Home

Miss Manners: They say they’d rather die than live like I do. How should I respond?

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:28:59 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am 38, and 10 years ago, I was diagnosed with a severe, life-limiting disease that leaves me in enormous pain around the clock.Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: How should I warn my neighbors about months of noise? Advice | Miss Manners: I cringe when I picture my dear friend in our house Advice | Miss Manners: Is the fundraising tactic of my child’s school tacky or smart? Advice | Miss Manners: Will foreigners just assume I’m a nuisance? Advice | Miss Manners: I won’t be going on the cruise. How do I explain my absence? Unfortunately, my body seems to be breaking down at a faster rate than many others with this disease. I have begun using various aids, such as a wheelchair, which somehow seems to give people a free pass to ask about my limitations and tell me about theirs.I am not ashamed of my disease, and I don’t mind telling people about it. My proble...

Dear Abby: She offered no remorse for grabbing the spotlight at the engagement party

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:28:59 GMT

DEAR ABBY: I recently attended an engagement party at a restaurant for our son and his fiancee. The party was hosted by our son as a surprise for his fiancee.Related ArticlesAdvice | Dear Abby: My friend’s personality changed, and now she’s stalking me Advice | Dear Abby: Should I consider this my husband’s strike three? Advice | Dear Abby: I want to leave my wife but I’m afraid she’ll hurt somebody if I do Advice | Dear Abby: I’m sick of explaining I have a plain phone, not an expensive toy Advice | Dear Abby: She sat in our backyard and refused to join us for dinner As an engagement gift to the couple, my husband and I, together with the mother and sisters of the bride-to-be, chipped in (with our son) to cover the cost of the party.During the party, my husband’s sister, an invited guest, took it upon herself to quietly pay the bill for the entire affair. We did...

5 ways to show seniors they are appreciated

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:28:59 GMT

Senior citizens account for a significant percentage of the overall population. Estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau released in 2020 indicate the nation’s 65-and-older population had grown by more than one-third over the preceding decade. By 2050, the number of senior citizens is expected to be close to 90 million.People are living longer than ever, and as individuals age, the demand for senior services continues to grow — as does the need to be patient and respect the elderly. There are many ways to show seniors just how much they’re appreciated.1. Help with chores. Lend a hand with chores around the house that may have grown difficult for seniors. This can include mowing the lawn, weeding garden beds, raking leaves or even taking the garbage cans in and out on collection days.2. Visit more often. Frequent visits are one of the simplest ways to show seniors you care. Whether seniors live in a private home or managed care facility, visitors brighten their days, especially if they ...

Union Berlin looks to bring in Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci on final day of transfer window

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:28:59 GMT

BERLIN (AP) — Italy captain Leonardo Bonucci’s potential move to Union Berlin and Bayern Munich’s search for a defensive midfielder were among the outstanding matters to be cleared up on the final day of the transfer window in Germany.The 36-year-old Bonucci was expected in Berlin on Friday to sign a one-year contract with Union after falling out of favor with Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri, who told the highly decorated defender last season that he did not feature in his plans for 2023-24.Bonucci made more than 500 appearances for Juventus and had a year left on his contract there, but he was excluded from preseason training and has been forced to look elsewhere to maintain his hope of captaining Italy at next year’s European Championship in Germany.Union is making its Champions League debut this season after its surprise fourth-place finish from its fourth year in the Bundesliga. The team was only promoted for the first time in 2019.Union was drawn against Real Madrid, ...

Rashada throws for two TDs, Arizona State earns storm-delayed 24-21 win over Southern Utah

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:28:59 GMT

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Jaden Rashada threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns, and Arizona State withstood a more than two-hour weather delay to beat Southern Utah 24-21 early Friday in coach Kenny Dillingham’s coaching debut.The Sun Devils (1-0) were in control in the first half, taking a 21-7 lead on Rashada’s 3-yard touchdown pass to Troy Omeire through a dust storm.Thunderstorms followed the dust and the game was delayed, steady rain still falling when play resumed.With a few hundred fans remaining in the stands, the Sun Devils got stuck in the mud against an FCS opponent.Southern Utah had a 68-yard reception negated by a targeting penalty early in the third quarter, but Justin Miller later hit Isaiah Wooden on a 52-yard reception. Miller then found a wide-open Zach Mitchell for a 17-yard TD that pulled the Thunderbirds within 21-14.Arizona State’s offense stagnating Elijah Badger’s 81-yard kickoff return gave the Sun Devils a first-and-goal from the 6 late in...

