Overeating gene?

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

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?

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!

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!

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

Comforting food for 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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!

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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?

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.

Oprah stuff

If you love Oprah, you'll love that you now can get some of the wares offered at the Oprah Store in Chicago online. She is even offering some of her own shoes and dresses. So you walk in her shoes, in a very small way. Check out her store here.

Weekend ideas

You can celebrate Bike Miami on Sunday, from 10 am to 3 pm. Bike Miami is sponsored by the City of Miami, and is a day for bicyclists, pedestrians and skaters to explore downtown Miami in a fun, safe and free way. It includes a free yoga class and bike safety workshops. A special rally with Mayor Manny Diaz is at 1 am on the corner of Biscayne Blvd. and Flagler Street.

You can "Rock for the Wetlands." It's a concert at "The Inner Circle" on the southwest corner of Royal Palm and University Drive, Sunday from 2 pm to 7 pm. The concert is to save the wetlands along Atlantic Blvd. and Lyons Rd. in Coral Springs. A five dollar donation would be appreciated. There will be raffles and prizes.

Got a dirty car? Head to the Girl Scout Troop 1577 Car Wash Saturday at the Burger King, 14095 SW 88 Street, Miami, from 9 am til 1 pm and Sunday at the Checkers Drive-In at 2701 SW 42 Street from 9 am til 1 pm. Funds go to the scouts camping trip.

Love Barbie? Saturday between noon and 3, Barbie fans are invited to donate their old Barbie dolls at participating Walmart Stores. For every doll collected, Mattel will give a new one to a local children's hospital. As an added bonus, Barbie herself wil be at select stores. Details here.

Toy Hall of Fame inductee is...

A stick! The National Toy Hall of Fame inducted the universal plaything powered by a child's imagination: a stick. The stick joins the bicycle, kite and crayons. To get in, a toy must be widely recognized and foster learning, creativity and discovery through play. Next year could be a rock! Details here.

Metrozoo's Big Cats

Two of the most fearsome and dangerous cats in the world are now at Metrozoo. The jaguars arrived from Houston and Massachusettes and will have their own exhibit debut December 6th. They will have 27 acres to roam, with plenty of space between visitors and them. Details here.

White House Pets

You've heard by now that the Obama family will be moving into the White House with a new puppy. They join a long list of families who've had pets at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The Bush family shared their eight years at the White House with a cat, a springer spaniel and two Scottish terriers. The Clinton's had a cat and a chocolate lab. Going way back, Thomas Jefferson had two grizzly bears and John Quincy Adams had a pet alligator. That's a way to keep away your detractors!

Women have more germs

It's true. Research has found women have more germs on their hands than men do. Researchers were also surprised to find that there were more types of bacteria on the hands than they expected. Why do we have more germs? Researchers didn't have a reason. But I do.. As women, don't we wipe our kids noses more, clean more, cook more and get our hands dirty more, except for taking out the trash! Details here.

Alarming teen pregnancy link

Turn off the TV! Research has linked teenagers watching sexy tv shows with teen pregnancies. Study found those teens who watched the raciest tv shows with a lot of sexual dialogue and behavior were twice as likely to get pregnant than those watching tamer shows. Details here.

Bid on your favorite candidate

Instead of voting for your favorite candidate, you can bid on their doll on eBay. It's a doll of an idea. There are cabbage patch dolls resembling John McCain, Barack Obama, Sarah Palin and Joe Biden. You bid. We all win. Proceeds go to Toys for Tots. Details here.

Be scary and safe

If you're taking the kids out to trick or treat tomorrow for Halloween, please be safe. Remember the basics. Take a flashlight with you, don't let them run out into the street or across lawns, stick to the sidewalk. And don't go to houses that don't have any lights on. There are more safety tips here.

Working hard or hardly working?

If you're not working while you're on the job, you're among the many. A new survey finds nearly half of us spend two hours of our workday doing personal things. And the most popular time waster is socializing with co-workers. Least it's not shopping on line. Then we'd be wasting not only time but also money. Details here.

