I'd estimate that about 75 percent of the e-mails in my inbox are from people who are swamped with credit card debt. Many, particularly in this economy, have had to rely on the plastic because they lost their job or their gas and food bills are sky-high, but about a third can place the blame on shopping, specifically, clothes shopping. ...more

September 28, 2008

Since the last-quarter moon happened just two days ago at 5:04 a.m., the morning bite has been great and will continue to get greater both in intensity and duration. ...more

September 24, 2008

For five years now I have been taking classes at the Hotel Jacaranda through South Florida Community College. When I first started, the pool was completely enclosed, which made it great for taking classes all year round. Hurricane Charley completely demolished the enclosure and it hasn't been replaced since that time as the college stated that they couldn't afford to replace it. That was four years ago. ...more

September 20, 2008

Mandate Generators We here in Tampa Bay have watched a parade of hurricanes swirl around us and breathed a collective sigh of relief when they did not directly hit the area. Is Florida really as ready as we can be for the next "big one?" I've watched the news and see cities without power for days, and lines for relief and supplies. Since the weather is so unpredictable and we don't or can't all evacuate, I think our Legislature should pass new laws that mandate that all gas stations and grocery stores in the state have generators to keep them running when power is out. That way, those who endure the aftermath will have access to food and gas to keep things running until things are repaired and moving back to normal. ...more

September 19, 2008

It was time for Mary Dolmonet to leave her hometown in New Jersey and relocate to sunny Florida. ...more

September 15, 2008

On a career day, perhaps Michigan State running back Javon Ringer's most striking accomplishment Saturday was hanging onto the ball. ...more

September 14, 2008

If ads for popular beauty products leave you skeptical, relax. Our 4you Beauty Board's veteran testers are ready to try the latest and greatest when it comes to all things beauty. We'll share what worked and what bombed with the hope of making your life a little easier. This week: Anti-frizz serums. Will these creams make whoop or make our hair droop? ...more

September 13, 2008

With all the news media completely focused on the presidential elections and the weather, it seems no one is remembering we are at war. Our young men and women are fighting in several faraway places, in extreme heat and under extreme conditions. I know that this election is historic, in that a young black man is running for the highest office, for the first time. ...more

September 2, 2008

Rains from Tropical Storm Fay hurt attendance at last weekend's 18th annual Caladium Festival, but organizers say crowds exceeded expectations and vendors were pleased with the turnout. ...more

August 31, 2008

With all the news media completely focused on the presidential elections and the weather, it seems no one is remembering we are at war. Our young men and women are fighting in several far away places in extreme heat and under extreme conditions. ...more

August 31, 2008