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Amanda Marshall leaves behind two decades of ordinary for a return to making music

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:51:24 GMT

TORONTO — Two decades after leaving the music scene, Amanda Marshall is on the comeback trail.The smoky-voiced Toronto singer-songwriter, known for her soulful 1990s hits “Let it Rain” and “Birmingham,” just released a new single with plans for an album and tour this summer.Marshall says it’s been a long time coming after a prolonged battle with her former manager dragged on for the better part of 12 years and the COVID-19 pandemic halted a planned return some time ago.Now 50 years old, she says decades off the road allowed her to learn and enjoy a simpler life — learning basic skills like cooking for herself and paying her own bills.Marshall also continued recording music during that time, including her new single “I Hope She Cheats.”It’s a cover of a track originally recorded by Marsha Ambrosius of neo-soul duo Floetry, but in her version, Marshall adds a more playful and bluesy spin.This report by The Canadian Press was first publis...

Authorities work to identify eight bodies pulled from St. Lawrence River this week

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:51:24 GMT

QUEBEC — Akwesasne Mohawk Police say they are working with Immigration Canada and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to confirm the identities of the eight migrants whose bodies were pulled from the St. Lawrence River this week.On Thursday, police discovered the bodies of five adults and one child in a marshy area, and recovered the body of a second child and an adult woman on Friday.One of the children was a Canadian citizen, and the victims are believed to be of Romanian and Indian descent.Police have not made any direct connections between the deaths of the eight migrants and a missing 30-year-old Akwesasne resident, Casey Oakes, who was last seen Wednesday night operating a boat that was found Thursday next to the bodies of the migrants.Akwesasne straddles the Canada-U.S. border, with parts of the territory in Ontario, Quebec and New York state. Authorities say the territory’s unique geography makes it a popular spot for human smugglers, with police making 48 separat...

Daily horoscope for April 1, 2023

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:51:24 GMT

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today until 11 p.m. PDT. The Moon is in Leo.Happy Birthday for Saturday, April 1, 2023:You are an optimist who is flexible and fast-changing. You follow your heart’s desire. You are also multitalented and interested in many things. This year is about socializing and enjoying life and your relationships with others. Nurture the happiness and beauty that you have within yourself.ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★★★This is the beginning of a lovely weekend for Aries. Accept invitations to socialize with others. This is a friendly time for you. In particular, you will enjoy playful activities with kids, as well as social outings, sports events, the theater, movies and entertaining diversions. Tonight: Socialize!TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★★★Although your focus is on home, family and your private life this weekend, you will also enjoy entertaining at home. You want to feel secure in familiar surroundings, and yet you ...

Harriette Cole: They act like my down-and-out childhood was disgraceful

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:51:24 GMT

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m having trouble navigating my relationship with my in-laws, particularly due to my background. My husband is from a wealthy family, and I was homeless for the majority of my childhood.Every time I mention my upbringing, I feel their judgment, like I have nothing to be proud of.I understand that they come from a different background and can’t possibly comprehend what I’ve experienced. I do, however, think they need to see that this upbringing helped shape me into a grateful, successful and strong person who wouldn’t trade her experiences for the world.I just wish there were a way to show them the power and grace of my background and how much I’ve achieved despite any challenges that have come my way.Any advice you have for me on how I can help my in-laws understand would be greatly appreciated.Proud of My PastRelated ArticlesAdvice | Harriette Cole: My wife said I couldn’t handle her job. I went there, and here’s...

Miss Manners: I made a big mistake with the office birthday cakes

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:51:24 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am an attorney at a small firm. When the staff member who used to buy birthday cakes retired, I picked up a cake for a birthday that was going to be observed right after she left.I then bought the next birthday cake, which was for my favorite member of the firm. And then I bought a cake for the least-liked person in the office, fearing that his feelings would be hurt because no one else was going to rise to the occasion.Now, there is an expectation that I will supply all birthday cakes. This expectation is harmful because I am the first and only woman attorney at the firm, and one of the youngest, as well. It’s also an expensive habit; the time taken getting the cakes equates to hundreds of dollars in billable hours, which I make up for by working later.Do you have any suggestions on how to stop this cycle? I know that I’ve been part of the problem, but unfortunately my time machine is on the fritz.GENTLE READER: Are there any junior staff members or...

