Mom wants daughter to reject step-mom

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m a recently divorced mom with three adult children. My husband was physically and emotionally abusive throughout our marriage. He originally left me and my young children when they were just toddlers, but we eventually reconciled. When the kids were in college, he sent me divorce papers, but he eventually reneged after I begged him to reconsider. Several years later, after two of our children got married, he again filed for divorce, moved out and purchased a new home without me. The divorce was acrimonious and, to this date, despite the judgment against him, he has failed to pay alimony and still owes assets from the original settlement. Because of this, I haven’t been able to properly settle down. Meanwhile, he appears to be living happily ever after and has even remarried.

Two weeks after establishing perhaps the most restrictive refugee policies in our nation’s history, President Joe Biden has about-faced and announced more compassionate, and reasonable policies regarding undocumented immigrants.

A1C tests might not be accurate in older adults

Dear Doctors: My blood tests show that I am prediabetic. I am puzzled because I am not overweight, I get plenty of exercise and I eat quite a bit of fiber every day. I don’t eat many sweets, but I do drink wine with meals. I am 77 years old. Is there some other preventive measure I can take?

Wanting to buy car instead of saving money

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been saving up for the past few years with one goal in mind: To finally get my hands on my dream car, a classic 1969 Ford Mustang. The thought of owning this iconic vehicle has fueled my day-to-day work and drive all these years. Yet my family – especially my parents – have expressed concerns about my decision. They fear that investing in a vintage car may not be the smartest financial move, suggesting instead that I focus on saving for a house or furthering my education.

In 1829, British chemist James Smithson died, leaving an endowment for “the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men.”

The information superhighway

As far as I’m concerned, they can’t put warning labels on social media websites soon enough. Indeed, I’d go a lot further. I’d consider banning smartphones altogether for children under 16.

DO JUST ONE THING

• According to the Environmental Working Group, many spray sunscreens contain a cancer-causing chemical known as benzene.

Colleague makes work difficult for bartender

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a bartender, and I have a colleague I work with about four times a week. He is a nice guy, and we generally get along well, but there are some aspects of his behavior and work ethic that are becoming increasingly difficult for me to handle.

Summer’s losses mark the end of an era

The ascendancy of Donald Trump signaled the end of an era for the Republican Party and, more broadly, for American politics. The eclipse of network television and the advent of streaming services stand as the end of an era for American home entertainment. But in recent days, another era has ended in another realm of American life and culture. There is no turning back from this one, no plausible argument about its significance.

Plant-based milks make a great substitute

Dear Doctors: You recently mentioned you steer your patients away from cow’s milk. I know some people think it’s bad for you, but could you please explain?

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