America
has a long way to go to get truly heart healthy. A new report says only
3% of the population has ideal heart health with habits like 75 minutes
of vigorous exercise per week and eating five servings of fruits and
vegetables per day. On the bright side, only 10% of the population has
the poorest heart health. Source Link
A
modern holiday classic and the “Citizen Kane” of sports movies are
being added to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. “A
Christmas Story” and the first NFL Films feature from 1966 are among 25
motion pictures chosen for preservation as important cultural, artistic
and historic achievements in filmmaking. Source Link
What
were the most popular tweets of 2012? Twitter says the number-one
re-tweeted message was President Obama’s “Four more years” from Election
Night. The number-two tweet was singer Justin Bieber’s farewell to a
young fan who died of cancer. And the third most popular came from a
Green Bay Packer player who was angry over a blown call by replacement
NFL referees. Source Link
December 28, 2012
Morning
workouts are part of many an exercise regimen, but you might do better
to delay that sweating until after lunch. A new study suggests that
afternoon exercise helps to keep the body's internal clock in sync.
Maintaining good circadian rhythms is even more important as people age.
Source Link
The biggest names in tech are also responsible for some of the biggest fails in tech products for 2012. Apple launched its not-ready-for prime-time Maps program that left many users lost. Microsoft’s Windows 8 launch sputtered with fewer PC sales this fall versus last year. And Google’s Nexus Q media player was pulled after being panned for its high price and low feature set. Source Link
Over a billion viewers set a new all-time record with YouTube’s most popular video of the year. The music video “Gangham Style” by Korean rapper Psy was number-one, followed by a five-player-on-one-guitar cover version of “Somebody That I Used To Know.” At number three was a documentary about Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony. Source Link
The biggest names in tech are also responsible for some of the biggest fails in tech products for 2012. Apple launched its not-ready-for prime-time Maps program that left many users lost. Microsoft’s Windows 8 launch sputtered with fewer PC sales this fall versus last year. And Google’s Nexus Q media player was pulled after being panned for its high price and low feature set. Source Link
Over a billion viewers set a new all-time record with YouTube’s most popular video of the year. The music video “Gangham Style” by Korean rapper Psy was number-one, followed by a five-player-on-one-guitar cover version of “Somebody That I Used To Know.” At number three was a documentary about Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony. Source Link
December 27, 2012
A
new report says for the first time, overeating is a bigger
worldwide health problem than malnutrition. Stroke and heart disease,
which can result from overeating, together cause a quarter of deaths
worldwide, and that’s more than the adverse effects of too little food.
Excessive body mass index is the world’s sixth leading cause of death.
Source Link
America’s favorite video rental kiosk is moving into the living room to take on the king of streaming. The new Redbox Instant service is launching with a combination of streaming online movies and DVD rentals from Redbox machines. The new Redbox DVD and streaming service is priced the same as the streaming-only offering from Netflix. Source Link
They say milk can do a body good, but for little ones, there can be too much of a good thing. A new study found that most toddlers should get no more than two cups of milk a day. Milk provides Vitamin D, but drinking too much milk lead to decreased iron levels, in part because children weren’t eating other nutritious foods. Source Link
America’s favorite video rental kiosk is moving into the living room to take on the king of streaming. The new Redbox Instant service is launching with a combination of streaming online movies and DVD rentals from Redbox machines. The new Redbox DVD and streaming service is priced the same as the streaming-only offering from Netflix. Source Link
They say milk can do a body good, but for little ones, there can be too much of a good thing. A new study found that most toddlers should get no more than two cups of milk a day. Milk provides Vitamin D, but drinking too much milk lead to decreased iron levels, in part because children weren’t eating other nutritious foods. Source Link
December 26, 2012
Forget
the remote control -- the smartphone is becoming the favorite accessory
for your television. A new report says more Americans are using social
media to comment in real time while watching television. Over one-third
of smartphone owners say they use social media every day to comment on
and discuss television programs. Source Link
Need to get creative? Get out into nature. A study found that people who spent four days on a backpacking trip without tech gadgets scored higher on creativity tests. Experts say even if you can’t get away for several days, a lunchtime walk in the park may help to get those creative juices flowing. Source Link