Dear Abby: She dumped me and then she died, and her family is being so unkind to me

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:51:24 GMT

DEAR ABBY: My first long-term girlfriend ghosted me. She died soon afterward, and I’m left with a gaping lack of closure.I’m 19. We had dated for four years and we were best friends. We didn’t live together but planned to in the coming months. I intended to marry her.One day out of the blue, she cut me off. She had been acting depressed but convinced me she was fine when I (gingerly) confronted her about it.She ghosted me the next day. She blocked me, changed her number and refused to speak to me when I showed up at her house. Everything to my knowledge had been fine between us.Weeks later, she had a terrible accident at work, and died in the hospital. I learned about it only afterward, from her mother.Related ArticlesAdvice | Dear Abby: My crabby boyfriend might be surprised that this was the last straw Advice | Dear Abby: I want to marry him, but he gave me this ultimatum Advice | Dear Abby: They were a happy young coupl...

Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Arizona Diamondbacks Saturday

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:51:24 GMT

Arizona Diamondbacks (0-1) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (1-0)Los Angeles; Saturday, 9:10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Diamondbacks: Madison Bumgarner (0-0); Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw (0-0)FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK MLB LINE: Dodgers -260, Diamondbacks +213; over/under is 8 runsBOTTOM LINE: The Los Angeles Dodgers host the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday.Los Angeles had a 111-51 record overall and a 57-24 record in home games last season. The Dodgers averaged 8.7 hits per game in the 2022 season with 3.5 extra base hits per game.Arizona had a 74-88 record overall and a 34-47 record on the road last season. The Diamondbacks scored 4.3 runs per game in the 2022 season while allowing 4.6.INJURIES: Dodgers: Alex Reyes: 15-Day IL (shoulder), Ryan Pepiot: 15-Day IL (oblique), Jimmy Nelson: 15-Day IL (elbow), Daniel Hudson: 15-Day IL (knee), Gavin Lux: 60-Day IL (knee), Tony Gonsolin: 15-Day IL (ankle), Walker Buehler: 60-Day IL (elbow), Blake Treinen: 60-Day IL (shoulder), J.P. Feyereisen: 60-Day IL (sh...

For Orioles on first opening day roster, being together was the best part

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:51:24 GMT

Kyle Bradish went to bed Wednesday knowing he wasn’t due to pitch for a few days. The Orioles’ right-handed starter still had trouble falling asleep.That excitement level was shared by Baltimore’s five other players who made their first opening day roster, with half of the six making contributions to the Orioles’ season-opening 10-9 victory Thursday over the Boston Red Sox.Catcher Adley Rutschman’s path to superstardom continued with a home run on his first swing, four hits and a walk as part of a record-setting 5-for-5 day. Gunnar Henderson, Rutschman’s successor as baseball’s top overall prospect, drew two free passes as Baltimore’s designated hitter, one starting a four-run fourth inning. Right-hander Logan Gillaspie struck out the only batter he faced to end the bottom of the eighth. Like Bradish, outfielder Kyle Stowers and utility player Terrin Vavra didn’t appear in the opener, but each of three will have significant roles...

Pope Francis leaves hospital; ‘Still alive,’ he quips

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:51:24 GMT

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis was discharged on Saturday from the Rome hospital where he was treated for bronchitis, quipping to journalists before being driven away: “I’m still alive.”Francis, 86, was hospitalized on Wednesday at Gemelli Polyclinic after reportedly having breathing difficulties following his weekly public audience. The pontiff was treated with antibiotics administered intravenously, the Vatican said. Before departing, Francis had an emotional moment with a Rome couple whose 5-year-old daughter died Friday night at the hospital. Serena Subania, mother of Angelica, sobbed as she pressed her head into the chest of the pope, who put a hand on the woman’s head. Francis seemed eager to linger with well-wishers. When a boy showed him his arm cast, the pope made a gesture as if to ask “Do you have a pen?” A papal aide handed Francis one, and the pope autographed the cast.The pontiff answered in a voice that was close to a whisper when reporters peppered him with que...

UK travelers face hours-long waits for ferries to France

Published Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:51:24 GMT

LONDON (AP) — British vacation travelers were stuck in hours-long lines as they tried to cross the English Channel on Saturday, with the Port of Dover in England blaming the delays on bad weather, heavy traffic and processing delays by French authorities.The port warned ferry passengers of severe delays and said it was “deeply frustrated” by the situation, which has become a regular feature of cross-channel travel since Britain’s exit from the European Union. Saturday was the first day of a two-week spring vacation for most schools in Britain.While the port said bus passengers faced the longest delays, local media reports showed long lines of cars and trucks as well. Ferry operator DFDS said that due to the heavy traffic, it was offering a “shuttle service” that would put passengers on the next available ship as soon as they check in.“Whilst freight and car traffic was processed steadily regardless of the additional challenging weather conditions and high seasonal volumes, coach tra...