A defining vote for Gresham Barrett

U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett said his vote against the $700 billion financial rescue plan was the biggest he has ever cast in his career.

He was the only one of South Carolina's six congressmen to oppose the bailout, and he said today he is confident that Congress will get back to work and pass something different — and better — soon.

School board election feud simmers

Campaigning on school property is the latest source of fingerpointing and contention in the Dorchester District 2 school board election.

It started last month with a complaint from an unidentified parent. Teacher Barbara Crosby, one of five candidates for three open seats on the school board, was handing campaign cards to parents while registering her granddaughter at Summerville High School. A parent complained to the state ethics commission.

Charleston educator wins national award

Ruth Truluck, dean of Wando High's School of Health Sciences, Human and Public Services, was awarded the 2008 American Start of Teaching award Tuesday.

One teacher in every state and the District of Columbia will receive the federal Department of Education honor this fall.

Women honored by MOJA Festival

Twenty-one African-American women were honored Tuesday for their contributions to the quality of life in the community. Read More

Arthritis Foundation re-energizes Lowcountry presence

p>Rose Guess remembers mornings when her hands ached so badly that she couldn't fix her little girl's hair. She was in her 20s, and "rheumatoid arthritis" were not words that crossed her mind.

Guess, 55, worries that other young adults may delay seeking help.

Governor wants Legislature back in session now

Gov. Mark Sanford said that if legislators don't call themselves back in session prior to Election Day, it is "most probable" that he will.

His announcement came days after the Board of Economic Advisors put the state on notice that revenue collections are lower than forecast, and the situation is expected to get worse before it gets better.

Berkeley planner fired

One of the new guys in Berkeley County Supervisor Dan Davis' shuffled administration is gone. Planning director Jeff Tyndall was fired in a dispute with Davis. Read More

Five family members arrested in connection with Sunday stabbing

Five members of the same West Ashley family have been arrested in Sunday's stabbing of a father and son for an attack that a sheriff's spokesman described as a feud that got out of hand.

Officials aren't sure what prompted the stabbing, but it appears the quarrel escalated to the point that all the members of the family Â-- including three juveniles, one as young as age 12 - were involved by jumping out a vehicle and taking part in the attack.

Civil rights violation trial starts for SC trooper

Lance Cpl. Steve Garren goes on trial Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Greenville on a charge of using unreasonable force and depriving a suspect he was chasing of his civil rights. A dashboard video camera caught the incident and Garren later bragging he meant to hit the man. Read More

Man arrested in North Charleston shooting

North Charleston Police are investigating an early morning shooting that happened in the 2200 block of Fillmore Street.

According to initial reports, two men were involved in a verbal altercation that ended in shots being fired.

New Ellenton mayor fined for violating state ethics laws

The state Ethics Commission has fined the mayor of New Ellenton for moving the city's bank account to his wife's employer. The commission found Mayor Vernon Dunbar guilty of using his office for personal gain, fined him $100 and issued a written warning. Read More

Lawsuit seeks to void new anti-motorcycle laws

Two motorcycle owners are challenging Myrtle Beach's new laws meant to curtail motorcycle rallies. Read More

Governor to give budget update this afternoon

Gov. Mark Sanford will hold a news conference this afternoon to discuss the possibility of calling the Legislature back into session to deal with targeted budget cuts if lawmakers do not commit to an expedited timeline for doing so. Read More

Judge says Hard Rock Park can borrow, spend

Libertarian presidential candidate visits Charleston, SC

It's not John McCain or Barack Obama, but a presidential candidate is campaigning in South Carolina. Read More

Google celebrates S.C. data center

Google is having a party to mark the completion of its new data center near Moncks Corner. Read More

Deaths Summary

Ask Elsa

Exercise decreases insulin resistance

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

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A little exercise can go a long way in overweight patients who are insulin sensitive. Complications from obesity, such as diabetes, are associated with an abnormal fat metabolism in the muscle. This causes the accumulated fat by-products inside the muscle to impact ... Read More

Patience rewarded at Easterns

CAPE HATTERAS, N.C. — For most people, patience is a virtue. For a competitive surfer, patience is everything. After almost a solid week of blustery weather and blown-out surf along North Carolina's Outer Banks, the 41st Annual ESA Eastern Surfing Championships came to a close over t... Read More

Ex-Blink-182 drummer gets out of hospital

AUGUSTA — Former Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker has been released from a Georgia hospital after suffering severe burns in a fiery plane crash more than a week ago. Barker was released Monday morning, said Beth Frits, spokeswoman for the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital. Read More

Less Armanti would suit the Bulldogs

Terrence Reese shakes his head at the memory. "I was wondering how he kept breaking all those long runs," The Citadel's junior nose tackle says. "It seemed like we had everything contained, everyone in the right spot. And somehow, he still made those long runs for 40 or 50 yards." Th... Read More

Abandoned housing developments

Bank's sale big blow to Charlotte

City was becoming hub of nation's financial system

CHARLOTTE — It was only days ago that Wachovia Corp. appeared headed toward a deal with Morgan Stanley, a merger that would have moved a piece of staggering old Wall Street south and further established the Queen City as a new hub of the American financial system. Instead, only Wall ... Read More

How they voted

How South Carolina's congressmen voted on the bailout bill in the House: Yes (in favor of the bill): Henry Brown (R), Jim Clyburn (D), Bob Inglis (R), John Spratt (D), Joe Wilson (R) No (against the bill): Gresham Barrett (R) ... Read More

Business Briefs

Judge gets proposed settlement

Includes stipulation that Hynie was Brown's wife at time of death, James Brown II is biological child

AIKEN — A proposed settlement to the legal battle surrounding the estate of James Brown includes a stipulation that Tomi Rae Hynie was the late soul singer's fourth wife, a newspaper and an attorney said Monday. Read More

Bowden not ready to panic

CLEMSON — A disappointing 3-2 start and a devastating, come-from-ahead home defeat to Maryland don't necessitate fundamental changes in Clemson's football program, coach Tommy Bowden said Monday. Bowden expressed little alarm about the state of his program two days after a 20-17 upse... Read More

Wellman plant may be rescued

Folks in the tiny Pee Dee town of Johnsonville are feeling a bit better about their economic future after word that an investor group might save its largest industry from shutting down. Wellman Inc. has entered into a letter of intent to sell its engineering resins business and other assets at its 170-employee plant near the Lynches River to an investor group that specializes in turnarounds and renewable energy businesses, Wellman announced over the weekend. Read More

Spurrier sending mixed messages on quarterback

COLUMBIA — Good luck interpreting signals about South Carolina's starting quarterback this week. Steve Spurrier is saying one thing verbally. And another thing with his self-endorsed Web site. Spurrier told Todd Ellis after Saturday's game tha... Read More

Letters to the Editor

Slaying suspect sought

LADSON — Berkeley County sheriff's detectives have obtained a murder warrant for a man who lived near the site of Thursday night's fatal shooting along a road here. Thirty-four-year-old Ronald Webster's last known address was in Christie's Mobile Home Park at 1029 Royle Road, lot No. 10, the Sheriff's Office said in a release.. Read More

Band festival set

The Wando High School Band Boosters will host the annual Lowcountry Invitational Marching Band Festival on Saturday at the football stadium on Mathis Ferry Road. Sixteen Lowcountry bands will participate. Read More

Incumbent facing newcomer

JAMES ISLAND — Republican state Rep. Wallace Scarborough said his support of the Morris Island lighthouse project, the James Island Charter High School and parts of Gov. Mark Sanford's agenda illustrate why he deserves a fifth term in Columbia. Democratic newcomer Anne Peterson Hutto said that after Scarborough's eight years in office, the problems facing House District 115 covering James Island and Folly Beach remain much the same, including local growth and traffic woes, along with various statewide problems as well. Read More

Creative costumes

It might seem as though Halloween is far off, but if you're planning to make costumes for your kids this year, you'd better get on the ball. Read More

Not-so-distant history

The Charleston area abounds in reminders of wars past. Fort Moultrie, known as Fort Sullivan when a plucky band of patriots turned back a mighty British fleet a mere week before the Declaration of Independence, remains a sentinel at the southern end of Sullivan's Island. Read More

Consolidation of banks could lead to higher fees

But analysts also say regional banks could act as brake on increased charges

NEW YORK — The sale of Wachovia's deposits and other assets to Citigroup on Monday leaves the nation with three superbanks, reshaping the U.S. banking landscape in the midst of unprecedented financial upheaval. For customers of those institutions — Bank of America, Citigroup an... Read More

Man shot at Line, Nassau streets

Shots again were fired at Line and Nassau streets on Charleston's East Side. Read More

DHEC wrapping up Kinder Morgan permit

After more than two years of fine-tuning, state health officials are putting final touches on a permit that would grant Kinder Morgan Energy Partners permission to expand its North Charleston coal terminal. The state Department of Health and Environmental Control will go over a draft of th... Read More

Shortage fuels frustrations

Consumers rising early to get gas, staying close to home, taking bus

ATLANTA — Motorists are rising before dawn so they can be at the filling station when the delivery truck arrives. Some are skipping work or telecommuting. Others are taking the extreme step — for Atlanta — of switching to public transportation. Read More

Financial Meltdown

Bailout back on drawing board

WASHINGTON — In a vote that shook the government, Wall Street and markets around the world, the House on Monday defeated a $700 billion emergency rescue for the nation's financial system, leaving both parties and the Bush administration scrambling to pick up the pieces. The Dow Jones industrials plunged 777.68 points, the most ever for a single day. Read More

Suspect out of jail in felony DUI case

SPARTANBURG — A Spartanburg County man is out of jail a day after authorities charged him with running over his 2-year-old son in his driveway. Read More

Carr chosen for helm

Montgomery County, Md., fire chief would be returning to roots

A city native who runs a fire department 10 times the size of Charleston's was nominated to become the next fire chief Monday by Mayor Joe Riley and was warmly received by city firefighters and elected officials alike. If confirmed by City Council, as expected, 54-year-old Thomas Carr Jr. will leave a department with a $195 million annual budget in order to take the helm in Charleston. Read More

The greatest workout on Earth

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

Nearly half of us say we exercise on a regular basis. But those old workout routines can get boring. Stars like Jodie Foster and Jeff Goldblum, and a lot of regular folks, have found a new kind of workout -- and it's like a trip to the circus. The circus has been called the greatest show... Read More

Candidates' debates to air

Lowcountry voters wishing to hear from 1st Congressional District candidates Henry Brown and Linda Ketner may tune in at 7 p.m. Wednesday on ETV — or on C-SPAN — to see them debate. Also, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, the Republican incumbent, will debate Democratic challenger Bob Conley on the same networks at 8 p.m. Oct. 11. Read More

Blood-thinning drug dangers

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

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A common blood-thinning drug may have deadly side effects. A new report from the University of Cincinnati finds warfarin may cause more bleeding in the brain and increase the risk of death in patients who have a hemorrhagic stroke. Warfarin is commonly pres... Read More

Loose holsters at gun agency

You'd think that the federal agencies in charge of enforcing firearms regulations would have a great record of gun management. But a recent Justice Department probe of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives found its rate of lost weapons to be almost double that of the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Read More

Parenting book offers sage advice

'Self-discipline may be more responsible for differences in achievement than any other factor.' — From 'Raising a Self-Disciplined Child' by Robert Brooks and Sam Goldstein. The book was written to 'help your child (grandchild, student) become more responsible, confident and resilient.' Read More

Islands to share water for a while

Sullivan's will use IOP supplies after Charleston underwater main breaks

A broken water main beneath Charleston Harbor has forced Sullivan's Island to tap into the Isle of Palms system. The two islands could be sharing drinks for about a month. Engineers with the Charleston Water System discovered the leak after a surge in flow through the 20-inch line that runs from Fort Johnson to Fort Moultrie near the mouth of the harbor. Read More

Long drive time stressful for young children

EX-ETIQUETTE FOR PARENTS

My ex-husband and I have shared 50-50 custody of our 5-year-old daughter since she was 2. Last year, we amended the court order to say our daughter will go to kindergarten in my area and live with me during weekdays and with him on weekends — just during the school year. He lives more than an hour from the school. But now he's changed his mind and does not want to honor the court order. Read More

Bailey's resume again questioned

State House candidate says he 'just made a mistake,' opponents are 'rehashing old stuff'

Republican state House candidate George Bailey just can't seem to get his educational record straight. For years, his resume has been overstated with an assertion that he graduated from high school at Richmond Academy, a misstatement he let stand as recently as last week in an interview with The Post and Courier. Read More

McCain says rival refuses to oppose party on key issues

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Lagging in the polls, Republican presidential candidate John McCain unleashed a blistering attack Monday on his Democratic rival, saying the race comes down to a simple question: "Country first or Obama first?" Read More

Getting motivated

Finding right challenge that allows a child to succeed can be elusive

While senior year for some high school students is about late "ins" and early "outs," for Katie Hilleke, it's all about advanced placement. Instead of trying to make her last year of high school as easy as possible, the Academic Magnet High School senior is taking seven AP classes: physics, calculus BC, statistics, English literature, Spanish and two semester courses, government and economics. Read More

Barr set to attend 5 events

Libertarian presidential candidate and former U.S. Rep. Bob Barr will make five campaign stops in Charleston today as he tries to drum up support for his long-shot bid. He also likely will talk a lot about the failure of the financial rescue bill — a bill that he opposed. Read More

Early drinking predicts problematic future

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

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Drinking before the age of 15 significantly increases one's risk of developing an alcohol-related disorder later in life, new research shows. Researchers looked at the relationship between age at first drink (AFD) and the risk of developing alcohol-use disorders (AU... Read More

It's Tampa or bust for Bowden's 3-2 Tigers

FACEOFF: Who's in more trouble, Clemson or USC?