Can you stand up from sitting on the floor using only a hand or a knee? Health experts say this simple test may help determine the risk of early death for middle-aged or elderly people. The test measures the kind of flexibility and body strength needed in many activities of daily living. Source Link
Need to get creative? Get out into nature. A study found that people who spent four days on a backpacking trip without tech gadgets scored higher on creativity tests. Experts say even if you can’t get away for several days, a lunchtime walk in the park may help to get those creative juices flowing. Source Link
Can you stand up from sitting on the floor using only a hand or a knee? Health experts say this simple test may help determine the risk of early death for middle-aged or elderly people. The test measures the kind of flexibility and body strength needed in many activities of daily living. Source Link
December 21, 2012
Getting
more shuteye could mean less to show on the scale. A new study found
that a lack of sleep can lead to overeating. Shorting yourself on sleep
led to increased levels of the hunger-stimulating hormone in men. In
women, a lack of sleep reduced levels of the hormone that makes you feel
full. Source Link
Income taxes may not be the only thing rising for well-off Americans. There’s a proposal to expand a program that charges higher Medicare premiums to higher-income retirees. The move could affect up to one-fourth of Medicare recipients and raise $20 billion over 10 years. Source Link
There’s a new online tool to help you maximize the security settings on your smartphone. The Federal Communications Commission has launched its Smartphone Security Checker for users of Apple iOS, Google Android, BlackBerry and Windows phones. It takes consumers through a 10-step security checklist tailored to their smartphone's operating system. Source Link
Income taxes may not be the only thing rising for well-off Americans. There’s a proposal to expand a program that charges higher Medicare premiums to higher-income retirees. The move could affect up to one-fourth of Medicare recipients and raise $20 billion over 10 years. Source Link
There’s a new online tool to help you maximize the security settings on your smartphone. The Federal Communications Commission has launched its Smartphone Security Checker for users of Apple iOS, Google Android, BlackBerry and Windows phones. It takes consumers through a 10-step security checklist tailored to their smartphone's operating system. Source Link
December 20, 2012
About
one in four Americans plans to hit the road to travel over the
Christmas and New Year’s holidays. AAA says that’s a slight increase
over last year and close to the high mark set back in 2006. Nine out of
ten travelers will be driving and gasoline prices should be about the
same as last year. Source Link
Don’t let the stress of the holiday season show up on your waistline come the new year. The combination of high-pressure situations and plenty of big holiday meals can be a disaster for your diet. Instead of eating away the holiday stress, experts suggest reading a book, taking a walk or calling a friend to get your mind off of food. Source Link
The battle of the two top search engines has reached the North Pole and its most famous resident. This year, the annual tracking of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve by NORAD will be done with the help of Microsoft and Bing Maps. Google had the promotional job since 2007 but lost it to their number-two rival. Source Link
Don’t let the stress of the holiday season show up on your waistline come the new year. The combination of high-pressure situations and plenty of big holiday meals can be a disaster for your diet. Instead of eating away the holiday stress, experts suggest reading a book, taking a walk or calling a friend to get your mind off of food. Source Link
The battle of the two top search engines has reached the North Pole and its most famous resident. This year, the annual tracking of Santa Claus on Christmas Eve by NORAD will be done with the help of Microsoft and Bing Maps. Google had the promotional job since 2007 but lost it to their number-two rival. Source Link
December 19, 2012
It’s
called “showrooming” and four out of ten Americans say they’ve checked
out a product in a local store and then bought it online. And who are
the biggest retail losers? The survey found that Best Buy is the
favorite showrooming spot for men and for women it’s their local
Wal-Mart. Amazon.Com gets the most online sales from showroomers. Source Link
Eliminating mouth-to-mouth makes CPR more effective. A new study found that in emergency situations using chest compressions alone yielded better results than traditional CPR that included breathing. Experts hope that more people will be willing to perform chest compression-only CPR. Source Link
You can add walking to the list of things you shouldn’t do while texting. Experts call it distracted walking and almost one in three cell phone users admit to doing it. But texting while walking down a busy street can increase your chances of being hit by a car, because you’re less likely to look both ways before crossing and tend to cross slower. Source Link
