Columns

Random? I don’t think so. My last name, Gershater, is not a common one. Most people haven’t bumped into a Gershater prior to our “randomly” meeting someplace. It didn’t take long to learn that nobody knows how to spell it. Invariably, when I’m asked my name, the response is some version of, “Would you please […]

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): On those infrequent occasions when I buy a new gadget, I never read the instructions. I drop the booklet in the recycling bin immediately, despite the fact that I may not know all the fine points of using my new vacuum cleaner, air purifier, or hairdryer. Research reveals that I am […]

Taking a spill wasn’t a medical red flag when first learning to ride a two-wheel bike or, at 30, cartwheeling down the ski slope leaving a trail of goggles and skis. So, Boomers, when you commit a young person’s fall, don’t admit to your doc you tripped on a root while on a September hike. […]

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): On the morning of January 27, 1970, Libran songwriter John Lennon woke up with an idea for a new song. He spent an hour perfecting the lyrics and composing the music on a piano. Then he phoned his producer and several musicians, including George Harrison, and arranged for them to meet […]

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You have probably heard the platitude, “Be cautious about what you wish for. You might get it.” The implied warning is that if your big desires are fulfilled, your life may change in unpredictable ways that require major adjustments. That’s useful advice. However, I have often found that the “major adjustments” […]

With the end of summer and the arrival of cooler temperatures, the kids have returned to school and are settling back into their school year routines. This means more time indoors with less sunshine and for many, the added stress of studies and classes. All these factors typically mean more colds and illnesses than we […]

Dear Dr. Jane, I’ve been married for seven years and we have two little kids. They’ve been back to school for a week now. The kids seem excited about school. They like their new teachers and they like hanging out with friends. I know my wife likes everyone getting into a solid routine again. I’m […]

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Peregrine falcons can move at a speed of 242 miles per hour. Mexican free-tailed bats reach 100 miles per hour, and black marlin fish go 80 mph. These animals are your spirit creatures in the coming weeks, Virgo. Although you can’t literally travel that fast (unless you’re on a jet), I […]

If you really want to have some fun, keep looking for love stories in your life. If you can’t find them right away, create them. It’s an invaluable life skill. First off, let me begin by clearly stating that I don’t believe anything is truly random. Love story # 1. The only reason my dear […]

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In all of world history, which author has sold the most books? The answer is Agatha Christie, born under the sign of Virgo. Readers have bought over 2 billion copies of her 70-plus books. I present her as a worthy role model for you during the next nine months. In my […]