Pete Carroll, Bill Belichick, Urban Meyer, Mike Shanahan and Jim Grobe lost their most recent football games to inferior foes. Those guys, however, own what Tommy Bowden hasn't won at Clemson, a large first-place trophy. Read More

Single-car wreck claims man's life

WALTERBORO — A man died after being ejected from a sport utility vehicle near Lowcountry Regional Airport early Sunday, authorities said. Read More

USC gains 2 commitments

South Carolina has added two more commitments to its 2009 football recruiting class pushing the total to 17. Offensive lineman Johnnie Farms (6-3, 306) of Perry, Ga., chose the Gamecocks over Auburn, Alabama, Florida and Central Florida when he committed Monday night. Farms said he was rec... Read More

Obama takes aim at McCain's support of deregulation

WESTMINSTER, Colo. — Democrat Barack Obama said Republican John McCain's long advocacy of deregulation contributed to the current financial crisis and letting his GOP rival continue those policies as president would be a gamble "we can't afford." Read More

T.O.'s 'me-first' attitude may spell doom for Cowboys

Terrell Owens' love affair with Tony Romo and the rest of his Dallas teammates may be turning down the rocky path that his relationships with Donovan McNabb and Jeff Garcia followed. At least it seemed that way after the Cowboys lost Sunday for the first time this season. "I'm a competito... Read More

HSM look-alikes

Can it possibly be true that it's almost time to graduate? My, how time flies! On Oct. 24, Troy Bolton and pals will be back on the screen, this time, the big screen, when "High School Musical 3: Senior Year," the latest installment of Disney's mega-hit trilogy, hits the theaters. Read More

Experts give tips to combat disorganization

PARENT TO PARENT

'My 11-year-old son will not take responsibility for anything he does. He can forget part of his baseball uniform or homework, and yet it is never his fault. After he lost his school agenda and glasses recently, I was fed up and grounded him.' — a mother in Huntersville, N.C. Read More

Charter school skating on thin ice

Greg Mathis was almost closed 2 years ago and still has numerous problems to solve to stay open

It's been a rough five years for Greg Mathis Charter High School. The North Charleston school has seen at least five directors during that time, and its test scores have been among the worst in Charleston County. The school board almost shut the school down in 2006 after it couldn't pay its bills, and the school's ties with the national YouthBuild organization no longer exist. Read More

30 people facing charges in prostitution investigation

The flesh trade was the only common bond. About 30 people are facing prostitution-related charges after Charleston County vice officers spent a month prowling everywhere from city streets to cyberspace. Suspects included men and women. Read More

New safety chief stressing ethics

COLUMBIA — The head of the state Department of Public Safety says he has been meeting with Highway Patrol troopers to instill ethics standards during his first 90 days on the job in the wake of videos showing troopers running down suspects with their cruisers or kicking them when they're down. Read More

Lowcountry braces for fallout from bank's sale

Weakened financial giant Wachovia Corp., reeling from losses in its mortgage business, was forced Monday to sell its entire banking operation to Citigroup Inc. for $2.1 billion in a deal that likely will have broad implications for the Charleston region. The sale, which was brokered by federal regulators, marks a dramatic slide for the Charlotte-based company, once known for its conservative lending practices and its taste for acquisitions. Read More

On Wall St., fear takes over

As federal bailout failed in Congress, wave of selling washed over markets

NEW YORK — Wall Street's worst fears came to pass Monday when the government's financial rescue plan failed in Congress and stocks plunged precipitously, pushing the Dow Jones industrials down nearly 7 percent. The nearly 780-point decline was the largest one-day point drop ever for the ind... Read More

Looking for Palin frames

When the nation turns its eyes on Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joe Biden for Thursday's vice-presidential campaign debate, some TV viewers might be watching and wishing they had a pair of those trendy rimless glasses that Palin wears. Her spectacles are known in the optical biz as Kawasaki frames, and there's been something of a run on them and look-alikes since Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain picked the Alaska governor as his running mate. Read More

Father, son wounded in stabbing

Both expected to survive after father intervened in incident in front of house

A father was stabbed several times after he tried to step between his son and a group of people who came to their West Ashley home Sunday afternoon, the Charleston County Sheriff's Office said. Dennis Preston Redick, 45, suffered life-threatening injuries in the attack, sheriff's Maj. John Clark said. His son, John Redick, 18, a senior at West Ashley High School, also was stabbed, though his wounds were not as serious. Read More

Deaths and Funerals

Rally bikers required to keep it down

MYRTLE BEACH — Motorcyclists will need to muffle their mufflers during the fall rally that kicks off later this week in Myrtle Beach. The rally will serve as a rehearsal for the new rules passed by City Council last week meant to clamp down on beach motorcycle rallies. Read More

Main Street will hurt; it's a matter of just how bad

ANALYSIS

WASHINGTON — The economy has endured hurricanes, soaring fuel and food prices, falling home values and a growing credit crisis. Can it now survive Congress? The House's stunning defeat Monday of a $700 billion package urgently championed by President Bush, sent shock waves through Capitol Hill, the trading floors on Wall Street and the Oval Office. Read More

Man robbed while making delivery

A man was robbed Monday morning at Ernie's Restaurant on Spring Street in Charleston. Read More

Spurrier's reputation, USC season on the line

FACEOFF: Who's in more trouble, Clemson or USC?

Could this Gamecocks squad be one of the worst teams Steve Spurrier has been associated with since 1976 when he quarterbacked the 0-14 Tampa Bay Buccaneers? It has potential. Read More

Commerce Dept. honors CSO's Stahl

Charleston Symphony Orchestra Music Director David Stahl was honored by the S.C. Department of Commerce on Saturday. Read More

Most S.C. lawmakers vote 'yes'

Five of South Carolina's six congressmen voted in favor of the emergency rescue bill, with Upstate Republican Gresham Barrett, a potential candidate for governor in two years, voting against it. Read More

Explosive kills S.C. soldier in Iraq

CONWAY — Staff Sgt. Ronald Phillips Jr., 33, of Conway, died Thursday in Bahbahani, Iraq, after his vehicle was hit with an improvised explosive device, the Defense Department said Monday. Read More

Pregnant women and clinical trials

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

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- For years, being pregnant meant you probably would not be enrolled in a clinical trial. Now, bioethicists at Duke University Medical Center, Johns Hopkins and Georgetown Universities, say it's time to change that because pregnant women are being excluded not just fr... Read More

Police seeking car that struck man

Charleston police were searching for a blue Ford sedan thought to have struck and killed a man Saturday evening on Savannah Highway in West Ashley. Read More

The greatest workout on Earth? - Research summary

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

BACKGROUND: A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals about half of men and women in the United States report exercising regularly. Sticking with a workout plan is important, but many people get tired of the same old cardio and strength t... Read More

Cholesterol-lowering drugs harm muscles?

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

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Taking higher doses of the cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins may cause dangerous side effects. New research from the University of Alabama at Birmingham finds high doses of statins may hinder how the skeletal muscles repair and regenerate themselves. Read More

Pelosi's blunder derails bailout; House must reconsider its vote

Monday's House vote rejecting the "bipartisan" bailout bill was a good demonstration why this Congress, at 15 percent, has the lowest public approval rating ever recorded. On Monday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., failed to get her own party to fully support the bill she advertised as critical, and she clearly alienated House Republicans who did not agree with her (or President Bush) on the seriousness of the situation facing the nation. Read More

Pilot uninjured in small-plane crash

MOUNT PLEASANT — A pilot escaped injury after an airplane lost power and crashed on takeoff at East Cooper Regional Airport on Sunday afternoon, authorities said. Read More

Untangling tricky genealogical web

KINSHIP

There's a recurring genealogical question that I've grown weary of sidestepping, and cluster genealogy is going to help me resolve it. The research process could be a long one, but I'm excited about applying the method to my problem. The recurring question is about a man named Peter Watson who lived on St. Helena Island more than a century ago. He was black. He had the same last name as some of my ancestors. He owned land near theirs. Read More

Forums scheduled in local races

Most state House, Charleston County Council and other local candidates will participate in one of several forums next month, but there won't be a forum in two local races. Read More

Moods that age your heart

Even if you try to keep your emotions hidden, they often show somewhere. In one study, people who had the symptoms of mild to moderate depression - specifically physical ones such as loss of sleep and lack of appetite - showed more signs of artery thickness than their sunnier peers. Read More

Man shot at Line, Nassau streets

Shots again were fired at Line and Nassau streets on Charleston's East Side. Neighbors heard shots about 8:35 tonight. Read More

30 people facing charges in prostitution investigation

The flesh trade was the only common bond. About 30 people are facing prostitution-related charges after Charleston County vice officers spent a month prowling everywhere from city streets to cyberspace. Read More

Looking for Palin frames

When the nation turns its eyes on Sarah Palin and Joe Biden for Thursday's vice-presidential campaign debate, some TV viewers may be watching and wishing they had a pair of those trendy rimless glasses that Palin wears. Read More

Sullivan's, IOP residents asked to conserve water

Residents of Sullivan's Island and the Isle of Palms are being asked to conserve water while Charleston Water System makes repairs to a water line serving both islands. The repair work is estimated to take four weeks. Read More

Charter school skates on thin ice

It's been a rough five years for Greg Mathis Charter High School. The North Charleston charter school has had at least five directors during that time, and its test scores have been among the worst in Charleston County. Still, the school board decided to give the school for at-risk students another chance by giving probationary approval to its charter renewal request this summer. Read More

Barr campaigning here Tuesday

Libertarian presidential candidate and former U.S. Rep. Bob Barr will make five campaign stops in Charleston Tuesday as he tries to drum up support for his long shot bid. He is also likely to talk a lot about the failure of the financial rescue bill — a bill that he opposed.

Man sought in fatal Berkeley County shooting; two others wanted for questioning

Berkeley County sheriff's detectives have obtained a murder warrant for a man who lived near the site of Thursday night's fatal shooting along a road here.

Thirty-four-year-old Ronald Webster's last known address was in Christie's Mobile Home Park on 1029 Royle Road, lot No. 10, the Sheriff's Office said in a release. Webster is 6 feet tall and weighs 205 pounds. Authorities said he has ties to Massachusetts.

Wellman plant might be saved from closing

Wellman Inc. has entered into a letter of intent to sell its engineering resins business and other assets at its 170-employee plant near the Lynches River to an investor group that specializes in turnarounds and renewable energy businesses, the company announced over the weekend. Read More

Wachovia sale has major implications for Charleston area

The sale, which was engineered by federal regulators, marks a dramatic slide for the Charlotte-based company, once know for its conservative lending practices.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. asserted Monday that Wachovia did not fail, and that all depositors are protected and there will be no cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund. Read More

House defeats $700B financial markets bailout

The House on Monday defeated a $700 billion emergency rescue package, ignoring urgent pleas from President Bush and bipartisan congressional leaders to quickly bail out the staggering financial industry. Stocks plummeting on Wall Street even before the 228-205 vote to reject the bill was announced on the House floor. Read More

House District 97 candidate's resume challenged

George Bailey, who is trying to regain his House District 97 seat, said Monday he made a mistake when he said he graduated from a high school in Georgia. A 2006 deposition reveals that he left high school during his senior year after his father died of cancer and never graduated. Read More

Bikers coming to Myrtle Beach must keep noise down

Motorcyclists will need to muffle their mufflers during the fall rally that kicks off later this week in Myrtle Beach. The rally will serve as a rehearsal for the new rules passed by City Council last week meant to clamp down on beach motorcycle rallies. Read More

Parts of SC still suffer from gas shortages

AAA Carolinas spokesman Tom Crosby said Monday drivers in Greenville still had to drive to a few stations to find fuel. He said other major cities, including Columbia and Charleston, had patches of gas shortages.

Public Safety director says attitudes changing

The head of South Carolina's Public Safety Department says he spent his first three months on the job revamping attitudes and policies.

Public Safety Director Mark Keel said that came after videos showed Highway Patrol troopers running down suspects with their cruisers or kicking them when they're down.

Keys to keeping kids motivated

Some kids are real go-getters while others are content to sit on the couch, playing video games.

What makes some kids so motivated?

Riley selects Carr to be new Charleston Fire Chief

Mayor Joe Riley on Monday selected Maryland Fire Chief Thomas Carr to lead the Charleston Fire Department as it attempts to rebuild and modernize in the wake of last year's deadly Sofa Super Store blaze. Riley chose Carr, 54, from a field of seven candidates, all veteran firefighters from across the Southeast. Read More

Downtown business robbed

A man with a gun robbed Ernie's Restaurant in downtown Charleston this morning, police said. Read More

Police seek blue Ford Crown Victoria sedan in fatal hit-and-run

Charleston police were searching for a blue Ford sedan thought to have struck and killed a man on Savannah Highway in West Ashley on Saturday evening. Read More

What's up with lights out?

What's up with lights out?

An alert East Side resident recently saw a police cruiser drive down his street with its lights off around midnight and wondered, "is that legal?"

Two wounded in West Ashley stabbing

A father and son were stabbed on Parsonage Road in West Ashley on Sunday afternoon, the Charleston County Sheriff's Office said. Read More

Man dies in wreck near Walterboro

WALTERBORO - A man died after being ejected from the sport utility vehicle he was driving near Lowcountry Regional Airport early Sunday, authorities said.

USC Report Card

Spurrier lightens up on criticism of Gamecocks

A day after saying he doesn't understand how some of South Carolina's players look at themselves in the mirror, Steve Spurrier went a little easier on his team. Read More

Congress to vote on bailout today

Paulson praises lawmakers' efforts; Pelosi calls proposal Wall Street buy-in, not bailout

WASHINGTON - After a tumultuous week of round-the-clock negotiations, Congress prepared for a vote today on a sweeping $700 billion Wall Street rescue plan to stave off a possible global financial meltdown. Racing a self-imposed 6 p.m. deadline Sunday night ahead of the opening of Asian financial markets, bleary-eyed Democrats in control of Congress released the text of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008. The plan had GOP support in the Senate but less Republican support in the House of Representatives. Read More

Panthers deflate Falcons

CHARLOTTE — Steve Smith celebrated his first touchdown of the season with an emphatic spike that sent the ball into the stands. His Carolina Panthers teammates then watched as he frantically tried to retrieve the ball from a fan. "I was trying to tell him, 'Hey, don't, just give it... Read More

Small businesses feeling pinch

Small business owners were bracing for tough times even before this month's economic upheaval, according to a new survey. Read More

Exercise can help moms-to-be stop smoking

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

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Here's a healthy way for pregnant women to stop smoking -- start moving. Two new studies from the University of London find exercise can help pregnant women kick the habit. In both trials, researchers looked at women 12 to 20 weeks into their pregnancy who were over... Read More

TECH Q and A

I foolishly responded to a pop-up ad that promised I had won a free laptop. But after I gave away my e-mail address, I discovered there was no laptop. For a few months I just deleted the few dozen unwanted messages about everything from tea to debt relief, but now I'm getting hundreds of these a day, many of them duplicates. Is there a simple fix other than changing my e-mail address? (It's a company address, and changing it would be difficult.) Read More

U.S. needs unity on Iran

The recent performance at the United Nations by Iran's bizarre President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad didn't disappoint connoisseurs of his Israel-hating, U.S.-baiting, humbug rhetoric about Iran's "peaceful" nuclear program. But it did beg the question: How should the United States respond to him and his regime's noxious policies? Read More

D gives boost to body

Studies find vitamin helps fight off disease

You drink fortified milk. You walk outside for 30 minutes a day. And you take a multivitamin. So you've got vitamin D covered, right? Read More

Letters to the Editor

How the credit card has changed America

SAN JOSE, Calif. - They called it the Fresno Drop. Fifty years ago, in Septmeber 1958, Bank of America mass-mailed to nearly every home in Fresno, Calif., a small piece of plastic called the Bank-Americard. The credit card had arrived, a shiny corkscrew for each recipient to unbottle thousands of dollars in spending money that hadn't existed before they ripped open those envelopes. Read More

Stroke risk doesn't always mean surgery

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

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Many people who are at risk for stroke may be able to take medication to prevent one instead of having surgery. New research from the University of Western Ontario shows more intensive medical therapy has lowered the risk of stroke so much that at least 95 percent o... Read More

Deaths and Funerals

Fitness goes to the dogs

Canines help humans drop some excess weight by offering motivation to take a walk

