Adopt a tree Saturday

You can get two free trees, if you live in Miami Dade. The first Adopt-A-Tree Program event this year is Saturday at Tamiami Fairgrounds. You need your identification to prove you live in a single family home in Miami Dade and you can walk away with your choice of trees, including an avocado, my favorite. Read more about it here.

Open Mic Night Fun

Want to break up the work week with something fun tonight? Head to "First Wednesdays Open Mic Night" at the M & D Center, 315 South 21st Avenue in Hollywood. Poets, actors, comedians, singers, dancers are all welcome to join the fun. It's free and begins at 7 p.m. The M & D Center is home to the Mother and Daughter Bonding Network, which helps to strengthen the bonds between mothers and daughters through coach therapy, workshops, seminars and more. Their number is 954-925-1840.

Your voice is telling

What does your voice say about you? Surprisingly, it can say whether you're ovulating. Study found those women with sexier voices were the most fertile. Researchers conclude that hormones alter the voice box, an evolutionary trait. Read more about it here.

Microchip your pet

It's National Pet Week and you can appreciate your pet by implanting a microchip which helps reunite pets with their owners when they get lost, the pets, not the owners. Miami Dade Animal Services offering low cost microchipping all day Wednesday. Also some veterinarians are doing the same. Details here.

Women are better

Okay. I just like the headline, but it's only part of the story. Women are better managers, according to a new study. It found women exhibit more strategic drive, risk taking, people skills, innovation and equaled men in emotional stability. So why the glass ceiling? Don't know, but you can read more about the study here. Maybe print it out and share with your male managers!

Storytelling Festival

The Miami-Dade Public Library System is hosting its 8th Annual Art of Storytelling International Festival, Saturday, May 3rd, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the downtown Miami location. It's free and filled with entertainment for the kids, world class storytellers, face painting, stilt-workers, dancers, musicians, even a parade! More details here.

Boat and Car Auction

Looking for a car or boat, head to the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center Car and Boat Auction, Saturday, May 3rd, at 1901 West Broward Boulevard. The auction starts at 9 a.m., viewing is at 8 a.m. There are about 50 vehicles and some could go for as little as $200.00. If you'd like to donate a car or boat or want more information, call 954-463-3725.

Job Fairs

Pembroke Pines Charter School System is holding a Job Fair Saturday, May 3rd, at the campus, 12350 Sheridan Street, from 9 am til 1 pm. Pre register here.

Also, Broward County Public Schools is holding its "Experience Broward" Spring Teacher Recruitment Fair May 5th and 6th at the Broward County Convention Center. Registration also required. Information here.

Concerns about lip gloss

Some experts believe lip gloss makes the sun's UV rays hit harder and penetrate deeper, increasing the risk of cancer of the lips. Rate of skin cancer of the lips is up, with 3,500 new cases each year. Experts advise to put lip balm with SPF in it first, before heading out in the sun. You can read more about it here.

Struggling to be happy?

Are you happy? Survey finds about half of us struggle to stay happy and healthy. It's a struggle to be happy especially if you work in the areas of manufacturing and transportation. The two areas where workers are more likely to report a negative environment. You can read more about the study here.

Get a dog, lose hay fever?

If your kids have been bugging you to get a dog, you might want to go ahead and get one. New study finds that a pet trains the immune system to be less sensitive to potential triggers for allergies like asthma, eczema and hay fever. You can read more about it here. Now if only you could train your child to walk and feed the dog.

Praise as good as cash

Forget money. Your brain responds better to praise. Study finds a compliment appears to activate the same reward center in the brain as paying them cash. But what about shopping? I think my reward center goes ding a ling when I get a good deal at the mall. You can read more about the study here.

Kids be gone!

The controversial "mosquito" is now being used in the U-S, despite protests from civil liberties groups. The gadget makes a screeching noise that is intolerable to teens, so they won't hang around where they're not wanted, like in front of stores, malls or schools, after hours. You can read more about it here.

Diet affects child's sex

Moms who eat cereal for breakfast are more likely to have sons. Study out links a baby's sex with what expectant moms eat. And even links low calorie diets to giving birth to girls. Of course, we're already watching our weight in the womb! Read more about it here.

Farmer adopts piggy

A farmer in Austria has taken in a 20 day old little piggy, because it's momma doesn't have enough milk for him. This little piggy is now living large, in the farmer's house. He's so cute. Hopefully he won't wind up on someone's dinner table.
Here are some pictures.

