2021 Editions

In the old days — like 15 years ago — mainstream celebrities appeared in television commercials endorsing beer and insurance. They used their fame to “influence” viewers to buy these brands.  Today, social media celebrities do the same thing on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, blogs and more. They develop followings from hundreds to millions. They share information about food, travel, fashion, arts, crafts, product trials, opinions and outright product endorsements. These folks are called “influencers” because their followers are “influenced” by what they’re reading or viewing.  ...

In her previous novels, Paula McLain described real women who lived life to the fullest. Her wildly successful “The Paris Wife,” a book club favorite, focused on Ernest Hemingway’s first spouse, Hadley Richardson, and the bohemian existence the pair embraced. ...

Before you rush into the heat of the moment with either advice or action that was neither requested nor appreciated, wait for a time when heads are calm and tempers are cool. Then bring up the incident(s) that trouble you. ...

When you first took on the role of executor, you were probably more focused on the honor than on the responsibilities, being recognized as the go-to person in the family making things right. Perhaps you were the one to resolve difficult issues in the past, but you should know that being an executor is different, especially when there is a surviving spouse.  ...

It’s amazing how many waterfalls are located right here in Northeast Ohio. I was surprised to learn that there are about 100 waterfalls in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP). Most are located in the northern section of the park, but many do not have an established trail to follow. Other waterfalls can be seen throughout the Cleveland Metroparks Emerald Necklace. ...

When you hear the word dessert, what comes to mind? Something chocolate, perhaps? Or a rich and creamy cheesecake, or how about a luxurious tiramisu? Or does the word dessert immediately trigger you to think that’s the last thing you need and you refuse to think about it, not willing to fall prey to the temptation because you’re worried about the calories? ...

Advances in the field of medicine have seen the advent of pharmacogenomics; the ability to predict which medications an individual will likely respond to and which will cause adverse effects, all based on personalized DNA from a simple cheek swab.  ...