Lifestyles

Avoid high repair costs for vehicles

DEAR HELOISE: More drivers notice cars that only have one working headlight. Years ago, fixing a headlight meant buying a bulb, unscrewing it, and replacing it in minutes. Today, many vehicles require the removal of panels or bumper parts to access the bulb. Several friends recently complained about high repair costs. A mechanic explained that new assemblies are more complex, and labor can take 1-2 hours. So, if a headlight burns out, check the owner’s manual first. Some cars allow for simple bulb changes, which saves money. If not, always request a repair estimate to avoid surprises. ...

Dear Annie: Dealing with the bare-minimum lunch guest

DEAR ANNIE: My husband and I host Easter brunch every year for both sides of the family — about 16 people total. I cook a big frittata, a glazed ham, homemade rolls and a salad or two. My problem is my sister-in-law, “Brenda.” For the past four years, she has signed up to bring dessert. And every year, she arrives with the exact same thing: a single grocery-store container of brownies. Last year, she set it next to the spread without even taking the brownies out of their plastic container. Meanwhile, I’m prepping for days in advance trying to get the food cooked and nicely ...

Hints from Heloise: Plastic tubes of toothpaste a problem

DEAR HELOISE: How much longer do we have to put up with tubes of toothpaste that we can’t empty like we used to by rolling up the tube? I have to cut open the tube, where almost one-third of the toothpaste is still there. Then I have to scrape it out little by little with my toothbrush, which actually isn’t sanitary if more than one person uses the tube. It’s no wonder that the manufacturers like it this way as a lot of people throw the tube out without cutting it open and have to buy a new one. On top of this, they keep telling us to save on plastic. What can be done? — ...

To Your Good Health: AI scribes help docs to focus on patients

DEAR DR. ROACH: In your recent column, a reader complained about a doctor using AI to write after-visit summaries. I think my doctor has begun using AI for this purpose, but I like it. The reason why I think she is using AI is because she has begun looking at me while we discuss my health, rather than looking at her computer while she types the report. This feels much more personal, and the after-visit summary seems to be just as accurate. — G.U. ANSWER: I appreciate your writing. This is one good outcome from the use of AI scribes. It does often feel like we physicians are too ...

Friday evening TV

Bridge by Steve Becker 4/3/26

1. Win the heart king with the ace, draw trump and lead a low diamond toward dummy’s J-4! This gives you about a 75% chance for the contract, which is much better than the 50% chance you’d have if you started the diamonds by leading one from dummy. The recommended play makes the contract ...