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Picture can say a thousand words, save on footprint

Before you hit record, consider whether a photo might tell the story just as well. Video-heavy social platforms require enormous amounts of data storage and streaming power, which translates into a significant carbon footprint. Short videos can be fun and engaging, but a single photo post uses far less data and energy to upload, store and view. When a picture can communicate the same message, choosing a photo over a video is a simple way to reduce your digital impact. n n n If you enjoy sparkling water, an at-home carbonator is one of the most sustainable options available. By ...

Horoscope: Aug. 16, 2026

Sunday, Aug. 16 You’ll hold out for the truly inspiring projects, people and purposes. Aries (March 21-April 19) When you try new things, you’re also trying a new you. Today, you’ll show up bold. Taurus (April 20-May 20) You’re working things out like a pro negotiator, seeking resolution, not conquest. You know when to hold your ground and when to let a small point go. Gemini (May 21-June 21) Events of the day have you low-key taking charge. You lead through observation. Cancer (June 22-July 22) You’re still uncertain about what lies ahead, but even the most ...

Columnist: Just what’s in … a German (sur)name?

Roots & Branches James Beidler Last week’s installment of “Roots & Branches” talked about some guides produced by the well-known professional German genealogy researcher Andrea Bentschneider, the principal of the German Genealogy Collective service. This week I wanted to highlight another of these primers — which she together calls the “German Genealogy Essentials Research Guides” — that I found especially detailed and helpful. This one is titled “German Surnames Explained: An Essential Introduction for Genealogists,” and it’s way more than just an ...

Murano glass can be recognized by its striking colors, techniques

Antiques & Collecting By Terry and Kim Kovel Murano glass is one of the best demonstrations of how the old lives on in the new. The island of Murano, just off Venice, Italy, became a center for glassmaking in 1291 and has been ever since. Beautiful glassware has been there for export in various colors and patterns, starting with beads, mirrors, and candleholders; and now, anything from glass tableware to complex works of art. The glassworks and their history, not to mention the island’s location and climate, make it popular with tourists, so Murano glassmakers also make plenty of ...

Schools must teach necessary skills

Hints from Heloise Dear Heloise: I read the letter about counting change and thought I’d give you my experience. For many years, I requested that teachers in our district teach students two things: how to count change back and how to measure items with a tape measure. In 40 years, I’ve had to teach every employee both, regardless of their ages, which range from 15-60. My grandchild, whom I raised, was the only student in her school who knew how to make change. Sadly, it just isn’t taught. It’s a very simple but necessary thing to learn. Cash registers and calculators can make ...

Naturally fermented foods can help diverticulitis

Ask the Doc Dr. Eve Glazer and Dr. Elizabeth Ko Hello again, dear readers! Welcome to a bonus edition of the letters column. It’s lovely to be hearing from so many of you. We have two interesting follow-up questions to recent columns, so we’ll dive right in. n When writing about the gut microbiome, we often discuss the benefits of eating naturally fermented foods. We heard from a reader who credits adding fermented foods to her diet with easing symptoms of diverticulitis. “I’ve been managing my condition very well with eating more fermented foods such as pickles, sauerkraut ...