You Heard It From Gayle

Good reason to cheer up

2009-03-06T13:58:00.002-05:00

Cheer up. You live longer. New research has found that those who are optimistic live longer and heathier lives than those who see things as gloomy. So cheer up to live longer which will cheer you up right? Details here.

Weekend Festivals

2009-03-06T13:55:00.002-05:00

There are Festivals all over town this weekend:

Our Town America Family Festival is at the Coral Springs Sportsplex on Sample Road and Sawgrass Expressway, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. (954-752-2140)

Arts Festival in the Pines is at the River of Grass ArtsPark on Sheridan Street in Pembroke Pines Saturday and Sunday. (954-472-3755)

The Kite Day Festival is Sunday from noon to 5 pm at Haulover Park. (305-893-0906)

The Renaissance Festival continues this weekend at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach on Powerline Road. (954-776-1642)

Jacko is back!

2009-03-05T13:41:00.002-05:00

Michael Jackson is back. He's going to perform a series of concert in London in July. If you want to see him live, in-concert, you'll have to travel to London to do it. He hasn't been in concert since 2001. Let's hope ill-health and other financial problems don't derail his comeback this time. Details here.

Job Fair Today

2009-03-04T10:14:00.004-05:00

The Mega Job Fair 2009 at Miami Dade College North Campus runs through noon today. More than 40 companies are looking to hire. Details here.

Here's a list of upcoming Job Fairs, previously put together on Kimba's page.

Keiser University - Fort Lauderdale Campus Career Fair
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
10:30am - 1:30pm
1500 NW 49 Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309

Workforce One South
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
10:00am - 1:00pm
7550 Davie Road Extension
Hollywood, FL 33024

Barry University Social Services, Non-Profit, & Government Career Fair
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
2:00pm - 4:00pm
11300 NE 2 Avenue
Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695

St. Thomas University Spring Career Fair
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
11:00am - 2:00pm
Evelyn & George Goldbloom Convocation Hall
16401 NW 37 Avenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33054

Nova Southeastern University Spring 2009 Career
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
2:00pm - 6:00pm
3301 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796

Lynn University Sping Career Fair
Wednsday, March 25, 2009
10:00am - 3:00pm
3601 N. Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Johnson & Wales University Spring Career Conference
Thursday, March 26, 2009
11:00am - 2:00pm
North Miami Campus
1701 NE 127 Street
North Miami, FL 33181

Florida Atlantic University - Davie Campus Career & Internship Fair
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
10:00am - 3:00pm
2912 College Avenue
Davie, FL 33314

Fluffy toilet paper is bad

2009-03-03T13:14:00.002-05:00

So who doesn't like that super soft quilted, multi-ply toilet paper? Environmentalists. Apparently millions of trees have to be harvested to make the super fluffy toilet paper and environmentalists say we should be using the harder recycled stuff to make less of a carbon foot print. In fact, scientists say that using fluffly toilet paper is worse for the environment than driving a hummer. So you want to lessen your impact on the environment, use the less comfy recycled stuff. More details here.

Deadline for exemptions

2009-03-02T11:17:00.002-05:00

Today is the deadline to apply for Florida's Homestead Exemption benefits. You can apply on line, if you bought a home in the state in 2008. Click here for Broward.

Click here for Miami Dade.

Cat named Ugly

2009-03-02T08:46:00.002-05:00

It's pretty awful to name a pet ugly, especially when he is sweet and has inner beauty, but this cat really is about the ugliest I've ever seen. He has the run of a clinic in New Hampshire and has become quite a star because of his unusual look. The staff there says he loves all the "ugly" attention. More on the story here.
Video of cat here.

Weekend Festivals

2009-02-27T10:37:00.004-05:00

Like arts and crafts? Head to the Downtown Delray Beach Craft Festival Saturday and Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm. Festival runs along Atlantic Ave. (954-472-3755)

There's the Caribbean Festival at Bayfront Park Amphitheatre Saturday starting at 1 pm. The festival filled with reggae music. Bring four cans of food for admission for the food drive they're having.

North Miami Beach is having a Community Festival on Sunday from 1 to 8 pm along Hanford Blvd, with musicians, dance teams and child performers. (305-948-2957)

North Miami Beach also having a Health Fair Saturday, from 9 to 1 pm at the McDonald Center with flu shots, health screenings, nutrition information and prizes and entertainment. (305-948-2986)

There's the Taste of Miami Lakes Festival with live music, arts and crafts, food, bounce house and a fashion show Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm on Main Street. (786-499-9247)

Davie is hosting their annual Orange Blossom Festival with arts anad crafts, animals, food, music and a parade that begins at 10 am on Saturday along Orange Drive (954-797-1163)

Can't forget the Renaissance Festival at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach for 16th century fun, entertainment, food, games and more. (800-373-6337)

Happy Bicycling Month!

