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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The July sky is clear and bright, the Gulf breeze is salty enough to taste, and the sun is shimmering off of the sand in silvery waves. The day is one that brings treasure hunters flocking to the Gulf Coast from all over the country with the same goal in mind: to bring home that unexpected, precious find.

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.

For people who like dance, the July 5 performance of The Goddess, Zaouli might be a good way to experience a piece of African culture right in your own back yard.

Grapevine is hosting a patriotic-themed wine tour celebrating the Fourth of July.