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Do I have to chip in on a present for the boss?

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:52 GMT

Q. My whole department works remotely. Everyone — well, everyone but me — wants to chip in for an expensive gift for our boss. I should add that I’m looking for a new job. Do I need to donate to the gift? It feels forced upon me. Will it look bad if I don’t?A. Ah, peer pressure. You’re not alone — I get similar questions this time of year. No, you don’t need to donate to the cause especially since it sounds expensive. You can say something like, “I won’t be participating this year, but thanks anyway for the opportunity” or whatever feels authentic with your voice.As for wondering if it will look bad if you don’t, whether that’s among your peers or to your boss: If you feel like it, you may want to give your boss something less expensive, yet thoughtful. Consider sending a handwritten card, baking a sweet treat or something similar. But being remote adds an element that makes that type of gift harder. So you do y...

What’s behind dog’s behavioral changes?

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:52 GMT

Dear Dr. John,Our Portuguese Water Dog is 14 1/2 years old. He has been increasingly agitated and aggressive. He even bit my husband when he reached for something he was eating, something he would have never done before. The dog has also been very restless at night. Could this all be due to old age even though he otherwise seems quite normal?He has been slower getting around and on the stairs to our bedroom on the second floor. We had our vet take a look and had been given some Gabapentin 300 mg and it seemed to work at relaxing our dog. Could he take it long term? Our vet did some bloodwork to check everything out. Our dog had a high platelet count and slight anemia. Our vet indicated that it could be a sign of various disorders including cancer. Further diagnostics could be done but we are opting out at this time. What could be the possible causes for his behavior and are there any better choices to calm our old boy down? J.L.Dear J.L,High platelet count is known as thrombocytosis...

Gift music fans these great blasts from the past

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:52 GMT

Wondering how to wow the music lovers on your gift list this year? Check out these winning picks.“Otis Forever: The Albums & Singles (1968-1970),” Otis ReddingRedding died in a plane crash at the end of 1967, so how much stuff can a six LP box have from this three year slice of time? So, so, so very much. The glut of Jimi Hendrix and Prince posthumous releases have been treasures, but only Redding released his best music after he passed away. Listening to this set, the loss feels more tragic than ever. There’s the entire “The Dock of Bay” album — his best record featuring his signature song (there’s a case to be made that “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay” is the best pop song). There’s chocked-top-to-bottom-with-r&b-gems “Love Man” with the staggering tower of soul that is “Free Me.” There’s two more ace albums plus a double LP that’s exclusive to the set with 24 of his singles including “Amen,” “Hard to Handle” and “I’ve Got Dreams to Remember.” Pure genius over a dozen si...

Top picks for TV shows to watch this week

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:52 GMT

Settle in for a great week of TV watching and streaming:‘Willie Nelson’s 90th Birthday Celebration’Anyone who has seen Nelson in concert recently knows he pretty much sticks to the same set list. But a birthday bash at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl provided the legend a perfect excuse to go off script. Highlights from the two-day event in April that will air Sunday include Keith Richards joining in on “Live Forever” and Sheryl Crow dueting on “Far Away Places.” While it’s a jam-packed special, it’s too bad that sets from Neil Young, Lyle Lovett and Dwight Yoakam didn’t make the final cut. 8:30 p.m. Sunday, CBS‘Friends & Family Christmas’The latest Hallmark Channel holiday flick includes all the standards: tree shopping, hot chocolate, one final smooch at the end. But the movie stands out because the main lovebirds are both female — a “twist” that once seemed unfathomable for the cable network...

Editorial: Revenge? GOP needs to chart a path forward

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:52 GMT

Kevin McCarthy, recently deposed as House speaker, has urged Donald Trump to move away from a message of “revenge.”McCarthy was referencing a speech Trump gave last month in which the former president told supporters he would be their “retribution” if he again wins the Oval Office.“If you want to become president,” McCarthy told The Wall Street Journal last week, “it has to be about rebuilding, restoring and renewing America. If it’s revenge, you won’t get the opportunity.”The California Republican makes a compelling case. Let’s hope that House Republicans — in addition to Trump — heed his advice.The House approved a formal impeachment inquiry regarding President Joe Biden’s involvement in his son’s various business dealings. This is payback for the unprecedented attempts by congressional Democrats to remove Trump from office.Republicans should continue to probe Hunter Biden’s overseas money grabs. The president’s son faces nine counts of tax evasion. But talk of bringing articles o...