2009-02-27T10:30:00.004-05:00

Sunday is the beginning of Bicycle Month in Broward. A month to enjoy more than 60 events and activities surrounding your bike. It's all to promote biking safety and education as well as exercise. Details here.

Job Fair Today

2009-02-26T11:12:00.002-05:00

Thousands are expected today at the South Florida Diversity Job Expo at the Signature Grand in Davie. If you're interested, please click here and remember business attire and resumes are required.

First dog breed

2009-02-26T08:13:00.003-05:00

The Obamas have chosen a breed, now they have to find one. It's the very rare Portugese Water Dog. They're going to go through a rescue group. And hope to have one by April. Now what will the name be? Details here.

Save the planet with love?

2009-02-25T14:04:00.002-05:00

You wanna save the planet? Stay married. Why? Because divorce leads to the newly single to live more wasteful lifestyles. When couples separate, they need more rooms, more electricity and more water, a bigger carbon footprint, according to a Australian lawmaker. This lawmaker touts his marriage of 22 years, which is nice. But he grew up in a family with 16 kids--that sounds like a lot of carbon footprints to me. More about it here.

Oscar Highlights

2009-02-23T13:34:00.002-05:00

You may have heard that "Slumdog" was the "Big Dog" at the Oscars last night, but if you didn't catch all of the red carpet, or would like to see behind the scenes stuff, you'll want to check out this. I have to admit I haven't seen any of the films that won. But now I have a long list of ones I want to see when they come out on video.

Sobe Wine & Food Fest

2009-02-20T13:14:00.002-05:00

If you love wine and food, in that order, this is your weekend. It's the South Beach Wine and Food Festival with dinners, tastings, seminars, parties and more. You can find the fun at the Miami Beach Convention Center, 13th Street and Ocean Drive, Jungle Island and more. Details here.

Good stress?

2009-02-19T08:16:00.002-05:00

We all talk about being stressed out, with too much stress in our lives. But some believe there can be good stress. Without stress, where would our challenges come from? In small doses, stress can add spice to your life, help you adapt to change and more. In big doses, it can put you in the hospital with stress related ailments. I guess moderation is the key. More details here.

Erase bad days?

2009-02-18T13:56:00.002-05:00

Having a bad day? Soon you could forget all about it by taking a pill. It could happen. Well, researchers are working on a way to help people erase bad fearful memories. And they have found a pill used for high blood pressure that can actually help weaken people's memory. Scary, if you remember. Details here.

Shoulder pads are back!

2009-02-18T10:16:00.005-05:00

Are you slouching, left weary by the economy? What you need is some big confidence boosting shoulder pads! And now they're back, according to Fashion Week. Also back from the '80's, acid washed jeans and dark lipstick. Sure, just when I've cleared my closet of the last of my blouses with velcro for removable pads. Check out the latest fashions here.

Happy Friday the 13th

2009-02-13T08:39:00.002-05:00

Hollywood is hoping today, Friday the 13th, will lead into a very lucky weekend at the box office. With Saturday being Valetine's Day and Monday, President's Day, there should be a lot more movie goers. And with "Friday the 13th," the movie opening, there should be lots of interest. It's the 11th installment and essentially a remake of the 1980 original. More details here.

Miami's Animal ... Day

2009-02-12T11:29:00.004-05:00

Today has been declared Miami's First Annual Animal Care, Rescue and Adoption Awareness Day! The declaration was made at Miami City Hall to help get the word out that pets need homes. This comes as more animals are being abandoned because of the bad economy. Details here.
You can help animals by joining LITE FM for the Annual Purina Walk for the Animals, which benefits the Humane Society of Greater Miami/Adopt-A-Pet. It's Saturday, February 21st, at Bayfront Park.

Koala Love

2009-02-12T08:39:00.003-05:00

As we approach the weekend of love (Valentine's Day is Saturday), we have found a love story about Koalas. Two badly burned koalas were rescued from Australia's deadliest brushfires, bringing a little inspiration in the midst of devastation. 180 lives lost so far. The photo here is of Sam. Click here to see a photo of both Sam and her boyfriend and more on the story.

America's Top Dog

2009-02-11T07:58:00.004-05:00

Stump is crowned champion of the Westminster Dog Show. Showing that an old dog can learn new tricks, this 10 year old Sussex Spaniel won over the judges. He's a cutey who managed to survive a mysterious illness. Hopefully he'll get to retire for good now and enjoy life on the porch doing nothing but barking at butterflies. More about the show here.

