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Bridge: July 8, 2023

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:00:20 GMT

“Simple Saturday” columns treat basic technique and logical thinking.Learning players are introduced to the finesse early. But some finesses are better than others: A “bad” finesse can’t win or gains nothing if it does win; a “good” finesse may gain even if it loses.At four hearts, South won the first diamond with the king and led a trump. West won and led another diamond to dummy’s ace. South drew trumps and led the queen of spades to finesse, but West won and cashed a diamond. Later, South lost a finesse in clubs also. Down one.FOUR LOSERSSouth has four possible losers but an extra winner in spades he can use to pitch a diamond from his hand. After he wins the first trick, he can lead the ace and ten of spades. No finesse. South wins West’s diamond return and discards his last diamond on the queen of spades. Then he can lead trumps.Note that South is unlikely to gain, and may lose as the cards lie, if he wins the first diamond ...

Ask Amy: I put in a lot of work to be the fun neighbor, and these women ruin my plans

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:00:20 GMT

Dear Amy: I started two different progressive-dinner groups with other couples in our neighborhood.These dinners happen about three times a year for each group. It has been going on for six years.I call to coordinate our open Saturdays and let the other pick the course they are willing to make (we trade off making the main course). This is a walking progressive dinner because we all live near each other and we want to drink safely.My pet peeve is that some couples occasionally ask if they can ask a couple that I don’t know to join us (these people don’t live in the area).Including an extra couple means this “new couple” would provide a portion of the meal but bring it to one of the other couple’s houses instead of offering their own home, because they live out of town.I always say no with a gentle explanation but end up in a fight with these women who are my good friends.This has happened three times now. I caved twice; the third time I stood my ground, and it turned into a frosty e...

Harriette Cole: Is it a red flag that he wants me to ride a bus to our first date?

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:00:20 GMT

DEAR HARRIETTE: I recently started talking to a guy I met on a dating website. He seems really sweet, and we’ve had great conversations.Related ArticlesAdvice | Harriette Cole: People are saying my friend’s bad news is just a scam to get money Advice | Harriette Cole: She fought my sentimental claim to my mom’s table. Now we don’t speak. Advice | Harriette Cole: I’m starting to believe the rumor about my ex Advice | Harriette Cole: We posted a vacation TikTok, and this guy flipped out Advice | Harriette Cole: My family isn’t happy about my peanut brittle obsession He lives one town over from me; I don’t have a car, but he does. When we discussed meeting up, he suggested that I take the bus to his city. While I appreciate his eagerness to meet, I can’t help but feel a little insulted that he would suggest I take public transportation instead of just offering...

Russian Militia Has Links to American Neo-Nazi and Anti-Trans Figures

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:00:20 GMT

In late May, an alliance of anti-Putin partisans used Ukrainian territory to launch a stunning incursion into western Russia. Spearheaded by the Russian Volunteer Corps, or RVC, and its leader Denis Kapustin, a wanted neo-Nazi and ex-soccer hooligan, the assault exposed just how vulnerable Russia had become to attacks since its invasion of Ukraine.For years, Kapustin has maintained public links with two notorious American neo-Nazis: Robert Rundo, the founder of the street fighting gang Rise Above Movement, and Christopher Pohlhaus, an ex-Marine and leader of a group that terrorizes drag events in the U.S.While Kapustin has been a regular fixture for years among European extremists, he gained minor popularity among American neo-Nazis when he started co-hosting a podcast in January 2021 with Rundo, a Charlottesville riot defendant now facing extradition to the U.S. from Romania. On the multiepisode show, the two men — avid mixed martial artists — discussed the benefits of “active club...

Md. state prison inmate charged with cellmate’s murder

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:00:20 GMT

A Maryland state prison inmate has been charged with first-degree murder, along with related charges, in the death of his cellmate in May.On May 27, the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit began an investigation into the death of 27-year-old inmate Nicholas Joseph Delfosse, who had been found in his cell at the Jessup Correctional Institute shortly before 4:30 p.m. that day with “multiple injuries.”He was later pronounced dead at the scene, and a subsequent autopsy ruled the death a homicide by stabbing, according to a news release from Maryland State Police.Delfosse’s cellmate at the time of his death, 26-year-old Daniel Myers, was charged and is currently in custody at the North Branch Correctional Institute in Cumberland pending his trial.Delfosse had been serving time at the prison for burglary at the time of his death.Source

