September 30, 2010

The new top man at BP is shaking up his staff and promising to put a new focus on safety. CEO Bob Dudley has removed the company’s chief of exploration and production and is appointing a new safety officer whose staff will have new powers to take steps to address safety problems. But Dudley is not saying that safety lapses led to the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Source Link
 

A new survey says most of America’s kids are ready to make the jump from the printed page to electronic books, but parents don’t think it’s such a good idea. The report by Scholastic Books shows about 60% of youngsters say they're interested in reading on a Kindle or iPad, and one out in three would read more for fun if more books were available in digital form. Source Link
 

Those hands-on science kits designed to get young children interested in the field may have less in them for little hands to explore. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has declined to give science kit makers an exemption from rules that require items to to be tested for safe use. The makers say that could prevent them from using simple items like paper clips. Source Link

September 29, 2010

The Obama Administration is being urged to set new standards to mandate an industry-wide average of 60 miles-per-gallon for cars and trucks in America by the year 2025. The Consumer Federation of America says the 60-MPG mark is technically feasible and could provide enough fuel cost savings to offset any price increase for super fuel-efficient vehicles. Source Link
 

Whether it’s for love or money, the Great Recession is hitting Main Street America hard. New figures released by the Census Bureau show that in 2009, the number of marriages fell to a record low. The same figures bear out the old adage. the rich were getting richer, earning a bigger share of all income, and the poor were falling deeper into poverty. Source Link
 

A new survey says being a church-goer doesn’t necessarily mean you know religion. The poll found that the average American could answer about half of the questions posed about basic tenets of Christianity and other world faiths. Jews and Mormons scored higher than Catholics and Protestants, but who had the best religious knowledge in the survey? Atheists and agnostics. Source Link

September 28, 2010

Election Day is every day, now that early voting is underway more than a month before the polls open on November 2nd. With nearly three-out-of-ten voters casting early ballots in 2008, candidates are changing strategies and spending money on more ads and outreach earlier, rather than waiting to make a big push for votes just before Election Day. Source Link

Halloween will scare up some tremendous sales for America’s retailers this year. A new survey by the National Retail Federation says we’ll spend $5.8 billion on the spooky fun, with half of that going for costumes. About 20-percent of us will dress up for Halloween, and 10-percent of them will also put their pets in costume. Source Link
 

When it comes to picking America’s best amusement park, the experts just keep getting to “The Point.” Cedar Point in Sandusky Ohio is the nation’s best for the 13th year in a row in a poll conducted by the trade publication Amusement Today. The new Harry Potter attraction at Universal Studios in Orlando was picked as the best new ride of the year. Source Link

September 27, 2010

New research suggests that talking and texting on cell phones has taken a big toll on America’s roads in recent years. Scientists say their analysis of statistics on traffic deaths shows that 16,000 people died in crashes caused by distractions from cell phones from 2002 to 2007, with a growing number of those victims under the age of 30. Source Link

The experts think the Atlantic region could be in for one more major hurricane this year, with the Northeast U.S. facing twice the normal risk. It’s been an active year for hurricanes, but most have stayed out to sea and none have threatened the usually storm-prone U.S. coastline along the Gulf of Mexico.  Source Link

Those tiny button batteries that power many children’s toys are getting some big attention amid safety concerns about youngsters swallowing them. The batteries can cause serious internal injuries and even death in babies and young children. One million toys from the Chuck-E-Cheese restaurant chain were recently recalled because their batteries could pose a risk. Source Link

September 24, 2010

House Republicans running in the November elections are pledging to roll back much of what Barack Obama championed in the first two years of his presidential term. The GOP “Pledge To America” calls for cuts to taxes and spending and less government regulation, along with the repeal President Obama's health care law and an end to his stimulus program. Source Link

Three teams have split $10 million as winners of a contest to create super fuel-efficient vehicles. The Progressive Automotive X Prize award winners include a E85 Ethanol-fueled vehicle that gets just over 100 miles per gallon, and a pair of two-seat all-electric cars that offer the equivalent of nearly 200 miles per gallon and a range of up to 100 miles. Source Link

We know that walking is good exercise for your body, but now there’s evidence it can keep your brain in shape too. A new study of 60-to-80 year-olds who took up walking showed that it can boost the connectivity within brain circuits, which is an important factor in maintaining memory functions that usually begin to decrease as we age. Source Link 

September 23, 2010

Some 5,500 people died in crashes last year caused by distracted drivers and the federal government is taking steps to stop more drivers from texting on the road. Commercial truck drivers hauling hazardous materials would be banned from texting. The move follows earlier bans that prevent commercial bus drivers from texting and bans texts and cell phone calls by train operators. Source Link

