We’ve known for years that conditions such as alcoholism, compulsive gambling and obesity are not to be dismissed as nothing more than the character flaws of weak people. We’re more medically and psychologically enlightened than that. On the other hand, we now have, quite arguably, more than enough syndromes and labels to explain away everything [...]

The relationship between Lowry Park Zoo, its president Lex Salisbury, and Salisbury’s private Safari Wild obviously has been getting the scrutiny it deserves. And has deserved for some time. The transfer of those three zoo rhinos to Safari Wild symbolized and illustrated the intermingling-of-assets and conflict-of-interest issues. On balance, Salisbury has done a good job, [...]

 There had been talk that the Lightning-Rangers games in Prague – as well as the Pittsburgh-Ottawa games in Stockholm – might be some sort of precursor to NHL international expansion plans. Especially after Los Angeles and Anaheim did it last year – and since more such regular-season games in Europe are in the offing. Not. [...]

Timing, of course, is everything. But could the much anticipated, high-profile rollout of the largely overhauled Tampa Bay Lightning have gone worse? Worst to cursed? Of the four teams that began the season in Europe, the Lightning, which lost twice to the New York Rangers in the Czech Republic, is the only one that came [...]

            He came; they listened; they voted. It’s not usually that easy.             New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson had dropped in at West Tampa’s Salcines Park to exhort a couple hundred Obama faithful to vote early. When he had finished his boilerplate pep talk, the rally attendees were encouraged to simply walk across the street [...]

            Now we really know that the economy is really in serious trouble. That’s because the financial fallout has rippled far beyond investment bankers, home owners and anyone who requires credit lines.             It is now impacting Homecoming, that high school rite of passage that has morphed over the years into a pricey entitlement program [...]

           While it’s premature to celebrate, the most recent word out of South Tampa’s Hyde Park Village is the most encouraging in years. It looks like the controversial, mid-rise condos, which were to be the centerpiece of redevelopment, are out. And a Canadian furniture store, a six-screen theater, new restaurants and more – could be [...]

            I have to agree with those who will vote No on Amendment 2, which would codify into the Constitution a ban on same-sex marriage. But I hadn’t expected to.             Although some have argued otherwise, marriage is not some “evolving paradigm.” Not at its gendered core. Relationships evolve, of course, but not the institution [...]

       When the World Series began, there were several “givens” most observers could agree upon: * That the Rays were one of the best feel-good sports stories in years. * That Rays Manager Joe Maddon would charm the media. * That Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels would be outstanding. * That Phillies closer Brad Lidge might [...]

Isn’t it time — during an over-heated, presidential campaign — for all daily newspapers to exercise appropriate journalistic judgment and slot Doonesbury where it belongs – on the editorial page?