Forget the disappointing diets, costly health clubs and pricey personal trainers. Patti Lawson had gone that route and discovered a simpler solution. She got a dog. By walking with her dog, Sadie, twice a day, Lawson lost 30 pounds (and kept it off), started eating healthier and got off the roller coaster of fitness that millions of Americans ride on a daily basis. Read More

Panthers deflate Falcons

CHARLOTTE — Steve Smith celebrated his first touchdown of the season with an emphatic spike that sent the ball into the stands. His Carolina Panthers teammates then watched as he frantically tried to retrieve the ball from a fan. "I was trying to tell him, 'Hey, don't, just give it... Read More

Changing portfolio has impact on tax filings

The turbulent financial market is causing people to shake up their financial portfolios, dump underperforming stocks, adjust retirement funds and sell homes and investment properties. The moves have tax consequences that, if ignored until the end of the year, could cause headaches. Read More

Stingers of autumn — caterpillars out in force

Aah, cool autumn. They're all going away - all the stinging skeeters, chiggers, no-see-ums, deerflies, horseflies, bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, ticks, fire ants, spiders and fleas. Owwwwwww! What's that? Read More

Force Protection future on meeting agenda

The future strategy of Force Protection Inc. will be among the items up for discussion when the maker of mine-resistant armored military vehicles holds it annual meeting of shareholders in North Charleston on Nov. 21. The setting for the 10 a.m. investor event is the Embassy Suites Hotel next to the Charleston Area Convention Center. The agenda calls for stockholders to elect two directors and ratify an independent public accounting firm. Read More

Going Business Class

Educators learn workplace needs

Chemistry teacher Helen Fanning knows that few of her students at Stratford High School will grow up to become chemists. A year ago, she thought of herself as an educator who was preparing pupils for higher-level science classes, helping some get into college while trying to convey basic skills such as solving problems and meeting deadlines. Read More

Police team's goal to prevent gangs

City has not experienced gang-related violence

North Charleston's Gang Intervention Team went to Los Angeles in 2006 to witness for themselves the street-level gang violence that frequently is depicted in fiction on the big screen. So far, they haven't seen anything like that in North Charleston, and they plan to keep it that way. Read More

Bailout blues: 'The Economic Madness of George XLIII'

"It's a perfect storm. It started with Congress encouraging lending to lower income people. You went from subprime loans being 2 percent of total loans in 2002 to 30 percent of total loans in 2006. That kind of enormous increase swept into the net people who shouldn't have been borrowing." - Blackstone Group Chairman Stephen Schwarzman, Wall Street Journal, Sept. 25 Read More

COMING UP

Gilmore has visit with USC

USC hosted one of the top prospects in the state for an official visit over the weekend in defensive back Stephon Gilmore (6-2, 195) of South Pointe. Gilmore spent time with head coach Steve Spurrier, defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson and cornerbacks coach Shane Beamer. The message he got from Spurrier was there is a place for him with the Gamecocks. Read More

Reporter Wise joins business news staff

Veteran Post and Courier government reporter Warren Wise has moved to the business news department. Read More

Work e-mail creeping into employees' off hours

NEW YORK - Joe Soto, general manager of an advertising firm in Philadelphia, has a complicated relationship with his BlackBerry e-mail phone. He felt "awful" and out of touch when he was without a BlackBerry for two days because his unit fell overboard when he was sailing on the Chesapeake. Read More

Inn clears planning hurdle

Some Legend Oaks residents oppose bed-and-breakfast in neighborhood

SUMMERVILLE - Residents of Legend Oaks, a golf-course community on S.C. Highway 61, are embroiled in another feud that's heading for Dorchester County Council. Council had to intervene earlier this year after Legend Oaks residents clashed over parents parking along the streets to pick up kids from the school across the highway. Read More

Woodlands has new GM, top chef

Flat-screen televisions are the least of it. Woodlands Resort & Inn in Summerville, one of the area's most acclaimed luxury lodgings, isn't just getting a new look. Beginning this month it has a new general manager and a new executive chef. Read More

Reversing Alzheimer's disease?

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

Two-and-a-half years ago, 56-year-old Fred Ruekert was diagnosed with Alzheimer's; a disease that took his father in his 60s and his brother at age 57. Fred's wife of more than 30 years says she saw the warning signs. "There definitely was a shift in his personality that made it recognizable." Read More

RadioShack outlets to be given makeovers

RadioShack is getting a face-lift for Christmas. As part of a turn-around effort at the consumer-electronics retailer, two-thirds of its 6,000 stores, including seven in the Charleston area, will begin changing their in-store look next month. Read More

DISTINCTIONS

End your day refreshed

Plenty of what you see on the Internet can be eyebrow-raising ('vicious umbrella attacks woman,' 'celeb gives baby normal name'), but chances are, most of the time you're on your computer, you're not widening your eyes. You're actually squinting, consciously or not. Read More

MEMOS

What can Clemson do to turn jeers into cheers?

CLEMSON - Five games into a season that began with bountiful promise, Tommy Bowden finds himself being booed off his own field after a loss to what was, by all accounts, an inferior team that didn't play particularly well. Five games into a season Clemson entered in the top 10, Clemson has won three games and lost two. The Tigers are 1-1 in the ACC, a league they were forecast to own this year. Read More

Executive Items

High risk, high reward

Last Thursday in St. Louis, Mark Reynolds of the Arizona Diamondbacks became the first big-leaguer to strike out 200 times in a single season. Read More

Cases show offenders often people we know

We teach children about stranger danger. But locals arrested in sex-crime cases have included teachers, pastors and other seemingly upstanding members of the community. National statistics say that this pattern isn't unusual. In fact, most offenders are non-relatives whom the victim or the victim's family knows and trusts. "They used to teach us stranger danger, but nowadays, that's not usually the case," said Rita Avila, a Charleston County Sheriff's detective who has investigated many such crimes in this area. Read More

Officials outline plans for 'innovation center'

It's an idle eyesore now, but an old mattress factory in Charleston's East Central neighborhood could be humming in the next year or two with cutting-edge medical research firms and other startup technology businesses. City and state officials Wednesday unveiled plans to transform the long-vacant factory into an "innovation center" with offices and laboratories at 645 Meeting St. Read More

Deaths Summary

A waste issue states can solve

Now that South Carolina's low-level radioactive waste landfill has finally been closed to all but three states, those without a place to dump are calling it a national problem. It's a problem, all right, but one which states should be able to address under existing law. Read More

Don't assume pain is carpal tunnel

Doctor can diagnose syndrome or other hand ailments that have symptoms such as tingling, numbness, weakness, pain

Recently, I've had pain and tingling in my fingers, making it harder for me to do routine tasks. Do I have carpal tunnel syndrome? What can I do to ease the pain? Read More

Owner of Stock Building Supply evaluating options

The U.S. housing slump is creating financial ripples across the pond. The British owner of a struggling building supply and installation chain with 32 South Carolina locations - including three in the Charleston region - is mulling what to do with the business to counter plunging sales and deep losses. Read More

Exercises target different areas of body

ATLANTA - Six years ago, Rhoda Freer did not know a plank from a saw, and a Cadillac was just a car. In fact, she could not pronounce the name of the unfamiliar exercise regimen that used those terms: Pilates. "I thought it was pie-lates," said the former dancer-turned-actress. Read More

Transparency key to bailout success

NEW YORK - If the U.S. government wants to use taxpayer dollars to get financial markets functioning smoothly again, then it better be prepared to let Americans see exactly how this effort is going to work. At the center of the mega-bailout presented by the Treasury Department and Federal Reserve is a proposal to buy $700 billion of toxic mortgage debt and other risky assets , which is considered the root cause of the current credit storm. Read More

Spouse's illness not issue in job search

Market turmoil raises questions

DALLAS - The turmoil in the financial markets has triggered a slew of questions from consumers worried about the safety of their money in financial services and investment companies. Here are some answers to the most common questions: Read More

A good time to catch up with Apple's iPod

When Apple released the iPod in October 2001, it cost $399 and held just 5GB of music, or about 1,000 songs. The new line of iPods that Apple introduced last week range in price from $49 to $399, can hold up to 120GB of music (30,000 songs), videos and photos, play games, surf the Internet, access e-mail or download music. Read More

Age and breast cancer recurrence

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

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Having early stage breast cancer at a young age does not necessarily raise your chances of having it come back. Read More

BRAGGIN RIGHTS BAROMETER

South Carolina 20, Clemson 17

The tradition-rich BRB predicts what to expect from a mythical South Carolina-Clemson clash this Saturday, and every week leading to the real game on Nov. 29, this year accounting for the Tigers' home-field advantage. Read More

Reversing Alzheimer's disease? - Research summary

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

The possibility of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a scary thought for many. Read More

Determining treatment for prostate cancer

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

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- It may take more than a man's age to determine whether hormones should be used to treat his prostate cancer. A new study from Fox Chase Cancer Center finds men over age 70 with high-risk prostate cancer lived longer and had increases in PSA less frequently when they... Read More

What can Clemson do to turn jeers into cheers?

CLEMSON — Five games into a season that began with bountiful promise, Tommy Bowden finds himself being booed off his own field after a loss to what was, by all accounts, an inferior team that didn't play particularly well. Five games into a season Clemson entered in the top 10, Clems... Read More

Technological lifesaver

Daughter's treatment led woman to learn to treat others' children

About 15 years separate patients Lauren Hatchell and newborn Abbie Barron. Both are alive today thanks to a lifesaving device called extra- corporeal membrane oxygenation, or ECMO. A dramatic effort to save lives, ECMO literally turns patients inside out. Lauren's mother was so touched by her daughter's brush with death that she went on to become a registered nurse and one of 21 ECMO specialists at the Medical University of South Carolina. Read More

Mayor seeks to uncover city's hidden history

GOOSE CREEK - Michael Heitzler turns off Old Highway 52 onto Avanti Lane to show his passenger a historic site that most people - even those who grew up in southern Berkeley County - have never even heard of. As he slowly winds his vehicle down the lane, which resembles more of a driveway than a road, some gravestones can be seen through the woods. Read More

World War II artifacts slowly rusting away

Barriers to German submarines were strung across mouth of harbor, creeks

Tube worms and rust eat away at the last pieces of one of the eerier secrets of the Lowcountry estuaries - anti-submarine nets. The nets were strung across the mouth of Charleston Harbor and deeper inlet streams during World War II. For years after, boaters on waters like Conch Creek behind Sullivan's Island would duck under the top cable and glimpse a horror in the gleaming waves. Read More

C of C sailors place first to qualify for nationals

The College of Charleston women's sailing team earned second and third at the SAISA Women's Single-Handed Championships while the coed team placed first and second in the Coed Single-Handed Championships to earn spots at nationals coming up in late October. Read More

Soldier laid to rest

Family, friends remember Staff Sgt. Matthew Taylor as a man who led through service

Summerville native Matthew J. Taylor, who enlisted in the Army the day after Sept. 11, 2001, received a hero's farewell Sunday with full military honors and was remembered as an exemplary soldier, loving husband and father. Staff Sgt. Taylor, 25, was killed by hostile small arms fire Sept. 21 while on patrol in Baghdad. Read More

Victory not enough as Battery's run ends

The Charleston Battery won the game Sunday night against the Rochester Rhinos, but lost the series. Osvaldo Alsono scored the game's only goal as Charleston defeated Rochester, 1-0, Sunday night in Game 2 of the USL First Division quarterfinal series before a crowd of 1,435 at Blackbaud Stadium. But the Battery's one-goal win wasn't enough in the two-game aggregate scoring series as Rochester beat Charleston, 2-0, Friday night and won the overall series, 2-1. Read More

When things just don't add up

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

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- If you struggle with math, you've probably decided that you're just not "left-brained" -- but new research offers a fresh look at a syndrome that may be crippling your math skills. Read More

South Carolina Report Card

Clemson Report Card

New job may not be good fit

After many years of caring for patients, I had to take a desk job due to an injury. Because of my medical background, I accepted a position processing insurance claims. The work is totally different from what I was doing before. I was told that I would have time to learn and "fit into the job comfortably," so I didn't worry about this change. However, at the end of my 90-day probation, I received a terrible evaluation for the first time in my career. Read More

Small businesses deal with even more worker stress

NEW YORK - Robert Fellman can see it on his employees' faces: the fear, stress and discomfort that come from a difficult, even scary economic climate. "There's panic in their eyes," said Fellman, director of PC Professor, a computer training company with offices in Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, Fla. Read More

PSA screenings

Sorry for the late notice, but if you can make it to North Charleston today, you may want to take advantage of a free prostate cancer screening. Read More

Product recalls

Product recalls announced last week. Details are available at www.cpsc.gov and other Web sites or telephone numbers as listed. Read More

Braggin Rights

The way it works: The tradition-rich BRB predicts what to expect from a mythical South Carolina-Clemson clash this Saturday, and every week leading to the real game on Nov. 29, this year accounting for the Tigers' home-field advantage. Read More

Finding Goose Creek's invisible past

The Strawberry Chapel of Ease was constructed here a few years after a critical battle.

In many ways, the site also is symbolic of Goose Creek's history. It's rich, stretching back three centuries. It's highly textured, as the site is at once a battleground, a site of a former Anglican chapel of ease and also the site of a later Baptist Church that is also gone.

And it's also invisible.

Proposal sparks another feud in Legend Oaks

The residents of Legend Oaks, a golf course community on S.C. Highway 61 west of Charleston, are embroiled in another feud that's heading for Dorchester County Council.

