Articles written by Andrea Brunais

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About me - Andrea Brunais

ANDREA BRUNAIS is a prizewinning journalist and former editorial executive with Knight Ridder, Media General and other news organizations. She is coauthor of the forthcoming book "I See Your Name Everywhere!" published by Morgan James (a guide to media relations

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Politics, News & Issues > Police & Prisons Traffic violation and law enforcement: 1 of 8
I'm sure this has happened to you: You think about something, plan for it, keep it top-of-the-mind and yet you make the misstep. Enter the police, and "Gotcha!"Before I left West Virginia to drive to Florida, my husband cautioned me about the police hiding out alongside US 301 between I-10 and I-75. That's the famous Waldo-La... More..
Sciences > Water & Oceanography Endangered sea creatures: 1 of 6
Thousands of tourists populate Florida's beaches year-round, enjoying the chance to swim, collect shells or admire sunsets. Sea turtles deserve to be top-of-the mind in our thoughts as well, especially during nesting season.The turtles begin nesting in spring. Hatchings continue through November. Light coming from the land di... More..
Health & Fitness > Medical Concerns & Issues The dangers of medication: 5 of 22
The late 60s book and movie Valley of the Dolls was many Americans' first introduction to the concept of legal-drug overdose. Even as the Hollywood entertainment industry chewed up and spit out young talent, many a medical doctor stood ready to write prescriptions for uppers and downers.The high-profile death of star Heath Le... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Terrorism The ethics of torture in the War on Terror: 9 of 28
"The decision by President Bush to veto the bill outlawing waterboarding and torture in interrogating detainees was shocking. In so doing, Bush has ignored the advice of his highest military commanders who want U.S. policies to follow their military code, which prohibits such action, as do the Geneva Conventions and worldwide... More..
Politics, News & Issues > War in Iraq How today's anti-war protesters face harassment by pro-Bush citizens: 3 of 9
Going to the mall (like the good little consumers we are programmed to be) is a quintessential American activity. Just don't get any ideas that you might be allowed to exercise your right to free speech.Just ask 80-year-old Don Zirkel, who served in the Army and once edited a Roman Catholic newspaper in Brooklyn. He was arres... More..
Home & Garden > Houseplants How to choose exotic plants for your home: 5 of 11
When choosing exotic plants for your home, please first do your homework. Some exotics are beneficial. But others can be invasive, crowding out native flora.Florida is a case in point. Citizens often gather for events called "invasive removal days" where they search and destroy invasive species such as Brazilian pepper trees.... More..
Entertainment > Concert Reviews Concert reviews: Paul Potts at the Tampa Theatre, Tampa: 1 of 1
Like many, I can't keep a dry eye when I watch Paul Potts auditioning for Simon Cowell's Britain's Got Talent. A packed Tampa Theatre crowd in March likewise wore their exuberant emotions on their sleeves, applauding warmly, shouting "We love you, Paul," and delivering a standing ovation at the concert's end.Potts' sweet teno... More..
Religion & Spirituality > New Age Concepts The power of appreciation and kindness: 4 of 6
Consider the power of gratitude and a little girl's toil.Uplifting articles about gratitude offer readers relief from murder and mayhem every so often. An odd undercurrent marks recent coverage, which a typical newspaper headline sums up: "Gratitude: It's good for you."Apparently we are too cynical a people to be exhorted to ... More..
Travel > United States Guide to Florida's best state parks: 2 of 3
Calling all Yearling fans. Cross Creek is still lost in time. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park is a great day trip from Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg or Gainesville. The sprawling cracker house where Rawlings wrote The Yearling and Cross Creek conveys a wonderfully primitive and serene feel. This sanctuary was b... More..
Travel > United States Fun and food on Florida's Space Coast: 3 of 4
Florida's Space Coast offers some of the most bewitching birdwatching in Florida, no matter the season.Winter tourists may flock to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, but many birds beat them to it. With the Atlantic Flyway's breezes buoying them, species such as the colorful painted bunting enjoy a straight shot to... More..