Eliminating mouth-to-mouth makes CPR more effective. A new study found that in emergency situations using chest compressions alone yielded better results than traditional CPR that included breathing. Experts hope that more people will be willing to perform chest compression-only CPR. Source Link
You can add walking to the list of things you shouldn’t do while texting. Experts call it distracted walking and almost one in three cell phone users admit to doing it. But texting while walking down a busy street can increase your chances of being hit by a car, because you’re less likely to look both ways before crossing and tend to cross slower. Source Link
December 18, 2012
As
the holiday season enters the home stretch, be careful that your
shopping habits don’t open the door to identity theft. For online
shopping, experts advise avoiding public Wi Fi connections where your
financial information could be compromised. And if you write checks at a
store, use a black gel ink pen to make it harder for someone to recycle
the check. Source Link
If you’re looking for an exercise regimen that will help you live longer, try parking the bicycle and picking up the golf clubs. A study of British Olympic athletes of the early 20th century found that those who played cricket lived longer than those who did cycling or rowing. Some experts say long-term extreme exercise can do your body more harm than good. Source Link
Some of the biggest names in groceries are battling to bring Twinkies back to store shelves soon. Wal Mart and Kroger are among several dozen companies making offers to buy all or part of the bankrupt Hostess company that made the iconic cream-filled snacks. No word yet on when any sale will take place. Source Link
If you’re looking for an exercise regimen that will help you live longer, try parking the bicycle and picking up the golf clubs. A study of British Olympic athletes of the early 20th century found that those who played cricket lived longer than those who did cycling or rowing. Some experts say long-term extreme exercise can do your body more harm than good. Source Link
Some of the biggest names in groceries are battling to bring Twinkies back to store shelves soon. Wal Mart and Kroger are among several dozen companies making offers to buy all or part of the bankrupt Hostess company that made the iconic cream-filled snacks. No word yet on when any sale will take place. Source Link
December 17, 2012
Here’s
a health win for big coffee drinkers -- a new study found that four
cups of coffee a day can help prevent certain forms of oral cancer.
Caffeinated coffee provided the most benefit. Coffee contains a variety
of antioxidants, polyphenols, and other compounds that may help to
protect against development or progression of cancers. Source Link
A small rule change by government regulators could make a big difference in how you watch cable TV. The FCC is allowing cable companies to require you to have a converter box for every television that’s hooked up to cable. No word yet on when cable systems may begin using the rule that could make you pay for more hardware at home. Source Link
iPhone users in search of their favorite map application can find it once again. Google Maps is back for the iPhone after being dropped by Apple which launched its own map program. The new Apple Maps was full of errors and so poorly received that it prompted a public apology by CEO Tim Cook and cost another Apple executive his job. Source Link
A small rule change by government regulators could make a big difference in how you watch cable TV. The FCC is allowing cable companies to require you to have a converter box for every television that’s hooked up to cable. No word yet on when cable systems may begin using the rule that could make you pay for more hardware at home. Source Link
iPhone users in search of their favorite map application can find it once again. Google Maps is back for the iPhone after being dropped by Apple which launched its own map program. The new Apple Maps was full of errors and so poorly received that it prompted a public apology by CEO Tim Cook and cost another Apple executive his job. Source Link
December 14, 2012
What’s
the secret to a longer life? A new study shows that being a parent may
help. Researchers say childless couples in their study were at increased
risk of earlier death for all causes. Fathers take note: the longevity
benefit from parenthood was stronger for women than for men. Source Link
Deciphering that monthly cell phone bill might be easier if you could watch it instead of trying to read it. That’s the theory behind a new video bill being offered by AT&T that visually walks you through your charges for the month. The video bill was a big hit in testing and could go nationwide early next year. Source Link
The fate of filmdom’s most famous vampire spouses was the big question on the web in 2012. Ask.Com says the number-one query on their web site was the question, “Will Rob and Kristen get back together?” Actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are the stars of the “Twilight” movies whose real-life romance stumbled this year. Source Link
