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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/advice/2022/04/miss-manners-sisters-aggressive-dog-makes-visits-unsafe.html
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DEAR MISS MANNERS: Three years ago, my sister bought a puppy for her husband. I won’t go into the myriad of reasons why this was an epic mistake, but let’s just say that neither of them is a good dog owner.
I’ve had a number of dogs, and they have never had the issues this poor dog exhibits. The poor animal is confused and has severe fear aggression, lunging at people with all teeth bared, for example.
Several months ago, it bit me, an injury that required a trip to the emergency room. I have indicated that my children and I will no longer visit them, and I have encouraged them to look for a new home for the dog, as it is clear that this dog needs to be with people who understand dog psychology. But a dog trainer she has occasionally worked with encourages her to keep the dog.
The complication comes with other family members. My aunt and uncle don’t know about the dog biting me. However, when I indicated my concern that my sister and her husband would lose everything if the dog bit a stranger -- or worse -- they responded that my sister has a responsibility to keep the dog and shouldn’t “abandon” it!
I am furious at my aunt and uncle for putting this type of pressure on my sister. I am also furious at my sister for endangering other people and being an irresponsible dog owner.
We are supposed to have a family reunion next summer in my sister’s area of the country. In the past, my kids and I would have stayed at her house, but that is out of the question. However, my sister and her husband want to host one party at their house for the whole family. How can I gently express my concerns that she could be putting other family members at risk?
GENTLE READER: When you and your sister were growing up, did she always take your advice?
Miss Manners suspects not, and it seems clear that she has made up her mind in this instance, rendering further expressions of concern futile.
Of course, this does not preclude you from telling your aunt and uncle how very sorry you are to miss the party, but after your emergency room trip two months ago, you will not be attending. Such a less-is-more approach to the story will elicit their curiosity -- and therefore be more effective.
***
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am unsure when to serve guests at an informal dinner party. When we are fixing plates in the kitchen and then bringing them to the dining room, it seems polite to serve a guest first. But then the guest sits at the table, food getting cold, until everyone else is served and ready. What is the best move here?
GENTLE READER: You can reduce the cooling time somewhat by telling guests to start before you do. Beyond that, Miss Manners wonders how cold the house is, and how hot you need the food to be, that a few minutes to give the guest first pick will make any difference.
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
COPYRIGHT 2022 JUDITH MARTIN
DISTRIBUTED BY ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION
1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/business/2022/03/the-best-electric-toothbrushes-to-buy-in-2022-according-to-reviews.html
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A good quality toothbrush is essential in having a nice smile and fighting cavities.
There are tons out there, though, making endlessly scrolling through options tough.
That’s why we’ve rounded up some highly recommended electric toothbrushes on the market.
The list includes popular brands, such as Oral-B and Colgate.
Here are some of the best electric toothbrushes, according to five product review websites:
- Hum by Colgate: “Buzzes every 30 seconds to let you know when to move on to another quadrant of your mouth,” CNET says.
- Oral-B Pro 1000: “Fully charged, it lasts for at least a week of twice-daily two-minute brushing sessions before needing a recharge,” Wirecutter says.
- Burst Sonic Toothbrush: “The most gentle electric toothbrush I’ve used (and I’ve tried them all),” New York Post says.
- Oral-B iO Series 9: “Effectively removes sticky plaque while gliding from one tooth to the next, and its valuable real-time feedback that encourages you to improve your brushing technique, whether you use the Oral-B Bluetooth app on your smartphone or not,” Tech Radar says.
- Quip Electric Toothbrush: “Pleasurable, as its vibrations are just powerful enough to get my mouth sparkling clean without feeling too intense, though the thin neck feels precarious when I was really scrubbing away,” Wired says.
RELATED STORIES ABOUT RETAIL AND SHOPPING:
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Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.
Nicolette Accardi covers the online shopping industry, writing about commerce, daily deals and tips. She can be reached at naccardi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter: @N_Accardi.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/palabra/2022/03/arizona-afro-latina-is-raising-awareness-of-her-culture-as-leader-for-female-empowerment.html
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Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Arizona Luminaria on palabra, the digital news site by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.
By Beatriz Limón with photo and video by Arizona Luminaria and Daniel Méndez
Where are you from?
It’s a question that Franchela Ulises hears often in Arizona when she speaks in Spanish. In her native language.
She is used to the question. But she’ll never get used to the strange looks from others when she’s in public. She’s seen that look at the grocery store or at the park when she’s with her kids and they’re all talking in Spanish.
Sometimes she laughs it off. Other times, she lets her frustration flow.
Franchela was born in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her parents are from the Dominican Republic.
In the country of her parents, Franchela doesn’t attract attention. Here in Arizona, in a desert state on the border with Mexico, a Black woman who speaks Spanish is watched with curiosity and sometimes reveals the prejudice toward people who share her heritage.
Facing discrimination. Not feeling recognized, included or accepted as an Afro-Latina. It’s exhausting, she says.
Franchela channeled her frustration into creating “Mujeres of all Shades.” The organization helps women of all races and cultural and ethnic backgrounds champion their own style, their own identities, their own expressions of beauty and brilliance.
Franchela works as a model, fashion stylist, and social media influencer to empower Afro-Latinas and unite women of all skin colors.
She’s cultivating a collective of women who are changing the fashion industry to be more inclusive of what women want and how they want to be seen and heard.
Together, they fight for confidence and self-esteem and against stereotypes about beauty, race and gender. For Franchela, it is a movement.
She has three daughters. She wants them to see more Afro-Latinas represented on television and other media.
On a cool day in downtown Phoenix, Franchela is posing for photos and speaking in Spanish and English. She explains what life is like for Afro-Latinas in Arizona.
She fixes her hair and adjusts her jacket with splashes of vibrant colors from lime green to indigo blue. She crosses her legs and sets aside her Gucci bag.
Looking at the camera with the confidence of a Hollywood star on stage, a model on the runway or mama with three babies, she smiles and says: “I’m Afro-Latina.”
She releases a mischievous laugh adding, “I’m a little bit of everything.”
Franchela is 30 years old. She tries to explain how she defines herself, shows her identities in simple, straightforward ways that still seem so complicated in the eyes of people who do not know her cultural mix and her roots.
“Look, my parents are Dominican, but I was born in the Virgin Islands, where there are many Dominicans,” she says. “But this is the United States. So, I am African American.”
“But sometimes I’m not Black enough for people here. I’m also not Latino enough in this country. In the end, I think we can all be a little bit of everything.”
Franchela is proud to wear her Afro-Latina identity in Arizona, where laws have been passed to stigmatize race, culture and language. And where some people mistakenly think that all Latinos in Arizona are from México.
Franchela is an American citizen who champions Latino/a/x immigrants like her parents. Francisco Ulises and Elcilia Mercado taught her to love her culture and her language.
“My parents are amazing. They are both Dominican and traveled to St. Thomas, which is the gateway island to the Virgin Islands, before I was born,” she says. “They are a blessing. They always instilled in me our Dominican culture and appreciation for speaking Spanish very well.”
Dominicans represent the fourth largest group of Latino immigrants in the United States, after Mexicans, Salvadorans and Cubans, according to the Migration Policy Institute, or MPI.
MPI data shows that the number of Dominican immigrants in the U.S. increased 33% from 2010 to 2019. Those 1.2 million Dominicans represent approximately 3% of the immigrant population in the U.S., which is about 44.9 million people.
Latinos in the U.S. with Caribbean roots are more likely to identify as Afro-Latinos or Afro-Caribbeans than Latinos with roots in other regions (34% vs. 22%, respectively), according to a Pew Research Center survey. Those who identify as Afro-Latino are more concentrated on the East Coast and in the South compared to other Latinos. An estimated 65% of Afro-Latino immigrants live in these regions versus 48% of other Latino immigrants.
Franchela moved to Arizona 10 years ago to study criminal justice. She arrived with a heart full of dreams, but she found herself rejected. Some people, upon hearing her speak Spanish, looked at her strangely and whispered behind her back.
She felt like she couldn’t escape all the sideways glances.
“People are always shocked when they see me. They’re literally frozen when they hear me,” she says. “They ask me, in surprise, where I learned to speak Spanish.”
It hurts, she says, to know that her Afro-Latino culture is not appreciated enough in her country.
“We’re Latinos, we just look a little bit different,” she says firmly.
She remembers her life and traditions in moments. Living with her grandparents in the Dominican Republic, eating rice and beans and playing with her cousins, speaking in the language they grew up with.
Women of all shades
Franchela faced culture shock when she moved to Arizona. She took that pain and channeled it into creating “Mujeres of all Shades.”
For her, it means everything for every woman to feel confident about her ancestral roots, the texture of her hair, the color of her skin color, her voice and her shape. Franchela feels confident wearing red lipstick and fierce colors. It’s a medicine for a fashion guru to feel beautiful, brave and bold.
Not everyone looks the same just because they’re from the same country or culture, she says.
“We have to change the stereotypes (in the U.S.),” she says. “It’s the same in Mexico, where there are blonde people with green eyes. We must accept that we come in all colors.”
Through her organization, the model offers a series of tutorials for women to feel comfortable in their own skin. She covers personal styling, fashion events, wardrobe checks, outfit planning, shopping plans, fashion consultations, and even a fashionista photo shoot.
She doesn’t only focus on fashion, style and the beauty of women. Franchela seeks to educate Latino and non-Latino communities about cultural, racial, ethnic representation, equality and diversity. She wants Latino communities to recognize and celebrate Afro-Latino cultures.
She hopes people don’t think that observing Black History Month in February is enough. Rather, she wants an inclusive conversation about respecting people of color and people from these communities who speak different languages.
“We are not well represented in the United States. We’re lacking space on television, where our stories are told, so people get to know us,” Franchela says. “We have to focus on the Black and Afro-Latino community every day, not just one month, because the problems we face happen all year long.”
And to begin to make a change, the style consultant and mom has educated her daughters Yoelianny, 9, Alianny, 7, and Leilianny, 2, to feel proud of their Latina roots, the color of their skin and of being bilingual.
“I instill the Latino culture in them,” Franchela says. “We speak Spanish. I explain to them where I come from, where their father Juan Franco, who is Dominican, comes from. I tell them that they are beautiful and that they are also Latinas.”
Franchela Ulises says “not everyone looks the same just because they’re from the same country or culture.” Photo by Arizona Fashion Photographer
‘When people speak to me in English …’
Franchela is active on her personal and business social media networks. The entrepreneur shares her bold fashion sense and stories about her experiences as an Afro-Latina woman.
She often hears back from other Afro-Latinas who feel seen and heard. She hears from people who love her style and culture. But there’s hate, too. Like a recent racist comment on Tik Tok.
“They told me that I was too dark to be Dominican,” she says.
She faced the same old stereotypes. But she saw it as an opportunity to change the way people perceive Afro-Latinas like her.
“I get those comments a lot,” she says. “I use them to educate, because if that person was thinking it, I’m sure there are a hundred others who are thinking it too.”
Franchela uploaded a video with audio from the popular “Caso Cerrado” television show to her social media, using humor and language to talk about being Afro-Latina and proudly speaking Spanish.
She posted it with a banner in black and white: “When people speak to me in English, because they think I don’t speak Spanish.”
“Buenas tardes! No ‘afternoon’ or ‘hello’ here. Spanish is spoken here because this is a program in Spanish”, Franchela says with authority, a head tilt and a hard stare.
The Afro-Latina says there’s been progress over the years in education and action against racism. But there is still rampant “racism that gets swept under the rug.”
“The aggression that people of color [face] is not always so direct anymore, but it is indirect and it is racism all the same,” Franchela says. “It hurts, frustrates and makes you feel bad. It (racism) hasn’t gone away. But it could go away. It’s a matter of people with privilege not thinking they can just recognize our culture for just one month – these issues should be regularly exposed.”
Franchela has also dedicated herself to educating those who think that Afro-Latinos are not Latinos, so people learn to embrace the diversity of our (Latino) community.
Fighting for people’s rights and what she believes in is not new for Franchela. She studied criminology to help young people trapped in the U.S. justice system. She knows that the key to supporting people is to motivate and empower them so they don’t feel defeated.
That’s what Franchela is: A motivator who wants people to feel joyful about their identity and their culture.
A powerful leader who empowers others.
A woman who loves bold colors. All colors. A woman who loves her American and her Latina roots.
She’s Afro-Latina.
She’s ... a little bit of everything.
_________
Beatriz Limón is an independent journalist who served as a correspondent in Arizona and New Mexico for the international news agency EFE. She has a bachelor’s degree in communication science, is a professional photographer and a columnist for the newspaper El Imparcial.
Daniel Méndez is an award-winning editor/producer with more than 15 years of experience covering news in English and Spanish. He has worked with Telemundo and 12 News. His professional experience contributed to a better understanding of fair and comprehensive coverage of Latino communities, including collaborating on the production of bilingual stories that spawned 12 News en Español.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/phillipsburg/2022/03/bridge-commission-backs-one-way-free-bridge-from-phillipsburg-to-easton.html
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The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission said Thursday it supports Phillipsburg’s proposal to make the free bridge one-way toward Easton, in hopes of alleviating traffic backups on the New Jersey side during an ongoing rehabilitation project.
In the meantime, the commission directed its contractor on the $15.5 million project to immediately lift the lane closure in place since the project began March 16 on the bridge. That will allow for normal three-lane traffic flow (two lanes westbound to Easton and one eastbound to Phillipsburg). However this is only a temporary solution, the commission noted.
“This interim measure can only be utilized until the painting containment system is put in place, at which point the bridge will return to two available travel lanes 24/7 until the work within the containment area is completed,” bridge commission Executive Director Joseph Resta wrote Thursday to Phillipsburg Mayor Todd Tersigni in response to town officials’ concerns about the traffic backups.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has to sign off on the traffic-flow change and has asked that all other feasible options for easing congestion be investigated before approving the eastbound detour onto the Route 22 Toll Bridge.
“We’re only being involved because traffic signal permit changes may be needed, and also they would need our approval to use any portion of State road as a detour,” local PennDOT spokesman Sean Brown told lehighvalleylive.com Thursday. “After being contacted by the design engineers, we indicated all other options than detouring should be explored first, but we did indicate we would be amenable to a detour if that is the determined outcome of the analysis.”
Phillipsburg officials spoke March 21 with bridge commission representatives about their concerns that traffic backing up for nearly a mile through town could hinder emergency response times along South Main and North Main and Broad streets. Town Attorney Rich Wenner followed up with a letter laying out the concerns March 23.
Numerous options were discussed between the town and the commission, although at the commission’s request March 21, Wenner omitted in his letter the town’s proposal to make the free bridge one-way to Easton. The one-way change would permit toll-free travel over both the free bridge and Route 22 bridge spanning the Delaware River since tolls are charged on the highway only to enter Pennsylvania.
Tersigni in a March 29 letter to the bridge commission put the one-way westbound free bridge proposal in writing, following a meeting between the Phillipsburg mayor; town Councilman Keith Kennedy, a retired engineer who spent 36 years with the New Jersey Department of Corrections; and Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr.
“In his letter, Mayor Tersigni recounted a meeting with Easton Mayor Panto and represented that Mayor Panto was supportive of Phillipsburg’s request to have the bridge carry only two westbound travel lanes with eastbound traffic detoured within Easton to Route 22 for travel into NJ,” Resta wrote to Phillipsburg officials Thursday. “The Commission is supportive of designating two lanes on the bridge for westbound traffic only and detouring eastbound traffic within Easton to Route 22 for travel into NJ. This might provide the most comprehensive relief for project-related traffic congestion in Phillipsburg.”
Tersigni on Thursday said the commission’s response “demonstrates what can be achieved when agencies work with local entities and actively listen to our concerns.”
“I am pleased with the willingness of the Bridge Commission to address the concerns raised on behalf of all Phillipsburg residents,” Tersigni said, adding thanks to town police Chief Robert Stettner and fire Chief Rich Hay for raising concerns about the traffic congestion, as well as to Panto and Resta for their willingness to engage in a dialogue over a solution to the backups in town. “As the Town continues to grow and prosper, these conversations will be all the more critical for the success of the region.”
The commission is working to review its options before submitting documentation to PennDOT for the one-way free bridge plan by April 8, according to Resta.
“Rest assured that the Commission’s effort in this regard is ongoing, and we’ll inform the Town of Phillipsburg with information as it develops,” the bridge commission director wrote Thursday.
The free bridge rehabilitation project is the first since 2002. Even though the project is scheduled to last into spring 2023, the around-the-clock lane closures are expected to end this November, bridge commission spokesman Joe Donnelly said.
The 550-foot-long, 36-foot-wide span was built in 1895-96 and carried on average 16,500 vehicles per day in 2021. It’s the commission’s most heavily used free bridge, and is supported by tolls on other Delaware River crossings maintained by the commission.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.
Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2022/04/will-we-owe-the-exit-tax-when-we-sell-our-home.html
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Q. We are moving to Florida. I purchased my home in 2000 for $488,000 and this has been our only home. We think the sale price will be in the $950,000 range, so we expect to be under the $500,000 exemption. If market conditions change and our home value rises above the $500,000 threshold, we have plenty of capital Improvements that would easily raise our basis. Would we pay the exit tax as long as we’re under the $500,000 gain? If we rent in New Jersey after the sale, how would that change the tax?
— Moving
A. We’re sorry to hear you’re leaving the state.
Let’s first clarify the what the so-called “exit tax” is.
It’s not a separate tax, said Howard Hook, a certified financial planner and certified public accountant with EKS Associates in Princeton.
Instead, it is a withholding tax requirement applicable to certain sellers of real property, such as your primary residence, he said.
“New Jersey uses the withholding requirement at the time of sale to make sure sellers report any gain on the sale on their New Jersey income tax return,” he said. “Those sellers required to have the tax withheld are calculated at the higher of 8.97% of the gain on the sale or 2% of the selling price.”
A New Jersey income tax return would be prepared for the tax year. If the tax is equal to or greater than the tax withheld, additional tax is due. A refund is processed if the tax is less than the amount withheld, Hook said.
There are exceptions as to who is required to withhold taxes at the time of sale.
“The most common exceptions are when the seller is a resident taxpayer or the property being sold was used exclusively as a principal residence and qualifies under IRS Code Sec 121 to exclude gain on the sale of a primary residence,” he said. “If these or the other 14 exceptions apply, the seller will complete a Form GIT/REP 3 acknowledging which exception applies to them.”
Now on to your specific circumstances.
Based on the fact pattern you provided, you would qualify under the primary residence exception and you will likely be under the $500,000 gain you mentioned, Hook said.
But if you exceed the $500,000 threshold, the New Jersey resident exception could also apply.
“For these purposes, New Jersey defines a resident as an individual who is and intends to continue to maintain a permanent place of abode in New Jersey on or after the day of transfer,” he said. “So if, on the date of sale, your `intention’ is to remain in New Jersey and rent, then the exception would apply.”
If you had already relocated out of the state or had no intention of staying, then the exception would not apply, and you would be required to have some of the tax withheld, Hook said.
Email your questions to Ask@NJMoneyHelp.com.
Karin Price Mueller writes the Bamboozled column for NJ Advance Media and is the founder of NJMoneyHelp.com. Follow NJMoneyHelp on Twitter @NJMoneyHelp. Find NJMoneyHelp on Facebook. Sign up for NJMoneyHelp.com’s weekly e-newsletter.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/advice/2022/04/todays-daily-horoscope-for-april-1-2022.html
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Happy New Year!
Happy New Year! No, that’s not an April Fool’s joke. Many ancient cultures celebrated the start of the new year on or around April 1, which closely follows the vernal equinox. The new Aries moon adds delightful immaturity to the merry mix of foolish pranks.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Your power won’t grow from shunning the parts of you that you don’t like, but from integrating all parts of you and accepting the polarities: good and bad, strong and weak, yin and yang.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). From the outside it may seem that everyone on the inside gets along famously, but groups are more typically held together by tension than by harmony.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You might think that people who are a little like you will follow the same lines of thought, but they won’t. Your mind is more unique than you know. No one is you; don’t forget it.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). It’s not that you have some burning piece of information to share, it’s just that sharing anything is so important right now. Satisfy your craving to connect.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Attractions aren’t always mutual, and even when they are it’s not always so easy to make the connection. When it happens, it’s something to celebrate.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You see the opportunity in a situation but you’re not an opportunist because what you notice is the opportunity to give, to help and to take an action that will raise everyone up.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). People appreciate what you do for them, and it feels good to be around people who don’t take you for granted. Just know that you are also loved, not for what you do, but just for being you.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’re sensitive to the energetic reality around you. You feel the shadows and either do something to lighten them or avoid them altogether. Be spiritually generous, but also know your limits.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Negativity can be literally cleared away as you clean the environment. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel when everything is in its place and the surfaces are cleaned.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Just as the wind moves stagnant energy outside, new influences move the stagnant energy of the mind. Reading, conversation and intellectual experiences are key to optimal health.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Someone is thinking of you and in just the way you would most prefer. This is no accident; rather, you’ve shown people how you like to be treated and they’ve done as you wanted.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’ve wanted something for a long time. The way to get it is to stop trying. Change the focus for a while. Do other things that delight you. Take yourself out of the normal setting so there’s no choice but to deal with elements unknown.
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (April 1). You give yourself more space and more grace this year. You let yourself have plenty of time to do what you want. You are kind to yourself inside your head, allowing for the mistakes that are a natural part of being human. A seemingly counterintuitive approach will solve a problem. Libra and Gemini adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 14, 28, 31 and 18.
Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.
COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COM
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DEAR ABBY: I am 15 and have a big problem. My mom and my dad have been married a long time. I was looking through pictures on Mom’s phone and found some very inappropriate and romantic texts from “Rob,” her business partner. Mom forces our whole family to hang out with Rob, and my brother doesn’t like him either. But anytime we bring it up, my mom yells at us and makes me cry. She wants me to be friends with Rob.
One time when we were all at a restaurant, someone asked if he was my dad. I know what she is doing with him, and I can’t focus on school because of it. I think my dad knows -- kind of -- but I’m sure he hasn’t seen the texts that I saw. I don’t want to ruin my family, but I cry about it every night alone. I know my parents won’t go to couples counseling, and I don’t want to hurt my brother either. Any help would be very much appreciated. -- KID WHO KNOWS THE TRUTH
DEAR KID: Because this is causing emotional problems that are affecting your studies, it can’t be ignored. It is time for you to talk about this with a school counselor, a relative or a family friend for emotional support and guidance.
I also think at some point you should talk to your mother about what you found on her phone. Tell her that’s the reason you don’t want to be friends with her business partner. Your sense of right and wrong is valid, and don’t let her tell you otherwise. Do not be surprised if she’s upset about the fact that you know what has been going on, so be prepared for it. I am sorry you have to go through this. It’s a shame.
***
DEAR ABBY: A few years ago, my husband and I bought and moved into a very old, small house in our ideal neighborhood, which has beautifully manicured yards, nice people and a lot of diversity. We had a vision for this place, and it was perfect for us.
A friend of mine, “Maggie,” who I knew had a judgmental streak, repeatedly asked to come see the house, which I knew was nowhere near in the condition for visitors. After about her 10th request, I told myself maybe I was overreacting to her potential reaction, and I invited her into my home for a tour. Three years later, my husband and I remodeled our home to fit our vision. We are happy.
Six months after the remodel was complete, my husband and I were at a friend’s house and Maggie was there. At one point, Maggie’s husband commented to us that he couldn’t believe we had moved into that “s--- shack.” My husband’s jaw dropped. Maggie jumped up and said, “I didn’t call it that!” Of course it was logical that she did. She had seen it; he had not.
To this day, a year and a half later, I cannot get over why someone I invited into my home would say something so horrible about it behind my back or that her husband would repeat it among a group of mutual friends. My husband refuses to engage with Maggie and her husband. What should I do? -- PROUD OF MY HOME NOW
DEAR PROUD: I am sorry you didn’t write sooner about this. If you had, I would have advised you to tell Maggie exactly how that incident made you and your husband feel. It is a little late for that now, but you would certainly be within your rights to clear the air if you wish. What they said was uncalled for.
***
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
***
For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)
COPYRIGHT 2022 ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION
1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/2022/04/just-in-time-for-opening-day-of-trout-season-macs-hobby-hall-returns-to-bethlehem.html
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Mac’s Hobby Hall in Bethlehem is again operating on Linden Street just in time for the opening day of Pennsylvania’s trout season on Saturday.
The beloved hobby shop is back with fishing tackle and live bait at 721 Linden St. after closing its doors in 2014, co-owner Lisa Ebner explained.
Ebner grew up across the street from the shop, which her mother, Elva “Sis” Shuck, ran for 21 years until she died in 2012.
Ebner and her brother tried to keep the shop afloat until the juggling act of a business and two full-time jobs became too much.
Ebner wants something new to fill her time now that she is newly retired from her job as a labor relations specialist with the U.S. Postal Service.
The siblings have opted to focus on fishing tackle and live bait — from minnows to meal worms — for the time being, as even a decade ago the hobby supplies were getting slow to move, Ebner explained.
“There’s not a whole lot of places that sell this (fishing gear and live bait) anymore,” Ebner said.
Mac’s reopened on Wednesday to start outfitting Lehigh Valley anglers for opening day. On Friday, the store will be open from 8 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. before reopening Saturday at 6:15 a.m.
After opening day, Mac’s Hobby Hall will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays.
“That will all be subject to change once our live bait machine comes in,” Ebner said noting it will take credit, debit and cash. “We will have a 24-hour live bait machine with tackle supplies and live bait outside.”
Ebner and her brother, Robert Shuck, are excited to reimagine the family business for a new generation while welcoming back old customers.
“It is funny all of the people who have come in,” Ebner said. “There’s lots of history and stories we are hearing.”
Mac’s Hobby Hall is named for its original owner, the late Gertrude Makagon, known by most as Mrs. Mac. She founded the shop in 1946 on West Fourth Street in South Bethlehem before moving it to Linden Street in the early 1970s.
Mrs. Mac lived above the store and the Shucks lived across the way, Ebner recalls. Several owners operated the business prior to her parents buying it in 1991, she said.
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Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com.
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Six people, including two children, were taken to hospitals after a fire early Friday morning in Hellertown, authorities say.
The blaze was reported at 12:51 a.m. in the 600 block of Linden Avenue and fire officials remained on the scene after 5 a.m., a Northampton County emergency dispatch supervisor said.
Borough police Chief Robert Shupp III just after 5:30 a.m. confirmed two children, who were rescued; their parents and two police officers were taken to hospitals. Both officers were soon to be released, Shupp said.
Shupp said he would soon release more information.
Fire damage was extensive.
An investigation is underway in an attempt to determine how and why the fire happened.
The home is at Linden and New York avenues, across the street from Silver Creek Country Club.
This is a breaking news post and it will be updated if more information becomes available.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting lehighvalleylive.com with a subscription.
Tony Rhodin can be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com.
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Q. My wife and I took out money from her 401(k) as a coronavirus-related distribution. We claimed the income on 2020 taxes with the 1099 sent to us. However, we used Form 8915-E and only paid taxes on one-third of the income and we want to pay the rest over the next two years. Now we are filing our 2021 taxes and cannot figure out how to claim the next third of the income to pay the next third of taxes. We are using TaxAct and last year it prompted me to use Form 8915 but this year it is not even seeing the income as we do not have another 1099 to input. What do we do?
— Taxpayer
A. First let’s review how taxes can be repaid on coronavirus-related distributions.
Per the IRS website:
“Q6. When do I have to pay taxes on coronavirus-related distributions?
“A6. The distributions generally are included in income ratably over a three-year period, starting with the year in which you receive your distribution. For example, if you receive a $9,000 coronavirus-related distribution in 2020, you would report $3,000 in income on your federal income tax return for each of 2020, 2021, and 2022. However, you have the option of including the entire distribution in your income for the year of the distribution.”
As you noted, you should report the second third of the distribution on your 2021 return, said Michael Maye, a certified financial planner and certified public accountant with MJM Financial in Gillette.
He said for tax year 2020, IRS Form 8915-E was used.
Starting in tax year 2021, the IRS form to use is 8915-F, he said.
“If the reader does not see that form on their tax software, I recommend they reach out to the software maker to inquire about it,” he said. “I know some tax programs certain forms were delayed this year till they were given final approval.”
He said you may want to try updating the software first as the form may not have been available when you first downloaded the program.
Email your questions to Ask@NJMoneyHelp.com.
Karin Price Mueller writes the Bamboozled column for NJ Advance Media and is the founder of NJMoneyHelp.com. Follow NJMoneyHelp on Twitter @NJMoneyHelp. Find NJMoneyHelp on Facebook. Sign up for NJMoneyHelp.com’s weekly e-newsletter.
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The National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, New Jersey, is expected to send a survey crew on Friday morning to northern Bucks County in an effort to determine if a tornado touched down during Thursday night’s storms.
The weather service noticed rotation in a storm in or just south of Bedminister Township, which is about 15 to 20 miles south of the Northampton County-Bucks County line.
There were other indicators of a possible touchdown, including debris being lifted, meteorologist Jonathan O’Brien told lehighvalleylive.com early Friday morning.
There were no reports of any injuries, he said.
Formal plans for the survey team will be put in place after the day shift arrives at 7 a.m., O’Brien said. It is the only location in the region being investigated for a possible tornado, he added.
A line of storms came across Pennsylvania on Thursday evening into night as a cold front pushed through, meteorologists said. The Storm Prediction Center on Thursday upped its severe weather possibility to marginal, which is the middle of the five-level scale.
There were no ongoing issues just after 6 a.m. in Northampton County, an emergency broadcast supervisor said.
The top wind speed measured Thursday night at Lehigh Valley International Airport was 43 mph at 8:30 p.m., O’Brien said.
Nearly 2 inches of rain was recorded at the airport since Thursday evening, weather service figures show.
There were very few power outages as of just before dawn in the Lehigh Valley and northwest New Jersey, utility outage sites indicate.
A few showers will linger into Friday, with the temperature remaining seasonal or just below over the next few days, O’Brien said.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting lehighvalleylive.com with a subscription.
Tony Rhodin can be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/philadelphia-eagles/2022/04/nfl-draft-2022-espn-analyst-recommends-5-safeties-for-the-eagles-to-take.html
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The safety position for the Eagles has had a prominent place in the team’s defense over the last three decades.
Players such as Brian Dawkins, Wes Hopkins, and the recently-retired Malcolm Jenkins were able to succeed in Philadelphia by making momentum-changing interceptions or getting timely tackles.
Entering the 2022 season, there are some questions marks about how the position will eventually look. The Eagles re-signed Anthony Harris to fill one of the two starting positions but have not decided who will line up next to him in the defensive backfield. Veteran safety Rodney McLeod still sits on the open market, but he has yet to sign with another team.
The Eagles currently have Marcus Epps and K’Von Wallace on the roster. Epps did a good job filling in for McLeod and Harris when they missed time due to injuries. Wallace has mostly played on special teams seems as if he is a better fit at strong safety.
If the Eagles decide to look to the 2022 NFL Draft for a safety, some players could be contributors, several of whom could be taken on Day 2.
ESPN NFL draft analyst Todd McShay spoke Thursday to give insights on the upcoming draft. McShay said Kyle Hamilton of Notre Dame is the top-ranked safety on his board and can play at all three levels of the defense. That has Hamilton going high in several mock drafts, including McShay’s, who has the safety going to the Detroit Lions with the second overall selection.
If Hamilton is off the board, McShay said versatile Michigan safety Daxton Hill would be a good fit.
“He’s running in the 4.3s, and he plays the safety position with a linebacker mentality and a cornerback’s body,” McShay said. “That’s the best way I can describe him. He’s got his cornerback cover skills, and he can play in this slot and cover you one on one, probably better than any other safety in this class. He has deep range if you want to play him over the top, and he’s got good ball skills. I think he’s a great player that for some reason just keeps getting overlooked.”
Another safety McShay likes is Jalen Pitre from Baylor, who McShay projects will be taken on Day 2. McShay said that Pitre is an undersized option who has the speed to keep up with wide receivers.
“He’s fast,” McShay said. “He plays off the edge, and he’ll come, and he’ll break up handoffs between the quarterback and running back. He’s instinctive and flies around. Some guys just have a nose for the football, and he does as well. I think he’s the second-rounder.”
Here are four other options McShay mentioned as potential targets:
Lewis Cine, Georgia
McShay gave Cine a second-round grade on the safety from a talented Georgia defense that won the national championship last year. McShay said Cine does not have the coverage skills that Hamilton, Hill, and Pitre have but is athletic enough to continue developing in that area.
McShay did say that Cine is the best tackler out of all of the safeties.
“He’s really good with the ball in front of him,” McShay said. “When he breaks, he’s the type of guy who explodes. You can see when he hits the top of his pedal, plants, and drives, he is coming at you in a hurry. Whether it’s trying to separate the ball from the body in coverage, or whether he is filling the alley as a run defender.”
Nick Cross, Maryland
McShay added Cross as an option based on his athleticism, saying Cross will get better in the NFL with more experience. McShay added that Cross’ combine workouts were “outstanding,” saying Cross put in one of the best safety workouts ever in Indianapolis.
Jaquan Brisker, Penn State
McShay thinks of Brisker as more of a box safety, someone who can line up near the line of scrimmage and help with run support.
“I think he’s at his best when he is closest to the football, not necessarily over the top, but he’s really good versus the run. He’s a great tackler as well.”
Kerby Joseph, Illinois
A player who took part in the Senior Bowl, McShay said Joseph had good workout numbers at the combine and, despite having only one standout season, will be a good player who will continue to get better.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.
Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/advice/2022/04/ask-amy-friendship-falters-on-anti-vax-posts.html
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DEAR AMY: I met “Shari” through other friends. We got along well, and always had a great time. I thought we had an amazing bond.
However, once the pandemic hit, I started to see a different side of her.
