There's a reason no one ever said "Be like Chuck." ...more

March 10, 2009

Please sit down while reading this. We have identified a promising sign in our local economy. Everyone's been looking for something positive and although it's small right now, it's something to make us feel good about, and we all desperately need that these days. ...more

February 27, 2009

How many times last week did you hear something along the lines of, "It's only politics as usual in Chicago"? ...more

December 14, 2008

Fears that the government will be forced to rescue Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could well become a self-fulfilling prophecy. ...more

July 11, 2008

Wouldn't it be nice if we could just wish this bad economy away? Actually, that's not too far from the truth – at lease locally. Much of what ails the Highlands County economy is consumer confidence, not any one particular factor beyond our control with the possible exception of gas prices. William Pittenger, senior vice president and chief real estate economist with Seacoast National Bank, recently told members of the Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce that the local economy isn't as bad as a lot of people believe, and that with a better outlook, it could turn around much quicker. Pittenger is right about that. Our economy depends on consumers feeling confident to purchase goods. If they are scared jobs might not be there tomorrow, consumers are much less likely to spend. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. ...more

June 18, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - For once there might be some glimmer of good news about the housing market, at least in Pasco. Sales of existing homes not only rose in May, the number sold last month was slightly higher than the total a year ago, in May 2007. ...more

June 14, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY -- Sales of existing homes rose in May, edging slightly above the number sold a year ago as the Pasco housing market continues to rebound. ...more

June 10, 2008

Six weeks into a six-month season, not a trace of skepticism remains in the Rays' clubhouse. ...more

May 12, 2008

When people are panicking, it's hard to stop the stampede with talk about cutting a "federal funds rate." Economic fears on Wall Street and around the world are making people and businesses hunker down, and that could make recession worries come true - a vicious cycle the Federal Reserve, White House and Congress may be hard-pressed to break. ...more

January 23, 2008

Peer pressure. We've all experienced it. We all know how powerful it can be. Let's face it - most of us don't want to stand out from the crowd. Yet, those of us who are parents are constantly admonishing our teenagers to do just that. "Resist the temptation to be like everyone else. Don't follow the crowd. Stand up for what is right!" ...more

November 23, 2007