S.C. labor force aging: Baby boomers and quasi-retired boost older worker population

Experts point to aging baby boomers, lifestyle choices and cyclical economic factors as reasons for the swell of older workers. Read More

TriCounty Link expanding routes to Dorchester, Berkeley; All rides for free for next three months

The promotion is in conjunction with the rural bus system's unveiling of expanded commuter express routes to and from Ridgeville, Summerville, Moncks Corner and Goose Creek that also begin Tuesday. Read More

Thrill rides don't make ruckus

Five months after loud concern was raised downtown over a plan to open a power ski rental business and the arrival of a high-speed tourist boat ride, it's turned out to be largely white noise. Read More

Proposal to increase fines for tampering with livestock fences, gates

Rep. Chip Limehouse is drafting a bill that could increase the fines from $1,000 to $10,000 for maliciously tampering with fences or gates on a corral. Read More

More than $800,000 and a plan to stop violence

Three nursing professionals from Medical University of South Carolina have embarked upon an ambitious project to tackle violence. And their multi-pronged solution is about as complex as the problem. Read More

It will take more than cookies to fix up this house

Camp Low Country is one of the few scout camps with a whimsical mansion at its center, but the grand 1927 hunting lodge built by E.F. Hutton co-founder George Ellis has proven to be both a blessing and a curse. Read More

S.C. Republicans eagerly await their turn

Lowcountry delegates say this week's Republican National Convention is crucial to getting out GOP hopeful Sen. John McCain's message and to offset the momentum that the Democrats built after they wrapped up their convention in Denver last week. Read More

Tigers' ground game grinds to halt as Alabama swamps Clemson

ATLANTA - Clemson will take home a cool $2 million for playing Saturday's highly anticipated showdown against Alabama. The No. 9 Tigers would probably give it all back to purge the memory of a positively devastating 34-10 defeat at the hands of the No. 24 Crimson Tide in front of a packed Georgia Dome - not to mention a national television audience that tuned in to see if this Clemson team was indeed for real. Read More

Wofford 38, Presbyterian 21

Liberty 49, North Greenville 10

Valdosta State 14, Newberry 9

NEWBERRY - A late comeback for Division II No. 20 Newberry College fell just short, as No. 1 Valdosta State left Setzler Field with a win in front of a crowd of 4,589. Read More

Spurrier waits on decision

Quarterback Beecher's status still uncertain

COLUMBIA - While most of the country was playing Saturday, South Carolina's football team was busy making news without a game. Quarterback Tommy Beecher, who struggled mightily Thursday in his first career start, has a banged-up left shoulder and sat out practice. Steve Spurrier said he might not practice today, but should be available Thursday against Vanderbilt (8:30 p.m., ESPN). Read More

Are you thinking more about your 401(k) plan?

Many workers may see recent drops in the value of their employer-sponsored, mostly self-funded retirement programs and are asking whether they should be making changes. Here are some answers. Read More

Crumbling roads, bridges become big money-making gambits

Sophisticated investment firms have amassed an estimated $250 billion war chest to finance a tidal wave of infrastructure projects in the United States and overseas. Their strategy is gaining steam in the U.S. as federal, state and local governments previously wary of private funds struggle under mounting deficits. Read More

Why some recording companies avoid iTunes

With few exceptions, Apple's online music store requires songs be made available separately because consumers strongly prefer that. But a chorus of label executives, managers and artists, like the Eagles, want to sell an entire album only. Yet shunning iTunes carries risks. Read More

Disenchanted man seeks 'real' wife

ATMOSPHERIC DISTURBANCES. By Rivka Galchen. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 240 pages. $24. Rivka Galchen's first novel, "Atmospheric Disturbances," is a brainy, convoluted tale, just the thing for sharpening up summer-slack minds. With a repertoire that includes quantum theory... Read More

Watching over the waters

The man who wants to be a watchdog wears blue tint shades, rubber waders and a ballcap that says "Riverkeeper." Cyrus Buffum picks through debris on the waterline in Charleston Harbor - twisted fishing lines, broken beer bottles. He grunts to himself and kicks at the sharp edge of an old pipe sticking up. He's spent 20-30 hours per week for the past eight months singlehandedly laying the groundwork to become a Charleston Waterkeeper, the estuary's equivalent of a protector roaming in a boat looking for polluters, dumpers and anybody else who's dirtying the water. Read More

Novel worth a read for human element

THE CREATOR'S MAP. By Emilio Calderon. Penguin. 260 pages. $24.95. This atmospheric, well-paced espionage novel throws an everyday human being into an intriguing world of superstition and fascist politics. It's the tale of Jose Maria, a Spanish architect in 1930s Ro... Read More

Powerful playwright passes

A powerful light went out on Broadway on Aug. 11 when playwright George Furth, who won a Tony Award for the book of the musical "Company," died at 75 in a Santa Monica, Calif., hospital. Although often overshadowed by his musical partner, Stephen Sondheim, George was viewed by many as changing the concept of the musical comedy. With his acerbic wit and sharp observations, he dared to point out that things don't always turn out for the best, but that you still can have one hell of a time anyway. Read More

St. Francis biography has errors

A MENDED AND BROKEN HEART: The Life and Love of Francis of Assisi. By Wendy Murray. Basic Books. 189 pages. $25.95. St. Francis of Assisi is one of the most popular of saints, and legions of writers have attempted his biography; a large number of their books also f... Read More

Deaths Summary

Learn about building with salvage

Marble tile, granite countertops, wood flooring and kitchen appliances at half the cost of retail. Reusing items that would otherwise end up in a landfill. That's the premise behind auction houses and centers that peddle donated and salvaged home materials, such as Murco Recycling Enterprises, an Illinois-based company that auctions off home parts just before a property is demolished. Read More

Found kittens purrfect pets

About a year ago, I found six tiny kittens in our garage. A neighborhood momma cat had left them there while the garage door was open. I put the little critters inside an old pet carrier and put the carrier in our backyard near the house. Then I waited for the momma to return and get her babies. Read More

Saving money in a bathroom

HGTV offers these tips for saving money in a bathroom: Read More

The Gloved One turns 50

Here's something really off the wall: Michael Jackson turned 50 Friday. To celebrate, we take a look back. Shom-on! Read More

Good avian reference books out there

Choosing a birding field guide is a little like choosing a spouse. You have to find it attractive, of course, but that's just not enough for the long haul. You need something smart, reliable. Something that won't fail you when you need it most. Something compact enough to carry on a long hike but comprehensive enough to help you identify an unfamiliar bird when you're 10 miles out on a trail with nobody to ask for help. Read More

Johnson hoping for a repeat of last year

One year ago Jimmie Johnson roared into the championship chase on the heels of a pair of victories at California and Richmond - a run that helped propel him to his second consecutive Sprint Cup Series championship. Read More

STIRRING IT UP WITH ... CARL PIONTEK

FOOD Read More

Bulldogs christen stadium makeover by grilling Webber

The "new" Johnson Hagood Stadium was ready for its debut Saturday night, and so was The Citadel's 2008 football team. Bulldog fans reveled in new luxury suites and a fancy club-level lounge, while the Bulldogs themselves reveled in a 54-7 whipping of NAIA squad Webber International before 11,247 spectators. Read More