She is very anti-vaxx and has refused to acknowledge the seriousness of the pandemic. She has ramped up the anti-vaxx posts on social media.
I did send her a message about one post, stating that it wasn’t true, and she sent a tirade back at me, rehashing a number of points about COVID-19 and the vaccine that are all untrue.
I don’t make friends easily. I have serious trust issues, but I don’t see being able to maintain a friendship with someone who is so diametrically opposed to my values and views.
I am willing to accept her being against vaccinations, but she is posting pure falsehoods, and is argumentative when called out with facts, stating that anyone who disagrees with her or counters her arguments is brainwashed by the government and media.
I keep thinking that once we get past the pandemic, maybe things will be better.
I try not to bring it up, but when I see some of the posts, and when we are together with other friends, it comes up.
I put my head down and keep quiet, but this is eating me up.
My challenge is - how do I end the friendship? I am afraid to end it, as we are part of a group of friends, and if I need to pull my friendship away from her, I will lose those friends, who are my only friends right now.
But I wonder if being alone would be better than this.
- Stuck
DEAR STUCK: You see this as an “all or nothing” situation, where because of this person’s behavior, all of your other friendships are at risk, but she is not in charge of your other relationships. You are.
You should completely disengage from her on social media. She is not reasonable and does not want to engage in an exchange of ideas, so remove your access to her on this platform. Quietly “hide,” “block,” or “unfriend.”
Change the channel.
There is no need to abruptly end the friendship by declaring it to be over.
You simply need to back away from the relationship. Detach from her.
Don’t gossip about her with others. If she asks you why you are distant, you can truthfully tell her that you’ve become exhausted by her declarations and tirades, which run counter to your own values.
***
DEAR AMY: My mother-in-law is a smoker. Her own house is permeated with the smell of cigarettes. Even though I don’t like it, I can handle this when we’re visiting.
I know it is her house and she has the right to do what she wants when she’s at home, but I cannot stand it when she lights up at our place.
We have a balcony, and I am fine with her smoking on the balcony if she wants to, but - please - not in our townhouse.
My husband doesn’t want to say anything to her, but I do.
Do you have any ideas?
- Puffed-Out
DEAR PUFFED-OUT: Smoking anywhere indoors has become so rare that at this point it is almost taboo.
Many rental units and condo associations ban smoking - even inside units - because of the risks associated with second-hand smoke. You should check to see if there are any rules within your townhouse development, and if even smoking on a balcony is permitted (balconies are sometimes considered “common areas”).
If smoking is banned inside units where you live, you should notify your mother-in-law.
Otherwise, even if your husband won’t say anything to his mother, you should.
Keep your tone neutral, and simply say: “I hope you won’t mind standing outside to smoke.”
If she says, “Why yes, I do mind,” you’ll have to say - “Well, smoke really bothers me, so I’d appreciate it if you could do that for me.”
***
DEAR AMY: The writer signing her question: “Just Say: Get Well Soon!” said she had shared the fact that she was getting surgery on Facebook, but she didn’t like the fact that one friend queried her about the details.
Thank you for pointing out the obvious: When you post personal news on social media, you don’t get to control how people respond!
- Aggravated
DEAR AGGRAVATED: My own life without a personal Facebook presence (I maintain a professional page) has been a little less colorful, but a lot less aggravating.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
© 2022 Amy Dickinson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/betting/2022/04/fanduel-promo-code-final-four-150-bonus.html
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Dimers.com provides exclusive sports betting content to PennLive.com, including picks, analysis, tools and sportsbook offers to help bettors get in on the action. Please wager responsibly.
Plenty of intrigue will be surrounding this Saturday’s Final Four action, and prospective bettors can turn a $5 bet into a $150 bonus without any FanDuel promo code required when they click ➡️ here ⬅️.
FanDuel’s Final Four promo is one of the best offers you’ll find across any sportsbook around the country as new users only need to bet $5 on any game to win $150 regardless of whether their wager wins or loses. And there is no need to enter a FanDuel promo code as all of the links on this page automatically activate the offer.
There are only three games remaining in this year’s March Madness. Prospective bettors interested in betting on the Final Four or Championship Game in the NCAA Tournament can earn their $150 bonus by signing up and placing a $5 wager on the team of their choice.
Click ➡️ here ⬅️ to Bet $5, Win $150 with no FanDuel promo code required.
Bet $5, win $150 without a FanDuel promo code
Saturday’s two Final Four matchups will determine which teams will compete in Monday night’s National Championship game in New Orleans. Bettors that bet $5 on either of the Final Four games will have $150 in betting credits added to their account in time to make a wager on the championship game. And those credits will be awarded regardless of whether your wager is graded a winner or a loser.
This offer gives new customers a great opportunity to try out one of the best legal online sportsbooks in the nation. Clicking on any of the links on this page will automatically unlock this $150 bonus offer. All you’ll have to do is make an initial deposit of at least $10 and then wager $5 or more on the Final Four game of your choice. For example, say that you decide to place a $5 moneyline wager on the Wildcats to score the upset in Saturday’s Villanova vs. Kansas game. You’ll get your $150 instantly whether Villanova wins or loses, and you could even use your FanDuel promo code bonus money on the late game of North Carolina vs. Duke.
Amazing value
The fact that you get this huge $150 bonus regardless of the outcome of your wager provides a unique and outstanding value on your initial deposit. While many sports betting promos are contingent on your first bet winning or losing, this FanDuel Sportsbook offer is going to pay you no matter what you bet your $5 on. You can play it safe with a favorite like Duke or Kansas on the moneyline or take a shot on an outright upset with Villanova or North Carolina on the moneyline. Either way, you’ll only be risking $5 and know you’ve got $150 coming your way.
Register without a FanDuel promo code
FanDuel’s $150 bonus offer is essentially giving new users an incredible 30/1 odds boost on their first wager of $5. And best of all, your Final Four bet could wind up being graded a winner and you’ll stand to win both the payout from your winning bet and this $150 bankroll-builder on top of it. This process is extremely easy and takes only a few minutes to do from start to finish. You just need to follow these steps:
- Click ➡️ here ⬅️ to register an account.
- Provide the necessary information.
- Choose from the list of deposit options.
- Make a first deposit of at least $10.
- Navigate to either Final Four game.
- Place a $5 wager on either team.
Once you have placed your bet, your $150 in betting credits will be added to your FanDuel account. This FanDuel promo code money can be used on any sport across the app so can wager on the Final Four, NBA, NHL, MLB and more with it.
Get your $150 bonus without a FanDuel promo code when you click ➡️ here ⬅️.
If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.
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Dimers.com.com provides exclusive sports betting content to PennLive.com, including picks, analysis, tools and sportsbook offers to help bettors get in on the action. Please wager responsibly.
The No. 8 seed North Carolina Tar Heels are 3-1 straight up and against the spread in their last four games against the No. 2 seed Duke Blue Devils. The Tar Heels are hoping to continue that trend of success as the underdog in this Saturday’s Duke vs. North Carolina betting matchup in the Final Four. Here’s a closer look at this rivalry game along with our Duke vs. North Carolina best bet, courtesy of BetMGM and powered by Dimers.com.
BetMGM Sportsbook is offering new customers the chance to win $200 on a $10 bet during March Madness. All you have to do is bet a Final Four game on the moneyline, and if either team in that game hits a three-pointer, you win. This is basically a free $200 in betting credits and is a great way to build your bankroll for the NCAA Tournament, NBA, NHL and MLB betting.
How to claim this BetMGM PA promo code:
- Open an account with BetMGM here.
- Deposit at least $10 into your new account.
- Place a pre-game moneyline wager of $10 or more on a college basketball game.
- If any team hits a three-pointer, you win $200 in free bets.
North Carolina vs. Duke betting guide
- When: April 02, 2022, 8:49 PM ET
- Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Spread: Duke -4 (-110), North Carolina +4 (-110)
- Moneyline: North Carolina +155, Duke -190
- Total: OVER/UNDER 151
Use our interactive widget below to see the latest Spread, Over/Under and Moneyline betting predictions for North Carolina vs. Duke, presented by Dimers.com.
North Carolina news and betting trends
- 2021-22 Record: 28-9
- Against the Spread: 20-16-1
The clock struck midnight on the Saint Peter’s Peacocks Cinderella story on Sunday as North Carolina (+155 on the moneyline) rolled to a 69-49 win in the Elite 8. Armando Bacot continued his NCAA Tournament dominance with 20 points and 22 rebounds in the win, bringing his March Madness averages up to 16.5 points and 15.8 rebounds.
Bacot leads a talented group of Tar Heels scorers that have all scored over 13 points per game this season in Caleb Love (15.7 points per game), Brady Manek (15.2 ppg), and RJ Davis (13.4 ppg). All four of these players scored 20 points or more in North Carolina’s 94-81 win over Duke in the Blue Devils’ regular season finale. The Tar Heels were 11-point underdogs in that game.
North Carolina is 8-1 SU and ATS over its last nine games including a perfect 4-0 SU and ATS run through the NCAA Tournament so far. This group has already earned two outright upsets in March Madness play over the No. 4 seed Baylor Bears and the No. 3 seed UCLA Bruins.
Duke news and betting trends
- 2021-22 Record: 32-6
- Against the Spread: 20-15-3
Duke (-190 on the moneyline) passed another tough test in its 78-69 win over the Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday. The Blue Devils have scored at least 78 points in all four of their NCAA Tournament games and in nine of their last 10 games overall.
Paolo Banchero has been leading the way for the Blue Devils this season averaging 17.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, and he’s maintained that strong level of play during March Madness. Duke improved to 3-0 ATS over its last three games by covering the spread as 4.5-point favorites against Arkansas. The team was 0-5 ATS in its previous five games prior to their current run.
Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski has led the Blue Devils into the Final Four 13 times over the course of his legendary career. Duke is 10-3 SU in those 13 Final Four games including a current stretch of 3-1 SU and 4-0 ATS in its last four Final Four appearances.
North Carolina vs. Duke best bet
Our best bet for North Carolina vs. Duke on Saturday is OVER 151 points (-110 at BetMGM)
The total has gone OVER the posted number in each of the last six games between these two ACC rivals with an average total score of 171.7 points per game in those six contests. Duke has been extremely consistent on offense over its last month of play and North Carolina has the firepower to keep up, so look for this one to sail OVER 151.5 points.
You’ll need a moneyline bet to cash in on BetMGM’s $200 three-pointer promotion. Our moneyline play in this one is on North Carolina at +155. Duke is slightly more likely to win, but this figures to be a competitive game that should have virtually even betting odds given how well the Tar Heels are playing. So at this price, they provide too much value to pass up on.
- Best Bet: OVER 151 points (-110)
- Bonus Bet: North Carolina Moneyline (+155), and be sure to earn $200 in free bets when any three-pointer hits with BetMGM’s NCAAB promotion for new customers.
If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.
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Dimers.com.com provides exclusive sports betting content to PennLive.com, including picks, analysis, tools and sportsbook offers to help bettors get in on the action. Please wager responsibly.
The No. 2 seed Villanova Wildcats are 9-0 straight up and 6-3 against the spread over their last nine games. The Wildcats will look to continue their recent hot streak when they take on the No. 1 seed Kansas Jayhawks this Saturday night in New Orleans. We’ve got a breakdown of this Final Four Villanova vs. Kansas betting matchup, courtesy of BetMGM and powered by Dimers.com.
BetMGM Sportsbook is offering new customers the chance to win $200 on a $10 bet during March Madness. All you have to do is bet a Final Four game on the moneyline, and if either team in that game hits a three-pointer, you win. This is essentially a free $200 in betting credits and is a great way to build your bankroll for the NCAA Tournament, NBA, NHL and MLB betting.
How to claim this BetMGM PA promo code:
- Open an account with BetMGM here.
- Deposit at least $10 into your new account.
- Place a pre-game moneyline wager of $10 or more on a college basketball game.
- If any team hits a three-pointer, you win $200 in free bets.
Villanova vs. Kansas betting guide
- When: April 02, 2022, 6:09 PM ET
- Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Spread: Kansas -4.5 (-110), Villanova +4.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Villanova +165, Kansas -200
- Total: OVER/UNDER 133
Use our interactive widget below to see the latest Spread, Over/Under and Moneyline betting predictions for Villanova vs. Kansas, presented by Dimers.com.
Villanova news and betting trends
- 2021-22 Record: 30-7
- Against the Spread: 20-15-2
Villanova (+165 on the moneyline) beat the Houston Cougars in a gritty defensive game on Saturday, grinding out a 50-44 win as 3-point underdogs. The Wildcats improved to 4-0 ATS during March Madness play and continued their elite stretch of defense as the team has now allowed only 56.5 points per game over its last eight games.
Unfortunately the excitement of the win over Houston was tarnished by Justin Moore tearing his Achilles in the closing moments of the game. Moore is Villanova’s second leading scorer, averaging 14.8 points per game this season, and is one half of one of the nation’s best guard tandems alongside Collin Gillespie.
With Moore out, Gillespie and Jermaine Samuels will need to pick up the slack on offense against Kansas. Samuels is having a fantastic run in the NCAA Tournament averaging 17.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game, up significantly from his season averages of 11.1 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Villanova is 2-0 SU and ATS over its last two Final Four appearances, most recently beating Kansas 95-79 in 2018.
Kansas news and betting trends
- 2021-22 Record: 32-6
- Against the Spread: 19-19
The Jayhawks (-200 on the moneyline) showed why they are the only remaining No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday with a 76-50 blowout win over the Miami Hurricanes. The Hurricanes closed as 5-point underdogs and entered the Elite 8 in the midst of a 10-3 SU and ATS hot streak, but Kansas completely blew them away.
Kansas enters the Final Four with a 9-0 SU and 6-3 ATS record over its last nine games. Ochai Agbaji had his best game of the tournament thus far with 18 points scored against the Hurricanes. Remy Martin had led the team in scoring through the first three games of March Madness, averaging 19.3 points per game.
This game will mark Kansas’s fifth Final Four appearance since 2003. The Jayhawks are 3-1 SU and ATS over that stretch and will be looking for revenge against Villanova in this one.
Villanova vs. Kansas best bet
Our best bet for Villanova vs. Kansas on Saturday is UNDER 133 points (-110 at BetMGM)
We’d feel much more strongly about Villanova’s shot at an outright upset if not for the loss of Justin Moore. But with Moore out, the UNDER 133 points looks to be a strong play. Villanova was already going to be relying heavily on its defense to win this game, and Moore’s absence makes that even more of a necessity. The UNDER is 6-1 in Villanova’s last seven games.
You’ll want to make moneyline bet to take advantage of BetMGM’s $200 three-pointer promotion in this Final Four showdown. The price is right on Villanova as a +165 underdog; the Wildcats just gritted out a hard-fought win over a very good Houston team last weekend, and a similar game script here en route to an upset wouldn’t come as a surprise.
- Best Bet: UNDER 133 points (-110)
- Bonus Bet: Villanova (+165),and be sure to earn $200 in free bets when any three-pointer hits with BetMGM’s NCAAB promotion for new customers.
If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/easton/2022/04/another-apartment-complex-is-slated-for-easton-this-one-4-stories-on-south-side.html
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The redevelopment of Easton is proposed to continue on the South Side with the latest project offered by Bethlehem developer Lou Pektor.
His company Greystone Capital proposes a four-story, 47-apartment complex at 717-719 W. Berwick St.
The redevelopment of Easton is proposed to continue on the South Side with the latest project offered by Bethlehem developer Lou Pektor.
His company Greystone Capital proposes a four-story, 47-apartment complex at 717-719 W. Berwick St.
Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/entertainment/2022/04/lehigh-valley-high-schools-perform-in-steelstacks-jazz-band-showcase-photos.html
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As it does each year, a cacophony of drum beats and brass honks came exploding out of the ArtQuest campus on Sunday.
Those in the know are well aware that the source is the annual SteelStacks High School Jazz Band Showcase Finals. The 10th annual competition took place on Sunday in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem, where jazz bands from six high schools competed for a live audience and a panel of judges.
Each group performed a 20-minute set for an audience and judges.
After a Feb. 21 competition between local and regional high school groups, six schools were named finalists, including two Lehigh Valley schools: Easton Area High School and Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts. The other schools competing were William Tennent High School, Quakertown Community High School, Upper Moreland High School and North Penn High School.
In the overall band rankings, the North Penn High School Navy Jazz Band came in first place Sunday, followed by the Upper Moreland High School Jazz Band and the Quakertown Community High School Jazz Band in second and third places, respectively.
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Connor Lagore may be reached at clagore@njadvancemedia.com.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/highschoolsports/2022/04/more-to-life-than-wrestling-seth-lisas-ready-to-move-on.html
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The everlasting memory of Seth Lisa, who stepped down last week after 11 years as Northampton head wrestling coach, that will stick with us for a very long time came at this year’s District 11 3A individual tournament.
Right in front of our table on that Saturday morning, Konkrete Kid junior Mason Besara and Easton junior Nolan Krazer were fiercely contesting a 138-pound first-round consolation match, with the loser’s season being over.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2022/04/true-value-hardware-store-manager-charged-with-stealing-163k-from-the-business.html
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The then-manager of a True Value Hardware store in North Whitehall Township stole more than $160,000 from the business between December 2015 and January 2019, Pennsylvania State Police report.