What could be the first serious competition for the Apple iPad will have some big partners to help push it to consumers. Samsung says its Galaxy tablet will be sold through Verizon Wireless, Sprint, T-Mobile and AT&T. The Galaxy, which has a seven-inch touchscreen with front and rear-facing cameras and runs on Google’s Android system, will be available for the holiday season. Source Link 

It’s official -- two music icons will be bringing some new star power to the judging panel on “American Idol.” Fox Television says Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and singer Jennifer Lopez will join Randy Jackson for the 10th season of America’s highest-rated TV program. The cast was re-vamped after the departure of Idol judge Simon Cowell. Source Link

September 22, 2010

As Republican and Democratic candidates gear-up to do battle for control of Congress in the fall elections, a new poll says many voters have little confidence in either party’s ability to do more for the economy. The ABC News/Yahoo! News poll says only one-in-five independent voters believe that Republicans can do better than the current administration and Democrat-controlled Congress. Source Link

In a find that could re-write history, crews building a new electrical substation in Southern California have uncovered a treasure trove of ancient fossils dating back 1.4 million years. Some of the fossils include a small saber-toothed cat, a camel, a deer and a horse. The remains  are more than a million years older than those from the famous La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles.  Source Link


Those city officials from Bell, California who made headlines with news of their super salaries now may be using some of it for bail money. The mayor, former city manager and council members were indicted on charges that they misappropriated funds. Prosecutors say the city manager earned his $800,000 a year salary with secret employment contracts and pay for meetings that never took place. Source Link 

September 21, 2010

The lucky streak continues as the East Coast has dodged yet another hurricane. Igor dropped to a Category One storm as it passed Bermuda but is now heading out to sea and away from the Atlantic seaboard. So far this year, only one hurricane has brushed the U.S. coastline and none have struck on the U.S. shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Source Link
 

Here’s a number that movie producers can only dream of -- $200 million worth of sales on the first day of release. That’s what Microsoft rang up in the first day of worldwide sales of its new video game Halo:Reach. The 4th edition of the popular series retails for $60 but came in special editions that were priced as high as $150. Source Link
 

Last year, the pressure was on to find enough vaccine to counter fears of a swine flu epidemic. But now there’s more vaccine than takers for the nation’s biggest drugstore chains that are selling flu shots, so some star power is in order. The Walgreens chain is teaming up with TV’s Doctor Oz to encourage all Americans to get a flu shot this year. Source Link

September 20, 2010

Five months after an explosion and fire led to the biggest oil spill in the nation’s history, the leak from that offshore well in the Gulf of Mexico is now permanently capped. Officials say tests show that a cement plug is firmly atop the ruptured well a mile below the surface. The leak spewed oil into the Gulf waters for nearly three months before a containment system was put in place in mid-July. Source Link

An aggressive consumer advocate has been picked to oversee creation of a new federal agency to regulate banks, lenders and credit card companies. Elizabeth Warren is a vocal critic of Wall Street and America’s big banks who pushed for the new Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection that will write and enforce new rules that will effect all types of consumer borrowing. Source Link

Actress Lindsay Lohan has admitted she failed a recent court-ordered drug test. Lohan spent two weeks in jail and 23 days in an in-patient drug rehab program after violating probation stemming from a pair of charges for drug use and driving under the influence. The judge in Lohan’s case said previously that a probation violation would result in a 30-day jail sentence. Source Link 

September 17, 2010

The Great Recession and the joblessness that came with it is reflected in the latest Census figures showing that one in seven Americans were living in poverty last year. It’s the highest rate since 1994 but still lower than some experts had feared with millions of newly unemployed. The Census Bureau estimated that expanded unemployment benefits helped keep 3.3 million people out of poverty last year. Source Link

What would the end of those Bush-era tax cuts cost you? A new analysis says a family of four making $50,000 a year would pay nearly $3,000 more in income taxes per year. President Obama wants to extend the tax cuts those making less than $250,000 a year. Republicans and some Democrats want to extend all the tax cuts that are set to expire at the end of the year. Source Link

Looking for an out-of-this-world vacation? How about booking a spaceflight? Boeing is selling tickets on its planned spacecraft that will take up to seven people on a trip to the International Space Station. Boeing hopes to have the craft ready in about five years, so you’ll have time to save up for the 10-day trip that costs $35 million. Source Link 

September 16, 2010

National GOP leaders are savoring a victory after the defeat of several major endorsed Republicans at the hands of Tea Party candidates in state primaries on Tuesday. New Hamphire’s endorsed Republican has been declared the victor in the Senate primary there. GOP-endorsed candidates in Delaware and New York fell victim to Tea Party rivals in their primary races. Source Link