Equal Pay Day!

Women still are not receiving equal pay for equal work. Today is Equal Pay Day, a day when women should spread awareness about the pay inequities by wearing red, hosting an "unhappy hour" and sending a message to their legislators of their displeasure. You can find out more about it here.

Earth Day crafting

You can celebrate Earth Day by making crafts with your kids out of household items, like a laundry bottle pet food scoop, tin can herb pots and an egg carton bug mobile. It's fun and educational. Crafting tips here.

At work scams

Don't fall for the "mystery shopper" scam. The latest way to reel in unsuspecting people who want to work out of their homes. The scam involves a company inviting a person to become a shopper, then getting a check, having to deposit the check and in return write a check back to the company. In the end, the check is bad and the person is out the money. You can read more about it here.

Danica Wins

After 50 tries, Danica Patrick has won her first IndyCar race, the Indy Japan 300. I'm not that into car racing, but I couldn't resist talking about a woman who has broken down another gender barrier. She's the first female winner in IndyCar history. And now she has a plane named after her as a result. Air Tran naming Monday "Air Tranica" day. Read more about it here.

Blame work for insomnia

Losing sleep? Study finds most of us lose sleep because of conflicts between our boss and coworkers. Even those who work the graveyard shift sleep better than those stressing over relationships at work. You can read more about it here and get tips on how to sleep better.

Lying at work

Let's face it, at one time or another, we all lie at work. Experts say in the long run, the truth is better, even if it's painful in the short term. Don't pretend to happily accept a new task if you don't have any time for it. That lie could haunt you when you can't meet deadlines. Read more about it here.

Questions about vitamins

Do you take vitamins every day to prolong life? Maybe you shouldn't. New research finds taking antioxidants like vitamins A and E may have the opposite effect and actualy increase mortality. You can read more about it here.

Disturbing dating teen trend

It's disturbing enough how much teenagers use their cell phones. It's not only expensive, but it's also dangerous when they're behind the wheel. Now comes another concern, study finds teenagers send nude photos of themselves by phone to their love interests. It's so common, it's considered a part of teen dating. You can read more about it here.

American Idol Stamps

You can get your favorite American Idol on a postage stamp now and the money raised goes to Idol Gives Back. Details here.

Found luggage

If you've ever lost any luggage or suffered any frustration with an airline, here's your chance to get something back. You can go to the Miami International Airport auction Saturday. Hundreds of unclaimed pieces of luggage are on the auction block, also ipods, digital cameras, dvd players and more. Details here.

Energy boosters

Feeling sluggish? I've found a list of ways to boost your energy that are pretty easy, from nibbling on protein throughout the day to taking mini meditation breaks and more. Of course, I love to nibble on peanuts as a protein source, but I have to be careful not to nibble too much, otherwise then I would have to find the list to help me stop from nibbling. Read more about it here.

Face shows love or lust

If you're looking for love or lust, your face will give you away. So say researchers in a new study. They've found people can accurately pick who is out for a one night stand versus who is looking for committment. Details here.

Top five foods

We all try to eat healthy and I have found a list of the top five foods that really makes sense. They are as follows:

1) whole grains
2) dark green leafy vegetables
3) nuts and seeds
4) low fat yogurt and milk
5) tea- black and green

You can read more about it here.

Bears really do dance

Researchers have managed to film bears not only scratching their backs on trees, but dancing while they do it. See it here.

Marriage means more work

For women, marriage means sevn more hours of chores a week. For men, it's one hour less a week. And if you have kids, the hours of housework increases as well. The average is about 28 hours of work for the women, 10 hours for the men. You can read more about it here.

Cheerleader Auditions

If you or your kids are bubbly, have rhythm and like football, you can try out to be a Cheerleader for the Miami Dolphins! Auditions are Saturday for the 2008 Miami Dolphins Cheerleader Squad at Dolphin Stadium. Must be at least 18 years old. Details here.

Water drinking myths

If you drink eight glasses of water a day, you might want to cut back. Experts say there is no evidence that drinking eight a day will flush out toxins, decrease your appetite, give you clear skin or get rid of your headache. Read more about it here.

Drink your coffee

New research finds coffee just might keep you sane. The study found that the caffeine in cofee can reduce the risk of dementia by blocking the damage cholesterol can inflict in the body. So have another cup of joe and read more about it here.

Are cell phones dangerous?