Weekend Festivals

2009-02-06T15:09:00.004-05:00

So much to do this weekend:

The Renaissance Festival-with lots of 16th century entertainment, rides, games and more at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach. (954-776-1642)

The Miami Beach Festival of Arts-150 artists showing off their stuff along 73rd street and Ocean Terrace. (305-673-7577)

Everglades Day Festival-Saturday at the Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach. (561-833-4425)

Eco-Fest- Find out ways to go green with eco workshops, booths, music and a butterfly garden Saturday at Maroone Toyota main parking lot. (954-593-8501)

Octuplets mom update

2009-02-04T14:40:00.002-05:00

You've heard by now about the woman who has given birth to octuplets. And how she already has six kids under the age of eight. In cases of multiple births, many companies adorn the new families with gifts, but not this time. Could be the situation, given the reports out that she is a single mom who wants to land a mega deal involving herself as a childcare expert. You can read more about her here.

How risky are you?

2009-02-04T14:25:00.003-05:00

How risky is your behavior? According to Consumer Reports, we are all a little bad sometimes. The list of bad things includes swabbing the inside of our ears, eating raw cookie dough, not having a rubber mat in the shower and not having a carbon monoxide detector in our homes. I guess we all can't resist a little risky behavior sometimes. Details here.

Super music

2009-01-30T12:32:00.002-05:00

Lots of music this Super Sunday: Faith Hill, Jennifer Hudson, Journey, John Legend and of course Bruce Springsteen during half-time. You can guess what he's going to play right here and check out his new music too. Have fun.

Pre-paid College deadline

2009-01-30T11:08:00.003-05:00

If you've got young kids and you're dreaming of a college education for them, now is the time to check out Florida's Prepaid Tuition Plans. The plans lock in today's tuition rates for your child's future education. The enrollment period ends Saturday.

Super Weekend?

2009-01-30T10:35:00.003-05:00

The big game is Sunday and of course we are all waiting for the commercials. My favorite part. This year is a little different with the economy, so we can look forward to cute rather than edgy spots, going for the funny bone. Here's a link to this year's Super Bowl's ads. You also have a place where you can vote for your favorite.

Cute baby contest

2009-01-29T08:16:00.004-05:00

Lots of proud parents will be at Sawgrass Mills Mall in Sunrise this weekend to get a photo of their cute little bundles of joy. Children from infants to five years old are welcome to be photographed in a contest for America's Most Photogenic Baby. The small entry fee for the photo shoot will go to Miami Children's Hospital and the winners will enjoy the prestige of being named Most Precious, Most Comical, Most Beautiful or Most Fashionable along with a photo CD. Details here.

Baby name warning

2009-01-29T08:07:00.002-05:00

Moms, be careful what you name your sons. New research finds boys with unpopular names are more likely to break the law. So Michael and David are less likely to commit crimes than Ernest or Ivan. Supposedly they act out because they don't like their names. Details here.

Get married and sleep

2009-01-29T07:52:00.003-05:00

If you're having trouble sleeping, get married. New study finds women who are married sleep better than singles. Married women sleep better even if they've had caffeine and have money worries. Details here.

A father at 111!

2009-01-28T08:51:00.003-05:00

You think it's rough keeping up with your kids when you're in your 30's or 40's, imagine being in your 100's! Henry is now the proud pappa at the age of 111. He may keep up though since he's an unusual type of lizard-looking reptile in New Zealand. He apparently will live to be about 150 or so. Now that's longevity. Details here.

Business Expo Saturday

2009-01-28T08:38:00.002-05:00

If you'd like to keep your business afloat and need you need more business, head to the Florida International Business Expo Saturday. More than 150 companies are signed up to exhibit in hopes of getting more business. And more than 1,200 people have registered to attend. Details here.

Job Fair today!

2009-01-28T08:33:00.002-05:00

Looking for a job? They say the best way to find one is to approach your job search like a full-time job. Today you can go to work at a Job Fair in Miami Gardens, from 10 am to 3 pm. There will be 15 employers there looking for employees. Details here. Don't forget to dress for success!

Kids and cell phones

2009-01-27T08:02:00.002-05:00

So you give your child a cell phone for safety reasons. You want them to be able to call you in an emergency, but a study finds preteens who are talking on a phone are more likely to step into traffic. Study also found teenagers better at handling crosswalks and phones. So either have your preteen give up the phone before nearing the street or don't give them a phone yet. Details here.

