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Maria Bamford reveals it all: The State Fair, suicide, comedy, sex and money

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:30 GMT

Chris Hewitt | (TNS) Star TribuneReview: Her memoir has hilarious jokes and compassionate insight into mental illness.Maria Bamford’s memoir is called “Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult,” but the comedian, actor and Duluth, Minnesota native easily could have called it “Let’s Talk About Everything.”Bamford’s humor has always been personal, and that’s true of her very funny, very frank book, subtitled “A Memoir of Mental Illness and the Quest to Belong Anywhere.” In it, the star of “Lady Dynamite” and voice-over artist on “BoJack Horseman” and dozens of other shows tells us: how often she and her husband have sex, her fee for stand-up gigs, what bugged her about her late parents and how she views religion — in addition to detailing experiences with groups from her childhood Suzuki violin lessons to Debtors Anonymous to eating-disorder clinics.Expanding on themes she discussed in a now-famous New York Tim...

Death toll soars to 11,300 in flooding in Libya’s coastal city of Derna, Libyan Red Crescent says

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:30 GMT

By SAMY MAGDY and YOUSEF MURAD (Associated Press)DERNA, Libya (AP) — The death toll in Libya’s coastal city of Derna has soared to 11,300 as search efforts continue following a massive flood fed by the breaching of two dams in heavy rains, the Libyan Red Crescent said ThursdayMarie el-Drese, secretary-general of aid group, told The Associated Press by phone that a further 10,100 are reported missing in the Mediterranean city. Health authorities previously had put the death toll in Derna at 5,500.The flooding swept away entire families on Sunday night and exposed vulnerabilities in the oil-rich country that has been mired in conflict since a 2011 uprising that toppled long-ruling dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Here’s a look at the latest developments.Daniel, an unusually strong Mediterranean storm, caused deadly flooding in towns across eastern Libya, but the worst-hit was Derna. As the storm pounded the coast Sunday night, residents said they heard loud explosions when ...

International master hopes to inspire next generation of chess lovers

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:30 GMT

Growing up in Tiburon, California, Ladia Jirasek felt like an outsider who didn’t quite fit in with other kids his age who were more interested in playing sports than chess, which he began learning when he was 9 years old.That is, until he began participating in the after-school programs and tournaments offered by Marin Scholastic Chess. He began to feel part of the fabric of Marin’s chess world.Now 23, Jirasek is an international master, the second-highest title in chess awarded by the International Chess Federation, and is on a mission to pay it forward and inspire the next generation of chess players in Marin and beyond.Courtesy of Ladia JirasekLadia Jirasek is an international master in chess.A longtime chess coach, he wrote 2021’s “How to Chess,” a guide for beginners. When he’s not mentoring or playing chess, the UC Berkeley graduate works as a junior quantitative trader.Q What got you into this?A The first time I saw the wizard chess scene in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s ...

Liam Hendriks — a Roberto Clemente Award nominee — makes an impact away from Chicago White Sox: ‘Life hits you and you can run with it’

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:30 GMT

Liam Hendriks continues to make a difference without throwing a pitch.In ballpark after ballpark this season, the Chicago White Sox reliever has met with families impacted by cancer.Major League Baseball announced last week that Hendriks, who made an inspirational return to the mound after battling stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, had been nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award.“Being able to get nominated is a huge honor. It’s not why you do things. But it’s always nice to be recognized,” Hendriks said last week in Detroit. “Life hits you and you can run with it, which is what we’ve done and tried to make good of it.”The Clemente Award is presented to a major-league player who best represents the game “through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field,” according to the website associated with the honor. The winner will be announced during the World Series.H...

Americans sharply divided over whether Biden acted wrongly in son’s businesses, AP-NORC poll shows

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:30 GMT

By COLLEEN LONG and EMILY SWANSON (Associated Press)WASHINGTON (AP) — About half of Americans say they have little or no confidence that the Justice Department is handling its investigation into Hunter Biden in a fair and nonpartisan way, and 1 in 3 are highly concerned about whether President Joe Biden may have committed wrongdoing related to his son’s business dealings, according to a new poll. But the political divide is stark. Sixty-six percent of Republicans — and just 7% of Democrats — are very or extremely concerned about whether Joe Biden committed wrongdoing when it comes to his son’s business dealings, according to the poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Overall, Democrats are far more wary of faulting the president at all with regard to his son’s business dealings. “The way I look at it, if Biden did something wrong, then he should be held accountable,” said Pilar DeAvila-Pinsley 60, a New...

