Dear Eric: I send birthday and Christmas gifts to my great-niece (8) and great-nephew (3) who live in another country. I haven’t seen my great-niece since she was 6 months old and I’ve never met my great-nephew. I am not close to their parents, my nephew and his wife. We communicate via WhatsApp. I ask them what the kids would like and get responses from them about things that … [Read more...] about Asking Eric: Should I send gift cards instead of gifts?
Soccer
Ilya Mikheyev’s 2 goals lead the Chicago Blackhawks to a 4-3 win — their 2nd over the Dallas Stars in 5 days
The first day of 2026 brought 18,801 fans to the United Center to watch the Chicago Blackhawks face the Dallas Stars. The Hawks upset the Stars at American Airlines Arena just five days prior, but they still faced a tall task Thursday night against a team that entered with the second-best record in the NHL. Ilya Mikheyev scored two goals, and the Hawks held off a late Stars … [Read more...] about Ilya Mikheyev’s 2 goals lead the Chicago Blackhawks to a 4-3 win — their 2nd over the Dallas Stars in 5 days
Asking Eric: People think I am incapable of taking care of my home
Dear Eric: I am getting older. I have lived in my home more than half my life. I raised my children, educated myself, had a career and launched my kids while living here as a long-divorced person. In the last few years, my body has changed. I now use a walker. My mind works just fine. Many confuse mobility issues with thinking issues. Today, a neighbor’s son, visiting for the … [Read more...] about Asking Eric: People think I am incapable of taking care of my home
Asking Eric: I stopped inviting her
Dear Eric: A group of seven elders – men and women, ages 60 to 90 – have gotten together once a week to play poker at my unit in our condo building for almost two years. As my husband and I are the only couple, we provide the food, set up the game with chips. My husband is disabled and an introvert, so this is the only way that entertaining works for us. We eat, play, tell … [Read more...] about Asking Eric: I stopped inviting her
Chicago Blackhawks’ late rally falls short as they drop a 3-2 shootout loss to the New York Islanders
The United Center didn’t have much to cheer for to begin a frigid Tuesday night. The Chicago Blackhawks were dealt seven goals by the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday and lost seven of their past eight games as the new and improved New York Islanders paid a visit to the Windy City. The Isles led the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 after first-period goals from centers Calum Ritchie (2:56) … [Read more...] about Chicago Blackhawks’ late rally falls short as they drop a 3-2 shootout loss to the New York Islanders