Conserve energy and save money this Earth Day by switching off electronics and using less energy. But truly turning off the power isn't as easy as flipping a switch. Many household electronics, known as "vampire appliances," use standby power when turned off, and the average home has about 20 such devices. A Cornell University study found the average household will spend $200 a year for standby power. Conservationists recommend unplugging electronics or using a power strip where the power can be cut off at the source. But critics say the cost is minimal for most items and that constant unplugging can shorten the life span of some products. ...more

April 20, 2009

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - A captive reptile in New Zealand has unexpectedly become a father at the ripe old age of 111 after receiving treatment for a cancer that made him hostile toward prospective mates. ...more

January 27, 2009

Historians tell us that Democratic forms of government through the ages have had a life span of around 200 years. I sense that our country is on the threshold of its demise as a Democracy. Why do I say this? Consider the electioneering process we are now observing. I see a person, Barack Obama, who was unknown a couple years ago, mesmerizing people with his glib tongue and promising them everything. This is a man who I consider the epitome of deceit. He claims to be an African-American, which is not so. His ancestors did not come to this country in slave ships. His father actually was an African-Arab Muslim from Kenya. He plays down his heritage while electioneering, which I consider deceitful. Most people are proud of their origin and are not ashamed to say so. ...more

October 17, 2008

Traffic headaches begin today for Tampa Bay-area beachgoers headed to Anna Maria Island because for the next month and a half, a main bridge to the island will be closed for construction. ...more

September 29, 2008

David Hamilton is to be commended for his decision to suspend County Engineer and Department of Public Works Manager Charles Mixson for 10 business days and demand he take steps to reorganize his department during a subsequent six-month probationary period. ...more

September 3, 2008

For saltwater anglers, the arrival of microfiber lines was an epochal event. The soft, thin, strong "superline" virtually replaced monofilament overnight, particularly among saltwater anglers who appreciate the extra life span and the pulling power of these no-stretch lines. ...more

July 11, 2008

More than three years after a poacher shot off her upper beak, a bald eagle named Beauty can finally live up to her name - with the help of volunteers. ...more

June 7, 2008

Here's the skinny on fat cats. Sure, those round bellies and wiggly walk are cute. But limited activity and a boring indoor environment can lead to a fat, not-so-sassy feline companion. ...more

December 8, 2007

Walking on a treadmill and exercising daily is routine for Harry Seckman, who has diabetes. Now the 84-year-old is working on his flexibility to help him better maintain his balance. "I don't fall down, but I stagger a lot," said Seckman, a 10-year resident of Regency Oaks retirement community in Clearwater. Regency Oaks hosted an Active Aging Expo on Sept. 20, and Seckman was among about 300 participants. The draw for him was the "Sleeping Well" workshop, because his wife isn't getting enough zzz's. ...more

October 18, 2007

Walking on a treadmill and exercising daily is routine for Harry Seckman, who has diabetes. Now the 84-year-old is working on his flexibility to help him better maintain his balance. "I don't fall down, but I stagger a lot," said Seckman, a 10-year resident of Regency Oaks retirement community in Clearwater. ...more

October 11, 2007