North Florida News Daily

In-Joy with Dawn Grant

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

The book and DVD called "The Secret" had a huge impact on many people in the past few years. The modern presentation has educated this generation on a concept that has been around and recognized by some of the greatest minds in history, including Einstein.

"Galaxy Gems" is a gem

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

By RUTH FLOWERS-WORTHINGTON

Galaxy Gems is no mere foray into science fiction with alien life forms taking center stage, but instead a compelling glimpse into the age old fight between right and wrong that has both troubled and elevated the human race since their beginning. Author George Duncan takes the usual premise of good and evil setting it down into an unusual place - the universe of the 23rd century.

And the winner is...

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

The following is the winner's essay in the game for Christmas contest, congrats and enjoy.

Save Money, See Better

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(Family Features) Are you struggling to read the financial page of the newspaper...and it has nothing to do with the state of the economy? Do you find it hard to read the entrees on the menu at your favorite Italian restaurant, even though they include English descriptions? Or have you recently wondered if you could get some 'arm extenders' to lengthen the distance between your eyes and the reading material you're holding?

Americans Find Escape and Enjoyment in Entertainment News

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(ARA) – Wall Street’s rollercoaster ride, dwindling nest eggs, mortgage meltdowns, high gas prices and the impending recession -- 2008 was rough a year. While many Americans were relieved that their problems weren’t front page news, they found escape in the public breakups, pesky paparazzi, wardrobe malfunctions, career-crushing blunders and other nuisances that plagued many big-name celebrities this past year.

Pointers for Pampering Yourself in Just 30 Minutes a Week

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(ARA) - Work, children, spouses, school and friends - your life is hectic. It's hard to find time to do it all, let alone a half hour of quiet time for yourself. Yet setting aside just 30 minutes of "me time" each week can help you look refreshed and feel beautiful for days. Here are some tips for making the most of your weekly pampering routine.

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens Presents the Inaugural Garden Publication

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Jacksonville, Fla. – The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens presents the inaugural garden publication, A Legacy in Bloom: Celebrating a Century of Gardens at The Cummer by garden historian and writer Judith B. Tankard.

New Year, New You

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(ARA) - Want to lose weight, spend more time with your family, or get a better job in 2009? These are just a few common New Year's resolutions that many of us make in January and too often forget by mid-March. This year, if you want to keep your resolutions and truly change your life for the better, follow some expert strategies for success.

Saving Spring Break: Less Costly Alternatives to Traditional Destinations

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(ARA) - Dwindling student loan resources and shrinking financial aid aren't the only adverse effects the economy is having on college students. Spring break - the annual bacchanalia of shirtless frat brothers and bikini-clad sorority sisters - may be financially challenging for plenty of college kids in 2009.

Simple Ways to Make Any Car Run More Efficiently

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(ARA) - Oil prices may have declined from this summer's record-breaking highs for now, but automotive fuel efficiency is still on the minds of families across America. As the holiday season approaches, the nation's highways and roads will become increasingly busy and our dollar will be stretched even further.

Keeping Fit While Traveling

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(Family Features) Traveling can leave you feeling more tired at the end of your trip than when you left. But making time for fitness when you're on the road can keep your energy up and make your trip more enjoyable.

2009 Season Tickets and Mini-Plans Now Available for Jacksonville Suns

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

JACKSONVILLE, FL - The Jacksonville Suns are pleased to continue their long-standing tradition of providing the best family entertainment value on the First Coast! Join the Suns family as we begin a new partnership with the Florida Marlins for the 2009 season! The Suns have ticket options for all types of fans - from the die-hard superfan to the budget-conscious family and everyone in between!

Konica Minolta Gator Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2008 is legendary

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

JACKSONVILLE, FL. — The Konica Minolta Gator Bowl has announced members of the Hall of Fame Class of 2008. This year’s induction class includes University of Florida’s famed Running Back Errict Rhett and LSU acclaimed Wide Receiver Wendell Davis.

Aquila Theatre Company Brings Unique Staging of Comedy of Errors to UNF Fine Arts Center

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(Jacksonville, FL) – Coming to the UNF Fine Arts Center on February 6th at 7:30 p.m., The Aquila Theatre Company’s Comedy of Errors returns in a sensational new revival, celebrating ten years since it first toured the United States. Their imaginative and exuberant production of Shakespeare’s classic comedy is a "must-see" for newcomers to Shakespeare and Bard enthusiasts alike. Aquila’s smash hit played extended engagements in New York, Boston, Los Angeles and, Europe.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis To Play UNF Fine Arts Center in January 2009

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(Jacksonville, FL) – Presented with support from Winn-Dixie, The University of North Florida Fine Arts Center proudly welcomes the renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis to the Lazzara Performance Hall on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.

