Richard Branaugh, the now veteran actor and director, has been making feature film versions of Agatha Christie’s detective story novels for six years, I believe. Having knocked off “Murder on the Orient Express” and “Death on the Nile,” he now turns to a less well-known book, “Halloween Party.”

“Resurgence: An increase or revival…”

September is an important month for caring for the cool-season lawn. Seeding, fertilizing, continued mowing and watering need accomplished. There are several grasses that can be used in our landscape that require little care.

Are you enjoying the cooler weather? I am. With the temps dropping back into the acceptable-to-be-outside range, I start thinking about laying in my hammock reading — being outside with a good book.

Edgar Allan Poe is a man shrouded in mystery and mythology. Like other mythical American figures, such as P.T. Barnum and George Washington, most of what the man on the street knows about Poe is wrong. Most people know him as the black haired, frail, drug addicted, half mad horror author who…

Moisture stress on plants is compounded with high temperatures and low humidity. Our plants have been put to the test. Plants not holding up are showing the symptoms. Leaf scorch is the most common indicator.

For those of us with a little exposure in the past to the Edward Woodward “Equalizer” TV series or to the later “Equalizer” films starring Denzel Washington, or probably for those who have watched the more recent TV series with Queen Latifah as the retired CIA agent the Italian settings in t…

The recent heat makes some people want to give up on this year’s garden and start dreaming about next year’s,

On a transatlantic flight to Europe, Éclair is arriving in Ireland. This isn’t just another jet-lagged tourist: This is a four-legged traveler.

As far back as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed listening to the stories of others. Now that I am in charge of delivering books to homebound patrons, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some amazing people who have shared their stories with me as well. Hearing what it was like to be a woman and we…

A local couple with goals of moving in together struggled to find money for house payments.

In my mind, it has been a typical summer for the cool-season lawn. I don’t water very often, but I still have been mowing here in August. Crabgrass and foxtail are blooming. It would be nice to have less weeds, which would take more resources than I choose to use.

Can I tell you a secret? How about 84 of them?

You know how the smell of certain foods or the scent of rain-soaked soil can usher in memories you almost feel? Books do that for me. While reading this summer, I’ve had loads of memories find their way into my “feels” after my dad died, my daughter gave birth, my son and his family moved, a…

There’s a new movie about Dracula. It’s called “Last Voyage of the Demeter.” Here’s some of its story.

Annual weeds like crabgrass and foxtail really like growing in August. These and other summer annual weeds are growing to set seeds for next year. They are harder but not impossible to control now.

The robotic device moves forward, stops, turns right, and then backs up, as its programmer watches carefully.

Do you like people and plants? You should say yes! Then being a Master Gardener is for you. You get to talk to people about plants. That is a Master Gardener in a nutshell.

The documentary movie is being filmed in a remote part of the western U.S.

Reading connects us and more than through our Manhattan Public Library. Questions aboutwhat you’re reading and what you like to read are familiar icebreakers and even appear as questions on needlessly long online dating questionnaires. For many, these questions about our reading habits are n…

“Barbie” met every expectation I had and retaught me not only to be more comfortable in my own skin but to be more comfortable with my femininity.

Native plants are growing in popularity in the home landscape. Dr. Sharon Ashworth, Douglas County Horticulture & Natural Resources Extension Agent, will discuss the ecological benefits of native plants and how to successfully integrate natives into your landscape.

Let’s go to a Camaro-only national car show in Orlando, Florida.

Summertime at Manhattan Public Library is always busy and we are fortunate to have amazing teen volunteers help with summer reading. These awesome teens help by staffing the special desk where kids of all ages turn in their reading minutes for prizes. Teen volunteers also learn valuable skil…