CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Carola Cardenas left her native Venezuela twice to live in the United States. Both times she moved to cities that have long attracted... Richmond Times-Dispatch

VIENNA—Pity Europe’s Socialists—it’s getting lonely on the left. Just when you might think capitalism’s global crisis would... Richmond Times-Dispatch

WASHINGTON—The good, the bad and the ugly: That’s a quick summary of the effects of dopamine, a natural brain chemical that is linked to pleasure,... Richmond Times-Dispatch

PHILADELPHIA—Emily Duffy, a licensed social worker, was walking down the hall of her North Philadelphia clinic in August when she heard crying in... Richmond Times-Dispatch

MEXICO CITY—Apolinario Chile Pixtun is tired of being bombarded with frantic questions about the Mayan calendar supposedly “running out”... Richmond Times-Dispatch

NASIRIYAH, Iraq—The awkward moment came after a round of icy 7UPs and musings on Hollywood movies. Iraqi army Capt. Abdullah al-Maliki smiled at... Richmond Times-Dispatch

Bryan and Brent Halstead, draped in fake fur from head to claws, were a tad overdressed for a warm fall afternoon. But the brothers had worked on their... Richmond Times-Dispatch

Vibrant foliage isn’t enough to cheer gardeners this time of year as they watch their labors of love shrivel and suffer a crunchy brown death. But... Richmond Times-Dispatch

PROJECT: Backyard fountain TIME: About one weekend COST: $200 HOW THEY DID IT: John and Kristi Anzivino’s project started as a way to recycle a valuable... Richmond Times-Dispatch

Q:I have a large area of English ivy that I have treated with varying success with two herbicides. The waxy coating on ivy leaves seems to reduce the effectiveness... Richmond Times-Dispatch

Calendar of events relating to homes and gardens Ashland Walking Tour: Guided walking tour of the late-19th-century railroad town begins at 11 a.m. tomorrow... Richmond Times-Dispatch

Soon after starting voice studies with Wagnerian baritone Friedrich Schorr in New York, first soprano Elizabeth “Betty” Dickman McKellar left... Richmond Times-Dispatch

Agee, Mr. James Barclay “Jim,“ 73, of Richmond, a retired floor manager for Philip Morris, husband of Jean Cobb Agee. Barker, Mr. Lyston L.... Richmond Times-Dispatch

Winter is approaching, and despite predictions that December to March will feature milder weather and lower energy prices, it never hurts to be prepared... Richmond Times-Dispatch

Gardeners can rejoice since it is pansy-planting time across much of the country. While this is a good thing, the question is always asked, “What... Richmond Times-Dispatch

When I moved to my farm in Bedford, N.Y., almost five years ago, the bird population was not what I had expected. I saw jays, robins, red-tailed hawks,... Richmond Times-Dispatch

When hosting trick-or-treaters at your home, keep these safety tips in mind: Burn candles only when an adult is in the room and paying attention. Make... Richmond Times-Dispatch

Last month, working mothers took a hit on the chin when the results of a new study on childhood obesity were released by the U.K.-based Institute of Child... Richmond Times-Dispatch

Halloween screams FineLiving.com is standing by to help make your Halloween a little less terrifying. If you’re throwing a monster bash, check fineliving.com/halloween... Richmond Times-Dispatch

Q:I bought a Coca-Cola sign at a flea market about 10 years ago. It appears to be hand-painted with a beach scene. I was told that it dates from the 1950s.... Richmond Times-Dispatch

No standard formula for agent commission Q:How do agents get commission on rental property?—Peter Answer: There is no standard formula to compensate... Richmond Times-Dispatch

Ashley, Mr. James Wilbur, 85, of Richmond, a retired forklift operator for Philip Morris, husband of Bessie Ashley. Barnes, Mr. Lafayette “Fate,“... Richmond Times-Dispatch

Fear of the swine flu is no reason to be scared off of Halloween. Parents, children and neighbors can say “Boo!“ to the flu this Saturday if... Richmond Times-Dispatch

Gayle, Mr. Charles O. Sr., 64, of Richmond, a Vietnam War veteran, husband of Letha Deborah Pittman-Gayle. Hamm, Mr. Hedley B., 81, of Glen Allen, widower... Richmond Times-Dispatch

Wine: Gray Ghost Adieu   Winery: Gray Ghost Vineyards, Amissville ( Richmond Times-Dispatch

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Richmond Times-Dispatch

The trouble with dinner on Halloween is you need to compete with gobs and gobs of candy. Which means dinner needs to be flavorful enough to appeal to little... Richmond Times-Dispatch