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Figuring fractions equals four-fifths more aggravation

Fractions troubled about three-fifths of us in school. I don’t know why. We were using fractions before we even began school. “My, how big you’ve grown. How old are you now?” The child beamed and held up his fingers. “I’m four. And a half.” But now when someone says to me, “My, how big you’ve grown. How old are you now?” first, I whap them halfway upside the head, then reply, “I’m in my 60s.” We have gone from tacking every fraction onto our age to rounding off that number to a general, roundabout, sorta-kinda nonspecific range: “In my 60s.” Unless ...

Shorter days and dark afternoons can trigger depression

As winter approaches and daylight hours grow shorter, people prone to seasonal depression can feel it in their bodies and brains. The millions of people estimated to have seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, typically have episodes of depression that begin in the fall and ease in the spring ...

From the staff of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County “We Are All Guilty Here” by Karin Slaughter The first book in Karin Slaughter’s new North Falls thriller series introduces police officer Emmy Clifton, who is tasked with investigating the disappearance of two teenage girls in her sleepy hometown of North Falls. Emmy’s best friend’s daughter asked her for help, and thinking it was normal teenage drama, a busy Emmy brushed her off. Now she and her friend are missing, and the whole town is about to come apart at the seams, exposing secrets and dark ...

Apparently, they’re supposed to leave

OK, sorry, you all, because this one is going to be all about the struggles of parenting teenagers who are getting dangerously close to leaving the nest, and I already know there are going to be a few different reactions to this one. Some of you are going to say, “No kids, can’t relate,” while others have been there, done that and are probably wondering why I am making such a big deal about something every parent eventually goes through. Then there are those of you who are right here with me, feeling this just as much, if not more, and probably trying not to think too hard about ...

Unknown artist honors WWI vets

Before November 11 became Veterans Day, it was Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I. The Great War, as it was previously known, changed the world in many ways, with new forms of warfare and emerging technology. One of the most important technological developments of the time was the use of aircraft. The Wright brothers made the famous first engine-powered flight in 1903, just over 10 years before the Great War began. Aircraft had never been used in a major conflict before, and both the Allies and Central Powers were quick to develop airplanes and train pilots for ...

Mom’s move leaves daughter in the dark

DEAR ANNIE: I’m overwhelmed with anger and resentment. My 86-year-old mom, who has lived in the same town as me for 30-plus years, blindsided me by announcing she was moving an hour and a half north to live with my brother. My husband and I have taken care of her — and my father when he was alive — for the past 20 years. I feel extremely hurt and blindsided by this decision. I fully accept that she’s a grown woman and can live wherever she wants. However, I found out afterward that my brother and sister already knew about it and had been discussing it with her for quite some ...