• The Farmer File: Dick Tracy’s nemesis — the iPhone Published 11/19/2009 at 4:45 p.m.

  iPhone oh iPhone, oh won’t you be mine? The Blackberry’s cool but the iPhone’s divine. I could go on with my doggerel plaudits for Apple’s hit smart phone, but you probably wouldn’t stand for another cringe-causing couplet. Moreover, this may ...

• The Farmer File: Minimal coverage of Berlin Wall fall anniversary saddening Published 11/11/2009 at 5:36 p.m.

  We’ve all read surveys showing that many school age Americans don’t know much about history. One glaring example is that many youngsters don’t know which side we fought on in Vietnam. We’re reminded of such gaps in fundamental awareness again ...

• The Farmer File: Salute veterans with a ‘cup of Joe’ Published 11/04/2009 at 5:14 p.m.

  I hope that on Veterans Day next Wednesday, we all remember their service to the nation. One way to do that would be to wake up with a “cup of Joe” and avoid “feeling blue” in case somebody gives you ...

• What’s red and yellow and all over Marco? Published 11/04/2009 at 4:52 p.m.

  We check this channel a lot to see whether (no pun intended) we’ll have a wet, a wild or a weenie of a sunset, so we decided to find out more about what we see on the screen.

• The Farmer File: Bad news for the news biz Published 10/29/2009 at 11:59 a.m.

  Big news events often create bigger audiences for news coverage. But some of the big news in recent days has been bad news for the media because it’s about the media. Newspaper circulation, with few exceptions, continues to plummet. And ...

• The Farmer File: Signs of the times Published 10/21/2009 at 5:46 p.m.

  Strange times beget strange behavior in otherwise normal people, some psychologists believe. Odd events seem to come from nowhere and leave quickly, such as the Edsel, New Coke and TV commercials about prostate problems. Well, they’re still around, but hope ...

• The Farmer File: News anchors dancing feet Published 10/15/2009 at 5:10 p.m.

  Here’s a classified ad you might soon see in the papers or online: “Wanted: TV News Anchor. Must have good looks, honey-smooth voice and great teeth. Must be Facebook and Twitter savvy. Must be willing to work long hours and ...

• The Farmer File: Politicians need to try the middle seat once in a while Published 10/07/2009 at 10:18 p.m.

  I’ve found a way to ensure that venal or benighted politicians who might let the war on terror wane will be dissuaded. Before any official relaxes his or her resolve to defeat those who want us all dead, said public ...

• The Farmer File: Marco’s ‘Zany’ visitor pokes fun at us and himself Published 09/30/2009 at 9:42 p.m.

  Nationally-known standup comedian Bob Zany talked the other day about how to treat an audience, specifically people around here who attend live comedy shows at the Off the Hook Comedy Club on Marco Island.

• The Farmer File: Communication glitches, from bibles to birthday cakes Published 09/23/2009 at 4:06 p.m.

  In an era when communicating is king, it’s amazing we still make so many mistakes doing so. We have the myopia of Twitter, the conceits of Facebook, the dissembling of spell check and the social perils of Match.com. Even e-mails, ...

• Modern Steps dancing to a Marco Polo beat Published 11/03/2009 at 10:46 a.m.

  Marco Polo restaurant is normally a busy, bustling, fun place on most nights, but “The Polo” as its fans call it, had a special crowd-pleasing presence on Halloween.

• Marcophiles: Halloween on a budget is easy this year Published 10/20/2009 at 7:37 p.m.

  We heard a report recently that the blue jeans industry group took a survey to find out how long people keep their jeans. The answer is – a long time. Americans tend to hang on to their jeans for decades, ...

• Marcophiles: RU smarter than an immigrant? Published 10/13/2009 at 8:09 p.m.

  If you ever feel like getting out of the house and watching your favorite team or sport on a quality TV in a good bar or restaurant, Marco Island is the place to do it.

• Marcophiles: Orion brings together sighted and sightless for progress Published 10/06/2009 at 9:21 p.m.

  To call the upcoming In The Round evening at Orion Bank on Oct. 13 an eye-opener is an understatement, as well as an important reason for anyone who deals with issues of visual impairment to be there. It’s a lively ...

• Marcophiles: Comedians, contraltos and canines Published 09/29/2009 at 8:36 p.m.

  We have the Marco Movies, of course, and we have Capt. Brien’s Off the Hook comedy club, and both venues feature big names in entertainment. But one guy is taking face-time at that entertainment plaza to a new level.

• Marcophiles: Business booming at Marco consignment shops Published 09/22/2009 at 8:58 p.m.

  Judy Barney’s new 2wice As Nice consignment shop of women’s clothing hasn’t even opened yet, but already, the store has received a lot of calls from people who want to bring in clothing to sell.

• 'Esplanade Arts Colony' touted as a win-win Published 09/22/2009 at 6:36 p.m. 1 Comment

  The pleasures of Marco Island’s Esplanade on North Collier Boulevard are about to be even more pleasurable for Islanders out for a good time and for motivated artists here.

• Marcophiles: Age is just a three-digit number at Walgreens Published 09/15/2009 at 9:01 p.m.

  If you’ve had a flu shot at Walgreens this fall or are about to do so, look carefully at the form you fill out. Near the top is the place to put your age. Notice how many squares you have ...

• Marcophiles: Update on City Council polotics – sort of Published 09/08/2009 at 9:44 p.m.

  One Islander mentioned as a possible candidate for City Council is super-volunteer Steve Stefanadies. But Stef tells us he’s not even close to making a decision on that.

• Marcophiles: Save a critter, support a cause 100-plus different ways Published 08/18/2009 at 8:59 p.m.

  Florida’s specialty license plates now have four more causes to celebrate — horses, lighthouses, tennis and God, not necessary in that order.

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