Deciphering that monthly cell phone bill might be easier if you could watch it instead of trying to read it. That’s the theory behind a new video bill being offered by AT&T that visually walks you through your charges for the month. The video bill was a big hit in testing and could go nationwide early next year. Source Link
The fate of filmdom’s most famous vampire spouses was the big question on the web in 2012. Ask.Com says the number-one query on their web site was the question, “Will Rob and Kristen get back together?” Actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart are the stars of the “Twilight” movies whose real-life romance stumbled this year. Source Link
December 13, 2012
Scientists
have unveiled an online calculator to predict a newborn's chances of
developing childhood or adolescent obesity. It uses the parents' body
mass indexes, the mother's professional status, whether the mother
smoked while pregnant, the number of household members, and the child's
birth weight. Developers say it correctly predicts childhood obesity up
to 85 percent of the time. Source Link
Your smartphone could be your best friend when you’re trying to lose weight. A new study found that using a smartphone app for coaching in-between visits to a weight loss clinic led to better results on the scales. Researchers expect the technology to become widely used within a few years. Source Link
Consumers have long been naming their price for hotel rooms and airline tickets, but how about haggling for the best deal on that new tech gadget? A website called Greentoe now lets you name a price for everything from TV's to cameras. A network of retail partners can accept your offer and make the sale. Source Link
Your smartphone could be your best friend when you’re trying to lose weight. A new study found that using a smartphone app for coaching in-between visits to a weight loss clinic led to better results on the scales. Researchers expect the technology to become widely used within a few years. Source Link
Consumers have long been naming their price for hotel rooms and airline tickets, but how about haggling for the best deal on that new tech gadget? A website called Greentoe now lets you name a price for everything from TV's to cameras. A network of retail partners can accept your offer and make the sale. Source Link
December 12, 2012
There’s
a reason why this time of the year makes you feel warm inside. A new
study found that cold weather makes us feel nostalgic, and nostalgia
makes us feel warmer. But it’s not just memories of bygone holidays;
listening to favorite old music also triggered nostalgic feelings and
warmth. Source Link
If you want your toddler to ace that math class in elementary school, give them something to count now. New research shows that just memorizing number order isn't enough. Instead, give your child things to count to build the brain's ability to master the basics of mathematics that will serve them well in school. Source Link
Nothing up on your Tumbler page or not posting to Pinterest? Don’t worry, because you’re not alone. A new report says Facebook is still the king of social media. Users are on Facebook 48 times as much as the time spent on Pinterest. And Facebook time on mobile devices like phones and tablets beats PC usage two to one. Source Link
If you want your toddler to ace that math class in elementary school, give them something to count now. New research shows that just memorizing number order isn't enough. Instead, give your child things to count to build the brain's ability to master the basics of mathematics that will serve them well in school. Source Link
Nothing up on your Tumbler page or not posting to Pinterest? Don’t worry, because you’re not alone. A new report says Facebook is still the king of social media. Users are on Facebook 48 times as much as the time spent on Pinterest. And Facebook time on mobile devices like phones and tablets beats PC usage two to one. Source Link
December 11, 2012
That
saying about being only as old as you feel is backed up by a new
science. A study found that people who had positive views on aging were
nearly 50% more likely to recover fully from a disabling event. Positive
thinkers also showed slower decline in the ability to perform daily
personal tasks as they got older. Source Link
You can forget the fads and skip the gym equipment too, because now your body is all you need to get fit. A new trend called the body-weight workout uses basic exercises like push-ups, planks, and pull-ups. And functional fitness that uses strength training to improve balance is also becoming popular, especially for older adults. Source Link
Who says marriage is just for older people? A new survey found that college students think 25 is the perfect age to get married. It’s the older generation that’s putting the brakes on lifelong commitments, as parents in the survey say they think 25 is still a bit too young for their kids to be exchanging wedding vows. Source Link
You can forget the fads and skip the gym equipment too, because now your body is all you need to get fit. A new trend called the body-weight workout uses basic exercises like push-ups, planks, and pull-ups. And functional fitness that uses strength training to improve balance is also becoming popular, especially for older adults. Source Link