Real Sleeping Beauty

2009-01-27T07:56:00.003-05:00

It's the story of a real-life sleeping beauty. A woman in a coma wakes up after her husband kisses her. How incredible is that! There is no wicked witch involved. Doctors believe the woman collapsed and went into a coma because of a blood clot after childbirth. They have no answer for her waking up to her hubby's smooch. I do: TRUE LOVE! Read more about it here.

Naked is good

2009-01-26T13:07:00.002-05:00

Who likes to look at themselves when they're naked in the mirror? Certainly not me. But a self-esteem coach says we really should. Apparently too many of us fear fat and let eating disorders rule our lives. And that those of us who feel good naked are kind to others. You can read more about it here. I can stand in the mirror naked if the lights are off. Does that count?

Chinese Good luck!

2009-01-26T09:45:00.002-05:00

On this Chinese New Year Day, there are many things you want to do to have good luck, including don't clean today. Don't use that broom, you could sweep away your good fortune. Be sure to wear red, it's the color of good luck. And if someone gives you something in a red envelope(which is good luck), don't open it in front of them. That's bad luck. More tips here.

Catching a fat virus?

2009-01-26T07:58:00.002-05:00

Now you can blame being overweight on a bug. Researchers are theorizing that there is a virus you catch that makes you gain weight. Details here. I'd like to find the virus that helps me lose weight.

A chocolatey weekend

2009-01-23T16:10:00.003-05:00

Sure chocolate tastes great. Now chocolate can be fun. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is hosting its annual Chocolate Festival this weekend, with cooking demonstrations and free chocolate samples. Details here.

Protect your plants!

2009-01-21T14:11:00.003-05:00

When it gets this cold, don't forget your plants! Delicate ornamentals could get damaged with our temperature dipping into the 30's. If you've got potted plants, bring them in. If they're in the ground, cover them. And if they get damaged, don't trim off the dead part yet, that could actually help protect the plant from further damage. More help here.

Presidential Website

2009-01-21T13:02:00.003-05:00

It's a new day, and a new website for President Barack Obama. It's more interactive, has more features, a photo gallery and a blog. It also invites visitors to email the new president and his staff. He better keep his Blackberry handy!

Casting call for families

2009-01-20T14:07:00.002-05:00

If you are a really strict parent who has your teenager under control, you might want to consider an upcoming casting call. Now on the other hand, if you have a teenager who is out of control, you might want to consider the same casting call.
The World's Strictest Parents upcoming TV Show is looking for host families and teens and they'll be in Miami January 23rd through the 26th. The show's premise is to send an unruly teen to a strict household and they need both. Details here.

Gender dieting differences

2009-01-20T13:48:00.002-05:00

So you and your hubby are dieting and he loses quicker and doesn't seem to have as much problem as you pushing the chocolate away. How come? We are not only built different, but we are also wired different. New study finds men are better at suppressing their appetite than women. It appears women are hard-wired to eat when food is available. Great, now I can blame my brain! Read more about it here.

Chubby guys needed

2009-01-16T12:57:00.002-05:00

Calling all manatees, not the sea cows, but chubby men who love the Marlins, and like to dance and cheer them on. Auditions are Sunday for the all male Marlins cheerleading squad. It's 9 am to noon at Florida International University, 11310 SE 17 Street.

Coffee drinking hazard

2009-01-15T13:56:00.002-05:00

Nearly everybody enjoys a morning cup of coffee, and most research finds that's okay. But for those of you who drink many cups a day, like more than seven, you could be putting yourself at risk of seeing things that aren't there. New research has found those with a high caffeine intake were three times more likely to hear voices, sense non-existent people or hallucinate than those with low intake. So that old "I see dead people" thing was really just too much caffeine? Details here.

Your office making you sick?

2009-01-14T10:37:00.002-05:00

Research has found open office plans can make you sick. Sure no walls and lots of cubicles save about 20 percent on construction, but they also hurt the bottom line.
Studies found open office plans cause high levels of stress, conflict, high blood pressure and a high staff turnover, leading to the obvious, lower productivity.
You can read more about it here and then share it with your boss. Good luck.

Ring finger linked to money

2009-01-13T14:02:00.002-05:00

If you have a long ring finger, you could be making more money. Well, research has found that stock traders with ring fingers longer than their index fingers made more money. It has to do with male hormones in the womb, making the finger longer and qualities of risk taking, confidence and aggression that come with the hormones. You can read more about it here. I just want to know which finger needs to be long to pick the winning Powerball!

Overeating gene?

2009-01-12T14:12:00.003-05:00

When it comes to cookies, I could eat the whole jar, the whole box, the whole enchilada so to speak. And now comes word from researchers that there is a gene that could be responsible for that. The FTO gene. They tested kids and found those who ate more cookies after a meal had certain variations of the FTO gene, a gene linked to larger body size. Could it be? I could blame it all on my genes? Read more about it here.

