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After a spouse dies, the survivor often ends up paying higher taxes on less income — something known by accountants and financial planners as the “widow’s penalty,” because women typically outlive their husbands.

“Hooray for Hollywood, that screwy ballyhooey Hollywood,” the old song goes. And nothing screams “Hollywood!” louder than that famous white sign on Mount Lee towering over Beachwood Canyon. After all, it literally spells it out for you.

Bird-watchers beware! Just when you thought it was safe to engage in this harmless, age-old hobby, think again.

For six years running, our brood has met up for a long weekend somewhere in the fall. Such intense togetherness not only builds character but creates a wonderful treasury of embarrassing stories to repeat at holiday gatherings.

Even basic internet competency empowers people to find at least some personal information that you may desire to keep confidential.

Debates over free speech have deeply immersed themselves into the fabric of our culture over the past few years. Wild and sharp finger-pointing has gone in both directions.

At the end of October, NPR reposted a story that featured an interview with Sharon Riley, the pastor of Orlando, Florida’s Agape Perfecting Praise and Worship Center. In response to Florida banning AP African American History and the state placing restrictions on how Black history is taught in public schools, Riley is providing master classes for her congregation, which consists of many families with school-aged children. She explained to NPR’s Danielle Prieur that “there are certain pieces of information relevant to our history that are not [being] taught.”

I don’t think about it often, but I certainly do each November. That’s the month that has two dates divided by just four days, days that live in opposite polarities. The first date is the 11th, a day set aside to honor our veterans for the sacrifices they’ve made to safeguard our freedoms.

As a baby boomer who was bad at math in high school, I have calculated that 70 is the new 60. Using the new math, 70 is the new 50. And for grandparents, 70 is the new 10.

It is the most controversial issue dividing Americans today. Friendly football games, church services, and even family get-togethers suddenly turn furious the instant it arises. And what is this radioactive topic, this most divisive question of our times, you ask? Is it Biden vs. Trump? Violence in the Mideast? Which religion is one, true faith?