TBO Life

Adoptive families unite against 'Orphan' movie

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:48:00 EDT

Parents of adopted children sometimes battle ignorance and stereotyping as they strive to make their kids feel loved and accepted. So they are steamed this summer about "Orphan," an upcoming horror flick featuring a dangerous adopted child.

Think safety, not just fashion, with sunglasses

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:30:00 EDT

Now that summer is upon us, it's time to get serious about sunglasses. Sure, you can pick up a pair at your local dollar store. Or you can hit up that fancy shop at International Plaza. Either way, there are some basic things you need to look for when shopping for sunglasses.

Tweaking details gives big boost to shrimp cocktail

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

I'm in Asheville, N.C., at the suggestion of the The Culinary Sherpas, Michelle and Greg Baker. I think it's my new summer mini-vacation spot - close enough to Tampa for a quick weekend getaway, yet so very different in terms of climate (not humid!) and landscape (lots of mountains!).

Sears Tower advises: Look down

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Sears Tower officials say the inspiration for its new glass balconies came from the hundreds of forehead prints visitors left behind on Skydeck windows every week.

Painted lamps cast light in the boudoir

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

I believe my painted lamp is made of cast iron. The shade, which matches the base, is lined with fabric. What can you tell me?

Crying in Argentina? Columnists weigh in

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

So many cheaters, so little advice. What is a governor to do if he has been caught cheating? What about the father of eight children and star of a hit reality TV show?

Writer says 'Cheap' ends up costing big

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

"Cheap: The High Cost of Discount Culture," by Ellen Ruppel Shell (Penguin Press, $26)

Evanovich's latest sticks to script but sparkles

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

"Finger Lickin' Fifteen," by Janet Evanovich (St. Martin's Press, $27.95)

Missing: Valuable pieces of American history

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

National Archives visitors know they'll find the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights in the main building's magnificent rotunda in Washington. But they won't find the patent file for the Wright Brothers' Flying Machine or the maps for the first atomic bomb missions anywhere in the Archives inventory.

Library index program can ease search for ancestors

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

An early step in genealogical research is to search for ancestor surnames in genealogical and historical journals and magazines. Another step is to conduct background studies on the places those ancestors lived.

If you know drink, she'll be pleased as punch

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Reader Janice Gilley has hunted for a recipe for a non-alcoholic punch she made about 25 to 30 years ago. She originally got it on Channel 13 in Tampa.

Summer in the city

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

When the poet T.S. Eliot wrote that "April is the cruelest month," the expatriate American surely wasn't living in Florida. On the other hand, when asked whom he considered his most trusted allies, Gen. Antonio Maceo answered, "June, July and August." Here was someone who understood tropical climates.

Scratching your head over pesky fleas?

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Fleas love Florida summers, which means veterinarians are seeing many more patients with flea allergies, the most common dermatologic disease of domestic dogs, according to a Kansas State University study.

Quietly warn noisy renter, and landlord

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Our condominium has a strict screening policy. Our rules include a clause regarding peaceful domicile. Recently, a new renter was interviewed and received the rules. Now, she blatantly causes loud noises and disturbs other residents at all hours. The renter has allowed a large man to move in with her. He is very formidable to the point of coercion and threats against the neighbors. As a result, no one will file a police report about the disturbances. The owner lives out of state and refuses to help because he thinks it is the board's responsibility. Our attorney advised us that nothing really can be done with out much expense, delay and still possibly no resolution. Can you help us with suggestions?

Fresh produce worries? Chill!

Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Is it really true we can't serve fruit salad or sliced tomatoes at picnics anymore? What's happened? I took some to a picnic and my friends got upset!

Light the fuse here on July 4th fun

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:54:00 EDT

Those loud noises you hear at about 9 p.m. Saturday should remind you of the date, in case you'd forgotten. The U.S.A. turns 233 this weekend and the skies will light up in celebration.

Sailing brothers destined to fulfill a promise

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:57:00 EDT

As we celebrate the Fourth of July, the Brown brothers are putting the spotlight on the folks who make it all possible.

Fireworks injuries can turn Fourth's sizzle to fizzle

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:30:00 EDT

Alcohol and a lack of supervision are the main reasons for burn injuries around the Fourth of July.

Snack time can be healthy

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Believe it or not, a good snack can be an ally in your weight-loss battle. The fiber, fluid and lean protein in the snacks you choose can keep your blood sugar on an even keel to help you curb hunger pangs and keep energy levels up. (That will help with your workout!)

Exercise: A Diabetes Fighter?

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT

Skip exercise now, pay later: That's the warning from a study that found that younger people who didn't exercise were more likely to develop diabetes in 20 years than those who stayed fit.