2020-11-05 E-Edition

The new price of hope

Forgett the down economy andnd a price increase.e. Florida Lottery’s revenues continuee to soar.


WHEN THE FLORIDA LOTTERY Commission decided to double the price of tickets last month to $2 for its original 6-number drawing game, known for 32 years as the Florida Lotto, the move caused some grumbling from players, whose complaints could probably be heard in store lines from Palm Beach to Punta Gorda. It didn’t appear to stop them from buying tickets, however. “I don’t think they […]

Real card sharks play with real shark cards

Florida family-owned company makes games that educate about — and help preserve — marine liflife


When Katharine Baumgartner was attending landlocked Michigan State University, she insisted on working in the saltwater department of a local fish store. Why? “Because it was the closest to the ocean that I could get,” she said. That may sound obsessive, but Ms. Baumgartner’s love for all things marine not only made for a fascinating career, it also led to […]

The more things change



You know it’s not true. Everything doesn’t change and remain the same, in spite of the wisdom of Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr, the 19th century French writer who suggested famously that things change, but when they do, they don’t. “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose,” he said. The more things change, the more they remain the same. No, Jean-Baptiste. […]

COMMUNITY IN THE KNOW

Military museum hosts Veterans Day events The Military Heritage Museum, 900 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda, will host a series of events honoring Veterans Day from Nov. 7-11. ¦ Veterans Golf Scramble – The Salute to Veterans Golf Scramble begins at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at St. Andrews South Golf Club, 1901 Deborah Drive, Punta Gorda. This inaugural event […]

Is there life after the election? Yes! Just look at nature.



Birds still sing, animals still forage for food, rivers still flow and the wind still blows. This week’s column is a reminder that in nature, things may be a little different, but are essentially still the same. I know there are some humans who are ready, post-election, to get back to having decent, civil conversations with their fellows. I also […]

Caring for a pet’s teeth keeps them healthy



My nearly 13-year-old cavalier, Harper, has had some vague symptoms lately that had us concerned about what might be going on with her. After a number of diagnostic procedures and lab work, plus a return to normal behavior and appetite, she was declared to be in good health. Since that was the case, I decided it was a good time […]

Pets of the WEEK

These animals are available for adoption at the Animal Welfare League, 3519 Drance St., Port Charlotte. All animals are microchipped, neutered and current with their shots. We are open by appointments only. All of our adoptable pets are on the AWL website (www.awlshelter.org). If you see a pet that you would like to meet, call to make an appointment. We […]

Sink your teeth into this



Those of us of a certain age have trouble imaging life without a cheeseburger. Or without a burger of any sort that’s made of real meat. It seems downright un-American. Several of my grandchildren have no such problem. Two are vegetarians, another is a vegan and they don’t believe in eating animals. They’re not alone. Today’s health conscious consumers worry […]

Kratom tea study stirs support for relieving opioid dependence


As the opioid epidemic continues to grip the nation and kills tens of thousands every year, a new study led by researchers at the University of Florida suggests kratom could be a prime treatment option for opioid dependence. In a controlled animal study, UF scientists found kratom — which comes from the leaves of a tropical tree originating in Southeast […]