Miami Spice returns

2009-01-12T11:27:00.002-05:00

If you love to go out to dinner, but don't love the cost, you'll love Miami Spice. It returns today. 50 of Miami's top restaurants are offering three course lunch menus for as low as $23.00 and special dinner menus for $36.00. Miami Spice usually runs in the summer, but it's now being offered the winter too, from January 12th thru February 12th. Yum.

Love in a pill?

2009-01-08T14:05:00.003-05:00

Want to fix your marriage, take a love pill. Sound far fetched? It could happen in the future. Researchers are testing out those chemicals and hormones which affect the ability to help us form social attachments. So when would you take it? When you're going on a date or when you're close to divorce? And will they call it Love Potion #9? Details here.

Hats off to you!

2009-01-08T13:51:00.004-05:00

You want to be protected from the sun, so you wear sunscreen, but what about the top of your head? You really should wear a hat, but let's face it, have you ever found a hat that makes you look good, protects you and is functional? Me either. That's where physician-endorsed hats come from. They are safe and fashionable and available at many doctors' offices and retail outlets. Details here.

Old computer? Smash it!

2009-01-08T13:48:00.002-05:00

If you get the urge to take a sledge hammer to your computer, it may not be a bad thing, as long as you plan on replacing it. Experts say if you really want to be safe, smash your old computer to smithereens, so fraudsters can't get at your personal information. They say it's the only way to be 100 percent sure you're safe. Details here. I'm liking this idea a lot.

Celebrate our big bottoms

2009-01-07T12:57:00.002-05:00

Us full figured girls have a reason to celebrate. There is now scientific proof that women with big bottoms are in good health. New research finds that the fat responsible for the pear shape is also responsible for protecting women form diseases like diabetes. But I still have trouble fitting into my jeans!
Read more about it here.

Get married with dolphins

2009-01-06T14:36:00.003-05:00

If you're in love and love dolphins (not the football playing kind), you're in luck. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is offering a free wedding package where one couple wil be chosen to get married on a platform over the main dolphin pool, with two dolphins assisting in the nuptials. How to apply, go here.

Is your sofa toxic?

2009-01-06T14:28:00.003-05:00

Strange question I know. But I was reading this article that states if you don't know how your couch was made, most likely it is emitting toxic substances from formaldehyde, flame retardants, finishes, adhesives and foam cushions. What to do?
Switch to eco-furniture. I'm thinking a log with pillows might do. Read more about it here.

Love can last a lifetime

2009-01-05T13:59:00.002-05:00

You can have a love that lasts a lifetime. There is scientific proof. Scientists have discovered that about 10 percent of couples appear to feel young love's first blush permanently. Previous research finds the first stages of romantic love fade within 15 months and after ten years has gone completely. Read more about it here.

Recycle your Christmas tree

2009-01-05T13:02:00.003-05:00

Don't just throw it to the curb, recycle that old Christmas tree. It came from the earth, why not give it back! I took my tree to C.B. Smith Park and it's easy. You drop it off, and they turn it into mulch! If you want to know where to go in Broward, check here. They do it in Miami Dade too.

Some diets can blur memory

2009-01-05T10:22:00.002-05:00

If you're starting a diet today, you might want to consider a new study first. It finds that a low carb diet may improve your focus, but impair your memory. And skipping carbs altogether can impair basic thinking. Read more about it here.

The future of 2009

2009-01-02T13:29:00.002-05:00

What will the future hold? The Futurist Magazine says Americans will have more sex and use fewer antidepressants. The reason is women's growing economic power around the world wil give them more choices, and they will choose more sex. Details here. I guess you could say things will be looking up!

Hazards of thinking too much

2009-01-02T13:21:00.002-05:00

We know the hazards of drinking too much, but there could be hazards to thinking too much. Research has found if you think too much or too hard, it could make you fat or at least pudgy. Researchers found that lots of intellectual activity spurs the appetite. Read more about it here.

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T15:27:00.002-05:00

Celebrate New Year's around the world with Earthcam. A great way to celebrate without leaving the house!

Comforting food for 2009

2008-12-30T09:38:00.002-05:00

Comfort food is making a comeback and food experts believe we can see it even moreso in 2009. With the economy hitting everyone in the wallet, cheap and basic are what people want. And many are staying in instead of going out. Soups, cereals, beans, pasta and chicken are back in vogue. Read more about it here.

