Life

American Airlines changed my flight, but won’t give me a refund

The airline suggested it would offer Neil Gupta a refund, then it backtracked. Will he ever get his money back?

  • May 25, 2024
  • By Wire Service

Life is hard, yes, but also fleeting. To find happiness, live for today.

As my father used to say: “We’re not getting out of here alive.” So try to appreciate each day for the gift it truly is.

Soaking in the opulence of thermal baths is Budapest at its best

My readers often report that the thermal baths were their top Hungarian experience. Pro tip: Bring a towel from your hotel.

  • May 25, 2024
Pippin the Biewer Terrier sits in the lap of her owner Kathy West on Monday, May 20, 2024, at West’s home in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Marysville’s ‘top dog,’ on 48-kibble-a-day diet, shines at Westminster

Fame hasn’t turned this Biewer Terrier’s head or nose: in her spare time she’s a lap dog, hiking buff and bunny chaser.

Pippin the Biewer Terrier sits in the lap of her owner Kathy West on Monday, May 20, 2024, at West’s home in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Sarah McLachlan performs during WE Day in Toronto on Thursday September 19, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Scottish band Nazareth will rock Everett and Sarah McLachlan will open Chateau Ste. Michelle’s summer concert series.

  • May 23, 2024
Sarah McLachlan performs during WE Day in Toronto on Thursday September 19, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Tony Cladusbid, co-owner of the Beaver Tales Coffee franchise, watches over the canoe racing at the Penn Cove Water Festival on Saturday. (Photo by Sam Fletcher)

More than coffee: Swinomish Native shares family history and wisdom

Tony Cladusbid is the co-owner of Beaver Tales Coffee in Coupeville. He recently changed his name to honor his heritage.

Tony Cladusbid, co-owner of the Beaver Tales Coffee franchise, watches over the canoe racing at the Penn Cove Water Festival on Saturday. (Photo by Sam Fletcher)
2024 Toyota Venza Limited crossover (Photo provided by Toyota)

2024 Toyota Venza Limited crossover

The car is a safe choice that’s still eco-friendly to help ease a guilty conscious.

  • May 22, 2024
  • By Larry Lark
  • Cars
2024 Toyota Venza Limited crossover (Photo provided by Toyota)

Cast-iron sign offers 3 simple steps for safety in case a train’s a comin’

Advising people to stop, look and listen, this old sign is more instructive than newer X-shaped railroad crossing signs.

Great Plant Pick: Golden locust

also known as golden false acacia, or robinia pseudoacacia frisia — are a beacon… Continue reading

  • May 22, 2024
Collection of  colorful flowers and ornamental plants in pots against the wooden wall on a corner of town street,Japan

Thrillers, fillers and spillers: Show your style with striking containers

Get into the spirit of summer by breathing new life into your old pots with fresh arrangments of foliage and flowers.

Collection of  colorful flowers and ornamental plants in pots against the wooden wall on a corner of town street,Japan
Photo by Gina Shields of GM Photography

Whidbey Island to salute the fallen for Memorial Day

All are invited to honor those who have fallen at three events on Whidbey Island.

Photo by Gina Shields of GM Photography
2024 BMW i5

2024 BMW i5

BMW’s beloved 5 Series has been around for over 50 years. Now in its eighth generation, for the first time, it’s fully electric. The 2024… Continue reading

  • May 20, 2024
  • By Larry Lark
  • Cars
2024 BMW i5
The Solterra is Subaru’s first all-electric compact SUV. (Photo provided by Subaru)

2024 Subaru Solterra is updated with no increase in pricing

Improved charging ability, added EyeSight features and a new steering wheel are among the upgrades.

The Solterra is Subaru’s first all-electric compact SUV. (Photo provided by Subaru)
Whidbey Renaissance Faire volunteers pose in their costumes. (Photo by Bree Eaton)

Faire thee well: Renaissance is coming to Whidbey Island

The volunteer-run fair May 25 and 26 will feature dancers, a juggler, ‘Fakespeare,’ various live music shows and lots of food.

Whidbey Renaissance Faire volunteers pose in their costumes. (Photo by Bree Eaton)
Pet detective Jim Branson stops to poke through some fur that Raphael the dog found while searching on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Everett, Washington. Branson determined the fur in question was likely from a rabbit, and not a missing cat.(Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Lost a pet? Pet detective James Branson and his dogs may be able to help

James Branson, founder of Three Retrievers Lost Pet Rescue, helps people in the Seattle area find their missing pets for $350.

Pet detective Jim Branson stops to poke through some fur that Raphael the dog found while searching on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Everett, Washington. Branson determined the fur in question was likely from a rabbit, and not a missing cat.(Ryan Berry / The Herald)

From a 17th-century warship to ABBA, Stockholm’s delights span the ages

The city — known for Nobel prizes, “Pippy Longstocking” and a very tall city hall — sits on 14 islands connected by 54 bridges.

  • May 18, 2024

Iberia told me to file a chargeback, but now I don’t have a ticket

When Joel Revill’s ticket purchase doesn’t go through, a representative advises him to dispute it on his credit card.

  • May 18, 2024
  • By Wire Service

On moving day for elderly mom, a moving reminder of what matters in life

Older adults don’t talk much about accomplishments during their working lives. Instead, they talk about the value of family.

Anthony Brock performs at Artisans PNW during the first day of the Fisherman’s Village Music Fest on Thursday, May 16, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

At downtown Everett musical festival: ‘Be weird and dance with us’

In its first night, Fisherman’s Village brought together people who “might not normally be in the same room together” — with big acts still to come.

Anthony Brock performs at Artisans PNW during the first day of the Fisherman’s Village Music Fest on Thursday, May 16, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
A child gets some assistance dancing during Narrow Tarot’s set on the opening night of Fisherman’s Village on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Lucky Dime in downtown Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Fisherman’s Village 2024 casts a wide musical net in Everett

From Allen Stone to a local musician showcase at Zamarama Gallery, get ready for it to get loud downtown.

A child gets some assistance dancing during Narrow Tarot’s set on the opening night of Fisherman’s Village on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Lucky Dime in downtown Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)