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. .

Deadly Smith Mine explosions continue to echo

Jake would be part of a recovery crew that found James' body five days later. Jake helped carry his father's body to a part of the mine where it would remain until it was brought out the next day.Jake never talked about that horrific day to his family, Jeffrey McNeish said.Jeffrey McNeish, who lives in Billings, has just published his third book on the mine disaster that claimed 75 lives and nearly erased the close-knit communities of Bearcreek and Washoe from the map.In addition to the 74 miners killed by one of two blasts in the mine or a few hours later by gas poisoning, a rescue-team member, Matt Woodrow, 61, would be overcome by gas and die a few weeks later.The book project started 2-1/2 years ago when McNeish realized how little he knew about the mine disaster that took his great-grandfather's life and the lives of nine other relatives.

City guide: Philadelphia

Then stick 'Eye of the Tiger' in the CD player or sit back with a Rocky DVD.WHEN TO GO The summer months in Philadelphia can get pretty sticky and the winter is bitingly cold, so spring or early autumn are a good call if you want to avoid extreme elements. If you are a sun-worshipper and make it there in early July for the Independence Day celebrations, head for the highest point you can find to enjoy the fireworks in all their glory.PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES Philadelphia International Airport serves most domestic and international destinations. You can fly from Scotland with KLM for just over £320 return. If you're travelling to the city from inside the States, Greyhound Lines operates a 24-hour service to the Philadelphia Greyhound Terminal, on Filbert Street, from most major cities.

Easy Come, Easy Go

Everyone wants to be healthy. Everyone wants to look and feel great. But most of us are too lazy to find alternatives for our carbohydrate-laden, swimming-in-ghee meals, or find the time to visit the gym and actually sweat our way to being fit. Wouldn’t it be convenient to just magically shrink into that designer dress or grow muscles to rival Arnold Schwarzenegger’s?

The Vicky Files: Is Emery in the doghouse?

Super Bowl Sunday is upon us, and in my opinion, the biggest story isn't the perfection of the New England Patriots. It isn't whether another Manning can win a Super Bowl. Or even if "Spygate" will hang over the whole thing. It's halftime. Ever since the "wardrobe malfunction", the NFL has chosen "safe" acts for its biggest stage. This year, it turned to "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul, who -- many, many years ago -- had a music career. Now, she wasn't the most gifted singer or dancer, nor was she the most attractive musician, but somehow, she maintained a career long enough that she got the producers of one of America's top shows to buy into her. Her behavior on that show often is cringe-worthy, but it's nothing compared to what she is up to now. You see, Ms. Abdul wants to pre-tape her routine, because, ummm, she is too nervous to perform live.

The gluten-free phenomenon

Just when bread was starting to make a comeback after the low-carb craze, it has been hit with the gluten-free frenzy.

Hoards of people are giving up gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Yet the growing numbers of gluten avoiders are not only people with celiac disease--which was once dismissed as a rare condition but is now estimated to affect 1 out of every 100 Americans.

Gluten has become the dietary villain du jour, the new "carb," if you will.

Leaders for today and tomorrow

With this issue, Internet Retailer introduces its Hot 100 online retailing web sites100 sites that in the opinion of the editors reflect the best of whats happening in retail on the web. The Hot 100 for 2008 represent the range of online retailing, from small to large, well known and not so well known, and include chains, catalogers, online-only merchants and brand name manufacturers. They have in common the willingness to innovate and set the standards in online retailing.

This is the ninth year we have recognized the best retail web sites.