How to manage medication for loved ones

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:52 GMT

Dear Mayo Clinic: My elderly mom has recently been told she needs to take a bunch of different medications every day due to her health conditions. It’s gotten pretty overwhelming, and I’m worried about things like her missing doses or drug interactions. I just want to make sure she’s safe and healthy. Do you have tips on how to handle my mom’s meds?A: Some older people struggle with remembering to take their medications or organizing them effectively. Adult children, like yourself, can help by taking steps to monitor and update medication lists. Doing this can help prevent potential health complications, while also providing peace of mind for both you and your mom.The most common medication-related problems in older adults include taking too high or too low of a dose, taking unnecessary medications, not taking medication as directed or at all, taking an ineffective medication, or adverse drug reactions such as confusion, bleeding and oversedation.In addition,...

Artistic Jose loves to visit new places

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:52 GMT

Jose is a happy kid that loves to joke around with others. He is a great artist and especially loves to paint. Jose also enjoys board games, listening to music, and playing video games. He spends a great deal of time outdoors and loves visiting new places. When first meeting Jose, he is a bit shy, but upon getting to know him, he is very talkative and opens up easily. Jose strongly benefits from his close connections; he is very sweet and caring about others.Jose is in junior high school. He gets average grades overall and has positive peer relationships. Jose also has a connection with his guidance counselor and teachers and looks for extra support from them when neededHe has done well being placed in a family setting and is looking forward to finding the right home for him. He would benefit from having a male role model; potentially an older brother. Jose benefits from structure and routine and will thrive in an environment that can incorporate that into his daily life.Can I Adopt...

Special deals around the city keep the Tea Party celebration going

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:52 GMT

It was one of the most important political disruptions in our nation’s history, and on Dec. 16, Boston celebrated a milestone anniversary of the Boston Tea Party.Exactly 250 years ago  in 1773, The Sons Of Liberty tossed 342 chests of tea imported from the British East India company into Boston Harbor at Griffin’s Wharf, the first major event that led the 13 colonies to rally, not just against taxation without representation, but to fight for a free, independent nation.If you missed Saturday’s many events, it’s not too late to take note and celebrate. Famed Boston hotels are offering special  events and packages all month to commemorate the festivities.The Boston Harbor Hotel (https://www.bostonharborhotel.com/) invites you to mark the event by joining in on their 250th Anniversary Grand Afternoon Tea. Taking place Thursdays through Sundays from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. through the end of December, this is a chance to indulge in a sophisticated, delicious experience full of teas...

Maria Sten takes deep dive into ‘Reacher’ role

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:52 GMT

“Reacher,” Amazon Prime Video’s hit series based on Lee Child’s long running book series, revolves around the mighty – in every sense – ex-military policeman Jack Reacher who wanders around the country as a “hobo” who regularly encounters and dispatches killers and criminals.A loner, Reacher (Alan Ritchson) remains spiritually part of his close-knit military team. In Season 2, Reacher’s squad reunites to avenge the murder of one of their own.For Maria Sten, “Reacher” is a career-changer. She’s Frances Neagley, who is a major resource for Reacher.“Alan and I are the two characters that have come along for a longer ride which is indicative of our characters from the books.“Normally I’ve been on shows that haven’t gone anywhere, so I had no idea that it was going to be such a massive hit.“When I got the job, that’s when I read all the books that Neagley’s character is featured in. Just to get more backstory and understand the relationship dynamic between t...

Unhappy ex sets deposition during his vacation

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:15:52 GMT

Q. I have been representing myself in my divorce because there is nothing to fight about – I know our assets will be divided equally.  My wife remains unhappy with my decision to divorce and is super focused on my girlfriend.  I did not have a girlfriend when I asked for the divorce.  My wife is Catholic and recently filed a counterclaim claiming she wants a divorce on the grounds of adultery. She has now issued a notice that she will take my deposition the day after Christmas.  She knows I will be in Vermont at our ski condo because we trade off time there.Do I have to appear the day of my deposition?  Will I be arrested if I don’t show up?  What do I need to know about a deposition?A. I cannot tell you all you need to know about a deposition in this column – there is not nearly enough space for that.  The highlights of what you need to know are (1) listen very carefully to the question asked and only answer the question being asked – don’t offer lengthy stories with tons of detail...