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Published by Happenings Magazine, 2024-03-06 12:17:52

Smart Reader 030724

Smart Reader 030724

Keywords: Smart Reader,Kenosha,Wisconsin,Happenings,Magazine,Smart Senior

“So glad we preplanned, all I had to do was make a phone call. Everyone should do this.” -Jeff S. “So glad we preplanned, all I had to do was make a phone call. Everyone should do this.” -Jeff S. Visit us at 3016 75th St. Kenosha 010424 A GRIM STATISTIC OVER 40% OF AMERICANS KNOW SOMEONE WHO DIED OF A DRUG OVERDOSE Your Eye On Kenosha... Both City & County! March 7, 2024 Volume 22 - #4


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FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 3 SMART READER March 7, 2024 SMART READER March 09, 2023 3 More than 40% of Americans know someone who died of a drug overdose, and about onethird of them say it upended their lives, a new study says. The results of the study by RAND Corp., a nonprofit research organization in Santa Monica, Calif., were published in the American Journal of Public Health. In reviewing a national representative survey of American adults, researchers noted that the lifetime exposure to an overdose death is more common among women than men. It also is more frequent among married participants than unmarried counterparts, U.S.-born survey respondents than immigrants and people living in urban settings as opposed to those in rural areas. The rates of exposure were significantly higher in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont) and in the East South Central region (Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee) than in other parts of the nation. "Overdose bereavement is very common and often has a negative impact on well-being," the study's lead author, Alison Athey, an associate behavioral scientist at RAND, told UPI via email. "Efforts to help people grieve overdose deaths may be an important part of overdose prevention programs and policies." So far, however, the clinical and public health response has neglected the needs of millions of overdose loss survivors, she said. The study's findings call for more research into the prevalence and consequences of overdose loss, especially among groups that are disproportionately affected. "Many grass-roots efforts to address overdose bereavement are led by people who have lost someone to overdose," Athey said. "They deserve support from researchers, health systems, public health and policy leaders." That type of support could be an important part of turning the tide of overdose deaths. Researchers asked 2,072 adults who participate in the RAND American Life Panel about whether they knew someone who had died of a drug overdose and to explain how the death affected their lives. Results were weighted based on participants' demographics, so that the findings reflect the characteristics of the U.S. adult population, Athey said, adding that "census data were used to produce estimates of the number of U.S adults who knew someone who died by overdose and of the impact of these losses." Of the respondents, 42.4% reported personally knowing at least one person who died by overdose, translating to some 125 million American adults who have encountered such a loss. The study found that 13% of those who replied had experienced a disruption in their lives from an overdose loss. More than 4% of survey respondents conveyed that the loss caused a lingering significant or devastating effect. In 2022, more than 109,000 people died from a drug overdose, and more than 1.1 million overdose deaths have been reported since 2000, according to the researchers. The researchers surveyed a relatively small number of people, making it difficult to apply the results to an entire population. But they should be commended for broaching a topic that doesn't receive much attention -- the emotional fallout on those left behind, Dr. Kevin Zacharoff, a clinical assistant professor and anesthesiologist at Stony Brook University's Renaissance School of Medicine in Stony Brook, N.Y., told UPI in a telephone interview. "More people are impacted than we might think," said Zacharoff, who directs a pain and addiction course. He cited a societal burden from overdose deaths, saying, "There's a potential for a much larger ripple effect than we might be imagining." The researchers "highlight a crucial, yet overlooked, vulnerable group -- those who have lost someone by overdose death," said Dr. Nidal Moukaddam, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Future studies should involve children dealing with the loss of an individual to overdose. "The loss can trigger further family instability in addition to personal grief," Moukaddam said. "Those factors, in turn, can promote and exacerbate intergenerational substance use." Dr. Jody Glance, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, said this is the first study she has seen that demonstrates "the widereaching effects of drug overdose on survivors on such a broad level." The study also represents "a first step toward tracking outcomes and developing interventions to support people who are dealing with this type of traumatic loss," said Glance, who also is clinical chief of addiction medicine services at UPMC Western Behavioral Health in Pittsburgh. "People who aren't family members or spouses might feel like they have to hide their grief in some ways -- that it doesn't count or isn't as bad for them as for people closer to the inner circle," she said. "But it's still extremely painful." The opioid overdose crisis is killing tens of thousands of Americans every year, with that number increasing amid a broken addiction treatment system, said Dr. Michael Barnett, an associate professor of health policy and management at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. "This addiction crisis is not someone else's problem. If not you, it's someone you know," Barnett said. "It's a problem for all of us." By Susan Kriemer Drug overdose deaths have devastating impact on friends, relatives, study finds “Overdose bereavement is very common and often has a negative impact on well-being,” saig the study’s lead author, Alison Athey, an associate behavioral scientist at RAND Corp. Smart Reader is published bi-weekly by Carmichael Communications Editor & Publisher/Frank J. Carmichael Assistant to the Publisher/Reanna Stockdale Sales/Kim Carmichael Editorial Manager/Jason Hedman Ad Design & Layout/Kristin Monticelli, Glen Kelly Reception/Sarah Coleman Carmichael Communications 1420 63rd St. Kenosha, WI 53143 March 7, 2024 Volume 22 Number 5 262-564-8800 • 1-800-568-6623 • www.hap2it.com A RAND Corp. study found some 125 million Americans know at least one person who died by overdose. For many, it was a devastating loss. 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4 SMART READER March 09, 2023 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 F a f h l T l f o Wa t b h t e H RRSMART READER March 7, 2024 4 Teens report stress is biggest reason for drug, alcohol use American teenagers cite stress as the leading reason they might get drunk or high, a new report reveals. That only underscores the need for better adolescent mental healthcare, according to the research team behind the study. Better "access to treatment and support for mental health concerns and stress could reduce some of the reported motivations for substance use," concluded investigators from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the study, a team led by CDC researcher Sarah Connolly looked at 2014- 2020 data on over 9,500 people ages 13 to 18, all of who were being treated for a substance use disorder. Teens were using a myriad of substances, including alcohol, marijuana, prescription painkillers (often opioids), prescription stimulants (for example, Ritalin), or prescription sedatives (such as Valium or Xanax). The teens were also asked why they thought they were using or abusing substances. Easing stress in their lives was the leading factor cited. "The most commonly reported motivation for substance use was "to feel mellow, calm, or relaxed" (73%), with other stressrelated motivations among the top reasons, including "to stop worrying about a problem or to forget bad memories" (44%) and "to help with depression or anxiety" (40%)," Connolly's team reported. Stress relief wasn't the only motivator, of course: Half of the teens reported using substances "to have fun or experiment." This reason for using substances was more often cited for alcohol or nonprescription drug use than it was for the use of marijuana or other drugs. Substance abuse with the aim of easing stress was most often cited for marijuana (76% of teens), prescription pain meds (61%) and sedatives/tranquilizers (55%), the study found. Half of the teens surveyed said they often used drugs or alcohol alone, but 81% said they also used them with friends, a boyfriend or girlfriend (24%), or "anyone who has drugs" (23%). According to the researchers, prior data has long shown that "anxiety and experiencing traumatic life events have been associated with substance use in adolescents." But with burgeoning rates of substance abuse and related overdoses, the consequences of turning to substances to ease stress can be tragic. "Harm reduction education specifically tailored to adolescents has the potential to discourage using substances while alone and teach how to recognize and respond to an overdose in others," the team said. Such interventions might "prevent overdoses that occur when adolescents use drugs with friends from becoming fatal," they added. By Ernie Mundell Popular rapper-turnedcountry singer Jelly Roll, who has made recovery from drug and alcohol addiction part of his public persona, testified in a Senate hearing Thursday about the dangers of the synthetic opioid fentanyl and called on lawmakers to confront the epidemic. "It is time for us to be proactive and not reactive," he testified. "We were reactive with crack, we were reactive with opioids and y'all are taking the first step at somebody in the Senate finally being proactive. I truly believe in my heart that this bill can help stop the supply of fentanyl." The singer, whose real name is Jason DeFord, testified before the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, chaired by Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio. The 39-year-old musician, whose face, neck and extremities are heavily tattooed, spent a decade in and out of detention facilities starting at the age of 14 and said he now wants to be part of the solution to the opioid crisis, not part of the problem. "I brought my community down. I hurt people," he testified before the committee. "I was the uneducated man in the kitchen playing chemists with drugs I knew absolutely nothing about just like these drug dealers are doing right now when they're mixing every drug on the market with fentanyl. And they're killing the people we love." Brown cited statistics that show 110,000 Americans died due to unintentional drug overdoses in 2022. The performer said 190 Americans die every day from drug overdoses, including from fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is known to be geometrically stronger than heroin but just as addictive, if not more so. Jelly Roll took the overdose statistic and likened it to a 737 jetliner filled with passengers. "Could you imagine the national media attention it would get if they were reporting that a plane was crashing every single day and killing 190 people?" the singer said. "But because it's 190 drug addicts, we don't feel that way," he continued. "Because America has been known to bully and shame drug addicts, instead of dealing and trying to understand what the actual root of the problem is with that." Jelly Roll called on Congress to pass Brown's Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act, which would impose financial sanctions against drug traffickers in an attempt to disrupt the flow of opioids coming in from China and Mexico. Citing the effect on drug addiction on his friends and family, he also urged Congress to adopt the FEND OFF Fentanyl Act. "Every concert I perform, I witness the heartbreaking impact of fentanyl. I see fans grappling with this tragedy," the musician said. "They seek solace in music and hope that their experiences won't befall others. These people crave reassurance that their elected officials actually care more about human life than they do about ideology and partisanship." By Mark Moran Jelly Roll testifies for anti-fentanyl support If you or a loved one is stressed by a mental health crisis, confidential 24/7 help is available. Call or text 988 to speak with a skilled, trained crisis worker who will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share any resources that may be helpful. Visit 988lifeline.org for info. You’re In Luck We have the OFFICE FUNITURE you have been looking for! You’re In Luck Locally Owned & Operated for Over 30 Years 5403 52nd Street • Kenosha Phone (262) 656-1717 www.bandlofficefurniture.com 030724 Kenosha Funeral Services and Crematory Prepay for your funeral now and the price will be guaranteed. 8226 Sheridan Rd. 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0FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 5 SMART READER March 7, 2024 SMART READER March 09, 2023 5 Spring Break is just around the corner! If your family is staying in town, head to one of our great local museums and Be A Tourist In Your Own Town! Visitors are amazed to learn there is a Civil War Museum here in Kenosha! It focuses on the contributions of the Upper Middle West – Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, and Ohio – to the Civil War. Board the train bound for the battlefront and travel back home on a riverboat to hear the personal stories of those involved in the war effort. View “Seeing the Elephant” which focuses on the personal experiences and accounts of citizen soldiers. Acclaimed broadcast journalist Bill Kurtis is the narrator. The museum is one of just a handful of venues nationwide using 360- degree movie technology. Kids will enjoy the handson, try-it-on, test-it-out Resource Center on the second floor. There’s a kid size cabin made out of giant Lincoln Logs, a dollhouse, dress-up, a play schoolhouse classroom with desks and a chalkboard, a play kitchen, Civil War era games, and more. Next door is the Kenosha Public Museum. The e x c av a t e d - i n - Ke n o s h a mammoths are famous, so be sure to visit their exhibit! Also stroll through the Four Season Native American Village and visit the exhibit: From Curiosity to Science. Here, you can explore six different ecosystems. Also stop by the Field Station on the first floor, which is designed to give kids an opportunity for hands-on exploration in the fields of art, science, and history. There’s a kid size wood cabin trading post; a sculpture wall; drawers filled with plastic bugs, butterflies, skulls, and other specimens; animal puppets; reading nooks; and more. You can take the Electric Streetcar from the Kenosha Public Museum to the Dinosaur Discovery Museum. Did you know that meat-eating dinosaurs still exist today? They just appear in a different form – as birds! Learn how they are related and see the largest collection of theropods in the nation. Travel back in time 237 million years ago to the present! On Simmons Island, explore Kenosha’s extensive AMC history at the Kenosha History Center. Also learn of other manufacturers that once called Kenosha home. On display now is the "AMC in Hollywood" exhibit, featuring Kenosha-made cars in movies and TV. The exhibit includes the 1962 Rambler American from the "3rd Rock from the Sun" television show; one of two 1969 Ambassador limousines ever made, which was seen on the only three-part episode of "Mission: Impossible"; and the AMC Hornet X similar to the one that was driven by James Bond and Sheriff J.W. Pepper in "The Man with the Golden Gun." Also at this museum right now is an AMC Matador Coupe stock car previously driven by Bobby Allison and his son Davey. In May, the seasonal Southport Light Station Museum next door to the Kenosha History Center will re-open for a new season. One of the exhibits at this maritime museum details more than 40 shipwrecks buried near Kenosha. On display is a model of the SS Wisconsin, which sank in Lake Michigan in 1929. You can also climb the 72 steps up the 1866 Southport Lighthouse tower for a fabulous view! (Must be 8 or older to climb.) It's free to visit all five museums; there is a fee to visit the main exhibit at the Civil War Museum and to climb the Southport Lighthouse. Please consider leaving a donation. The museums also welcome volunteers – and new members. Find fun faster! Be sure to use our website VisitKenosha.com when looking for #KenoshaFun. Visit Kenosha has been Kenosha’s official travel resource since 1986. Visit a local museum by Meridith Jumisko, Visit Kenosha Meridith Jumisko is Public Relations Director at Visit Kenosha. Contact her at [email protected] 5125 6th AVE. KENOSHA April 6th • 7:30PM April 20th • 7:30PM May 11th • 7:30PM Pat McCurdy at McCurdy We are always adding new acts! For the latest updates go to Yesterday’s Children Bringing his unique style of comedy, music & audience intaction, Pat McCurdy has been entertaining throughout the Midwest, and across the nation for decades. The Midwest's legendary 10-piece horn group, now celebrating over 50 years of making memorable music! Rick started as Elvis in the New York Broadway play "Elvis-The Legend Lives" along with the Jordanaires and D.J. Fontana. S o o 6:30pm - 9:30pm 7:00pm - 9:00pm All Star Join Us Every Wednesday! Karaoke S S S o o Yesterday’s Children May 17th & 18th • 7:30PM HARMONIX HARMONIX ROCK & ROLL BINGO FREE 030724 FOR EVENT TICKETS VISIT HAP2IT.COM STOP IN 1420 63RD ST. M-F 10AM-4PM OR CALL 1-262-564-8800 RRIICCKK ““EELLVVIISS”” SSAAUUCCEEDDOO We are always adding new acts! For the latest updates go to An A Cappella event you won’t want to miss! 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6 SMART READER March 09, 2023 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 F h B D i C p b w c f b r g a a n a t t n U i P s p w s r r t “ t o o W t y g e r o r s o d f n g r s r l s b t g w0 r a , b 6 r t e o e o t r e e w o e . With no major challenger for his party’s nomination, President Joe Biden might have expected to be coasting through the primary season right now. Instead, he’s facing loud calls from various thought leaders – including prominent liberals – to drop out of the 2024 race, either soon or at the summer convention. As these critics see it, Mr. Biden, at age 81, is too old – and more important, looks and sounds it – and is in real danger of losing to the likely Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump. The polls suggest as much. Some add that while Mr. Biden has a solid record to run on, it’s time to pass the torch to the next generation of Democratic leaders. And, they say, there’s still enough time for Democrats to find a new candidate before November. New York Times columnists Ezra Klein, a liberal, and Ross Douthat, an anti-Trump conservative, have argued separately this month that Mr. Biden should announce he’s stepping down at the August convention, setting off a frenzied contest in Chicago to select a new nominee. That’s what political conventions were originally designed for, Mr. Douthat writes: “handling intraparty competition.” Mr. Klein echoes that point, adding that there’s a “ton of talent” in the Democratic Party – governors, senators, Cabinet secretaries, not to mention Vice President Kamala Harris – who could vie for the nomination. But there’s a reason the parties ditched the “smokefilled room” method of selecting nominees in favor of letting the voters decide via primaries and caucuses: It’s a much more democratic system. And while a brokered convention might be a great story for the media, it could easily backfire on the party. Mr. Biden’s lack of competition for the Democratic nomination also likely indicates that the party’s next-generation politicians – from California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro – all saw taking on an incumbent president as a losing battle. And falling short in the 2024 primaries, while possibly damaging the current president politically, could harm their prospects for 2028. Then there’s the notsmall matter of Vice President Harris, the nation’s first female vice president and a woman of color. Ms. Harris’ favorability numbers are lower than Mr. Biden’s. While she would be expected to vie for the nomination in the event Mr. Biden dropped out, there’s a real possibility she would not emerge as the nominee. Regardless, a sudden competition for the nomination could cause an ugly rift within the party. Some observers describe all the hand-wringing as yet another example of Democrats playing to type and panicking prematurely about the polls. “Democrats do freak out,” says Larry Sabato, a veteran political analyst at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. “There are certainly Republicans who do this, but not to this degree.” That doesn’t mean the comments aren’t notable, though – or that the concerns aren’t warranted. Several top Democratic strategists have aired startlingly blunt assessments about Mr. Biden’s prospects – including David Axelrod and James Carville, former campaign strategists for exPresidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, respectively. Last fall, Mr. Axelrod posted polling data showing Mr. Biden losing to Mr. Trump in most battleground states and suggested Mr. Biden should strongly consider not running again. “The stakes of miscalculation here are too dramatic to ignore,” Mr. Axelrod wrote. Mr. Biden was widely reported as having some choice words for Mr. Axelrod, whom he knew while serving as Mr. Obama’s vice president. Tensions between the Obama and Biden camps have been long-standing. Mr. Carville has also publicly questioned Mr. Biden’s ability to win for months. The day before the Super Bowl, he appeared on CNN and said that the president’s decision not to do a pregame interview for the second straight year was a sign that either he or his staff didn’t have much confidence in his ability to pull it off. Biden advisers told reporters they thought Americans probably wanted a break from politics during the game. Lately, other Democrats have begun pushing back more forcefully against all this friendly fire, arguing that Mr. Biden is not only going to be the party’s nominee but is also, hands-down, their best candidate. “For a number of reasons – including the 2024 campaign calendar, the Biden-Harris war chest, and the president’s unique leadership skills and accomplishments – Biden remains the Democrats’ strongest option,” writes Jennifer Palmieri, communications director for Democrat Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, on MSNBC.com. In the end, Mr. Biden dropping out of the 2024 race is “not gonna happen,” says Mike Mikus, a Democratic consultant based in suburban Pittsburgh. The Democratic voters he knows who might in theory prefer a different nominee are also strongly opposed to Mr. Trump – a factor that’s likely to work to Mr. Biden’s benefit as the general election campaign kicks into gear. The president isn’t that far behind Mr. Trump in head-to-head polls – just 2 percentage points on average. And Democratic organizers say “countermobilization” – getting voters to turn out against Mr. Trump as much as for Mr. Biden – will be key. Plus, Mr. Mikus adds, “members of my sportsmen’s club don’t care what Ezra Klein thinks.” By Linda Feldman Biden should drop out! No, he shouldn’t! Debate rages. SMART READER March 7, 2024 6 5125 6th Avenue Kenosha Live Comedy EVERY Friday & Saturday! If It’s Not Live, You’re Not Living! f It’s Not Live, You’re Not Living! FOR EVENT TICKETS & MORE ACTS VISIT HAP2IT.COM, STOP IN 1420 63RD ST. 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0FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 7 SMART READER March 7, 2024 SMART READER March 09, 2023 7 How close to Republican hardliners can President Joe Biden creep without losing Democratic votes? Can he sound tough on immigration by pleading for Congress to give him the power to “shut down the border?” Check – he did that a few weeks ago. It was a desperate pitch to convince the U.S. Senate to follow through with a bipartisan package of reforms that would have given Biden more leverage and resources to fairly address the historically high numbers of migrants arriving at the southern border. It didn’t work. The Senate failed to pass the bill, which also meant they bailed on providing necessary funding to Ukraine, which was also included in the measure. Now, Biden is moving onto Plan B. Trial balloons have been sent up in recent days. His people are weighing the pushback. The headlines tell the story: “Biden considering new executive action to restrict asylum at the border; sources say” – CNN. “Biden weighs invoking executive authority to stage border crackdown ahead of 2024 election” – CBS News. “Biden mulling plan that could restrict asylum claims at the border” – The New York Times. “Anonymous sources” close to the White House are leaking the plans. It’s a scheme that would undercut the asylum process. Anyone who can arrive on U.S. soil has the right to at least request safe haven. It doesn’t mean they’ll qualify under the strict guidelines, which were set up to offer protection to people who have been persecuted or fear they will be in their native land due to race, religion, nationality and/or membership in a particular social group or political opinion. In fact, many asylum seekers will not pass this scrutiny. But they have the right to ask. It’s a baseline of the U.S. ethos. Offering sanctuary is a core tenet of our country. Biden might crack down on the standards, making it more difficult for people to establish having a “credible fear.” Biden eyes US-Mexico border with a Trumpian gaze with Mary Sanchez Readers can reach Mary Sanchez at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @msanchezcolumn. When the government shuts down the people responsible continue to receive their pay because they are considered “essential.” These include the president and members of Congress. It reminds me of when it snows in Washington (as opposed to the snow jobs we get all year from politicians). The guy on the radio says, “only essential workers need to report to work.” Let’s find out who they are and get rid of the rest. That would substantially reduce our$34 trillion national debt and cut the size of the federal government, the nation’s largest employer. The threat of another government shutdown reminds me of movies some of the cable channels repeatedly run. Even films I love eventually reach a saturation point as they become overly familiar. It is the same with reruns of government shutdowns. Government shutdowns are a relatively recent phenomenon. As the History Channel recounts, the first one happened in November 1981, Ronald Reagan’s first year in office. Reagan vetoed a spending bill he thought should have cut more domestic programs. The shutdown lasted only a few days and the spending continued. The second shutdown occurred in the fall of 1982 and for the nuttiest of reasons. As The New York Times reported: “ Congress missed the deadline because both major parties had events they didn’t want to miss: Republicans were attending a White House barbecue and the Democrats had a fundraising dinner.” The next one happened in mid-October of 1984. It lasted only half a day because Reagan was cruising toward re-election and Democrats quickly caved, a rarity. In 1990, House Speaker Newt Gingrich, responding to President George H.W. Bush’ s broken promise not to raise taxes, led a Republican rebellion against a spending bill, triggering a shutdown that led to the closing of national parks and museums. The media then, as now, always heads for the parks and museums to show their “closed” signs, as well as trumpeting the scare tactics of Democrats who claim retirees might not get their Social Security checks. During the Bill Clinton administration, the government was closed for 21 days over opposition to major spending cuts. In 2013, there was a 16-day shutdown during the Obama administration, caused by a dispute over implementation of the Affordable Care Act. In late 2018, another funding gap triggered the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The argument was over President Trump’s proposed plan to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico. As the History Channel notes: “The shutdown led the government to furlough 800,000 federal workers. Democrats refused to fund the wall, and ultimately Republicans relented. The shutdown ended a month after it began with no funding in place for a border wall.” How’s that looking with millions of migrants, including criminals and drugs, flooding the country? There’s no reason to recount the other shutdowns because it’s all political theater. With only a few variations they have looked like reruns of a familiar movie. The real problem – too much spending, too much growth in government power, too much debt and a failure to cut unnecessary and outmoded government programs – is rarely addressed, especially by the media, which prefers arguments over solutions. If the pay of the president and members of Congress could be cut when faced with a shutdown, there likely would be no more of them. Unfortunately, like the hope some people have for term limits, the people who have created the problem pay no penalty for their refusal to do what used to be called the right thing. In gangland days such threats were called extortion. Today, it is politics as usual. It is why so many hate Washington. If voters continue to vote for the people who have created the problem they will continue these reruns and get what they deserve. Dock their pay with Cal Thomas Readers may email Cal Thomas at [email protected]. Look for Cal Thomas’ latest book “A Watchman in the Night: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America" my turn Mary Sanchez joins Happenings Q&A on Thu. Mar. 21 at 9:20am on AM1050 WLIP President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act in the State Dining Room of the White House on Feb. 6, 2024, in Washington, D.C story continues on next page -g t r , y e n6