DC-area dermatologists: It may take more than sunscreen to keep your skin healthy this summer

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:00:20 GMT

Summertime means spending more time outdoors enjoying the warm weather — but local doctors are warning not to forget about one big thing to help you enjoy the sunshine.Dr. Randa Khoury, a dermatologist with Kaiser Permanente in Virginia, says the best way to avoid skin cancer, burning and spots this summer is — you guessed it — sunscreen.“The skin never forgets. It has a very long memory and loves to hold a grudge,” she told WTOP. “You should wear sunscreen every single day, even if you’re just working in an office with a window or driving in a car with a windshield.”Khoury said UV rays can penetrate many surfaces and can even cause premature aging. If you don’t know where to begin, she recommends you “look for a mineral-based sunscreen that’s an SPF 50.”But beyond the SPF, there’s another side to the story.Khoury warns that attaining healthy, glowing skin isn’t as simple as just wearing sunscreen this summer, adding ...

Montgomery Co. leaders condemn violence, urge community vigilance for ‘Summer of Peace’

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:00:20 GMT

State's Attorney for Montgomery County, Maryland, John McCarthy calls for community collaboration to help prevent violence. (WTOP/Scott Gelman) State's Attorney for Montgomery County, Maryland, John McCarthy calls for community collaboration to help prevent violence. (WTOP/Scott Gelman) At the first of six “Summer of Peace” events in Montgomery County, Maryland, on Friday night, state’s attorney John McCarthy called for community collaboration to help prevent violence.The goal of the events is to promote a community-based approach to reduce crime and violence. Friday’s event was held at White Oak Skate Park.He pointed to a recent example, during which community assistance helped law enforce...

Downpours to Dust with More Heat this Weekend

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:00:20 GMT

It sure has been a hot streak of heat the past few days and more of the same is ahead this weekend with highs continuing to hover into the mid 90s at most locations.Heat Advisories are in effect for South Florida again today for peak feels-like temperatures of up to 105-110F.Record high temperatures may even be met once again in Miami and Marathon!We’ll also continue with the liklihood of seeing scattered, afternoon showers and thunderstorms across the east coast metro Saturday afternoon. Rain chances will be at typical levels from a 50-60% chance. Before then, the morning is looking nice and mostly dry with a good deal of sunshine.More heat with feels-like temperatures well into the triple digits will continue on our Sunday with fewer showers and storms as Saharan dust settled in across South Florida, especially for our southern locations. Not only does this dust lower rain chances but it can also lead to poor air quality.While the first batch of dust will become less concent...

Lucas: Trump freezing out Fox

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:00:20 GMT

Fox News ought to have grief counselors on hand if Donald Trump boycotts the first nationalized televised presidential debate next month in Milwaukee.It is the way Boston University does it when they supply grief counselors for law students upset with U.S. Supreme Court decisions that do not go their way, like student loans.The Fox News grief counselors would not only administer to Fox News executives who are praying for Trump to show up, but also for the rest of the 10 (and counting) Republicans running for president.Fox News is co-sponsoring the event with the Republican National Committee. It is scheduled to take place on August 23.Both the television cable news network and the candidates need Trump to participate to attract viewers and to make the event work.Without Trump the showman on stage with the rest of the candidates, the debate will not be worth watching, and everybody knows it. Without the showman, there is no show.Despite his troubles — two impeachments and two indictm...

Battenfeld: Lawrence Police chief abruptly retires amid secrecy, $780,000 buyout

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:00:20 GMT

In a move that’s a shocking slap in the face to the taxpayers of Lawrence, the city’s police chief has departed with $780,000 in his pocket after reaching a secret deal with city officials.And in neighboring Methuen, the city’s former police chief violated several conflict of interest laws while serving as chief, according to a new report by the state Ethics Commission.These are troubling developments for these two vitally important small cities in Massachusetts, especially the secretive deal leading to Lawrence Chief Roy Vasque leaving amid unanswered questions and silence from city officials.Vasque was placed on leave six months ago without any word as to why. His departure was also not explained.“As of June 30th, after reaching a settlement agreement with the City of Lawrence, I am retired,” Vasque said in a statement on July 4 that did not mention any reason for his departure.City officials were just as non-transparent in kissing Vasque – who served for six years – on the way ou...