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How Javier Assad’s offseason velocity program and WBC performance has him in contention for Chicago Cubs roster spot

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:47 GMT

Adbert Alzolay’s emoji game got a workout this past week.Alzolay tuned in for both of Chicago Cubs teammate Javier Assad’s stellar relief appearances for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. And as Assad racked up the scoreless innings on the international stage, Alzolay made sure to give his performances a shout out on Twitter, punctuated with the appropriate emoji.“I mean, he’s just electric,” Alzolay told the Tribune. “Seeing him growing up in the minors and now seeing him on the biggest stage right now doing what he’s doing against the hitters and the teams he’s been doing it against tells you that this guy is already ready for the playoffs.”Like Alzolay, most of Justin Steele’s career has overlapped with Assad’s at the minor- and major-league levels.“That’s Assad, baby,” Steele said. “That’s just how he is. He’s really good.”Assad’s success in the WBC built of...

The difference between home state & habitual residence

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:47 GMT

Q. My ex-boyfriend and I are fighting about where I can live with our daughter.  Kelly was originally born here but we moved to Ireland during the pandemic (where my ex is from).  She was only three at the time and his parents cared for her so he could work and I could continue my PhD program remotely.  We never intended to live there permanently, just during the lockdown.I moved back in March, 2022 to defend my dissertation, attend my graduation and get Kelly ready to begin school here in September.  He chose not to move back.  I got engaged over New Years and when my ex learned of my impending marriage, he filed for custody of Kelly and the right to move her to Ireland.  He keeps threatening to file that I kidnapped her.My lawyer said it’s not a problem because Massachusetts is Kelly’s home state.  His lawyer keeps telling the judge that Ireland is Kelly’s habitual residence.  What is the difference in these terms?A. Unless he files an action under the Hague Kidnapping Conve...

Boston Israeli Film Festival spotlights diverse, exciting lineup

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:47 GMT

For Lisa Gossels, the artistic director of this week’s Boston Israeli Film Festival (BIFF), part of the challenge and reward of programming is the films themselves – and the reactions they can provoke.In selecting movies she chooses “what our community and Boston-area audiences will be excited to see.”Gossels looks at both subject matter and issues. “This year, 50% of the films in our festival are directed by women.  Festivalgoers will find films about love and family relationships. People longing for and seeking connection. A range of social justice issues, and overcoming adversity and moving through trauma to healing.”Beginning Sunday, then on March 21 and 23, BIFF presents four in-person programs and then virtually from March 26-29 with three programs.“This is only the second festival I’ve programmed,” she said, “but I’m always looking for representation to hopefully experience different perspectives in nonfiction and fiction.”“The Narrow Bridge” she calls, “An extraordinary docu...

When child keeps a secret from the other parent

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:47 GMT

Q. I have been divorced for six years. My son is 14. When he wants to tell me something important, he starts the sentence with, “Mom, don’t tell Dad, but…” I promise him I won’t say a thing, but I feel very guilty not letting his dad in on some of the conversations. Since my son says he prefers to be with me, the last thing I want to do is betray his trust. What’s good ex-etiquette?A. First, it’s “our” son, not “my” son, and if you adopt that mindset, you may not be as torn as you appear to be. It’s not your son and you against dad. It’s dad and you for your son. If your son is asking you to keep something from dad, he’s probably afraid of dad’s reaction.Or — and this is something parents hate to hear — asking one parent to not tell the other is a subtle way to divide and conquer. If you don’t compare notes, your son is ruling the roost. He can say “Dad said this,” “Mom said that,” and no one is checking to see if it’s true.That, and “Don’t tell Dad (or Mom),” is also standard behav...

Playful Wyatt also loves reading, music

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:47 GMT

Wyatt is a happy and energetic boy who loves to run and play. He also enjoys reading books and listening to music. Wyatt does well in school with extra support. His teachers are calling this “The Year of Wyatt” due to his academic gains! Wyatt gets along well with other children and adults.Legally freed for adoption, Wyatt would do well in a family of any constellation. He would like to maintain contact with his birth father and siblings. Wyatt’s social worker is looking for a family that will help to support his needs. He would do well in a home that is active and can provide structure and routine.Can I Adopt?If you’re at least 18 years old, have a stable source of income, and room in your heart, you may be a perfect match to adopt a waiting child. Adoptive parents can be single, married, or partnered; experienced or not; renters or homeowners; LGBTQ+ singles and couples. As an adoptive parent, you won’t have to pay any fees, adoption from foster care is completely free...

