It seems that lately I've missed mentioning some of the more significant events of our year. Like: I totally forgot to warn everyone to prepare themselves for last week's Friday the 13th. Then there was spring that got here yesterday. Another item I almost forgot to mention was the big race; the 12 Hours of Sebring. I'm not sure if there is anyone at the track who is reading this column today, but they may well take it home so I'll offer, "Welcome race fans have a safe trip home." Then in last week's column I left out any reference to St. Patrick's Day, a day that has extra meaning for me because it's the anniversary of my introduction to the military. Traditionally we once made it a point to show up on the steps of Takis' Restaurant on March 17 to have some of Mama's distinctively flavorful corned beef and cabbage. Of course that was before the couple retired. Then we just kind of forgot about tradition. But as luck would have it we saw Caddyshack's ad in the paper for corned beef and cabbage to be served on the saint's day. ...more

March 21, 2009

Fifty years ago, a bearded guerrilla marched triumphantly into Havana and declared victory over a departing dictator. Then he became a despot himself. ...more

January 1, 2009

A mix of emotions was evident over the weekend as parents, guardians, family members and friends gathered for one of the most significant events in a young person's life – graduating from high school. Joy, relief, sadness, excitement were no doubt felt among the approximately 700 seniors in Highlands County's three public high schools during graduation ceremonies. The county's private schools, Walker Memorial Academy and Heartland Christian School, held their ceremonies last month. ...more

May 31, 2008