September 28, 2012

You might want to add some time to the countdown to the election of the next president. With a raft of new voter ID laws and more provisional balloting expected, some think the winner may take days to determine after the polls close on November 6th. The new laws are in effect in a number of states that are considered key to winning the White House. Source Link

Is a smaller stomach the key to beating some of our biggest ills? A new long-term study found that bariatric surgery to reduce the size of the stomach for weight loss also cuts the risk of diabetes by 80% among obese people. Bariatric surgery has also shown to be beneficial in cutting the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Source Link

A Google search for your favorite female film wizard could land you in a world of hurt. Actress Emma Watson has been named the most dangerous cyber celebrity, with one out of eight search results leading to sketchy sites that may try to steal your personal information. Searches for free downloads or racy pictures of actresses often link to malicious web sites. Source Link

September 27, 2012

Persons using the Medicare prescription drug benefit need to be careful shoppers when renewing their plan for next year. A new report says seven of the 10 most popular plans will be hit with double-digit premium hikes in 2013. But there are savings with a number of plans that use a preferred provider network that narrows your choice of pharmacies. Source Link

Google says it will be leading iPhone 5 owners to a better map program for their new smart phone. Apple dropped Google Maps in favor of its own map program that’s getting bad reviews for inaccuracy. Google has plans to offer a stand-alone Google Maps app for iPhone users by the end of the year. Source Link

Want to channel your inner barista and skip the trip to Starbucks for that next latte? The company is marketing a home espresso maker to get that Starbuck’s taste without the wait in line. The machine uses single serving pods that combine coffee and milk, but don’t expect to save much more than time. Prices for the Starbucks espresso maker will range from $200 to $400. Source Link

September 26, 2012

Free checking is going the way of the free toaster among giveaways at America’s banks. A new bank survey found that only about 40-percent of checking accounts are free of fees. In 2009, nearly twice as many checking accounts had no fees. Also on the rise are ATM fees, and all banks surveyed now charge non-customers to use their ATM’s. Source Link

America’s pediatricians say it’s not worth the risk to let your kids play on a home trampoline. The American Academy of Pediatricians says even with safety netting and adult supervision, children can risk serious injury. In the most recent year of records, there were over 97,000 trampoline injuries with young children 14 times more likely to be hurt. Source Link


The cure for your aches and pains could be as close as the salt shaker. New research has shown that soaking in a salt water solution can trigger the body’s own anti-inflammatory system. Scientists say the findings could open the door tor new salt water treatments for arthritis and other inflammatory ailments. Source Link

September 25, 2012

New studies suggest that sugary drinks could trip a genetic trigger that leads to obesity in some people. Researchers say those with a higher genetic risk of obesity had twice the incidence of it when they regularly drank sugar-sweetened sodas and fruit drinks. The obesity rate in the U.S. has risen along with the rate of consumption of sugary drinks. Source Link

The many millions who love their iPhones spend billions to fix them. A new study estimates that iPhone owners have shelled out nearly $6 billion on repairs since its introduction in 2007. One-in-three iPhone owners have reported damage in the past year, and about 10-percent are living with a cracked screen because repairs are too expensive. Source Link

Parents and kids are already setting their sights on the hot toys for the upcoming holiday season. This year’s must-haves include new versions of old favorites like Furby and the Leapfrog LeapPad 2, along with a Crayola digital drawing device, a Tonka toy truck that does backflips, and a Barbie doll with a built-in digital camera to make custom images that appear on its t-shirt. Source Link

September 24, 2012

What if a simple decision at work could save you the cost of a month’s worth of groceries? That could be the case for about half of America’s workers who are ready to consider annual options for health insurance. A report says many workers could save up to $750 a year by selecting plans with lower premium costs without spending more on deductibles. Source Link

If it works for fast food delivery, why not public health? A study found that drive-thru flu vaccinations don’t pose a risk of fainting for drivers who get a shot and then get right back on the road. A drive-thru immunization clinic that makes it easier to dispense the  flu shot has been used at a Kentucky university since 1995.  Source Link