This one concerns whether to allow a house — which residents agree is a showcase — to become a bed and breakfast. Read More

Cleveland Sellers slideshow

Sex offenders often people we know and trust, as local cases illustrate

Detectives and children's advocates want parents to recognize the dangers, but not to panic. Read More

Exercise with your dog

By walking with her dog Sadie twice a day, Patti Lawson lost 30 pounds (and kept it off), started eating healthier and got off the roller coaster ride of fitness that millions of Americans struggle with on a daily basis. Read More

A technology of last resort spans generations

ECMO is network of small machines, tubes and pumps that is a last resort for patients whose lungs and hearts are failing. Thick catheters divert blue blood from the body into an artificial lung, where the blood blossoms red with oxygen. The blood is then warmed and pumped back into the body. Read More

High Schools

Cougars shut down Stetson in Classic

MOUNT PLEASANT - The College of Charleston men rode two second-half goals to a 2-0 win over Stetson (3-3-1) in the finale of the Saturn of Charleston/Nike Soccer Classic at Patriots Point on Saturday. The Cougars (6-3) won both their games for the tournament title. Read More

DuPont's incoming CEO sees green in science

The company has been grooming Ellen Kullman for several years, and her rise to the top job was no surprise, one analyst says. Read More

Market turmoil scares youthful investors

Declining stock prices actually favor young workers, because the shares they buy have more time to grow in the decades before they hit retirement. Read More

Hawaii hanging on to sugar heritage

Many of the challenges facing the dying island sugar industry today are the same as those a century ago - thin margins, competition, pests, disease, labor shortages, rising costs, trade barriers and drought. Read More

Quiet trip reveals invaders

I'm a football fan. I sit on the couch Sunday afternoons, rain or shine, nervously twiddling my fingers as my football team flushes another game down the toilet. Then I'm grumpy. It used to be worse. When my team lost (and they often do), I'd be in a foul mood for days. I'm happy to say th... Read More

STATE GAMES

Essays offer glimpse into Great War

THE SUMMER THE ARCHDUKE DIED: Essays on Wars and Warriors. By Louis D. Rubin Jr. University of Missouri Press. 167 pages. $24.95. The astonishing literary gifts of author and Charleston native Louis D. Rubin are evident in this collection of nine essays that examine a spe... Read More

Rose aims to return to South Carolina Senate

SUMMERVILLE - Republican Mike Rose hopes state Senate District 38 voters decide to return him to Columbia so he can work to ensure growth doesn't harm schools, to reform the magistrate system and to curtail state spending. "I want lots of growth, but I want to manage it so our infrastructure keeps up," he said. "We need impact fees for schools." Read More

Trio takes two giant Santee gators

Anyone who has ever spent any time on the Santee Cooper lakes knows the water bodies support a robust alligator population. With the opening of the public alligator season this fall, lucky permit holders are getting an up-close-and-personal look at some the giant reptiles. Read More

Religious leaders push for ban

SAN FRANCISCO — Hundreds of pastors have called on their congregations to fast and pray for passage of a ballot measure in November that would put an end to gay marriage in California. The collective act of piety, starting Wednesday and culminating three days before the election in a... Read More

Book's randomness damages development

BABYLON ROLLING. By Amanda Boyden. Pantheon. 320 pages. $23.95. Amanda Boyden follows her debut novel, "Pretty Little Dirty," a sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll story that drew comparisons to Bret Easton Ellis, with a book about her adopted hometown of New Orleans, one that h... Read More

The Life and Works of Cleveland Sellers: Chapter 4

Activist and educator finally home

The University of South Carolina is among the state institutions commonly referred to as "the establishment." Chartered in 1801, it offers 350 degree programs, training people to become active participants in the intellectual, cultural, economic and political pursuits of their communities. Into this establishment walked Dr. Cleveland Louis Sellers Jr., 38 years after Emmett Till was slain in Mississippi, 33 years after the Greensboro sit-ins, 25 years after the campus shootings at S.C. State College in Orangeburg. Joining this establishment in 1993 was a man who for years was marginalized, who had been vilified by white society, a man who fought the status quo, who worked toward a day when all people might join together in common purpose. Read More

Cream cheese for creative appetizers

An 8-ounce block of cream cheese is pure heaven for a cook. It adds substance to desserts and creamy flavor to entrees, but best of all, it's the base for thousands of appetizers. Read More

Coming-of-age novel deeply satisfying, fun

THE BIBLE SALESMAN. By Clyde Edgerton. Little, Brown. 238 pages. $23.99. Clyde Edgerton's storytelling is sublime. In "The Bible Salesman," his ninth novel, Edgerton tells the tale of Henry Dampier, "a 20-year-old Bible salesman whose aunt raised him to be a Christ... Read More

Citadel's victory sets up SoCon showdown with Appalachian State

The Citadel has approved daily naps for sleep-deprived cadets this year. But football coach Kevin Higgins would rather his Bulldogs not snooze after kickoff. After dozing through the first half of a win over Princeton last week, the Bulldogs were wide awake from the start against Western Carolina on Saturday. Read More

Put legislators on the record

"Trust us." That's what the Legislature is saying, in effect, by keeping most of its votes off the record. But the legislative record isn't spotless. Just look at the current difficulties in funding essential services, like public education and prisons, and compare it to the Legislature's Competitive Grants program, which pays out millions for balloon festivals and other fluff. Read More

Breaking Through

After three straight losses to open the season, all on the road, the Charleston Southern Buccaneers took some frustration out on visiting North Greenville in a convincing 27-0 win at Buccaneer Field on Saturday. CSU quarterback Tribble Reese completed 17 of 27 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns and freshman running back Antwan Ivey added 70 yards rushing and a touchdown to spark CSU to 372 total yards. Read More

Report clears authorities in '02 riots

AHMADABAD, India - An investigation into one of India's worst outbursts of violence between Hindus and Muslims cleared the Hindu nationalist state government Thursday of any involvement in the riots. Opposition politicians branded the report a whitewash. Read More

Disney birthday

Planning a trip to a Disney theme park next year? If you go on your birthday, you can get in free. Visitors will have to show valid identification and proof of birth date to qualify. Details are available at www.disneyparks.com, where birthday visits can be registered in advance. Read More

Theme park can be fun for whole family

Blowing Rock, N.C. - It's a heap of trouble - six, seven hours - to even make it up High Country way. But near those hills, where the horse thieves still thieve and the wranglers still wrangle, there's a train. Steam-engine locomotive, matter of fact. I know, I know, Slim. Now don't go gettin' excited and squattin' with your spurs on. Read More

Notes & events

Small kitchen, small budget yield big returns

NORTH BERGEN, N.J. - An intriguing trend has emerged from the wreckage of the real estate market: The brave souls taking the plunge into home- ownership are increasingly turning to studio apartments and smaller homes. Their logic is rooted in efficiency. They really want to own a home - and afford one at the same time - and are willing to sacrifice space to accomplish that goal. Read More

Antique inkwells sell in wide range of prices

Writing a letter? You're probably using a ballpoint pen or a computer. But our ancestors used other writing instruments. Read More

Ford-Altman 'ticket' hails GOP VP pick

Bret Maverick, the TV Western rascal, was a gambler. So is political maverick John McCain. And while the election-year dice McCain rolled by almost delaying Friday night's debate are still tumbling, growing ranks of national experts, across a wide ideological range, are pegging his long-shot VP pick as a loser. Kathleen Parker, in the next-door column, even calls Sarah Palin "Clearly Out Of Her League." Read More

Gamecocks' contributions come from unlikely sources

COLUMBIA -You assumed South Carolina had a shot to roll up some rushing yardage on Alabama-Birmingham. The chief contributors you might not have guessed. Read More

French Quarter Art Walk to feature 4 days of events

Often called "the largest traveling cocktail party in Charleston," the French Quarter Art Walk this week will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the tradition of galleries opening their doors in the evening so the public can enjoy a multitude of genres of art as well as wine and hors d'oeuvres. Read More

'Out Loud' author leaves his writing comfort zone

A novel may be pregnant with promise, but with the short story, you're already in the delivery room. "The short story makes a smaller claim on the reader's time," says Anthony Varallo, assistant professor of English at the College of Charleston. "It offers in its opening lines a promise that the novel doesn't: This will all be over soon, 'The end is near.' For me there is a certain satisfaction in that." Read More

7 simple steps to update style

Spending money on optional home improvements is hard to justify in this tough economic climate. Yet it's not necessary to wait until food prices stabilize, gas prices drop and the financial sector becomes healthy before making a few needed changes. There are plenty of simple things you can do to ensure that the time you spend at home is more enjoyable. Read More

Middleton view of tradition preserved in new collection

Climate and, in some cases, neglect are among the prime forces that place priceless old documents at risk. Add to this the decline of the art of correspondence in an electronic age, and you have a perfect storm of factors that support decay and disappearance, even in a place of so preservationist an impulse as Charleston. Read More

GARDEN CALENDAR

Elderly, strapped families targeted

Declining economy prime time for scams

A clerk claiming to be from the county voter office wants your Social Security number to verify you're registered for the November elections. An angry, threatening voice says you'll be arrested if you don't hand over personal information needed for jury duty. Read More

Despite USC's victory, Spurrier disappointed in overall effort

COLUMBIA - Steve Spurrier promised changes this week with his offense. Unfortunately for South Carolina, the change was only evident on the depth chart and not on the field. Despite continuing offensive woes, the Gamecocks still had no real trouble with an undermanned UAB team that simply could not move the ball in a 26-13 USC victory in front of 78,286 fans at Williams-Brice Stadium. Read More

Terps expose paper Tigers

CLEMSON - What Alabama started, Maryland finished. That would be the exposure of Clemson as a fraudulent favorite to win a national or even a conference championship. In the season opener against Alabama, they proved to be paper Tigers. Against the Terps here Saturday, they cut themselves to shreds. Read More

Martin headlines Senior Azalea field

Walt Martin, who won last year's Senior Azalea at the Country Club of Charleston, will be back to participate in this year's event but won't be defending his title in the tournament, which will be played Wednesday through Friday. Martin was eligible to compete in the Super Seniors division last year but elected to compete for the overall title. He matched his age of 67 in the final round and won the title with a 54-hole total of 211. This year, Martin has elected to compete in the Super Seniors division, for players 65 and older. Read More

Sheen's message uplifting

2 of archbishop's books being reissued

This year, two classics in the American religious tradition are being republished by Random House. The books, "Treasure in Clay" ($15.95) and "Life of Christ" ($17.95), were written by Archbishop Fulton Sheen, who died in 1979. Read More

SCSU's Long, Ford too much for Rams

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Malcolm Long threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns to lead South Carolina State to a 43-17 victory against Winston-Salem on Saturday night. Long completed 13 of 21 passes with no interceptions for the Bulldogs (3-2). "I just came out and played hard," s... Read More

Obama run sparks racism discussion

Some see renewed debate about racial tensions as a positive of candidacy

Spurred by the presidential candidacy of Barack Obama, we are finally, inevitably, talking about race - a conversation full of pain, anger, guilt and retribution that America has been sidestepping forever. This time, the dialogue isn't addressing the aftermath of a murder, riot or hurricane. It's not distorted by crime, welfare, immigration or affirmative action. Read More

Struggling with poverty

Area fights uphill battle against dwindling economy

ALLENDALE - The evening light faded in wisps of pink and purple as 16 weary workers stepped from a chrome-lined charter bus and shuffled over to a line of idling cars waiting to ferry them home. Few among the group offered a wave or a nod of farewell to their fellow travelers. They'd be seeing each other again soon enough. Read More

Stags' Ellington turns in special effort in rout

Berkeley's Bruce Ellington had one of the most memorable performances in Friday night's 51-14 Region 7-AAAA football victory over the James Island Trojans. Ellington caught six passes for 153 yards and a touchdown, but what gets your attention was his special team's play. He returned one kickoff for 85 yards and a touchdown and another kickoff 86 yards for a score. Ellington finished with 332 all-purpose yards. Read More

Changing states of mind

In "Our Town," Thornton Wilder presented the archetype of a small American town with its close-knit social ties and conscientious conservative values. Grover's Corners was modeled on villages in New Hampshire a century ago. But today, according to a fascinating new study by British researchers, you'd have to go to North Dakota to find those values. That sturdy old Yankee character, it seems, is now hard to find in New England. Read More

The rocky road to reform in S.C. has even more ruts

"Didn't Sanford know what he was getting into?" That rhetorical question from a former legislator who left the Statehouse more than 40 years ago came up recently during a wide-ranging, group discussion at the home of a friend. For sure, the Legislature has historically resisted putting any real power in the governor's office. But it's also important to recognize and be concerned that the road to reform has gotten even rougher. Read More

New sacred texts available in hotels

Latest trend in hospitality industry to appeal to diverse cultures and backgrounds by offering spiritual options to guests

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Leave your Bhagavad-Gita at home while traveling out of town? If you're staying at the Hotel Preston, you can get a copy of the ancient Hindu text for your room from a "spiritual menu" that includes the Quran, the Bible and other religious texts. Read More

Discarded items turned into exhibits at Halsey

The upstairs of the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art resembles a consignment shop - an unusually dreamy, otherworldly consignment shop. Clothing is meticulously folded and stacked, the layers of jeans, T-shirts, pants and polos rising and falling like waves. Read More

Many faiths to come together

Choirs, poets, clergy to celebrate at free event

Local choirs and musicians will gather Oct. 5 at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul for the third annual Hymnfest, a free interfaith celebration of religious pluralism as expressed through music. Organized by Bill Schlitt and wife Maida Libkin, co-founders of The Company Company, a nonprofit theater production group, the event honors Charleston's "rich history as a safe haven for people of all faiths and backgrounds," Schlitt said. Its subtitle, "Shall We Gather," is meant to emphasize that which the faithful have in common, he said. Read More

Collins offers Dist. 38 voters another choice

SUMMERVILLE - When Bill Collins retired as editor of the Summerville Journal Scene last year, he had no plans to run for public office. But when friends and neighbors urged him to launch an independent bid for the state Senate District 38 seat - and promised to do much of the work - he said yes. "It was pretty wild," he said. "I did not intend to do this. I had just left my job and was retired and was playing golf." Read More

Broadway's 'Blonde' to end its run in October

NEW YORK - Elle Woods, Broadway's prime example of girl power, is leaving Broadway next month. Read More

Happenings

Rosh Hashana begins Monday

New year, Yom Kippur a time of prayer, reflection, repentance

Jews begin a new year this week. The shofar, or ram's horn, is sounded in synagogues during Rosh Hashana, calling Jews to prayer and repentance. A special prayer book is used for the holiday, and symbolism abounds. Apples and honey are eaten, signifying a sweet new year. Pockets are emptied into flowing water, signifying the casting off of sin. Read More

Ex-addict confronts his past

THE NIGHT OF THE GUN: A Reporter Investigates the Darkest Story of His Life. His Own. By David Carr. Simon and Schuster. 389 pages. $26. "Job? Gone. Girlfriend? History. Dignity? Please. Money? As if. Children? Orphans." So goes the short inventory of David Carr's l... Read More

Injury hinders Spiller

CLEMSON - C.J. Spiller had tried to play through a foot injury he suffered in a Sept. 13 victory over North Carolina State. He couldn't hide it any longer in Saturday's 20-17 loss to Maryland. Spiller rushed for 98 yards 14 carries and battled hard on a 17-yard reception late, but he said his production would've been better had his foot not been bothering him. Read More

'Waiter' dishes up juicy tales

WAITER RANT: Thanks for the Tip — Confessions of a Cynical Waiter. By The Waiter. HarperCollins. 302 pages. $24.95. "When you work at a restaurant, there's never a shortage of interesting stories." The Waiter ("anonymity has shielded me from customer retributi... Read More

Pool sharks get sporting chance

Amateurs take their cue and step up to the table for a chance to win $1.8 million in Las Vegas

At 11 a.m. on a sunny Saturday, 61-year-old Paul Christo stood tall in a North Charleston bar and grill. He wore a denim shirt, denim pants, cowboy boots and a ball cap that read "Semper Fi." He carried a thin leather case with gold rivets. He was ready to play in the American Poolplayers Association. Read More

Book looks at Sherman's march

SOUTHERN STORM: Sherman's March to the Sea. By Noah Andre Trudeau, Harper/Collins. 671 pages. $35. Surgically removing a critical year or battle within a great war and carefully analyzing it with colorful detail is a wonderful approach to history, notably executed this de... Read More

