LIKE all the best romances, it began with a smouldering glance and "electricity in the air". It ended with a bungled kidnapping, attempted murder and salacious accounts of lesbian hanky panky.

Bennett’s decision to tell her story to a professional ghost-writer has reopened a painful but mostly farcical episode of seduction, betrayal and bullet-proof vests.

Scotching the myth

This came about as a result of the economic and political centralism that worked to keep Scotland down and to favour the south of England where the large population resulted in political domination. As a young man I was proud to support Scottish Nationalism because it made sense. I always found the superior attitude of the English and their disdain for Scots quite disgusting. Finally, has the Herald come to the realization that an independent Scotland is a future reality and are planning to become the real voice of this new and wonderful Scoland. Oh I wish I lived back in Glasgow where I could work towards our glorious speration. .

Soaring health care costs extend from humans to pets

Reggie, an 8-year-old dog whom I loved without reservation, went to his reward three weeks ago on our veterinarian's examining table. Reggie had been diagnosed in early November with congestive heart failure and had not responded to the various medications prescribed for him. His stomach had swollen to the size of a soccer ball; he was hemorrhaging internally and sooner or later would bleed to death.

The decision to end his life was incredibly painful, but not really all that difficult. Our laws permit us to do unto our household animals what we are not permitted to do unto ourselves: take them out of their misery, let them die speedily when they are ready to die - and grant them, in the words of the most beautiful prayer that I know, "a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last." So while Reggie snuggled his head into the crook of my elbow, the veterinarian administered the final dose, and, after three deep sighs, Reggie breathed his last.

In the Pink for Valentine's Day

According to the information on the back of my shampoo bottle, 15 percent of women send themselves flowers on Valentine's Day. I find that hard to believe. As far as I know, none of my friends have ever done that, and I think I would have run across at least one person sending themselves flowers by now, if almost one out of every seven women did. This is not to say that I can't understand why some women would want to send themselves flowers. Valentine's Day can magnify insecurities about being loved and feeling attractive. Fortunately, there are a few quick fixes that can still make a difference in the appearance of your skin in time for the big day.

A few simple steps can improve the appearance of your skin even at the last minute. Avoid overdrying with soap or toners. Instead, use a gentle, hydrating cleanser, such as Cerave.

Sprague H.S. wrestler Pena dominates on the mat

SALEM, Ore. - Next week, Sprague High school's R.J. Pena will look to do something very few high school wrestlers have ever done: he's gunning for his 3rd straight state title.But even if he accomplishes that impressive feat, the Junior wrestler will probably walk off the mat wondering what else he can do to get even better.It's easy for teammates to describe Sprague's Pena on the mat. They usually use one word: dominant. And so far Pena has been just that. He won the 112-pound state crown as a freshmen, the 125-pound title last year and so far this year in the 140-pound division, he's undefeated. "Ever since I was little I wanted to be a four-time state champion," Pena said. "That has been my goal, my dream and of course if I win this year I'll have one more year and I'll have my goal."Coach Kary Hadden has confidence he can do it.