In pursuit of a victory that will recast college football's pecking order of glamour programs, cement a coaching reputation, and, quite probably, lead to excessive celebration, the No. 1 Florida Gators and No. 2 Oklahoma Sooners collide tonight in the BCS Championship Game. ...more

January 8, 2009

Like most folks, I made up a short list of New Year's resolutions last week. When I read it over later, it struck me as funny that I started with "abs, abs, abs" and ended with "be nicer to everyone." ...more

January 4, 2009

One of my favorite albums of all time is "Club Wig," the eponymous debut of a band from Tuscaloosa, Ala. The band existed in one form or another from 1984 - at the time, anyone who wanted could get up and play with the band; drums consisted of two cardboard boxes -- until (I think) 1987. ...more

December 26, 2008

Bill Burnside's fascination with pigeons dates back six decades to the day his father caught two of the birds and brought them home. "They fascinated me," Burnside said. His enthusiasm never waned. These days Burnside, 66, owns more than 100 pigeons and is Florida representative of the National Pigeon Association. "Every pigeon has it owns little personality, just like people," Burnside said today as he spoke to students at Long Middle School during the annual Great American Teach-In. Pigeons were just one of the delights students were treated to for the teach-in. All across the county, parents and other community members visited schools to talk about their careers or hobbies. Firefighters, financial planners and cake decorators were among those who shared their stories or demonstrated their skills. Technically, the teach-in takes place all week, but most of the presentations are taking place today. ...more

November 19, 2008

When she and her husband moved to the top of Laurel Mountain, that was when Liz Gates first took up mountain music. ...more

August 8, 2008

Local musician plays and teaches string instruments from past centuries. ...more

August 8, 2008

Ann Wallace was not going to take no for an answer. Years ago, her daughter learned of a place in Florida that has mermaids. When she discovered there was a two-day camp, her heart was set on going. She was not about to be convinced otherwise. ...more

July 28, 2008

It's not just for local girls. Several from out of state come to Weeki Wachee to learn how to swim like a mermaid. ...more

July 27, 2008

Some mysteries are such fun you almost don't want to know the truth. That may help explain why people are fascinated with crystal skulls. ...more

July 10, 2008

LAKE PLACID — A 20-year-old Lake Placid woman was fortunate she wasn't at home when a Lake Placid man arrived there, reportedly on a mission to "cut her and let her blood run." Jorge Severiano-Morales, 24, of Lake Placid, was booked Monday on charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony, burglary of a dwelling, structure or conveyance while armed, criminal mischief less than $200 and cruelty toward a child – an act that could result in physical or mental injury. ...more

June 4, 2008