We grownups are often too busy, too stressed or just too plain tired to remember just how important the power of imagination happens to be. While we might have enjoyed our days of wonder and merriment in playing make believe as children, far too many of us forget this side of ourselves when we reach a certain age. ...more

February 11, 2009

This married couple spread their love for orchids to whoever visits their Citrus Park greenhouses. ...more

January 9, 2009

I have a book to recommend to those financial titans "working" on Wall Street. In "The Impulse Factor: Why Some of Us Play It Safe and Others Risk It All," by Nick Tasler (Fireside, $24.95), the director of research and development for TalentSmart offers an "innovative approach to better decision making." Think that could help up in New York City? Yes, me, too. Then again, you might want to check it for yourself if you are interested in what makes some people jump into new and possibly dangerous experiences while others prefer to think things through. ...more

October 5, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - For singles seeking a literate Valentine this year, the Land O' Lakes Branch Library will host a free Book Lover's Speed Dating activity from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the library, 2818 Collier Parkway in Land O' Lakes. ...more

February 7, 2008

In November, I wrote a column about ancestor migration trails and mentioned that William Dollarhide's "Map Guide to American Migration Routes" is one of my favorite books. I purchased it for $9.95 in 1997 and looked for it online during research for the column. It was being offered for staggering prices from $90 to $165. ...more

January 13, 2008

AVON PARK — It's not uncommon for one or two college students to doze off during a morning class. But when psychology professor Brian Deery sees that, he turns to his stand-up comedy routine. "Sometimes I have to use a technique we call 'kicking the mule,' which we use to get a crowd going," said Deery, who has been a stand-up comedian for 26 years. "I'm not there to do comedy, but it certainly is helpful to use those comic elements as long as they are learning something too." He tags his comedy as "clean and clever," meaning he avoids cussing and lewd subjects, which he thinks is more challenging but also more fun. "Comedy allows you to play with reality and being a psychologist, I can appreciate that," Deery said. ...more

November 10, 2007