Muslims to observe Ramadan

This week, Muslims enter the ninth and holiest month of the lunar calendar: Ramadan. Read More

Both story, original a bit bland

THE BOOK OF LOVE: The Story of the Kama Sutra. By James McConnachie. Henry Holt. 272 pages. $27.50. The ancient Indian "Kama Sutra" is synonymous with exotic lovemaking. Over the course of its 1,700-year history, it has represented everything from forbidden pornography to... Read More

SUNDAY CALENDAR

Murder tale will grab readers from outset

STILL WATERS. By Nigel McCrery. Pantheon. 275 pages. $23.95. Every writer needs a hook, and Nigel McCrery provides just that in the prologue of "Still Waters." He throws out the line and snags the reader right away. This shocking opening is one tantalizing lead-in. Read More

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Baseball iron clock hits homer as a rarity

Cast-iron and other molded metal clock cases were used in the 19th century. Because the case could be molded, the clock could have very elaborate raised designs. Read More

'Shrek' on Broadway; Radcliffe in 'Equus'

NEW YORK - "Shrek" sings. So does "Billy Elliot." Daniel Radcliffe strips, and Katie Holmes likely will dodge paparazzi. Here's a peek at five stage attractions this fall on Broadway: Read More

FAITH Q and A

TRAVEL Q and A

We are considering a vacation in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Is this a safe place to travel? Are there any dietary restrictions? Read More

Clever cover-ups

Newer fabrics and styles can help breathe new life into room

In search of a fresh fall look for your home? You may want to consider using slipcovers. The covers, once strictly utilitarian, are more likely these days to be seen as an attractive, economical way to infuse new life into a room. That's because of the significant increase in the range of ready-made slipcover styles over the past several years. It's not hard to find ones designed for chairs and sofas with cushions or that have buttons and pleats. Read More

Officials enlist public to help catch firebug

String of blazes has police and fire departments baffled, neighborhoods on edge

Is the arsonist preying on Charleston's West Side a firebug bent on urban renewal? Or perhaps an angry opponent to gentrification? Or is he simply someone who gets his jollies watching fires burn? - if indeed it is just one person behind the blazes. A task force of fire officials and law enforcement investigators is trying to answer such questions in its quest to solve the baffling string of suspicious fires that have bedeviled authorities for years. Read More

Maltin forges his own persona as film critic

Call them the Seven Wonders of the (Film) World. There is a set of indispensable books that should be on the shelves or end tables of film critics and film buffs everywhere. The first five are James Agee's terse, classic "On Film"; Pauline Kael's brash, emotional "I Lost It at the Movies"; David Thomson's erudite and provocative The Biographical Dictionary of Film; and the two periodically updated guides popularized by the late British movie critic and historian Leslie Halliwell, Halliwell's Filmgoer's Companion and Halliwell's Film Guide. Read More

Hard Times at Hard Rock

Grand Strand's first major theme park singing the blues over low attendance

MYRTLE BEACH — For once, the Eagles are playing to an empty house. A concert runs on TVs for folks waiting to ride a roller coaster based on the band's hardest-rocking song. But the wait these days is less than a minute — no time to check out the Hotel Californ... Read More

TNA on verge of getting Foley from WWE

TNA landed one of its biggest coups in the five-year history of the company with the imminent acquisition of Mick Foley. According to sources, Foley has agreed to contractual terms, but it's not clear when he can legally begin working for TNA. Read More

Prostitution persists despite police efforts

Some call them ladies of the evening, but they often can be found strolling the upper stretches of King Street well past dawn. And they're not all ladies. As children trudged to three nearby schools one morning last week, a woman who admitted to working the streets chatted with a Charleston County schools crossing guard. A city councilman who lives nearby said he's had to chase male and female prostitutes off his porch. "They used to be right in front of my door," said Charleston Councilman Robert Mitchell, who lives on King near Huger Street. "You see cars picking them up at night. Nice cars - you'd be surprised." Read More

Bulldogs shut out

ORLANDO, Fla. - Freshman Latavius Murray scored two touchdowns to help Central Florida defeat South Carolina State, 17-0, on Saturday. Read More

Reception to honor women

South Carolina may rank last in terms of the percentage of women serving in its Legislature, but women politicians who have made a difference here will be honored Sept. 10 at a reception in Columbia. Read More

CITADEL - HOW THEY SCORED

Burke's prose still beautiful

SWAN PEAK. By James Lee Burke. Simon & Schuster. 402 pages. $25.95. "You have trouble with rich people, Streak," the sheriff says to deputy/detective Dave Robicheaux about halfway through "Swan Peak," the new mystery from James Lee Burke. Truer words wer... Read More

'Festival for the soul' to stop here

Franklin Graham, famous son of the famous evangelist Billy Graham, will come to North Charleston in September for the fifth leg of a six-city 2008 festival tour. Read More

Home sellers learn tough lessons

HACKENSACK, N.J. - In October 2005, David Raimondi put his 100-year-old Allendale, N.J., house and barn on the market, asking $525,000. It's been almost three years, and the property still has not sold. Read More

Faculty exhibit in the party mood

Glitter, balloons, party hats. Is there a party going on at the College of Charleston's Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art? In fact, no. It's "Diving Dunce," an exhibition by faculty member Loul Samater, whose work is derived from memories of growing up in such places as Saudi Arabia, where she was born, and learning the customs of this country. She has arranged party decor in a setting that she hopes creates a tension for viewers, leaving them to question whether the party is over, or whether it has yet to begin, thus challenging viewers to consider whether they are participants or observers. Read More

2 dead in motorcycle, car collision

A collision in Ladson between a motorcycle and a car instantly took the lives of the drivers of both vehicles, authorities said. The 1 p.m. accident on Ladson Road shut down a section of the road for several hours while investigators worked the scene. Read More

Politicians reach out on Internet

COLUMBIA — Political strategists are predicting that this year's presidential election will revolutionize South Carolina politics when it comes to using the Internet to stay connected to the public. Phil Noble, president of S.C. New Democrats, said many legislators are communicating ... Read More

GARDEN CALENDAR

NOTES & EVENTS

Furman 62, Mars Hill 14

GREENVILLE - Jordan Sorrells passed for three touchdowns and rushed for another to lead Furman past Mars Hill. Read More

Final picks ahead for the Ryder Cup

Although the Ryder Cup Matches won't be played until Sept. 19-21 at Valhalla, near Louisville, Ky., this will be a big week for the Ryder Cup. European captain Nick Faldo will announce his two at-large selections today after the completion of the Johnnie Walker Championship; U.S. captain Paul Azinger will make his picks known Tuesday in New York. Read More

Jordan shines in emergency start

Citadel freshman Asheton Jordan found out just a couple of hours before The Citadel's season opener Saturday night that he would get his first college start. Read More