Microchip allows sheltie's rescue after long journey

It all started with a phone call from Muncie, Ind. Mark Monaghan, senior vice president of Human Resources at JK Harris, received a call from a woman named Mary asking if he knew Charlie Monaghan. He told her that was his grandfather's name. Read More

Project help

"If I Had a Hammer: More Than 100 Easy Fixes and Weekend Projects" by Andrea Ridout (Collins, $17.95, paperback) offers step-by-step instructions and black-and-white illustrations for tackling household projects homeowners and renters can do in less than a weekend. Read More

Deaths Summary

PET CALENDAR

State, other providers to begin shots

Children, elderly and patients with medical problems most vulnerable

With influenza season approaching, state health officials are encouraging residents to get their flu vaccinations. February and March are peak flu season in South Carolina, but cases can be seen any time of the year. Read More

Mosaic tiles can create a work of art

A few months ago, I wrote a column about mosaic tiles. There is a resurgence of interest in this ancient art form; we are seeing stunning mosaic work decorating bathrooms, kitchen backsplashes and floors. The number of enthusiastic responses I received via e-mail prompted me to revisit the topic. Read More

McCain and Obama

A look at where Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain stand on a selection of issues: Read More

HOME and GARDEN BRIEFS

Reclaimed lumber popular, but pricey

We are planning an addition to our house, which we want to be efficient and "green." I heard using reclaimed lumber makes sense. Is this more efficient and as strong as new lumber and what are its sources? Read More

That's the ticket

NEW YORK - Buying tickets for that Broadway or off-Broadway show just got easier with the opening of a concierge and information center in Times Square that's open seven days a week. Read More

Analysis reveals scores don't jibe

Second school's test scores also in question

In 2007, Sanders-Clyde Elementary students' scores on the state Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test were among the best in Charleston County. That same year, Sanders-Clyde students also took a lesser-known test and had some of the weakest scores in the county. The Post and Courier uncovered the gap after requesting test scores from the school district. There is less than a one percent likelihood that chance alone explains the wide gap, according to a statistical analysis requested by the newspaper. Read More

Sunday Calendar

Letters to be sold in London

LONDON - Several letters that Princess Diana wrote to her former nanny, including one comparing her own dancing skills to those of an elephant, will be auctioned in London this week. Read More

Nazarene Church turns 100

On Oct. 5, the Church of the Nazarene celebrates its centennial anniversary with a special day of worship designed to unify its 1.6 million members with a common program. Read More

October arts calendar

Hindu-Christian unrest kills man

BHUBNESHWAR, India - About 50 Christians armed with knives, sticks and stones hacked a Hindu man to death in the eastern Indian state of Orissa in the latest outburst of sectarian violence that has left 27 people dead, police said Friday. Read More

Tradition has ties to harvest

Beer consumption spikes as we approach October. Read More

Drive toward success

'Story' looks at pressure on blacks to flourish

Do blacks have more pressure placed on them to succeed in our society than whites do? This is a question asked by the "The Story," a new drama by award-winning playwright Tracey Scott Wilson, which opens the College of Charleston theater department's season Thursday at the Robinson Theatre. Read More

'Newbie' words make way into writings

The first definition of "neologism," as you would expect, is "a new word, usage or expression." The second definition is "a meaningless word coined by a psychotic." Today's meditation skips over the distinction. Read More

Letters to the Editor

Real Estate Transactions

1960 Yankee Stadium memories

I can't believe it took an editorial in this newspaper to remind us that this year will be the last for Yankee Stadium. I saw many ballgames at the stadium but none sticks in my mind like the fourth game of the 1960 World Series. Read More

Bulldogs' O-line steps up

The Citadel's offensive line had a goal of 230 rushing yards for Saturday's game against Western Carolina. But after the Bulldogs achieved that number, the guys on the O-line wanted even more. "We came off the field after we kicked our last field goal and said, 'Let's get 275,' " senior center Clay Muirhead said. "And we ended up with 276, so that was a great feeling. It was a great team effort." Read More

Cannon: 'We dropped the ball'

Charleston County Sheriff's Office accepts blame; manhunt continues

A computer glitch led to the release of a man charged as an accessory in the murder of Lincolnville Constable Robert Bailey, the Charleston County sheriff said Saturday. As Sheriff Al Cannon spoke, a multijurisdictional police hunt continued for Brian Smalls, 29, who was freed from the Berkeley County jail Friday after serving a sentence for a parole violation. Read More

Facing an uphill battle

For 85 minutes the Charleston Battery played a near perfect road game Friday night against Rochester. It was the final five minutes that proved to be disastrous for the Battery. Read More

Huck Finn Fishing Festival a reel good time

Saturday will likely be forever etched in the memories of many children who picked up a fishing pole for the first time at the Huck Finn Fishing Festival at Colonial Lake in downtown Charleston. Allen Goehring taught his daughters Annabella, 4, and Jacqueline, 3, how to cast with their new Barbie fishing rods at the annual event sponsored by the city of Charleston Department of Recreation. By mid-morning, Jacqueline had pulled in a little croaker. Read More

'Brilliant!' to shed light on devices

"Brilliant!: Ancient to Modern Lighting," a two-part exhibition designed to enlighten the public about the human effort to overcome darkness with artificial light, will run at the Charleston Museum until next August. The lighting exhibition will feature nearly 300 devices, including splinter holders and ornate cut-crystal gas chandeliers, the museum says. About 140 pieces of ancient and primitive lighting devices are featured in the first installment, which runs through February. Read More

Tigers trip over themselves, Terrapins

CLEMSON - The stinging irony of this defeat was that it had little to do with the much-publicized weaknesses coming in. No. 20 Clemson got what it needed from an injury-ravaged offensive line. The defense provided the toughness and big hits that were in short supply over the previous four games. Another weakness popped up Saturday at Memorial Stadium: agonizing, self-inflicted wounds that ended up bleeding the Tigers to death in a 20-17 loss to Maryland. Read More

Match tiebreaker a hot topic

The match tiebreaker is in for this fall's local league tennis. I like getting home from night matches earlier, but I'm not sure I actually like the reason for it. I guess I'll have to wait until the match tiebreaker decides one of my own matches or my team's before I really have a true feeling for putting all of your marbles on what amounts to a couple of games. I just think a tiebreaker that replaces a third set takes away an advantage for certain players and some of the better teams. Read More

CITADEL - How They Scored

Home gardens to welcome visitors

"Gardens for Gardeners," a driving and walking tour of cultivated spaces, invites visitors to view private gardens west of the Ashley and on James Island. The Oct. 5 tour is the eighth such event sponsored by the Charleston Horticultural Society. Guests on the self-guided, Sunday afternoon tour will meander through gardens in The Crescent, Eastwood, Riverland Terrace, Parrott Bluff, South Windermere and Stono Terrace communities. Docents trained in horticulture will be stationed at each stop on the tour to answer questions about plants, trees and the garden's history. Read More

Salad days and nights for Garcia

COLUMBIA - Stephen Garcia started filling out his South Carolina quarterback job application Saturday night. Read More

Addlestone adds five first editions

Friends of C of C library to hold talk, dinner Oct. 10

Herodotus and Darwin, Cook and the Federalists, plus de Buffon for good measure. In all, five first editions have been added to the rare book collection of the Addlestone Library at the College of Charleston, an acquisition that will be celebrated by the Friends of the Library at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 10. Read More

Phillies clinch NL East with win

PHILADELPHIA - One by one, players grabbed the microphone and told the screaming fans what they wanted to hear. "We're not done yet," Chase Utley said. The Fightin' Phils are going back to the playoffs. Just getting there won't be good enough this time. Read More

Leaf of mint relative offers sweet, yet musky, flavors

HAI! Yes, I am a huge fan of Japanese food, and back in the mid-1980s, I became a big adherent of the local sushi cuisine here in Columbia. If you are not a student of sushi and sashimi, give it a try: fresh, clean flavors that speak of the ocean as well as the land. There's going to be something for every taste. (Don't forget the hot wasabi!) For those of you who prefer cooked food, nearly all Japanese food establishments offer delightful tempura (fried) preparations as well as grilled foods and soups, salads and cooked vegetables. Read More

One-on-one with Marcus Lawernce

CBT dancer takes on fiery role

The dancer starring in the Charleston Ballet Theatre season-opener "Carmen" may appear to be an unlikely choice. Taking the title role of the fiery, tempestuous cigarette factory worker is Miki Kawamura, a native of Sapporo, Japan. "I was very hesitant to take the role when Jill first asked me because I didn't think I was right for it," says the soft-spoken Kawamura, referring to CBTresident choreographer Jill Eathorne Bahr. Read More

Visitation held at area church

Patriot Guard Riders of South Carolina pay respects to Taylor, who was slain in Baghdad

The farewell for Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Taylor began Saturday. His body lay in repose in a flag-draped coffin at New Covenant Church of God on Stall Road in North Charleston. His family received mourners. Read More

Little corner of Quebec masterpiece

Colors of season, landscape, whales lure artists and visitors to crater region

LA MALBAIE, Quebec - For a fall color experience, there can't be many places as glorious as this. We're talking leaves of the appropriately brilliant hues here, of course. Mountains, lakes, villages, inns and art. Read More

Deaths and Funerals

A new kind of female company for Flair

It's no secret that "Nature Boy" Ric Flair likes women. For more than 35 years as America's greatest pro wrestler, Flair billed himself as a "limousine ridin', jet flyin', kiss stealin', wheelin', dealin' son of a gun," who always had a babe on each arm. With an abundance of ex-wives and girlfriends, it's no surprise that Flair fancies female company. Read More

Free Theatre offered locally

National group sponsors event to offer cost-free peek at several live performances

For the second year in a row, a Free Night of Theatre will be sponsored by Theatre Charleston and Theatre Communications Group, a national organization that promotes live performance nationally. Read More

Charleston arts mover, shaker honored

In 1988, four local artists gathered upstairs at 24 State St. to discuss something that had never been tried in Charleston. The four who gathered were Billie Sumner, Nina Liu, Marty Whaley Adams and Art Thomas. Read More

Georgian romance enchants writers

Georgian England is a fascinating time period for historical romance. The name comes from the string of four kings who ascended the throne, starting in 1714 with a German-born George who didn't even speak English. Mad King George (III) was on the throne during the American Revolution, and Parliament made his eldest son the Prince Regent to rule in his place. This is where the term "regency" comes from. Read More

An irreverent take on Britain

THE ANGLO FILES: A Field Guide to the British. By Sarah Lyall. Norton. 289 pages. $24.95. The United States and England share a common history and language, but are oh so different. After marrying a Brit and moving to London, New York Times columnist Sarah L... Read More

Travel Q and A

Closing 'devastating' to town

Johnsonville officials, businesses, residents worry about the future with loss of more jobs

JOHNSONVILLE - Buddy Dennis always looked forward to Wellman shift workers picking up a safety award at the hulking polyester fiber and resin plant just up the street from his family diner. The industrial giant in this old tobacco town of 1,418 people always would celebrate with hearty meals from his country-cooking Shady Rest Family Restaurant. Read More

Lighting exhibit at Charleston Museum

About 140 pieces of ancient and primitive lighting devices are featured in the first installment of a two-part exhibition focused on the human effort to overcome darkness with artificial light. Read More

Discarded items turned into exhibits at Halsey

Jarod Charzewski's dig on North American consumerism and burgeoning landfills meant he had to borrow about 6,000 pieces of clothing from Goodwill Industries. Read More

Horticultural Society tours scheduled in West Ashley, James Island

Guests on the self-guided, Sunday afternoon tour will meander through gardens in The Crescent, Eastwood, Riverland Terrace, Parrott Bluff, South Windermere and Stono Terrace communities. Read More

Low cost changes can pay off big when it comes to home remodeling

There are plenty of simple things you can do to ensure that the time you spend at home is more enjoyable. They don't cost very much. Most can be done in less than a day. And with clear instructions, there's a good chance even the home improvement-challenged can perform these jobs. Read More

DHEC flu vaccine clinics begin soon

Each year about 700 people die from the flu in the state, and more than 4,000 South Carolinians are admitted to a hospital. Flu is a leading cause of death for people age 65 years and older. Read More

Five for the Ages

In all, five first editions have been added to the rare book collection of the Marlene and Nathan Addlestone Library at the College of Charleston, an acquisition which will be celebrated by the Friends of the Library at 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 10. Read More

Caterpillars, the stingers of autumn, are crawling

The puss moth, or the asp, caterpillar is just one more vilely, painfully, spiny insect in a Lowcountry that literally breeds them. It looks like a cross between a pussy willow catkin and a scorpion. And, man, it can put a hurt on. Read More

Disappointment, loss and longing are key themes of Varallo's newest work

Here, the ritual of mowing the lawn takes on a religious dimension; a young couple longs to be accepted by the neighbors they hardly know; a teacher's offer of a ride home turns an automobile into a confessional. Read More

Tweetsie Railroad brings back fond memories

A ride on the Tweetsie Railroad is a ride back in time. Read More

Eastman's book spans early days of South Carolina colony through mid-20th century

Margaret Middleton Rivers Eastman's new book, drawn from the reminiscences of her late mother, Margaret Middleton Rivers, and other stories, ensures that the Middleton family's perspective on Charleston traditions will survive. And survive entertainingly. Read More

Watch for scammers

Authorities warn it's the quick-hit artist who surfaces when times are bad that can leave some of the worst damage by capitalizing on misplaced hope. Read More

Play shows black reporters under pressure

In Tracey Scott's play, an ambitious black newspaper reporter Yvonne Robinson goes against her editor's wishes and investigates the murder of a white man, a teacher in a black neighborhood. But when Robinson's main source, a young girl, comes to her and declares that she made up the whole thing, it beings to appear that Robinson manipulated the information to benefit her story. Or did she? Read More

Wellman's closing to reverberate through tiny town

Wellman closed its polyester fiber operation in Johnsonville in 2006 and laid off about 360 workers at the S.C. Highway 41 plant that employed as many as 1,700 in its heyday.

On Nov. 18, the company that brought industrial life to this rural hamlet in 1954 will close for good, throwing 170 people out of work in this two-stoplight town where trailers of freshly harvested tobacco occasionally still roll through.

The loss will reverberate through the entire community.

