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Selfie sticks bloom beneath Vancouver’s cherry blossoms, as petal power goes global

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

It’s springtime in Metro Vancouver, when thickets of selfie sticks and tourists sprout up beneath canopies of the region’s famous cherry blossoms.On Sussex Avenue in Burnaby, east of Vancouver, a group of five fashionably dressed women set up an iPhone on a tripod under the blossoms. One accessorizes with a green scarf then pauses to give instructions to her friends, adjusting their angles, just so, for the perfect shot. They’re too busy to talk, as they strike a series of poses, hands on hips.Such scenes are familiar for Linda Poole, founder and creative director of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, which runs from April 1 to 23.She recalls the sight of tourists getting out of a tour bus at Queen Elizabeth Park, one of Vancouver’s most popular locations for blossom viewing.“And they are literally dancing under the blossoms and singing and modelling and posing. It’s really cute. I see that all the time,” said Poole.Vancouver’s cherry blossoms have ...

Daily horoscope for April 8, 2023

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Scorpio.Happy Birthday for Saturday, April 8, 2023:You have a strong sense of justice. You focus strongly on improving yourself. You are independent and courageous. This year is the first year of a new nine-year cycle. Stay flexible. Keep your eyes open for new opportunities. You’re prepared to be a leader.ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★Check banking details and anything related to shared property, inheritances and insurance matters. Something unexpected could impact these areas for you today. Likewise, if you are responsible for someone or to someone, the game might change. Be in the know. Tonight: Generosity.TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★★A partner or close friend will throw you a curveball today. They will say or do something you least expect. Or possibly you will meet someone who’s a real character. Someone close to you might want to change the rules or do things differently. (Wha...

Harriette Cole: My truculent husband makes my home life miserable

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

DEAR HARRIETTE: I barely speak to my husband anymore. Nine times out of 10 when we talk, it ignites an argument, usually about nothing. He always has to be right, and he doesn’t listen.It wasn’t like that in the early days. We used to enjoy each other’s company, but not anymore.I remember a roommate I had in college. We coexisted in our space, but no more than that. That was better than this. At least with that woman, it wasn’t hostile, it was just two people living in the same space. This is different. My husband and I are supposed to be in a relationship.I thought in marriage you were supposed to communicate and choose to do things together. That died years ago, for the most part.Do I just accept that this is how it will be from now on? How can I make it better?It Feels DeadRelated ArticlesAdvice | Harriette Cole: I’d get more pay with this new job, but I worry about the employer Advice | Harriette Cole: My co-worker blatant...

Miss Manners: Is there a rule against flushing the toilet at night?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: Is there a rule against flushing the toilet at night that I have so far overlooked?My family has started hosting overnight guests again after a hiatus. Each of the last two people who stayed with us asked my permission to flush the toilet at night before they turned in.The bathroom is off the hallway shared by the bedrooms, including our children’s. I guess the concern was that the flush would wake up the kids?This isn’t something I’ve ever worried about, or thought to ask at someone else’s house. Is it rude to flush without permission? I can’t imagine not flushing would be a good option for anyone.GENTLE READER: Unless you are on a train and stopped at a station, Miss Manners can think of no reason why flushing should be suspended. The shock of any late-night noise will surely be far less offensive than that of waking up to refuse that has been lingering overnight.Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: How do I tell them m...

Dear Abby: This toxic person put me in his will. What should I do?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

DEAR ABBY: My older brother is toxic. I want to cut ties with him because he has always criticized, antagonized, marginalized and dismissed me. He has no filters and also criticizes and ridicules my grown children. I’ve had enough.If I were ghosted, I’d want to know why and not be blindsided. But it’s pointless to engage or explain to him.He’s a lifelong bachelor with no children or significant other, so he has me in his will if he goes first. I would be physically ill to inherit his estate — home, car, funds and personal effects. I want nothing from him.Should I notify his attorney and copy my brother that I wish to be removed from his will?OTHER BROTHER IN WASHINGTONDEAR OTHER BROTHER: It would be even more effective if you include in your letter the reasons for your decision.Related ArticlesAdvice | Dear Abby: She doesn’t know how cruel her new friend was to us Advice | Dear Abby: I’m still married, but I want m...