PET CALENDAR

ACES

Pick a sofa for comfort, lifestyle and decor

Soon, the ever-shortening days will be cooler, signaling one of my favorite times of the year: couch-potato season. On a cool fall night, I like nothing better than to curl up on the sofa to watch a favorite show or bury my nose in a good book. Read More

Fort falls victim to late comeback

Greenville scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to hand Fort Dorchester a 28-21 loss on Saturday night. Read More

Tile options

Here's a quiz to help you determine what type of tile is best for your house: Read More

Dawgs collar Eagles

ATHENS, Ga. - The collar fit, and for at least one game, so did the crown. Matthew Stafford threw for a career-high 275 yards with two touchdowns and Georgia, ranked No. 1 to start a season for the first time, beat Georgia Southern, 45-21, on Saturday to give new mascot Uga VII a win in his debut. Read More

Stall renames football field for longtime staffer Davis

Lynda Davis showed up at Stall High School Friday night thinking she was there to flip the coin to determine which team would kick off when the Warriors battled Baptist Hill. But she was in for a surprise. The school decided to rename its football field after her as a reward for her hard work and dedication. Read More

HAPPENINGS

BOOKS Read More

This standby in the landscape hard to kill

We went to Hooters. Let me back up. This past weekend we saw two great horned owls in our backyard. They were perched 29 feet up a dead tree, staring down at us. They were magnificent. I know it's a bit of a stretch, but isn't it odd we ended up at Hooters this weekend, too? I've never been to Hooters. Read More

Local reader provides unidentified tall herb

I'm pleased to introduce you to young Herrick Brown, a former undergraduate student of mine, now with a master's degree, and my assistant curator here at the University of South Carolina Herbarium. Read More

Yes, we can celebrate racial progress

Barack Obama might not be elected president. If he is, he might not be a good president. But his election would send one extremely good message: A black person can win the White House. Read More

PET BRIEFS

To our readers

The Post and Courier will publish as usual on Labor Day, but curtailed schedules will be observed in order to give a holiday to as many employees as possible. Read More

Author expects more in series

T. Lynn Ocean came ashore in unconventional fashion. The traditional trajectory in genre book publishing is to prove one's self in paperback before earning the reward and prestige of a hardcover release. But prestige does not always translate into increased book sales, nor does it guarantee an author an expanded audience. Read More

Red Cross volunteers step up

John Flinn didn't need to see the horrors of Hurricane Katrina to convince him to volunteer with the American Red Cross; he's helped nonprofits for years. But the threat of storms brewing off the coast didn't hurt. "We need all the help we can get," Flinn said. "We need to help each other out. We're on the earthquake fault line and we've got hurricanes." Read More

Some brides make cuts, others splurge

FRESNO, Calif. - A tight economy has some brides using homemade wedding cakes instead of bakery cakes and iPods instead of DJs. Yet others spare no expense for a once-in-a-lifetime blowout with limousines, top-of-the-line photography and romantic ceremonies at wineries. Read More

Leaving positive trace on trek through nature

RIVER OF NO RETURN WILDERNESS, IDAHO - The three words - leave no trace - sum up the outdoor ethic of the Boy Scouts of America and of many other outdoor enthusiasts. They mean we should pick up our own trash, douse and scatter our campfire embers and not even think about carving our initials into a tree trunk, even a dead one. Read More

Firm designs HALOs charm

South Carolina-based jewelry company HandPicked is launching a social awareness initiative with HALOS, the nonprofit providing support for abused and neglected children in Charleston County. The partnership will result in a piece of jewelry designed with HALOS in mind and sold at HandPicked's 13 stores in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. The initiative is called HeartPicked. Profits from the sale of the HALOS charm will be donated to the agency. Read More

Deaths and Funerals

Hydrox cookie's comeback a big deal for fans

Food news that flew under the radar last week: Hydrox cookies are making a comeback. Big deal, you may say. Oh, but it is to a large number of people. Read More

Hurt feelings are hard to heal

The proverb "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me," has traditionally provided comfort and a form of defense against name-calling. But, according to an article in the journal of the Association for Psychological Science, memories of emotional pain remain in the mind long after the effects of physical pain have worn off. Read More

Better late than never

The Citadel swept a doubleheader Saturday night. The Bulldogs clobbered Webber International and rust, not necessarily in that order. Fans got a 54-7 season-opening win and, what's more, a bulldog the size of an SUV. A rout was expected, considering The Citadel a year ago pummeled the Warriors, 76-0. Read More

Sisters closer to showdown

NEW YORK - Less than two months ago, the Williams sisters played each other in the Wimbledon final. Because of the quirks of rankings and the vagaries of tournament draws, they are on track to meet in the U.S. Open quarterfinals. Is that disappointing? Read More

Boaters push for kill-switch

Seth Cantley found what he was looking for on his third frantic dive into the murky waters of the Wappoo Cut. About 10 feet down, he felt an arm and pulled the unconscious man to the surface. Rescue workers immediately started CPR. They turned the man on his side and pushed hard to force the water from his lungs. Then Cantley heard one of them say, "I've got a heartbeat!" On July 29, the man's boat struck a dock, and he was thrown to the rear of the vessel and knocked out. For 35 minutes, Cantley and other onlookers watched as the 22-foot boat ran full throttle in circles, striking everything in its path. Read More

John'sIsland woman hit, killed by car

A John's Island woman was fatally injured Saturday when struck by a car while walking near her home. Read More

Decorating bedroom all about mood

Decorating a bedroom is a personal pursuit. This is a private room where you spend important hours resting and relaxing, and the mood you create should always enhance your feeling of well-being. Ask yourself: Is this a room I want to relax in, or do I want a bit of drama? Do I want it to be cheerful or have a nostalgic feel? These four moods will help you choose the colors and furnishings. Read More

No easy fix for expensive problem

Melinda Ballard felt so bad that she wondered if she had cancer. Eventually, she learned her illness was related to mold in the leaky Dripping Springs, Texas, home where she lived before moving to Charleston. "You almost feel like you're dying because it's such chronic fatigue," Ballard said. Read More

Twin Cities' political past unveiledIf you go

MINNEAPOLIS - Hosting a Republican National Convention is old hat to Minnesota. Across the Mississippi River from present-day Minneapolis skyscrapers once stood an exhibition hall where Republicans nominated Benjamin Harrison for a second term as president in 1892. Harrison met defeat to Democrat Grover Cleveland, and the Industrial Exposition Building met the wrecking ball a half-century later. Read More

Beloved former bad guy Kowalski dies at 81

Legendary pro wrestler Walter "Killer" Kowalski passed away late Friday night at a Massachesetts hospital at the age of 81. Kowalski had spent several months at a nursing home earlier this year due to knee problems. Read More

One-on-One with Nelson Akwari

What's it going to be like to play against D.C. United in the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday? "It's going to be awesome. There are a lot of guys playing in the MLS that don't get this chance, so I'm really looking forward to it. It would so huge for this club to win a Cup championship. The ownership group, the coaching staff, the fans all deserve it. It would be a great accomplishment. It would be great for the USL as well." Read More