Seven days of music to ring in the New Year!

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

SPIRIT OF THE SUWANNEE MUSIC PARK, LIVE OAK, FLA - Pack your bags, make reservations and get your boogie shoes on - it’s a big seven days of music at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park to kick off the New Year in style with everything from country to gospel music!

Amelia Island-Fernandina Beach-Yulee Chamber of Commerce

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

AMELIA ISLAND -- Twenty-seven member organizations have been nominated for 2008 Amelia Island-Fernandina Beach-Yulee Chamber of Commerce Businesses of the Year awards, while 16 individuals have been nominated for 2008 Volunteer and Customer Service Professional of the Year awards.

Identity Theft Remains a Concern This Tax Season

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(ARA) - Each year, more Americans choose to file their taxes online due to convenience, faster turn around on refunds and more accurate returns. In fact, the Internal Revenue Service reported that more than 86 million taxpayers filed taxes online during the 2008 tax-filing season, a 12 percent increase from the previous year.

Tips to Bring Your PC Up to Speed

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(ARA) - Your PC isn't very old, but it sure is slow - so slow that you would love to replace it with something new and speedy. But a new computer just isn't in the budget in this tough economy.

Eco-easy Office Solutions: Go Green and Save

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(Family Features) With the current focus on increased environmental sustainability, conservation is quickly gaining momentum as a business necessity. Many companies are selecting green products to decrease their own impacts on the environment while saving money and resources. So, how can you and your office make green choices and make a difference?

Three Savings Strategies to Recover from a Tax Bill

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(ARA) - As April 15 creeps closer and closer, many Americans may be facing the unpleasant reality that their paycheck withholdings weren't enough to cover their taxes and they'll need to dip into their savings to cover the bill.

Bulldogs Have Fourth Bowl Practice In Orlando

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Georgia’s football team practiced for 90 minutes Monday at Olympia High School in Orlando as preparations continued for the Capital One Bowl versus Michigan State.

Steve Addazio Named UF's Offensive Coordinator

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Steve Addazio has been named offensive coordinator for the University of Florida. Addazio, who also served as offensive coordinator at Indiana before joining UF’s staff in 2005, has been with Coach Meyer six years (four at Florida and two at Notre Dame).

Florida State Routs Wisconsin for Champs Sports Bowl Victory

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Derek Nicholson and Dekoda Watson returned fumbles for touchdowns, Christian Ponder threw two TD passes and Florida State routed Wisconsin 42-13 Saturday in the Champs Sports Bowl.

JU men’s lacrosse announces first signing class

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Matt Kerwick has been a busy man since taking over as the first head men’s lacrosse coach at Jacksonville University. On Monday, Kerwick announced the signing of 11 players that will make up the Dolphins first team when it takes the field in 2010.

How to Make Your Long Distance Relationship Work

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(ARA) - You finally met the person of your dreams. There's just one small problem -- you live hundreds of miles apart and neither of you is able or willing to move. You face the challenge of the "long distance relationship" -- a lifestyle choice for about 25 million people around the world.

Purrrsonality Plus: Understanding Your Cat's Behavior

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

They're finicky, fastidious and so very, very feline. But being quirky is part of their unique charm, and that's exactly why we love cats. What other animal walks such a fine line between affection and aloofness? One minute she's purring melodiously in your lap; the next she's stalking your stocking feet. For creatures that spend two-thirds of their lives asleep, cats certainly find time to make their fair share of mischief.

Make this a Garden Season to Enjoy

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(ARA) - The catalogues are starting to pile up and the list of landscape improvements grows longer each day. Don’t let this overwhelm or discourage you. Instead spend a bit of time planning now for better results in your garden. You will be amazed how much fun you can have while achieving your landscape goals under budget and within your schedule.

Winter Warm-Ups

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(Family Features) Cold Januarys - like the ones here in Ohio - make me feel like summer is so far away! But I have some recipes that warm me up and fill the house with such wonderful smells that I soon forget about the cold of outside.

How to Score With Your Big Game Day Party

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(ARA) - Planning a party for the big game day shouldn't be stressful. The atmosphere is casual and the attire is simple (your favorite team jersey); so it's a party you can sit back, relax and enjoy. A little creativity and planning ahead will ensure your gathering is a success.