Double-digit jobless rates weigh on Allendale

Roughly 17 percent of the population of Allendale is out of work, and nearly 35 percent of residents live in poverty. Read More

Hines powers Hawks with 4 TD passes, 1 TD run

HANAHAN 34, WOODLAND 30

HANAHAN — After getting off to a sluggish start, Hanahan rode four touchdown passes by Bryce Hines to a 34-30 victory over Woodland on Friday night. Read More

Eagles deny Wildcats at wire

BEAUFORT 28, WEST ASHLEY 23

Beaufort stopped West Ashley's K.J. Cohen on a quarterback sneak from the 1-inch line as time expired as the Eagles preserved a 28-23 victory at West Ashley Stadium on Friday night. Read More

Pats' late scores foil Gators

FORST DORCHESTER 20, GOOSE CREEK 19

For three quarters, Fort Dorchester could do little right against Goose Creek. In the fourth quarter, the Patriots did everything right. Galen Bennett threw for 156 yards, including a 7-yard touchdown pass to Jamal Hall with 14 seconds left in regulation, as Fort Dorchester rallied to beat Goose Creek, 20-19, in a thriller Friday night before about 3,000 at Bagwell Stadium. Read More

Other High School Football Games

Ashley Ridge holds off Cane Bay, wins duel of first-year teams

SUMMERVILLE — While appearing, at times, to be a glorified junior varsity game, Friday's clash between Ashley Ridge and Cane Bay — a pair of first-year programs playing solely with freshmen and sophomores — had a true varsity feel most of the night. Ashley Ridge notched the first victory in school history, holding off several Cane Bay threats, to win at home, 14-12. The teams will meet again in two weeks at Ashley Ridge. Read More

An Oscar win

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Stargazers seeking an up-close glimpse of Hollywood's royalty can win seats on Oscar night along the red carpet. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is putting 300 bleacher seats up for grabs in an online lottery. Read More

Kyle could become a hurricane

System heading north; top winds hit 60 mph

MIAMI — Tropical Storm Kyle is maintaining its strength as it chugs north in the open Atlantic, and could become a hurricane by tonight. The National Hurricane Center said Kyle's top sustained winds are 60 mph, which is how strong they've been since early Friday. Read More

Ifill hits the jackpot as debate moderator

NEW YORK — Being selected the moderator for a vice presidential debate is something like opening a suitcase on "Deal or No Deal" and finding $1,000. Nice prize, but it's no jackpot. Not this year. The Oct. 2 showdown between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin will likely put Gwen Ifill before the biggest TV audience of her life. Read More

Despite three wins, Tide loss still stings

CLEMSON — Last year, back-to-back losses to Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech left Clemson fans in a state of despair. The Tigers rang up 70 points in a throttling of Central Michigan, but that did little to put the faithful at ease. Then Clemson went to Maryland and played perhaps its best game of the season, going up by 27 and eventually winning 30-17. Read More

Deaths and Funerals

Brown rival targets burning issue

Television campaign ad focuses on fire that spread to Francis Marion National Forest by accident

Earlier this year, Henry Brown paid nearly $4,750 for a March 2004 fire that jumped his property line, accidentally burning 20 adjacent acres of the Francis Marion National Forest. Some U.S. Forestry Service officials say Brown, a four-term congressman, tried to intimidate the agency in the aftermath of the fire, as fines and penalties were pursued. Read More

Honoring Hanks

NEW YORK — The Film Society of Lincoln Center will honor Tom Hanks in its annual gala tribute, citing the actor's talent of making "a good man compelling." The two-time Academy Award winner will be feted April 27 at Alice Tully Hall during the society's 36th annual gala. Read More

Seams so simple after all these years

MYRTLE BEACH — Alone in a back room, a seamstress, with hands seasoned by experience and softened by shea butter, commands her Singer. The choo-choo syncopation of the machine is the only sound breaking the silence as Iva Mae Ward sews. A sunflower-yellow blouse blemished by a burn hole has her undivided attention, and within minutes, the flawed shirt is once again fabulous. Read More

Letters to the Editor

Candidates invited to breakfast club

All Berkeley County School Board candidates are invited to speak and answer questions from the public at the next monthly Berkeley County Republican Breakfast Club at 9 a.m. Oct. 4. Read More

A very blustery day in Carolinas

Wind gusts, some strong surf, scattered power outages, rain accompany system

RALEIGH — A storm that worried forecasters but never gained tropical strength over the Atlantic pushed across the Carolinas on Friday with scattered power outages and propelled rain and rough surf farther up Atlantic seaboard. Read More

Voters can register at last minute

Lowcountry counties will open their voter registration offices on a Saturday morning next month to conduct last-minute registrations. The Berkeley County Voter Registration and Election Commission office will be open from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 4, while Charleston County will open its office from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the same day. Dorchester County will open its registration offices in Summerville and St. George from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., also on Oct. 4. Read More

Singing credit-crunch blues

Consumers frustrated over inability to get loans, even if they qualify

When Deb Freitag applied for a credit card so she could replace her roof, her leaky refrigerator and her old dishwasher, she was offered a $1,000 line of credit, not the $5,000 she needed. When Mark Ryan finally scraped together more than enough to buy a home, he found that the mortgage a bank promised him earlier in the year was no longer available. Read More

Pedestrian mall for City Market

I am a local business owner located in the historic district just off the Market on Church Street. Having been open for a year and a half, I have seen a steady decline in tourist traffic. It is apparent that the economic downturn is having an adverse affect on Charleston's tourism, which happens to be the second largest source of revenue for the city — the port is the first. Read More

Public service for local soldier

Army staff sergeant's wife opens up funeral after outpouring

Ron White is not sure how many military funerals he's attended the past couple of years as state organizer for the Patriot Guard Riders. Sadly, it's far too many. But when the volunteer group rolls into North Charleston on Sunday to honor the life and service of Army Staff Sgt. Matthew Taylor, a Summerville native who was killed Sept. 21 in Iraq, the solemn occasion is likely to hit close to home for White. Read More

Mother who lost home now has nowhere to go

A woman and two children who were burned out of their trailer Wednesday morning must vacate the motel room today paid for by the Red Cross, and they don't know where to go next. "I just don't know what to do," Vicki Stone, 33, said Friday. "I'm just lost." She's been continuing her job at a nearby McDonald's while living in the motel room. Her 12-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter are in school. Read More

Clemson vs Maryland Pick 3

Keep an eye out

Don't be surprised if you see more deer bounding across the roads, like the one that ran through the Charleston peninsula until being caught in Colonial Lake earlier this week. It's the time of year when deer are likely to roam — and get hit by cars. Read More

Pair of second-half goals gives Rochester series lead

Rochester, N.Y. — The Charleston Battery lost to the Rochester Rhinos, 2-0, on Friday night at PaeTek Park in front of 6,932. The game was the first of a two-match aggregate score first-round USL First Division playoff series. Both teams return to Blackbaud Stadium on Sunday at 7 p.m for the deciding match with Charleston needing to win by two goals to stay alive. Read More

Killer gets life without parole

SUMTER — A man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole after being convicted of killing a man in Sumter County more than four years ago. Read More

Bucs ready to be home at last

Nearly a month into the college football season, Charleston Southern is readying for its first home game of the season. Coach Jay Mills will believe it when he sees it today against North Greenville at Buccaneer Field. Read More

First lady hosts final signature event

WASHINGTON — After leaving the White House, the nation's "reader in chief," Laura Bush, plans to continue promoting literacy through the U.N. and the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Dallas. The first lady, who is hosting the National Book Festival today, also said that she hopes her signature Washington event becomes a lasting tradition, and she'll whisper something about that to the next first lady. Read More

County settles sex harassment suit

SPARTANBURG — The federal government says a South Carolina county has settled a lawsuit over allegations the county knew an employee was being sexually harassed but did nothing. Read More

Ask Elsa

Plans considered for Atlantic beach

ATLANTIC BEACH — Two plans are being floated to keep the government of Atlantic Beach running. Read More

In the pilot seat

It's been a while since Jada Pinkett Smith did regular work on television. That could change soon. Read More

High Profile: JEAN-MARIE MAUCLET & GWYLENE GALLIMARD

Using art to solve problems of world

Gwylene Gallimard and Jean-Marie Mauclet are living proof that not only can order emerge from chaos, but ideas can be formed to change the world. Obviously, this takes a great deal of determination, but it is a life the French couple have chosen, far from their ancestry. Read More

Powers of observation key to 'Mentalist' star

LOS ANGELES — Network lineups are loaded with television shows where bits of hair and fibers, drops of DNA and a host of other small clues are used to track down criminals. Most of the time the tests are run in police labs that look like something from the 1960s animated TV show "The Jetsons." Read More

Remodeling slump benefits clients

NEW YORK — Contractors are bending over backward — even for small jobs like bathroom renovations and cabinetry — as the housing slump infects the remodeling industry, and gives homeowners the upper hand in price negotiations. While not taking the hit that the for-sale market is, home remodeling has slowed as pessimism about home values sets in. Read More

Newspaper companies consolidate

New grouping designed to streamline operating units, add revenue, trim expenses

Evening Post Community Publishing Group and The Post and Courier are consolidating into a new newspaper company called Evening Post Publishing Newspaper Group. Read More

I-26 lane closings will continue

Lanes on Interstate 26 will be closed intermittently into next week as work continues on a widening project between Ashley Phosphate Road and Interstate 526 in North Charleston. Read More

Welcome progress on bailout

All signs late Friday were pointing to a probable congressional agreement on Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson's bailout plan by Sunday at the latest. Better late than never, and the economic damage over the weekend is likely to be small, especially if markets see progress toward a solution. Read More

Wachovia investors on edge

Most analysts see bank as unlikely to go under

NEW YORK — Although Wachovia Corp. has been mentioned as one of the more troubled big U.S. banks, at least some analysts say they believe it is not at risk and is unlikely to suffer the same fate of Washington Mutual Inc. Still, investor anxiety about the future of the Charlotte-based bank remained high Friday, the day after WaMu's failure, as Wall Street shifted its focus to other financial institutions that also suffer under the weight of mounting losses tied to toxic assets. Read More

Business Briefs

Death of man found in truck ruled a homicide

LADSON — Joshua Scott says he has lived on Royle Road for nearly 15 years, but he's never seen any violent crime like the homicide that took place there late Thursday night. Berkeley County deputies were called at about 11 p.m. to a busy stretch of the road, not far from Christie's mobile home park, for a report of an accident. Read More

WCBD to move news to 11 a.m.

Starting Monday, WCBD-TV will juggle its daytime schedule to move its 30-minute noon newscast to 11 a.m., a change that follows the station's recent decision to revamp its sports programming at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Station Creative Services Director Mark Bradley said bumping the noon news to 11 a.m. will restore the fourth hour of the "Today" show to its live 10 a.m. slot. Read More

Veterans to get coverage for ALS

The Department of Veterans Affairs has begun extending full health and disability benefits to all military veterans suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the degenerative nerve disease that claimed the life of baseball great Lou Gehrig. Gen. Tom Mikolajcik, who retired in the Lowcountry after serving as commander of the Charleston Air Force Base and who has ALS, had pushed for the change. Read More

Police captain fired in Anderson

ANDERSON — Anderson Police Chief Martin Brown says Capt. James Johnson has been fired following an investigation of a misconduct case. Read More

Outlook gloomy for S.C. finances

Action expected to trigger more spending cuts

COLUMBIA — The state's top economic forecaster used the gloomiest words and a sober tone Friday to describe South Carolina's financial outlook. The Board of Economic Advisors is expected to lower the state's revenue forecast by at least 4 percent, a threshold that would trigger a special session for the Legislature to cut government spending. Read More

Wando rides takeaways

WANDO 24, COLLETON COUNTY 20

MOUNT PLEASANT — If Wando smelled victory Friday night against Colleton County, it had to be because Warriors linebacker D.J. Davis had a nose for the football. Davis came up with three fumble recoveries, an interception and a sack and Wando held on to beat the Cougars, 24-20, on Friday night at Wando Field. Read More

Ax falls on Naval facility

Command HQ to be shuttered Tuesday

No flag flew on the mast. You couldn't even read "Naval Facilities Engineering Command" in the grime-etched outline of letters that had been pulled from the brick wall. The last few of the remaining 65 employees on Friday wheeled out stacks of papers, framed photographs and coffee mugs from inside the building that once held 450 civilians and Navy officers. Departments were holding goodbye lunches and everybody was giving hugs. Read More

Questionnaire posted online

The League of Women Voters of Charleston has posted a questionnaire on its Web site that was given to candidates for the Charleston County School Board. Read More

Louis Vuitton opens its doors in Charleston Place

It might seem like a peculiar time to open a boutique that sells $1,200 handbags, what with the economy sputtering to a halt and all. But while they are worried on Wall Street and on Main Street, business apparently is OK on King Street, for now at least. Most of the merchants along downtown Charleston's main shopping corridor welcomed the opening of the Louis Vuitton store Friday, the high-end French merchant's first in South Carolina. Read More

Deaths Summary

Reward for couple info up to $65,000

HILTON HEAD ISLAND — The reward for information about a Hilton Head Island couple who have been missing for nearly seven months is up to $65,000. Read More

Waiting for 'Upset Week'

You think it's been easy to Beat Burger the last few weeks? From the looks of the list of winners, some of you seem to have it all figured out. Well, it always seems easier to pick games in the first few weeks of the season. For one thing, there are a lot of mismatches, bigger schools playing smaller schools. And, as the games play out, it gives everybody a chance to see what's what and who's who. Read More

Trojans undone by freshman RB

CORVALLIS, Ore. — It seemed a near certainty that loaded Southern California was headed for a national championship bid. Then the top-ranked Trojans were introduced to diminutive Oregon State running back Jacquizz Rodgers. Rodgers, a 5-7 freshman, played David to Goliath Southern Cal, leading the unheralded Beavers to a 27-21 upset Thursday night that suddenly redrew the landscape of college football this season. Read More

S.C. State regroups

It took a few days, but South Carolina State coach Buddy Pough thinks his players might finally be over last weekend's 54-0 loss to Clemson. At least he hopes the Bulldogs are over it. Read More

Rape charges against detective are dropped

Rape charges against a Hanahan police detective were dismissed Friday after the woman who made the accusation decided not to go through with the case. Other factors in dropping charges against Cassie Watson were a lack of evidence to support the woman's story and a series of unfounded sexu... Read More

College football: Around the state

Police: Boy nearly drowned

Swimmers rescued toddler, authorities say; mother arrested on child abuse charge

Summerville — On the last day of Blaise Spoerl's life, he fell into a swimming pool and nearly drowned while his mother and her boyfriend were drinking, arguing and listening to music nearby, authorities said. Other swimmers at the Weatherstone community pool had to rescue the 22-month-old boy, police say, as he fell into the water "multiple times" without wearing any sort of life jacket. Read More

Wave shuts out Knights

SUMMERVILLE 26, STRATFORD 0

GOOSE CREEK — Summerville recorded a defensive hat trick of sorts with a 26-0 victory over Stratford on Friday night at Stackley Field. The victory, in front of approximately 4,000 fans, marked the third straight year that Summerville posted a shutout against the Knights. The Green Wave won 21-0 in 2006 and 24-0 last fall. Read More

Error by jail frees 'dangerous' inmate

Man wanted in connection with constable killing

A man who was in jail on charges of helping to cover up the kidnapping and slaying of Lincolnville Constable Robert Bailey last year was released from jail in error on Friday. Brian Smalls still must face a charge of accessory after the fact of murder in connection with Bailey's death, Charleston County Sheriff's Office Maj. John Clark said. Read More

Dogs ready for 'championship game every week' in SoCon

"You never know what's going to happen, so you definitely have to approach each game like it's a championship game." At 2-1 heading into the eight-week SoCon schedule, the Bulldogs, ranked No. 24 in the FCS coaches' poll, are right where most observers thought they'd be, with wins over Webber International and Princeton and a loss to Clemson. Read More