It’s an anniversary for a bit of emotional shorthand that’s found in many of today’s status updates and text messages. The smile emoticon is 30 years old. Back in 1982, a computer science professor in Pittsburgh was the first to combine a colon, a dash and a right parenthesis to create a sideways smile. Source Link

September 21, 2012

Is cracking the code to find your PIN number is as easy as 1-2-3-4? If so, it’s time for a change. 1234 is the most common PIN and accounts for one out of ten numbers, according to a new report. The next most popular number is 1111. And the report says any PIN number that’s a year starting with 19 is also among the most popular and easiest to guess. Source Link

The common cold may be more common that you think because you don’t know that you have it. A study of college students found that only one in four infected with a cold virus had symptoms, but the others could still spread the virus without knowing it. September and October is a prime cold season on college campuses. Source Link

Here’s a tongue-in-cheek economic indicator that goes to the root of finances for many a young family. A new survey found that tooth fairy spending is up 15% this year. Those bygone bicuspids and molars  are now fetching an average payout of $3 apiece when left for the tooth fairy beneath a child’s pillow. Source Link

September 20, 2012

Here’s another reason to think twice before getting that ink -- new research shows that laser tattoo removal isn’t as effective for everyone. Smokers in particular see poor results because of the effect the habit has on their body’s immune system. One out of five Americans has a tattoo, but one-in-four adolescents with a tattoo say they regret getting it just a year later. Source Link

You know about the familiar joy of comfort food, but what about comfort TV? New research suggests that watching a rerun of a favorite TV show can give you a mental boost. Being familiar with the story and dialogue gives your mind a break and lets you enjoy the program more, and that can put you in a better mood. Source Link

The company that invited everyone to get off the couch with handheld motion controllers for video games is ready to unveil its new system. Nintendo’s Wii U features a handheld touchscreen GamePad and an upgrade to high-definition quality on your TV. The Wii U will be priced starting at $300 and goes on sale November 18th. Source Link

September 19, 2012

If you need to catch up on the news, here’s the place to do it. The web site archive.org has opened a new collection of every national television newscast that has aired since 2009. The online library includes over 1,000 series with news programming from more than 20 different channels. The content is searchable using words from the closed captioning in the programs. Source Link

How bad is it to use earbuds with the volume set on high? A new study says it can cause the same damage to your ears as the sound of a roaring jet engine. Loud volume from earphones can damage the nerve cells that send sound to the brain and cause temporary deafness, buzzing and ringing in the ears. Source Link


Living in paradise does have its perks, including a longer life. A new report says the state with the longest life expectancy is Hawaii, where the average is 80 years old. On the other end of the scale, people in Mississippi can expect to live about 74 years. Overall life expectancy is improving in the U.S. and women have a four-year advantage over men. Source Link

September 18, 2012

If you use ointments or creams to provide warm relief for muscle or joint pain, be careful you don’t go from soothing to scalding. The FDA says there have been reports of persons suffering chemical burns from menthol-based pain relief products. The best advice is to avoid bandaging the skin after application and don’t use a heating pad along with the cream or ointment. Source Link

In the numbers game for your technology dollar, TV makers want you to forget about 3D and think 4K. That's the new ultra-high definition standard being unveiled in this year's crop of HD TV's. The 4K TV's provide twice the resolution of current TV's, but so far there's little programming available to show off the sharper screens. Source Link


We know that kids can inherit your sense of humor, but a new study says it might happen much sooner than you think. Researchers found that six-month old babies watched for their parent's reaction and laughter at a funny scene. By the age of one, babies were laughing at the same scene, even if the parent wasn't. Source Link

September 17, 2012

The Golden Arches is now telling you what it’ll cost your waistline to enjoy that Big Mac and those famous fries. McDonald’s has become the first national fast food chain to list calorie counts for all items on its menu boards. The move is ahead of a federal regulation that could require major chains to post calorie information as early as next year. Source Link

It’s the prescription for better bone health for women -- take two hours of physical activity per week. A new study found that just a few hours of exercise over a week’s time can reduce the hormone that inhibits bone growth and boost the one that strengthens bones. The effect was seen in pre-menopausal women who engaged in light physical activity. Source Link

