Bridge by Steve Becker
Trump control is a key factor in many deals, but it is not exclusively the province of the declarer. Today’s hand shows how the defense can exercise control over the trump suit, and in doing so, stop a slam. Declarer won the opening diamond lead with the ace and played a low trump to the ...
To Your Good Health: His heart condition requires therapy
DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a physically active 75-year-old man. I’m taking atorvastatin, losartan and amlodipine. During my annual physical in January 2025, my physician noticed a heart murmur. I had an echocardiogram done in February 2025 that showed a dilated proximal ascending aorta, measuring at 4.1 centimeters. It was 3.9 centimeters in January 2024. In February 2026, I had a repeat echocardigoram to check my ascending aorta, and it stabilized at 4.1 cm. However, it showed that there’s a mid-cavitary gradient of 44 mmHg at rest that increased to 99 mmHg with a Valsalva maneuver. ...
Early harvests and nighttime picking
CORTE FRANCA, Italy — Workers fan out before dawn to clip clusters of grapes destined to be transformed into Italy’s prized Franciacorta sparkling wine a full 10 days earlier than anticipated, as scorching temperatures brought the fruit to maturation earlier than ever. Climate change is ...
Pamela Anderson recommends Watermelon Granita for a cool, no-fuss summer dessert
My cookbook “I Love You” began as a box of recipe cards: a housewarming gift for my sons, inspired by our homegrown traditions and world travel. Since I don’t have a strong sweet tooth, dessert for me is more about being social and having something to share over cards, tea and coffee. ...
Welcoming grandchild No. 16 and recovering after a bit of a tumble
First of all, I will share the exciting news! Our 16th grandchild was born July 29. Jayden Jax was born to daughter Lovina and Daniel weighing 6 pounds, 5 ounces and measuring 19 inches long. He was born three weeks early due to Lovina having preeclampsia. He had a short stay in NICU but mother and baby are now both home and doing as well as can be expected. He joins sister Brooklyn, 11 months. She is not too happy to have to share her daddy and mommy with a brother. She’s still a baby herself so she needs extra love as she transitions into having a sibling. Daughter Verena kept her ...