Note: this is a "vintage" tip for older computers and/or systems.
If Address Book "hangs" (spinning "beach ball") when trying to create a new smart list, etc the address book database might be corrupted. Try exporting the entries, then quitting Address Book, deleting the Address Book folder in the user library, in the Application Support folder. Run Address Book again and import the entries.
If the entries won't export they are probably lost because the database will need to be deleted anyway!
I usually write a blog post about once a week. The latest post can be viewed here: Garbage: Democracy dies in darkness, especially when it is buried in garbage! (posted 2024-11-01 at 12:31:14). I do podcasts too!. You can listen to my latest podcast, here: OJB's Podcast 2024-08-22 Stirring Up Trouble: Let's just get every view out there and fairly debate them..
TIPS PAGE