Recently, an article in the Huffington Post (posted Oct. 20) caught my attention because of its relevance to our county's decision to accept or reject a National Security Training Center. The report, written by Jo Comerford, summarizes the National Priorities Project's research on American military spending over the past two decades. It indicates that the U.S. Department of Defense spends as much as the next 14 countries combined on the military, and according to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, 55 percent of next year's discretionary spending will go to the military. The United States has already used $915.1 billion in total Iraq and Afghanistan war spending. ...more

October 28, 2009

In an effort to stimulate air travel, airlines are offering promotions, sometimes with unique pitches. ...more

February 26, 2009

The Miramar-based airline's innovative marketing approach shows the extent airlines are taking to create interest in travel as consumers and businesses cut discretionary spending. AirTran on Tuesday launched a sale matched by a half-dozen airlines for flights through Nov. 4 with a 10- day advance purchase and some Florida blackout dates applying. ...more

February 25, 2009

Walt Disney World has launched its most severe discounting ever as it combats slumping attendance and a decline in visitors' discretionary spending. ...more

February 19, 2009

Walt Disney World is offering a new Florida residents discount with a two-day ticket for $99 plus tax and $83 plus tax for ages 3 to 9. ...more

February 18, 2009

Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday this year. That might not bother Cupid, but some florists in Sun City Center worry a Saturday Valentine's Day might spell trouble for an industry already hurting due to the recession. ...more

February 4, 2009

Let's face it, gasoline not only fuels our cars, it basically drives our economy. ...more

December 31, 2008

Some neighborhoods this holiday season look brighter than ever — pockets of cheery lights that come as a surprise given the general economic gloom and the numbers of people tightening up on discretionary spending. Other neighborhoods are, as may be expected, darker. ...more

December 23, 2008

Have I caught you in time? Did you already buy a new HDTV for the holidays? Maybe one of those mythical $500, door-buster thingies? ...more

December 14, 2008

Given the economic downturn, even the most romantic might balk at the $86,609 price tag for the items in the carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas." ...more

December 1, 2008