Long COVID study will dig into treatment options. ‘I think a lot of people are really desperate’

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:30 GMT

Ilana Arougheti | (TNS) Chicago TribuneCHICAGO — At first, Debbie Tumbarello’s wedding was the height of romance — a Valentine’s Day whirlwind straight out of “Sleepless in Seattle,” she said.Tumbarello, who lives in Inverness, Illinois, married her husband in Las Vegas on Feb. 14. She left Vegas with memories of a Beatles tribute show and a rooftop ceremony. However, she also left with COVID-19 — and hasn’t come back to full health since.“The symptoms of the cold went away, but as the weeks progressed, I just started sleeping,” Tumbarello said. “On the weekends, I’d be sleeping 14 to 16 hours a day … My husband was freaking out. He’s like, this is just not you.”After hearing about her brain fog, extreme fatigue and joint pain, an infectious disease specialist at NorthShore University Health System diagnosed Tumbarello with long COVID.Now, Tumbarello has prequalified for a nationwide study aiming to learn more about long COVID and design treatment and prevention programs. Sponsored ...

Hot Property: Water views, Wellesley address

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:30 GMT

The Morses Pond community unveils a beautifully renovated four-bedroom contemporary home at 7 Bacon Street in Wellesley, poised as a tranquil escape. It elegantly marries modernity with mid-century charm, promising a year-round retreat graced by Morses Pond.Within striking distance of Wellesley College, charming boutiques, delightful eateries, and the bustling town center, the home offers both urban conveniences and waterside solitude.Entering the home, mid-century modern touches take center stage. Clerestory windows usher in daylight, creating an airy, inviting ambiance. Wood post-and-beam design adds character, fostering a seamless connection with nature.For culinary enthusiasts, the kitchen is a haven. Adorned with stainless steel appliances and a farmhouse sink, it basks in natural light. Family and friends gather here, savoring meals in the adjoining dining room or out on the fenced patio.In the family room, a wood-burning fireplace and giant picture windows perfectly frame nat...

Mayo Clinic Minute: How to tell if your child has a fever

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:30 GMT

Alex Osiadacz | Mayo Clinic News Network (TNS)A fever — when the body’s temperature is above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit – is typically a sign that your body is fighting off an infection.Dr. Tina Ardon, a Mayo Clinic family medicine physician, explains what signs to watch for when your child is running a high temperature.Feeling feverish? The uncomfortable condition signals that your immune system is hard at work.“Fever in and of itself does not necessarily need to be treated,” says Dr. Ardon. “I’m going to want to see that child with a fever who’s not drinking as much, maybe has a symptom they’re more concerned about, such as coughing or vomiting, to make sure we’re not dealing with something more serious.”Dr. Ardon says that babies younger than 3 months old who are feverish seek care immediately. For older children, if a fever has not improved in three days or other symptoms have presented, contact your child’s care team.When it comes to making your child feel...

Abandoned panga boat found on Torrey Pines State Beach

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:30 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- An abandoned boat was found drifting ashore on Torrey Pines State Beach Thursday morning, U.S. Border Patrol confirmed to FOX 5.CBP's San Diego Sector was notified of a possible maritime smuggling event in the area around 7 a.m. Officials say a caller reported seeing 10-12 individuals running from a beached vessel. Man hit by Amtrak train in San Diego dies CBP agents responded to the location and found the abandoned panga boat, along with 15 personal floatation devices. CBP Air and Marine Operations seized the vessel, officials confirmed.No other information has been provided at this time.

Officer identified in Carlsbad police shooting

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 16:15:30 GMT

CARLSBAD, Calif. — The officer involved in a police shooting in Carlsbad last weekend has been identified by authorities.According to the Carlsbad Police Department, officer Marcos Bocanegra fired his service weapon one time on Sept. 9, striking a juvenile suspect who police say pulled a firearm during a traffic stop. Encinitas community discuss action plan to prevent further e-bike fatality The juvenile was struck in the right arm and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.Police say the 16-year-old suspect was later booked into Juvenile Hall for assault with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest, and possession of a firearm.CPD says officer Bocanegra has been employed since May 2023 and is currently assigned to patrol.The San Diego Police Homicide Unit was called to the scene to conduct the officer-involved shooting investigation.Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call investigators at (619) 531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.