpox?

Unemployed reader asked not to apply for job

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Unemployed reader asked not to apply for job

Friday, February 7, 2020

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been looking for work for about a year. Throughout this period, I have been talking to a few close friends about my search, as they are also looking for work. Recently, one friend told me about a job she is interviewing for that seems perfect for me.

Shower guest questions need for giving bride a second gift

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Shower guest questions need for giving bride a second gift

Thursday, February 6, 2020

DEAR ABBY: My niece on my husband’s side was engaged to be married two years ago. There was a bridal shower, and everyone gave gifts or gift cards. Two weeks after the shower, the wedding was canceled because of the groom-to-be’s infidelities.

Maintain a healthy diet to restrict psoriasis flare-ups

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Maintain a healthy diet to restrict psoriasis flare-ups

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Dear Doctor: I’ve had psoriasis for close to seven years, and lately it has been flaring up more often. Is there anything I can do with my diet to control this, or even prevent it from happening? Dear Reader: That’s a good question.

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Ombudsmen provide variety of services to area people

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Residents of nursing homes, assisted living centers or residential care facilities may have common complaints such as quality of food served, temperature of the facility, lack of engaging activities, concerns about finances or how staff interacts with residents.

Moving to assisted living doesn’t have to be traumatic

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Moving to assisted living doesn’t have to be traumatic

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Dear Doctor: I’m 19 years old, and I switched to a vegan diet six months ago. I’m careful about getting enough vitamin B12. However, some of my girlfriends say it’s not that important and your body makes all the B12 you need. Is that true?

Man facing second divorce mulls reunion with first wife

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Man facing second divorce mulls reunion with first wife

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

DEAR ABBY: I was married to a wonderful, beautiful woman when we were much younger. We got married because of an unplanned pregnancy. After some years, we both had grown in different directions, and we divorced. We remained friends even after I remarried.