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Mercury News Letters to the Editor for Sept. 20, 2024

The 1,296-square-foot property, built in 1958, was sold on Aug. 5, 2024, for $1,930,000, or $1,489 per square foot.

From a pitch gone not-so-wrong to how she found community through film, the director of "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat" opened up in this Storytellers Spotlight.

PARENTS are not to blame if their children are fussy eaters, according to experts.

Research suggests being picky about food is mostly genetic.

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Polls suggest half of parents reckon their child is a fussy eater (stock image)[/caption]

The bad news is that it means it can last well into their teenage years.

A study of 2,400 pairs of twins found it is significantly more likely for both siblings to be fussy if they are identical than if they are not.

It shows their DNA plays a key role as non-identical pairs can be brought up the same way but eat differently.

Scientists at University College London said their findings might “alleviate parental blame”.

But they added mums and dads can reduce the risk of having a choosy tot by having family mealtimes and introducing infants to a wide range of foods.

Lead author Dr Zeynep Nas said: “Food fussiness is common among children and can be a major source of anxiety for parents.

“Parents often blame themselves or are blamed by others.

“We hope our finding may help to alleviate that blame. 

“This behaviour is not a result of parenting.

“Our study also shows that fussy eating is not necessarily just a ‘phase’, but may follow a persistent trajectory.”

They found that kids who are particular in childhood are likely to stay the same way in adolescence.

Parents in the study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, answered questions about their twins’ habits at ages 16 months, three years, five, seven and 13.

They found non-identical twins’ tastes were much less similar than identical ones, proving that genetics played a big part.

Identical twins drifted apart as they got older, showing the influence of genes faded over time and their lifestyle played more of a role.

Fussy eating is not fixed – parents can support their children to eat a wide variety of foods

Dr Alison FildesUniversity of Leeds

Surveys show half of British parents think their toddlers are fussy eaters.

Finicky kids tend to eat more junk food and refuse fruit and veg, meaning parents worry about their health.

They might throw tantrums because they do not want to try new things or claim not to like the taste or texture of certain foods.

Senior study author Dr Alison Fildes, from the University of Leeds, said: “Although fussy eating has a strong genetic component this doesn’t mean it is fixed. 

“Parents can support their children to eat a wide variety of foods throughout childhood and into adolescence.

“Friends might become a more important influence on children’s diets as they reach their teens.”

TEMPLEGATE takes on Friday’s racing confident of firing in some winners.

Back a horse by clicking their odds – and check out our man’s Arc de Triomphe ante-post tip with Members Enclosure.

STAR OF LADY M (3.40 Ayr, nap)

She looked well up to this Listed standard when winning a hot handicap at York on her latest Flat outing in August. She wasn’t as happy switched to the all-weather at Southwell last time and her liking for both five and six furlongs is plus over this in-between trip.

LAKE FOREST (4.05 Newbury, nb)

William Haggas drops this son of No Nay Never in class after a half-length second in the Hackwood Stakes here last time. That followed a cracking effort when second in the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. He comes here fresh and looks hard to stop under Tom Marquand.

GREEN ICON (2.55 Newbury, treble)

He was impressive when scoring on handicap debut at Haydock earlier this month. He didn’t have to hit top gear and should have a lot more to come for Owen Burrows who is ending the season strongly.

COTO DE CAZA (3.05 Ayr, Lucky 15)

The Crisfords’ filly has done little wrong in winning at Beverley and Goodwood without breaking sweat. She has lots of speed for this trip and can cope with the move into Listed company.

Templegate’s tips

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Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died last year but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégée Maggie Innes.

Read on to see what’s written in the stars for you today. 

ARIES

March 21 to April 20

Venus opposes the moon in your sign so you are tender and playful.

The downside is your hunger to be the centre of attention – you could be flattered into the wrong arms.

There are two very different version of Aries – secretly shy and openly showing off.

To attract your perfect match, just let your smile shine.