Family warps brain

2008-12-30T09:25:00.002-05:00

If you've got family members coming to visit over the holidays, you might want to consider the findings of a new study: Family can warp your brain. That's the headline from the study. Research found our feelings for our relatives are somewhat primal. And because we look at our family members like ourselves, we have less patience for them and judge them more harshly than others. Read more about it here. And then consider having visiting relatives stay at a hotel.

Santa vs. Snowman

2008-12-18T13:36:00.002-05:00

You can take the kids to see Santa versus the Snowman 3D at AutoNation IMAX Theater at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Ft. Lauderdale. It returns on Saturday and runs through January 4th for your holiday viewing pleasure. Details here.

Holiday health myths

2008-12-18T13:10:00.002-05:00

During the holidays when we're busy and stressing about so much, I have found a list of things we don't have to worry about: Five surprising holiday health myths.
Number one is sugar makes kids hyperactive. Studies found there is no link and sweets cannot change behavior.
Number two is suicides increase over the holidays.
Also proven false. Poinsettias are toxic. They may not be good for you and may make you sick, but no significant poisoning has been found in 96 percent of the cases reported.
Eating at night makes you fat also proven to be untrue. It may be linked to obesity, but it's the overall calories that you ingest that causes obesity, not the time of day. Read about the rest of the myths here.

Pet love and understanding

2008-12-17T11:36:00.002-05:00

You love your dog and cat and can understand every meow or woof! That's pretty much the finding of a new survey. Some 67 percent of those polled believe they can identify the wants and needs of their pets by how they bark or meow. If only we could understand our teens that well! More details about the survey here.

Something to make you smile

2008-12-17T10:25:00.002-05:00

Who can resist little kittens, posing so cute for the camera? Not me. Here's a website that features a different kitty everyday. It's like a kitten calendar on your computer.

Love the Internet?

2008-12-16T14:10:00.002-05:00

You're not alone, if you're always going online. Survey finds many of us use the internet for comparison shopping, as well as information gathering, and entertainment. Now a survey has found many of us would not only take the internet over tv, but also over sex. You can read more about it here.

Barney Christmas

2008-12-16T12:33:00.003-05:00

Barney, the first family's Scottish terrier, has a new holiday doggie video. This year's plot has Barney napping and imagining he's an athlete. The video co-stars Michael Phelps. Check out the video here.

Obama's top wise man

2008-12-15T14:07:00.002-05:00

Barack Obama is so popular, his figurine is now tops for nativity scenes. In Naples, Italy, craftsman say Obama's figurine is the biggest seller. Apparently tradition there is to not only put Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus in the scene, but also top newsmakers and celebrities for the year. Look here.

Santa is scary!

2008-12-15T10:47:00.003-05:00

Santa can be scary to a toddler. and Now there's a book dedicated to all the toddlers who screamed and cried to get off Santa's lap, but not before someone took a picture. A book of 250 photos. You can check it out here.
It has become so popular, that there is a website featuring photos of freaked out toddlers.

Weekend fun

2008-12-12T13:58:00.003-05:00

For twinkling fun, drive through Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek to enjoy the "Holiday Fantasy of Light." It's three miles of animated holday displays and illuminated trees.

You can take your pets to see Santa and the proceeds go to a good cause. The City of Hollywood's Christmas for the Animals, Saturday, December 13th, from 10am to 3 pm, at Poinciana Park. Please bring dog and cat food, treats and toys, supplies and bedding. (954-921-3061)

For the dolphin lover in your family, why not get a holiday photo with "Santini," the dolphin at the Dolphin Research Center. Sessions are available twice dily at teh Center on Overseas Highway in Key Largo. (305-289-1121x203)

Your kids can journey from Holywood to Deerfield Beach by Tri-Rail for breakfast with Santa and a photo in Deerfield. The funs starts at 7 am Saturday at David Park Community Center in Hollywood. (954-967-4236)

Holly Jolly Fun

2008-12-12T10:33:00.003-05:00

If you're not holiday shopping all weekend, why not take the kids for some holiday fun. The Roxy Theatre Group is presenting "Holly Jolly Follies," a holiday spectacular featuring 550 kids singing, dancing and acting. There are shows Saturday and Sunday. The Theatre is located in South Miami Dade-not too far from the North Pole.

GPS Jesus?

2008-12-10T14:23:00.003-05:00

Every year, churches report the theft of Baby Jesus figurines out of nativity scenes. Police chalk up most to pranks, but it can get costly. Now churches are relying on something new in those nativity scenes... global positioning devices. Now they have GPS Jesus. Details here.

A really BIG gift

2008-12-05T13:58:00.004-05:00

Stumped on a holiday gift. Tired of the malls. Give a manatee. You can give an adoption package as a gift and you get the tax deduction. Nice, huh. Also the recipient gets an adoption certificate, a manatee photo and a biography, for just 25 dollars. The money goes to conservation and education programs. Details here.

