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Dear Annie: Bright light, sleepless nights

Dear Annie: My neighbor “Rod” installed a motion-activated floodlight that shines directly into our bedroom window every time our dog (or another animal) moves in the yard — which is often. It goes off all night long. I mentioned it once, and he said, “It’s for security,” and suggested we “get better curtains.” We already have blackout shades, but the light still leaks in around the edges. I don’t want to start a neighborhood feud, but I also haven’t slept properly in weeks. How do I get him to listen? — Blinded at Bedtime Dear Blinded at Bedtime: Ask again ...

Nipple soreness from phone could be due to odd placement

DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m a 75-year-old man. I keep my cellphone in my left shirt pocket every day. Recently, my left nipple has become very sore. I asked my general physician about it, and he wasn’t concerned. I’m concerned that the electromagnetic field from the phone may be an issue. Is there any research on this, and should I have this checked more carefully? — T.W. ANSWER: Your physician was correct. Cellphones cannot produce frequencies with enough energy to damage tissues. It’s much more likely that the mechanical rubbing of the phone on your chest is causing the soreness. ...

Birthright citizenship debate puts America’s melting pot on trial again

As a Black American who is old enough to remember the last days of legal Jim Crow racial segregation, I pay special attention whenever I hear signs that in many American minds the Civil War never really ended. So does President Trump. That may help to explain why he took the extraordinary step on Wednesday of appearing in person in the grand chamber of the U.S. Supreme Court, apparently the first president to do so, as his solicitor general made the case against “birthright citizenship” before the high court justices. The issue, one of the most important Supreme Court rulings ...

Pope Leo’s flawed war doctrine

Pope Leo XIV used part of his Palm Sunday message to castigate the United States for attempting to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power and threatening the world with mass destruction. In doing so, the “American Pope” confused the real enemy in the war. Addressing thousands in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope claimed that God rejects the prayers of leaders who wage war. He called the Iran war “atrocious” violence that cannot be justified by faith. He further said that God doesn’t hear the prayers of people whose “hands (are) full of blood.” Does he not include Iran’s ...

Dear Annie: Standing firm when family is divided

Dear Annie: Hopefully you can help me. I’ve read your column for years. My two kids are adults and have kids of their own, and they have always gotten along. However, last Thanksgiving, my son and his family decided not to stay when they found out my granddaughter was there. My granddaughter is gay and was recently married last fall to her partner. My son isn’t religious at all, but he follows his wife’s lead, and she is very Catholic. Both of them think that if they spend time with gay people, it will somehow hurt their children. They don’t want to expose their kids to my ...

Getting vaccinated is most effective to ‘scare away’ viruses

DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 82 years old and in very good health. I have no major medical issues so far, but I work on my health as I believe in prevention. During the past eight months, I’ve had three colds, plus COVID-19 for the first time this past November. I remember the old days when we used to wear camphor necklaces every winter in order to “scare away” viruses. Before I order one, I want your advice on it. — N.G. ANSWER: Camphor is a waxy substance that is derived from the camphor laurel tree. It is often used topically to relieve pain, but some people use it as a skin rub ...