 TAURUS

April 21 to May 21

Trust and friendship are at the heart of decisions you make, and a relationship that’s been tested can snap back if you discuss true feelings.

Mars, in your communication chart, may toughen words, but you still stay open-minded and let others have their say.

Your luck style is chatty, maybe against the clock.

Get all the latest Taurus horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

GEMINI

May 22 to June 21

Pluto’s power makes you the most passionate sign – but the more intense your feelings, the more challenging it can be for a pet project to reach its true potential.

Let inner talent shine through and you could perform well in front of experts.

As your confidence grows, love moves showcase their real strength.

Get all the latest Gemini horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CANCER

June 22 to July 22

You are the zodiac’s coolest star and the moon and Uranus line-up could introduce your most unusual, but best, ideas.

Colleagues are fascinated by you, but remember, workplace romance is a delicate balance.

Money is not usually on your mind, but a cash offer for something you design is tempting.

Get all the latest Cancer horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

LEO

July 23 to August 23

The sun shines its light on your values chart, so working with people who appreciate your abilities means a lot.

You’re more shrewd financially and suss out the difference between being generous and being used.

Venus is in your communication chart and while you talk well, instincts tell you when to keep quiet.

Get all the latest Leo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

VIRGO

August 24 to September 22

Smart Mercury makes you the zodiac’s most intuitive sign.

You know what people are thinking, even when it doesn’t match their words.

This gives you a powerful advantage where deals are on the table.

Pluto brings strength to resist big changes, even when others are in favour – so you can go your own way.

Get all the latest Virgo horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

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Your chart displays an undercurrent of casual love growing more committed[/caption]

LIBRA

September 23 to October 23

The moon and Venus influence your love zone and speed up the pace of a relationship.

You will be ready to take the lead in decision-making, when you acknowledge the difference between boldness and recklessness.

At home, a photo of a family that makes everyone smile can have cash potential – do research this.

Get all the latest Libra horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SCORPIO

October 24 to November 22

You’re such a surprising lover, with so much passion hidden behind a calm exterior.

You want your partner’s life to be perfect – but this could come across as controlling.

As Neptune gets nostalgic, a love relationship you feel you could have made more might return.

The luck factor calls at two doors in a “D” location.

Get all the latest Scorpio horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

SAGITTARIUS

November 23 to December 21

Your chart displays an undercurrent of casual love growing more committed.

If this links you with another Sagittarius, it could mark the start of a brilliant relationship.

You can meet where a victory is celebrated.

Meanwhile, your personal planet Jupiter helps you solve a document puzzle that makes you richer.

Get all the latest Sagittarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

CAPRICORN

December 22 to January 20

You are ready to set your sights higher – so a career sphere you once considered too difficult now seems a perfect fit.

Your chart presents how you would like to be seen – and it works.

Venus’s strength means you can be so caring, and a partner feels cherished, but make sure compliments ring true.

Get all the latest Capricorn horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

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Uranus shows you’ll learn in your own unique way[/caption]

AQUARIUS

January 21 to February 18

Adventurous, clever and determined – that’s your chart.

You meet someone who shares these qualities and you could be soulmates.

You’ll always be there to advise each other, so running a business together could work out.

Play it cool in a local conversation – but don’t waste your hot people skills.

Get all the latest Aquarius horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

PISCES

February 19 to March 20

A chance to learn a special skill may be too good to miss, so do follow up.

Uranus shows you’ll learn in your own unique way.

Your optimistic attitude and sense of fun all shine bright – and though you may assume a future is based on wishful thinking, you could be asked an exciting love question.

Get all the latest Pisces horoscope news including your weekly and monthly predictions

We revisit Toyota's littlest Yaris Cross SUV following its big switch to hybrid-only powertrains in Australia.

The governor also took questions about a crime measure on the November ballot.

Record highs could fall Thursday and Friday, but we now see some relief on the horizon.

The man accused of killing a Missouri City grandmother and stealing her car is in jail, and now ABC13 is hearing from the woman who says her testimony led to police piecing together what happened.