Wear red

If you're not feeling too attractive today, put on something red and watch the guys turn their heads! New research finds what we always knew: Red is the color of love. It's also the color of lust. Researchers found men always found the woman in red as the most attractive... even when it was the same woman wearing different colors.
Details here.

Internet altering brain?

Is surfing the internet altering your brain? Probably. Experts believe that internet searching and text messaging has made brains more adept at filtering information and makign snap decisions. Details here.

Watch your coffee drinking

Study finds if you drink more than three cups of coffee a day, it may shrink your breast size. Researchers also found the more coffee, the more shrinkage. If only all that coffee could shrink my thighs. Details here.

Weekend scary stuff

If you and your kids can't wait until Halloween, there's plenty of scary things to do before then:

Ghosts and Goblins Family Fun Night Saturday, Oct. 25th, 6-8 pm, at Fern Forest Nature Center in Coconut Creek. Games, costume contest, arts and crafts and storytime. Ages 2-10.

Davieween Happenings is Sunday, Oct. 26th, with a pumpkin patch, free halloween games that include play bowling for ghouls, feed the hungry pumpkin and more and a costume contest. 1-4 pm.

A Masquerade Dance is Saturday, Oct 25th at the Civic Center in Miramar, 6920 SW 35 Street. (954-704-1631)

Pumpkin Origami is at the Morikami Museum Saturday, from 11-4 in Delray Beach. (561-495-0233)

Pines Night Out

Bring the kids to a special Pembroke Pines Crimewatch Program at Walter C. Young Middle School tonight, (Friday), from 6 to 9 pm. There will be police and fire vehicles and safety demonstrations and free child ID kits as well as lots of free fun for the kids. Rock climbing, face painting, pony rides, bounce houses and more.
(954-436-3274)

Hell's Kitchen Auditions

Today's the day for you to grab your favorite spatula and skillet and head to the Hell's Kitchen auditions. They're going on from 10-3 at the Hard Rock Cafe at the Bayside Marketplace. You have to be at least 21 and over, and have the skills, stamina and competitiveness to go toe to toe with Chef Gordon Ramsay. Details here.

Birth order predicts career

Before you decide on a career, maybe you should consider your birth order. Experts say each birth position has a special role within families and the position leads to different patterns and personalities and jobs. Firstborns are ambitious, assertive and dominant and last borns were the least likely to report earning six figures. That explains so much to me... as a last born. Read more here.

Wolf down lunch?

Did you wolf down lunch and ate until you were full? Bad news. You're more than likely going to be overweight if you keep that up. Research finds those who gobble down their food and eat til they're full are three times more likely to become overweight. I used to eat real fast to try to sneak those calories past my stomach. Didn't work. Neither did eating while standing up. Weren't the calories supposed to go to your feet? :) Details here.

Don't skimp on sleep

If you don't have enough hours in the day to get it all done, don't skip your sleep. Let the laundry sit, or dishes pile up, because lack of sleep is connected to several critical health problems. Those who get less than five hours of sleep are more likely to get heart attacks. Also less sleep triggers hunger hormones, and is linked to diabetes and high blood pressure. I think a nap sounds good about now. More about sleep here.

Weekend fun

Love cats? Head to the Cat Show at War Memorial Auditorium in Ft. Lauderdale. Felines of all breeds on the cat walk. Cat adoptions available too. Saturday and Sunday, 800 NE 8 St. (954-828-5380)

Collect coins? Head to the Ft. Lauderdale Coin and Stamp Show with gold and silver collections being shown, sold and appraised. Sunday at ArtServe, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd. (954-802-4967)

Enjoy outdoors at the Birthday Celebration for Biscayne National Park. Celebrating 40 years as the largest marine park in the Nation's Park System Sunday, with a free concert and hands on activities. 9700 SW 328 Street, Homestead. (305-755-7848)

Enjoy The Jamies Rescue and Be Kind to Animals Free Concert Saturday night at the Hollywood Bandshell Stage and you'll help find homes and care for abandoned and neglected dogs. Starts at 6 pm. (954-622-7597)

Celebrate Halloween early with the kids at the City of Plantation's "Family Halloween And Safety Halloween" Saturday, from 10 am to 2 pm. There will be a Haunted House, inflatable rides, a carnival and police and fire safety demonstrations and free candy and halloween bags. (954-797-2180)

Cell phone itchy?