New study finds there is a growing body of evidence that using cell phones for 10 years or more can double the risk of brain cancer. And that it takes at least 10 years for the cancer to develop, which may explain why other studies have found no link. Read more about it here.

Predator alert

Now you can get email alerts from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement when a sexual offender or a predator moves into your neighborhood or near your child's school. To learn more about the alerts and sign up, look here.

Tax Rebate Info

If you want to know more about the tax rebates we're all expecting, you can visit the IRS website. Also on Saturday, the IRS is opening up their offices to help those who don't normally file for income taxes to apply for their rebates. They have an office in Miami at the Claude Pepper Federal Building and in Plantation at the IRS Headquarters on SW 6th Court.

Time for the FAIR

The Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition is open and ready for nearly 800,000 visitors. General admission is $9.00. Rides, games and lots and lots of food. Details here.

Tips to look better

Want to turn from drab to dazzling, there are some simple ways from changing hair color and lip color to moisturizing better, sleeping better and believing in how others see you. Get the tips here.

Texting and Emailing Addiction

If you like to text and email alot and get withdrawal feelings when you're not near a computer, you could be suffering from an addiction to texting and emailing. And psychicatrists are considering it a possible form of mental illness. Read more about it here.

Recession-proof jobs

If you're looking for a job or want to change jobs, experts say it's safe to do so, as long as you go into healthy industries and don't make a big career change. During a slowdown in the economy, many people make the mistake of trying something new. Your best bet is focus on transferring your current occupational skills to industries that remain healthy. Read more about it here.

Clear away clutter

Time for spring cleaning. Got too much clutter and don't know where to start? Got tips on how to get started and what to do with it. You need to start small. One desk top at a time if you can find your desk! Tips here.

Marriage and blood pressure

New study finds if you're happily married, your blood pressure is at a good level. But if you're unhappily married, your blood pressure is probably higher. And those who felt little or no marital satisfaction had higher blood pressure readings than those who were single. My conclusion, listen to your heart and your health, if you're not in a happy place in your marriage, do something about it. Details here.

March is maddening

It's called "March Madness," when the NCAA holds its men's college basketball championship tournament. I call it maddening because I don't get to watch my soaps and I don't really care about college basketball. But apparently some people do. There are estimates that 37.3 million workers participate in office pools and 1.7 billion dollars will be lost in productivity. Read more about it here.

Spring Break Camp

School age kids can have fun all next week at Miami Dade Parks Spring Break Camps. Ages 4-14 are welcome to enjoy field trips, sports activities, arts and crafts and games. Early drop off and late pick up are available for working parents. Get more information here.

Stressed parents = sick kids

New study finds parents who are stressed out are making their kids sick. Kids are more prone to sickness and weakened immune systems if their parents are anxious or depressed. Read more about it here.

Look out for "drunkorexia"

A new alarming eating disorder has been discovered. It's called "drunkorexia." Experts say it happens when women skip meals in order to spend their daily calorie intake on alcohol instead. You can read more about it here.

Casting call for teens

If you and your teenager are world's apart when it comes to dating, love and relationships, MTV is looking for you. They're casting a new show and are looking for teenagers and their parents in South Florida. Get details here.

Want great hair?

Get tips on getting great hair from the stylists of Reese Witherspoon, Angelina Jolie and Jessica Simpson, all rated tops for their hair, according to InStyle Magazine. Read more about it here.

Lots of biking fun!

It's Bicycle Month and Broward Parks are hosting all kinds of fun activities, from bicycle rodeos and scavenger hunts to a nature bike hike. Details here. Don't forget your helmet!

Wanna be in pictures?

Open casting call for extras to be in the upcoming movie "Marley and Me," starring Jennifer Anniston and Owen Wilson. You can be paid up to 100 bucks a day with lunch included. Details here.

Neat freak or clutter bug?

Being a neat freak or a clutter bug both have their advantages, but when is it time to call out for help? Experts say when your neatness starts to take over your life, you might want to seek professional help. Read more about it here.

Traffic smells

Research has found that inhaling diesel exhaust can trigger a stress response in the brain that may have damaging long-term effects on brain function. Yet another reason to hate the drive to work. Read more about it here.

Remember carpal tunnel?

Whatever happened to carpal tunnel syndrome? The epidemic of the 90's is gone, but not forgotten. In its place, a half dozen different diagnosis having to do with repetitive stress and helping to diminish it, ergonomics in the workplace. And the new malady in the workplace? Blackberry thumb! Read more about it here.

