Opinions

Last week we posed a series of questions designed to make us think about a unique capacity that is common among human beings but is nonexistent in the rest of the animal kingdom. That wonderful characteristic is termed the duality of man.

You stepped out there and thoroughly blew it, and you knew it. All you could do was apologize. Knowing you were wrong you went ahead…you said “I’m sorry.” But the apology you have offered seems to fall way short of the mark.

Alana Toilolo, Caden Pierce and Vanessa Duarte Seminole, Okla. The undersigned students graduated from Seminole High School on May 14, 2024. We did not receive diplomas. We were told there were none, but they would be forthcoming. On July 22, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 2024 DEAR ABBY: My aunt frequently cuts people out of her life for perceived slights -- small, large and imagined. A few years ago, she got into a fight with my dad (her brother). Somehow, the rest of my family got cut out, too. Guilt by association, I guess.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2024 DEAR ABBY: I admire your wit and appreciate your candor, which is why I’m writing to you. I’ve been dating a man for 4 1/2 years. He’s 56; I’m 60. I hope for a life with him, marriage, a place of our own, etc.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2024 DEAR ABBY: I met a man from another country through the internet last year. In the beginning, we talked every day via video chat. We share much in common.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2024 DEAR ABBY: My nextdoor neighbors, whom I have become close with, have three adult children.

Now, back to the question, “how do you get from atoms to self-consciousness?” How do you get from the atomic chemistry in your brain, to a mental thought—maybe even the thought about how fascinating this column is?

You grew up together. Fought over who got to ride the newer bicycle and who would have the bigger bedroom. Laughed at the same old TV cartoons while inhaling your morning ration of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes with sweetened milk. Made fun of each other unmercifully.

I never thought I’d live to see people purposely wear metal pierced in their noses that give the appearance like their noses are running. I never thought I’d see people wearing jeans that look like they’ve been caught in a barbed wire fence and tore their way out.