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A vase that’s downright corny

If you're a fan of pressed glass, you may be familiar with celery vases. How about a corn vase? A design by the Dugan Glass Company took it literally. One of their glass vases shaped like an ear of corn, made in a striking vaseline green with an opalescent finish, sold for $228 at Matthew Bullock Auctioneers. Dugan was founded in Pennsylvania in 1904. Its founder, Thomas Dugan, left the company in 1913, and the name was changed to the Diamond Glass Company. It closed in 1931. It is primarily known for its colorful carnival glass, which is similar to Northwood; in fact, the founders of ...

Woman tied up in shame

Dear Annie: I'm a 31-year-old woman and have managed a small business for four years. I'm stern but fair, very capable and very attractive. I've dealt successfully with skepticism and flirtation, and I have always maintained my dignity and friendliness. A few days ago, however, I had an experience that severely shook me. From my office, I heard some employees arrive at quarter to 9. Humiliating as it felt, I had to "mmphff" as loudly as I could to get their attention. I'd arrived at the office three hours earlier to do some work and was accosted by robbers. They made me open our safe ...

What are ‘artificial’ ingredients?

Dear Heloise: I have a recipe for some cookies that are made with a raspberry muffin mix. This particular mix contains artificial raspberries, per the list of ingredients. What are they, and are they safe to eat? This "artificial" ingredient has kept me from making them. — Anni, via email Anni, when you see "artificial raspberries" listed as an ingredient in a commercial muffin mix, it generally refers to a food-grade flavoring or a fruit-mimicking ingredient that's designed to provide the taste of raspberries without using the actual fruit. These synthetic chemical compounds mimic ...

First-time grandmother wants to respect boundaries

Q: I'm an about-to-be first-time grandma. Since my son and daughter-in-law live nearby, I'm excited to fill an active and positive role in my grandchild's life. But I also want to be careful to respect appropriate boundaries. Do you have any suggestions? Jim: Congratulations! Grandparents can have a significant impact on the lives of your grandchildren, especially since you've gained valuable perspective after raising your own kids. As first-time parents, your son and his wife may soon feel overwhelmed by the nonstop responsibility -- so you can help them view this little one through ...

Buckets, chickens and worms

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. (AP) — At Lovin Elementary School in Lawrenceville, Georgia, students play with their food. Sort of. Some walk around the cafeteria with buckets collecting leftover lunch scraps. These apple cores, banana peels and grape stems ultimately head to Lovin's outdoor compost ...

Pope urges Argentines to follow model of saints during Mass in the ‘land of saints’

CORDOBA, Argentina (AP) — Pope Leo XIV urged Argentines on Tuesday to follow the holy example of the country’s best-known saints as he drew an estimated 650,000 people to the central city of Cordoba for Mass, a day after an estimated 2.5 million turned out in the capital. Faithful from all over Argentina drove hours to be on hand for the service, from the farthest north of the country to Patagonia in the south and points in between. After nearly 40 years without a papal visit, Cordoba was chosen to host Leo because of its central location. Leo told them that Cordoba was a “land ...