No. 22 Penn State 66, Coastal Carolina 10

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Evan Royster ran for three touchdowns and Derrick Williams had an 89-yard kickoff return for another score as Joe Paterno tied Florida State's Bobby Bowden atop the career wins list (373) for major college coaches in the 22nd-ranked Nittany Lions' rout of Coastal Carolina. Read More

Magnolia's new volunteer project

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens on Ashley River Road has been selected as a site for a new "Volunteer Days" program being launched by the Cultural Landscape Foundation and Garden Design magazine. Volunteers, including families, are invited to work in the gardens Sept. 6 and 7 to learn abou... Read More

Faith leaders offer words of wisdom

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Financial analysts, advisers and observers are trying to help worried consumers as they face bad economic news in jobs, housing, food and gasoline prices and other areas. Read More

When less isn't always more

'Less is more!" Robert Browning said it first in "Andrea del Sarto." A century later, the architect Mies van der Rohe made the aphorism famous. It's a great rule for writers, but it is one of those rules of thumb that could use an extra finger. Read More

Targeted cuts best answer to state's budget shortfall

My dad always taught me that if you're going to offer "constructive criticism," try and say something nice up front - and in that vein I want to compliment the General Assembly for its work this year on a number of fronts. Read More

Funding support needed to eliminate early releases

The state of South Carolina shouldn't put law-abiding citizens at reckless and potentially fatal risk by releasing violent criminals who have served only a small percentage of their prison terms. Yet it still does in some cases, as documented in thorough, heartbreaking and occasionally infuriating detail by a five-day Post and Courier series that ended Thursday. And though abolishing parole for violent offenders sounds inviting, it wouldn't be a simple task - or necessarily the best way to solve this problem. Read More

Author provides beautiful literary experience

OFF SEASON. By Anne Rivers Siddons. Grand Central. 358 pages. $24.99. In her latest literary foray, "Off Season," Anne Rivers Siddons leads her readers to a rocky and remote Maine coast, stuns them with the beauty of her descriptive passages and, ultimately, with h... Read More

Get cooking with solar oven

I want to use solar energy to cook some foods, such as steaming rice, veggies, etc., because my kitchen gets very hot. Is this feasible? Can I buy a solar cooker or do I have to try to build one myself? Read More

Another win for Ed Sloan, S.C.'s top citizen watchdog

It can be safely said that there is no other private citizen who has personally invested as much as Greenville's Edward Sloan in trying to make officials at all levels of S.C. government follow the law. Read More

New film raises disability issues

The new comedy movie "Tropic Thunder" has ignited more than just thunder due to its use of the word "retard." Read More

Letters to the Editor

Public survey on toll road reveals split views

The idea of building a toll road across Johns Island still fires up controversy despite the results of a public survey designed to bring some clarity to a contentious proposal. Charleston County officials have posted on the county's Web site a summary of 1,274 comments they received about the proposed road known as the Sea Islands Parkway. Read More

Foundation working to preserve black church

HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. - Centennial Baptist Church sits silently on a downtown street, its doors locked and window panes so clouded light has trouble getting in. The roof is sagging and some shingles are missing. The foundation has started to crack. Read More

Motorcycle and car collision takes two lives

Engine kill switch could have helped injured boater

The S.C. Department of Natural Resources has other safety tips for boaters who are taking to the waterways this Labor Day weekend. Read More

SLED to study auditor's office report

SLED will take a closer look at an investigation of the Dorchester County auditor's office to see if criminal charges are warranted. The audit from accounting firm Dixon Hughes showed four clerks lowering car tax bills by giving multiple discounts, downgrading the condition of vehicles without documentation, and apparently falsifying mileage. Read More

State politics branching out on the Web

Statehouse politics are moving more and more to the Web as legislators increasingly use new media to communicate with constituents, and some like Sen. Kevin Bryant have become proficient bloggers. Candidates must utilize the Web to stay competitive in this new marketplace of ideas, according political Internet consultant Wesley Donehue. Read More

Fighting mold in the Lowcountry

Problems with mold in houses here are not unusual, experts say. Read More

Myrtle Beach writer took unconventional publishing path

The traditional trajectory in genre book publishing is to prove one's self in paperback before earning the reward and prestige of a hardcover release. Read More

Gadfly in the estuary

Cyrus Buffum has spent 20-30 hours per week for the past eight months singlehandedly laying the groundwork to become a Charleston Waterkeeper, the estuary's equivalent of a vigilante roaming in a boat looking for polluters, dumpers and anybody else who's dirtying the water. Read More

Maltin's latest movie guide out

Leonard Maltin is back with the 2009 edition - his 39th - of the bestselling, annually updated movie guide, and with more than 17,000 films it remains one of the most reliable ready references for movie pros and fans. Read More

Officials turn up the heat on arson investigation

A task force of fire officials and law enforcement investigators is working to solve a baffling string of suspicious fires in Charleston's downtown area that have bedeviled authorities for years. Read More

Upper King prostitution a problem, residents say, but situation improving

The odd mix of streetwalkers and school children has become part of the morning landscape on Upper King. As obvious as the prostitution is now, residents, civic leaders and school officials said things have gotten better. Read More

Lawyer wants man tried as juvenile

BEAUFORT -The lawyer for a man whom authorities say ran a scam with his girlfriend where they claimed she was pregnant with quintuplets says his client was 16 when he was arrested and shouldn't be tried as an adult. Read More

Deadline set for Farm Bill programs

The Natural Resources Conservation Service set a Sept. 30 deadline for two of its Farm Bill assistance programs. The service provides financial and technical assistance to help South Carolina landowners address natural resource concerns, promote environmental quality and protect wildlife habitat. Read More

Columbia patient who shot self dies

COLUMBIA - The patient at a Columbia hospital who shot herself in the head after grabbing a prison officer's gun has died. Read More

Walker lifts Lakewood over Colleton County

WALTERBORO - John Walker carried 32 times for 204 yards on his way to three touchdowns, and the Lakewood Gators edged Colleton County, 28-25. Read More

Man reports being beaten, robbed

A man reported being hit on the head with a gun and robbed while he was opening the trunk of his car in downtown Charleston early Friday, police said. Read More

5 of 11 stolen dogs back with owners

SUMMERVILLE - Five of 11 beagles stolen from a hunting club in Hanahan were returned to their owners after one of the dogs was seen running loose on Candle Drive this week, the Berkeley County Sheriff's Office said. Read More

Tigers edge Wave

SUMMERVILLE - Conway came through with several big plays to win a slugfest in Summerville Friday. The Green Wave looked to be an even match for the Tigers and finished the game with 264 offensive yards compared to Conway's 248. However, with crafty tailback Seth Moreland leading the way, the Tigers broke big plays to earn a 21-20 win over the Green Wave. Read More

Cohen leads Wildcats past Dolphins

West Ashley claimed just the second season-opening win in school history Friday night, dealing visiting Battery Creek a 28-0 defeat. Read More

R'Dogs pound Rome

Rome, Ga. - The Charleston RiverDogs banged out a season-high 20 hits in a 15-7 South Atlantic League win over the Rome Braves at State Mutual Stadium on Friday night. Read More

