In regard to the recent editorials about the need to raise taxes on cigarettes being necessary to help pay medical expenses, as well as help deter adolescents from smoking I can only say, "Give me a break!" If people, especially politicians, really cared about the health of our young people as well as saving others from the diseases associated with smoking, they would stop tobacco companies from manufacturing their deadly product. But, because of all the money they get in payola from these despicable corporations, it will never happen. It is a proven fact that tobacco use kills, and that these tobacco companies actually add nicotine to the cigarettes to ensure addiction. But Congress does nothing, and people keep dying. ...more

February 24, 2008

Thank you to everyone throughout Highlands County who donated to my clients in the ACTS Housing program. Paul has received plenty of furniture thanks to all of you. Many of my other clients received furniture and housing items as well. ...more

February 21, 2008

There is no other freedom as we are enjoying here in the U.S.A. I have enjoyed 53 years of "the life" here and 49 years of this as a naturalized citizen. What a country. ...more

February 21, 2008

TAMPA - Leonard Limehouse struck three stepchildren multiple times with PVC tubing, injuring them, police say. ...more

February 12, 2008

PLANT CITY - The Florida Strawberry Festival's online ticketing system is still not working, and officials don't have an immediate estimate of when it might be fixed. ...more

December 10, 2007

It is indeed good that the sheriff's office created the Critical Incident Response Plan. All public schools desperately need such a program. Right here in Highlands County, several students were severely brutalized and traumatized with little follow-up. ...more

November 7, 2007

Drinking more water has never been easier with Day-Timer's HydraCoach bottle. It calculates your personal hydration needs, tracks your real-time fluid consumption, paces you throughout the day and motivates you to maintain optimal hydration. A "smart pad" calculates personal data to determine how much water you should be drinking a day. Getting 64 ounces a day is the average, but now you can determine how much is right for you. Drink from the HydraCoach water bottle, and the ounces are added up automatically and displayed on the side with every sip. No need to keep count. Simply fill the 22-ounce bottle and go. Refilling won't throw off your tally. A nylon ring is perfect for toting and clips to a carabiner. A soft, silicone mouthpiece acts like a straw, and the durable polycarbonate bottle is easy to clean. Use soap and water, or run it through the dishwasher. The HydraCoach retails for $29.99 at www.daytimer.com. ...more

September 27, 2007