Federal regulators say they want to tighten standards for pipeline safety in the wake of last week’s deadly natural gas explosion in California and several recent oil pipeline leaks. The Department of Transportation wants legislation that would to add more inspectors and increase civil fines for the worst offenses to up to $2.5 million a day. Source Link

The latest nationwide figures show that traffic fatalities have dropped to their lowest level in 60 years, with just over 33,000 deaths in 2009. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the drop was across the board for drivers, passengers and all types of vehicles, including the first decline in motorcycle deaths after more than a decade of annual increases. Source Link 

September 15, 2010

Senate Republicans are saying “no” to a proposal to keep higher income tax rates on the highest earning Americans. GOP leaders have closed ranks to reject President Obama’s plan to extend the tax cuts to only to those who make less than $250,000 a year. The issue is a hot topic for the upcoming elections, as the tax cuts are set to expire at the end of the year. Source Link
 

First Lady Michelle Obama is asking restaurants to take a new look at kid’s menus to make more-healthy choices easier to order. Obama told a convention of restaurant owners that they could make fruit the standard side dish instead of french fries. The First Lady is pushing better nutrition as part of her effort to cut the rate of childhood obesity in America. Source Link
 

Average Americans are growing wary of investing their money in the stock market. That according to a new Associated Press-CNBC poll that indicates 61 percent of people surveyed are less likely to invest in the stock market because of its volatility. About half of those questioned also said they feel the stock market is only fair to some investors. Source Link 

September 14, 2010

The hurricane season on the U.S. Atlantic Seaboard may be ready to rev-up with the approach of Igor. The Category 4 storm is gaining strength in the Atlantic and still vexing forecasters who are trying to predict Igor’s path. By next week, the storm could be bearing down on the East Coast, or it could move out to sea, depending on the passage of weather fronts across the continental U.S. Source Link 


A new report says more Americans are taking a hand in good hygiene, with nearly nine out of ten people now washing-up after using a public restroom. That’s up from about three out of four hand washers in the last survey a few years ago. Researchers used undercover observers stationed in public facilities to count the number of people washing their hands. Source Link
 

Most Americans like the idea of watching 3D television -- just not with those glasses. An industry survey says nearly nine of ten people think that wearing special 3D glasses would interfere with other activities they do while watching TV at home. Many television manufacturers are poised to introduce 3D models in the next year that require special glasses for viewing. Source Link

September 13, 2010

A top House Republican says he would support President Obama’s proposal to continue income tax cuts for middle-class Americans but end them for top income earners. Representative John Boehner says he’d prefer the Bush-era tax cuts be extended for all taxpayers. The tax cuts are set to expire at the end of the year. Source Link


If you’re one of those who prefer taking a pill over getting a shot, there may be new relief from the needle when it comes to allergy treatments. Italian researchers say their studies show that allergy tablets taken orally can do the job like injections for relief from hay fever, although allergy shots are more effective. Source Link
 

Can virtual friendships be better at leading to love than the real thing? A new survey shows that Internet access makes you more likely to be in a relationship. About one-in-five couples who were surveyed said they met online, and Internet matches were most effective for middle-aged and older people. Source Link 

September 10, 2010

The leader of a small Florida church says he’s canceling plans to burn copies of the Koran on Saturday’s ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The Reverend Terry Jones says he changed his mind after hearing that plans had been changed for a mosque near the site of the September 11th attacks in New York. The Islamic holy book burning had been condemned by many who said it would inflame hatred for America. Source Link


Federal officials are trying the pull the plug on sales of electronic cigarettes that are touted as a smoke-free alternative to lighting up. The FDA says it plans to regulate them as drug delivery devices. The e-cigarettes can use a liquid form of nicotine and other drugs including those for weight loss and erectile dysfunction that can be vaporized and inhaled. Source Link
 

The most-often used term in television this past year was linked to the nation’s biggest natural disaster. The Global Language Monitor says its tracking showed that “BP Spillcam” was the number-one term, followed by “dysfunctional.” Number three on the list -- “Guido” -- was made popular by the young Italian-American cast of the MTV program “Jersey Shore.” Source Link 

September 9, 2010

BP is spreading out the blame for the explosion that led to the nation’s worse-ever oil spill. In an internal report, BP says the independent operator of the offshore oil rig and the company that supplied materials  used in the project are also at-fault. Critics say  BP is trying to set the stage for a legal strategy that will reduce its overall liability for the Gulf oil spill. Source Link

President Obama is drawing the line at the top of the income ladder, saying he won’t support a move to allow the nation’s richest to continue to get tax breaks that are set to expire at the end of the year. Obama wants to make the tax cuts permanent for middle- and low-income families. Republicans and some Democrats want all the tax cuts to continue temporarily or be made permanent. Source Link