Damian Vansuch, 51, of Lower Macungie Township, was arraigned Tuesday afternoon before District Judge Jacob E. Hammond on misdemeanor charges of theft and receiving stolen property, court papers say. He was freed on $20,000 unsecured bail and has a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled for 2:30 p.m. April 13, records show.
A “monetary discrepancy in the financial records of the store” in the 5300 block of Route 873 was discovered during a store audit by the owner, state police said.
Vansuch stole $163,223.41 from store bank deposits over more than three years, police said.
A message requesting comment was left before business hours for Vansuch’s attorney.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting lehighvalleylive.com with a subscription.
Tony Rhodin can be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2022/04/2-children-die-after-being-trapped-in-hellertown-house-fire-police-say.html
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Girls ages 10 and 15 died Friday morning after being rescued from a house fire in Hellertown, borough police report.
The blaze was reported at 12:51 a.m. and the single family home in the 600 block of Linden Avenue was engulfed in flames when police arrived, a news release says.
A 36-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman escaped the home, but the girls were trapped on the second floor, police said.
Firefighters were able to rescue the girls and they were taken to St. Luke’s and Lehigh Valley hospitals, but they died, police said.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by police, the Dewey Fire Company fire marshal and a Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal, police said.
Other injuries sustained by people in the fire were not serious, police Chief Robert Shupp III said.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting lehighvalleylive.com with a subscription.
Tony Rhodin can be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/2022/04/on-behalf-of-the-114-postal-workers-serving-easton-thank-you-for-your-support-letter.html
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It is a great honor to serve Easton as your new Postmaster. In my 27 years with the United States Postal Service, I have seen firsthand the role the Postal Service plays connecting neighbors and our community to the nation. Our post office serves as a lifeline for our small businesses to reach customers no matter where they are.
Under Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s leadership and delivering for America, the Postal Service’s 10-year plan, we are maintaining universal six-day mail delivery and expanded seven-day package delivery, stabilizing our workforce and spurring innovation to meet the needs of our modern customers.
From an incredibly successful 2021 holiday mail and shipping season to our current role delivering COVID-19 test kits, the Postal Service continues to provide a vital service for our nation and right here in Easton.
On behalf of the 650,000 women and men of the United States Postal Service, which includes the 114 that serve Easton, allow me to thank the community for their continuing support of the Postal Service. Providing reliable mail delivery while strengthening the future of this treasured institution is our commitment to the American public.
Joseph Kostolanci II is postmaster of Easton.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/2022/04/politicians-tax-the-rich-rhetoric-rings-hollow-given-government-spending-letter.html
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Politicians say all our problems can be laid at the foot of the government not having enough money to fix problems. And why don’t we have enough money? Because the “rich” don’t pay enough.
Let’s ignore the fact government spends trillions of dollars more than it takes in, a great deal of which is simply wasted on projects that in no way address our problems, and examine why the rich don’t pay enough.
Would you agree you (and the rich) follow the tax laws, paying everything you are required to pay? Would you agree that you (and the rich) take full advantage of any tax law that allows you not to pay certain monies? Would you agree that you will take tax benefits that you actually did nothing to earn, but monies the government is willing to give you?
If it is true that the rich have far more opportunities to hold onto more of their money than you do, who’s fault is that? Yours? Did you write those tax laws? Did the rich write those tax laws?
The people in government, who are more than ready to point a finger at the rich, are the very people who wrote the laws that benefit the rich. And let’s not forget many of those who write tax laws are rich.
Why is it that when politicians want to distract us from the crummy job they are doing, they turn to more taxes on the rich? When things are going badly, politicians want to tax the rich. When there is an election coming up, tax the rich. When you hear those words “tax the rich,” there is one thing you know for certain … no action taken will end up with more taxes on the rich.
Donna D’Angelo
Wind Gap
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/2022/04/ranking-the-10-best-football-mens-basketball-combo-programs-in-the-country-college-football-survivor-show.html
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COLLEGE FOOTBALL, USA -- In the 2006-07 season, Florida beat Ohio State in the national title game in both football and men’s basketball. Back then, there was no doubt about which two programs had the best football and men’s basketball combo in the nation.
In 2022, on the edge of the Final Four, that question is a lot more difficult.
On this edition of The College Football Survivor Show, Doug Lesmerises and Shehan Jeyarajah draft the top 10 combo programs, and there’s a lot of disagreement.
In the end, the 10 picks included three schools from the SEC, two from the Big Ten, one each from the ACC, Pac-12 and Big 12, and two other schools that deserved to make the list.
What’s the right balance between teams with very good programs in both sports that might not be truly title-caliber programs (Oregon, Michigan State), compared to schools with great football and solid basketball (Alabama, Ohio State), compared to schools with championship basketball and very good football (Baylor).
This was a fun exercise. Thanks for listening.
Subscribe wherever you find podcasts:
Recent episodes of The College Football Survivor Show
Picking our four College Football Playoff teams right now
10 quarterback battles to watch this spring
Six teams to watch this spring
Parking lot passing game draft
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/advice/2022/04/dear-annie-planned-family-vacation-should-remain-family-only-trip.html
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DEAR ANNIE: I am about to turn 40 and want to take my family to London to celebrate. It’s a good time to go now that COVID is receding and my kids are teenagers. The whole family is excited about the trip.
However, my best friend told me that she wants to go on the trip with us. My original plan was just to have it be our family. But she is adamant about going and celebrating our forthcoming “big 4-0″ birthdays together -- mine this summer and hers in the fall.
It could be nice to have her there, but now she’s talking about bringing her whole family. Our kids are very different and aren’t friends. Worse, her husband is extremely annoying. He’s uncouth and a know-it-all, and my husband can’t stand him. I don’t want to go on vacation with him, let alone celebrate my special birthday with him.
I don’t know how to tell her that, at most, I would want only her to join us on what is supposed to be a family vacation. -- The Concerned Traveler
DEAR CONCERNED TRAVELER: It’s sweet of your friend to want to celebrate you and this milestone birthday, but she’s now put you in an awkward position by inviting herself, along with her whole family.
Your family’s trip to London was planned with purpose; it’s not a free-for-all. Make a boundary with your friend and offer an alternative. Suggest that the two of you take a trip sometime in between your birthdays to celebrate your 40ths together -- no husbands, no kids -- and keep your London trip on the books as planned. These conversations can feel uncomfortable in the moment, but in hindsight, you might consider it the best birthday gift to yourself.
***
DEAR ANNIE: I’ve been dating my boyfriend for a little over 14 months. We knew each other 30 years ago, as we attended the same church. We never said anything but hello to each other. Fourteen months ago, we connected on Facebook, and a fairytale romance began. We were so in love and enjoyed spending time with each other.
For the past few months, he’s become distant, sometimes irritable and seems emotionally dead. He was never that great as far as expressing emotions. He’s a workaholic and doesn’t make an effort to come see me like he used to. He’s a truck driver and has a landscaping business.
I don’t know if he’s cheating or it’s just plain over. I’ve tried to break up with him about three times, but he won’t go away. It confuses me. I don’t know what to do but am feeling foolish. I feel like I’m more into him than he is into me.
I don’t know if I should be firm and walk away or what I should do. Please help. -- Am I Being Stupid or Naive?
DEAR STUPID OR NAIVE: First things first, I would decide what you want from him. If it’s to break up, then you need to tell him that clearly and directly. If he still won’t leave, it may be time to look into legal options such as a restraining order.
But don’t write him off because you’re insecure about his feelings for you. Sudden attitude changes are often a symptom of a larger problem. Tell him that you’ve noticed a difference in his behavior and ask if there’s something you can do to help. If you still feel a disconnect, ask him to attend couples therapy to get to the root of the problem.
“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology -- featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation -- is available as a paperback and ebook. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information.
Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COM
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/business/2022/04/crumbl-cookies-franchise-owner-sets-opening-date-in-lower-nazareth-eyes-2nd-valley-location.html
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Prospective patrons eagerly awaiting the opening of national cookie delivery and takeout company Crumbl Cookies won’t have to wait too much longer in Lower Nazareth, the store’s franchise owner says.
Andy Sullivan of Gilbertsville, Montgomery County, who owns the franchise with his wife, Mary Sullivan, expects a late June opening in the building that houses T-Mobile and Starbucks at Northampton Crossings Mall, Routes 248 and 33. The targeted date is June 17, but Andy Sullivan predicts supply chain bottlenecks could push the grand opening a week or two later.
This is the Sullivans’ second franchise after opening this past week at Broadcasting Square Shopping Center in Spring Township, Berks County. The couple currently is eyeing an Allentown site for their third Crumbl Cookies franchise with the goal to open that store by September.
At Broadcasting Square Shopping Center, the Sullivans hired 70 people. They hope to hire 75 workers to staff the Lower Nazareth store.
The couple chose the Nazareth area for their second venture based on its diverse demographics and proximity to other retailers, Andy Sullivan told lehighvalleylive.com. The Northampton Crossings site is close to Walmart, Target, Wegmans Food Market and independent retailers in Nazareth Borough’s downtown area.
He said they’ll be the only store of its kind in the region.
“We hope that we give residents something new and exciting,” he said.
Crumbl Cookies serves a rotating lineup of six cookies weekly from a total of more than 200 flavors. The most popular flavors -- classic pink sugar cookie and chocolate chip -- are always in the rotation. The rest are specialty flavors inspired from well-known cakes, pies, candy and other sweet treats. Think Muddy Buddy; Nutella Sea Salt; Rocky Road; and S’Mores flavors.
The open kitchen allows patrons to watch staff members make the cookies. They plan to serve orders in under two minutes. Guests will be able to order just one cookie at the franchise, for $4. The rest will be packaged in sets of four, six and 12, all in the chain’s signature pink boxes.
At the Lower Nazareth site, the Sullivans also plan to sell ice cream, called “Crumbl Cream.”
Crumbl Cookies alone has grown in under four years from its initial location in Logan, Utah to now more than 350 stores nationally. Crumbl stores are closed on Sundays.
The Sullivans hope to open five Pennsylvania stores this year. The chain has 10 in Pennsylvania so far.
The Sullivans recently moved to Montgomery County from Texas. The couple also has a lot of help with their cookie business ventures -- they are a family of 10 with eight children.
Crumbl Cookies is open at all locations from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 8 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.
Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2022/04/pa-police-officer-killed-when-suspect-opened-fire-was-1-month-from-retirement.html
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A police lieutenant killed on duty in Pennsylvania was one month away from retirement when a man suspected of breaking into a family member’s home opened fire on responding officers, authorities said Friday.
Lebanon City Police Lt. William Lebo and three other uniformed officers were met with immediate gunfire when they entered the home on Forest Street, Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf said at a news conference.
Two other officers were injured and remain hospitalized. The suspect, 34-year-old Travis Shaud of Lebanon, was also killed in the exchange of gunfire.
Graf said Shaud had a record of domestic assaults as well as mental health issues.
“Family attempts to intervene, to provide assistance, were met with his utter resistance,” she said.
Shaud had previously lived in the home but not for some years, she said. A man listed as a co-owner of the home declined comment when reached by phone early Friday.
Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello said the injured officers are Ryan Adams, 34, and Derek Underkoffler, 32, both with seven years on the force. Lebo had planned to retire May 1 after 40 years with the department.
A family member arrived home after work Thursday and realized Shaud had broken into the rear of his home, so he called police, Graf said.
“When police attempted to enter the residence, four officers encountered immediate gunfire,” Graf said. Shaud used a gun from the home to shoot at police, Graf said.
Officers returned fire and Shaud was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not said who shot who and did not take questions about what Graf called an ongoing investigation at news conferences Thursday and Friday.
“As one can imagine, it’s clearly a traumatic event,” Lebanon Police Chief Todd Breiner said Thursday night. “Our guys are strong, but we’re human and we have families.”
Lebanon resident Angelo Gonzalez, 17, was working at a pizzeria down the road from the shooting when he said he saw “cop car after cop car flying down the street.”
“Then we heard something and weren’t sure what it was and the street filled up with cops and ambulance in a matter of 15 min,” Gonzalez said in a text message.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/allentown/2022/04/lehigh-valley-shooter-in-mask-dispute-dies-after-being-found-unresponsive-in-jail-officials-say.html
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A Lehigh Valley man awaiting trial for allegedly shooting at a clerk who told him he had to wear a face mask, and later opening fire on police, is dead after being found unresponsive in his cell Friday morning, officials said.
Adam Zaborowski, 37, of Slatington, was discovered at 6:46 a.m. in his cell in Lehigh County Jail in Allentown and staff immediately declared a medical emergency, Director of Corrections Janine Donate said in a news release.
Staff administered CPR and jail medical personnel assisted with lifesaving efforts, Donate said. EMS was called and took over when they arrived.
Zaborowski was taken by ambulance to St. Luke’s Sacred Heart Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:26 a.m.
An autopsy is scheduled for Monday, and the death is being investigated by the Lehigh County District Attorney’s office and the Lehigh County Coroner’s office.
Zaborowski’s family was distraught with the news, said defense attorney John Waldron, who has known the family for a long time.
“At this point, it’s just a shock and surprise,” Waldron said.
Zaborowski has been held on $2 million bail since the 2020 incidents, and was awaiting trial on charges in Lehigh and Northampton counties.
He was scheduled for a status conference Monday in his Lehigh County case, and his trial in Northampton County was scheduled for May 3, according to court records. Waldron said Zaborowski was facing “very serious charges with very serious consequences,” and planned to take his Lehigh County case to trial.
Zaborowski was facing multiple charges, including attempted homicide and attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, stemming from two incidents over July 31-Aug. 1, 2020, the first in Bethlehem Township and the second in Slatington.
On July 31, Zaborowski went to Cigars International off Nazareth Pike in Bethlehem Township, and refused to wear a mask due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prosecutors said.
Zaborowski reportedly said Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s order did not require a mask be worn, and the clerk responded that it was store policy, according to police.
Zaborowski became irate, allegedly taking two cigars and walking out. When the clerk followed him to the parking lot, Zaborowski pulled out a semiautomatic handgun and fired one shot in the air then two shots at the clerk, police said.
Several store patrons were sitting outside smoking cigars as the shots were fired; no one was injured. Zaborowski was barred from possessing firearms in Pennsylvania due a previous aggravated assault case, police said.
Zaborowski drove off and a manhunt ensued.
He was found the following day in Slatington, where police said he opened fire on officers and state police troopers near his home at 801 Main St. Zaborowski was shot and wounded.
Waldron previously said on the morning of the store incident, Zaborowski was preparing to head for the woods as part of a plan to “avoid people and try to just stick it out by himself, with food and camping gear and whatnot, until maybe the pandemic would pass.”
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Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2022/04/coroners-office-identifies-2-girls-who-died-after-hellertown-house-fire.html
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The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office early Friday afternoon identified the two girls who died after a house fire hours earlier in Hellertown.
Autopsies are planned for Monday to try and determine how and why Brianna Baer, 15, and Abigail Kaufman, 10, died following a blaze that was reported at 12:49 a.m. in the 600 block of Linden Avenue, the coroner’s office said in a news release. The girls were trapped in the second floor of the home before being rescued by firefighters, borough police said.
Brianna Baer was pronounced dead at 6:37 a.m. at St. Luke’s University Hospital in Fountain Hill, the coroner’s office said. Abigail Kaufman was pronounced dead at 8:25 a.m. in the same hospital, the coroner’s office said.
The deaths are being investigated by the coroner’s office, Hellertown police, the Dewey Fire Company and a Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal.
The girls were students in the Saucon Valley School District.
A GoFundMe has been set up to assist the family. More than $32,000 had been raised by 1 p.m.
“They need our help in the coming days,” the organizer wrote. “The money will help them with hospital bills, repair bills, and more incidentals. Please consider making a donation to help them through this tragic time. Our community loves them and they need our support now more than ever.”
The American Legion in the borough was also lending its hand in collecting items to replace things lost in the fire.
The home has been owned since 2012 by Damien William Kaufman and Jennifer Baer, Northampton County property records show.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting lehighvalleylive.com with a subscription.
Tony Rhodin can be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/northampton-county/2022/04/sweet-kind-gentle-souls-girls-ages-15-and-10-are-mourned-in-hellertown-fire.html
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Family and friends of a Hellertown couple were mourning the loss of two of their girls in a fire that struck their home early Friday morning.
Brianna Baer, 15, and 10-year-old Abigail Kaufman were pronounced dead at St. Luke’s University Hospital, Fountain Hill, following the fire in the 600 block of Linden Avenue in Hellertown, authorities said.
Brianna’s stepfather and Abigail’s father, Damien Kaufman, tried repeatedly to get back inside the home to save them, his mother, Sheryl Kaufman, told reporters Friday afternoon at the scene.
“It’s just tragic,” said Hellertown police Detective Michael Dattilio. “I mean, all responding personnel tried their best to save these girls, but unfortunately it just didn’t work out today.”
