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Muslim pilgrims converge on Mount Arafat

ARAFAT, Saudi Arabia — Muslim pilgrims from around the world congregated on Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia for intense prayers on Tuesday, the second official day and the climax of the annual Islamic pilgrimage. Despite the sweltering heat, the pilgrims gathered on the rocky hill and the surrounding plain for worship that often marks a spiritual peak for the faithful, fervently murmured prayers and poured their hearts out in supplication. Many raised their hands in worship. It is common for pilgrims on that day, some with tears streaming down their faces, to ask God for forgiveness, ...

You should be dancing, yeah

TUCSON, Ariz. — Carol Ross can’t stop smiling at dance practice as she shouts out the steps of a routine to members of her tap and jazz troupe for women ages 50 and older. “I’ve been dancing my whole life, it’s the best,” said Ross, who founded the Rodeo City Wreckettes group 23 ...

Older Americans are often compelled to keep working

There is a scene in “The Devil Wears Prada 2” where legendary fashion editor Miranda Priestly, played by Meryl Streep, is walking alone through Milan’s fashion district. Her influence has been built on instinct and staying ahead of the culture. But in an industry increasingly shaped by social media, younger voices and constant reinvention, she begins quietly questioning her own relevance. Arriving back at the hotel, she asks her husband, Stuart, when a person knows it’s time to step aside. “You’ll know when it’s time,” he says. “You’ll just know it.” It’s ...

Commissioner canned; drug commercials continue

The head of the Food and Drug Administration is out. It doesn’t matter very much if Dr. Marty Makary resigned or was fired. Pressure had been mounting for weeks to get rid of the commissioner of the FDA. Dr. Makary was not popular with the food industry for banning artificial food dyes found in thousands of products, from sports drinks and cereals to candy and frozen desserts. Media companies may have feared him because he threatened to make drug commercials disappear from TV and cable channels. Big Pharma was almost assuredly annoyed with the head of the FDA over this stance. Months ...

Dear Annie: Stepmom left out of family picture at wedding

DEAR ANNIE: My stepson of 15 years, “Toby,” is getting married. I’ve always had a great relationship with him and his bride-to-be, and I’ve treated her like she was already family. Here’s my dilemma: Toby got angry with me because my sister, who worked at his and my husband’s company, decided to quit and move on. He blamed the whole ordeal on me, even though I had nothing to do with her decision. My husband — his father — even told him that directly. Recently, the bride sent out the wedding and rehearsal itineraries. She excluded me from everything and also wrote ...

Hints from Heloise: Getting out all of the toothpaste

DEAR HELOISE: To solve the problem of getting all the toothpaste out of the tube easily, you can purchase a small plastic device that is available in most drug stores. This device slides over the rear of the tube after you have used about 30% of the toothpaste, and you can easily advance it up the tube as you dispense the paste so that the tube is “always full.” The paste comes out easily until there’s no more paste to dispense. It’s not expensive — maybe $2 to $4 usually for a pack of two. I’ve been using this simple device for years. — Tony S., via email DEAR ...