If you’re not ready to put that $500 iPad in the hands of your pre-schooler, there’s a new less-expensive alternative just for kids. Toys R’ Us is selling the $150 Tabeo tablet computer that runs on the Android system. The Wi-Fi tablet comes preloaded with kid-friendly apps and Internet safety controls for parents to limit web browsing. Source Link

September 14, 2012

Can social media improve turnout at the polls? A study found that banner ads seen by every user on Facebook on Election Day 2010 encouraging them to vote helped to prompt some 340,000 people nationwide to cast ballots. The study did not look at the party affiliation of those voters. Source Link

Most of Hollywood’s big movie companies are backing a new service that will allow you to stream or rent movies as soon as they are released on DVD or Blu-ray. The new M-Go service to debut later this year will work on computers, tablets, TV’s and smartphones, including Android, iOS and Windows apps and with a feature to be built into  TV’s from Samsung and Vizio. Source Link

 
Soft lighting and gentle music isn’t just good for restaurants with expensive menus. A new study found that diners ate fewer calories in fast food establishments that adopt a more-soothing environment with lighting and music. Researchers said the patrons ordered the same amount of food but ate less of it,  suggesting that the relaxed setting increased satisfaction while decreasing consumption. Source Link

September 13, 2012

It’s official -- the biggest redesign ever of the iPhone is coming next week. The anxiously-awaited 6th generation iPhone features a bigger screen, a sleek new unibody aluminum case and 4G LTE connectivity. The new iPhone goes on sale September 21st and some analysts predict that Apple could sell 5 million of them in the first weekend. Source Link

Many baby boomers are raising kids these days, but now it’s their grandchildren. A new study found that 70% of grandparents have provided care for their grandchildren for two years or more. The 2010 U.S. Census found that grandparents are the primary source of childcare for 30% of children under the age of five. Source Link

Acupuncture provides more pain relief than medications or other treatments for pain. That’s the conclusion of a new study that reanalyzed data from over two dozen other studies on the ancient Chinese practice. Researchers say subjects reported 30% less pain with acupuncture treatment versus using pain medications. Source Link

September 12, 2012

Here’s something to remember -- a new study has shown that ginkgo biloba doesn’t protect you from Alzheimer’s disease. It’s the second major research effort using thousands of people that found no evidence that ginkgo biloba prevents Alzheimer's disease or delays mental problems. The supplement is widely used and marketed as a memory-boosting drug. Source Link

Americans are thinking twice about privacy before downloading the latest app on their smart phone. A new survey found that just over half of those questioned said they’ve decided not to install a mobile app once they found out how much personal information it could share. And about 30% say they’ve removed apps from their smart phone because of privacy concerns. Source Link

The average car on the road today is 11 years old, and that means there’s plenty of pent-up demand for new cars. Automakers are rolling out 30 all-new models this fall and the top of the list features mostly American nameplates. The top five are the new Ford Fusion, the Honda Accord, the Ram 1500 truck, the Nissan Altima and the Chevy Malibu. Source Link

September 11, 2012

On this 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, you won’t see any campaign ads from the Obama or Romney camps. Both candidates have agreed to take a one-day break at the request of a non-profit group that promotes September 11th as a national day for community service. It’s the third presidential election year that rivals have hit the “pause” button on TV ads on September 11th. Source Link

Want the heart-healthy benefits of drinking red wine without the alcohol kick? A new study says non-alcoholic red wine can do the trick. In fact, researchers found that non-alcoholic red wine may be even more effective at lowering blood pressure in men who are high risk for heart attack, and lowering their risk of stroke by up to 20%. Source Link

Apple is ready to unveil the new iPhone, but don’t expect to see an Apple TV on store shelves anytime soon. There are reports that Apple has been unable to negotiate the rights to include popular cable programming in the TV service. Networks are wary about letting Apple bypass traditional cable providers to offer programs directly over the Internet. Source Link

September 10, 2012

The hard-hitting action of the NFL is back for another pro football season, and the controversy continues over long-term brain injuries suffered by players. A new study found that pro football players die from brain diseases about three times more often than average men. Meanwhile, the league has announced that it will donate $30 million for research into brain injuries and treatments. Source Link