Dattilio confirmed Northampton County property records showing the owner-occupants of the home were Damien Kaufman and Jennifer Baer. Brianna was Jennifer Baer’s daughter from a previous relationship, and Damien Kaufman had a daughter from a previous relationship, as well, who was not in the Hellertown home at the time of the fire. The couple had Abigail together, according to Jennifer Baer’s mother, Gail Baer.
Both parents and two police officers were also taken for treatment at local hospitals, borough police said.
Investigators believe the fire started about 12:45 a.m. in a first-floor bedroom, though the cause remained under investigation by local and state fire marshals, Dattilio said. He would not comment on whether the home had functioning smoke detectors, saying that remained under investigation.
The girls were trapped upstairs, authorities said.
Jennifer Baer was screaming for the girls to jump out a window, Gail Baer said at the scene.
“It was so much smoke so she felt her way out the door and kept screaming for them to jump out, jump out,” she said of her daughter. “And I don’t know if they had lost consciousness or what ... .”
Gail Baer described her granddaughters as gorgeous, beautiful, sensitive and loving — “sweet, kind, gentle souls.”
“Anything you could think of, they were,” she said.
The girls were found wearing jewelry — a necklace on Brianna and a bracelet on Abigail — created with thumbprints of the girls’ late grandfather Geoff Baer, Gail Baer said. A Vietnam veteran who was known by Poppy to his family, he died of cancer last May, his widow said. He was a past commander of Edward H. Ackerman American Legion Post 397 in Hellertown, where Gail and Jennifer Baer belong to the auxiliary, according to the current post commander, Eric Medei.
Medei has known the family for years — his sister and Jennifer Baer went to high school together — and he described them as a “great family ... very well-loved by everybody,”
“It’s one of the most tragic things I’ve ever seen in my life and I was a cop for 16 years,” Medei, a U.S. Navy veteran, said of the fire. “So this ranks right up there with probably the worst thing you could ever witness or hear about.
“And when it’s somebody you know it hurts even more.”
The Saucon Valley School District confirmed the two girls were district students, and offered condolences to the girls’ family and friends.
A GoFundMe has been set up to assist the family.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.
Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/2022/04/wind-fanned-garage-fire-closes-linden-street-in-bethlehem.html
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Gusty winds hampered efforts to get a smoky fire inside a garage under control Friday in Northeast Bethlehem, taking firefighters about a half-hour to gain the upper hand.
It was reported at 2:40 p.m. and the first engine was on scene three minutes later, according to information from Assistant Chief Raymond Buttillo. The call grew to a second alarm to rush more equipment and manpower to the scene.
Initial reports were that someone was trapped inside the garage, which is detached from a home on the property in the 2300 block of Linden Street. That was unfounded, though, and no one was reported injured, according to the fire department.
The incident closed Linden Street in the area of the fire, due to hydrant lines stretched across both lanes.
Firefighters were still on scene approaching 5 p.m. but were said to be wrapping things up.
The cause remained under investigation.
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Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/business/2022/04/popular-bethlehem-bake-shop-shuts-down-brick-and-mortar-site.html
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A popular Center City Bethlehem bakery is closing its brick-and-mortar location.
Back Door Bakeshop, 92 E. Broad St., announced March 13 on the business’ Facebook page it’s shuttering the location and instead returning to a wholesale operation. The move goes into effect this Sunday.
Owners and partners Gail Lehman and Dina Hall opened the shop in 2009 at 1422 Center St. The business later moved about a mile away to space at the corner of East Broad and Center streets. The pair plans to continue providing baked goods at Scholl Orchards in Bethlehem, as well as at area festivals and community events.
“This is all very bittersweet for us, and we hope you understand that it wasn’t an easy decision,” Lehman and Hall posted. “The most important thing is that we’ve missed too much time with our family, and we’re looking forward to making up for that lost time.”
Lehman and Hall did not immediately return messages Friday seeking more information about the closure.
The bake shop was known for its cookies, scones, muffins, peanut butter squares and other baked goods, as well as quiches, salads, sandwiches and lunch items. There was a huge following when the owners began making chicken pot pie following a nor’easter in 2014. Through January and February, the pies were offered every other weekend, serving 30-40 pot pies each day, according to the business’ website.
The pair said some memories they’ll miss since starting the baking venture are sunlight streaming into the windows during early morning baking prep, the sound of jingling bells at the front door to alert them to patrons, visiting friends at sidewalk tables and the rush of the lunchtime crowd. Thanksgiving pie-making, they said, was like a marathon.
Lehman, whose childhood roots are in Bangor, states on the business’ website she baked many of the treats from scratch in small batches. It was the way she remembered them tasting as a small child, she said.
“There were days that were just plain exhausting, but those days brought such a sense of accomplishment,” the owners posted. “There were days that flowed almost effortlessly, and we felt so good about creating a peaceful, welcoming space that allowed people to pick up an affordable, healthy lunch and tasty treats.”
The announcement of the closure garnered numerous reactions from the community on Facebook. Owners took to Facebook in other postings in the days and weeks that followed, thanking patrons for an “outpouring of love and appreciation.” They noted they received cards, balloons, flowers and other expressions of gratitude. On March 23, the pair had to turn people away after reaching capacity on an overflow of advanced orders.
The owners stated in the Facebook posting they are being asked by many what they plan to do next.
“Quick answer is, ‘I’m going to recognize my lifelong yet unrealistic desire to be a Park Ranger.’ The logical answer however is, ‘I’m going to continue to reach for my goals, and go back to my roots as an entrepreneur and cookie baker,’” they posted. “So stay tuned for more on that.”
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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
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Dimers.com provides exclusive sports betting content to PennLive.com, including picks, analysis, tools and sportsbook offers to help bettors get in on the action. Please wager responsibly.
The Philadelphia 76ers are in action this weekend against the Charlotte Hornets, and bettors making their first deposit on BetMGM can make a risk-free bet of up to $1,000 on the game without needing a BetMGM promo code when they click ➡️ here ⬅️.
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Make a risk-free wager of up to $1,000 without a BetMGM promo code
The Philadelphia 76ers will be trying to snap a three-game losing streak when they host the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday afternoon. Bettors that think the 76ers are going to win could be up to $1,000 on the spread or moneyline knowing that their bet would be completely covered thanks to this BetMGM promo if it loses.
This sportsbook offer gives prospective customers a ton of incentive to try out one of the country’s best legal sportbooks. By clicking on any of the links on this page, you will unlock your risk-free bet of up to $1,000. All you have to do is create an account, make your first deposit, and then place a risk-free bet on the game of your choice. For example, say you want to bet $770 to win $700 on Philadelphia -6.5. You’ll either win that bet and make $700, or you’ll lose and be awarded $770 in BetMGM betting credits. This makes your first wager of up to $1000 totally risk-free.
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Register without a BetMGM promo code
BetMGM’s risk-free wager of up to $1,000 gives new users the chance to make the most of their first deposit with what is essentially a free bet. And while $1,000 is the maximum covered and the best value, you can also deposit and wager less if you are more comfortable with a different amount. This BetMGM promotion can be adjusted to your bankroll and is super easy to activate. You just have to follow these steps:
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This promotion only applies to your first bet, so be sure to place the full amount of your deposit up to $1,000 on the game of your choice to maximize your value on this BetMGM risk-free bet. The BetMGM promo code credits your account is reimbursed with can be used across the site on any sports and events offered including games in the NBA, MLB, NHL, March Madness and more.
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MORE SPORTS BETTING STORIES
NBA betting: Hornets vs. 76ers predictions, best bets and odds
March Madness Final Four betting: Duke vs. North Carolina predictions, best bets and odds
March Madness Final Four betting: Villanova vs. Kansas predictions, best bets and odds
FanDuel promo code: Final Four $150 bonus
BetMGM promo code unlocks $200 Final Four bonus
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Dimers.com provides exclusive sports betting content to PennLive.com, including picks, analysis, tools and sportsbook offers to help bettors get in on the action. Please wager responsibly.
The Philadelphia 76ers are 16-1 straight up in their last 17 games against the Charlotte Hornets but are 0-3-1 against the spread in their last for games against them. The 76ers can snap this ATS slump with a win and cover in this Hornets vs. 76ers betting matchup this Saturday afternoon. Here’s a game breakdown and our best bet on Hornets vs. 76ers, courtesy of BetMGM and powered by Dimers.com.
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Hornets vs. 76ers betting guide
- When: April 02, 2022, 12:30 PM ET
- Where: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Spread: 76ers -6.5 (-110), Hornets +6.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Hornets +185, 76ers -225
- Total: OVER/UNDER 231.5
Use our interactive widget below to see the latest Spread, Over/Under and Moneyline betting predictions for Hornets vs. 76ers, presented by Dimers.com.
76ers news and betting trends
- 2021-22 Record: 46-30
- Against the Spread: 36-39-1
Philadelphia (-225 on the moneyline) fell to 0-3 SU and ATS over its last three games with a 102-94 loss on the road against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night. Joel Embiid had another great game with 37 points and 15 rebounds, but James Harden scored only 18 points going 4-for-15 from the floor and 2-for-9 from three-point range. The 76ers are 1-4 SU in five games that Harden hasn’t scored 20 points in this season.
Recent losses to the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks are excusable given the caliber of the opponents. This one as 9.5-point favorites against the lowly Pistons was a head-scratcher. Philadelphia went 5-1 SU over its six games prior to this recent slump with quality wins over the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and Cleveland Cavaliers; so 76ers fans can hope this recent slide is just an anomaly.
The 76ers are 2-4 ATS in their last six games at home and 15-23 ATS at home overall in 2021-22.
Hornets news and betting trends
- 2021-22 Record: 40-37
- Against the Spread: 42-33-2
Charlotte (+185 on the moneyline) cruised to a 125-114 win on the road over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. Miles Bridges scored 31 points in the win and LaMelo Ball racked up 20 points and 15 assists. The Hornets moved to 40-37 SU with the win, matching the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks with the same record in the standings on Friday.
This group has been streaky all season in 2021-22. A 9-3 SU and 8-4 ATS run in January gave way to a 4-13 SU and 5-10-2 ATS slump in February and early March. Charlotte is back on the upswing now however with an 8-2 SU and 7-3 ATS record over their last 10 games. This run includes recent upsets over the Brooklyn Nets and Utah Jazz.
The Hornets are 5-0 SU and ATS in their last five games on the road.
Hornets vs. 76ers best bet
Our best bet for Hornets vs. 76ers on Saturday is the 76ers on the moneyline (-225 at BetMGM).
Charlotte is playing great and the 76ers have had some trouble covering spreads of late with a 3-8-1 ATS record over their last 12 games, so laying 6.5 points on Philadelphia here isn’t very enticing. With that said, the 76ers are the better team and are coming off of a terrible loss. Doc Rivers called James Harden out after the game. This is a prime spot for a rebound performance and is one the 76ers should take advantage of with an outright win, even if the final score ends up being close.
Bettors looking for more action on their BetMGM risk-free wager might also consider the OVER 231.5 points in this spot. The OVER is 7-2-1 in the last 10 games between the Hornets and the 76ers, and once again Philadelphia should be in for a big bounce-back game on offense after scoring only 94 points against the Pistons on Thursday.
- Best Bet: Philadelphia ML (-225 at BetMGM)
- Bonus Bet: Over 231.5 points (-110), and be sure to take advantage of BetMGM’s risk-free bet offer of up to $1000 here.
If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.
MORE SPORTS BETTING STORIES
BetMGM bonus code: Earn a $1,000 risk-free bet on NBA
March Madness Final Four betting: Duke vs. North Carolina predictions, best bets and odds
March Madness Final Four betting: Villanova vs. Kansas predictions, best bets and odds
FanDuel promo code: Final Four $150 bonus
BetMGM promo code unlocks $200 Final Four bonus
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WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Former U.S. women’s national team star goalkeeper Hope Solo was arrested after she was found passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle in North Carolina with her 2-year-old twins inside, police said.
A police report said Solo was arrested on Thursday in a shopping center parking lot in Winston-Salem and charged with driving while impaired, resisting a public officer and misdemeanor child abuse. She has been released from jail and has a court date of June 28, the report indicated.
According to an arrest warrant, a passerby noticed Solo passed out behind the steering wheel for more than an hour with the vehicle’s engine running and the two children in the backseat. A responding officer could smell alcohol, and the warrant said that Solo refused a field sobriety test and her blood was drawn instead.
Rich Nichols, a Texas-based attorney who represents Solo, released a statement Friday but didn’t respond to specific questions on the charges and said his client wouldn’t respond, either.
“On the advice of counsel, Hope can’t speak about this situation, but she wants everyone to know that her kids are her life, that she was released immediately and is now at home with her family, that the story is more sympathetic than the initial charges suggest, and that she looks forward to her opportunity to defend these charges,” Nichols said.
Solo was dismissed from the national team following the 2016 Olympics in Brazil after calling the Swedish team “cowards” for taking a defensive stance against the defending gold medalists, ending a laudable playing career that was also marred by controversy.
She was suspended for 30 days in early 2015 after she and husband Jerramy Stevens were pulled over in a U.S. Soccer-owned van and Stevens was charged with DUI. She was also benched after publicly questioning coach Greg Ryan’s decision to start Briana Scurry against Brazil during the 2007 World Cup, comments many saw as a slight against Scurry.
Solo was also involved in an altercation with family members in 2014 that resulted in Solo’s arrest, although charges in that case were eventually dropped.
Solo made 202 appearances with the national team, with 153 wins and an international-record 102 shutouts. She won a World Cup title and two Olympic gold medals with the team.
During the 2015 World Cup championship run, she allowed just three goals in seven games with five shutouts.
She was elected to the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame in January. The induction ceremony is set for May 21.
Solo married Stevens, a former tight end for the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in 2012. The couple have twins, Vittorio Genghis and Lozen Orianna Judith Stevens, born on March 4, 2020.
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Hope Solo is in the news again.
And, once again, it’s not about soccer.
The former U.S. women’s soccer team star was arrested in North Carolina Thursday for a multitude of reasons, most notably driving while intoxicated, according to multiple reports.
In addition to DWI, the 40-year-old was also booked on a misdemeanor child abuse charge as well as resisting arrest.
Solo, who is married to ex-NFL player Jerramy Stevens, had her twin 2-year-old daughters with her at the time of her arrest in a Walmart parking lot, according to TMZ.
She was taken into custody in Winston-Salem, N.C.
Her attorney, Rich Nichols, told TMZ: “On the advice of counsel, Hope can’t speak about this situation, but she wants everyone to know that her kids are her life, that she was released immediately and is now at home with her family, that the story is more sympathetic than the initial charges suggest, and that she looks forward to her opportunity to defend these charges.’'
It’s not the first time the two-time gold medalist and National Soccer Hall of Famer has been in trouble or in the news for reasons other than soccer.
Eight years ago, she was arrested on two counts of fourth-degree assault after allegedly assaulting her half-sister and nephew in her home state of Washington.
Most recently, she’s lambasted former teammates Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan for taking part in a $24 million settlement on an equal pay lawsuit. Solo didn’t mince words when she made it known she didn’t believe it was a ‘huge win’ for those who took up the cause.
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DEAR MISS MANNERS: It looks like my niece will be getting engaged to her companion of several years. They are lovely young women, both college graduates, both with good jobs. They have the support of both families.
My niece has never lived in the town where the rest of the family lives and where her mother (my sister) grew up. She will be here this spring, and I would like to invite close family and friends to meet her fiancee and say hi to my niece. This is not a shower, just a family dinner.
I would like to word the invitation: “We are pleased to announce our niece, Mia, has recently become engaged to Jordan, a delightful woman from Chicago. We would like you to join us for dinner on Saturday, March 15 at 6 to see Mia and meet Jordan. Please let me know if you can join us.”
I thought it necessary to add the “delightful woman” wordage because her name could be a man’s or woman’s.
Does this sound appropriate? What do I do if people ask about presents? It will be a small wedding out of town, so most of the guests will not be invited.
GENTLE READER: There is no need to announce the reason for having a dinner party, merely that you are having it. This, Miss Manners points out, will not only eliminate the need for superfluous details, but also for guests asking about presents.
“Please join us for dinner on March 15th at 6 p.m.” will suffice. Then, at the dinner, give a toast to the happy couple, introduce your prospective niece-in-law, and announce their engagement. As a bonus, this plan will make it far less rude when these same guests are not invited to the wedding.
***
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have been part of a “family meal swap” for a little over a year now, but recently, the woman in charge specified a menu for everybody to cook, including specific ingredients and side dishes. When I joined this meal swap, I did it to taste other families’ dishes and expand my own cooking. Now I feel kind of peeved that I have to cook somebody else’s specific menu.
I don’t think that it’s wrong that I feel this way, but I am unsure how to approach it with the hostess. My first instinct is just to lie and say I’m too busy after this first month’s rotation, but I like and respect her enough that I feel I should tell her the truth. Thoughts?