USC enters critical three-game stretch

COLUMBIA — Even if Stephen Garcia isn't making his first career start tonight against Alabama-Birmingham, it doesn't take anything away from the fact that South Carolina's season is at a crossroads entering the middle portion of the schedule. The Vanderbilt loss put the year on its ear, and it did so early. Every week takes on a new importance as the Gamecocks fight to get back to a bowl game. Read More

David Stahl's priceless gift

The gift of music transcends financial measure. David Stahl, entering his 25th year as music director and conductor of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, has given our community that gift in abundance. But our superbly talented maestro has given us more than glorious music. He has served as a dynamic force on behalf of all the arts. Read More

Debate prompts search for facts

Fact check sheds light on statements by Obama, McCain during their first matchup

WASHINGTON — The first presidential debate of the 2008 general election began as an assertion-laden exchange, with Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain confronting each other with claims ranging from the financial crisis to taxes. Some left out key facts. Here are some ex... Read More

Saving pets from hard times

People aren't the only ones at risk when the economy slumps. Pets are, too. The Charleston Animal Society, recognizing that consequence of hard times, is offering free pet food to people who can't afford to feed their pets. Read More

Detainee released in error

A man who was in jail on charges of helping to cover up the kidnapping and slaying of Lincolnville's Constable Robert Bailey last year was released from jail in error today. Read More

Trading punches

2 men polite but pointed over economy, taxes, energy, war policies

OXFORD, Miss. — John McCain accused Barack Obama of compiling "the most liberal voting record in the United States Senate" Friday night as the two rivals clashed over taxes, spending, the war in Iraq and more in an intense first debate of the White House campaign. "Mostly that's just me opposing George Bush's wrong-headed policies," shot back the Democrat. Read More

Princeton's side of the story

The Princeton University Band is deeply disappointed in Ken Burger's Sept. 21 article in The Post and Courier about our treatment at the hands of Citadel Cadets on Sept 20. Read More

New newspaper company formed

Evening Post Community Publishing Group and The Post and Courier are consolidating into a new newspaper company called Evening Post Publishing Newspaper Group. Read More

I-26 lane closures continue

Lanes on Interstate 26 will be closed intermittently through the week as work continues on a widening project between Ashley Phosphate Road and Interstate 526 in North Charleston. Read More

WCBD-TV shakes up schedule

The change in the Channel 2 midday news broadcast time means that WCBD-TV and WCSC-TV, the market ratings leader, are no longer competing head-to-head for the half-hour noon news audience. Read More

VA gives full benefits to vets with ALS

This week, the Department of Veterans Affairs began extending full health and disability benefits to all military veterans suffering from Lou Gehrig's Disease, the degenerative nerve disease that claimed the life of baseball great Lou Gehrig. Gen. Tom Mikolajcik, who retired in the Lowcountry after serving as commander of the Charleston Air Force Base and who has ALS, had pushed for the change. Read More

WATCHDOG UPDATE: Manhole damage claim denied

State economist: No good news coming

The Board of Economic Advisors met today to discuss the state's revenue and agreed that because unemployment is up and tax collections are down, it would take a dramatic turnaround to avoid chopping government spending in the next few weeks. Read More

Man found dead in small Ladson mobile home park

Jason Bryant Gadsden, 21, was found dead about 11 p.m. Thursday in front of a small mobile home park at 1009 Royle Road, said Dan Moon, public information officer for the Berkeley county sheriff's office. Read More

Public funeral planned for local soldier killed in Iraq

Public visitation for U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Matthew J. Taylor, a Summerville native who was killed Sunday in Iraq, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at New Covenant Church of God, 7363 Stall Road, North Charleston. Read More

The ax falls on naval command headquarters

The command that built most of the military buildings in Charleston is about to close the doors, one more grudging submission to the relentless rounds of base closures that started in the early 1990s with the Charleston Naval Base. Its leased headquarters in North Charleston off River Avenue will be turned over to its owner Tuesday. Read More

ADWATCH: Ketner ad focuses on Brown's 2004 fire

The debate is on; McCain agrees to participate

Republican John McCain agreed to attend the first presidential debate Friday night even though Congress doesn't have a bailout deal, reversing an earlier decision to delay the forum until Washington had addressed the financial crisis. Read More

Rape charges dropped against Hanahan detective

Department expects him back in a week

Cassie Watson, 40, had been charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime after his Aug. 3 arrest. On Friday, Hanahan police Lt. Michael Fowler said the department expected Watson to return to work after they submit some paperwork to state Criminal Justice Academy. Read More

Art and food rule their lives

Gwylene Gallimard and Jean-Marie Mauclet are living proof that not only can order emerge from chaos, but so ideas can be formed to change the world. They are in the middle of the culmination of an ambitious project that has taken five years of their lives, a multi-faceted undertaking involving artwork of multiple genres designed to make people figure out ways for every person on Earth to have access to clean water and adequate shelter. Read More

What do you think of Moxie?

What do you think about the content in Moxie? What kinds of stories would you like to see here in the future? Is there something that would make Moxie more useful to you?

Tell us in writing by Tuesday and your name will be entered into a drawing for a $200 gift card to Target.

Please include your full name and contact information. Your answer could appear in a future edition.

Moxie can be reached by e-mail at moxie@postandcourier.com, snail mail at Moxie, c/o The Post and Courier, 134 Columbus St., Charleston, SC 29403, or phone at 937-5548. Read More

What are you reading?

Tell us about a book you think other women would enjoy or benefit from, in 200 words or less. Include your name and contact information and you could see your review in a future edition of Moxie. Read More

Blacksburg man charged with shooting man in the head

BLACKSBURG - Authorities accuse a 28-year-old South Carolina man of shooting an acquaintance in the head during an argument. Read More

Reward in missing Hilton Head couple case reaches $65,000

HILTON HEAD ISLAND - The reward for information about a Hilton Head Island couple who have been missing for nearly seven months is up to $65,000. Read More

State economic board expected to have more bad news

COLUMBIA - South Carolina's Board of Economic Advisors is getting an update on just how bad the state's economy is. Read More

Man convicted of shooting death in Sumter County

SUMTER - A man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole after being convicted of killing a man in Sumter County more than four years ago. Read More

Fort Moultrie waiving entry fee

Fort Moultrie will be open free of charge Saturday and Sunday. The $3 fee waiver celebrates National Public Lands Day and newly naturalized American citizens respectively. Read More

Man reports food vandalism

Vandalism by ramen? A downtown Charleston man was awakened about 2 a.m. Saturday by barking dogs and the sound of someone screaming. Read More

Woman hit, killed by car on U.S. 78

A 36-year-old woman was struck and killed early Thursday by a vehicle on U.S. Highway 78 in North Charleston, authorities said. Read More

Living green

Deaths and Funerals

Referendum not dead

Board will plan for a vote as soon as it is feasible, chairman says

SUMMERVILLE - A shaky economy may have delayed a referendum to build more schools around Summerville, but it hasn't killed the idea, Dorchester District 2 school officials said Thursday. The school board has been planning a list of new schools and renovations in the rapidly growing district, at a price tag is $165 million. Read More

Lawmakers defend probe

McCain campaign trying to stall investigation of firing by Palin, lawyers tell Alaska judge

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The McCain-Palin campaign is "moving on many fronts" to stall an investigation into whether Gov. Sarah Palin abused the power of her office by firing her public safety commissioner, Alaska lawmakers claimed in a court filing Thursday. Read More

Subtle changes for the Gamecocks

Smelley will start at quarterback; Garcia to play early against UAB as Spurrier tweaks his offensive lineup

COLUMBIA - As promised, South Carolina will have new offensive starters Saturday against UAB. But, unless something changes, Stephen Garcia will not be one of them. Steve Spurrier announced Thursday afternoon he would stick with Chris Smelley, and not the much-hyped redshirt freshman, as his starting quarterback. He said Garcia would play in the first quarter. He's expected to get the first extended run of his career. Read More

Local officials taking action

Legislator to convene study committee to analyze effects on S.C.

COLUMBIA - The federal moratorium on new offshore drilling sits just days short of expiring as state legislators discussed plans Thursday to position South Carolina to tap its resources. Sen. Paul Campbell, R-Goose Creek, said he is preparing to call a meeting of a state study committee to come up with answers to some basic questions: How extensive are oil and natural gas reserves along the state's 187 miles of coastline, and is it worth it to drill? Read More

SUMMERVILLE BRIEFS

Lowcountry residents split on holding debate

Barack Obama supporter Vette Shaw of Goose Creek was loading a bookcase she bought at the Habitat for Humanity Store in Charleston when she paused to consider the controversy about whether the presidential debate should go on tonight as planned or be delayed by the nation's financial crisis. "He (John McCain) can't multi-task?" Shaw said. The economy needs attention, she said, but it should not interfere with the presidential campaign. "Personally, I feel like that's just McCain's way of making it appear he's a better person for the job. I think it's all politics." Read More

EAST COOPER REC REPORT

Will candidates help everyday folks?

WASHINGTON - For the past week, the nation's capital has been riveted by Wall Street's turmoil and by plans to bail out financial companies, but what about Main Street? What are the two major candidates for president offering to help ordinary Americans who are struggling keep their homes and pay their bills? Read More

New water fountain in place

The city of Charleston recently installed a new water fountain at the base of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge for runners, bikers and the like to enjoy as they step onto the pedestrian path off of East Bay Street. Read More

Radioactive trash is piling up

Closure of S.C. landfill forces hospitals across nation to store low-level radioactive material

BARNWELL - Tubes, capsules and pellets of used radioactive material are piling up in the basements and locked closets of hospitals and research installations around the country, stoking fears they could get lost or, worse, stolen by terrorists and turned into dirty bombs. For years, truckloads of low-level nuclear waste from most of the U.S. were taken to a rural South Carolina landfill. There, items such as the rice-size radioactive seeds for treating cancer and pencil-thin nuclear tubes used in industrial gauges were sealed in concrete and buried. Read More

Slashing one-liner could stop hapless candidate cold

The mounting interest surrounding the first presidential debate between Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain presents a historic opportunity for one of the candidates to deliver a verbal knock-out or a zinging one-liner. After all, a good comeback can hobble a political foe and garner the speaker free exposure when the quip is endlessly replayed on cable news. In the YouTube age, the potential for a catchy comment to go viral is even greater. Read More

Medicaid to halt MAPPS funding

Prevention program falls to 3% across-board cuts

Despite South Carolina's rising teen pregnancy rate, Medicaid is eliminating funding for pregnancy prevention services. Medicaid Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Services, known as MAPPS, provides $400,000 annually in funding for education and counseling for youths ages 10 to 19 who are at risk for engaging in sex at an early age. MAPPS is slated to be eliminated in December, said Jeff Stensland, director of public information for the state's Medicaid agency. Read More

Got civics? Does the Electoral College give out scholarships?

Sen. Robert Ford would like to ask you a few questions. Don't be nervous; these are just a few simple facts that any American should know. It's nothing difficult like, say, "What is the Bush doctrine?" You're not running for president or anything. Read More

Bluffton clerk gets 5 years in prison

BEAUFORT - A former Bluffton town clerk has been sentenced to five years in prison after she was convicted of stealing money from the town, telling police her office had been robbed to cover the crime. Read More

'Army Wives' cast to help at benefit

Cast members from the locally filmed Lifetime TV series "Army Wives" will star in a fundraising event Saturday to help North Charleston's mayor and housing authority build a new emergency shelter. Read More

Wanted: USC effort and C of C fans

Sporting notes, compiled while trying to cope in a college football world without Larry Munson as The Voice of Georgia football: --This just in: That madcap Princeton band has signed a huge contract for a Charleston-based "Survivor" series. Co-starring Citadel cadets as themselves. Read More

Letters to the Editor

Yearwood's goal helpsCougars nip Dolphins

MOUNT PLEASANT - A goal with three minutes left in double overtime by Kareem Yearwood lifted the College of Charleston (5-3) to a 1-0 men's victory over Jacksonville (3-5) in a match in the Saturn of Charleston/Nike Soccer Classic at Patriots Point on Thursday. Read More

Schools get federal grant

$200K will improve sidewalks and safety

At Monday's Dorchester District 2 school board meeting, Superintendent Joe Pye announced the district has received a $200,000 federal grant that will help improve sidewalks and safety in the neighborhood surrounding Beech Hill Elementary. Read More

Bucs TE Harris has it all in perspective

College football is a mental and physical drain on every player who trudges through offseason conditioning, spring practice, summer workouts, preseason camp and then a 12-game schedule. Oh yeah, they have a full load of classes as well. Read More

Beauty and style

Cougs hope to build on fast start

The College of Charleston women's soccer team is off to the best start in school history, but the Cougars also know it's all about how they finish. The Cougars (7-1-1) will be looking to take a big step in the right direction today when they open Southern Conference play against Appalachian State at 7 p.m. at Patriots Point. Read More

Dodgers capture NL West

LOS ANGELES - The Dodgers clinched their first NL West championship in four years Thursday without lifting a bat. Entering the day with a magic number of one, the Dodgers got what they needed when the second-place Arizona Diamondbacks lost 12-3 at St. Louis in the afternoon. That was several hours before Los Angeles faced the San Diego Padres in its final home game of the regular season. Read More

Locals eye next chance in Adams

Lowcountry sailors Jenny Gervais, Jessica Koenig, Katie Hughes, and Sarah Schaill gave it their best in the finals of U.S. Sailing's Women's Championship last week in Oklahoma. Read More

We asked ... Deja Dee

The midday host of Z93 Jamz talks about motivating others and what motivates her

You're known for your Midday Motivations, which you read and discuss each weekday at 10:30 a.m. How do you select them? Read More

Grim state budget report

What is the condition of South Carolina's finances? The short answer: not so good. See for yourself in "A Report to Our Citizens," from Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom. Read More

Bragging rights game

Despite slow starts, Green Wave, Knights still playing for pride

This year's Summerville vs. Stratford game has lost some of its luster, but the showdown has still caused some long nights for Green Wave coach John McKissick as he prepares his team for the rivalry game. Summerville is 2-2 heading into today's 7:30 p.m. game at Stackley Field. The Knights (1-3) averaged double figures in victories for a decade until slipping to 6-6 last fall. The Knights haven't had a losing season since 1995, when they went 3-9. Read More

Cochlear implants procedure safe in children

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

Cochlear implants have come a long way since they were first introduced six decades ago. French researchers first used the hearing devices in the 1950s, with the first American implantation in Los Angeles in 1961. Read More

S.C. Lottery

'We are taking our lumps and bruises'

First few games have humbled coaches at Cane Bay, Ashley Ridge

What a difference a year makes. Last year, Jeff Cruce was the head football coach of the Hanahan Hawks, a state power among Class AA teams. This year he is the coach at Cane Bay High School, one of two new high schools in the Lowcountry. "Let me put it in perspective." Cruce said. "Last year, we were No. 1 in scoring in Class AA and No. 3 overall (regardless of classification) with 43 points per game. "This year, I have the distinct pleasure of having the only team in the state that hasn't scored a touchdown. It's humbling." Read More

CORRECTION

Local & State Read More

New epidemic for seniors?

