This week’s column was almost co-written by son #1. You see, mom of the year, which would be me, drove sons #1 and 2 to Providence, Rhode Island. Don’t worry about son #3, he had a midterm and needed to study. Why did we go to Providence? I am really surprised that you don’t know. The Providence Friars were playing Butler. I know,

So, I don’t know if this is good news or not, but scientists at MIT have recently created what they’re calling “The world’s most difficult tongue twister.”

Yeah, there’s not a whole lot to do in Massachusetts.

To most of us, tongue twisters seem like an innocent waste of time. Do we really have to practice saying these phrases?

In an attempt to be an engaging conversation partner we sometimes find ourselves thinking, even obsessing over what we should say next. We become so focused on formulating a witty response that we find ourselves not at all attuned to what is being said. I have experienced this many times and I bet that more than a few of you can relate. If

“I was discussing the use of email and how impersonal it can be; how people will now email someone across the room rather than go and talk to them.”

—Margaret J. Wheatley, writer and management consultant

If there was one area where I got hit

In my last article I spoke about the importance of having a deep, visceral understanding that you have inherent value. You are part of the Divine intelligence—always connected to the Source—no matter what you have done (or imagined you have done). Nothing changes this; it goes to a way deeper place than the circumstances of your

Editor’s Note: We hope the Dear Gabby column will enable people to share things that are on their minds that may be difficult for them to communicate with family and friends. All letters will remain anonymous. Rest assured that submissions that are inappropriate will not be printed. Feel free to send your letters to

(StatePoint)Expecting houseguests for a family simcha? Don’t wait until the last minute to tidy up. Instead, prepare your home with these helpful tips.

Mudroom Makeover

It’s the first place guests see when they step

(BPT)Award season is here. Each year, Hollywood rolls out the red carpet to celebrate the industry’s hottest movies, shows and stars. Make it a night to remember by bringing the festivities into your home with an award show viewing party.

1. Engage guests

(BPT)Football has something for everyone; entertainers, casual viewers and die-hard fans all experience the joy of the game with friends and family. Why else would last year’s Super Bowl—averaging more than 114 million viewers—be the most watched show in U.S. television history? With the

(BPT)During the winter months, it’s common to see shopping centers and business owners out and about clearing snow and ice from pathways, parking spaces and entrances. But this isn’t just good business to help customers get in the door; it’s also a liability issue should someone slip and fall and injure

The recent frenzy over the billion dollar-plus Powerball prize raises a serious question about the halachic and moral viability of lotteries. There is more to discuss than just the greed, which we addressed in the past. We must remember that until relatively recently, lotteries were illegal in most states and were instead run by organized

Michael was sitting outside the main office of the yeshiva, waiting for the taxi to take him to Ben Gurion. He had two large suitcases to schlep to the airport. One was filled with his clothes—ready for his mother to launder, and the other was packed with sefarim, all his books from his time learning at Yeshivat Harei Yerushalayim. The