GENTLE READER: That you tell her why before ghosting her: “I’m afraid that I must have misinterpreted the point of this meal swap. While your menu plan sounds tasty, I thought we were making and trying new dishes. I understand if, as hostess, you want to change the plan, but I’m afraid that I won’t be able to join anymore.”
And then Miss Manners asks that you wait a respectable amount of time before starting up your own meal swap and poaching all of this person’s guests.
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
** ** **
COPYRIGHT 2022 JUDITH MARTIN
DISTRIBUTED BY ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION
1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500
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By LYNN ELBER, AP Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Will Smith resigned Friday from the motion picture academy following his Oscars night slap of Chris Rock and said he would accept any further punishment the organization imposed.
A spokesperson for Smith issued a statement from the actor Friday afternoon.
“I will fully accept any and all consequences for my conduct. My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable,” Smith said in the statement.
“I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work,” Smith’s statement said. “I am heartbroken. I want to put the focus back on those who deserve attention for their achievements and allow the Academy to get back to the incredible work it does to support creativity and artistry in film. "
Smith’s resignation came two days after the academy met to initiate disciplinary proceedings against Smith for violations against the group’s standards of conduct.
On Sunday, Smith strode from his front-row Dolby Theatre seat on to the stage and smacked Rock, who had made a joke at the expense of Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Moments later, he went on to win the best actor award for his role in “King Richard.”
Rock, who was about to present Oscar for best documentary, declined to file charges when asked by police.
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After the Northwestern baseball team rallied to take a 5-4 lead over Notre Dame on Friday afternoon, the Crusaders answered with two runs each in the fifth and sixth inning to clinch an 8-5 home win.
Jackson Shollenberger tied the game 5-5 in the bottom of the fifth inning with an RBI single for Notre Dame. Nicholas Buchman put the Crusaders ahead in the fifth with an RBI double.
Collin Quintano added to Notre Dame’s advantage with a two-run homer in the sixth inning.
Shollenberger went 2-for-3 with three RBIs for the Crusaders.
Quintano had two hits, a pair of RBIs and scored four runs for Notre Dame, which improved to 3-0 on the season.
The Crusaders also got two hits from Logan Castellano.
Robert Croneberger gave the Tigers a 5-4 lead in the top of the fourth inning with a two-run double.
Wesley George went 2-for-3 and scored a pair of runs for Northwestern, which fell to 1-3 on the year.
It was a rematch of the Colonial League championship game last season, which was won by the Tigers 13-3.
See Saed Hindash photos from Friday’s game at the top of this post.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting lehighvalleylive.com with a subscription.
Josh Folck may be reached at jfolck@lehighvalleylive.com.
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Q. My ex and I had $170,000 in a 401(k). He took it all. Do I have recourse?
— Divorced
A. You may have recourse.
However, what options may be available to you will depend on the specific details of your divorce and how the account was addressed.
You should have a matrimonial law attorney review your agreement and the details of your case, but there’s what you need to know.
Generally, all assets acquired during a marriage will be subject to equitable distribution but some assets are immune from equitable distribution, Kenneth White, a certified matrimonial attorney with Shane and White in Edison.
“Retirement benefits amassed in a spouse’s 401(k) during the marriage are routinely subject to equitable distribution and will most often be divided so that each spouse receives 50% of the same, plus or minus any gains or losses attributed to such funds from the date the complaint for divorce was filed until the date the funds are actually distributed,” White said.
How the 401(k) benefits were to be distributed should have been accounted for within your divorce settlement, he said.
The language should have gone further into directing specifically how distributing the benefits would occur, such as, “The parties shall retain company `X’ for the purpose of calculating the wife’s interest” and drafting any necessary Qualified Domestic Relations Order to ensure that the wife receives her share in a timely manner, White said.
If your ex failed to cooperate with 401(k) distributions per your agreement, you have the right to file a Notice of Motion with the court seeking enforcement of the terms of the agreement, White said.
“Within such a Motion you will seek all relief you are potentially entitled to,” White said. “Such relief will include a request that your ex be held in contempt of court and/or in violation of litigant’s rights for his blatant failure to comply with the terms of your divorce and otherwise denying you access to your share of the retirement benefits.”
Further, you will ask to be made whole.
Email your questions to Ask@NJMoneyHelp.com.
Karin Price Mueller writes the Bamboozled column for NJ Advance Media and is the founder of NJMoneyHelp.com. Follow NJMoneyHelp on Twitter @NJMoneyHelp. Find NJMoneyHelp on Facebook. Sign up for NJMoneyHelp.com’s weekly e-newsletter.
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Are you tonight’s lucky winner? It’s time to grab those tickets and check your numbers. The Mega Millions lottery jackpot has reset after someone won $126 million in the March 8 drawing.
Here are the winning numbers in Friday’s drawing:
26-42-47-48-63; Mega Ball: 21; Megaplier: 5X
The estimated jackpot for the drawing is $70 million. The cash option is about $44.7 million. If no one wins, the jackpot climbs higher for the next drawing.
According to the game’s official website, the odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 302,575,350.
Players pick six numbers from two separate pools of numbers -- five different numbers from 1 to 70 and one number from 1 to 25 -- or select Easy Pick. A player wins the jackpot by matching all six winning numbers in a drawing.
Jackpot winners may choose whether to receive 30 annual payments, each five percent higher than the last, or a lump-sum payment.
Mega Millions drawings are Tuesdays and Fridays and are offered in 45 states, Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tickets cost $2 each.
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Solar Conjunction Strategy
Multitasking is a myth. The multitasker isn’t doing everything at once; rather, they are switching quickly between tasks and there’s waste in the transition. Pay attention to one issue at a time. It’s sweeter on the brain as the sun and Mercury meet up in high-intensity Aries. It’s also easier on the people you are working closely with.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). What people say they want isn’t what they really want. It’s not because they are lying; it’s because they don’t know themselves as well as they think they do. To know yourself, look at your unguarded, unwatched behaviors.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). People can be like wallpaper in a design catalog: the same patterns repeating page after page. Maybe the colors change, the scale is different, but at some point, you know what you can expect when you turn the page.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). One person may spark your good mood. You’ll keep the flames alive even after this person has left. The love around you will not be an abstract concept, but a reality you can feel.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’ll be tempted to reveal your heart. What happens next is a defining moment. Will you be strategic or messy? You cannot make a mistake either way -- it’s just a matter of style.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You don’t need to work so hard for what you want because it’s there for the asking. Just ask! That will be hard enough at first, but it gets easier with practice.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Intensity is up and a strong sense of urgency has you in a flurry of productivity. Much will be accomplished. It’s a good day to put an idea to the test. You won’t have to ask too many questions to get to the truth.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). Origami artists and physicists agree that the essence of life is folding. Things crease and collapse onto one another, forming new shapes. From DNA to paper to the social fabric, much will change today with a deliberate fold.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Give yourself the time and space to do what you want to do. It sounds simple enough, and yet it hasn’t happened in a while. Why? You’ll unravel the puzzle and give yourself some peace.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You can like someone without having to be like that person. Today highlights your ability to relate, empathize and be enriched by those who are very different from you.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). There will be a mutual attraction between you and the subject that fascinates you. You need more of the subject and the subject needs more of you. Consider taking a class.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Reading is not a tangent or indulgence, though it sometimes feels that way. You’ll absorb what you read. Your knowledge of people and command of language will increase your power and influence.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Some relationships are built on insecurity and fraught with drama. It doesn’t make them worthless though -- intensely imperfect situations have much to teach.
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (April 2). You know what it’s like to be lost, so you appreciate the value of this year’s cosmic birthday gift: strong conviction that carries you to a worthy purpose. Focused and productive, you’ll ultimately be paid to inspire and teach others. Family will uplift and show up for one another in times of need and, more often, in times of celebration. Taurus and Leo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 9, 30, 2, 22 and 18.
CELEBRITY PROFILES: Legendary Country Music Hall of Fame artist Emmylou Harris collects Grammys, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The powerful Aries music warrior was born when Mercury, Venus and Mars were all in musical Pisces in her birth chart, suggesting incredible powers of empathy and a formidable gift of soul.
Write Holiday Mathis at HolidayMathis.com.
COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COM
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/advice/2022/04/dear-abby-theres-plenty-to-chew-on-after-dinner-with-in-laws.html
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DEAR ABBY: I once hosted a holiday dinner for which I had made a ham and a turkey with all the sides and three different pies. I even made a special mince pie for one of the guests. The guests -- my brothers-in-law, my brother and his family of four and his mother-in-law -- all showed up carrying empty Tupperware. At the end of the day, all I had left was dirty dishes.
The same family then invited me and my husband for a holiday dinner. My husband wasn’t feeling well and couldn’t go. When I asked my sister-in-law if I could take a plate home for him, she said, “Nope! If he doesn’t want to come to the house, he can’t have any of the food.” Yes, Abby, she was serious.
My sister-in-law cooks the meat she received as a gift from her employer, and the rest of the guests prepare the sides and desserts. I NEVER go empty-handed. At the end of the meal, she transfers any leftovers to their own Tupperware and gives us back the cleaned bowls. If I ask for a little of something to take home, she protects her leftovers like they were her children.
What’s your take on leftovers? Is asking for a little fruit salad off limits? Is relieving your host of the burden of storing all of their leftovers out of line? Are there rules of etiquette here? -- HOPING FOR A SANDWICH LATER
DEAR HOPING: If you would like the living, breathing definition of presumptuous guests and ungracious hosts, look no further than your in-laws’ contact file. The fault, however, may not lie solely with them. If this has happened more than once and you cannot summon the courage to tell these greedy folks to put away their Tupperware and help with the dishes, you can’t blame them for assuming you don’t mind being imposed upon in this way.
As to the sister-in-law who refused to allow you to bring any of her food to your sick husband, I wouldn’t blame you if you chose not to grace her table again after telling her the reason why.
***
DEAR ABBY: I am an adopted 17-year-old high school senior, and I live with four people who all have a disability. I want to move out when I’m 18 if I am able to. I have several older brothers and sisters, but they each have a family to take care of. My oldest brother is in his 60s, and my youngest in his 40s.
I don’t want to seem selfish for wanting to live independently, but I don’t know how to tell them. I don’t know how to tell them anything because, in the past, they haven’t listened to me. If you have any advice on how to tell them, I would be very grateful. -- NERVOUS GIRL IN NEW YORK
DEAR NERVOUS GIRL: I wish you had mentioned when you will be turning 18, because at that point you will be legally entitled to live wherever you wish, and your parents and siblings will HAVE to “listen to you.”
Because you are determined to move, it is crucial that you start preparing now. You will need to find a job so you can afford a security deposit and pay for rent, food, etc. You may also have to find roommates until you can afford a place that is all your own. A counselor at school may be able to guide you, particularly if you plan to continue your education.
***
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
***
What teens need to know about sex, drugs, AIDS and getting along with peers and parents is in “What Every Teen Should Know.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Teen Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)
COPYRIGHT 2022 ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION
1130 Walnut, Kansas City, MO 64106; 816-581-7500
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DEAR AMY: When I was pregnant with my first child, I was diagnosed with a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum.
It causes debilitating nausea, uncontrollable vomiting and dehydration, and in severe cases, can be life-threatening.
During the course of my pregnancy, I had to go to the ER eight times, and was admitted to the hospital for four days at one point.
HG also led to other pregnancy complications, and I delivered my son by emergency C-section 10 weeks early.
It was by far the most difficult thing either my husband or I have ever been through.
I am now pregnant with my second child, and thankfully am enjoying a normal pregnancy.
The problem is that my mother-in-law has taken my good health now as a “sign” that I was never really sick the first time.
She has expressed that my first pregnancy distress was really a psychological issue because I was “so afraid I wouldn’t have a healthy baby.”
I’m not sure why she says things like this, and it really upsets me when she raises the topic.
My husband says I need to learn that her opinions just don’t matter, but I’m still upset.
Any advice on how to gracefully shut her down?
- Not “All in My Head”
DEAR NOT: Because of her lack of compassion toward you, your mother-in-law has surrendered her privilege to know about or discuss your health. Your health - past or present - should be off the table.
If she raises her theory about your first pregnancy again, you can say, “I’m going to have to interrupt you mid-thought. Let’s not discuss my health, OK?”
Your husband is right: His mother’s opinions about your health struggles don’t matter, and your behavior will demonstrate that from here on out, it is not up for discussion.
***
DEAR AMY: I have a family member who lives in another state but has a second home in my state.
They come to their second home but are never willing to come see my family.
I have tried to meet them, given them ideas to get together, and have even offered to meet halfway so they don’t have to drive so far.
They are never willing to come to see us or drive to our house.
In six years, we have seen them once.
It has gotten so bad that I just assume I will never see them.
The worst part is, they send us messages saying, “We will be in your state for the next week and would love to see you,” but they always make excuses.
My children always ask when they will see this family member’s kids (their cousins), and I am honestly tired of telling my kids that they have canceled on us.
What should I do?
- Tired of Trying
DEAR TIRED: It sounds as if it is something of a journey for your family member to travel to their second home, and that you live some distance from this home.
They obviously are not willing to extend their journey to visit you.
The next time they message you that they will be in your state, you should be honest and say, “We really want to see you, and the kids are eager to get together, but we never seem to make it work. What are your suggestions?”
They may ask for you to drive to their home. They may hedge or make a plan and then cancel.
I agree with your sentiment that if these family members really wanted to see you and the kids, they would work harder to make it happen.
It is a tough realization that your family values are different from theirs, but if you’ve exhausted every reasonable effort to see them, you will have to accept it.
***
DEAR AMY: I enjoyed your “Best of” column devoted to the occasional challenges faced by short people.
Years ago, our firm hired a super-duper Mr. Fix It guy.
He had a series of conference phone calls, and always sounded very tough and gruff.
I pictured a John Wayne or General Patton type of guy.
I met him in person one day, and he was short and petite, but with a booming voice.
I said to him, “You sound much taller on the phone.”
He laughed and responded, “No this is the tallest I have ever been!”
It was great.
- A Reader
DEAR READER: What strikes me is that any person outside of what might be considered the “norm” (whatever that currently is), seems to need a great comeback line.
That’s unfortunate.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)
(C)2022 Amy Dickinson. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/betting/2022/04/betmgm-bonus-code-200-final-four-saturday-bonus.html
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Dimers.com provides exclusive sports betting content to PennLive.com, including picks, analysis, tools and sportsbook offers to help bettors get in on the action. Please wager responsibly.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/coronavirus/2022/04/pa-weekly-covid-update-second-booster-now-available-fewer-taking-pandemic-precautions.html
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While health experts continue to monitor “stealth omicron,” COVID-19 metrics in Pennsylvania and locally in the Lehigh Valley continue their favorable trends.
Meanwhile, millions of Americans are now eligible for a second booster shot, which could help stave off future surges.
Federal agencies this week cleared an additional shot of Pfizer or Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for anyone age 50 or older at least four months after their last dose. Some 12 and older with compromised immune systems can also get another shot after that time.
The new doses were available in the Lehigh Valley as of Thursday via Lehigh Valley Health Network, St. Luke’s University Health Network and Northampton County’s drive-through testing and vaccination site. Interested people can also check with their local pharmacy, or other providers listed online at COVID.gov.
“The availability of second boosters is crucial to protecting our community if or when another surge of COVID-19 occurs,” said Dr. Alex Benjamin, LVHN’s chief infection control officer.
• MORE: Where to get a second booster in the Lehigh Valley
In Pennsylvania, about two-thirds of the population has had a full initial round of shots — about 42% of them got a booster, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rate is only slightly higher in Lehigh and Northampton counties.
Case rates, both statewide and locally, have fallen to their lowest points since last summer and appear to be stabilizing. Data from the state health department on Friday showed an average of just below 600 new cases daily statewide, down from around 1,600 on March 1 and about 16,000 a day at the start of the year.
(Can’t see the chart? Click here.)
Case rates in Lehigh and Northampton counties have generally held between 15 and 30 new cases a day on average through March.
The declining number of COVID-19 hospital patients is perhaps a clearer measurement of severe illness. Hospitalizations across Pennsylvania fell about 67% through March and 93% since the height of the omicron wave in January.
(Can’t see the chart? Click here.)
Pennsylvania is also now averaging fewer than 20 reported COVID-19 deaths a day for the first time since Sept. 1.
As a result, more Americans are curtailing once-routine protective measures. A poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found fewer than half regularly wear face masks, avoid nonessential travel or stay away from large groups.
Most Americans say they at least sometimes still follow those safeguards. But they’re increasingly returning to pre-pandemic norms as coronavirus infections have fallen to their lowest level since July.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no longer recommends masking indoors for most Americans, while cities are lifting mask and vaccine requirements to enter restaurants, bars and concert venues. And more U.S. workers are returning to offices after two years of doing their jobs at home.
Still, Lehigh Valley doctors encourage residents to be mindful of their surroundings and the state of the pandemic. The omicron BA.2 subvariant is having severe impact elsewhere in the world, and some of those precautions may be necessary if circumstances here again warrant them.
As St. Luke’s Dr. Jeffrey Jahre said last week: “We are in a honeymoon period. … Let’s keep our eyes open and be at least cognizant that things could change and when they do the advice may change.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.
Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com.
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The lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic shortened the girls lacrosse season for most teams throughout New Jersey last year, and teams in Hunterdon and Warren County were no different. In spite of the limited schedule, Delaware Valley, North Hunterdon and Voorhees all extended their seasons by qualifying for the NJSIAA postseason with the Lions and Vikings recording state playoff victories.
With the 2022 season now underway, here are the questions we want to see answered and players to watch out for this spring.
5 questions to answer
1. How will Voorhees replace McLean and Spaeth’s production?
The Vikings reached the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex tournament final and NJSIAA North Jersey Group 2 semifinal last spring but lost 2021 lehighvalleylive player of the year Katie McLean (89 goals) and Matty Spaeth (72 goals) to graduation. First-year head coach Maria Miller expects seniors Paige Caufield, Darby Roskowski and Maggie Rutch to step up and believes her team has the right balance to build off last year’s success.
“Even though we lost playmakers from last year we have a lot of returning talented players who are ready to take the next step as leaders as well as promising newcomers,” Miller said. “We have strong players on each end of the field which will contribute to the success we have this season.”
Voorhees will compete in the Skyland Conference Valley Division along with Delaware Valley, Gill St. Bernard’s, Immaculata, Rutgers Prep, Somerville and Warren Hills.
2. Can Phillipsburg improve after a difficult 2021?
The Stateliners lone win in 2021 came in a 16-10 victory over Warren Hills in the first round of the H/W/S tournament. While Phillipsburg finished the season 1-11, it will have back its three top scorers in sophomores Julia Butler (13 goals), Sarah Bronico (12 goals) and senior Karli Tietjen (12 goals) along with starting goalie Julia Patterson.
The Stateliners will once again be competing in the Skyland Conference Raritan Division along with Bernards, Montgomery, Mount St. Mary, North Hunterdon and Ridge.
3. Does Delaware Valley have the depth to become a contender?
The Terriers, who posted an 8-6 record in 2021, will welcome back senior returning starters at every position group this season to complement a large freshmen class. Senior midfielder Annabelle Niebuhr, who led Delaware Valley in points with 76 last season, is back along with starting goalie Brooke Testa.
“We are young, our program has 16 freshmen and is the largest among the classes. Our core of seniors will set the tone and help lead the way. I am excited to see what this season has in store for us, as I am confident we will come out and surprise some people this year,” Del Val coach Stephanie Rifflard said.
4. Is North Hunterdon ready to take the next step?
The Lions finished with a winning record for the first time since 2014, reached the semifinals of the H/W/S tourney and recorded their first NJSIAA sectional playoff win since 2018 with a 13-9 victory over Mount Olive last spring.
North Hunterdon has the chance to continue to find postseason success as it welcomes back points-leader, junior midfielder Cassidy Kole, and starting goalkeeper Stephanie Teipel.
5. Where will Warren Hills fit in divisional race?
The Blue Streaks return a strong contingent of seniors from last season, when they finished 3-10. Attack Lydia Aron (18 goals), midfielder Holly Ort, defenders Maggie Oberly and Sarah Haas and goalie Emily Conklin all return for their senior season. Sophomore attack Sarah Salameh also returns after finishing second on the team in goals with 19 as a freshman.
“Team strengths are the mix of newcomers with the experience and leadership of the upperclassman,” Warren Hills coach Meg Bublitz said. “Goal for this year is to match up strong to teams within the conference this year.”
7 players to watch
Sr. MID Annabelle Niebuhr, Delaware Valley
Niebuhr led the Terriers with 56 goals last season and was second on the team in assists with 20. The senior needs 30 goals this campaign to reach the century mark.
Sr. ATT McConnell Platek, North Warren
Platek was the top provider for the Patriots last season as her 40 assists left her tied for 23rd in the state. The senior, who recorded at least one assist in all 15 games last season, is also the Patriots top returning scorer after notching 18 goals.
Sr. GK Brooke Testa, Delaware Valley
Testa, who Rifflard regards as ‘one of the top goalies in the state,’ finished 2021 tied for 20th in the state in saves with 164. The Smith College commit was a Skyland Conference Valley Division 1st team all-star selection.
Jr. MID Maddie Ackerman, Voorhees
Ackerman recorded 34 goals and 17 assists for the Vikings last season, scoring a season-high five times in their NJSIAA North Jersey Group 2 quarterfinal win over Somerville. The Skyland Conference Valley Division 1st team all-star selection also was a threat around the center circle, recording 93 draw controls in 2021.
Jr. MID Cassidy Kole, North Hunterdon
Kole led the Lions in goals (57), assists (37), and draw controls (80) last season. Kole scored four or more goals eight times and was a Skyland Conference Raritan Division 1st team all-star selection.
Jr. MID Phoebe Spaeth, Voorhees
Spaeth is the Vikings top returning scorer after recording 42 goals as a sophomore. The junior was also a Skyland Conference Valley Division 2nd team all-star selection.
So. ATT/MID Kim Curcio, Hackettstown
Curcio recorded the most points of any player returning to the Tigers. The sophomore tallied 11 goals, 10 assists and 27 ground balls as a freshman.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.
Desmond Boyle may be reached at dboyle@lehighvalleylive.com.
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Easton’s downtown has transformed considerably in the past 20 years, but residents haven’t seen any building transform the way Shalom Neuman plans to transform his.
The internationally-known artist plans to install dimmable LED lights under grooves throughout the front of the two-story building at 149-151 Northampton St. They’ll be motion-sensor activated and will brighten and dim with a dizzying array of colors and varying intensity.
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When it comes to the NFL season, there is always another milestone just around the corner.
Now that the Annual League Meetings have passed, teams will focus much of their attention on preparing for the NFL Draft. The Eagles figure to be significant players in the process, having three first-round draft picks (15th, 16th, and 19th) that allow them the flexibility to maneuver around the draft board and fill several positions of need on the team. However, there are questions about the team using all three picks.
Appearing on NBC Sports Philadelphia’s “Takeoff with John Clark” podcast, NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah says he highly doubts that the Eagles will use all three selections. In fact, Jeremiah, who was an ex-scout for the Eagles, thinks the Eagles will be very active on draft night.
“No chance. Zero chance. I would say I’d be shocked, but that doesn’t even come close to describing how surprised I would be,” Jeremiah told Clark about using all three selections. “We’ve kind of said, ‘Okay, what do they trade back once?’ I wouldn’t be surprised if they trade back with a couple of these picks. I don’t anticipate they will stay there. I would imagine they’re also going to try and get some assets in next year’s draft.”
Jeremiah said the extra assets would act as insurance if quarterback Jalen Hurts did not progress and play well enough to warrant being the starter beyond the 2022 season, saying they could use the picks to trade for a veteran quarterback or move up in the 2023 draft to take one.
When looking at the players who could be available when the Eagles are on the clock in the first round, Jeremiah thinks some players will be contributors in the future, but players who could step in and make a considerable impact on the field next season. Among them are edge rushers, including Purdue’s George Karlaftis. Jeremiah also thinks Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams would be an intriguing option at wide receiver.
“Talking to buddies that were at the Alabama Pro Day the other day, they said that he’s ahead of schedule and he looks great,” Jeremiah said. “He can be ready to go by training camp. If that’s the case, you’re talking about potentially a steal. When I was there, and you had to DeSean (Jackson) and the impact that he had, now you get out and get somebody like this to take the top off and give DeVonta (Smith) and (Dallas) Goedert some room to work in the middle of the field and underneath, that’s an intriguing option.”
Karlaftis, who had five sacks last season, is different from most of the other edge rushers expected to be taken in the first round. Karlaftis does a lot more with his power instead of speed and quickness. As for Williams, he would be an intriguing option if the Eagles feel comfortable that his ACL has fully healed and will no longer be an issue. Williams caught 79 passes for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns for Alabama last season.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.
Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.
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When the record-setting cold weather hit recently, many early blooming daffodils in the yard took a beating. Their foliage and flowers that had been facing upright toward the sun got bent over to where most of them were touching the ground.
I picked a lot of the flowers and put them in a vase, although some were too frozen to survive. But a few days later when temperatures soared and eventually returned to normal levels, a lot of the daffodils suddenly perked back up as if the cold never happened.
However, a patch of hyacinths near one of the daffodil plantings didn’t seem to be affected at all by the freezing temperatures. And when I brought a few stalks of them inside, their fragrance filled the kitchen.
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The next new episode of “Saturday Night Live” will take place April 2, 2022, with comedian Jerrod Carmichael as host along with musical guest Gunna.
SNL’s Twitter account recently announced a slate of new episodes and their respective hosts through the month of April.
How to watch this season of SNL
You can watch the 47th season of “Saturday Night Live” on NBC.
If you’re a cord-cutter or don’t have cable, you can live stream “SNL” on Fubo TV. It will also be available on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. Both offer free trials.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com
Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
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TURKEYS
The City of Bethlehem acknowledges it wasn’t the Zimpfer family’s fault that sewage backed up in their basement, causing more than $10,000 damage and the kind of headaches that a family with two young children doesn’t need. The problem resulted from a blockage in the sewer main caused by grease and debris that backed up sewage into the basements of two homes in the Zimpfers’ neighborhood Northeast Bethlehem. The situation is rare, according to the city’s water and resources director, but the city doesn’t get involved up-front when there’s damage to private property in cases like this. The family can repair the damage and then seek reimbursement. That doesn’t seem fair. If it’s a rare situation, why can’t the city have a mechanism in place to help the victims pay up front? It’s something that ought to be considered so families like the Zimpfers don’t find themselves financial compromised for something that was out of their control.
TROPHIES
A local restaurateur investing close to seven figures into turning an already special establishment into something even better is worth accolades in ordinary times. A local restaurateur who does the same at a time when a pandemic has ravaged the industry is remarkable. The owners of Keystone Pub and Grill are close to pulling it off. The historic pub, at Easton Avenue and Willow Park Road in Bethlehem Township, is about to reopen after a 10-month hiatus that allowed for a renovation and expansion. The pub will now feature an open-floor plan, additional seating, a modern kitchen and other new amenities. The building dates back to the early 19th century and is a landmark that deserves this level of attention. Key elements of its history are being preserved in the project. This is good for the neighborhood and will hopefully inspire other local restaurant owners to think big. We wish Keystone the best as it enters this new, exciting phase.
The Anti-Defamation League’s annual report on white supremacist and nationalist propaganda showed 14 reported instances of flyers in Bethlehem in 2021. It’s a concerning number, but it is protected speech, no matter how vile. The Bethlehem NAACP and city officials are fighting back through perhaps the most effective way possible – speech of their own focused on a message that hate has no place in the Christmas City. They have organized “A March for Peace and Unity Rally” starting at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in Payrow Plaza. Will the march put a complete halt to such propaganda circulating in the city? That’s unlikely, but it’s an important and appropriate response that could serve as an effective deterrent.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/2022/04/picking-the-4-best-running-backs-in-college-football-playoff-history-college-football-survivor-show.html
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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- In the eight-year history of The College Football Playoff, there have been 16 games in which a running back has rushed for 100 yards.
That was one of the major considerations in picking the four best running backs in the history of the playoff so far, which Shehan Jeyarajah and I did on our bonus episode of The College Football Survivor Show this week.
On a list like this, we considered the overall career and talent of the running backs, but what they did in the semifinals and championship games is what mattered the most. Some backs played in just one playoff and had a game or two to make their marks. Other accumulated stats over multiple playoffs, including one running back who played in four straight playoffs.
It was the careers that we considered. So more action meant more opportunity. And while a few of the picks were easy, not all of them were.
One thing you’ll note -- 13 of the 16 best rushing games for running backs occurred in semifinals. The going gets tougher in title games.
We’ll continue this over the offseason, picking playoff Mount Rushmores at other positions, from quarterback to linebacker to coach. But we started with running back, and this list helped us.
The 16 games of 100 rushing yards or more by running backs in the eight-year history of the playoff
1. Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State, 246 yards vs. Oregon, championship, 2014 season
2. Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State, 230 yards vs. Alabama, semifinal, 2014 season
3. Brian Robinson, Alabama, 204 yards vs. Cincinnati, semifinal, 2021 season
4. Rodney Anderson, Oklahoma, 201 yards vs. Georgia, semifinal, 2017 season
5. Trey Sermon, Ohio State, 193 yards vs. Clemson, semifinal, 2020 season
6. Sony Michel, Georgia, 181 yards vs. Oklahoma, semifinal, 2017 season
7. Bo Scarbrough, Alabama, 180 yards vs. Washington, semifinal, 2016 season
8. J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State, 174 yards vs. Clemson, semifinal, 2019 season
9. Derrick Henry, Alabama, 158 yards vs. Clemson, championship, 2015 season
10. Wayne Gallman, Clemson, 150 yards vs. Oklahoma, semifinal, 2015 season
11. Nick Chubb, Georgia, 145 yards vs. Oklahoma, semifinal, 2017 season
12. Najee Harris, Alabama, 125 yards vs. Notre Dame, semifinal, 2020 season
13. Thomas Tyner, Oregon, 124 yards vs. Florida State, semifinal, 2014 season
14. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU, 110 yards vs. Clemson, championship, 2019 season
15. Travis Etienne, Clemson, 109 yards vs. Notre Dame, semifinal, 2018 season
16. Dalvin Cook, Florida State, 103 yards vs. Oregon, semifinal, 2014 season
That list gives you some idea of our four choices, but it doesn’t paint the whole picture. So try the pod.
This discussion was on our bonus episode this week. There’s one bonus episode of The College Football Survivor Show week, available to subscribers at Apple Podcasts for $2.99 a month. That’s 75 cents per episode. You can sign up at Apple Podcasts.
Our other show each week is free and available wherever you find podcasts. This week, that was a draft of the 10 best football-men’s basketball combo programs in the country.
Thanks for listening.
Subscribe wherever you find podcasts:
Recent episodes of The College Football Survivor Show
10 best football-men’s basketball combo programs
Picking our four College Football Playoff teams right now
10 quarterback battles to watch this spring
Six teams to watch this spring
Parking lot passing game draft
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DEAR ANNIE: I recently ended a long-term friendship. I feel it was the right choice to make, and I don’t regret the decision. However, I would like your opinion on whether my handling of the situation was appropriate.
Here’s some background on this now-defunct friendship: “Tammy” and I connected on social media about three years ago. She is a phenomenal professional vocalist; I am a concert pianist, so naturally, we have music in common. We had to maintain a long-distance friendship being that we live in separate parts of the country.
Over the past few years, we spoke daily. We spent weekends together, and I thought we would be friends for life.
Now, of course, no one is perfect, and I certainly have faults. But in the past six months or so, I realized I had been ignoring negative traits of Tammy’s that festered to the point where I had to finally cut ties with her.
Egos tend to run high in the music industry, especially in classical music. But I am not one of those egos. I prefer to remain humble and focus on the happiness of my audience. Yet, Tammy has a HUGE diva complex. Her constant negative remarks about other vocalists not only grew tired really fast, but her superior perspective was a major turn-off to a lot of people, including myself.
As a best friend, I suggested she humble herself and speak positively of others in her line of work so as not to gain a poor reputation among her peers. But my concern for Tammy fell on deaf ears. She started to belittle me in every way possible, which truly hurt. I couldn’t believe that my supposed “best friend” would treat me so badly.
Tammy is a very headstrong individual who had to fight for her professional career. That headstrong mentality does not transfer well into relationships. I could no longer tolerate her having to have the last word, never taking responsibility for herself or admitting when she is wrong. I feel horrible focusing on someone’s negatives because Tammy can be a very caring, thoughtful person. I just felt that ever since she landed a very prestigious role, she hadn’t been that caring person I knew from years past. It’s like this beast had taken over.
I’m sure I’ve made mistakes throughout our friendship, but I really tried to treat Tammy as more of a sister than just a friend. I can tell you this much is true: I NEVER spoke a bad word about her. So imagine how hurt I felt when she unleashed several insults during our last phone call. I don’t consider someone to be a best friend if they could think so negatively of me. I also found myself apologizing to her for keeping a personal situation private. She wouldn’t respect my space and claimed I was a bad friend for not telling her everything that was going on in my life. But wouldn’t a “best” friend understand when someone needs privacy?
I refused to allow her to make me feel inferior. After she refused to hear me out, I realized she had no interest in salvaging the friendship. I flat out told her that I no longer wished to remain friends, said goodbye, and that was it. It seems we both realized we were not good company for each other after all and hadn’t been for some time. It’s been a few months now since we last spoke, and it’s quite clear we were both satisfied with dissolving the friendship.
I would love to hear your thoughts. -- Not Friends Forever
DEAR NOT FRIENDS FOREVER: Not all friendships are destined to last for life. The one relationship that does is the one you have with yourself. You chose to honor your integrity and character after outgrowing a dynamic that no longer served you. Sounds like a choice well made.
“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology -- featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation -- is available as a paperback and ebook. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information.
Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2022 CREATORS.COM
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The six people killed during an 80-vehicle pileup on a Pennsylvania interstate during a snow squall earlier this week included four men and two women, authorities said.