If your kids are losing sleep over their study habits, it won’t help their schoolwork. A new study found that if that high school students who sacrifice sleep in order to study more are likely to have academic problems the following day. And the more often they pull an all-nighter to study, the worse the impact or their school work. Source Link

In the tablet computer wars, the small are going large as the large look to downsize. Amazon’s new generation Kindle Fire HD tablet will be offered in a larger size along with the current 7-inch model. Meanwhile, it’s expected that Apple will unveil a smaller iPad Mini  next month, with both the Amazon and Apple offerings going on sale in time for holiday shopping. Source Link

September 7, 2012

Making checkout as fast and easy as possible has been a dream for shoppers and retailers alike, and now the nation’s biggest store chain is trying a smartphone solution. Reuters reports that Wal-Mart is testing an iPhone application that allows shoppers to scan items as they pick them off the shelf and then make one quick stop to pay for it all. Source Link

One out of three Americans has high blood pressure, but only half of them have the condition under control. The CDC says that’s 22 million people at higher risk for stroke, heart attack and other conditions that kill 1,000 people each day and cost about $130 billion a year for health care. Officials say high blood pressure is second only to tobacco use as the biggest health care concern. Source Link

Is your beer glass throwing you a curve when it comes to figuring out how much you’re drinking? A new study found that people drink beer nearly twice as fast from a glass that has a curved shape versus a straight-sided one. Researchers think the curved shape makes it harder to tell at a glance how much of the glassful is left, and that makes people drink faster. Source Link

September 6, 2012

A new study claims there’s not much evidence to show that organic foods are healthier for you. Nutrients were about the same and pesticide levels, while lower in organic foods, weren’t dramatically higher in non-organic food.  Researchers said the higher price of organic food could be one of the biggest differences to be found. Source Link

That spare tire or beer belly could be the biggest risk factor for a heart attack. In fact, experts say having excessive weight in your midsection poses a bigger danger than obesity. Even for a person of normal weight, belly fat increases insulin resistance and makes you three times more likely to suffer a heart attack. Source Link


Don’t crack open the laptop during take-off just yet, but the FAA is ready to take a look at rules that limit the use of electronics during flights. The agency is expected to spend about six months reviewing the issue. There’s no guarantee the current limitations will be eased, in part because there so many different devices to deal with, from smart phones to laptops and tablets. Source Link

September 5, 2012

For many Americans this election year, the most trusted name in news has a hometown channel number. A new study found that voters still rely on local television for their daily news more than any other source. Nearly six out of ten said they watch local television news broadcasts daily. About 40% read their local newspaper in print or online each day. Source Link

Being physically fit helps kids get better grades in school, according to a new study. Researchers said having a stronger heart and better breathing was the factor that had the strongest effect on academic achievement. Physical fitness is associated with improvements in memory, concentration, organization, and staying on task. Source Link

A tiny bit of power is making for a big health risk for young children. The CDC says annual incidents of children swallowing button-sized batteries have more than doubled in a decade. By law, batteries in children’s toys must be inaccessible, and a new proposed federal law would require child-proofing of button battery enclosures on all consumer products. Source Link

September 4, 2012

Aspirin may  protect against one of the top cancer killers in men, but not so for women’s leading cancer risk. New studies found that regular aspirin use led to fewer cases of prostate cancer in men. But an aspirin regimen had no such effect on the rate of breast cancer in women. Source Link

The fall season for new gadgets is underway with some of the biggest names in tech showing off their latest products. This week, Amazon unveils the next generation of the Kindle Fire tablet and Microsoft and Nokia debut the new Windows smartphone. And next week brings the long-awaited announcement of Apple’s new iPhone. Source Link


When is the best time to find a great shopping deal? A company that tracks sales for thousands of merchants has crunched the numbers on almost half-a-billion transactions over the past four years. It found that just before Thanksgiving brings the best prices, while March is the worst month. Tuesdays and Thursdays are big sale days, but don’t expect a deal on a Sunday. Source Link