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Lobster rolls with a bit of a flavor-boosting soak

I’ve never been to Maine for a lobster roll, but the ones I’ve had in other places have been so good that I knew I needed to make one myself. This version is from my cookbook “Home” and is made with perfectly cooked lobster meat that is plump, juicy, and tender but also firm, and ...

Toothbrush heads can be tricky

DEAR HELOISE: Regarding the person who complained about their toothbrush only vibrating instead of spinning, the fault isn’t with the toothbrush. I had the same thing happen to me, and I have a very well-known brand of toothbrush. The problem is with the brush head. I changed mine, and it works fine now. — Jan P., via email DEAR HELOISE: Your column about fake electric toothbrush heads got my attention. My toothbrush stopped spinning months ago, so after reading your column, I thought I must have a fake brush head. I ordered new heads, but the brush still didn’t spin. I read ...

Treating depression resulting from grief

DEAR DR. ROACH: My sister died about a month ago. We were very close, and I was with her when she died of a brief but serious illness. The day after, I felt completely unbalanced. I had brain fog and nausea, which comes and goes, as well as extreme exhaustion and tinnitus. I saw my general physician and asked for a full blood test, which came back normal. She said that all signs pointed to grief and stress from a traumatic event. I then went to my doctor of otology, who did a full ear exam and concurred with my physician. I’ve had many people who’ve passed away in my life, ...

Bridge by Steve Becker

The expert’s chief stock in trade is his ability to reason well. His logic is seldom the deep sort, but the kind of logic that can be more accurately described as plain common sense. Consider this deal where it would be easy to go wrong. West leads the jack of hearts, covered by the Q-K-A. If South now plays the queen of clubs and finesses after West follows low, East takes the king and returns a heart to set the contract. However, this would not be the right way to play the hand. The correct method of play brings the slam home. The key to the winning approach lies in ...

Know thyself, explore possibilities when feeling alone

DEAR ANNIE: I recently turned 27 and feel as if life is just passing me by. I try many different things to find career opportunities and meet other people but nothing leads to anything, and I am always stuck back at square one. It seems like nobody ever gives me a chance (social and economic). Is there a way to move on in life without sacrificing your identity? Right now, I’m terribly alone. Outside of a few family members, I have no social life, no love life and no career opportunities. It wouldn’t be so bad if I could just have one of those pillars. I’m stuck in a small town ...

Loyal 10-year employee miffed about no gift

DEAR ANNIE: On a yearly basis, my employer recognizes employees who have dedicated 10, 15, 20, etc. years of service as well as individuals who are retiring. These employees have their names published in local press and also receive a gift. This past year I completed my 10th year of service. While my name was published, I never received a gift. Everyone else received one, so it’s not that the tradition stopped and I was unaware; mine was just somehow overlooked. My co-workers tell me I should ask about it, but I feel kind of awkward doing so. Is it tacky to contact the human resources ...