Bruins deny Knights

ORANGEBURG - With fans lining the fence around the field and buzzing in the bleachers, Orangeburg-Wilkinson stopped Stratford on a two-point conversion in overtime to secure a 21-19 victory Friday night. Read More

Stags stage rally

MONCKS CORNER - In typical first-game fashion, the Berkeley Stags opened the 2008 season with an ugly win over Dutch Fork on Friday night. The Stags squandered a seemingly commanding 13-point halftime lead, allowing 27 third quarter points, only to rally in the fourth quarter for a thrilling 39-34 victory. Read More

Trojans top Gators

ROCK HILL - Northwestern quarterback Justin Worley made his first varsity start running Northwestern's "Air Raid" offense in a 42-21 win over Goose Creek on Friday night. He threw for 377 yards and six touchdowns. Read More

Bearcats pin shutout on Wando

MOUNT PLEASANT - Jamal Tyler rushed for 171 yards on just 22 carries and Rock Hill used a smothering defense en route to a 26-0 win over Wando in the season opener for both schools at steamy Wando Stadium on Friday night. Read More

McDaniel won't face suspension

CLEMSON - As expected, Clemson's athletic department announced Friday that sophomore linebacker DeAndre McDaniel will not face suspension for his June arrest - provided he fulfills all the requirements of pre-trial intervention. Read More

PICK 3

Here are three key matchups for Clemson entering tonight's game against Alabama in Atlanta: (8 p.m., WCIV):

Here are three key matchups for Clemson entering tonight's game against Alabama in Atlanta: (8 p.m., WCIV): Read More

McCain's surprise

Alaska Gov. Palin described as political reformer, wise steward of tax dollars

DAYTON, Ohio - Republican John McCain introduced first-term Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate Friday, a stunning selection of a little-known conservative newcomer who relishes fighting the establishment. Read More

Elder elegance

Elms Village sports 230 tidy homes encircling plush clubhouse and pool

Flip through a recent edition of The Elms' Viewpoint monthly newsletter, and you might see a photo of Maxine Smith's "latest guest," which is an alligator, and information about a seminar on "Gator Getters" at the community clubhouse. While little more than a news brief, the item offers a telling glimpse into The Elms' neighborhood. For an age-55-and-over community, The Elms is hardly retiring. Residents work out at the fitness center, do model crafts, play cards and go swimming. They can take a trip downtown to Charleston Music Hall, listen to a talk on hurricane preparedness or learn about living with gators while being a bit lighthearted in describing the event. Read More

Dems return home revved up

Local Democrats who made the trip to Denver this week are returning home energized by the historic convention. Read More

Bronze bulldog on guard at Citadel

Replica of mascot watches over remodeled stadium

It's a lot of dog, and that's no bull. The Citadel on Friday unveiled a new bulldog monument, a replica of Boo, the school's mascot. It stands outside the newly renovated Johnson Hagood Stadium on the corner of Hagood Avenue and Congress Street and protectively gazes toward The Citadel campus. Read More

Bus wreck causes minor injuries

WEST COLUMBIA - Authorities say a wreck between two school buses near Airport High School in West Columbia has injured the two drivers and 26 students, none seriously. Read More

Ask Elsa

It's your wannabe proofreader here: On the front page of Thursday's "Get Out" section, your reporter writes of Quaddy and Lucy Jones and their "tandem bike." Actually, it's not a tandem. The word "tandem" refers to two things in a line, one behind the other, not abreast. Most bicycles that are designed for more than one rider are tandems. However, since the Joneses sit in their vehicle side by side, it certainly is not a tandem. I'll also note that the Jones' vehicle has four wheels, so it isn't a bicycle or a bike. It's a four-wheeled cycle, quadricycle, pedal car, or velocipede. Gary, James Island. Read More

I-26 road crews to take weekend off

Holiday travelers returning from vacation Monday won't have to worry about nighttime lane closures on Interstate 26 as work continues to widen the freeway to eight lanes. Work crews will take the weekend off but will return Tuesday to concentrate efforts in the vicinity of Remount Road, where footings for a new bridge will be built and new on- and off-ramps are being added, James Law of the state Department of Transportation, said. Read More

S.C. voices offer praise, criticism

Palmetto State Republicans who make up John McCain's base here like the idea of a Vice President Sarah Palin. Other observers say the choice carries some risk. Read More

Getting 'Closer'

Kyra Sedgwick is learning from her character on "The Closer." Read More

Change is in the airlines

Get ready for higher prices, fewer flights — and paying for a pillow

ATLANTA - The grip U.S. airlines have on travelers' wallets is about to get tighter as carriers go ahead with plans to trim their domestic schedules due to the high cost of fuel. Executives acknowledge that fares will rise, discounts currently available will be scarce, and routes and frequencies of flights will be reduced as domestic capacity is cut through the end of the year. Read More

Deaths and Funerals

Officials trim $30M off proposal

SUMMERVILLE - The cost of a proposed referendum to build new schools around Summerville shrank by more than $30 million this week. Dorchester District 2 officials are studying ways to make the proposal more palatable to voters hit by rising prices and declining home values. The latest proposal, hammered out at a school board workshop Wednesday, is to borrow about $165 million, down from $195 million considered about two weeks ago. Read More

Sheet metal can cover up hole in car

I have a huge rust spot on my car, a '95 Subaru. It is not really a rust "spot," but rather a missing part of my car that has rust around it. I tried to sand it down and put Bondo on it and repaint the car, and it actually looked pretty good for a while! As impressive as my Bondo job was for a first-timer, the Bondo soon fell off, and now the huge rust hole is back. I am wondering if there is any other option besides replacing the whole part of the car. Thanks so much. Read More

Battery battles to draw against league co-leader

It wasn't exactly the result that the Battery was looking for, but with the biggest match in club history looming less than a week away, Charleston will take it. In a back-and-forth match that saw both soccer teams create plenty of quality scoring chances, the Battery and Puerto Rico were forced to settle for a scoreless draw Friday night before a crowd of 5,067 at Blackbaud Stadium and a national television audience. Read More

Racing elegance

Fast cars have proven popular enough in the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival Oct. 30-Nov. 2 for them to have their own venue: the Quest for Speed and Style. Read More

Business Briefs

Downturn hasn't slowed loan fraud

You might assume that with home purchases and new mortgage volume off by 30 percent or more in many markets during the past year, loan fraud would be down as well. Read More

Nice cars don't even hold value

'I get so frustrated when I hear people try to justify buying an expensive car they really can't afford by saying, 'Well, it'll hold its value.' The truth is, no vehicle holds its value unless it's a classic or rare car." This was the opening paragraph of a column by Michelle Singletary in The Palm Beach Post. The article, sent in by a reader, is undated, but auto-purchasing fundamentals never change. Read More

Heart honors given

Charleston woman gets grant to fight disease

Charleston resident Barbara Gathers is one of five women nationwide to be honored with a 2008 Cheerios Sisters Saving Hearts grant award for her work to raise awareness for heart disease prevention, particularly among black women. Read More

College wheels

New styles, heightened safety and loads of choices make back-to-school cars fun and affordable, according to Kelley Blue Book's www.kbb.com. Read More