A reason to smile

2008-12-05T13:05:00.003-05:00

Smile! It's contagious. When you're smiling, the whole world really does smile with you. A study has found that happiness is contagious and that you can spread your cheer easily and to strangers. Study also found happiness can last a year. Now a happy cupcake makes me smile on the inside! More on happiness here.

Small Holiday idea

2008-12-04T14:10:00.004-05:00

Think small this year. Forget overpriced gifts that will wipe out your bank account. Go small and help a cause. Adopt a Koala Bear. You get a certificate and information on how the little cute one was rescued for as little as 26 dollars. Details here.

Forget the hourglass figure

2008-12-04T13:02:00.004-05:00

If you've been exercising and dieting like crazy to try to get the much sought after hourglass figure, good news, you can stop now. Researchers have found that even though pop culture worships the hourglass figure, it's not natural and the best for women. In fact, the hormones that make women physically stronger, more competitive and better able to deal with stress also tend to redistribute fat from the hips to the waist. So what if we look like cylinders! Read more about it here.

Hello to Yellow

2008-12-04T10:32:00.004-05:00

With the economy putting everyone in a doom and gloom mood, color experts say we can say hello to yellow in 2009. Yellow to brighten up our grey moods will be found on everything from appliances to fashions. After all, it is the color of the sun! I happen to have yellow in my dining room, so I'm very cheery when I'm eating. Details here.
What color cheers you up?

College affordability?

2008-12-03T13:07:00.002-05:00

College affordability sounds like an oxymoron. Who can afford college these days? New study flunks all but one state when it comes to affordability. The biennial study by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education handed out F's for affordability to 49 states, up from 43 two years ago. Only California gets a passing grade. Read more about it here.

Lots of TV harms kids

2008-12-02T14:09:00.002-05:00

If your kids watch a lot of tv, surf the web and play video games all the time, you figure they're probably going to gain weight from lack of exercise. But new research shows that's not all that will happen. The more kids play video games and watch tv, the more likelihood they'll smoke and engage in sexual activity sooner. You can read more about it here and then reconsider that new video game for Christmas.

Toys to avoid

2008-12-02T14:04:00.002-05:00

If you're about to go toy shopping for your little ones, please remember safety. There is a top ten list of the toys you might want to avoid because they pose some safety concerns. The number one issue is the choking hazard. Many toys have removeable parts that can be swallowed. The thing to remember is if the toy or part can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it probably could be swallowed. Here's the list.

Students ethically challenged

2008-12-01T14:43:00.002-05:00

New study out finds students think they're good, when they're really not. Some 64 percent admit to cheating on a test, 30 percent admit to stealing from a store, but 98 percent think their ethics and characters are good. Sounds like we need more ethics lessons. Read more about it here.

Phones distract drivers most

2008-12-01T14:40:00.002-05:00

New study finds cell phones distract drivers more than chatty passengers. It also found that we drive no better whether we're using hands-free phones or not. And that passengers will stop chatting to help us drive better. In the end, phones are bad, people are good. Details here.

Holiday pet dangers

2008-11-26T14:47:00.002-05:00

Before you decorate your house with mistletoe and cook up a storm, be careful with certain foods and plants that can be harmful and toxic to your pets. Grapes, raisins and macadamia nuts are dangerous for dogs. Mistletoe, holly and lillies can be toxic. And don't forget chocolate. More details here.

Santa shortage?

2008-11-25T14:12:00.002-05:00

Hard to believe in these tough economic times, there is a Santa shortage, but there is. But it's not here in the U-S. It's in Germany, where they have tougher standards. Santa, not only has to be cheerful and chubby, but also has to be a good actor who can't be seen driving to his location. He must park several blocks away, so kids don't see him in a car, and not a sleigh. But the payoff is good. 75 bucks an hour! How do you say Merry Christmas in German? Details here.

Naps are good

2008-11-25T14:05:00.002-05:00

With Thanksgiving Day just two days away, good news from the experts: We should all take a nap. A nice nap after a belly full of turkey sounds good. Researchers found when adults take naps, they get creative, remember better and see the big picture. And I see the "big picture" on Thanksgiving Day as a day of eating--after eating turkey and all the fixings, we all take a nap. Then wake up, and have some turkey sandwiches. Details here about napping.

Turkey day tops for fires

2008-11-24T11:58:00.002-05:00

If you're cooking this Thanksgiving Holiday, please remember some basic food safety tips, like keeping the kids out of the kitchen and all flammable products away from the stove. Thanksgiving Day is the top day for home cooking fires. More tips here.