Schuylkill County Deputy Coroner Albert Barnes said Friday that the victims of Monday’s crash on Interstate 81 were between 40 to 70 years old and were burned beyond recognition, the (Pottsville) Republican-Herald reported.
“All of the decedents were found in the group of vehicles that were on fire,” Barnes said.
Two were found in a box truck that was one of the first vehicles involved in the crash. They are believed to be from Montgomery County in Pennsylvania. Also killed was a man in a tractor-trailer, a man and woman in a car and another man in a car, all believed to have been from out of state.
The names of those killed will be released by state police as soon as a positive identity is made and families are notified.
“Right now we’re 99.8% sure, but we want to be 100% sure,” he said. “We expect all identifications and notifications to be made in the near future.”
State police in Frackville said earlier that the crash, which occurred during “an active snow squall” at about 10:30 a.m. Monday, involved 39 commercial vehicles and 41 passenger vehicles. Two dozen people were taken to four hospitals. The highway was closed until early Wednesday morning.
The crash was captured in videos posted on social media that showed drivers and passengers lining the snowy road and jumping out of the way as the cascade of crashes unfolded. In one video, an out of control tractor-trailer smashed into a large dump truck, another large truck caught fire and spewed black smoke, and a sport utility vehicle hit a passenger car, sending it spinning narrowly past a person standing on the shoulder in snow and fog.
Some vehicles were mostly burned and others melted onto the highway, hampering efforts to clear the scene. Authorities also said they needed to go through each vehicle to make sure there were no human remains.
Barnes and Deputy Coroner Erin Cuff told the newspaper that after firefighters extinguished the flames, the large amount of water used turned to ice. That hampered the recovery of the victims, and nightfall made the job even more difficult, they said.
Cuff recalled that one of the victims had a cross in his hand.
“It made me wonder if he was alive when the fire started and knew he was going to die,” Cuff said.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2022/04/trout-season-opener-draws-anglers-to-lehigh-valley-waterways-photos.html
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Streams were flowing strong Saturday after recent rainfall, as anglers headed out under sunny skies for Pennsylvania’s opening day of trout-fishing season.
Pennsylvania beginning in 2022 returns to a single, statewide opening day of trout season on the first Saturday in April. The state had gone with regional opening days starting in 2007.
New Jersey’s trout season opens April 9, with free fishing days set for June 4 and Oct. 22. Pennsylvania’s fish-for-free days, when no license is required, are May 29 and July 4.
Visit fishandboat.com or nj.gov for fishing license details.
Take a look through the photos above for scenes of trout fishing Saturday in the Lehigh Valley.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting lehighvalleylive.com with a subscription.
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https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/business/2022/04/five-below-plans-to-open-1000-stores-over-the-next-3-years.html
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Value retail store Five Below is preparing to open about 1,000 locations by 2025, the company recently announced.
Five Below is projecting 375 to 400 new stores in 2022 and 2023, and another 550 to 600 in 2024 and 2025.
”We are increasing our store potential in the U.S. from 2,500-plus to 3,500-plus,” president and CEO Joel Anderson said.
Five Below is referring to its long-term plan as a “Triple-Double,” with a goal to triple the store count and double the sales.
New store locations have yet to be announced.
Five Below aims to appeal to tweens and teens.
The store offers a wide variety of products mostly priced between $1 and $5, including: toys, games, home accessories, electronics, arts and crafts, beauty supplies and candy.
There are currently 49 Five Below stores in New Jersey and over 1,200 stores nationwide.
RELATED STORIES ABOUT RETAIL AND SHOPPING:
Walmart is ending cigarette sales in some stores
Dunkin has opened a digital-only store in N.J.
Crumbl Cookies to open 3rd N.J. location
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Christopher Burch can be reached at cburch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisBurch856. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips
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Every city in the U.S. has faced a housing crisis over the past year due to current events, such as the global coronavirus pandemic.
But some metropolitan areas have more jobs available than housing units.
The data analysis website Stacker used September 2021 data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Building Permits Survey and the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ employment dataset to develop a ranking of metropolitan areas that have more jobs available than housing units.
Stacker calculated the number of single-unit housing permits issued per year compared to the number of new jobs created per year (between August 2020-August 2021).
The 20 metropolitan areas featured on the list were ranked according to their jobs-to-permit ratio. Metro areas with a higher ratio have more jobs than available housing.
Two of the metropolitan areas on the list were in the region: No. 19 (Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton) and No. 12 (New York-Newark-Jersey City).
Below is the full list of metropolitan areas that have more jobs available than housing units. To qualify, the metro area must employ at least 100,000 people.
20. Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
19. Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, Pennsylvania, New Jersey
18. Rochester, New York
17. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
16. Elkhart-Goshen, Indiana
15. Urban Honolulu, Hawaii
14. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, California
13. Erie, Pennsylvania
12. New York-Newark-Jersey City, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania
11. Lansing-East Lansing, Michigan
10. Springfield, Illinois
9. Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, California
8. Duluth, Minnesota, Wisconsin
7. Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, California
6. Peoria, Illinois
5. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
4. Modesto, California
3. Utica-Rome, New York
2. St. Cloud, Minnesota
1. Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, North Carolina
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com
Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
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The two Republicans on the ballot in the May 17 primary election for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District faced off in a debate Friday night in Bethlehem Township.
Northampton Community College hosted Lisa Scheller and Kevin Dellicker as they seek to unseat Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Susan Wild in the newly redrawn district covering Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties and part of Monroe County. An overflow, standing-room crowd of well over 200 people attended the debate organized by the Northampton County Republican Committee and moderated by Terry Tracy, co-founder of the Philadelphia-based conservative think tank Broad + Liberty Inc.
Scheller, who lost to Wild in the 2020 election, and Dellicker espoused many similar views, though they diverged in responses to Tracy’s “lightning round” of yes-or-no questions on abortion. Dellicker also repeatedly attacked Scheller on her business’ ties to China, which both candidates agree poses a grave threat to the United States.
Dellicker at one point riled the audience, which was open only to party voters, according to the local Republican committee. The crowd grew vocal demanding a yes-or-no answer on whether each candidate would support the primary winner. Dellicker instead pointed to the questions he has raised about the business Scheller runs that he said is opening a new factory in China and has partnered with a “state-owned enterprise” there.
“We want to talk about inflation, Susan Wild will talk about outsourcing factories,” Dellicker said. “We want to talk about national security policy, Susan Wild will bring up the conflicts of interest in China. It’s going to make it extremely difficult for us as Republicans to beat a well-established Democrat … .”
Scheller responded to the question: “There is only one right answer to this question and that is unequivocally yes. Susan Wild is a person that we need to get out of office.”
Wild, of South Whitehall Township, was elected in 2018 after a career as an attorney that included serving as Allentown’s first woman appointed city solicitor.
Scheller, of Allentown, is president and chairwoman of Silberline Manufacturing Co., a global manufacturer of aluminum-based pigments that has its headquarters in Tamaqua, Schuylkill County. In her bid to challenge Wild a second time, she has picked up numerous endorsements, including from former President Donald Trump’s Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy and the Congressional Leadership Fund.
Dellicker, of Heidelberg Township in Lehigh County, served 26 years in the Armed Forces, enlisting in 1995 in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard as an infantry soldier before transferring in 1999 to the Air National Guard. He has worked as an environmental policy adviser to the New York Senate and as an economic policy adviser to former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, and with his wife started a home-based business in 2005 called Dellicker Strategies that aims to help school districts cooperate on major technology purchases.
Scheller in her opening statement said she is “running to protect our American dream and stop Susan Wild and the Democrats from turning it into a socialist nightmare.” Dellicker opened by saying he is running to keep America free, doesn’t like direction country is headed and is out to help restore Republican control of House while proving “a guy from New Tripoli who’s authentic and who has a strong conservative message can still win an election in the Lehigh Valley.”
On Russia’s war with Ukraine, the two Republicans offered similar views on supporting economic sanctions and cutting off Russian oil sales and arming Ukraine, while opposing no-fly zone and direct conflict involving American troops. Dellicker interpreted President Joe Biden’s recent comment that Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot remain in power as a gaffe, and Scheller labeled Russia as a “gas station with an army.”
The candidates also responded similarly to questions about inflation, saying it’s Democrats’ policies on the coronavirus pandemic that flooded the economy with cash that has led to the highest inflation rates in decades. Both said they see no instances where they would support raising taxes. Both painted themselves as staunch supporters of the Second Amendment and gun rights, and both agreed they would vote to ban Congress members buying stock based on insider information. Both also said the nation’s immigration policies are in crisis, that they support Pennsylvania natural gas extraction as a way to bolster energy independence and that they both oppose critical race theory being taught in schools. Both opposed remote learning in response to COVID cases and workplace mandates on COVID vaccines and testing.
Asked if they would vote their conscience if it conflicts with the will of voters, Dellicker responded that the U.S. Constitution takes precedence, while Scheller she would vote based on the people of Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District and the Constitution.
Turning to conservatives’ characterization of Washington politics as a swamp, Scheller touted her commitment to serve only four terms and to reject a salary.
“I’m going down there because my motivation is … I believe in the American dream, I live the American dream and I want to make sure that my children and all of the children have the ability to live the American dream,” Scheller said
Here, Dellicker attacked Scheller’s endorsements from prominent Republicans who do not live in the district or Pennsylvania and “who then are going to want something in return for all these endorsements.”
“I want to go down to Washington as an independent, conservative guy from New Tripoli who doesn’t owe anybody anything down in Washington in return for the endorsements that they have received,” he said.
Scheller responded: “I am not beholden, like I said, to anybody but the people of Pennsylvania’s 7th District and the Constitution of the United States. I’ve made no promises to anyone on what I will or will not do or how I will vote when I get to Washington, except for the Constitution.”
Focusing on threats posed to the United States by China, Dellicker listed what he called “atrocities” by the Chinese government “and yet we continue to do business with that country.”
“I think one of the most important things that needs to be answered in this debate is detailed information about Lisa Scheller’s ties to China,” he said, continuing on to cite media reports about Scheller’s company’s expansion in China that followed cutting her domestic workforce from 360 to 160 workers and citing financial disclosures showing earned “between 33% and 95% of business income from Chinese operations.”
“No one will be tougher on China than I will be. My business is 100% American-owned,” Scheller responded, using a refrain she returned to at least twice as Dellicker pushed concerns about Scheller’s business dealings in China. “We manufacture aluminum pigments and metallic coatings not infrastructure. We have a global footprint, we are an international business, we export to 87 countries around the world. I know the Chinese, I’ve dealt with them, I understand them, that’s why I have the courage to stand up to them … .”
On a question about election integrity, Dellicker called Pennsylvania’s Act 77 that enacted no-excuse mail-in voting and which was passed by the Republican-controlled state Legislature a “mistake,” calling it unconstitutional.
“We have to elect Republicans to fix these laws in order to be able to make permanent changes in our election laws and during this upcoming election we have to watch, monitor and be very vigilant to make sure that we maintain the integrity of these elections unless and until we can get more Republicans in power,” he said.
Scheller commented: “Election integrity absolutely is on the minds of all Americans. In fact in 2020 on Election Night, I was up by more than 30,000 votes in my race against Susan Wild only to find myself three days later after mail-in ballots were counted being told that I had lost the election. So I know personally what election integrity feels like.”
During the abortion lightning round, both candidates agreed human life begins at conception and that they support criminalizing abortion when there is a detectable fetal heartbeat unless the mother’s life is at stake.
The two diverged with Dellicker in support of and Scheller opposed to an anti-abortion constitutional amendment and Dellicker in support of banning the RU-486 abortion pill with Scheller opposed to a ban. Asked if they would vote to allow abortions where the health of mother “is in question” but her life is not endangered and whether abortions should be permitted in cases of rape or incest, Dellicker asked for the questions to be repeated before committing to “no,” while Scheller answered “yes.”
“I oppose abortions, period,” Dellicker sought to clarify. “If there was a bill that had a provision in there that said that there was an exception for rape and incest, then I would vote for it if that was the best that we could get through Congress.”
Scheller summarized her stance by saying: “I am pro-life, I support pro-life policies and I would never vote for a bill that would codify Roe vs. Wade.”
On transgender athletes, both candidates said they oppose athletes born as one gender competing against the opposite gender.
“Transgender women have a biological advantage over women, and should not be allowed to compete with women,” Scheller said. “Susan Wild and her woke culture who want to allow this to happen, they’re destroying the American dream of millions of young girls and women who want to become exceptional athletes in their own right.”
Dellicker said the question points to underlying core issues of advancing transgender rights throughout the federal government, calling it “ridiculous that we see individuals who are biological males competing against women in schools.”
“I also think that we have to look at the underlying science and this idea that we can say that you have a choice of your gender instead of gender being determined by your biology,” he continued. “That’s the bigger issue, and I think that’s the issue that we have wrestle with in our society.”
In their closing statements, Dellicker suggested additional debates across the district in Carbon, Monroe and Lehigh counties and on television.
“I present myself with humility, as a military veteran, a family man and a small business owner who wants to prove that you don’t need money and you don’t need influence in order to represent your neighbors in Congress,” he said.
Scheller closed by saying, “This election is about saving and protecting our American dream for generations to come and stopping Democrats from turning it into a socialist nightmare for us and worse.”
The Northampton County Republican Committee posted a live-streamed video of the debate on its Facebook page.
Click here for more photos from the event.
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Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
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Marijuana would be decriminalized at the federal level under legislation the U.S. House approved Friday as Democrats made the case for allowing states to set their own policies on pot.
The bill — H.R.3617, known as the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act — is unlikely to become law since it is expected to die in the U.S. Senate. That would mirror what happened when a similar House-passed measure removing marijuana from the list of federally-controlled substances went nowhere in the Senate two years ago.
MORE: Ending federal weed ban just passed U.S. House
Still, Friday’s vote gave lawmakers the chance to state their view on a decriminalization push that appears to have broad support with voters across the country.
The 2020 election showed how broadly accepted marijuana has become, with measures to legalize recreational pot breezing to victory in progressive New Jersey, moderate Arizona and conservative Montana and South Dakota.
The House approved the bill Friday with a mostly party-line vote of 220-204. All but two voting Democrats backed the measure, while only three Republicans did.
U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat representing New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District that covers communities in Warren County, announced Saturday he offered a bipartisan amendment on the House floor to the bill “to help protect our families from the dangers of intoxicated drivers by investing in a study on technologies and methods that law enforcement can use to determine whether a driver is impaired by marijuana.”
The study will be conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
“It is critical that our law enforcement officers are able to determine if recent use of cannabis is directly impacting a person’s ability to operate a vehicle. The fact is that we need more widely available technologies to determine whether drivers are impaired by marijuana and my amendment invests in a study to do just that,” Gottheimer said. “We need to make sure that our law enforcement officers have all the resources and tools necessary to keep roads and highways safe for our families.”
The measure would require federal courts to expunge prior marijuana convictions and conduct re-sentencing hearings for those completing their sentences. It also authorizes a 5% tax on marijuana and marijuana products that would gradually increase to 8% over five years. The money would be used for grant programs focused on job training, legal aid, substance abuse treatment and loans to help disadvantaged small businesses get into the marijuana industry.
The Congressional Budget Office estimated that thousands of inmates would be released earlier than under current law, saving about $800 million over a 10-year period. Overall, the federal deficit would be reduced by nearly $3 billion over the next decade.
Democrats said the nation’s federal prohibition on marijuana has had particularly devastating consequences for minority communities. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., cited statistics that showed Black Americans were four times more likely than white Americans to be arrested for marijuana possession, even though they use it at similar rates.
“Those criminal records can haunt people of color and impact the trajectory of their lives indefinitely,” Hoyer said. “I regret that there are some members of our Congress who apparently think that’s not worthy of attention.”
“Make no mistake, yes, it is a racial justice bill,” said Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif.
Republicans who opposed the measure said marijuana is a gateway drug that would lead to greater use of opioids and other dangerous substances. They also said the pot sold today is far more potent than what was sold decades ago, leading to greater impairment for those who use it. They said decriminalization is not the priority that lawmakers should be focused on now, with the war in Ukraine and inflation driving up the cost of gas, food and other essential items.
“Yet the priority of this Congress now turns to expanding access to addictive, behavior-altering recreational drugs at a time when our country is also experiencing increased addiction, depression and suicide,” said Rep. Bob Good, R-Va.
Thirty-seven states and District of Columbia allow the medical use of cannabis products while 18 states and the District of Columbia have legalized recreational marijuana, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
“If states are the laboratories of democracy, it is long past time for the federal government to recognize that legalization has been a resounding success and that the conflict with federal law has become untenable,” said the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
In the Senate, Democrats — including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York — asked colleagues in early February for their input on a marijuana decriminalization bill. He said after the House vote that they were still working on crafting the legislation, but he hoped it would be introduced “very soon.”
“Of course, we will need Republicans to pass a legalization bill in the Senate, and we will be working hard to try and get them,” Schumer said.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.
Kevin Freking of The Associated Press and supervising reporter Kurt Bresswein contributed to this report. Reach him at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
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