Celebrating the style icons of today

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:47 GMT

When it comes to style icons, history has its Lauren Huttons, its Audrey Hepburns, Jane Birkins, and Jackie Os. But the kinds of style we look to for inspiration has changed a lot over the years—especially the diversity of style, and the individuality of it. So before March wraps up, in honor of Women’s History Month and hot on the heels of all the chic on display at the Academy Awards, let’s shine the spotlight on our current style icons.Cate Blanchett: No wonder celebs from Joan Rivers to Adele have called Cate their personal fashion icon; she’s as serious about fashion as she is about acting. And this year’s Oscars presented a perfect example: Cate exuded confidence and classic beauty in a Louis Vuitton gown with a blue draping top and a flowing black skirt—winning points for both grace and strong lines.  If she’s not in a Cleopatra-inspired Jean Paul Gaultier gown or a yellow, oxblood, and lilac Valentino frock, she’s in golden, flapper-esque Balenciaga.Rihanna: A perfect exampl...

Up for a promotion – but wanting to stay put

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:47 GMT

Q. I am in line to become a manager. Only thing is, I don’t want to get promoted. It may sound crazy, but I’m not interested in more headaches, honestly I prefer to just coast. Can I do that — can I tell my boss no?A. Absolutely! Congrats on the opportunity, but as you just pointed out — you are in the driver’s seat for your career. That means being proactive and knowing what’s best for you. If that promotion is not what you want, then follow that north star. Also know that you’re not alone. Many people choose to not climb from rung to rung as work-life balance and their mental health are prioritized, knowing in many cases (not all, but many) with more responsibilities and more on your plate means something’s gotta give somewhere else. (That said, there are many benefits I’m sure you know to a promotion including, of course, higher pay.)You may want to tell your boss you prefer to not accept the promotion. But, you may ask if tha...

Dear Abby: SIL’s influence creates hurdle for couple

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:47 GMT

Dear Abby: My husband and I have been married for six years. The problem is his sister and the emotional hold she seems to have on him. There have been several instances in which she has been disrespectful and invasive where OUR business is concerned.When I object to my husband about it, his response is either that he’s sorry or he acts like he doesn’t understand why I find her behavior intrusive. When he talks to her on the phone, it’s as if he feels compelled to tell her OUR business, i.e. financial status, which I have told him repeatedly is none of her business, to which he agreed. Yet he recently did it again.He acts like he’s afraid of her — like she has some type of emotional hold on him. I’m about to blow a gasket. I want to revisit the subject in a way that he will FINALLY understand my point of view and not be so eager to share everything that goes on in our home. Any thoughts? — Private Person in IllinoisDear Private: You and your...

Celtics blow 19-point lead, alarming issues persist in brutal loss to Jazz

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:47 GMT

Joe Mazzulla continues to harp on the little things and the margins but they’re not getting through to his team. The Celtics keep building double-digit leads and blowing them.The Celtics clinched a playoff spot on Saturday night because of the Heat’s loss to the Bulls but it won’t matter if these problems persist.The same movie keeps playing over and over for the Celtics, who are stuck in neutral as the playoffs near. A night after they seemed to be building some positive momentum on this road trip with a win over the Blazers, the Celtics fell back into bad habits and let their foot off the gas again. They responded in stretches but couldn’t overcome their flaws as they dropped another critical game with a frustrating 118-117 loss to the Jazz in Salt Lake City.The Celtics trailed by one with five seconds left and the ball, but Grant Williams – who was otherwise having a redemption night after hitting a career-high seven 3-pointers – got the ball on a broken play call and attacked th...

Port of San Diego bans sidewalk blocking outside Rady Shell

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:13:47 GMT

SAN DIEGO -- The Port of San Diego is cracking down on the number of people crowding the bayside promenade outside the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.Under a new law passed this week, Harbor Police will be allowed to cite people who bring large items, such as chairs and tables, to set up along the bayside sidewalk of the Shell.The Port of San Diego Commissioners voted unanimously to enact the new law, in order to address issues of overcrowding and safety around the park.“We’re balancing two goals here: we have public access, but also public safety,” said Joe Stuyvesant, the president and CEO of the Port of San Diego. Summer concert series announced at The Rady Shell with special guest The ordinance will apply to the period before and during events. During that time, Harbor Police will have the authority to cite people who are blocking the path along the promenade next to the bay with large items, including foldable chairs, tables or portable stoves.Sitting on the nearby rocks will also...