Watch out for your cell phone.. you could get mobile phone dermatitis. British dermatologists have coined the term after reporting mobile phone users were coming up with an unexplained rash on their cheeks and ears by where they hold their phones. Dermatologists have determined they're allergic to the nickel surface on the phone. Might want to stop talking or go hands-free. Details here.

Gap kids casting call

Bring your cute little ones to GapKids and they could be in a new advertising campaign as the new face! There is a casting call Friday and Saturday at the GapKid stores in Dadeland, Aventura and Cocowalk. Details here.

Is your brain shrinking?

Yes. Your brain naturally shrinks like two percent each decade. But if you drink, it shrinks even more. Detais here. To combat the shrinkage, you could go surf the net. Research has found web searching keeps the brain from getting old. Details here.
This stuff too cerebral for me.

PB & J is good for you

We know it as a comfort food, now research has found the jam and jelly that goes with peanut butter is good for you too. Specifically, research has found that jam and jelly have pectin which blocks the progression of cancer. Details here.

One Republic gives back

One Republic offering an hour long songwriting lesson to budding musicians. They're offering it in an online auction to benefit City of Hope to raise money for cancer research. Details here.

Babies can discern music

Watch what kind of music you play for your kids. Study finds they can tell already if the songs are happy or sad, as early as five months old. Least at that age, they can't tell you to change the station! Details here.

Angry about the economy?

If you're angry about the economy, the slide on wallstreet, the motorist who cut you off, your boss, or anything else, you're invited to smash a few plates. A new company called "Sarah's Smash Shack," offers patrons time to smash dinnerware on the walls...to relieve pent-up issues. Great idea, too bad the company is in San Diego. We need one in Miami. Details here.

Is your car angry?

It's common to see people's faces in many things, from clouds to cars. And now a new study finds we prefer cars with an angry people faces. Not sure why. Maybe to scare all the other people-faced cars away. Details here.

Stress trickles down to kids

If you're stressing over money (like who isn't these days), your kids are probably feeling it. Experts say you should probably share what's going on with your little ones. So they can understand some of the problems, not necessarily all of them. You may not want to say we're going to lose our home, but you may want to say money is tight and we can't afford to buy you a hamster right now. Other tips here.

Lying about your age?

If you're 39 and holding, you may shy away from looking in the mirror. But you also may want to shy away from the computer. Computer scientists have developed a software program that can estimate age based solely on someone's facial appearance. It could be used for all kinds of things-from verifying age before drinking, driving, or dating your daughter! Details here.

No hedgehogs for kids

A warning out from the American Academy of Pediatrics that will have many parents breathing easier. At least moms. Young children should not keep hedgehogs, hamsters, baby chicks, lizards and turtles as pets, because of the risks for diseases and the sometimes deadly germs they carry. The warning is for kids 5 and younger. I was hoping for like 18 and under. More here.

Calories overload brain

You know how your computer gets overloaded and then works sluggish or not at all. Your brain also gets tapped out when you overload it with calories. Researchers have found that when you over-eat, your brain goes haywire and sends out cells to attack invaders that aren't there. Could explain diseases associated with obesity, as well as our bad food choices... you know after a really big meal, we're stuffed and we still order dessert. More here.

Concerns about makeup

If you use makeup daily and your teenager wants to, this may make you think twice: Studies have found that some makeup contains harmful chemicals that are linked to health risks such as cancer. And a study of teens found their bodies contained some of these harmful chemicals. What is the price of beauty these days? You can read more about it here.

Voting warning

Before you head to the polls come Election Day, you should know that traffic accidents typically increase during voting hours. Researchers studied traffic accidents on election days for the past 30 years and found an 18 percent increased risk of death. Researchers blame people rushing to get to the polls, driving unfamiliar routes and being distracted. My suggestion: Plan ahead. Take a practice run to the poll and don't let anybody distract you. Read more about it here.

