For a quick gauge on the Rays' progress in establishing a name for themselves in Venezuela, all Ronnie Blanco has to do is check the heads of aspiring prospects. ...more

December 16, 2007

SEBRING — The sunroom in Pat Van Dragt's home has been transformed into a snow-covered miniature village. While some of the villagers are ice fishing, others are sledding, some rush off to school and one lucky woman enjoys a manicure. "I think it's the kid in me that really enjoys setting all this up," said Van Dragt who played with doll houses made from orange crates as a little girl. Much like a real town, it keeps growing. Her tiny village has been expanding every year since she started 20 years ago. "I keep saying I won't get any more and then I see something new and different and I can't resist it," said Van Dragt, who said many of her friends buy pieces for her as gifts. ...more

December 4, 2007

Dr. Robert Ca de, who led a team of researchers at the University of Florida that developed the magical elixir Gatorade, died Tuesday, but the multibillion-dollar industry he helped launch and the legend surrounding it will live on. ...more

November 28, 2007

SEBRING — Debbie Lees worked for more than 20 years as an FBI agent, dealing with criminals and working on foreign counter intelligence operations. ...more

November 8, 2007

You're being judged. The way you stand, the way you sit, the way you gesticulate - and the way you're holding this newspaper and reading this story right now, in fact - make a statement. And other people are forming their opinions about you based on all the nonverbal statements you're making. ...more

October 20, 2007

This is the year that the PW and I are more or less celebrating our 20 years of retirement. It really is less of a celebration for me because I was only retired for three of those years before I realized that we needed another income in order to continue a more than modest lifestyle. I have never been in a position of not being able to find a decent job because I have had plenty of experience in many hobbies, that while expensive, were capable of earning money if need be. Not being able to accept a more modest lifestyle may eventually prove to have been a mistake. In looking around among my friends and peers I am seeing as many as half are perhaps in the same boat as I. Of course I am speculating and have no certification of that statement. I can only speak of my own experience as a federal retiree. ...more

October 18, 2007

A paratrooper from Florida in the 82nd Airborne Division died last week in Afghanistan, the division said Tuesday. ...more

October 10, 2007

Misguided MAP I feel compelled to write about the newest performance pay plan, Merit Award Program (MAP), that will be voted on in the school district. ...more

September 14, 2007

Some call it 'Trucked.' Others prefer the word 'Rocked.' Several say you were 'Blown Up.' The phrase 'Jacked Up' has been used. There is also 'Pancaked.' ...more

September 9, 2007