8 SMART READER March 09, 2023 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 F T o e C r s M p i p a t b c c o I v t t c c p f a l c t p t a p f t a f i a e a i a s p a C j m t m j f T t t C r p a i c h f e p lap t f SMART READER March 7, 2024 8 America's government and politics have long lost the ability for rational debate. The current crisis over how to "fix" the border and provide vital aid to Ukraine could not be more relevant. House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, RLa., who many believe has become Donald Trump's puppet, argue that the border crisis must be addressed as the first priority before dealing with Ukraine. The oath of office for Congress shows why this political standoff is based on a fool's choice. Specifically members "solemnly swear (or affirm) ...to... support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic..." While no priorities are set between foreign and domestic, it was no accident which came first. The border will not be "fixed" in the short term, no matter the legislation. The last major immigration reform was made in 1986. And dealing with the many millions of migrants in the United States, legally or not, and so-called "sanctuary cities," where crowding due to migrants has reached crisis proportion, must take time. About Ukraine, the return to isolationism, reminiscent of the 1930s, has broken out within the T r u m p - d o m i n a t e d Republican Party. The quaint and misguided thinking is that Europe should be able to defend itself against Vladimir Putin's Russia. Despite the European Union and NATO, there is no "Europe." The presence of the United States has indeed given "Europe" a leader about which to band. In the 1930s, the world could not have been more different from today. The United States, like most European states, was powerfully affected by World War I. But the United States had not suffered the destruction and deaths that made foreign states unwilling to engage in another war. The United States had turned inward. That FDR's Lend Lease and renewal of the draft bills passed by single votes in Congress reinforced the strength of the nation's isolationist mood. It took Pearl Harbor to shock the nation back to a state of reality. Whether or not the Russian invasion of Ukraine is a 21st century version of Pearl Harbor, it has motivated NATO and the EU to act in response to Russia's attack. Now, NATO members are openly discussing the likelihood of a Russian attack against the alliance, with some suggesting a compressed timetable of several years for that to occur. Trump has added political nitroglycerin to those concerns with his off-thecuff comment that Putin "can do whatever the hell they want" after threatening that the United States would not defend NATO if members do not spend more on defense. From a Ukrainian perspective, a Trump presidency would likely end all aid, although if or when the current package goes through Congress, it may well be the last. Why can't Johnson understand that the border crisis and Ukraine spending are not either-or issues? Then suppose the aid package dies. The consequences for Ukraine would be disastrous. While Europe is trying to fill the gaps, particularly in artillery and air defense munitions, it lacks the capacity of the United States. Ukraine would have two impossible choices: continue the war or negotiate. Its ability to wage war would shift to defense against a determined Russian enemy. Ukraine could be forced to increase strikes inside Russia as its only offensive option. That could lead to Russian escalation and the threat of using nuclear weapons. Ukraine would be forced to lower the draft age to 20 or even 18 to use the increase of manpower to compensate for the lack of firepower. This would produce even far greater Ukrainian casualties. And if the fronts collapsed, Ukraine could wage a guerrilla war. Each of these possibilities is grim. Putin and Russia would be empowered. While rebuilding a depleted army will probably take much longer to accomplish, NATO and EU members would not rely on that alone for determining policy. Whether this would force an accommodation with Moscow is not impossible. But NATO would be weakened as U.S. reliability would be questioned. John F. Kennedy's cynical comment that the only fate worse than being an enemy of the United States was being a friend. That would ring true in Europe. And no matter how much President Joe Biden embraces NATO, money, not promises, counts more. Perhaps common sense will prevail this week. But because the border presents for Republicans perhaps the single issue to decide the presidential elections in November, no incentive exists for compromise. The pursuit of power will trump all else. And the consequence will be that domestic enemies have become far more dangerous than foreign ones. Pitting the border against aid for Ukraine is a fool's choice with Harlan Ullman my turn Dr Harlan Ullman is senior adviser at Washington's Atlantic Council, the prime author of "shock and awe" and the book "The Fifth Horseman and the New MAD: How Massive Attacks of Disruption Became the Looming Existential Danger to a Divided Nation and the World at Large." Harlan Ullman joins Happenings Q&A on Thu., Mar. 14th at 9:20am on AM1050 WLIP Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-LA, speaks to the press after meeting in Washington, DC on Tuesday, February 27, 2024. There’s also word that he’s considering only allowing people to request asylum at ports of entry. Another proposal would act as a breaker, shutting down the process if too many people arrive. Never mind that former President Donald Trump also tried similar tricks. Remember Trump’s Muslim ban, when he barred entry of people from six predominantly Muslim nations? It got him sued on constitutional grounds. Now here’s Biden, increasingly frantic to head off election year criticism of his handling of the border. He’s allowing himself to be lured into adopting Trump’s policies. That’s a twisted game and one that Biden is risking human lives to play. There is a humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. An astounding 250,000 arrived in December 2023 alone, a record. But they’re not an army of terrorists. They’re not trafficking fentanyl, intent on helping American children overdose. They are not seeking to “invade” or “infect” the nation, as some far-right voices continuously claim. They’re people who fled life-threatening situations in Haiti, for example, where gangs control many parts of the country. They’re families who’ve crossed through multiple countries, including through freezing temperatures in the Andes Mountains, to flee as the Venezuelan government slides into dictatorship. And they’re Hondurans caught in traps set by drug cartels, which extort the meager earnings of farmers who’ve been devastated by catastrophic flooding. Once they cross the border, migrants turn themselves into U.S. authorities and wait to make their case, to assert that they have a credible fear of returning to their native land. This is all “the right way” to do it. They’re following the process. It’s just that there are so many of them. There are not enough asylum officers to hear their stories, enough space to keep them safe, enough resources to help women and children, some of whom risked sexual assault and robbery on their journey. The danger for Biden is that he’s stretching to meet a problem that is partially being framed by his predecessor. Trump reportedly didn’t want the bipartisan bill — which would have addressed immigration needs at the border — to pass. It’s simply too rich of an issue to tap on the campaign trail. Trump is an expert at twisting the narrative, of pounding podiums and telling outright lies about immigrants. And Biden, at least with these immigration reform trial balloons he has been floating, is dangerously mimicking his opponent. It won’t work. He risks losing voters, people who value what our nation stands for: resettling people in our country who then greatly contribute to it. Worse, Biden is dabbling with exposing these desperate migrants to the whims of a Trump White House. Sanchez continued from page 6


0FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 9 SMART READER March 7, 2024 SMART READER March 09, 2023 9 i a m r a m a g b s i t i s A i a T D w Former President Donald Trump still faces legal perils on the path to November’s election. But the Supreme Court may have just removed one of the largest such obstacles in his way. By agreeing to consider Mr. Trump’s claim that presidents have absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for official actions taken while in office, the justices have pushed back – by months – his criminal trial on federal charges he plotted to overturn the 2020 election. It is now possible that voters will go to the polls this year without a verdict in the case, the most consequential of special counsel Jack Smith’s prosecutions involving the former president. Mr. Trump’s approach to all of his recent criminal legal proceedings has centered on trying to slow them down as much as possible. If he can postpone them long enough, he might, as a newly elected president, be able to order federal charges dropped by the Justice Department, or attempt to pardon himself for past crimes. His immunity claim has thus accomplished a key goal, even if the court rules against him in the end. “The court has played into [his] strategy by agreeing to take the case,” says Michael Gerhardt, professor of jurisprudence at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The Supreme Court justices as a whole, however, may see their decision on the immunity claim as a middle-of-the-road choice. On the one hand, the justices are not moving as fast as they could. Many Trump opponents wanted the court to decline to take the case and let stand a D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that former presidents do not have absolute, or unlimited, immunity. Failing that, Trump critics wanted to see a highly expedited schedule for hearing the case, to ensure that federal prosecutors could publicly lay out their evidence and perhaps see a verdict prior to the 2024 election. But they are still moving faster than Mr. Trump wants. They did not remand the case to an appeals court for further consideration, as his lawyers requested. Their schedule for the case is accelerated, aiming to get the immunity question resolved by sometime in June. The Supreme Court is an opaque institution. It moves at its own speed, for its own reasons. Justices are surely aware of the immense interest in the immunity case and its vast political implications, says Mark Kende, a constitutional law professor at Drake University. But “one could argue that they’re just doing their job, which is [deciding] whether to take a case or not, without regard to the political consequences,” says Professor Kende. What “presidential immunity” may mean Mr. Smith brought the election interference case against Mr. Trump last August. It accuses him of conspiring with others to overturn Joe Biden’s 2020 victory through illegal means, such as pressuring state officials to commit election fraud, enlisting willing Republicans into fake Electoral College elector slates in several slates, and pushing for Vice President Mike Pence to subvert the congressional certification process. In October Mr. Trump’s lawyers filed court papers that centered on the sweeping claim that he could not be held accountable for any official actions he took as president. The case has been on hold since December as the immunity issue makes its way through the courts. Many legal experts believe the Supreme Court will ultimately reject Mr. Trump’s central immunity arguments. A three-judge federal appeals court panel ruled against the claim in early February, saying, “We cannot accept that the office of the presidency places its former occupants above the law for all time thereafter.” The Supreme Court on Wednesday announced that it would hear oral argument on the matter on April 22. That means a decision is almost certain prior to the end of the high court’s term in early July. Last Wednesday’s order framed the question before the court as this: “Whether and if so to what extent does a former President enjoy presidential immunity from criminal prosecution for conduct alleged to involve official acts during his tenure in office.” The phrase “presidential immunity” implies that justices may be thinking about carving out some subset of presidential activity for which there is immunity, while rejecting the “absolute immunity” that Mr. Trump’s legal briefs call for. Such a subset might center on core presidential powers outlined in the Constitution, such as pardons, hiring and firing of executive branch officials, and military defense actions, Harvard law professor Jack Goldsmith wrote Thursday on X, formerly known as Twitter. That wording might provide immunity against plausible presidential actions, such as ordering drone strikes overseas. “But such a ruling wouldn’t come close to giving [the president] a blank check in office since most official acts would not be core [constitutional] functions,” Professor Goldsmith wrote. Ruling will set precedent for future It is possible that even with the lengthy delay inherent in this week’s Is a president above the law? Supreme Court to decide. The U.S. Supreme Court Building in Washington. Ultra-processed foods can cause dozens of terrible health problems among people who eat them too often, a new review warns. Researchers linked diets high in ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of 32 separate illnesses. In particular, these foods are strongly tied to risk with early death, heart disease, cancer, mental health disorders, overweight and obesity, and Type 2 diabetes, researchers said. For example, ultraprocessed foods are associated with a 50% increased risk of heartrelated death, a 48% to 53% increased risk of anxiety and common mental disorders, and a 12% risk of Type 2 diabetes, researchers said. And the more of these foods people eat, the higher their overall health risks, results showed. Ultra-processed foods include packaged snacks, sugary drinks, instant noodles, sweet cereals and ready-to-eat meals. The products undergo multiple industrial processes to make them tasty and shelf-stable, and contain additives like emulsifiers, coloring agents and chemical flavors. Unfortunately, ultraprocessed foods now account for up to 58% of total daily energy intake in some high income-countries, and are proliferating in lowand middle-income countries, researchers said in background notes. "Notably, over recent decades, the availability and variety of ultra-processed products sold has substantially and rapidly increased" in countries around the world, wrote the research team led by Melissa Lane, an associate research fellow with the Deaken University Institute for Mental and Physical Health in Victoria, Australia. These highly processed foods contain loads of sugar, salt and fat, as well as other ingredients that can be harmful to many systems within the body, researchers said. For this analysis, researchers reviewed pooled data from 14 review articles published within the past three years involving nearly 10 million participants. None were funded by food companies that produce ultraprocessed foods. The evidence also linked ultra-processed foods with a Ultra-processed food linked to 32 different illnesses Ultra-processed foods are strongly tied to risk with early death, heart disease, cancer, mental health disorders, overweight and obesity, and Type 2 diabetes story continues on page 10 story continues on page 10 8 d n t O S. e l e y s d o t O, , e t r s o l o r f . l s e n f g t h m n y s o s r y g e e e


10 SMART READER March 09, 2023 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 F S e c v v a s p a i r r S p R C i b v m J t p SMART READER March 7, 2024 10 With U.S. stock market indexes reaching new highs and round-number milestones, it is time for a refresher on the differences among them. Although these measurements have become a quick way to gauge what’s going on in markets, they are by no means the whole story. And of course, your investments may or may not track the path of stock indexes, depending on your specific allocation. Dow Jones Industrial Average The “Dow” was introduced in May 1896 and along with the Dow Jones Transportation Average and Dow Jones Utility Average, these indexes provided the public with a snapshot of financial market performance. When it began, the Dow tracked 12 companies, which were representative of the most important industries in the U.S. By 1928, the index included 30 companies, which is still the number that are included in the index. Although the Dow is the oldest index, it is problematic because of the way it is calculated. The Dow is priceweighted, which means that higher-priced stocks have a larger influence on the index. For example, Microsoft, which is trading at over $400 per share is a much more important contributor to the Dow than Verizon, which is trading at $40. Despite its history, the small size of the index, along with its priceweighting methodology makes the Dow the least efficient way to determine what’s going on in financial markets. The Standard and Poor’s 500 The “S&P 500” was introduced in March 1957 and was intended to address some of the shortcomings of the Dow. Instead of 30 stocks, the S&P tracks 500 U.S.-based companies, which cover about 80 percent of the overall market. Additionally, the S&P 500 is weighted based on market capitalization (“market-cap”), which is calculated by multiplying the number of shares outstanding by the current market price. Those companies in the S&P 500 with the highest market cap have the greatest impact on the value of the index. Nasdaq Composite Index The National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (“NASDAQ”) was launched in 1971 as the world’s first electronic stock market. Eventually, this innovation led to the elimination of physical trading floors, which relied on human beings to transact buy and sell orders. (The New York Stock Exchange trading floor is now just a backdrop for financial media.) Until the dot-com boom of the 1990s, the Nasdaq exchange was a place where smaller companies listed their shares, until they became large enough to gain a spot on the moreestablished New York Stock Exchange. The current Nasdaq Composite Index includes more than 2,500 stocks and like the S&P 500, is marketcap weighted. More than half of the index consists of the technology sector, which is why it has become shorthand for “tech” when quoted alongside the Dow and the S&P 500. Other indexes Although the Dow, the S&P 500 and the NASDAQ are the three most-cited and watched stock market indexes, they are by no means the only ones. You can find specific sector indexes (energy, materials, health care), size-indexes (mega-cap, mid-cap, smallcap), as well as comprehensive indexes (FT Wilshire 5000) and those that are calculated based on equal weight, where each company is allocated a fixed equal weight in the index and therefore have the same impact on index performance. Sometimes the investment world creates an acronym or term to describe trends. Today, seven mega-cap companies have dominated financial market discussions. The so-called “Magnificent Seven” (“ Mag 7”) include Apple, Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, Tesla and Nvidia. In 2023, the Mag 7 logged an impressive average return of 111%, compared to a 24% return for the broader S&P 500. As a result, they spawned their own index which tracks their movements. Stock market milestones with Jill Schlesinger jill on money Jill Schlesinger, CFP, is a CBS News business analyst. A former options trader and CIO of an investment advisory firm, she welcomes comments and questions at [email protected]. When I field questions about parents helping their adult children financially, there is ambivalence from both sides. The older generation often feels like they have no choice, but also are dismayed that despite their best efforts, their kids can’t swing it on their own. Meanwhile many adult children feel shame that they can’t fully support themselves, but really do need the money. None of this is good for holiday meals, but if it’s any consolation, more families are experiencing financial interdependence. A recent study from Pew Research found that 44 percent of young adults ages 18 to 34 who have a living parent say they received financial help from their parents in the past 12 months. Not surprisingly, the results skew with age: More than two thirds who are younger than 25 receive help, while 30% among those ages 30 to 34 are still financially dependent on their parents. The most common way to help is to have the kids live at home. One podcast listener told me that she could not downsize because her three 20-something year-olds were still living under her roof. Pew notes that today’s young adults are more likely to return to their parents’ nests than young adults in the early 1990s (when their parents were around the same age), despite earning more than the earlier generation on an inflation adjusted basis. The higher wages are likely due to the fact that today’s young adults have attended college in greater numbers than their counterparts 30 years ago, which boosts income. However, that also means that many of these grads have the added pressure of outstanding student loans that weigh them down. In addition to providing a roof over their head, the areas where parents are helping include household expenses (28%), cell phone bill or subscriptions to streaming services (25%), rent or mortgage (17%), medical expenses (15%), and education (11%). The younger the adult child, the more help they receive. (While Pew did not ask about money for weddings, as I prepare for six (yes, SIX!) nuptials this year, I cannot believe the amount of money being doled out by parents of all types on these affairs. According to The Knot, the national average cost of a wedding is $30,000, with parents chipping in for half of the wedding budget.) In an interesting twist, Pew asked the same question to both parents and their children. “For the most part, (the parents’) answers match those of the young adults surveyed.” Unfortunately, by helping their kids, some are putting their own financial stability at risk. “Among parents who say they helped their children financially in the past year, 36% say doing so has hurt their personal financial situation at least some,” with lower income earners bearing more of the brunt. When I tell parents to be careful about the support, I remind them that helping their kids today may mean that the tables could turn, and these same parents could need financial assistance from their kids in the future. As Pew notes, “While it is more common for young adult children to receive financial help from their parents than it is for them to give help, 33% say they helped their parents financially in the past year… among parents who received financial help from their children, 38% say the help was for special circumstances, 31% say it was for recurring expenses and 30% say it was for both.” Financial interdependence is not going away, which means that an honest appraisal of each family’s situation must consider a plan that can address the short term needs of the younger generation and long-term needs of their parents. Financial interdependence with Jill Schlesinger AUGUST 2nd , 3rd & 4 A th UGUST 2nd , 3rd & 4th Summer Is Just Around The Corner ummer Is Just Around The Corner SAVE THE DATE! AVE THE DATE! DT 2024-1 DOCKSIDE CKSIDE SR 030724 If you’re thinking of changing jobs or getting close to retirement . . . . . . you owe it to yourself to meet with a financial professional. If you’re thinking of changing jobs or getting close to retirement . . . . . . you owe it to yourself to meet with a financial professional. We can review and discuss your 401k rollover or help you explore your retirement options I can help you plan for life. Let’s talk. I can help you plan for life. Let’s talk. Tune In To Happenings Q&A Radio On AM 1050 WLIP Weekdays From 9am-11am When Frank Carmichael And Happenings Staff Members Visit With Interesting Guests, Both Local And From Around The Country.


0FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 11 SMART READER March 7, 2024 SMART READER March 09, 2023 11 A few weeks ago, I shared a true story with you about my failed asphalt shingle roof. If you remember, it had a 30-year warranty, and after just 12years it began to experience catastrophic failure. Looking back now, I shared the wrong photograph with you. I showed you a picture of my daughter’s new roof with copper strips on it. I should have shown you the photo of the Tilton, New Hampshire, post office roof. That photo accompanies this column. Just two days ago, I received an email from a man who runs a roofing company in a suburb of a large Midwestern city. He was quick to point out his credentials. “I ... have been in this industry for over 28 years. I was reading through the local paper and noticed an interesting segment (headlined) ‘Copper strips help keep asphalt shingles young,’ ” he wrote. “Please keep in mind this is from pure hands-on experience, and I’m not looking to start anything. I don’t agree, to say the least.” I returned a lengthy reply to the roofer. I shared with him an online file folder filled with photos proving that copper ions react with asphalt molecules. The copper washing over the shingles with each rainfall acted like the Fountain of Youth. I also shared that three intelligent physical chemists confirmed my theory. The roofer rejected all of this evidence. The roofer painted himself into an ego corner that only Spiderman might escape. Think back on all your interactions in the past with contractors. How would you rate their egos? These individuals tend to reject new ideas and data contradicting all they have been exposed to. In fact, how would you rate yourself on this scale when presented with new facts that challenge your core beliefs? Five years ago, I was lucky enough to meet a rare insulation contractor with a generous amount of humility and reasoning power. I shared his story in a past column you may have missed. My interaction with this man was so remarkable and life-changing for him that I devoted an entire column to it. You can dip yourself in the magic waters of this fantastic story at AsktheBuilder.com. Type “Sebastian” into my search engine to find the story. One day, while working at my daughter’s new home, the insulation contractor showed up with his crew. He was about the same age as the roofer that emailed me a few days ago. It turns out that the insulation contractor had been installing insulation wrong his entire career. That morning, I taught him the correct way to install it beneath radiant heating tubes. At first, he didn’t say anything. Realize he was in shock. I’m sure you would be, too, after discovering something you thought was true for 30 years was false. Several hours later, the insulation contractor told my son-in-law he was eternally grateful for meeting me that day. I had enlightened him about his craft, and now his work would be perfect. If I had to guess what you’re thinking at this point, it would be: “Tim, those are two fascinating stories, but what do they have to do with me getting my new concrete sidewalk installed or my house painted? I’m not quite sure what your message is.” My message is you need to stop trusting contractors. Stop thinking they know the right way to do things. Often they don’t. Unfortunately, many contractors have egos bigger than the Empire State Building. These contractors will almost always reject your input when you challenge their myopic work experience. Years ago I saw an older concrete mason adding gallons of water to readymixed concrete. He did this to make it easier to install. When I shared the added water dilutes the amount of cement paste in the mix, making the concrete weaker, he replied, “Well, I’ve been doing it this way for over 30 years.” His ignorance created untold suffering and unnecessary financial loss for hundreds of homeowners like you. I know you don’t want to hear this, but the onus is all on you regarding getting things done right at your home. You must invest the time reading the installation instructions provided by the manufacturers of products used at your home. Think about it. When was the last time you read the label on a paint can? Do you, or your painter, do all the things it says to do? For example, do you know what clean means? Have you ever taken your filthy car to a self-car wash where you spray it with a high-pressure wand? You get the wand as close to the paint as possible, applying the soapy water. Moments later, you rinse it with clear water and pull out of the bay. If you just let your car air dry for a few moments, you’ll discover it’s not clean. There is still a thin, stubborn film of dirt bonding to the paint. Yet, thousands of painters feel pressure washing your home gets it clean. I could go on and on and on. It’s your job to discover precisely how things should be installed the right way. You then treat each conversation with a bidding contractor like a job interview. You own the frame, not them. You tell them exactly what needs to be done. I know it’s not going to be easy. At the end of the day, it’s only about money. Perhaps you have an unlimited supply. Beware egotistical and closed-minded contractors Ask the Builder with Tim Carter Subscribe to Tim’s FREE newsletter at AsktheBuilder.com. Tim offers phone coaching calls if you get stuck during a DIY job. Go here: go.askthebuilder.com /coaching Tim Carter joins Happenings Q&A on Mon. Mar. 18 at 9:20am on AM1050 WLIP 21% greater risk of death from any cause, a 55% increased risk of obesity, a 40% increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, a 41% increased risk of sleep problems and a 22% increased risk of depression. The findings were published Feb. 28 in the BMJ. The research team noted that these poor health effects aren't necessarily fully explained by the products' lack of nutrition and heavy calorie loads. Alterations in the food made during manufacturing "may affect digestion, nutrient absorption and feelings of satiety," the researchers wrote. Emerging evidence in humans also has linked some additives used in the foods -- non-sugar sweeteners, emulsifiers, colorants and nitrates or nitrites -- with poor health outcomes, researchers said. Intensive industrial processing of food might also produce harmful substances that contribute to chronic inflammation, and even packaging materials can contain contaminants, they added. Researchers said that manufacturers can be pressured to reformulate these products, but that rejiggering the ingredients won't necessarily eliminate harm. Further, profit motives discourage food makers from switching to nutritious products. In fact, manufacturers push their products using marketing strategies that "involve visually captivating packaging with eye-catching designs and health-related assertions," promoting "excessive consumption," researchers said. Because of this, researchers recommend a crackdown on these foods by regulators and policymakers, including: • Front-of-back nutrition labels. • Restricting advertising. • Prohibiting sales in or near schools and hospitals. • Promoting the accessibility of fresh, unprocessed or minimally processed foods. By Dennis Thompson Ultra-processed foods continued from page 8 Supreme Court move, the election interference trial could be held and produce a verdict prior to the 2024 vote. Given the legal calendar, and Judge Tanya Chutkan’s statements about the preparation time that will be allowed Mr. Trump if his immunity argument is rejected and the case resumes, late August or midSeptember might be a plausible start time. But that would be after the Republican National Convention in July. If the trial itself bogs down, there would be no verdict prior to the vote. And mid-September might already be too late, if Judge Chutkan decides that the intrusion of a trial into a period of debates and latestage campaigning is unduly prejudicial. Still, the Supreme Court’s eventual ruling on the question could reverberate forward into American history as a new precedent in law. The criminal liability of presidents for actions they took in office is unestablished, as no former president has ever been indicted for something he did in the White House. Future presidents will be bound by the result. “Once the [immunity] case is brought to the court, whatever it does will have important political consequences,” says Jonathan Entin, a professor emeritus of law at Case Western Reserve University. By Peter Grier Supreme Court continued from page 8 0 s -s T e n h d d e x t r . p d t e t, d 7 e o r y x r


12 SMART READER March 09, 2023 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 F M int fak ge be sc au su Sq pa on meev momoco an sy ge Th Jus wo th lo co So te ala dig to div ph th saypic Yo by Ci ge110923 Dear Cathy, I am owned by an adorable five-year-old reverse tuxedo cat named Jasmine. When I adopted her at age three, the shelter warned me she liked to nibble hands. This was never objectionable because she is a small cat with a little mouth, and the nibbling did not damage my hand. About six months ago, though, her bite acquired more force, and she now occasionally draws blood. I refuse to play with her until she stops chewing on me. She seems to engage in this behavior more when I haven't thrown a few dozen of her chase toys for her. I assume she is bored or angry at me. I leave her alone at this point; I have learned she likes her chill time. I don't think she is trying to injure me, as she could easily do that with her claws if that were her intention. She is healthy. She has several large cat trees, many cat wands, toys, and cat grass to chew on, and there is a window where she can look out on her kingdom. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. — Richard, Allentown, Pennsylvania Dear Richard, Cats are highly sensitive to touch and stimuli, and as caretakers, we may unintentionally upset them. Overstimulation in cats often leads to biting, serving as their way of signaling discomfort or displeasure. This behavior is known as pettinginduced or overstimulation aggression. Understanding why cats bite allows for the identification and elimination of triggers. Cat play mirrors hunting behavior, involving stalking, pouncing, and biting. When cats bite their prey, they hold on until it stops moving. To release her grip, remain still until she stops biting, and then calmly walk away. Never use your hands to play with her; instead, use stuffed socks, wire wands, lure toys, or lasers to cater to her natural play instincts. While it's instinctive to pet cats, respecting their preferences is essential. Learn your cat's tolerance for touch, watching for warning signs such as ears twitching back, dilated pupils, and a rigid, slowmoving tail. By respecting your cat's boundaries, you can avoid sudden bites. Pay attention to your cat's cues and limit petting accordingly. She may not tolerate extensive petting but still may enjoy sitting in your lap. You are correct in saying this behavior worsens when you haven't had time to play with her. She is not mad, but she could be bored. Regular exercise helps reduce pettinginduced and overstimulation aggression by releasing pentup energy. Engage her in play for at least 10 minutes, two to three times a day, using various toys and encouraging her to run up and down her cat trees with a laser pointer. Finally, use feline pheromones, whether through a collar, spray, or plug-in, to reduce some of her anxiety, which may also help with this type of biting. Understanding her behavior and preferences and providing appropriate play and relaxation outlets can significantly reduce her biting. Pet World with Cathy Rosenthal Practical tips for managing cats that suddenly bite As well as being a recuring guest on Happenings Q&A, Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 30 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to [email protected]. Road sign hacked to warn of 'Angry Raccoons Ahead' The owner of an electronic road sign in Washington said a message warning drivers about "Angry Raccoons Ahead" was the work of pranksters. The sign at the side of Spokane's Northwest Boulevard, near Audubon Park, displayed the perplexing message during the morning commute, and city Public Works Department officials said they had no information on the sign -- or of any angry raccoon activity in the area. Mike Beggs, co-owner of Spokane Traffic Control, which was contracted by Public Works to provide the sign for a construction project, said the sign was hacked by unknown pranksters. Beggs said someone twisted the lock on the back of the sign open and was able to access its controls to change the displayed message. Beggs said he was relieved the message was something inoffensively humorous. "We are fortunate that it wasn't rated R," he said. Workers at the nearby Little Garden Cafe said multiple customers had mentioned the sign. They said Audubon Park is infamous for its squirrel population, but they were not aware of any reports of raccoonrelated incidents. Nearly 200 escaped goats wander Texas neighborhoods Nearly 200 goats brought to a Texas park to clear unwanted plants escaped from their fence and went wandering through nearby neighborhoods in Arlington. The Arlington Police Department said the goats were employed by the city to clear plants such as poison ivy and poison oak from the Crystal Canyon Natural Area, but they somehow managed to get out of their fenced enclosure. "It looks like they may have gotten out of the fence, or the fence fell, we don't know exactly what happened, but they got out," Arlington Police Sgt. Alex Rosado told KDFW-TV. Police said multiple calls came in from local residents reporting a large number of goats wandering through their yards. The department shared body camera footage showing officers helping animal wranglers round up the hungry herd and return them to the natural area. "I can't promise plants weren't eaten that weren't supposed to be eaten, but no goats were injured," said Michael Debrecht, the city's assistant director of Parks and Recreation. Loose pig lights up social media in two towns An escaped pig became an unlikely Internet celebrity when residents of two North Carolina towns spotted them wandering through their yards. The pig was first spotted on Falconwood Drive in Wendell and social media lit up with photos, videos and reports of sightings as the pig wandered through various neighborhoods. Wake County Animal Control said officers were able to take the social media celebrity swine into custody after it made its way south to the Eagle View Drive area. The male pig, nicknamed Thanos by rescuers, was taken to the Wake County Animal Center on a stray hold. Officials said they are now trying to find the pig's owner, and state law requires them to auction the animal if no one comes forward to claim him. 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0FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 SMART READER March 09, 2023 13 Meet Sora: AI-created videos test public trust In a world where artificial intelligence can conjure up fake photos and videos, it’s getting hard to know what to believe. Will photos of crimescene evidence or videos of authoritarian crackdowns, such as China’s Tiananmen Square or police brutality, pack the same punch they once did? Will trust in the media, already low, erode even more? Such questions became more urgent earlier this month when OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, announced Sora. This AI system allows anyone to generate short videos. There’s no camera needed. Just type in a few descriptive words or phrases, and voilà, they turn into realisticlooking, but entirely computer-generated, videos. The announcement of Sora, which is still in the testing phase, has set off alarm bells in some circles of digital media. “This is the thing that used to be able to transcend divisions because the photograph would certify that this is what happened,” says Fred Ritchin, former picture editor of The New York Times Magazine. “The guy getting attacked by a German shepherd in the Civil Rights Movement was getting attacked. You could argue, were the police correct or not correct to do what they did? But you had a starting point. We don’t have that anymore,” he says. Technologists are hard at work trying to mitigate the problem. Prodded by the Biden administration, several big tech companies have agreed to embed technologies to help people tell the difference between AI-generated photos and the real thing. The legal system has already grappled with fake videos for high-profile celebrities. But the social trust deficit, in which large segments of citizens disbelieve their governments, courts, scientists, and news organizations, could widen. “We need to find a way to regain trust, and this is the big one,” says Hany Farid, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley and pioneer in digital forensics and image analysis. While the public has spent decades struggling with digitally manipulated photos, Sora’s video-creation abilities represent a new challenge. “The change is not in the ability to manipulate images,” says Kathleen Hall Jamieson, a communication professor and director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. “The change is the ability to manipulate images in ways that make things seem more real than the real artifact itself.” The technology isn’t there yet, but it is intriguing. In samples released by OpenAI, a video of puppies playing in the snow looks real enough, another shows three gray wolf pups that morph into a half-dozen as they frolic, and an AI-generated “grandmother” blows on birthday candles that don’t go out. While the samples were shared online, OpenAI has not yet released Sora publicly, except to a small group of outside testers. The technology could prove a boon to artists, film directors, and ad agencies, offering new outlets for creativity and speeding up the process of producing human-generated video. The challenge lies with those who might use the technology unscrupulously. The immediate problem may prove to be the sheer number of videos produced with the help of generative AI tools like Sora. “It increases the scale and sophistication of the fake video problem, and that will cause both a lot of misplaced trust in false information and eventually a lot of distrust of media generally,” Mark Lemley, law professor and director of the Stanford Program in Law, Science and Technology, writes in an email. “It will also produce a number of cases, but I think the current legal system is well-equipped to handle them.” Such concerns are not limited to the United States. “It’s definitely a world problem,” says Omar AlGhazzi, professor of media and communications at the London School of Economics. But it’s wrong to think that the technology will affect everyone in the same way, he adds. “A lot of critical technological research shows this, that it is those marginalized, disempowered, disenfranchised communities who will actually be most affected negatively,” particularly because authoritarian regimes are keen to use such technologies to manipulate public opinion. In Western democracies, too, a key question is, who will control the technology? Governments can’t properly regulate it anytime soon because they don’t have the expertise. In July, the Biden administration announced that OpenAI and other large tech companies had voluntarily agreed to use watermarking and other technologies to ensure people could detect when AI had enhanced or produced an image. Many digital ethicists worry that selfregulation won’t work. Consumers also have to become savvier about distinguishing real from fake videos. And they will, if the Adobe Photoshop experience is any guide, says Sarah Newman, director of art and education at Berkman Klein Center’s metaLAB at Harvard, which explores digital art and humanities. Three decades ago, when Photoshop began popularizing the idea of still photo manipulation, many people would have been confused by a photo of Donald Trump kissing Russian President Vladimir Putin, she says. Today, they would dismiss it as an obvious fake. The same savvy will come in time for fake videos, Ms. Newman predicts. Photojournalists will also have to adapt, says Brian Palmer, a longtime freelance photographer based in Richmond, Virginia. “We journalists have to give people a reason to believe and understand that we are using this technology as a useful tool and not as a weapon.” For more than 30 years, he says, he’s been trying to represent people honestly. “I thought that spoke for itself. It doesn’t anymore.” So, a couple of months ago, he put up on his website a personal code of ethics, which starts, “I do not and will not use generative artificial intelligence in my photography and journalism.” By Laurent Belise The OpenAI logo is displayed on a cellphone with an image on a computer monitor generated by ChatGPT. 13 SMART READER March 7, 2024 110923 Call or email anytime! 030223 In person office visits by appointment only. Please call to schedule. 5401 60th St. Kenosha, WI 53144 262-657-6127 [email protected] Candy Soens Celebrate, and protect the things you care about and the ones you love. 050423 s m t f e , y " d s a g t g d o s o " s d y f d . n l d d e s a t w d e y g w f 2 SR030724


