The supersized recession that was a boon for business last year caught up further with McDonald's Corp. in November as high unemployment ate into sales. ...more

December 9, 2009

If you want to believe George Will ("Earth's next last chance," Other Views, Dec. 5) that human actions do not affect climate, consider what the Los Angeles basin would be like if no governmental auto smog controls had been established. ...more

December 8, 2009

The Environmental Protection Agency took a major step Monday toward regulating greenhouse gases, concluding that climate changing pollution threatens the public health and the environment. ...more

December 7, 2009

The term "exit strategy" seemed to gain favor after the United States left Vietnam under less-than-favorable circumstances. Back then, it seemed like a good idea not to get into a war without a "plan" to fight it and ultimately get out honorably and victoriously. However, wars are extremely unpredictable, with many twists and turns of fate. An example would be the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, an unexpected last gasp by Hitler in which the Allies eventually prevailed. ...more

December 3, 2009

In the classic Bill Murray military comedy "Stripes," Murray's character, John Winger, gets dumped by his girlfriend, who said she needs someone who will grow with her. "Talk about massive potential for growth!!" Winger, a committed and newly jobless slacker, shouts as the girlfriend walks out of his life for good. We flashed back to that scene when we read the comments John Hagen offered after being named the president of the Pasco Economic Development Council. ...more

November 25, 2009

After years of letting suburbia sprawl hither and yon across Pasco County, commissioners have begun charting a new course for growth. ...more

November 20, 2009

Pasco County officials are talking about a plan to allow developers to buy development rights from rural landowners, where the county wants to preserve open space, and increase development in Pasco's urban core. ...more

November 17, 2009

Anyone know Christopher J. Vecchione of Tampa or Stephanie A. Mckee in Westchase? If so, you can tell them the government has something for them. ...more

November 15, 2009

Q. I've heard that women are having miscarriages as a result of the vaccine. Is this true or more anti-vaccine hype? - Anthony ...more

November 12, 2009

National health care has become the rule in every industrialized country in the world except for the richest one, the United States. This is a national disgrace that must end. Since the insurance industry has decided to place profitability before patient care, your help is necessary to end this morally reprehensible practice and once and for all guarantee Americans health insurance as a right. Many eyes are trained on Congress now and failing to carry out this popular mandate will surely jeopardize your personal chance for re-election. Do your duty and help protect the electorate which has allowed you the great privilege of service in Washington. Don't let yourself or your constituents down; you know what is right, and vote for health care reform. ...more

November 11, 2009