Who says marriage is just for older people? A new survey found that college students think 25 is the perfect age to get married. It’s the older generation that’s putting the brakes on lifelong commitments, as parents in the survey say they think 25 is still a bit too young for their kids to be exchanging wedding vows. Source Link
December 10, 2012
Parents
who worry about their kid’s social media world are taking action to
join it. A new survey found that two out of three parents use social
media like Facebook to keep track of their kids. And about 40% say
they've Googled their child's name to see what search engines are
showing. Source Link
Does our health determine our happiness? Not always, according to a new study. Researchers found that even people with conditions like cancer can be just as happy as those in good health. The important factor for those in poor health was whether their lives were disrupted by serious symptoms like chronic pain. Source Link
Move over compact fluorescents and LEDs, there’s a new light on the horizon that promises the best of both and more.Field-induced polymer electroluminescent lighting promises long life, less energy use, and perfect white light that can be made in two-by-four foot sheets for signs or large rooms. The new technology could arrive on the market within a year. Source Link
Does our health determine our happiness? Not always, according to a new study. Researchers found that even people with conditions like cancer can be just as happy as those in good health. The important factor for those in poor health was whether their lives were disrupted by serious symptoms like chronic pain. Source Link
Move over compact fluorescents and LEDs, there’s a new light on the horizon that promises the best of both and more.Field-induced polymer electroluminescent lighting promises long life, less energy use, and perfect white light that can be made in two-by-four foot sheets for signs or large rooms. The new technology could arrive on the market within a year. Source Link
December 7, 2012
The
go-to gift for this holiday season comes with batteries included. A new
survey found that two out of three households will put consumer
electronics under the tree. Tablet computers are one of the hottest
items and are expected to outsell laptops, desktops and ultrabooks.
Source Link
You can stop losing sleep over whether America’s kids are getting enough shuteye. A new study found that most children are within guidelines that call for toddlers to get 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day, and pre-schoolers 11 to 13 hours per day. School-age kids need 10 to 11 hours of sleep and teens need about nine hours of sleep nightly. Source Link
It’s a breakthrough that could benefit breadboxes the world over. Scientists say they’ve found a way to make a loaf of bread last up to 60 days without getting moldy. The bread is treated with a special microwave to kill mold spores. It’s estimated that up to one-third of all bread is thrown away because it turns moldy. Source Link
You can stop losing sleep over whether America’s kids are getting enough shuteye. A new study found that most children are within guidelines that call for toddlers to get 12 to 14 hours of sleep per day, and pre-schoolers 11 to 13 hours per day. School-age kids need 10 to 11 hours of sleep and teens need about nine hours of sleep nightly. Source Link
It’s a breakthrough that could benefit breadboxes the world over. Scientists say they’ve found a way to make a loaf of bread last up to 60 days without getting moldy. The bread is treated with a special microwave to kill mold spores. It’s estimated that up to one-third of all bread is thrown away because it turns moldy. Source Link
December 6, 2012
There’s
a new debate over one of the biggest weapons in the battle to prevent
heart attacks. A new study claims that coated low-dose aspirin is less
effective than plain aspirin in a daily regimen. Researchers said
there’s little evidence that people are “aspirin-resistant” and
recommends using plain aspirin tablets. Source Link
It isn't just texting that has safety experts concerned about our not-so-smartphone driving habits. A survey found that nearly half of young people also browse the web while driving. One-third admit to scanning Facebook news feeds and one out of five are posting to social media from behind the wheel. Source Link
Office politics and e-mail are two of the biggest time wasters in most workplaces according to a new study. Most employees say they spend at least two hours per week on non-work activities. The report says the total price tag for all that lost productivity costs American businesses about $134 billion a year. Source Link
It isn't just texting that has safety experts concerned about our not-so-smartphone driving habits. A survey found that nearly half of young people also browse the web while driving. One-third admit to scanning Facebook news feeds and one out of five are posting to social media from behind the wheel. Source Link