Man shot at site of 2006 homicide

It must have felt like deja vu to Dorchester County sheriff's deputies. For the second time, they were called to an address in the Stratton Capers neighborhood off Ashley Phosphate Road to find a young man shot and bleeding in the roadway. Read More

High Profile: KENNY KRAWCHECK

Lawyer's life, career run like clockwork

It seems only natural that Kenny Krawcheck just moved his office into an old Broad Street house built by a watchmaker. As the Charleston lawyer himself is the first to admit, you could set your watch by him. Read More

CAR SHOWS

Cougs capture men's soccer opener

Davidson, N.C. - Jed Cordisco scored in the 41st minute for the game-winner as the College of Charleston men's soccer team opened its season with a 2-0 victory over Marshall (0-1) on Friday. Read More

Spurrier: It's embarrassing

COLUMBIA - Steve Spurrier wasn't aware that he was already hooked up to his teleconference Friday when he started mumbling not-so-sweet nothings about South Carolina's offensive line. Read More

Indigo condos planned on Ashley River

Finding a new riverfront residence on the Charleston peninsula is getting harder to do. That's why backers of Indigo, to be near the Ashley Marina off Lockwood Drive, are so excited. Read More

Uphill battle for Bulldogs

South Carolina State looking to spring an upset of FBS member Central Florida

Since moving up to the Football Bowl Subdivision in 1996, Central Florida has never lost to a team from the Football Championship Subdivision. South Carolina State coach Buddy Pough is hoping to change that this afternoon when the Bulldogs take on the Knights at Bright House Networks Stadium tonight. Read More

Fresh Start

Hanahan strolls past Cane Bay and its former coach

SUMMERVILLE - Jeff Cruce knew there would be nights like this. He just hopes there aren't too many of them. Cruce is the coach of Cane Bay, the new high school in Berkeley County. The team has only freshmen and sophomores on the roster, so it's going to experience some growing pains. That was evident Friday night when the Cobras made mistakes galore in the first game of their brief history, a 67-0 loss to Hanahan. Read More

Myers guides Cougars to comeback victory

North Charleston was down, but never out. The Cougars rallied from a 16-0 deficit with three second-half touchdown passes from Denzel Myers to beat Bishop England, 20-16, on Friday night at Jack Cantey Stadium. "I'm glad I don't have hair," North Charleston coach Jimmy Brown said. "I would have pulled it all out by the third quarter. We made a lot of mental mistakes, but we never gave up." Read More

Sanford to speak at convention

COLUMBIA - South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford has landed a speaking role at the Republican National Convention. Read More

Federer survives; Kuznetsova out

NEW YORK - Roger Federer flicked a final winner, trotted to the net and started to shake hands. Then, there was one last challenge. Playfully, Thiago Alves called for a replay review. Read More

Earnings dip significant

'07 financial reports will be restated

Force Protection Inc. has expanded its re-evaluation of its past financial reports and now believes that when it eventually reports its earnings for 2007, the figure will be "significantly lower" than the profit it reported in 2006. In addition, the company said its accounting problems have not yet been solved. Read More

Smoking foes decry fund cut

COLUMBIA - Opponents of cigarette smoking fear that more teenagers will begin the habit in South Carolina and fewer adults will quit now that prevention programs are getting no state money. Read More

Now young and old can Beat Burger

The only thing that would make tonight's game between Clemson and Alabama better would be if Frank Howard and Bear Bryant were stalking the sidelines in the Georgia Dome. Read More

Holiday Grillin'

Just in time for Labor Day, what's better than grilling? Not the barbecue kind, but the iconic grilles on cars. The distinctive front of a car canhelp make it popular

It's Labor Day. Time to kick back, grab a drink and stoke up the grill. Er, should we say, grille? Probably both are right. The Monday holiday is a good time to cook out. But it's also a time where car enthusiasts check out their rigs and perusers look for deals. Chances are that at some point, they'll take a close look at the front, which often gives the vehicle its cachet. Read More

Man in mid-20s claims sexual assault more than decade ago

A man in his mid-20s has alleged that Earl Darrell Linder, 57, sexually assaulted him twice more than a decade ago. Last weekend, the man told his family about the alleged sexual assault and then contacted the Charleston County Sheriff's Office, Detective Diane Turner, said. "He just couldn't live with it any more," Turner said. Police did not identify the man because he was a juvenile at the time of the alleged assault. Police charged Linder with second-degree attempted criminal sexual conduct with a minor; second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor; and a lewd act on a minor, Turner said. He does not have a prior criminal record. If convicted, he could face more than 25 years in prison, Turner said. Read More

Car show raises money for Miracle Network

Corvettes are Brandon Peek's favorite. But on Aug. 23, he covetously eyed the orange 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS that Tony Gonzalez of St. George displayed at the third Children's Miracle Network car show at the Goose Creek Wal-Mart on U.S. Highway 176. Read More

Victim in hit and run improving

A pedestrian injured in an early-morning hit-and-run accident on Folly Beach this month was making a slow recovery at a local hospital Friday, a day after a suspect surrendered to face charges in the case. George Heath Jr., a 31-year-old construction worker, still had trouble breathing on his own, his older sister, Pamela Robinson, said. Medical University Hospital listed his condition as fair on Friday, up from serious a day earlier. Read More

AROUND THE STATE

Petty officer faces prison term in N.H.

GEORGETOWN - A Charleston-based Coast Guard petty officer faces a prison sentence in New Hampshire after Georgetown County deputies arrested him on an outstanding warrant Thursday. Read More

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL - OTHER GAMES

Elevating campaign themes

The Democratic Party presented a solid front behind its presidential ticket of Barack Obama and Joe Biden this week in Denver. It also presented a challenging vision for America's future. The Republican Party should respond with a compelling counter-vision at its convention in St. Paul, Minn., next week. Read More

Rivers playing herself in series

First time Joan Rivers has regular role on a sitcom

After more than 40-plus years in show business, Joan Rivers is embarking on a first: a regular role on a weekly sitcom. So what's taken her so long to do this? Read More

Edwards can still get by

Jimmy Carter was routed from the White House by Ronald Reagan, losing 44 states. He has repeatedly been accused of being anti-Israeli. Yet the former president was warmly received as a speaker at this week's Democratic convention in Denver. Read More

Tigers refuse to overlook Crimson Tide

ATLANTA — Will Merritt has heard some Clemson folks attempt to "water down" the meaning of tonight's opener against No. 24 Alabama. This game will have zero bearing on whether the No. 9 Tigers accomplish their ultimate and unmistakable goal of bringing home the school's first ACC ti... Read More

South Carolina NIMBYists, unite

From the newspaper and other sources, I've seen the NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) future of South Carolina. Read More

Going for gold

Olympic superstar Michael Phelps will write a book telling the story behind his historic eight gold-medal swims just in time for the holiday season, Free Press, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, has announced. Read More

Letters to the Editor

For season opener, it's all about The Citadel

Webber International has 17 starters back from a team that went 3-6 last year. Running back Taylor Atwood ... Never mind. Read More

