He speaks with an Italian accent, proud of his Sardinian heritage, but it seems he is even prouder of the little touch of Italy that he and his wife have brought to Grapevine, including his prized herb garden on the restaurant’s premises.

As Independence Day arrives, area markets, such as Market Street in Colleyville and Central Market in Southlake, are working to ensure that the food on their customers’ grills will be suitable for the prime summer holiday.

The Tarrant County Health Department inspected these restaurants in May. Scores with 30 demerits would represent "a very serious condition," according to the TCHD.

Many families gather for the Fourth of July to watch the skies light up with fireworks, but before the ramparts begin bursting in air, many also fire up their grills for a good old-fashioned holiday barbecue.

Health experts say we should exercise for physical reasons. They seem unified on this — which is amazing, really, considering all the other conflicting information coming to us about our bodies, medications and different approaches to wellness.

Mean girls are everywhere, and not just in high school.

Some malicious mamas are in their 30s and 40s and live in Northeast Tarrant County. Mean girls grow up and become mean mamas around the age of 35.

This year’s Independence Day celebrations will present area residents with the freedom to enjoy an entire weekend of food, fireworks and fun, thanks to events in Grapevine and Southlake.

Grapevine Summer Nights will kick off from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, at the Gazebo on the 300 Block of Main Street during Grapevine’s Independence Day weekend events schedule, according to a Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau news release.

The Miss Texas Organization announced that Ashley Melnick will compete in the 2008 Miss Texas Pageant, which will be at 7 p.m., Saturday, July 5 at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth.

Family. Watermelon. Hot dogs. Flags. Parades. Patriotic music.