As I got ready for an overseas trip this month, I did the things diplomats normally do: I made last-minute calls, prepared notes from meetings, packed briefing materials and travel documents. Then I did something that reflects how the world of public diplomacy is changing to adapt to the digital age: I sent a tweet. ...more

December 27, 2008

Chosen from a field of more than 700 entries, Baarney, a Bedlington terrier who belongs to Patricia and Robin Patterson of New Port Richey, is one of 20 canine finalists in USA Today's Marley & Me photo contest. A photo of Baarney decorating a Christmas tree is featured at usatoday.com, where people can vote for their favorite pooches. The winning dogs will be featured in the print edition of USA Today. ...more

December 20, 2008

A paper being published Friday in a British medical journal concludes that happiness is contagious - and that people pass on their good cheer even to total strangers. ...more

December 5, 2008

A Florida teenager told police Monday that he slashed a woman to death during a burglary and a witness said the teen used the $6 he stole during the burglary to buy beer. ...more

September 29, 2008

University of South Florida officials may think daytime drinking's a drag, but USF senior James Callihan disagrees. ...more

September 19, 2008

The Tampa Audubon Society will have a presentation about the Frog Listening Network at its Aug. 29 meeting. ...more

August 20, 2008

Erin O'Brien and her friends are do-it-yourself investors. As part of an online community at the brokerage Zecco, they consult each other on terminology, tax law and investment philosophy. Having tagged each other as "friends," they can see each other's trades. Together, they're learning the ropes by watching and interacting with fellow users. ...more

August 20, 2008

Brook Custer giggles as she scours the rows of shiny new cellular phones at an Alltel wireless store in Brandon. ...more

August 16, 2008

Cell phones companies are finding the market for their product has gotten younger and savvier. ...more

August 15, 2008

Lemonade stands are no longer just the driveway domain for youngsters hoping to squeeze out a few dimes or quarters on a hot summer day. ...more

August 3, 2008