Tel Aviv car attack kills Italian tourist, injures 7 others

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

An Italian tourist was killed and seven others were injured in a car-ramming attack that took place on Friday night in Tel Aviv.Police in Tel Aviv said a man drove a white Kia car alongside the beachside walk, hitting several pedestrians before overturning. The driver was killed by a police officer.The victim was identified by the Italian government as Alessandro Parini. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed “deep sorrow” and “solidarity to the victim’s family, to the injured, and solidarity with the State of Israel for the cowardly attack that hit him,” her office said in a note late Friday.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the scene of the attack, and ordered the mobilization of police and army reservists to counter terrorism, his office said in a statement.The attack took place hours after Israel carried out air strikes in southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip on targets belonging to militant group Hamas. The strikes were in r...

How a ‘human fountain show’ became the inspiration for the Orioles’ new sprinkler celebration

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

As Ramón Urías rounded first base on his go-ahead double in the Orioles’ home opener Friday, a collection of water bottles went bottoms up in Baltimore’s dugout. But when Urías got to second and didn’t break into dance, that liquid had nowhere to go.In its earliest days, the Orioles’ latest celebration remains a work in progress, but it’s become an immediate source of joy when it works effectively. A season after binoculars acknowledged hits and a chain celebrated home runs, doubles are now met with a classic dance move and a whole lot of water.“It’s, like, a human fountain show,” catcher Adley Rutschman said.If executed properly, the routine is straightforward: After an Oriole reaches second on a double, he turns toward the dugout and performs “the sprinkler,” putting one hand on his head while elevating his other arm in front of him and moving it side to side. In response, his teammates in the dugout provid...

Truck crashes into pedestrians in Kenya, killing 10

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — A truck crashed into pedestrians and motorcycle taxis near western Kenya’s border with Tanzania, killing at least 10 people and injuring 10 others Saturday, authorities said. A local police commander said the crash in the town of Migori happened along a major highway when the driver lost control of the brakes.An operation to free people trapped under the truck was underway, and there were fears the deal toll might rise, Migori county commander Mark Wanjala said. Two more people were reported to have been knocked across a bridge and into a river, but an attempt to rescue them had not started, Wanjala said.Witnesses told local media the truck driver honked the vehicle’s horn repeatedly before the crash. The truck was carrying bags of rice toward the Isebania border town into neighboring Tanzania.Videos of people looting the rice while people remained trapped under the track appeared on social media. Many Kenyans travel to their rural homes during the ...

US deploys guided-missile submarine amid tensions with Iran

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. Navy has deployed a guided-missile submarine capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk missiles to the Middle East, a spokesman said Saturday, in what appeared to be a show of force toward Iran following recent tensions.The Navy rarely acknowledges the location or deployment of submarines. Cmdr. Timothy Hawkins, a spokesman for the 5th Fleet based in the Gulf nation of Bahrain, declined to comment on the submarine’s mission or what had prompted the deployment.He said the nuclear-powered submarine, based out of Kings Bay, Georgia, passed through the Suez Canal on Friday. “It is capable of carrying up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles and is deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet to help ensure regional maritime security and stability,” Hawkins said.The 5th Fleet patrols the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all oil transits. Its region includes the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off Yemen and the Red...

Ask Amy: Why did I end the friendship? Let me tell you about this traumatic car trip.

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:17:26 GMT

Dear Amy: I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. About a year ago, I had breakfast with a friend of mine, “Pat,” whom I’ve known for 40 years.I picked her up, drove her to the restaurant, and after the meal I brought her back home. I asked if I might use her bathroom before continuing to my house, which is about 15 miles away.Pat said no.I mentioned that I really couldn’t wait, due to the IBS. I pleaded and was told absolutely not.Well, I fumed all the way home, and I was in a bad way. I made it, but I was not happy with my friend’s treatment of me.Pat called about a month later to inquire why I hadn’t been in touch.I told Pat how I felt and reminded her of the many times I’ve hosted parties and she was always invited. I have seen the inside of Pat’s apartment but have never even had as much as a cup of coffee offered to me.I feel like I’ve been used. I really don’t feel the need to entertain Pat anymore. I have forgiven her, I just don̵...