DEAR ABBY: I'm a 77-year-old woman with a 27-year-old granddaughter who loves electronic gadgets and toys. She's comfortable financially and often buys expensive gifts for me. While I appreciate her generosity and her desire to make my life "easier and more fun," I simply am NOT INTERESTED in them. I find these devices more frustrating than enjoyable. I don't NEED anything, and I don't WANT anything. I have asked her repeatedly to please not spend her money on me, but it falls on deaf ears. Perhaps if you print this, she might realize how difficult it sometimes is for us older folks to use t ..read more

Moon Alert There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The new moon in Taurus peaks at 10:22 p.m. Chicago time. Aries (March 21-April 19) Today's new moon bodes well for future economics and financial advantages for you. (Would I kid an Aries?) Think of new ways that you might boost your income. Can you get a better-paying job? Or perhaps can you see ways to earn money on the side? Exciting purchases for something beautiful might also tempt you. Taurus (April 20-May 20) Today's new moon (which is the only one all year in your sign) promises wonderful romantic relations with ..read more

DEAR ABBY: When we are out as a family, my 30-year-old, millionaire son never pays for anything. He eats more than any of us and never reaches for his wallet, not even to help with the tip. This has been going on for years, and my wife always defends him. I have given up trying to fix it. I'm writing because my son never fails to criticize the amount of the tip I do leave. I generally leave something in the 15% to 18% range, which he finds offensive. He works in the hospitality industry and insists that 20% is minimum. When I invite him to supplement the tip, he says, "If you don't want to t ..read more

Moon Alert Caution! Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 2 until 5 a.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Aries into Taurus. Aries (March 21-April 19) You might be tempted to buy beautiful things for yourself and loved ones. If this is the case, do be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert. Most of this day is a poor day to shop for anything other than food and gas. Taurus (April 20-May 20) You're looking at a powerful week ahead because the sun, lucky Jupiter and your ruler Venus are all in your sign. And after the moon alert is over, the moon moves into your si ..read more

Moon Alert Caution! Avoid shopping or making important decisions from 2 until 5 a.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Aries into Taurus. Aries (March 21-April 19) You might be tempted to buy beautiful things for yourself and loved ones. If this is the case, do be aware of the restrictions of the moon alert. Most of this day is a poor day to shop for anything other than food and gas. Taurus (April 20-May 20) You're looking at a powerful week ahead because the sun, lucky Jupiter and your ruler Venus are all in your sign. And after the moon alert is over, the moon moves into your si ..read more

Ismael Perez as a baby. Kacie Trimble/Sun-Times When I lived in Mexico as a boy, people would love and admire my hair so much that I was known as "El Chinito." "Chino" is how Mexicans refer to curly hair, but I recently learned my hair and nickname indirectly described a deeper part of me. The word originated as a category in the colonial Mexican caste system to identify a person of mixed race. That's me. Not white. Not indigenous. Somewhere in the middle some 500 years later. But yes, I had curly hair. Cute and coveted curly hair. Fond memories include my big sister eagerly calling firs ..read more

DEAR ABBY: I am sad that I haven't found a long-lasting husband. I'm divorced, and my previous relationships and marriage look like intentional hits. I'm not sure what brought this on. I'm in my 40s and I still would like a man in my life. The men I've met all seem to enjoy having their homes to themselves. It's kind of frightening. Some female friends have told me that the good ones are already taken, so I'm waiting for a divorce to happen. Should I try online dating? Do you think I should reach out to another state for someone? — IMPATIENT IN PENNSYLVANIA DEAR IMPATIENT: Stop waiting for a ..read more

Moon Alert There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. The moon is in Aries. Aries (March 21-April 19) This is a strong day for you because the moon is in your sign. You will be more highly emotional, especially reacting to others. However, when the moon is in your sign, your luck improves! Why not ask the universe for a favor? See what happens. Taurus (April 20-May 20) This has been a busy, powerful time for you because so many planets are in your sign. That is why today, you might want to take it easy and grab some privacy and peace and quiet for yourself. Take a moment to ..read more

DEAR ABBY: My boyfriend, "Will," and I have been together for seven years. We get along great. I love his close-knit family and adore his parents. He's the youngest of five brothers, most of whom I get along with great. The only brother I don't know is the oldest. "Rick" has been incarcerated for the better part of 30 years for rape. I've always known about him and the "sugar-coated" circumstances surrounding his incarceration. Recently, Rick has been letting the family know that he has been rehabilitated and will be released with extensive supervision. He told my boyfriend he would like to ..read more

Moon Alert Avoid shopping or important decisions from 2 to 4 p.m. Chicago time. After that, the moon moves from Pisces into Aries. Aries (March 21-April 19) This is a favorable day for you. It's safe to say that you will enjoy yourself no matter what you end up doing. Nevertheless, do be aware of the moon alert and avoid spending money on anything other than food and gas during that time. Enjoy your day! Taurus (April 20-May 20) This is a great day to schmooze with others and enjoy good times with friends as well as groups and organizations. You will be charming and entertaining, which is why ..read more