Auditions for kids

2008-11-21T15:42:00.002-05:00

The Roxy Theatre Group is hosting open auditions for "West Side Story" Friday, Nov. 21st at 6 p.m. Girls, ages 11 to 25 and boys ages 13 to 25, are welcome at the Roxy Performing Arts Center, 1645 SW 107 Ave. in Miami, across from Florida International University South Campus. (305-226-0030)

Sunday fun for kids

2008-11-21T15:37:00.003-05:00

It's called Sunday Afternoons of Music For Children. And that's what it is at the University of Miami Gusman Concert Hall this Sunday. Bring the kids to see and hear "Peter and the Wolf & Friends," with the Frost Symphony Orchestra. Before the performance there's the musical instrument petting zoo and after, apple juice, balloons and cookies. Details here.

Childhood obesity link to ads

2008-11-20T14:42:00.002-05:00

We all watch tv and see those tempting commercials for food. Now researchers believe there is a link bewteen fast food tv ads and childhood obesity and if there was a ban on those commercials, childhood obesity would be reduced by 18 percent. I'm not sure how they can come up with these claims. But I'm thinking if that were true, let's ban everything tasty looking on TV and we'll all lose weight. More on the research here.

Kids need to play

2008-11-20T14:37:00.002-05:00

We're busy and so are our kids. We work, they go to school. And then there's homework, soccer, karate and planned playdates. Experts say kids need to play more and the lack of playtime is hurting them. They say kids need to learn creativity and social skills through unscheduled play time. Kids just being kids. Read more about it here.

Nat'l. Geographic goes video

2008-11-19T14:00:00.004-05:00

National Geographic is getting into video games. The first title already out is available for computers and the iphone. It's "Herod's Lost Tomb." They're calling it entertainment with substance. Coming up, they're going to launch games for Nintendo DS about Pandas, and Zoo's. And down the road, titles include "Rain Forests," "Greencity" and "Africa." The timing couldn't be better. How far away are the holidays? Details here.

Pembroke Pines is Tops

2008-11-19T13:20:00.002-05:00

In a new survey, Pembroke Pines is ranked as one of the best palces to raise your kids in 2009, according to BusinessWeek. The ranking based on school performance, crime rates, air quailty, parks theater and arts, as well as diversity. If I didn't live there already, I'd move! Read more about it here.

Pudgiest pets compete

2008-11-18T14:06:00.003-05:00

We all love our pets. We pamper them and we feed them way too much and that's why many of them are severely obese. Britian is doing something about it. They're having a Pudgiest Pet Contest, with seven dogs and one cat, deemed the fatest of all. The one that loses the most gets a crown and a pet friendly holiday. I see TV show written all over this. Details here.

Unhappy? Turn off the TV.

2008-11-18T12:45:00.002-05:00

If you're feeling unhappy, it could be your tv viewing. New research has found that unhappy people watch 30 percent more television. But it also found the longer those who watched TV, the more unhappy they became. So is it the TV or the viewer? More details here.

Fun Festivals

2008-11-14T14:55:00.003-05:00

There's the Storybook Festival at the SW Regional Library in Pembroke Pines. Saturday, from 10-4. A parade of princesses, pirates and storybook characters is at 11 am. Your kids could be included. (954-538-9996)

There's the K-9 Winter Festival at CB Smith Park, Pembroke Pines, Saturday from 9-4. (954-437-2650)

Fairy Tea Party for your little ones at the Coconut Creek Center Saturday at 1 pm. (954-545-6670)

Toy buying? Remember safety!

2008-11-13T13:04:00.002-05:00

If you have kids, you know it's never too early to start thinking about the Holidays. My kids already have their wish lists for Santa. Before you hit the stores to go searching for their must-have toys, please don't forget safety. Last year, 18 children under the age of 15 died in toy related accidents, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Here's a some safety tips from the Commission.

Don't panic: Paranoia is up

2008-11-12T12:59:00.002-05:00

If you think they're out to get you, you're not alone. Study finds many of us have irrational fears that other people are trying to upset or annoy us. Some studies show at least 40 percent of us have had a least some paranoid thoughts. Not to worry, you don't need professional help unless your odd thoughts provoke real behavior. And some experts believe a little bit of paranoia could be helpful. It's beneficial to be on guard. Details here.

Want smarter kids?

2008-11-12T12:47:00.002-05:00

Get them into music. Study finds kids who study a musical instrument for at least three years outperform kids with no instrumental training on non musical tests of vocabulary and non verbal reasoning. So I guess those piano lessons really do paid off. Details here.