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CDC Office Protocols

Dear Readers: The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused now-reopened businesses to rethink office space. What changes should be made, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov)? Let’s take a look: * Desks and chairs are 6 feet apart, per social distancing protocols. * Employees’ work schedules are staggered so they are working different hours. * Employees must wash their hands frequently. * Cloth face coverings are a must. * Kitchen or snack areas cannot be shared. * Temperature checks are required of all employees, and anyone with symptoms ...

Dad’s ‘Tall Tales’ Come Up Ever Shorter on the Truth

DEAR ABBY: My father, who is in his 60s, has always been a storyteller, but since retirement his tales have gotten longer, and so has his nose. I suspect he’s concerned about his waning influence in the world and that’s why he puffs himself up. He tells people he has academic degrees he hasn’t earned, takes credit for coining phrases that predated him and claims the hero role in events he couldn’t possibly have participated in. Most of the time I let it go. But sometimes he starts spouting “facts” that are not only untrue but also potentially harmful, or he takes credit ...

Political Antiques — Winners Every Time!

Though politics seem divisive at the moment, in the world of antiques, elections offer a way to get together and have some fun. History buffs, party activists and collectors of all ages enjoy reminders of hard-fought races and meaningful issues in our political past. This year’s candidates offer a first, too, as Kamala Harris is the first Black and South Asian woman to be a major party's vice presidential nominee. Political buttons, banners, trinkets and advertising items are important parts of the American story. Political pins like we know today have been around since ...

To Keep Or Let Go

I should have known better. The other evening, my husband and I ventured into the basement to search for a particular box of items. Descending the stairs into the cool block basement my head began to swim. I don’t know why so much of 46 years of togetherness ends up in boxes in the basement. While it is somewhat organized, the box we sought eluded us. This is after a long search of opening unmarked boxes. Here’s where I should have known better. As I opened a dusty box, a wave of nostalgia came over me. While it was not the box we were looking for, it held a treasure trove of ...

Vaccines Are OK For Those Who Have Had Polio

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am a woman in my late 70s, a 1949 polio patient. For forever I have been told that because of poliomyelitis I cannot tolerate any preventive inoculations, including flu, pneumonia, shingles, etc. I was allowed to get flu shots when they first became available; however, when additives were included later on, I was instructed not to get it any longer. My concern is if I will be able to safely partake of the coronavirus inoculation when it becomes available. Most present-day doctors have no experience with polio, and often input is vague. — P.G. ANSWER: Poliomyelitis ...

Man’s Affair With Neighbor Reaches a Moment of Truth

DEAR ABBY: Last night I visited my 47-year-old son. After a 23-year marriage, he is going through a nasty divorce. While I was there, he asked my opinion about what he should do regarding a “situation.” A 62-year-old female divorced neighbor, who looks much younger, befriended him, and they’ve been having sex and spending time together for several months. She hasn’t been in any relationships for two years. He told her he’s not interested in a permanent relationship because he’s still not in a good emotional place, but he told me the real reason is their age difference. ...