Men aren't slacking

New report finds men are doing more housework, more than double than they did four decades ago. They're up to doing about 30 percent of the load and the payoff is big. Report says the payoff for more chores is more sex. Read about it here.

Daylight Savings? Not really

We spring forward this weekend to begin Daylight Savings Time. But what are we saving? Not much, according to a new study. Study finds we use more energy, not less, as a result of the time switch. Read more about it here.

Sucking up to the Boss

You want to get ahead at work? Forget complimenting your boss on his ties or her shoes, you need to go deeper and determine the way your boss works and adapt to it. Read more about it here.

Worst cars of 2008

Consumer Reports is out with its annual list of the worst cars of 2008. And once again American SUV's top the list for poor fuel efficiency as well as poor handling. Read more about it here.

Overweight owners & pets

If you're overweight, chances are your pet is too. Experts say pets face the same risks as humans, diabetes and cancer. Their advice: What's good for you, is good for them. Portion control and exercise. Read more about it here.

Feeling sleepy?

Survey finds many of us don't get enough sleep. In fact, the latest poll finds a third of us have actualy fallen asleep while at work in the last month. I think we should institute an afternoon nap-time after lunch each day. A little power nap will do a world of good.

Vitamin C Wonders

We've all heard that Vitamin C can help fight a cold, but now researchers have found it can do so much more, from smoothing out wrinkles to reducing stroke risk. Read more about it here.

World Ending When?

Scientists are predicting just when the world will end... in about 6.7 billion years. The good news is we may be able to stop the decline. Read all about it here.

In tune with Nature?

Researchers have found many of us are communing with our tv's and computers rather than nature. And that kids' "videophilia" has been shown to be a cause of obesity, lack of socialization and more. Read more about it here.

Florida College $$ Help

Sunday is "Florida College Goal Sunday." A day to help students and their parents figure out how they can pay for college. Details here.

Self Cleaning Clothes

You've heard of wash and wear clothes; now scientists are developing the next step in laundry: Wash while you wear it clothes. Researchers in Australia developing a process that gets rid of food, grime and even red wine stains when exposed to sunlight. Read more about it here.

Not too late for flu shots

It's a little late in the flu season, but it's not too late for protection. Get details about this year's flu vaccine.

Goodbye to love

If Valentine's Day finds you ending a relationship, you can find closure on a special website called "Relationship Obit." You can write the obituary to the romance there.

Valentine's Day Virus

The Storm Virus is back for Valentine's Day 2008. It went around last year too. So beware of any e-mails inviting you to open an e-card for Valetine's Day. Details here.

Valentine's Gifting Problems

She wants jewelry the most, he is prepared to give her a big hug. Latest survey finds that's how far off men and women are when it comes to Valentine's Day gifts. You can read about the latest survey here and get tips on how to get what you really want.

Calm your inner road rager

Miami ranked worst for aggressive drivers. Traffic snarls often the reason why. Some advice on how to calm the inner road rager in you. Read more about it here.

Pancake Day Today!

Forget the calories today, and eat up! Today is National Pancake Day and you're invited to enjoy a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes at the International House of Pancake Restaurants. Once you've enjoyed the good eats, you're invited to donate what you can to Children's Miracle Network. You can eat pancakes for dinner too! Offer runs until 10 p.m.

Artificial not so Sweetener

Research finds using an artificial no-calorie sweetener rather than sugar may make it tougher, not easier, to lose weight. Scientists found that the sweetener saccharin confuses the body into eating more. All this time, we've been putting artificial sweeteners in our coffee, while we eat cheese cake. Now we know why!

Toys for rent

If you can't afford all the toys your kids want, why not rent? A new service offers parents up to six toys in the mail each month. Details here. Considering how fast kids can get bored with toys, this might be a great option.

Sad shoppers spend more

If you're feeling a little blue, don't go shopping to cheer yourself up. Study finds you'll spend more. Details here. I guess a pint of your favorite ice cream might be better, maybe for your wallet, not for your waistline though.

Renaissance Festival

It's that time of year again. The Renaissance Festival kicks off this weekend with lots of 16th century fun, including 12 stages, all at Quiet Waters Park.

Orange Bowl Auction

You can get a piece of the Orange Bowl this weekend. Auction preview is today. Everything is up for grabs, from trash cans to urinals, benches and podiums. No turf, though, that's going to a city park. Browse here. Profits go toward the demolition.