When cable television interviewer Larry King hangs up his suspenders and retires in January after three decades at CNN, his job will go to the man best known as “the mean British judge” on TV’s “America’s Got Talent.” Piers Morgan is a well-known television interviewer in his homeland and gets the the nightly hosting job as CNN struggles to boost sagging ratings. Source Link 

September 8, 2010

All the preaching about the dangers of smoking doesn’t seem to be clearing the air to reduce the number of Americans who light up. The Centers For Disease Control says 20% of Americans are smokers. That’s the same rate as five years ago. And half of all children are exposed to second-hand smoke. Budget cuts in anti-smoking programs may be one reason why the message isn’t getting through. Source Link

If money can really buy happiness, what’s the price tag? A new survey of 1,000 Americans showed that takes an income of about $75,000 a year to reach the point of satisfaction. Below that and people are struggling with economic problems. On the other hand, the study authors say results showed that significantly more money does not bring you that much more happiness. Source Link

That airline flight attendant who gained instant fame for telling off a passenger and then sliding down an emergency escape chute is hoping to skip a trip to jail for his impulsive exit. Steven Slater will undergo a mental evaluation as part of a bid for a plea deal on charges of criminal mischief. Slater left his job with Jet Blue after the incident last month. Source Link

September 7, 2010

Time is running out for nearly 150,000 U.S. veterans to claim bonus pay that’s due to them after their military service was extended by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Veterans are due $500 for each month they were held over by so-called “stop-loss” orders. Pentagon officials say they’re having trouble tracking down veterans to let them know about the bonus pay. Source Link
 

Federal investigators say it’s “buyer beware” when using mail order genetic testing services to find your risk of cancer or diabetes. The Government Accountability Office says its probe of four mail order companies showed conflicting results from identical DNA samples in two out of three cases, and 80-percent of the labs offered medical histories that were wrong. Source Link
 

In a David and Goliath match-up of extreme eaters, the little lady is the big winner when it comes to downing Buffalo Wings.  Five-foot-tall, 105-pound Sonya Thomas defeated the reigning male champion by eating 181 wings in 12 minutes to take the national championship in Buffalo. Thomas calls herself  “The Black Widow” because she often defeats bigger male competitors. Source Link

September 3, 2010

About 10 percent more Americans will be hitting the road for a trip this Labor Day weekend than last year according to AAA, but that’s still down from the average. It’s estimated that about 31 million people will be traveling on the unofficial last weekend of summer, with nine out of 10 opting to go by car. Source Link
 

One-in-five U.S. teens is suffering from slight hearing loss, according to new research based on surveys by the Centers for Disease Control. That’s a 30% increase since the advent of personal music players more than a decade ago. In other studies, the high frequency hearing loss that’s occurring in teens has been linked to overuse of earphone devices like the iPod. Source Link
 

The hot weather of August did more than make electric meters spin faster -- it also made cash registers ring more at America’s stores. A new report says the hottest August in a quarter-century helped retailers sell more of that summer apparel in the clearance bins. In fact, some stores missed out because they didn’t have enough summer wear still on hand for hot-and-bothered customers. Source Link

September 2, 2010

Vacationers on North Carolina’s Outer Banks have been evacuated ahead of the arrival of Hurricane Earl. The edge of the Category Four storm is only expected to brush the Carolinas, but the U.S. Atlantic coast from Long Island to Maine could be in the crosshairs as forecasters keep a close eye on Earl’s path moving into the tourist-packed Labor Day weekend. Source Link

California lawmakers have voted down a proposal that would have banned plastic grocery bags in the Golden State. Supporters said the 19 billion plastic bags used in California every year harm the environment and cost $25 million to dispose of, but critics asked whether the state was going too far in trying to regulate personal choice. Source Link

A new study of census information shows a gender gap in pay between men and women with the fair sex on the upside of the equation. The market research group Reach Advisors says median full-time salaries of young women who are single, childless and under the age of 30 are an average of 8% higher than those of the men of the same age group. Source Link

September 1, 2010

President Obama says the future of Iraq is now up to its own people. He officially declared an end to the U.S. combat role in Iraq after more than seven years of war, saying, “it is time to turn the page." About 50,000 American troops will stay in Iraq for support functions and training until late next year. Source Link
 

The traditional last week of summer at the beach may be cut short on the Eastern Seaboard thanks to Hurricane Earl. Officials are warning that evacuations may be necessary as Earl churns toward the U.S. mainland with top winds at 135 miles an hour. The storm could brush the Outer Banks and then move north to strike Cape Cod or Maine. Source Link 


Could migraines run in the family? A new study has found a genetic variant affecting regulation of a brain chemical that may play a role in how migraine headaches occur. The research could open the way for new treatments to prevent migraine attacks. About one in six women and one out of 12 men suffer from migraines. Source Link