Observe This: Today's Top Stories

Sarasota voted No. 1 arts destination

→ A magazine's reader poll revealed that the city of Sarasota was voted the No. 1 arts destinations for cities with populations under 100,000.

American Style Magazine has released results of its 2012 Readers' Poll that reveal the city of Sarasota was voted the No. 1 arts destination among small cities (populations under 100,000). Special mention was also given to The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art's “Art After 5” series and St. Armand Circle's first Wednesday art events ... [click

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Some Sarasota students outpace state

→ Ten percent more Sarasota County public school students had proficient scores on the Spring FCAT reading test than state totals.

Six days after the State Board of Education gathered for an emergency meeting to discuss abysmal scores on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, data was released showing a larger ratio of Sarasota County students scored above average than the state.

For the writing portion of the exam, which was given to students in grade three through 10, more than 85% of students in grades four, eight and 10 scored more than a 3.0 or higher than the state average ... [click

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IN THE KITCHEN WITH: Karel Beck

→ Karel Beck's Rosemary Parmesan Shortbread is a recipe she learned from Food Network's show "5 Ingredient Fix."

The recipe Karel Beck prepares comes from a Food Network television show, “5 Ingredient Fix,” with an additional ingredient –pecans. Her friend Susannah Pinzino passed the recipe along to Beck. Beck made it and thought it was easy and delicious. It’s a sweet and savory snack, appetizer or gift. A batch can be made and put in the freezer for those times when a person might need to prepare a quick side to bring to a party or social gathering ... [click

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