Every Friday and Saturday, Oscar Puffinburger sits on the porch of the Angel Attic thrift shop in Ruskin, greeting the mostly down-and-out people who come for a bargain or two. Beside him is a box of free toys, which he offers to children who stop by with their parents. ...more

January 14, 2009

There is no argument about who should get the ball for the Rays tonight for the opening game of the American League Championship Series. The lights are the brightest, the pressure is at its peak, and this stage was made for James Shields. ...more

October 10, 2008

I'm afraid that I will have to decline Jim Gries' generous offer to sit in his rocking chair and explain Social Security to his 3-year-old granddaughter. And I'm amused that Mr. Gries does not consider it "fear-mongering" to call the Social Security system a "weapon of monetary destruction (WMD)." Actually, although he says that his earlier letter was a recital of fact, there is nothing in any of his letters that backs up his hysterical attack on the Social Security system. ...more

August 15, 2008

Lee Murphy always has a big heart, pitching in for countless fundraisers for Pasco charities. ...more

August 8, 2008

and not just for you. Your pet will notice your baby the moment you carry him or her in the front door. A dog or cat accustomed to being the center of attention may develop feelings akin to sibling rivalry when everyone's focus shifts to the new family member. For the best transition, start preparing months beforehand. ...more

July 9, 2008

Very quietly, a chapter in local history closed recently. Myrle Henry retired as a pharmacist 47 years and four months after earning his degree from the University of Florida. ...more

May 28, 2008

High school students love their bling, so when they choose a class ring they sometimes pay $550 or more for the privilege of wearing their school pride on their fingers. ...more

May 28, 2008

I'm here to tell you that if you didn't take the time to get up out of your easy chair in front of the TV and head out to the Highland's Little Theatre to see the young people perform, you missed a good night out. "The Super Secret Surprise Casserole" and "Cinderella Wore Combat Boots" both were perform by young people 18 and under. And what a job they did. Cameron Reck did the directing, although Cameron has done a lot of acting, singing and dancing he has never done directing before. I might add he did a nice job. Heather Lemos was assistant director/sound tech; Chris Friend, producer-lighting tech; Gunnar Westergom, stage manager; Anna Schmidt, choreographer-sound tech; Bethany Finney, wardrobe, and Chelsea Hiller, makeup. Of course these young people had adults who mentored them but the young people did the work and my hat goes off to them. The acting was super. ...more

May 19, 2008

Those of you who have been around this town for a while, prepare to feel old. Thirty years ago (yes, that's right) the Bucs spent their No. 1 draft pick on Doug Williams. ...more

May 7, 2008

Bill Murphy says he has "a little obnoxious clock" on his desk that is counting down the days, hours, minutes and seconds toward his "retirement" from WTVT, Channel 13. ...more

December 29, 2007