I’ve been thinking a lot about guns lately. Frankly, guns make me very uncomfortable, as does electricity, high places and water. Let me explain, because I don’t think I’m overly neurotic. Let’s start with water. I love to drink it … Find out how to read more online.

Last week, the Answer Man wrote about the hackers’ targets pasted on the backs of small businesses, the “sitting ducks,” unprepared to hack back. It was about banks and small businesses nationally losing $2 billion a year to cyber thieves … Find out how to read more online.

You can hardly turn around in Charlotte County without bumping into a hibiscus of some type. The hibiscus is one of the most popular shrubs in our area due to its tropical nature and color. From low, spreading types to … Find out how to read more online.

Dorothy Carter is a woman on a mission. Taking advantage of Senior Discount Day on a Monday afternoon last month at Bealls Outlet in Punta Gorda, the Gulf Cove resident searched for hard-to-find 95 percent discount items to donate to … Find out how to read more online.

Michelle and John Wilson of North Port have had many dogs over the years and they have all been rescues so far. As of right now they currently are pet free, but one never knows when that will change. Most … Find out how to read more online.

The appalling tragedy that has come to light recently in Cleveland, Ohio, brings back memories to many longtime residents of our area of a ghastly story about an another abduction that took place 45 years ago, the kidnapping of Barbara Mackle. … Find out how to read more online.

The school year is ending and the long hot days of summer are fast approaching. Summer is a time for children to enjoy reading and catch up on all their favorite books and authors. Experts agree that those who read … Find out how to read more online.

After two years of working with the Englewood Center for Sustainability, helping the Englewood Farmer’s Market get into gear and working with the CRA on some projects, I was finally going to be able to take a breath knowing that … Find out how to read more online.

I am sure you all remember the song by Allen Sherman called “Camp Granada,” You know, the one that starts with “Hello Mudder, Hello Fadder, here I am in Camp Granada.” The song actually says “Hello Mothah, Hello Faddah” but … Find out how to read more online.

The luna moth is believed to be fairly common from Canada to northern Mexico and Florida but is rarely seen. This is only one of the few I have encountered. It is one of the most beautiful and one of the largest moths in … Find out how to read more online.

Love bugs are curious creatures that appear a few times a year and then vanish. While more of an annoying phenomenon than anything else, love bugs have curious behaviors and life cycles that are underappreciated and misunderstood by the general … Find out how to read more online.

Larry Brady did what he normally does this time of year. The 70-year-old South Gulf Cove resident went to the Englewood post office to forward his mail temporarily for the next few months he’d be living in New York State. … Find out how to read more online.

ONA — I see empty dog food cans, beer bottles, soda cans, juice jugs and milk bottles in my recycling bin. Howard Solomon might see an octopus window-washing team (“they really stick to it”). Solomon sees art and irony in … Find out how to read more online.

Enjoy a Free Monday Night Movie on the big screen at 5 p.m. Monday. This week’s film stars Colin Firth and is based on the novel “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Tracy Chevalier. It is the story of a … Find out how to read more online.

It was December 2005. The heavy black smoke from the fire bellowed up and drifted westward over Gottfried Creek. It could be seen all over town. Traffic snarled on SR 776 as drivers slowed to get a glimpse of the … Find out how to read more online.

When I encounter wood ducks in Florida or Virginia, I can only marvel at these peacocks of the pond. The female is drab and camouflaged, but the male is absolutely stunning in its coat of many colors. Wood ducks are … Find out how to read more online.

The drama surrounding Warm Mineral Springs is both maddening and amusing. The Springs have been exactly where they are now for eons and they won’t be going anywhere, whether they are owned by the public or a private company. Strangely … Find out how to read more online.

With increasing numbers of people bringing in an insect pest for identification called a bagworm (not to be confused with the indoor household casebearer), I thought that it would be a good idea to reveal some information on this cryptic … Find out how to read more online.

In July 2011, Sally Smith received a phone call from Nationwide Readers Service to “renew or update” her magazine subscriptions. She only subscribes to National Geographic. “I was assured the call was coming from National Geographic,” the Punta Gorda resident … Find out how to read more online.

When she was little, Angie Taillon loved going to school. When the school year ended, she would call her school every day of the summer. “I used to call and say, ‘Do you know who my teacher is?’” she said. … Find out how to read more online.