Good day to eat veggies

Today is a good day to eat all your veggies and then some. It's World Vegetarian Day, a day to celebrate the benefits of eating a meat free diet. It can help reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer, and help save animals from suffering and even help the environment. Details here.

Man saves dog from shark

Talk about brave. A dog owner risked his own life to save his dog. He was swimming off the keys with his little rat terrier, when a shark swam up and took a bite of the dog and tried to swim away. Greg LeNoir punched the shark and managed to get the little dog away and saved his life. Now that's a faithful companion! Read more about it here.

Fat dolphins need diet

Hard to believe but dolphins at a Japanese marine park are going on a diet, because they gained too much weight eating mackerel. Turns out the mackerel was very fatty. And the dolphins weren't making their jumps. I can see it now. Dolphins by the side of the pool trying to snag a bag of chips from visitors to the park. Read more about it here.

Frugality has limits

It may be a tough economy, but women are not going to scrimp on everything. We do have priorities. Survey of women finds we will look to save on medications, milk and eggs, but when it comes to food for our dogs, or cosmetics for us or toilet paper, we refuse to go bargain. Absolutely! We have to look and feel our best and our dogs too. Read more about it here.

Tempting foods help diet

Hard to believe, but research finds being tempted is a good thing for diets. Researchers say having tempting treats around helps us with our self control strategies and build will-power. Sure, if you can ignore that chocolate cookie calling your name at home, you can do the same when you're at a party or anywhere else. You can read more about it here.

Public Lands Day!

Saturday is National Public Lands Day. A day to enjoy our National Parks as well as help keep them nice. There are clean-up efforts all over the country on this day. 1500 sites. To find out where you can help, go here.

Kids auditions this weekend

If your kids can sing and dance and have 11 friends, take them to the Wizard of Oz group auditions Saturday at the Adrienne Arscht Center for the Performing Arts. Auditions for children ages 8-13 who are under five feet ten inches tall. They're playing munchkins. Details here.

If your kids prefer flying, then take them to the "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" auditions Sunday at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Doors open at 9:45. Auditions begin at 10. 201 SW 5th. Avenue. Details here.

Women Rule!

This just in.... Women rule the roost. Study finds women make most decisions at home and guys are okay with that. From household finances to what to do this weekend to tv watching, women make the decisions most of the time. I can guess the times when women let men decide.. when they're holding the remote. Read more about it here.

Palin Pink or Obama Berry?

Which lipstick do you prefer: Palin Pink or Obama Berry? A South Florida company is launching the two lipstick shades in October to cash in on the "lipstick" controversy of a few weeks back. Remember lipstick on a pig and lipstick on a pitbull? When you buy these political shades, you'll help a good cause. Part of the proceeds go to domestic abuse victims. Read more about it here.

Get a phone call from Ellen

Want to get a phone call from Ellen DeGeneres? You can sign up now at the One-A-Day Vitamins website. She's partnered with them to remind people to get checked for breast cancer and live healthier. She is behind the effort, since her mom is a breast cancer survivor.

Are you a noisy neighbor?

Topping the list of biggest neighbor annoyances: Noise. Nearly a third of those polled said noise is what bugged them most about their neighbors. Also those with kids and pets are considered nuisances, and those who talk about Dick Cheney too much. You can read more about the list here.

Power suits give clean image

Forget the dry cleaners. Now you can wash your suit in the shower. It's called the Shower-power suit. After you're done washing yourself, you wash your suit in the shower for three to four minutes with warm water and then let it drip dry. No ironing need. The suit is so popular in Japan and Australia, they're now designing ladies suit with the same shower power technology. Read more about it here.

Take kids out

This is "Take A Child Outside" Week. It's an effort which began in North Carolina with beautiful mountains and bubbling streams, but it's catching on all over that we need to get our kids away from tv and video games to enjoy the outdoors and maybe get a little exercise and lose weight. You can read more about it here.