The Just Sing, Florida contest has picked three finalists in its quest for a new state song. You can go to www.justsingflorida.org to hear for yourself, then pick your favorite. Voting ends Jan. 11. Can't decide? The Tampa Tribune's Curtis Ross offers his quick take on each of the contenders here. ...more

December 12, 2007

A few days ago, I re-watched one of my all-time favorite movies, "Pretty Woman." Though I've seen it umpteen times it still makes me laugh and cry and feel good all over. For me, it is the ultimate chick-flick. But "Pretty Woman" isn't just another love story. Yes, Julia Roberts and Richard Gere are magic together, and the story is laugh-out-loud funny, but there's much more to it than that. This movie has stayed popular for more than a decade because it's a story of how love transforms the people who share it. Vivian, a streetwalker with no future, meets Edward, a lonely, heartless business tycoon. To keep from getting hurt, both of them have closed their hearts to the people around them. When they fall in love, they learn that love is worth it, even if you get hurt. Vivian finds that in being loved, and returning that love, she feels validated as a person. She's suddenly aware that she is worthy of respect, including self-respect. ...more

December 9, 2007

Luke McCown didn't find out for sure he was playing against New Orleans on Sunday until the night before the game. With a chance to all but clinch the NFC South with a victory, the Bucs turned to a quarterback who hadn't started a game since 2004. ...more

December 3, 2007

Thank you for your article about our toy and clothing drive for "Christmas for Wounded Knee." The local response was overwhelming. We will have another day to receive winter coats and jackets on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the new shopping center in front of Circuit City, on U.S. 27 in Sebring. ...more

December 3, 2007

Regarding 'Goodbye Old Friend' (BayLife, Oct. 14): We lost our beloved Yorkie on my birthday nearly two years ago. The loss of a pet can be very sorrowful and painful for us and other pets as well. Pets have their own little traits that make them bond to us so well, and there's nothing wrong with missing them or feeling you've lost a family member, because you have. Buckles' memory will always be close to our hearts, and we have since obtained two other Yorkies. ...more

October 21, 2007