14 SMART READER March 09, 2023 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 SMART READER March 7, 2024 14 F A new smartphone application uses artificial intelligence to detect depression from facial cues, opening the door to realtime digital mental health support, a new research paper reports. The researchers published their work Tuesday to the arXiv preprint database in advance of presenting it at the Association of Computing Machinery's CHI 2024 conference in May. Artificial intelligence coupled with facial-image processing software can reliably detect the onset of depression before the user knows something is wrong, according to the researchers in Dartmouth's Department of Computer Science and Geisel School of Medicine in Hanover, N.H. A prototype of a new smartphone application, MoodCapture uses a phone's front camera to capture a person's facial expressions and surroundings during regular use, and then evaluates the images for cues associated with depression. "We undertook this study to address critical gaps in traditional methods of monitoring and detecting depression. Traditional approaches often involve self-reports and clinical assessments, which can be biased and may not capture the complexity of an individual's mental state continuously," the study's co-first author, Subigya Nepal, a doctoral candidate in computer science, told UPI via email. "MoodCapture aims to leverage the unguarded facial expressions captured during routine phone unlocks, envisioning a future where AI can assess mood in real time directly on the device, ensuring privacy and continuous mental health monitoring," Nepal said. He noted that this move toward more objective and unobtrusive methods holds promise for early detection of depression and timely intervention for at-risk individuals. In a study of 177 people diagnosed with major depressive disorder, the app correctly identified early symptoms with 75% accuracy, the researchers said, noting that these results suggest that the technology could soon be publicly available. "Over the next five years, we will see this technique used in clinical and everyday settings to help people at risk," the study's corresponding author, Andrew Campbell, the Albert Bradley 1915 Third Century Professor of Computer Science at Dartmouth, told UPI via email. "A decade ago, we tried to see if images from the phone's front-facing camera could be used to predict depression and failed," Campbell said. "Today, the cameras on phones are orders of magnitude better, and new AI models allow us for the first time to accurately predict depression." Nepal added that "subtle, often overlooked cues can be meaningful indicators of mental health states." This study "also shows that we may be able to make depression detection more accessible and less stigmatized by embedding it into the fabric of daily technology use without requiring explicit user input or clinical visits." The research is preliminary, so it's necessary to interpret these results with caution, Dr. Gustavo Medeiros, a psychiatrist at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, told UPI via email. He was not involved in the study. The sample is relatively small, and the accuracy of prediction is suboptimal, and the diagnosis of depression was self-reported, which isn't ideal, said Medeiros, who also is an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Even so, "this pilot study shows that if continued efforts are made, artificial intelligence may be used in psychiatry in a few years," AI enables phones to detect depression from facial cues A new smartphone application uses artificial intelligence to detect depression from facial cues, opening the door to real-time digital mental health support story continues on page 18 011124 7110 74th PL, Kenosha, WI • (262) 694-1500 “Located next to Menards” AS YOUR CERTIFIED GM SERVICE CENTER... WE USE GENUINE GM PARTS 30 day guaranteed lowest price! We will meet or beat any advertised price on any tire we sell! Lifetime Free Tire Rotations With the purchase of 4 tires We offer over 18 different manufactures of tires including BFGoodrich, Bridgestone, Michelin, Goodyear and more! 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0FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 15 SMART READER March 7, 2024 SMART READER March 09, 2023 15 We hear a lot about the need for protein, but many of us may not realize the need for protein at every meal. We do a great job of getting protein at a dinner meal, but perhaps not such a good job at breakfast or with snacks. How much do we need? A 120-pound adult would need between 45 and 70 grams of protein each day, but the key is to spread consumption out over our meals and snacks. Our bodies can only utilize 25 to 30 grams of protein (the equivalent of about four ounces of meat or chicken) at a time to maximize muscle building and repair, according to a 2009 study by T.B. Symons on skeletal muscle protein synthesis published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Getting protein at breakfast can help curb hunger and start your metabolism. Every meal should contain a combination of protein, fats, fiber and complex carbohydrates. Not only does that support weight loss and sustained energy levels, but it also helps preserve and build muscle mass, according to a study by Madonna Mamerow on dietary protein distribution and muscle protein synthesis published in the 2014 Journal of Nutrition. So how do you get protein at every meal? Think Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, string cheese, hard-boiled or scrambled eggs, protein powder added to smoothies or oatmeal, nuts, seeds and ancient grains such as quinoa. Rather than a giant bagel with cream cheese and a cup of coffee, start your day with overnight oatmeal, a peanut butter smoothie or a protein pancake. Avocado toast with a fried egg or slice of turkey sausage makes a great breakfast. For snacks, add a piece of string cheese to your airpopped popcorn, or grab a handful of almonds. Hummus with fresh veggies can be satisfying as well. Protein helps slow our digestion of carbohydrates and helps us feel full. And if you add consistent exercise to protein throughout the day, it can help preserve muscle mass. As we age, that's even more important. Muscle mass loss begins as early as age 30, and after age 50, it occurs at a rate of 1% to 2% per year, according to Nathan Meiser with the Department of Kinesiology at Concordia University Irvine in California. Charlyn Fargo is a registered dietitian with SIU Med School in Springfield, Ill. food & recipes Protein at Every Meal Nutrition News with Charlyn Fargo Servings: 6 1 pound Brussels sprouts 1 large apple, cored and cut into 3/4-inch cubes 1/4 cup aged bourbon barrel maple syrup 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon each sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Nonstick cooking spray 1/2 cup candied pecans 3 slices thick-sliced sweet, smoked bacon, cooked and cut into 1/2-inch pieces To roast in oven, place oven rack in upper third of oven. Line a 15-by-10-inch baking pan with foil. Place pan on oven rack. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. (To cook on grill, place large cast iron skillet on grill to heat up. Meanwhile, cut large sprout pieces lengthwise in half. Place sprouts and apple in a large bowl. In another bowl, stir together syrup, olive oil, thyme, salt and pepper; drizzle over sprouts and apple. Toss until coated. Remove baking pan from oven and lightly spray foil with cooking spray. Transfer sprouts and apple to prepared pan. Spread in a single layer. Roast for 10 minutes. Stir and roast 5 minutes more, or until sprouts are caramelized and apples are tender. Add pecans and bacon; gently toss to combine. Maple-Bourbon Brussels Sprouts Serves 4 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces 1/2 teaspoon table salt, plus salt for cooking potatoes 3/4 cup half-and-half, warmed 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided 2 pounds bratwurst 1 onion, halved and sliced thin 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3/4 cup beef broth 3/4 cup Guinness Draught beer 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1. Combine potatoes and 1 tablespoon salt in large saucepan and add water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain potatoes and return to saucepan. Add halfand-half and 5 tablespoons butter. Using potato masher, mash potatoes in saucepan until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 2. Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add bratwursts and cook until well browned on 2 sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer bratwursts to a plate. Wipe skillet clean with paper towels. 3. Add 2 tablespoons butter, the onion, and salt to the now-empty skillet and cook until onion is softened and lightly browned, 4 to 6 minutes. 4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in broth, Guinness, mustard, and pepper. Add bratwursts and bring to simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover; and cook until bratwursts register 160 degrees, 10 to 12 minutes. 5. Transfer bratwursts to serving platter. Off heat, stir remaining 2 tablespoons butter into onion mixture. Serve bratwurst with mashed potatoes and spoon onion mixture over top. Bangers and Mash with Guinness-Onion Gravy This classic, comforting dish is ready in less than an hour — perfect for a weeknight dinner. We seared bratwursts, and after building our pan sauce of butter, onion, beef broth, and stout, returned them to the pan to cook through, bumping up the sauce’s meaty flavor. We thickened the gravy with a bit of flour and finished it with more butter for richness. A spoonful of Dijon mustard balanced the slight bitterness of the Guinness. Q: Does celery have much nutritional value, or is it mainly water? A: Celery stars as a low-calorie snack and is packed with nutrients. A cup of celery has 37% of the daily value for vitamin K and is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and folate. It's also high in antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of cancer. The crunchy, green stalks are proven in the kitchen for their versatility and flavor. Along with onion, carrots and parsley, celery is the base for stews and soups, gives crunch to tuna and chicken salad and adds flavor to the Thanksgiving stuffing. I'm reminded not to look down on celery just because it's a familiar veggie. Dip it in hummus; stuff it with peanut butter; or use add it to a stir-fry. 4011124 tSR030724


16 SMART READER March 09, 2023 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 F I r s t c t s d g e T i d f j r w l t i w w h t c i l G O d a p T r v w p m F r h b d DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I was diagnosed with oral cavity cancer and will need surgery. I spoke to another patient who underwent a similar procedure, and he said he had many issues afterward with hyposalivation, which affected his eating, speaking and oral health. Can you explain what this is and how do I prevent it? ANSWER: While they are being treated, patients with head and neck cancer often experience xerostomia, or dry mouth, which may be caused by a condition known as hyposalivation or reduced saliva production. Though it is not necessarily a side effect of surgery, it is often associated with other treatments to the head and neck, such as radiation therapy. This condition can significantly affect a person’s oral health and overall quality of life. The standard of care for patients with head and neck cancer can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or a combination of these treatments. Unfortunately, about 70% of patients may experience damage to healthy tissue adjacent to the treatment area. This includes the salivary glands responsible for producing and secreting saliva into the mouth. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by helping to break down food, neutralize acids and prevent bacterial overgrowth in the mouth. Also, saliva aids in swallowing and keeps the mouth moist, preventing discomfort and speaking difficulties. Any change to the salivary gland disrupts the normal saliva flow, causing dry mouth. As your friend pointed out, several challenges can arise from hyposalivation, including oral health concerns, since saliva helps protect teeth and gums from decay and infections. Reduced saliva flow can increase the risk of dental cavities, gum disease and oral infections. A lack of saliva also can alter your taste. Saliva is essential for carrying taste molecules from food to our taste buds. With reduced saliva production, taste may be altered, which can lead to less enjoyment while eating and drinking. Also, saliva is necessary to create a comfortable environment for dentures. Dry mouth can make wearing dentures uncomfortable and may cause irritation. Recognizing the number of people affected by hyposalivation, research is occurring to try to find new alternatives for patients. At Mayo Clinic, researchers are looking at whether stem cells can restore salivary gland function. This research is ongoing, but initial results look very promising. Between now (when you need to be treated for your head and neck cancer) and the time stem cell research can provide definitive treatments, talk with your care team to determine the risk for hyposalivation. This can help you be aware of potential changes and create a plan to manage the condition if it arises. Consider speaking with a dietitian for easy-to-chew foods you can swallow and enjoy during recovery to maintain adequate nutrition. This is particularly important if you have specific dietary restrictions or concerns outside your cancer. Other tips to help manage hyposalivation: • Maintain excellent oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing and rinsing with fluoride mouthwashes can help prevent dental problems. It is important to continue with regular dental visits after surgery to ensure your mouth and teeth remain healthy. • Stay hydrated. Sipping water regularly can help keep the mouth moist. Avoiding sugary and acidic beverages is recommended, as they can contribute to dental issues. • Use saliva substitutes. Over-the-counter saliva substitutes can temporarily alleviate dry mouth. There are sprays, gels and lozenges available. • Chew gum or candy. Chewing on gum or sucking on candy can stimulate saliva flow. Be sure to choose the sugarless variety to limit the risk of cavities or other concerns. • Select moist or softer food. Things like eggs, oatmeal, cottage cheese, yogurt, avocado, canned fruit in natural juices, hummus or tofu are all great options that easily can be incorporated into many dishes. • Be mindful of the temperature. Ensure that foods are not too hot or spicy, as heat can worsen mouth discomfort. • Avoid dry air. Depending upon where you live, dry air can be a way of life. But consider using a humidifier at night to add moisture to the air and reduce dryness. • Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Both tobacco and alcohol can exacerbate dry mouth. Though hyposalivation is common for patients who have received multimodality therapy for oral cancer, with advanced preparation, you can hopefully alleviate the discomfort it causes to maintain a good quality of life and easier recovery. — Jeffrey Janus, M.D., Otolaryngology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida Mayo Clinic How to manage dry mouth during cancer care health Lettuce said to be more susceptible to E. coli than other leafy vegetables Salad lovers, take note: Lettuce is more vulnerable to E. coli contamination than other leafy greens, researchers report. The physical composition of green leaf and romaine lettuce makes it a happy home for E. coli bacteria, particularly at room temperature, according to a report published recently in the journal Food Microbiology. Other leafy greens -- spinach, kale and collards -- are more resistant to E. coli, a bacteria with toxic strains that can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. "At room temperature or higher, E. coli grows very fast on lettuce," said lead researcher Mengyi Dong, a postdoctoral research associate in food safety at Duke University in Durham, N.C. "But if lettuce is refrigerated at 39 degrees F, we see a sharp decline in the E. coli population." The new study was prompted by reports of food-borne illness caused by lettuce, said Dong, who conducted the research as a doctoral student at the University of Illinois, UrbanaChampaign. "We are seeing a lot of outbreaks on lettuce, but not so much on kale and other brassica vegetables," Dong noted in an UI news release. "We wanted to learn more about the susceptibility of different leafy greens." For the study, Dong and her colleagues infected whole leaves from five different leafy greens -- romaine lettuce, green leaf lettuce, spinach, kale, and collards -- with E. coli. They then observed what happened after storage at 39, 68 and 98.6 degrees F. They found that a green's susceptibility to E. coli was determined in part by leaf surface properties like roughness and natural wax coating. On kale and collards, E. coli grows slower in warmer temperatures, but can survive longer under refrigeration, researchers found. Even so, kale and collards are overall less susceptible to E. coli contamination. Further, kale and collards are usually cooked before eaten, while lettuce is consumed raw, Dong noted. Cooking kills or inactivates E. coli. Researchers also infected cut leaves with E. coli, to compare the difference in bacterial growth between damaged and whole leaves. "Whole leaves and freshly cut leaves present different situations. When the leaf is cut, it releases vegetable juice, which contains nutrients that stimulate bacterial growth," Dong said. However, the researchers found that the juice from spinach, kale and collards actually had antimicrobial properties that protect against E. coli. In fact, when they isolated kale and collards juice and applied the liquid to lettuce leaves they found the juice can be used as a natural antimicrobial agent. People can protect themselves by rinsing lettuce, Dong said, although she warned that E. coli bacteria tend to attach themselves tightly to lettuce leaves. Consumers also should store their lettuce in the fridge and pay attention to any food safety recalls involving leafy greens, researchers said. "We can't completely avoid pathogens in food. Vegetables are grown in soil, not in a sterile environment, and they will be exposed to bacteria," said researcher Pratik Banerjee, an associate professor of food safety with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. "It's a complex problem to solve, but we can embrace best practices in the food industry and food supply chain," Banerjee said. "There's a lot of interest from the research community and federal agencies to address these issues, and the USDA imposes high standards for food production, so overall the U.S. food supply is quite safe." By Dennis Thompson SMART READER March 7, 2024 16


0FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 17 SMART READER March 7, 2024 SMART READER March 09, 2023 17 books Float Up, Sing Down, by Laird Hunt In Laird Hunt’s collection of stories, residents of an Indiana farming community in 1982 go about their routines, with secrets and regrets roiling beneath the surface. “Things grew where they grew and flew where they flew and that was all there was to it,” thinks one character. It’s an assessment that infuses these deeply felt tales. Wandering Stars, by Tommy Orange Tommy Orange weaves a fictional Cheyenne family into such real-life events as the Sand Creek Massacre of 1864, dramatizing the impact of historical events on subsequent generations of Native Americans. “Wandering Stars” is the engaging follow-up to his award-winning first novel, “There There.” Cahokia Jazz, by Francis Spufford Welcome to Cahokia, Illinois, in 1922, a fast-paced industrial burg whose Black, Native, and white denizens dwell in relative calm. After a gruesome murder ignites old fears, Joe Barrow – a biracial police officer with a talent for jazz piano – gets the case. Oozing with noir tropes yet still remarkably original, Francis Spufford’s speculative tale wrestles with trust, truth, and transformation. Acts of Forgiveness, by Maura Cheeks The novel imagines what the United States would look like if the government passed a law requiring reparations to descendants of enslaved people. As Black families pour into the South to hunt for records of their ancestors, the white backlash begins. The novel begins slowly, but builds with each page. Smoke Kings, by Jahmal Mayfield If first novels indicate career trajectory, Jahmal Mayfield has a future in crime fiction. His “Smoke Kings” is a fresh take on current events and history, mixed with social commentary. It’s a fast-paced story of twisted altruism that is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. Diva, by Daisy Goodwin Novelist Daisy Goodwin unfolds the glamorous world of legendary opera star Maria Callas, and her love affair with Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis. Heartbroken after Onassis marries the widowed Jacqueline Kennedy, Callas discovers her true voice. The Turtle House, by Amanda Churchill When Grandminnie unexpectedly becomes her architect granddaughter Lia’s roommate, they begin sharing poignant secrets as Lia records Grandminnie’s life stories. This exceptional debut novel honors Amanda Churchill’s real grandmother, a Japanese war bride who relocated to a vast Texas ranch in the 1950s. “The Turtle House” is filled with bighearted characters, delightful storytelling, and precise prose. This Disaster Loves You, by Richard Roper Sad-sack Brian, a British pub owner in midlife, has been mourning the baffling disappearance of his wife, Lily. Following the digital breadcrumbs of an online travel reviewer who may be Lily, Brian embarks on a quest to find his beloved. In Richard Roper’s capable hands, the search becomes so much more – a kindling of confidence, a step down new paths. It’s an engaging, poignant read. Half the globe is now middle class. Is that sustainable? The emergence of a global middle class might seem unremarkable when compared with flashier transformations such as the digital revolution, globalization, or artificial intelligence. Yet it may be one of the more consequential shifts in human history. That’s the case economist Homi Kharas makes in his book The Rise of the Global Middle Class: How the Search for the Good Life Can Change the World. Until the early 19th century, less than 1% of the world’s population could be considered middle class. Today over half the world’s population is middle class, defined in the book as having the resources to spend at least $12 a day. As Kharas sees it, this vast sector of humanity – freed from many of the stresses of daily survival – has unprecedented power to shape the decisions of world leaders in politics and business alike. Middle-class aspirations existed long before the classification came to be. Aristotle believed a society constituted primarily by the middle class would be stabler, better governed, and more resilient against the threats of factionalism and division. “Wisely then did Phocylides pray – ‘Many things are best in the mean; I desire to be of a middle condition in my city,’” he wrote in 350 B.C.E., referencing a thinker who lived centuries earlier. Today, middle-class status is widely associated with the potential for a relatively comfortable and fulfilling life. But for the first time since the middle class began to emerge, its promise is uncertain. Even in places where incomes are continuing to rise, life satisfaction is dropping. And with Earth’s resources being pushed beyond its limits, the viability of a Western middle-class lifestyle for all is under question. These are the dilemmas at the heart of “The Rise of the Global Middle Class.” Before getting there, Kharas traces the emergence of the middle class around the world, detailing its growth billion by billion. The first billion came out of a century and a half of industrialization, technological innovation, and capitalist growth in the West between 1830 and 1975. The second billion took shape over the next three decades of growth in East Asia and Latin America and the globalization of trade and free-market economic policies. China’s “economic miracle” between 2006 and 2014 largely explains the third billion. The fourth and most recent billion was driven by economic liberalization and urbanization in India, especially in the last 10 years. These paths were each unique. Despite Western predictions, a formidable middle class in China has not brought with it democratization or greater individual freedoms. India seems to have jumped over the manufacturing stage of economic development directly to the massive expansion of professional services like those for information technology, especially software. Most Latin American countries have achieved uppermiddle-income status, but many have struggled to build out a strong middle class because of poor economic management and reliance on natural resource exports. Nevertheless, Kharas sees a common thread of citizens around the globe who have found enough economic freedom and agency to aspire to Aristotle’s “good life.” He points to an agreement among 130 countries in 2022 to implement a minimum tax on multinational companies. “The presence of a sizable middle class in many large economies demanding ‘fairness’ can lead to international cooperation despite differing contexts and starting points,” he writes. Others around the world are pushing for more ethical and environmental business practices. Kharas outlines the growing threats to the world’s newfound middleclass prosperity. The obvious one is disregard for environmental limits. The consumerist “take-makedispose” approach to the economy is polluting the world and affecting human health. Another challenge he unpacks is the provision of decent, meaningful work in an age of automation. High- and low-wage jobs have grown in recent decades, but middle-wage jobs have declined. Kharas argues the 21stcentury middle class is searching for a new narrative. “The last two centuries have been unbelievably successful in delivering material prosperity – more consumption of goods and services – and in delivering a life of stability, security, and respect,” he writes. But in recent decades, it has done so by working longer and longer hours, on top of rising levels of stress and mental health challenges. “The middle-class lifestyle of today is no longer satisfying, and the happiness that the middle class seeks is still elusive,” he adds. In a sober yet hopeful tone, Kharas argues it is up to this vast group of people to demand the systemic change humanity needs. To do that, he writes, the middle class will need to reimagine the meaning of the good life. By Erika Page The best new books reckon with the past – and present PRINT & E-BOOKS NONFICTION PRINT & E-BOOKS FICTION 1. The Women (Hannah) 2. Fourth Wing (Yarros) 3. Iron Flame (Yarros) 4. The Teacher (McFadden) 5. The Chaos Agent (Greaney) 6. House of Flame and Shadow (Maas) 7. Bride (Hazelwood) 8. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store (McBride) 9. Icebreaker (Grace) 10. A Court of Silver Flames (Maas) 1. Killers of the Flower Moon (Grann) 2. The Wager (Grann) 3. The Body Keeps the Score (van der Kolk) 4. Outlive (Attia/Gifford) 5. The Boys in the Boat (Brown) 6. Capote’s Women (Leamer) 7. Everything I Know About Love (Alderton) 8. Oath and Honor (Cheney) 9. Why We Remember (Ranganath) 10. Masters of the Air (Miller) NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLERS 6


18 SMART READER March 09, 2023 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 F a a a t g g L M e a h s y A h G P t p t g g B i s h j ( W c RE PL FO 3 L M Su Ke 30 Fo 26 G CO - sp tic an Th an ar wi Ra gr Ge sk ad tim ar Su Bl LI ha 4:0SMART READER March 7, 2024 18 America’s founders are revered figures, but in recent decades scholars have sought to present a fuller picture of men like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton, exploring their blind spots and flaws in addition to their achievements. Two new books suggest that the founding era’s villains, like its heroes, ought to receive more nuanced consideration, too. Benedict Arnold, the patriot hero who defected to the British in the midst of the Revolutionary War, is remembered as the foremost fiend of his time: His name is practically synonymous with treason. Jack Kelly’s vivid and fast-paced biography, God Save Benedict Arnold: The True Story of America’s Most Hated Man, strives for a balanced view, focusing on Arnold’s contributions to independence before turning to his betrayal. Not surprisingly, Arnold also rates a chapter in A Republic of Scoundrels: The Schemers, Intriguers & Adventurers Who Created a New American Nation, an entertaining anthology edited by historians David Head and Timothy C. Hemmis. Hemmis observes that despite an “official culture” that emphasized “public virtue and self-sacrifice as the lifeblood of a republic,” an assortment of duplicitous characters exploited the young nation’s instability in order to amass wealth and power for themselves. Shifting allegiances Kelly’s biography portrays Benedict Arnold as a bold man of action who was vital to the Revolution. Born in Connecticut in 1741, he was a fifth-generation American with several prosperous businesses when war broke out. Though the family’s lineage was impressive, Arnold’s father had failed as a business owner. Deeply affected by his father’s ruin, Kelly writes, Arnold “had always felt an irresistible urge, almost a mania, to climb, to acquire, to become somebody.” That urge was reflected in his belief in aggressive action to defeat the British. Between 1775 and 1777, Arnold played a key role in several important campaigns: the capture of Fort Ticonderoga, the unsuccessful invasion of Quebec, the Battle of Valcour Island, and the Battles of Saratoga. Kelly’s narrative includes gripping accounts of these military operations. While Arnold exhibited a “fearless calm” in battle, off the field he was prickly and sensitive to slights. He had the trust of George Washington, commander of the Continental Army, but his antagonistic personality earned him enemies and led to attacks on his reputation. Much to Washington’s dismay, the Continental Congress, which made all decisions regarding officers’ commissions, repeatedly declined to promote Arnold, even promoting men of lower rank above him. He had fought valiantly, sustaining serious injuries to his leg in both Quebec and Saratoga, but Congress was guided more by politics than by military merit. By 1780, when the war was dragging and morale was low, Arnold was serving as commander of New York’s lower Hudson region, which included the military fortification at West Point. Arnold conspired to surrender the strategically valuable fort to the British; if his plot hadn’t been discovered, it could have devastated the patriot cause. “Arnold has betrayed us,” Washington lamented when presented with evidence of the treachery. “Whom can we trust now?” Arnold, who went on to fight for the British, claimed that he had switched sides in an effort to reconcile the two factions and help bring an end to the war. Hamilton attributed his treason to “the ingratitude he had experienced from his countrymen.” Because Arnold was paid handsomely for transferring allegiances, most of his contemporaries chalked up his actions to simple greed. Kelly – who tells the story skillfully even if he doesn’t cover new ground – ventures his own theory. It’s rooted in Arnold’s need for action, which had been frustrated by his injuries. “Disabled from sharing in the transcendence of battle, he may have searched for a way to live amidst danger and intrigue, and to play a role in great events,” the author speculates, acknowledging that Arnold’s motives will never be fully known. Corruption and greed Writing about Arnold in the “Scoundrels” anthology, contributor James Kirby Martin goes even easier on America’s archvillain. His essay catalogs Arnold’s unfair treatment at the hands of military and civilian leaders, concluding that “the Revolutionaries did not represent one big, happy family, but a quarrelsome bunch that helped turn Arnold into a likeness of them.” He comes perilously close to denying Arnold’s agency, writing, “Circumstances morphed this heroic fighter into a historical pariah.” Not everyone profiled in “Scoundrels” is let off the hook. Besides Arnold, the book’s other familiar figure is Aaron Burr. While Burr is remembered for killing Alexander Hamilton in a duel, Hemmis’ entry describes a less well-known episode: the opportunistic former vice president’s alleged attempt to establish an independent country in the western territory, which he would lead. Burr was charged with treason and acquitted in 1807; his full intentions, while apparently malevolent, remain unclear. Most of the book’s figures have faded into obscurity. But soldier and diplomat James Wilkinson, the subject of an essay by Samuel Watson, seemed to pop up everywhere in his day. He badmouthed Arnold while serving under him during the war, and he was involved with Burr’s conspiracy before turning on him and informing President Jefferson of Burr’s plans to raise an army of frontier fighters. After Wilkinson’s death, it was discovered that he’d been a paid agent for Spain. Watson calls him “the most morally flexible man in the world.” Another chapter focuses on William Blount, who, while serving as a senator from Tennessee, was the first federal official to be impeached. Prior to that, he used his position as governor of the Southwest Territory to amass 2 million acres of land, cheating veterans and Native Americans in the process. He was, in the words of contributor Christopher Magra, “a scoundrel through and through.” Co-editor Head makes a compelling point that he acknowledges is “so obvious it is easy to miss”: Building a new nation was a huge and multifaceted endeavor, requiring “not only a handful of demi-gods with names like Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and Hamilton, but a host of mere mortals, many of whom were out for themselves.” These scoundrels are part of our founding story, too. By Barbara Spindel Engineers of NFL winning teams fueled by reading books full of ideas NFL team builders don't just stick to game film when engineering winners. Many say they rely on books written by coaching legends, business experts, philosophers and even military strategists. The whirlwind of words inside their brains is something to consider for fans, who eye 40-yard-dash times, bench presses and more this week at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. Pristine physical makeup and explosion from prospects is just a tiny facet they cram into molding a successful franchise, while the league constantly changes. "For me, at least, being creative, looking and being exposed to these different things is very helpful," Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta told UPI at the Indiana Convention Center. DeCosta, 52, is among the most-respected player personnel minds in the game. An avid reader, he says he concentrates on military history and value investing, often turning to authors Benjamin Graham, Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. New Los Angeles Chargers general manager Joe Horitz, who worked on the Ravens staff for more than 20 years, said DeCosta often shared messages from his readings with staff members during his time in Baltimore. Horitz said he also hopes to expand his reading as a first-time general manager. Jarring focus from what can be a monotonous gridiron grind has been key for DeCosta's consistent success. The man tasked with evaluating talent, balancing the salary cap, analyzing film and negotiating contracts, trades and more once even used waiting room time during when he wife was in labor in 2003 to study Moneyball. Similarly small time windows are rare for NFL coaches and general managers, even during the off-season as they rebuild their rosters through the draft and free agency. But many still find time to scan new material or rehash old favorites from the bookshelf, ravenous for an elusive advantage. Many of their favorite titles detail times of intense adversity and can be directly applied to the football field. Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin previously said Flags of Our Fathers is among his favored books. Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said Fearless tops his rankings. Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, 40, first read Geoffrey Colvin's Talent is Overrated about a decade ago, but material from the book, which details "deliberate practice" and story continues on page 18 Scoundrels, as well as heroes, shaped America’s founding Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel continues to use lessons from the book, "Talent is Overrated," as a way to educate his players.


0FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 19 SMART READER March 7, 2024 SMART READER March 09, 2023 19 AI and depression continued from page 13 argues the legitimacy of innate talent, are constant themes that his coaches and players echo. "I've been subconsciously implanting themes of Talent is Overrated since I got the job," said McDaniel, a Yale graduate. The Green Bay Packers' Matt LaFleur (44), who worked with McDaniel previously and also experienced early coaching success, also considers Talent is Overrated as his favorite book. McDaniel is 20-14 through two seasons, LaFleur is 56-27 through five years. Cleveland Browns general manager Andrey Berry, a Harvard graduate, said his pastor recommended that he read Gordon MacDonald's Ordering Your Private World. "It really changed my approach in terms of balancing the personal and professional constraints or weights that come from trying to be a good general manager, a good husband and a good father -- all of those things," Berry said. "That really had a huge impact on my life." The Browns were 37-106-1 in nine seasons before Berry's arrival. They have the same number of victories in just four years under the 36-year-old (37-30). Ryan Holiday's The Obstacle is the Way is another staple in NFL circles. Longtime personnel executive Michael Lombardi, Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider and Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton are among fans of the book, which details how Ulysses S. Grant, Steve Jobs and others used stoicism to overcome challenges. "I like gathering the information and thinking outside the box," said Payton, known as one of the best offensive minds in the NFL. "Some of those books provide that." Payton, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay, Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid and former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick have mentioned their fondness for works written by coaching legend Bill Walsh. The Score Takes Care of Itself, which focuses on leadership principles and team construction, was the most common Walsh title mentioned by the NFL brain trust. "Bill Walsh's book is probably the best out there," said Reid, a three-time Super Bowl champion. "A lot of Hall of Fame guys have written books. They are all good and I've read them all. "With Bill's, if you want to be a head coach or the leader of an organization, here it is. It's mapped out for you." By Alex Butler NFL winners continued from page 17 he said. "Scientific knowledge typically progresses inch by inch, and many additional steps are needed until this app can be reliably used." Most individuals with depression don't seek help, so establishing a connection with a mental health clinician can be difficult for several reasons, Medeiros said. "Although this app is unlikely to replace mental health professionals, it can help people by letting them know that they might be depressed, which may encourage them to seek psychiatric help" in early phases of the disorder, minimizing its negative effects, he said. Medeiros added that "depression is a complex disease that affects the facial expression of patients in different ways." As a result, he suggests that future studies develop predictive models that go beyond facial expression -- they should incorporate other types of passive data such as sleep and walking patterns, social media use and typing. "Studying models with several sources of data will likely increase the accuracy of the prediction," Medeiros said. Biomarkers of depression, particularly those that are passively recorded and don't require much effort from the user, are clearly needed, Dr. Dan V. Iosifescu, a professor of psychiatry and a member of the Neuroscience Institute at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, part of NYU Langone Health in New York City, told UPI via email. "Current studies taking advantage of the ubiquity and sophistication of smartphones attempt to use elements of typing, voice, movement -- accelerometers -- and sleep as markers of depression severity," Iosifescu said. "Having a reliable tool to detect depression severity could help patients and clinicians by highlighting clinical need in undiagnosed cases, unexpected worsening of clinical course or emergent suicidal ideation," he said. While "human facial expressions are one of the best ways to detect emotions," Iosifescu noted that the app's 75% accuracy rate is modest, even though "the authors express confidence that future iterations might cross the threshold of 90% accuracy, at which point the application would indeed become clinically useful." He cautioned that "this research also has a potential dark side, as accurate and passive mood prediction could be potentially used for nefarious purposes by autocratic governments and by criminals searching for their next victim." Not all symptoms of depression -- such as changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, fatigue and feeling bad about oneself -- can be evaluated via a photograph, Allison Kranich, a licensed clinical professional counselor at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital in McHenry, Ill., told UPI via email. "Perhaps facial recognition may be beneficial for mild and subclinical levels of depression, but I can't see it significantly changing the course of a severe illness or saving lives of those experiencing suicidal ideations," Kranich said. She added that "we need more treating clinicians and better access to health care." By Susan Kreimer REMINDER: PLEASE RESUBMIT AD TO RUN FOR EACH ISSUE. Maximum 3 Listings Per Person. MISC MODEL TRAIN SWAP Meet. Sunday, March 10, 9am To 1pm. Kenosha Union Club, 3030 39th Avenue, Kenosha, WI. For More Information Call Bill @ 262-331-0392 G E R M A N CONVERSATIONALIST GROUP - KENOSHA/RACINE If you speak German or are enthusiastic about the German language and culture, come and join us. There are no membership fees and attendance is whenever you are available to join. Meetings will be held in the Kenosha and Racine area. This is an excellent group to practice speaking German as members' language skills are from beginners to advance and we all have a good time. Please contact me if you are interested in joining - Susan Blust at [email protected]. LIONS CLUB BINGO Come have some fun! Doors open at 4:00. Raffles, pull-tabs and pregames start at 6:45. Bingo 7:00-9pm. Wednesdays. 2700 9th St., Schlader Building, Winthrop Harbor. Food Sales. FOR SALE HAMILTON MANTEL CLOCK Make an offer on this gem. Ask questions. Call or text 808-359-8474 Sears sewing machine. Model 1750. Zig zag. All attachments included. $99.00. Joan Pucazo 262-656-6048, Kenosha, WI 53140 [email protected]. CHRISTMAS TREES: FAUX Christmas Tree $100; Ceramic Christmas Tree $50; Faux Christmas Tree $5. Many Christmas Items. Just inquire by calling or texting 262-902-5663. WINTER SPORTS: Women's Edelweis ski pants $25; Women's ski pants $60; Women's Salomon SX52 Lady ski boots $235; Women's ELAN Downhill skis $140; Tingley Men's Medium Size Rubber Over The Shoe Boots $10; Men's Boots$10; Jeep Jacket $200; Boy's Figure Skates $10; Men's Figure Skates $10; Cross Country Ski Poles- 2 pairs $10 each; Men's Snow Pants $10. Call or text 262- 902-5663. Snow Blower 24” Like New 262-771-7860 Beer Cans For Sale 262-694-7573, Leave A Message. Crystal round platter 12 inch diameter $10.00 perfect condition Great for the holidays 317-764-7662 BEADS. Boxes and boxes Of New Beads. All Sorts And Sizes. $49.00 For All. Phone 262-657-6049 CHILDREN'S VINTAGE ITEMS: Riding Wonder Horse-$100; Eddie Bauer Beach Sport Bag With Many Sand Play Toys Included-$8; Speedo Dive Snorkel And Mask (Unopened) $15; Mini Indoor Basketball Hoop- $3; Plastic Kitchen Toys- All For $2; Many Legos- All For $3; Star Trek, The Motion Picture Vhs SeriesAll 8 Tapes-$25; Many Toys (Call With What You Are Looking For!) Call Or Text: 262-902-5663. Two Bicycles, Schwinn $100 OBO and Autobike by CSA, 6-speed $175 OBO Call 262-654-6485 Please leave message Original $15 Rockwell Plates $10 each Air Fryer, new $50 Call 262-771-8764 Save 50% ON Burial Plots! Private Owner Of Two (2) (Side By Side) Section H Sunset Ridge Memorial Park Kenosha, Wi. Dont’ Pay $11,390.00... I’ Selling For $5,695.00 Obo! (262)914-5977 Ed Barbie doll, remote control corvette, that fits two Barbie dolls, about 25 in long x 10 in wide, best offer. Other small auto models available from classic days. Ron 847-340-3446. Beanie Babies - large inventory, includes McDonald's line, price varies. Call 262-654-6485 - please leave message Sony Reel To Reel Tape Decks! TC-630 & TC-580 $200 OBO for both. Call Kent 262-960-0621 [email protected] Two side-by-side burial plots at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park, section H, privately owned. Willing to negotiate on price. Please call Ed - 262-914-5977 WANTED. Experienced Grill Cook Flexible Hours, Fun Atmosphere. Lakeside Deck At The Wyndham Hotel Call Kim 262-496-7182 Singer and narrator wanted for Roger Miller tribute.Call 262-554- 8205. Ask for Marv. WANTED TO BUY: Vintage Movie Posters, Comic Books, LP Records, Vintage Toys, Horror VHS, Horror Memorabilia, Science Fiction Pulps & Magazines, Video Store Promotional Items. PH 262-237- 0318. WANTED TO BUY: Old Post Cards, B&W Photos, B&W Photo Albums, Vintage Advertising, Old Hunting Licenses & Advertising, Scrapbooks, Old Misc.Paper, Old Automobile Advertising, Fountain Pens, Gillette Razors & More. Local Collector/Neutral Safe & Secure Site to meet if desired. Cash Paid. Call or Text Stan 262- 496-1822 ARCADE DRIVERS SCHOOL is looking for classroom & driver instructors. Starting pay $17.00 per hour. If interested please call 262-637-9193 or email us at [email protected] LOOKING FOR NURSES Aid for in home care. Call Barbara 262-455-3953 SERVICES. “Tax Preparation & Advisory Services. 20+ Years Experience. Virtual Or In-Person. For Appointment Call Or Text 262-496- 2208. I Will Do Seamstress Work, Run Errands, Do Shopping & Dr. Appointments., Etc.If Interested Please Call Gayle At 262-748-4748 I'M LOOKING FOR house to share for reasonable rent in exchange for household needs for a senior vet consideration. 847-340-3446 Ron. Kenosha/Union Grove area. LAWN MOWING SERVICES Reliable lawn care services in Kenosha & Pleasant Prairie. call/text 262-914-9796 [email protected] TAX & MEDICARE EXPERT. Appointments only. Se Habla Español. 262.833.7070 CHINESE LANGUAGE / CALLIGRAPHY LESSONS: Fun, fascinating and very cool. Beginning and advanced - all ages! Text Dr. Tim at 520.704.3832. FOR RENT Finished Suite private, in-home entrance, in Kenosha. For details call between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, 262-843-1630. DRUM LESSONS Private instruction. Band, orchestra, marching and drum set. Rock and many other musical styles. Learn to read music. Call Tom for details. 262-818-2869. PROFESSIONAL LED TEETH WHITENING for a fraction of the price! $99 at cabana tan spa. call to book: 262-843-2411. 20 minute session = a bright white smile! mycabanatan.com NURSING CARE /CONSULTATION: $35.00/hour. Call or text to (262)758-1974 FAST COMPUTER SERVICE including network support, spyware removal, upgrades and PC repair. For friendly service with a smile, call Vikkex today! Phone 262-694-7746 BABYSITTING YOUNG LADY good with kids can watch 1 or 2 children call 262-620-4745 House cleaning woman + a bucket - reliable, dependable. Also clean vacant houses. Call for estimates - Sandy 262-221-2289 Houses And/Or Business Sun Shine Klean Is Having A Special This Month For First Time Customers Free Upholstery Cleaning With At Basic Cleaning For Only $39.95 262-287-5103 CNAS TO JOIN wellness team at Barton of Zion, five star assisted living. Send resume [email protected] apply within at 3500 Sheridan Road Zion, IL 60099 847-872-1500 FREE HOME HEATING Fuel Oil Removal I will remove your unused home heating fuel oil for free..clean and safe . Inquire about tank removal also ... 262 818 1967 ..ask for Dave TYPING. I am an experienced legal secretary with excellent typing skills wanting to type for you at home. Please contact Alicia at 2 6 - 6 5 8 - 4 4 8 4 . VEHICLES0 1940 Ford pick-up (red) Street ride V8 automatic Ready to drive and add to your car perfect collection. 65K 262-620-8230 2011 FORD F150 143K MILES SEE IN KENOSHA AT 4121-7TH. AVE. 53140 RUSS 262-237-1343 CALL OR TEXT. NEWER TIRES AND BRAKES. READY TO DRIVE ANYWHERE $7950 NICE TRUCK 2008 HONDA CRV One Owner Well Maintained See In Kenosha At 4121-7th Ave. 53140 Russ 262-237-1343 Call Or Text Very Nice Car $5750 SEE IN KENOSHA At 4121-7th. Ave. 53140 Russ 262-237-1343 Call Or Text. Awd 190k Miles 3 Row Seating $9495 3.5 Liter 6 Cly 2003 soft tail Harley Davidson 18000 miles $5000 worth of chrome added in 2006. Perfect condition Asking $7500 Call Lloyd at 262 694 7359 or 262 515 1366. Located In Pleasant Prairie 95 CAMERO convert green/tan top. many newer parts best offer will trade for other vehicle, negotiate price. 847-340-3446 Ron - dealers welcome to participate. 1997 Jaguar XK8 Convertible 75K in great condition Contact Bob: 262-484-4848 or text 262-945-9224 1973 FORD F250, Camper Special2wd,California Original, Rebuilt Motor/Trans, Auto, Ac, New Interior, Can Send Pics. $13,500 Obo. 630-945-8320. FREE CLASSIFIEDS! E-mail your 170 character classified to: [email protected] Please include your contact information in the classified. (Name and Phone number / e-mail address) First 3 words will be boldface type. NO ANIMALS. • NO PERSONALS ALLOWED. CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2023 AT 12 NOON FREE CLASSIFIEDS! Employment/Opportunities • Lost & Found • Miscellaneous Real Estate • Rentals • Rummage Sales • Vehicles • Wanted 8 s a t s y t h g m , n e n y e L l e d e t n d f, e s e y . h d s . h s h d s e e s d


20 SMART READER March 09, 2023 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 SMART READER March 7, 2024 20 F health lifestyle community Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center news March 7, 2024 Your Kenosha ADRC Update Reduce Your Falls Risk with Stepping On Free, six-week course to begin May 9 Wisconsin is ranked #1 in the nation for falls that lead to death among older adults. More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling. Kenosha County wants to change those statistics with Stepping On! Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center is hosting a Stepping On course beginning on Thursday, May 9. Stepping On is a free, six-week educational series, to help reduce falls in older adults. In Stepping On, you’ll learn how to build and maintain the physical strength and balance you need to walk confidently. From footwear to prescriptions, you'll learn what increases your risk of a fall, how to avoid it, and make an individualized action plan to stay on your feet and living life the way you want. The in-person sessions will be held at Library Terrace Apartments, 7905 36th Ave., Kenosha, on Thursdays, May 9 – June 20, 2 – 4 p.m. Registration is required by Thursday, May 2. For questions or to register call the ADRC at 262-605-6646. Going on Medicare? Learn about the decisions you’ll need to make The Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) offers no-cost, unbiased, Medicare workshops for those new to Medicare, or who want to learn more. Trained benefit specialists will be available to answer your questions and discuss the decisions you’ll need to make, including the basics of Medicare coverage, options for private health and drug coverage, and public benefits that can help with health care costs. Sign up for a workshop 3-4 months before your Medicare starts, if possible. UPCOMING MEDICARE 2024 WORKSHOPS: Bristol Village Hall, 19801 83rd St., Bristol Tuesday, March 26, 10 a.m. – noon ••• Twin Lakes Community Library, 110 S Lake Ave., Twin Lakes Thursday, April 25, 10 a.m. – noon ••• Kenosha County Job Center, 8600 Sheridan Road, Entrance A, Room N2 Tuesday, May 21, 10 a.m. – noon Tuesday, June 25, 2 – 4 p.m. Thursday, July 25, 10 a.m. – noon Tuesday, August 20, 10 a.m. - noon Due to limited seating, reservations are required. Call the ADRC at 262-605-6646 to make a reservation or to learn more. Free Healthy Living with Diabetes Class offered online! The Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center is offering a free online class for those who have diabetes or care for someone who does. Healthy Living with Diabetes is a 6-week evidencebased program from Stanford University that has helped people world-wide: • Be in control and feel better • Have more energy • Use new tools to manage their diabetes • Create new goals Healthy Living with Diabetes will be offered virtually, Thursdays, 2 – 4 p.m., March 21 – April 25. If you are a Kenosha County resident, age 55 or older, and have diabetes or care for someone who does, call the ADRC at 262-605-6646 to learn more or to register. A Zoom link will be provided for the class. Registration closes on March 14.


200FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 21 SMART READER March 7, 2024 SMART READER March 09, 2023 21


22 SMART READER March 09, 2023 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 F wSMART READER March 7, 2024 22 Kenosha County ADRC to Offer Powerful Tools for Caregivers Online Class Next free, six-week course to begin March 13 The Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center is now accepting reservations for its next Powerful Tools for Caregivers course. Powerful Tools for Caregivers is a free, sixweek educational series intended to teach skills for how to take care of yourself while caring for a loved one. The class helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, communicate feelings better, balance their lives, increase their ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources. The 6-week online classes will be held Wednesdays, beginning March 13 – April 17, 2 – 3:30 p.m. To participate, caregivers will need internet access and access to a computer, iPad or other tablet. They will receive a brief phone call from the program leader prior to the first session on how to use the Zoom video conference program. Registration deadline has been extended to March 11. To register, call the ADRC at 262-605- 6646. Ask about our classes in Spanish! Memory Screen Mondays The Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) offers free, confidential memory screens every Monday, 8 a.m. - noon. Memory screens are suggested for anyone concerned about memory changes, at risk of Alzheimer’s disease due to family history, or who wants to check their memory now for future comparison. Some memory problems can be readily treated, such as those caused by vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems. In general, the earlier the diagnosis, the easier it is to treat memory loss. Memory screening can: • Provide relief for individuals concerned about normal memory loss • Lead to diagnosis of treatable conditions • Offer the ability to make lifestyle changes early when they have the greatest potential for positive effect and the opportunity to participate in making future decisions Warning signs of dementia include forgetting people’s names and events, asking repetitive questions, loss of verbal or written skills, confusion over daily routines, and personality changes. Screening results are not a diagnosis, and individuals who have concerns are encouraged to pursue a full medical exam. Appointments are recommended. Interested persons may call the ADRC at 262-605-6646 to make an appointment. Online Learning Platform for Family Caregivers Offered Free The Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center is offering registration support for Trualta. Trualta is a free online educational tool for family caregivers in Wisconsin. Trualta helps caregivers learn about health issues, care techniques, and managing care for loved ones. If you provide care for a loved one, friend or even neighbor, you are a family caregiver. As a family caregiver, it can be hard to find the right resources. Even harder when your time is limited. Trualta’s collection of professional content is designed for the family caregiver to make it easier to manage care at home. Trualta is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 364 days a year. With lessons as short as 5 minutes, Trualta makes it easy for you to fit caregiver training in whenever it works for you. Trualta provides practical caregiver tips and techniques that you can start using right away. With Trualta, you can also learn alongside other caregivers in your area and learn from others’ experiences. In addition to learning skills to manage your loved one’s current care, Trualta’s learning library can help you prepare and plan for what the future holds. Discover ways to connect with your loved one and be confident you’re doing your best. To participate, caregivers will need internet access and access to a computer, iPad or other tablet. Participants will receive an email with a link to register. To register, call Margaret Ricchio at the ADRC, 262-605-6650 or email [email protected] Adventures in Lifelong Learning offers Lecture: Zumba for Seniors Adventures in Lifelong Learning (ALL), an organization of mostly retired people ages 55 and older, offers lectures on various topics. March 15, 2024 UW-Parkside, Tallent Hall, Room L182 in person and virtual Topic: Zumba for Seniors Come join us and dig into Zumba theory while learning a few basic moves to  Salsa, Merengue, Cha Cha, and Cumbia. Speaker:   Norma Castillo-Radzik, J&N Ultra Fitness Studio Norma Castillo-Radzik is a Zumba Instructor of 15 years, Group Fitness instructor of 24 years. She is currently teaching Zumba, Zumba Toning, Strong Nation HIIT TRAINING, CIRCL MOBILITY and Core Strength. Adventures in Lifelong Learning is an active senior group with a wide variety of educationoriented activities, a friendly environment, and lots of interactive opportunities. An annual membership fee of $50 includes access to Lectures, Focus groups, Classes and Day trips at a cost. Learn more at www.uwp.edu/ALL or call 262-595-2793 Caring for an adult family member or friend? Family Caregiver Support Group Meets in-person and virtually Family caregivers often don’t see themselves as caregivers, they simply think of themselves as the husband, sister, daughter, or friend. Defined, a family caregiver is a person who provides support for an adult who needs assistance with daily living activities, such as cooking, driving, shopping, laundry and paying bills. The role of a family caregiver, while rewarding, can also be challenging when trying to balance life’s responsibilities along with supporting the needs of another individual, family member or friend. The Kenosha County Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) offers a Family Caregiver Support Group, the first Thursday of every month. If you are a family caregiver, this group is for you! Join fellow caregivers, either virtually or inperson, as you share your experiences, ask questions and learn from others. The group is facilitated by Margaret Ricchio, ADRC Caregiver Support Specialist. The next meeting will be Thursday, April 4, 4-5 p.m. In-person location is 8600 Sheridan Road, entrance D. To register, learn more or to receive the virtual link, call the Kenosha County ADRC, 262-605-6646. Your Kenosha ADRC Update


0FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 23 SMART READER March 7, 2024 SMART READER March 09, 2023 23 Q: I am 62 and have spent most of my life as a homemaker and mother. So I don't have my own Social Security. My husband is 68 and just filed for his Social Security last week. In a recent column, you wrote that before a wife can claim benefits on her husband's record, he has to be getting benefits himself. So do I have to wait until his checks start coming in before I can file on his account? A: No, you don't. If I previously wrote that the husband "has to be getting benefits" before his wife can file on his account, then that was a poor choice of words. Or rather, not enough words. What I should have said is that he has to be getting benefits or have filed an application for benefits. So you can and should file a claim for spousal benefits right now. I make these points because many women are always asking me if they can file for spousal benefits before their husband files for his retirement benefits. And again, the answer is no. He has to have filed his own Social Security claim before any dependents can get benefits on his account. Q: In a prior column, you wrote that a husband has to have filed a claim for Social Security before his wife can get benefits on his record. My husband died at age 63 before he ever filed for his Social Security. I am just turning 60. So does that mean I won't be able to get widow's benefits on his record because he never filed for his own Social Security? A: No, it doesn't mean that. In that prior column you are referring to, I was answering a question from a woman whose husband was still alive and who was wondering if she could claim spousal benefits even though her husband hadn't filed for benefits yet. But it is a whole different story for widows. There is absolutely no rule that says a husband must have filed a Social Security claim before his wife can get widow's benefits on his record. In fact, there are millions of women, especially younger women, getting widow's benefits on the records of husbands who died before reaching Social Security age, or who were over the minimum Social Security age (usually 62) but had not yet filed for benefits. And now let me tell you about the options you have as a widow — if you also are due benefits on your own Social Security account. For example, if you are not working now, you could take reduced widow's benefits at age 60. And then at your full retirement age, you could switch to 100% of your own retirement benefit. Or you could wait until 70 and get an extra 30% added to your benefit. Or, if your husband's rate is much higher than yours, you could wait until age 62 and file for reduced retirement benefits on your own account (62 is the earliest you can do that) — and then at your full retirement age, switch to a 100% widow's rate. Or if your own benefit is so small as to not really be a part of your Social Security picture, then you can simply file for widow's benefits at whatever age you choose. You would get about 70% at age 60, or up to 100% if you wait until your full retirement age to file. Q: In a prior column, you said a man has to be getting Social Security before his wife can file on his record. Well, my husband is 60 and has been getting SSDI for about five years. I am turning 62, not working, and I will have a very small Social Security check on my own. But does my husband have to be getting real Social Security before I can file for spousal benefits on his record? Q: Your husband is already getting "real Social Security," so you can file for spousal benefits at the same time you file for your own Social Security. You said your husband is getting "SSDI." That stands for Social Security disability insurance. In other words, he is getting Social Security disability benefits. And so many people think that disability benefits are somehow just not "real Social Security." But they are. They are just as "real" as retirement benefits. So your husband is getting the same kind of Social Security as a retiree gets. He's just getting those benefits a little earlier because of his disability. Q: In a prior column, you said that a person must have worked in five out of the last 10 years to qualify for Social Security. But that can't be true. My wife worked from age 18 until age 50. Then she stopped working to concentrate on taking care of her aging parents. When she filed for her Social Security at age 62, she was granted benefits even though she hadn't worked in the past 12 years. What's going on? A. What's going on is that in that prior column, I was explaining the eligibility rules for disability benefits. And those rules include the "five out of the last 10" requirement. But to get Social Security retirement benefits, the rules simply say you must have 40 Social Security credits (sometimes called "quarters of coverage") to qualify. Because you can only earn four Social Security credits per year, that essentially means if you've worked 10 years, anytime in your life, you are "insured" and eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. social security That's Not What I Meant To Say with Tom Margenau If you have a Social Security question, Tom Margenau has the answer. Contact him at thomas.margenau@comcast. net. To find out more about Tom Margenau and to read past columns and see features from other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. and you CDC recommends seniors get another COVID-19 vaccine shot A federal immunization committee is recommending seniors 65 years of age and older receive another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted 11-1 in favor of making the recommendation as the expert advisory panel met to discuss several agenda items. "Today's recommendation allows older adults to receive an additional dose of this season's COVID19 vaccine to provide added protection," Mandy Cohen, the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Wednesday in a statement. "Most COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations last year were among people 65 years and older. An additional vaccine dose can provide added protection that may have decreased over time for those at highest risk." The recommendation states that those aged 65 and older should recieve an additional shot of the updated COVID-19 vaccine at least four months after receiving their previous dose, as it may restore protection that has since waned. "Adults 65 years and older are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, with more than half of COVID-19 hospitalizations during October 2023 to December 2023 occurring in this age group," it said. The COVID-19 vaccine, which was updated in the fall, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration's standards for safety and effectiveness. It has proven effective at preventing death, hospitalization and severe illness due to the coronavirus. Previous recommendations made eligible for an additional dose those who are immunocompromised. According to the CDC, more than 270 million people, accounting for 81.4% of the population, have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 230 million people, representing nearly 70% of the nation, have received two. 22 e , a r . g, L e -d l o t l s e a s h g, g, e e r y y f r -k s r e , e ,


24 SMART READER March 09, 2023 FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 FSR121720SMART READER March 7, 2024 24 Dear Amy: Forty years ago, my wife was pregnant for one trimester. I’ve never forgiven myself for how I acted during those few months. The pregnancy was planned, but instead of being pleased, doubts and fears assailed me. Rather than being supportive and optimistic with my wife, I was bad-tempered and unsympathetic. I felt trapped and resentful. Then it all ended with a sad miscarriage and a consuming feeling of guilt over the way I’d acted. Wanting to atone, I was supportive through five years of humiliating infertility treatments before I finally said I couldn’t take it anymore. She agreed. We gave up trying. Was my behavior during that brief pregnancy as unforgivable as I think it was, or do other people have similar feelings in such situations? If I found they did, maybe I could forgive myself. – Guilt-ridden Man Dear Guilt: Yes, anxiety, doubts and fears during pregnancy are common – for pregnant women and their partners. Do I know of men who have been unsupportive and bad-tempered during their partner’s pregnancy and the early days of parenthood? Of course. And pregnant women can exhibit similar behaviors. (I can’t possibly be the only one.) Pregnancy can be an extremely stressful experience, and people who don’t take the time and effort to decode their internal feelings and seek ways to behave well tend to behave poorly, lashing out instead of coping with their own vulnerability. The difference between your story and that of other prospective parents is that a lot of these negative feelings do migrate and dissipate as the pregnancy advances. The extremely sad series of losses you and your wife experienced robbed you of many things, including any opportunity of redemption through enthusiastic and loving parenting. Atonement is an external way of behaving in order to try to repair a wrong. Your ongoing guilt might be a sign that you still need to accept your actions and take responsibility for the impact of your long-ago behavior on your family. We all make mistakes. We all behave badly. But the way to move forward is to admit your faults and frailties, and to seek to be forgiven. Have you sincerely admitted and taken responsibility for your behavior – and asked your wife to forgive you? If not, what are you waiting for?! You will only learn if your behavior is “unforgivable” once you are brave enough to ask for forgiveness. Dear Amy: My brother and I have always had a tenuous relationship. Our father was abusive, but we are both in mid-life and have led fairly successful and stable lives. I often have to walk on eggshells when speaking with my brother because he always seems to read what I'm saying or doing as an attack. Last New Year’s Eve, I was attending a gettogether with friends and he called to video chat. I sent a quick text saying that I was with friends and that we'd talk later. He texted, saying that he was disappointed because he had told his kids they could talk with their uncle (me), and that I seem to have chosen my friends over my nephews. He did add that maybe he should have "given me a heads up," but he felt the need to share how I disappointed not only him but my nephews. I did not know how to respond and waited for three weeks to text him back and then only to wish him a good day on the anniversary of our late-mother's birthday. It has been three weeks and he has not responded. We’re not in touch very often, but I feel like I'm being punished. My question is, what should I do now? Should I keep trying to reach out? I'm sure that whatever I do will be wrong. – Stuck Dear Stuck: The perpetual dance of disappointment between you and your brother is a result of growing up with an abusive parent. Your relationship is unstable, in part because you were both trained from childhood to remain on high alert. Children in abusive households can never really relax and allow themselves to make mistakes, to have their mistakes forgiven, and to just – be natural. Yes, the ground is paved with eggshells. This tension and instability defines your relationship now. But there is an advantage to always feeling like you’re doing the wrong thing. This liberates you from having to second guess your every decision, because no matter what you do or say – it’s going to seem wrong. So – do it anyway. You don’t need to “respond” to your brother to keep in touch with him. Just text him! Say, “Hey, I was thinking about you today and I’m wondering how you and the kids are doing. I’d really like to set up a FaceTime session with them. Any chance we can do this sometime soon?” I’m suggesting that you just clomp your way across those eggshells and do your best to simply be yourself. Your unflappable efforts might inspire your brother to finally relax and do the same. Dear Amy: I believe my best friend “Lara” may knowingly be the “other woman” in an affair. Lara has recently started seeing “Jonas,” an ex from her college days. He contacted her about six months ago and it began as a friendly conversation from afar (they live in different states). They've seen each other in person twice now – once at a hotel when she was traveling for work, and very recently when he visited her at her home. Before they met up in person, I expressed my concerns because the last she knew, he was still with his long-time partner (with whom he shares two kids). Lara said she would find out the truth before things progressed. Things have now progressed, but she refuses to share many details – just that Jonas and his partner are together in name only, and he plans to end it officially now. I find this lack of information very concerning. Many easyto-find clues on the internet have led me to believe he is still very much with his partner. I fear that Lara has blinders on I am not comfortable hearing about her relationship with Jonas. I also wonder if I should have another talk with her – or even contact Jonas’ partner. – A Worried Friend Dear Worried: I agree with you that your best friend is most likely “knowingly” the “other woman” in an affair. You must agree that she has access to all of the information you have access to – and more. And so, if she is knowingly engaging in this relationship, you have no duty to tell her, and you certainly have absolutely no business notifying “Jonas’” partner, who is a total stranger. In short, none of this is any of your business. Congratulations! You’re completely off the hook. You obviously don’t approve of this, and you may be worried about your friend getting hurt in a situation that is almost guaranteed to hurt at least one of the involved parties. These are things you have the right to express, using “I statements,” as in: “I really don’t approve of what you are doing. I’m very worried that you are going to get hurt.” That’s it. Your friend has the right to live her own life, the way she wants to live it. Her choices may harm her, and may harm her relationship with you. Those are the consequences of her choices, and she – and you – will have to accept them. ask amy Guilt for long-ago behavior won’t fade You can email Amy Dickinson at [email protected] or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook. seniors edition


0FOR ADVERTISING RATES CALL 262-564-8800 25 SMART READER March 7, 2024 SMART READER March 09, 2023 25 GGlloriaoria && JJaayy Our Family has been serving great food and offering warm hospitality here for 50 years. Yes, it’s true the building is for sale... but we are absolutely here to serve you well into 2024. Please stop by & cozy up to the fireplace for a delicious meal, or give us a call to book your next gathering or holiday party! The Tradition Continues - 090723 [email protected] DT2024-1 (262) 220-2555 262) 220-2555 No Job Too BIG Or Too Small, We Do It All! Time to spruce up your home! •Painting Indoors & Out •Tree Trimming & Removal •Yard Clean-Up •Junk Removal We have you covered every season! •Power Washing •Demolition •Fence Installation & Repair •Gutter Cleaning MENTION THIS AD &  RECEIVE 15% OFF ANY SERVICE! MENTION THIS AD &  RECEIVE 15% OFF ANY SERVICE! Senior Citizens Receive a 10% DISCOUNT SR121720 Your Ticket to Local Events Never Pay Retail! Wholesale Discount Prices Paints and Carpets 2415 - 60th Street • Kenosha, Wisconsin Next to Andreas • 654-5328 Mon. - Fri. 8am - 5pm, Sat. 8am - 4pm Buy where the professionals buy their paint at discount prices. 24 I k n – I r y r t f e s n e d e s r, s . e t u t t s o e e e I I f m u d r e r r, r . e r d t


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