Danger of Russian shift on Iran

One sobering potential cost of Russia's new confrontational approach to Europe and the United States could be the end of the international drive to deny Iran nuclear weapons. The world could become a much more dangerous place if this happens. Read More

Choosing right new sources of energy for S.C.'s future

The Earth is close to passing climate "tipping points." Greenhouse gases released in burning fossil fuels are nearing a level that will set in motion dangerous effects, many irreversible, including extermination of countless species, ice sheet disintegration and sea-level rise and intensified regional climate extremes. Read More

Rare Emmy history revealed

'TELEVISION HAS proved that people will look at anything rather than each other," said the late Ann Landers. The Emmy Awards take place Sept. 21 at the Nokia Theater, downtown Los Angeles. This year, it's ABC's turn to host the event. (The four networks take turns at this chore.) Read More

North Charleston's bond rating upgraded

Solid budget surpluses and a diversified economy boosted North Charleston's rating for borrowing money, city officials announced Friday. Read More

Family sues city, police

Officers burst into home in manhunt

HANAHAN - A local family is suing city and police officials for wrongfully searching their apartment, claiming that authorities should have known it was the wrong place. Tina Williams' suit was filed in response to a December 2007 search where police entered her apartment looking for an Hispanic man sought in a murder investigation. Read More

Deaths Summary

$16.6M allocated for city projects

New fire station among several planned ventures

Money from North Charleston's sale of property on the former Navy base soon will pay for $15.2 million in projects across the city, including a new mural in the Olde Village and extensive exterior work at the old Power House. In addition, the city will borrow $1.4 million to build a new fire station on Palmetto Commerce Parkway. City Council's Finance Committee approved the $16.6 million spending plan earlier this week. Read More

Appointments offered to residents seeking aid

Berkeley and Dorchester county residents who need help with medicine, food or utility bills can begin calling two agencies next week for help. Read More

Man alleges sex assault decade later

Family sues Hanahan police

A local family is suing city and police officials in connection to a search of their apartment they say authorities should have known was the wrong place. Read More

$16.6 million plan targets numerous N. Charleston projects

Money from North Charleston's sale of property on the old Navy base will soon pay for $15.2 million in different projects across the city. The Finance Committee approved the $16.6 million spending plan earlier this week. Read More

Appointments necessary for Berkeley, Dorchester residents seeking aid

The Charleston County Human Services Commission took over assistance programs at the request of the Governor's Office of Economic Development until the end of the year after the Berkeley-Dorchester Counties Economic Development Corp. relinquished control of the programs earlier this month because of a $1.2 million deficit. Read More

Citadel unveils bulldog monument

The bulldog, which stands 5 feet 5 inches tall but hits 10 feet standing on its pedestal, is likely the biggest one around. Read More

North Charleston's bond rating upgraded

The improved rating was based on the city's significant economic diversification and expansion and continued maintenance of a very strong financial profile, Standard & Poor said. Read More

Man cut in early-morning robbery; police arrest suspects

The 24-year-old was at Hassell and Washington streets around 12:35 a.m. when two men with bandanas on their faces walked up and asked him for a light, a police report says. Officers arrested two men after pulling over a Cadillac on East Bay and Hassell streets soon afterward. A report says that officers found a semi-automatic pistol and bandanas in the glove box. Read More

District 2 board pares down referendum

The latest proposal is to borrow about $165 million, down from $195 million considered about two weeks ago. The board cut the cost of the referendum by eliminating a $12.8 million community auditorium planned for somewhere in Summerville and a $3 million public library at Fort Dorchester High School. Read More

Interstate work crews to take holiday weekend off, resume Tuesday

Workers will return Tuesday to concentrate efforts in the vicinity of Remount Road, where footings for a new bridge will be built and new on- and off-ramps are being added. Read More

Krawcheck: fortunate and grateful

28 injured in West Columbia bus crash, none seriously

WEST COLUMBIA - Authorities say a wreck between two school buses near Airport High School in West Columbia has injured the two drivers and 26 students, none of them seriously. Read More

Police: Aerosol chemicals caused Anderson explosion

ANDERSON - Two men are being treated for first- and second-degree burns after Anderson police say a lit cigarette caused the car where they were huffing aerosol chemicals to explode. Read More

Palin gets thumbs up from S.C. Republicans

Speaker of the House Bobby Harrell, one of McCain's South Carolina co-chairs, called Palin an outstanding pick. Read More

Force Protection says 2007 earnings will be lower than 2006

Force Protection Inc. has expanded its re-evaluation of its past financial reports and now believes that when it eventually reports its earnings for 2007, the figure will be significantly lower than the profit it reported in 2006. In addition, the company said its accounting problems have not yet been solved. Read More

Arrest made in Folly Beach hit-and-run; victim's condition improving

A pedestrian injured in an early-morning hit-and-run accident on Folly Beach this month was making a slow recovery at a local hospital today, a day after the Charleston County Sheriff's Office made an arrest in the case. Read More

McCain chooses Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for V.P.

DENVER - John McCain tapped little-known Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to be his vice presidential running mate, two senior campaign officials told The Associated Press on Friday. Read More

No more money for erosion problem at Hunting Island

BEAUFORT - Tropical Storm Fay eroded a road and damaged three buildings at Hunting Island State Park near Beaufort, but a state official says there is no extra money to put sand on the beach to prevent further erosion. Read More

Man shot in head in Stratton Capers is in critical condition

A man was found in the road with an apparent gunshot to the head in the Stratton Capers neighborhood near Ashley Phosphate Road early today, the Dorchester County Sheriff's Office said. Read More

Coast Guardsman awaiting extradition to New Hampshire

A Charleston-based Coast Guard petty officer faces a prison sentence in New Hampshire after Georgetown County sheriff's deputies arrested him on an outstanding warrant on Thursday. Read More

Freightliner cuts 225 more jobs at Gaffney plant

GAFFNEY - A heavy truck subsidiary of German automaker Daimler AG says it cutting 225 more jobs at its Gaffney plant. Read More

Woman who shot herself in head at Columbia hospital dies

COLUMBIA - The patient at a Columbia hospital who shot herself in the head after grabbing a prison officer's gun has died. Read More

Aiken firefighter charged with starting fires

AIKEN - A South Carolina firefighter has been arrested after authorities say he set a series of suspicious fires in the Aiken County area. Read More

Air-conditioning units theft targets

MOUNT PLEASANT - More than 30 air-conditioning units have been stolen or dismantled in commercial areas of the town in the last two months, and police are asking for help in solving the crimes. Read More

Deputies seeking St. Stephen man

GOOSE CREEK - Berkeley County sheriff's deputies are looking for a St. Stephen man who is wanted in connection with a shooting Wednesday night at Carnes Crossing Mobile Home Park. Read More

Driver killed when car strikes tree

RAVENEL - A 27-year-old man died Wednesday night in a single-car wreck on S.C. Highway 165 near Hyde Park Road. Read More

Obama outlines his vision for America

Prepared remarks of Sen. Barack Obama for his address to the Democratic National Convention on Thursday night in Denver, as released by the campaign: Read More