Reds take on the Cubs after Encarnacion-Strand’s 4-hit game

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:28:59 GMT

Chicago Cubs (71-62, second in the NL Central) vs. Cincinnati Reds (69-66, third in the NL Central)Cincinnati; Friday, 1:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Cubs: Jordan Wicks (1-0, 1.80 ERA, .60 WHIP, nine strikeouts); Reds: Graham Ashcraft (7-8, 4.73 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 105 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Cubs -112, Reds -108; over/under is 9 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Cincinnati Reds take on the Chicago Cubs after Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s four-hit game on Wednesday.Cincinnati is 31-34 in home games and 69-66 overall. The Reds have the seventh-ranked team on-base percentage in the NL at .324.Chicago has a 34-31 record on the road and a 71-62 record overall. The Cubs are 35-19 in games when they did not give up a home run.Friday’s game is the 10th meeting between these teams this season. The Reds have a 5-4 advantage in the season series.TOP PERFORMERS: Spencer Steer has 31 doubles, two triples and 18 home runs while hitting .268 for the Reds. Matt McLain is 9-for-40...

Miami Marlins and Washington Nationals play in game 2 of series

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:28:59 GMT

Miami Marlins (67-67, third in the NL East) vs. Washington Nationals (62-73, fourth in the NL East)Washington; Friday, 7:05 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Marlins: Eury Perez (5-4, 2.68 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 90 strikeouts); Nationals: Jake Irvin (3-5, 4.38 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 84 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Marlins -161, Nationals +137; over/under is 8 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Miami Marlins face the Washington Nationals leading the series 1-0.Washington is 62-73 overall and 29-37 at home. Nationals hitters are batting a collective .256, which ranks fifth in the NL.Miami is 67-67 overall and 29-36 in road games. Marlins hitters are batting a collective .258, the sixth-best team batting average in MLB play.The teams play Friday for the 11th time this season. The Marlins lead the season series 8-2.TOP PERFORMERS: Lane Thomas leads Washington with 20 home runs while slugging .466. Carter Kieboom is 8-for-30 with three home runs and five RBI over the last 10 games.Luis Arraez has 27 double...

Phillies visit the Brewers to begin 3-game series

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:28:59 GMT

Philadelphia Phillies (74-59, second in the NL East) vs. Milwaukee Brewers (74-59, first in the NL Central)Milwaukee; Friday, 8:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Phillies: Zack Wheeler (10-6, 3.53 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 175 strikeouts); Brewers: Freddy Peralta (11-8, 3.88 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 177 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Phillies -117, Brewers -103; over/under is 7 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Milwaukee Brewers host the Philadelphia Phillies to start a three-game series.Milwaukee is 38-27 at home and 74-59 overall. Brewers pitchers have a collective 3.97 ERA, which ranks third in the NL.Philadelphia has a 74-59 record overall and a 33-33 record on the road. The Phillies have a 25-11 record in games when they did not give up a home run.The matchup Friday is the fourth time these teams meet this season.TOP PERFORMERS: Carlos Santana has 28 doubles, 18 home runs and 68 RBI while hitting .231 for the Brewers. William Contreras is 14-for-38 with five doubles and two home runs over the past 1...

Walker leads Cardinals against the Pirates following 4-hit performance

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:28:59 GMT

Pittsburgh Pirates (61-73, fourth in the NL Central) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (58-76, fifth in the NL Central)St. Louis; Friday, 8:15 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Pirates: Mitch Keller (11-8, 4.01 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 179 strikeouts); Cardinals: Dakota Hudson (5-1, 4.41 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 33 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Cardinals -117, Pirates -102; over/under is 8 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The St. Louis Cardinals play the Pittsburgh Pirates after Jordan Walker’s four-hit game on Wednesday.St. Louis has a 30-38 record at home and a 58-76 record overall. The Cardinals are third in the NL with 181 total home runs, averaging 1.4 per game.Pittsburgh has a 61-73 record overall and a 29-37 record on the road. The Pirates have a 25-8 record in games when they hit at least two home runs.The matchup Friday is the 11th time these teams square off this season. The Pirates have a 7-3 advantage in the season series.TOP PERFORMERS: Paul Goldschmidt has 26 doubles, 22 home runs and 69 RBI while ...

Padres take 3-game losing streak into matchup against the Giants

Published Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:28:59 GMT

San Francisco Giants (70-64, second in the NL West) vs. San Diego Padres (62-73, fourth in the NL West)San Diego; Friday, 9:40 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Giants: Tristan Beck (3-2, 3.52 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 62 strikeouts); Padres: Michael Wacha (10-2, 2.84 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 90 strikeouts)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Padres -130, Giants +110; over/under is 8 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE: The San Diego Padres enter a matchup with the San Francisco Giants after losing three games in a row.San Diego has gone 35-34 in home games and 62-73 overall. The Padres have gone 46-22 in games when they record at least eight hits.San Francisco is 70-64 overall and 32-33 on the road. The Giants have hit 144 total home runs to rank 10th in the NL.The teams meet Friday for the eighth time this season. The Giants lead the season series 4-3.TOP PERFORMERS: Juan Soto has 26 doubles, a triple and 25 home runs while hitting .261 for the Padres. Manny Machado is 9-for-39 with a double and two home runs over the last 10 ga...