Get Organized in 2009

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(ARA) - While getting organized is one of the top five New Year’s resolutions, most people’s goals fall flat because they don’t have the right tools or advice to help them develop a system that works.

Governor Crist reappoints Yablonski to FWC

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Governor Charlie Crist has reappointed Brian S. Yablonski to a second five-year term on the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Reward offered for information about bear killed in Taylor County

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is asking for the public’s help in determining who killed a Florida black bear near Shady Grove in Taylor County.

Spotted seatrout fishing season to reopen

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

The recreational harvest season for spotted seatrout will reopen in South Florida on Jan. 1. Spotted seatrout harvest has been closed since Nov. 1 in South Florida to help maintain an abundant fishery.

New Gulf grouper, amberjack and triggerfish rules take effect Jan. 1

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission advises anglers that new rules to help manage gag and red grouper, greater amberjack and gray triggerfish in Gulf of Mexico waters take effect on Jan. 1.

Closing Florida State Parks Makes No Sense

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

By SANDRA FRIEND

A family driving through Florida on vacation sees a state park sign and makes a turn off US 27. A few minutes later, they reach the main gate of Dudley Farm Historic State Park. The gate is locked, with a sign: "Closed for 2009."

Making Sense

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

By MICHAEL REAGAN

Listening to some of those on the left you'd think that Barack Obama had suddenly announced he had changed parties and enrolled as a pro-life Republican, while over on the right some malcontents worry that he has abandoned genuine Christianity and become a member of a heretical sect.

Cartoon of the Day

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Martha's Big Adventure

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

By MARTHA RANDOLPH CARR

New Year's resolutions are all about throwing ourselves into the future, which can ruin the present moment. We are encouraged to draw up a list of everything we don't like about ourselves and resolve to fix them all, all at once.

The Joke's on Men

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

By TOM PURCELL

The economy is in tatters and folks are sour. Thank goodness there's always one thing to cheer us up: male bashing.

The Year in Quotes - Interviews from 2008

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

By BILL STEIGERWALD

The crash of the economy and the rise of Barack Obama were the big stories of the last year, and both were hot topics in interviews with pundits, authors, think tank experts and newsmakers. Here are some of the interesting, smart or worrisome quotes from 2008:

Annual Medicaid Fraud Report released

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Attorney General Bill McCollum and Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Holly Bensonreleased the state’s annual Medicaid fraud report Monday, highlighting the importance of increased vigilance against Medicaid fraud.

Florida’s Kindergarteners Show Continued Growth in Early Learning

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

TALLAHASSEE – The number of Florida’s Kindergarteners showing early literacy skills reached its highest point to date according to the 2008 Florida Kindergarten Readiness Screener (FLKRS) results released today by the Florida Department of Education. The screening measures each Kindergartener’s readiness in seven areas, including language and literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, social and personal skills, physical health and fitness and the creative arts.

Consumer confidence rises over optimism about the future

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Consumer confidence among Floridians rose five points to 67 in December, reflecting optimism about new presidential leadership in January despite unprecedented pessimism about personal finances, a new University of Florida study finds.

DEP assists in Whooping Crane Reintroduction Project

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

ST. MARKS – Today the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced the anticipated arrival of a flock of endangered whooping cranes to the region in January. The cranes’ arrival is a part of the Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership’s (WCEP) Whooping Crane Reintroduction Project at the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. An international partnership of public and private organizations, WCEP is conducting the reintroduction project in an effort to return this endangered species to its historic range in eastern North America.

Safer Schools

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

In 2003, a student's discovery of 8.5 fluid ounces of elemental mercury in an unlocked chemistry cabinet forced a high school in Washington, D.C., to close for 35 days. The cleanup cost more than $1 million.

Top Ten 2009 Gardening Trends

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

(ARA) - Americans craving authenticity and fretting over a bleak economy have reinvigorated the trend to grow-it-yourself (GIY). From blueberries to houseplants, GIY is the new mantra as folks turn "back to the future" to simplify their lives while gardening for the greener good.

Jacksonville Looks at Animals

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0000

Jacksonville Looks at Animals will be a community exhibition that draws from an on-line digital photography contest in partnership with the Florida Times-Union. Photograph your favorite animals at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, animals in the wild, or your favorite pet. Each photo entered by a member of the community will be accompanied with a brief statement about why they were looking at this particular animal.