Transient vendors face new law today

City puts pressure on property owners where food wagons and roadside stands carry out commerce

Crane operator Stafford Higgins tries to make ends meet by hawking shark meat at a roadside stand on Dorchester Road on his days off. Mauricio Sanchez supports his wife and two children selling tacos and other Mexican favorites from a mobile food wagon on Ashley Phosphate Road. Both will be affected by a law that North Charleston City Council passed 8-1 on Thursday to regulate transient vendors. Read More

Word 5

The latest installment in our quest to keep track of our rapidly morphing culture and language. Read More

Kiawah sand spit bill gets ax

Rep. Brown says he hears his constituents

Amid a chorus of criticism, U.S. Rep. Henry Brown said Thursday he killed his bill to make a large undeveloped spit on Kiawah Island eligible for cheaper government-subsidized flood insurance. In recent days, voters flooded Brown's office with e-mails and phone calls saying the government shouldn't subsidize new development on fragile barrier islands. "Our constituents spoke, and we listened," Brown said. Read More

Peru fuels fashion fleece

AREQUIPA, Peru - In this Andean nation, some of the most fashionable residents have four legs: vicunas, alpacas and llamas. Exports of the animals' fleecy coats have nearly doubled to more than $43 million in the past four years, as models strut catwalks wearing fur from the long-necked animals in the form of pricey ponchos, pants and pea coats. Read More

Speech draws local Dems

West Wings becomes hub for nearly 100 who came to watch historic address

Nearly 100 Charleston Democrats packed into West Wings late Thursday to watch the man they hope will take over the real West Wing early next year. Read More

FASHION BRIEFS

Tonight's key matchups

Cruce opens against his former team

It's one of the more interesting plots in Week 1 of high school football. Jeff Cruce, the coach of the brand new Cane Bay Cobras, goes up against his old school when the Hanahan Hawks come to town for a 7:30 p.m. showdown. Read More

Freezers hot as families combat high food prices

Sales up 7 percent, even as shipments of other appliances slow down

CHICAGO - Once relegated to the dank corners of the basement, the deep freezer is finding new acceptance from shoppers who are stashing bulk-sized purchases of meats, fruits and vegetables there as they work to combat rising food prices. Read More

Deaths Summary

Sitting on top of the world

Friday 5 suggested five mountain getaways in the summer of 2007, and based on the enthusiastic feedback we received, dozens of you took us up on our cool (and we mean that literally, not figuratively) suggestions. Well, it's that hot and humid time of the year again, and we've got five more spots to satisfy your need for cool air and high country. Read More

Deaths and Funerals

Letters to the Editor

Tourism group to get bigger slice

Lodging tax money to make up for state funding cut

The Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau will get a bigger slice of Charleston County's lodging tax this year. And the tourism group has agreed, starting next year, to aid Charleston County Council by making recommendations on applications from other groups hoping for lodging tax money. Read More

Designer, builder of 2 plants would get $6.4B

Scana Corp. and Santee Cooper would pay $6.4 billion to the companies hired to design and build two new nuclear reactors in the Midlands. Scana, the parent of South Carolina Electric & Gas Co., had said previously that the value of that contract was confidential. In a filing Thursday with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Columbia-based investor-owned utility said it changed its mind. Read More

Boy, 15, accused of raping girl on school bus

A 15-year-old James Island Middle School student is accused of raping a 12-year-old classmate on a bus after school in December. Both are special-needs students, according to the Charleston County School District. Read More

BB&T's CEO stepping down

Allison, with bank since 1971, surprises many with decision

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - BB&T's chief executive and chairman, John A. Allison, says he is stepping down from his positions starting at the end of the year, and observers said the move was a surprise. Read More

Discount retail site takes off

RedTag banking on cut-rate shipping charges

NEW YORK - With gas prices high and consumers stretching shopping dollars, competition is heating up online for deals, and a discount retail site hopes to fan the flames by shipping orders for $1.95. Read More

McCain silent on selection

Running mate chosen; Pawlenty a possibility

DENVER - Republican presidential candidate John McCain decided on a running mate early Thursday, and one top prospect, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, abruptly canceled numerous public appearances. Read More

Home cooking

Battery returns to friendly confines against Islanders

It has been a tale of two seasons for the Charleston Battery this summer. In the friendly confines of Blackbaud Stadium, the Battery have been nearly unbeatable with a 9-2-2 mark in USL First Division play. But traveling away from the Lowcountry has been an entirely different story as the third-place Battery has just one win in 12 road matches. Read More

Beating drug addiction

The following information is provided by a third party and has not been edited by The Post and Courier for content or accuracy.

Beating drug addiction is a long, difficult road. But it may be easier for cocaine users than others because of what cocaine does to the user's brain. Read More

Loring video primer for speed in Sunfish

Charleston sailor David Loring has won two Sunfish world championships plus one Laser North American championship, so when he does an instructional video, smart sailors will watch and learn. He and another local sailor, Dayton Colie, recently produced "Back to Basics for Sunfish World Championship Speed," filmed in Charleston Harbor. Read More

Pot suspect has history of just saying yes

Police say man charged in major marijuana bust used charitable donations to mask his alleged crimes

Rashad Muhammad advertises himself as a savvy entertainment promoter and a benevolent businessman active in Lowcountry charitable work, but area police say this is a carefully cultivated front designed to mask the illicit activities of a master drug runner. Muhammad, 37, surrendered to Nor... Read More

Dogs to play host to Iowa

A visit from Iowa and a trip to Cancun for two games highlight The Citadel's 2008-09 schedule released Thursday. Read More

Now Barbie can move forward

Many misguided feminists have long decried Mattel's charming Barbie doll as an anachronistic, sexist symbol that teaches little girls harmful lessons about beauty, style, weight and gender. Yet the ever-youthful and vivacious Barbie, through evolving versions and despite recent sales declines, has remained a major market force for nearly half a century. Read More

Take storm veterans' advice

The South Carolina Gamecocks opened their football season Thursday night. So did the Charleston Southern Buccaneers. The Clemson Tigers, Citadel Bulldogs and S.C. State Bulldogs open Saturday night. Those athletic events, along with last week's opening of the school year for most students, are commanding considerable attention from lots of our state's residents. Read More

To our readers

The Post and Courier will publish as usual on Labor Day, but curtailed schedules will be observed in order to give a holiday to as many employees as possible. Read More

Williams, RiverDogs belt Braves

ROME, GA. - Dave Williams homered and drove in five runs, leading the Charleston RiverDogs to a 10-4 South Atlantic League win over the Rome Braves at State Mutual Stadium on Thursday night. Read More

'Frozen River' star a natural

One of faces in the photograph that accompanies this story is Melissa Leo's. She is an actor, and her face, unlike some of her far more famous peers, is naturally aged. Read More

Sanford, Legislature play he said/they said game

Gov. Mark Sanford told members of the Legislature they had to quit spending state money like drunken sailors because there were budget problems a-coming. They said he was grand-standing, they were prudent stewards of the budget. They called him Chicken Little. Read More