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

There may be a new medical condition the elderly have to face. New research shows seniors may be coping with a growing epidemic of bone death in their jawbone, called bisphosphonate osteonecrosis. Read More

Meet Moxie

You're reading the first edition of Moxie, a new weekly section in The Post and Courier. Six diverse women on a mission to inform, entertain and inspire dreamed up its contents. Now, we want you to join the discussion. Read More

Terrapins' ground attack to be a test

CLEMSON - Clemson's defense received an exam in Physical Education 101 against Alabama on Aug. 30. The Tigers didn't pass the test, and that's putting it kindly. Saturday, Clemson will get another examination when Maryland resorts to its power-running package. Read More

Blunt touts probate experience

Associate Dorchester County Probate Judge Mary Blunt is touting experience in her bid to become probate judge. A Republican, she's running against Democrat Dreama Pruett, a real-estate broker. Blunt, 37, points out in her campaign literature that she is the only candidate with pro... Read More

Deaths Summary

North Korean breaking point

Whenever the on-again, off-again foreign policy debate between the presidential candidates happens, here's a question for both: What would you do about North Korea? Read More

EAST COOPER BRIEFS

Brother, can you spare a yacht?

Some Americans, including a few tone-deaf politicians, point out that the nation's ongoing financial skid has not technically qualified as a recession — yet. But while the economic growth of this year's first two quarters should be reassuring, it can't erase this sure sign of hard times:Read More

Trident yard sale to benefit heart walk

Trident Medical Center will host a "giant" yard and crafts sale on Saturday, Sept. 27, 8 a.m.-noon on the front lawn of Trident Medical Center, 9330 Medical Plaza Drive, North Charleston. Read More

Shrimp paste

Need something really quick, really easy and really good for tailgating this weekend? Here's a recipe that makes the most of one of the Lowcountry's favorite foods. Read More

PENCIL IT IN

Pruett running as an outsider

Dreama Pruett, the Democratic candidate for Dorchester County probate judge, is running as an outsider calling for change. Pruett, 59, is a longtime real-estate broker. Her Republican opponent, Mary Blunt, is endorsed by Probate Judge Tiffany Provence, who is not seeking re-election after 10 years in office. Read More

WEST ASHLEY BRIEFS

The Children's Museum of the Lowcountry's birthday bash will continue Saturday. The museum is throwing a party to celebrate the fifth anniversary of its opening. Read More

Hot dogs outside Philly ballpark cause bomb scare

After a bomb scare at the Philadelphia Phillies' ballpark, authorities pointed the finger at a fuzzy green suspect - the Phillie Phanatic. Read More

Healing scars on the inside - research summary

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

Pain and visible scarring are part of the common surgery equation, but sometimes the worst scars go unseen to the naked eye. Adhesions are internal scars or fibrous bands of scar tissue that bind normally unconnected parts of tissue together. Read More

Keep sweat where it belongs

Where are the women?

S.C. ranks last in percentage of female legislators

Call it the "cockiness gap" or maybe even the "Magnolia Curtain." Women make up more than half of South Carolina's population, but only 15 of the state's 170 legislators are females. That's 8.8 percent, the lowest in the nation. Why is South Carolina falling behind? And why does it matter? State legislatures have the most direct impact on people's daily lives, much more than Congress, says Dr. Lynne E. Ford, political science professor at the College of Charleston. And state legislatures traditionally have been a pipeline for women who wanted to seek higher offices, a place to accumulate political experience. Read More

Summer heat too cool to fool?

This season was hotter than it seemed but didn't beat last year's high temperatures

It wasn't really a cool summer. It just felt like one. This year, August was its usual sweat-'til-you-sop humid self. But it didn't come close to last year's blazing heat, when the thermometer popped 90-plus degrees nearly every day, including a week of near 100-degree temperatures. Read More

Bailout breaks down

Despite 11th-hour efforts, leaders unable to agree on economic rescue plan

WASHINGTON — A Republican revolt stalled urgent efforts to lash together a national economic rescue plan Thursday, a chaotic turnaround on a day that had seemed headed for a success that President Bush, both political parties and their presidential candidates could celebrate at an extraordinary White House meeting. Read More

St. Benedict dedicates house

Catholic church also planning a home of its own

St. Benedict Catholic Church parishioners busy ironing out the details of their first church home still took time this year to help a North Charleston woman get her first house. Read More

Letters to the Editor

LOWCOUNTRY LEADERS

Fishy diet protects babies from eczema?

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

Fish is often a forbidden food when it comes to infants because of its allergenic properties; but now, experts say a diet that includes fish may protect babies from developing a common skin condition. Read More

Judge tosses out case

Principal won't face assault charge

Charges against a former Charleston County principal accused of grabbing a teacher's arm during an argument have been dismissed. Christy Thompson, former principal of Jane Edwards Elementary School, faced a simple assault charge, and her attorney asked the court to dismiss the charge based on a lack of evidence, according to a letter to schools Superintendent Nancy McGinley from Thompson's attorney, Andy Savage. The county attorney and police refused to prosecute a case against Thompson on the basis that the allegations weren't criminal, and the judge decided to drop the charges, Savage said. Read More

Healing scars on the inside

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

Not long ago, the scars on Aimee Alexander-Klun's abdomen were far deeper than they looked. She lived every day in excruciating pain. "No pain medication, no matter how much I took, would keep it at bay," she recalled to Ivanhoe. Read More

Local firefighters to host car wash

Thirty local firefighters have volunteered more than enough blood for a donation drive in West Ashley this weekend, but event sponsors still hope the general public will pitch in for a charity car wash going on at the same time. Read More

Tanks a million! Gift helps aquarium

Up to $1M to come from foundation

A foundation set up in memory of a New York woman who became an Italian countess and a Charleston philanthropist continues to help keep the South Carolina Aquarium afloat. Read More

New insight into emotions

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

New research is paving the way to understanding why it's harder for some to keep their emotions in check. By using a new mechanism, scientists have identified brain pathways that help bring emotions under control. Read More

Bailout likely hot topic ... if debate happens

Tonight's presidential debate between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain is supposed to focus on foreign policy, but every expert expects the nation's $700 billion financial rescue plan to take center stage, at least at the start. And that's assuming the debate happens at all. Read More

Man gets 40 years in prison in North Charleston hotel killing

One of four people accused in the murder of a 48-year-old carnival worker inside a North Charleston hotel room was sentenced to 40 years in prison this week. Read More

Take better pictures

In this high-tech era, it seems that everyone has a digital camera, and every other week there is a newer, bigger, better, faster camera. To be honest, it's not about the camera, but what you can do with it. Drastic improvements to your pictures can be attained with a few simple adjustments. You will be amazed with the difference if you put a few of the following suggestions into action. Read More

Experts warn of energy drink dangers

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

Researchers who have spent decades looking at the effects of energy drinks are now warning of serious health risks and asking for more disclosure on product labels. Energy drinks make up a $5.4 billion market in the United States alone. Read More

Anderson survives final-round 79 for crown

Eight bogeys, a double bogey and three birdies aren't usually numbers found on winning scorecards. But Thursday wasn't a "usual" day for the final round of the Carolinas PGA Section Professional Championship at Daniel Island Club's Ralston Creek Course. Read More

Brother, can you spare a yacht?

Some Americans, including a few tone-deaf politicians, point out that the nation's ongoing financial skid has not technically qualified as a recession - yet. Read More

To jobless, check not in the mail

Because of volume, recently unemployed waiting at least 6 weeks for first funds

These trying economic times have pushed many people to the edge of financial survival. For recently unemployed Jill Hoffman, relief has yet to come. Hoffman, 58, who lives in West Ashley, was recently laid off as a receptionist at a North Charleston car dealership. She promptly filed for unemployment benefits through the state's Employment Security Commission, and she began applying for other jobs. Read More

Pioneer black football coach receiving honor

COLUMBIA - Growing up in the segregated South in the 1940s and '50s, Willie Jeffries had to overcome discrimination and racism to earn a college degree. Read More

2 Mount Pleasant teens charged with robbery

MOUNT PLEASANT - Police have announced the arrests of two local teen- agers accused of robbing a gas station more than three months ago. Read More

Bishop England's brothers in arms

Bishop England football coach John Cantey senses the sibling rivalry when the Bishops work on their offensive drills in practice. Senior Martin Fosberry is the running back while his younger brother Mikell is the quarterback. There might be a little friction in practice, but that produces a lot of flash during the games. Read More

WCU has Wagner's stamp

It's been almost three years since Western Carolina won a football game against a Southern Conference opponent. On Nov. 5, 2005, the Catamounts shut out Wofford, 24-0. Since then, Western Carolina has lost 15 straight SoCon games, including 0-7 records in the league in 2006 and '07. Read More

Body and soul

Deja Deeabout being the midday host of Z93 Jamz, motivating others and what motivates her

Q: You're known for your Midday Motivations, which you read and discuss each weekday at 10:30 a.m. How do you select them? A: You know, I just try to stay open to positive messages that surround us. I will find them online at motivational Web sites, my family will pass an e-mail, from liste... Read More

Dog finds revolver

Hamlet, a yellow lab, sniffed out gun that may have been used in shooting

Move over McGruff. There's a new Crime Dog in town. Hamlet, a 4-year-old yellow lab, sniffed out a gun that possibly was tossed aside after a late Sept. 23 shooting on Ashe Street. Hamlet's owner, Jessica Grossman, called Charleston police, who had just cleared from the shooting scene. Read More

Oil leak found at nuclear plant

SENECA - A reactor at a nuclear plant in northwestern South Carolina is operating at reduced power as workers repair on oil leak in a transformer outside the structure. Read More

Business Briefs

Body and soul Living greenBeauty and style

If you are like most women, you wonder how to get everything done in your day. Have you ever noticed that sometimes jam-packed days are thrilling, and sometimes they just produce anxiety? What's the difference? Cognitive psychologists would tell us to take a look at the contents of t... Read More

To jobless, check not in the mail

Because of volume, recently unemployed waiting at least 6 weeks for first funds

These trying economic times have pushed many people to the edge of financial survival. For recently unemployed Jill Hoffman, relief has yet to come. Hoffman, 58, who lives in West Ashley, was recently laid off as a receptionist at a North Charleston car dealership. She promptly filed for u... Read More

North Korean breaking point

Whenever the on-again, off-again foreign policy debate between the presidential candidates happens, here's a question for both: What would you do about North Korea? To recap recent news, North Korea has booted out international inspectors (as it did in 1994 and 2002) and says it is going to... Read More

WEB SITES OF THE WEEK

Grim state budget report

What is the condition of South Carolina's finances? The short answer: not so good. See for yourself in "A Report to Our Citizens," from Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom. The report is a four-page booklet available online at the comptroller general's Web site or as a four-page booklet a... Read More

"The Eyre Affair" by Jasper Fforde

Hard times for park

Owner HRP Myrtle Beach Holdings aims to reopen in early 2009

Its eagerly anticipated debut spoiled by a deteriorating economy and dismal attendance figures, the Hard Rock Park sought bankruptcy protection this week and has been shut down until at least next spring. The owner, HRP Myrtle Beach Holdings LLC, vowed to reopen the $400 million Grand Strand attraction in time for the start of the 2009 tourism season if by then it can successfully renegotiate its debts. Read More

Recently unemployed waiting at least 6 weeks for first funds

These trying economic times have pushed many people to the edge of financial survival. For recently unemployed Jill Hoffman, relief has yet to come. Read More

Schools referendum still cooking, officials say

SUMMERVILLE - A shaky economy may have delayed a referendum to build more schools around Summerville, but it hasn't killed the idea, Dorchester District 2 school officials said Thursday. Read More

Charges against former principal dismissed

Charges against a former Charleston County principal accused of grabbing a teacher's arm during an argument have been dismissed. Read More

As date for expiration of offshore ban nears, state legislators get busy

The federal ban on offshore drilling is set to expire on Tuesday, and state legislators are working to poise South Carolina to take advantage of any options passed down by Congress to tap oil and natural gas reserves in the Atlantic Ocean. Read More

Medicaid cuts teen pregnancy prevention funding

Medicaid Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Services, known as MAPPS, provides $400,000 each year in funding for education and counseling for youths age 10 to 19 who are at risk for engaging in sex at an early age. It is slated to be eliminated in December. Read More

A select few can attend Google party next month

Internet search giant Google is offering a few Berkeley County residents a chance to attend the Oct. 7 grand opening of its $600 million data center near Goose Creek. Read More

Too cool to fool? Summer hotter than it seemed

August this year wasn't any warmer than June. Both months had an average temperature of little more than 81 degrees. Read More

Watchdog reports: DHEC publication has green advice, contact info

DHEC's new SC Green Guide is a 24-page publication with phone numbers for "community liaisons," people who have questions about public meetings and other environmental issues, as well as advice and other contact numbers. Read More

Woman killed in auto-pedestrian accident on U.S. 78

The accident happened around 2:30 a.m. near the Bizzie Bee Lounge between Interstate 26 and Ladson Road. Read More

Workers fix oil leak outside Seneca reactor

SENECA - A reactor at a nuclear plant in northwestern South Carolina is operating at reduced power as workers repair on oil leak in a transformer outside the structure. Read More

Former Bluffton clerk gets 5 years for embezzlement

BEAUFORT - A former Bluffton clerk has been sentenced to five years in prison after she was convicted of stealing money from the town, telling police her office had been robbed to cover the crime. Read More

Midlands leaders discuss area's rivers

COLUMBIA - Leaders in central South Carolina are considering how to take care of rivers that flow through the region. Read More

Louis Vuitton delays store opening by a day

The opening of the Louis Vuitton store in downtown Charleston has been delayed one day to Friday, Sept. 26. Read More

Sections of I-26 closed in Berkeley County

RIDGEVILLE — The Highway Patrol shut down a stretch of westbound Interstate 26 in Berkeley County after a vehicle fire this morning. Read More

Hard Rock Park owner files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

MYRTLE BEACH - A company spokesman says the owner of the Hard Rock theme park that opened in Myrtle Beach earlier this year has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Read More

Tigers OL hit with another injury

Hutchinson to start

Another ofÂ-fensive line injury - this one to left guard Jamarcus Grant - has left Bobby Hutchinson as the expected starter at the position for Saturday's game against Maryland. Read More

Man robs workers outside restaurant

GOOSE CREEK - A man wearing a nylon stocking over his face robbed two employees at gunpoint outside a Sonic restaurant early Wednesday, police said. Read More

School bus flips; driver charged

BONNEAU - A school bus carrying 23 students overturned Wednesday on East Church Street, authorities said. Read More

CLASS REUNIONS

Spurrier waits on QB decision

COLUMBIA - Just as he said, Steve Spurrier didn't name a starting quarterback Wednesday. He'll do it today, and some think he'll wait for his weekly radio show, which begins at 7 p.m. Read More