Happy Chinese New Year

Today begins the "Year of the Rat." The Asian Lunar New Year celebrated universally. You can get tips on how to welcome the New Year and bring yourself luck and prosperity right here.

Are cell phones safe?

We've heard for years the debate over wheter cell phones are safe. More reports are out fueling more questions. One report finds a problematic health risk for guys only, while another report finds no link to any cancers.

Married? Irritation gets worse

New research has found that if your spouse bugs you now, it's only going to get worse with time. And that couples irritate each other more with age.

Potty Training or Party Training

Parents are buying t-shirts with political sayings, party training their kids. Is your kid a "weepublican" or a "demoquat." Read more about it here.

How happy are you at work?

Most of the country is not too disgruntled at work. Check out the Gruntled Survey here and see how you compare with the rest of the country on your gruntleness.

Double dipping is bad

With Superbowl parties around, be advised you really shouldn't double dip. It's not only really bad etiquette, it's also really bad for you. Study found a huge of amount of bacteria can be spread after you've dunked your chip into dip more than once. Read more about it here.

Pre-paid Tuition deadline

Today is the final day for parents to sign up for Florida's prepaid tuition plan. The enrollment period won't open up again until October and the cost of tuition could rise up to 8 percent. Read about it here.

Fast Food Grads

Now you can get some credits to go with those fries, at least in Britian, where they are now offering complete on-the-job training programs at McDonalds. Some worry these skills may be a little too narrow and they're already being called "McQualifications." Read more about it here.

Chocolate Festival

If you love chocolate, head to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden for the International Chocolate Festival Saturday and Sunday. It'll be yummy!

Are men smarter?

No. Research finds men are not smarter than women. They just think they are! Read all about it and then print it out for your man.

Cell phones hurt sleep

New research finds cell phones before bedtime make for more restless nights. And it has nothing to do with what you're talking about. Details here.

Stress can kill

New study finds work-related stress can kill. Researchers found on-the-job stress raises the risk of heart disease. So find a way to get rid of your stress now! Keep it LITE!

Extroverted? Extra pounds!

New study finds social people are most at risk for being overweight, whereas introverts and worriers tend to weigh less. Makes sense. Where and when do we socialize the most? Where-ever and whenever we eat!

Money can make you sick

New study finds some flu viruses can live up to 17 days on paper currency. We wash our hands after the bathroom, now we should add washing our hands after touching money. Money may make the world go around, but it also can make the world sick.

Personality set by preschool

Research finds that in most cases the personalities displayed in early life as young as preschool will stay with us into adulthood. You can read more about it here. Funny, I remember I was quite the "chatty cathy" in kindergarten and first grade. And look where I am today, talking for a living, sort of.

Buying happiness

Apparently you can buy happiness. Study found that the pricier an item was, the happier the purchaser. You can read all about it here.

Reasons to job hunt

January one of the busiest months of the year for job searchers. If you're contemplating a change, take a look at the reasons why experts say you should look for a new job. Right now, employers are having difficulty finding qualified applicants and are developing better benefits.

Too much perfume?

Wearing too much perfume could be a sign of depression. New study finds women who are depressed are also losing their sense of smell and overcompensating by using more perfume.

Want to live longer?

British Researchers say they have found that with four easy steps, most of us can add 14 years to our lives. Their study found those who don't smoke, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly and drink alcohol moderately lived longer. The question is.. do you want to live an extra 14 years if you have to do all four steps?

Hungry for new music?

Whirlpool introducing a refrigerator that has an ipod with docking station and more, giving new meaning to being hungry for new music. And I was excited when refrigerators first came out with ice and water dispensers on the front door!

Move over Tupperware parties

Forget Tupperware parties, the new craze these days are taser parties. Women who want to feel safe and want to know about personal protection are either hosting taser parties or going to them. Read more about it here. They even come in pink!

Dieting is out

New poll out finds dieting is out and healthy is in. And most of us feel being overweight is no longer equated with being unattractive. Read more about it here.

Home improvement help

Lots of people have big plans for the New Year, many of which are fixing up the house. Most popular remodel kitchen and bath. If you're looking for tips on how to do it yourself, great place here.

Cells bad for commute

So you like your cell phone, but research finds if you use it while you drive, you are slowing up your commute. Read about it here.

Got a headache?

Could be that energy saving light bulb giving you a migraine. Health experts in Britian say energy saving flourescent bulbs may trigger migraines in people prone to them. Also reports of dizziness, loss of focus and more.Read more about it here.