Office politics and e-mail are two of the biggest time wasters in most workplaces according to a new study. Most employees say they spend at least two hours per week on non-work activities. The report says the total price tag for all that lost productivity costs American businesses about $134 billion a year. Source Link
December 5, 2012
Health
officials say this year’s flu season is off to a fast start and
threatens to be one of the worst in nearly a decade. The good news is
that more than a third of Americans have been vaccinated. This year’s
flu shot is well-matched to the strains of the virus seen so far, and
it’s not too late to get a flu shot for protection this year. Source Link
Would you be willing to postpone your Christmas celebration to save some big-time green? One out of three people say they’d consider moving their holiday shopping to January to save money. Nearly half of those surveyed said they’re concerned about the money that goes into their holiday spending. Source Link
The top name in smartphones and tablets and a tabloid favorite are atop the list of the hottest topics for search engines this year. Bing.Com says the iPhone 5 and iPad were the top tech search terms in 2012. And reality TV star Kim Kardashian, along with sisters Kourtney and Khloe were tops in entertainment searches on Bing. Source Link
Would you be willing to postpone your Christmas celebration to save some big-time green? One out of three people say they’d consider moving their holiday shopping to January to save money. Nearly half of those surveyed said they’re concerned about the money that goes into their holiday spending. Source Link
The top name in smartphones and tablets and a tabloid favorite are atop the list of the hottest topics for search engines this year. Bing.Com says the iPhone 5 and iPad were the top tech search terms in 2012. And reality TV star Kim Kardashian, along with sisters Kourtney and Khloe were tops in entertainment searches on Bing. Source Link
December 4, 2012
As
finals week approaches for college students, here’s some good advice --
skip the cramming sessions and just get some sleep. Experts say you’ll
perform better on tests with eight hours of shuteye rather than pulling
an all-nighter. The best time to study is between 6 and 8 p.m. but avoid
early afternoon when most people are the least alert. Source Link
In the world of Facebook, a massive friends list just means more trouble for you. A new study found that the more Facebook friends you have, the more stress you feel. That’s because it’s harder to manage the need-to-know with posts for co-workers, bosses, parents and other family. Source Link
So what are the hard figures on America’s pet obsession? They outnumber the nation’s people population, with 343 million dogs, cats, fish, birds, rabbits, and reptile pets. American pet owners spend $53 billion a year, including $5 billion for holiday gifts and $310 million a year on Halloween costumes for some lucky dogs and cats. Source Link
In the world of Facebook, a massive friends list just means more trouble for you. A new study found that the more Facebook friends you have, the more stress you feel. That’s because it’s harder to manage the need-to-know with posts for co-workers, bosses, parents and other family. Source Link
So what are the hard figures on America’s pet obsession? They outnumber the nation’s people population, with 343 million dogs, cats, fish, birds, rabbits, and reptile pets. American pet owners spend $53 billion a year, including $5 billion for holiday gifts and $310 million a year on Halloween costumes for some lucky dogs and cats. Source Link
December 3, 2012
If
your morning routine includes a glass of grapefruit juice, listen to
this. Doctors say many people don’t know that grapefruit juice can be
harmful or even deadly when taken with a number of medications. The
juice can make medicines work faster and that can be dangerous. Check
with your doctor or pharmacist about possible side-effects. Source Link
Who knew all those hours in front of the TV playing video games qualified as art study? The Museum of Modern Art in New York is starting a collection of video games beginning with classics like Pac Man, Tetris and Sim City. Museum officials say video games reflect art and design just as paintings or sculptures do. Source Link
Call it mind therapy for seniors -- new research shows that reading and games can help keep an older brain feeling young. MRI’s found more healthy brain growth in those who took part in activities like reading the newspaper, writing letters, visiting a library, attending a play or just playing games. Source Link
Who knew all those hours in front of the TV playing video games qualified as art study? The Museum of Modern Art in New York is starting a collection of video games beginning with classics like Pac Man, Tetris and Sim City. Museum officials say video games reflect art and design just as paintings or sculptures do. Source Link
Call it mind therapy for seniors -- new research shows that reading and games can help keep an older brain feeling young. MRI’s found more healthy brain growth in those who took part in activities like reading the newspaper, writing letters, visiting a library, attending a play or just playing games. Source Link
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