Backpack fashion

Here's what's hot in backpacks:

•iPod holders. Most packs now have them. Many also have portals that ear buds can fit through so students can use their iPods while wearing their packs.

•Cellphone pockets. Manufacturers have had to shrink the size of these pockets as cellphones have shrunk. Some companies, including North Face and Tumi, are placing cellphone holders on a strap for easy access.

•Padded sleeves for laptops. Students want better protection for their laptops. "If you dropped a backpack on the ground in the past, there was just a book inside," says Alex Parra, buyer for the University of Utah student bookstore. "Now it needs to protect your laptop."

•Techno tricks. Want to answer your cellphone while listening to your iPod, without opening your backpack? Skullcandy's Link packs let folks do that by touching a button on the strap. Other buttons on the strap can control iPods.

•Beverage berths. Originally designed for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, bags with built-in "hydration bladders" or attachments for sports bottles are becoming more common. JanSport introduced its $50 Big Squirt this season with a straw-like tube that'll screw onto anything from small-mouth water bottles to wide-mouth sports drink bottles.

•Packs for women. North Face's idea of a woman's pack used to be to make it pink. Now it has the $69 Isabella pack designed to fit the narrower shoulders and waist and wider hips of a woman's torso.

•Air cushioning. Nike is putting the same air technology used in its sneakers into backpack straps. The straps of several of its Edge Elite packs have air-filled chambers to make them more comfortable. Price: up to $90.

•Artsy looks. JanSport has figured out how to get its bags into trendy Urban Outfitters (URBN) stores: Hire street artists to design them. Its Artist series targets teens with cool illustrations etched into limited edition bags. Price: $45.

•Eco-friendly packs. A Juice Bag, priced at up to $300, is made from recycled soda bottles and has a solar panel to charge cellphones and iPods. "We give students the power to stay connected while they roam," says Henry Gentenaar of bag maker Reware.

•Packs with wheels. They're big among schoolchildren ages 7 to 10, says Pam Jones, senior pack developer at L.L. Bean. But beware: Some schools ban them for fear of damage to floors. The wheel systems can save on lifting, but they add weight to the packs.

•"Full disclosure" packs. For security reasons, some schools require see-through bags such as JanSport's $35 Mesh Pack to show what students are packing.

•The messenger look. These shoulder bags with fold-over flaps are big among some fashion worshipers. Tumi's hot-seller is its $175 messenger. Timbuk2 sells a $95, blank canvas messenger for artsy students to customize.

•Personalized bags. L.L. Bean has sold packs personalized with embroidered lettering for more than a decade. Its advertising used to show packs with kids' names on them, but examples now show only monogrammed initials. It still will embroider a name if a buyer wants it, but it stopped promoting the idea two years ago because of safety concerns about revealing kids' names to strangers.

Save on supplies

With the slumping economy and budget woes, you may not have much extra cash on hand for school supplies.
Here are some tips on how you can save money when shopping for the essentials.

(Sun-sentinel)

• Get a supply list from your child's school. Local stores like Wal-Mart and Target often display school supply lists.

• Shop smart. Take advantage of back-to-school sales and visit retailers' Web sites to print out coupons.

• Re-use what you can from last year. There's no reason to buy a new backpack or lunchbox every year. Do an inventory of what can be salvaged before you head to the store.

• To save money on gas, consider doing your back-to-school shopping in a single trip and carpool with other parents also tackling seasonal shopping.

• It also helps to talk to your neighbors. If your child's teacher is asking every student to buy a box of tissues or crayons, buy in bulk and split the cost among other parents.

• Hit the clearance sales. Some stores stop back-to-school sales within a week or two of students starting school.

• Buy in bulk, if the price is right.

• Check the dollar store. There's no need for brand names on basics like folders and paper.

Doin' lunch

Brown Baggin' It With Kid Friendly Lunches

(CBS4)

The start of a new school year is just a few weeks away and along with new clothes and shiny new school supplies it's time to start thinking about healthy kid friendly lunches.

Wednesday the Y-M-C-A of Greater Miami hosted a "Brown Bag It" event at Hialeah Elementary to teach kids and their parents how to make delicious lunches with kid-approved foods. YMCA nutritionist Gabriela Garcia put a group of seventy children through their paces as they learned to craft delicious, healthy, kid-tested lunches.

According to recent studies, most children consume 1/3 of their calories, vitamins and minerals during lunch.

Garcia says a simple way to make child's lunch more healthy is to replace handi-packs of chips or cookies with fruit, cut up veggies, cheese sticks or yogurt.


Brown Bag Lunch #1: Pinwheel Sandwich Lunch

1 Pinwheel sandwich
1 carton of 100% fruit juice
A handful of grapes
A small bag of pretzels

Ingredients:

1 slice of low-fat cheese
2 slices of turkey
1 whole wheat wrap
Cut-up Romaine lettuce
Directions:

Place turkey, cheese, and lettuce on top of wrap.
Roll up sandwich jelly roll style.
Enjoy!

In a rut?

8 Marriage Ruts: Are You In One?

Whether you've been married for three months or three years, here's how to get out of routines that hurt your relationship.

By The Nest Editors

Rut #1: Watching TV During Dinner
Why it's bad: Having dinner together offers valuable face time with your partner. Turning on the tube competes for attention and cuts in on your time to catch up and connect after so many hours spent apart.
How to stop: Set aside 30 to 45 minutes of one-on-one talk time with the TV off every night. This shows your spouse that when you're not at work, you're devoted to your home and family. During this time, ignore your phone and leave the BlackBerry in another room. You'll feel closer within days.

Rut #2: Going Too Long Without Sex
Why it's bad: If the amount of sex you're used to having starts to slide, your body and brain can get used to the decreased intimacy, causing you to go even longer without wanting that closeness.
How to stop: Don't wait until you feel like doing it. Initiate sex when you're open to doing it, rather than when you have the desire. This will jump-start your feelings so you'll crave it more often.

Rut #3: Going a Whole Workday Without Talking to Your Sweetheart
Why it's bad: You'll start growing apart emotionally after subconsciously feeling like the other person doesn't think about you (and your needs) during the day.
How to stop: Initiate daily contact by sending a quick "How's your day?" email. And make the effort to do something nice every day (pick up his fave dessert, call from the store to see if she needs something). It shows forethought and consideration for your partner's needs.

Rut #4: Tuning Each Other Out
Why it's bad: You're disengaging from each other.
How to stop: Make an effort to do small things such as kissing before saying good-bye, making eye contact when talking, and complimenting each other frequently throughout the week. Does he not seem to hear you talking during certain times (ahem, when ESPN is on)? Don't try to make conversation while the TV is on. If it's important, press mute; otherwise, save conversations for dinner or your bedroom, where you're less likely to be interrupted.

Rut #5: Not Fighting
Why it's bad: Disagreements are good in a marriage because you're expressing your individuality. Talking about issues when they first happen makes them easier to fix than if you wait until after they've festered.
How to stop: Bring up what's on your mind in a way that shows your admiration and respect for each other's thoughts and feelings. Like, "It hurts my feelings when ______. I was hoping we could figure out a new way to handle the situation together." This will set the tone of the conversation as loving and calm, but you both have to compromise to keep it that way.

Rut #6: Going out More with Friends Than with Your SpouseWhy it's bad: It sends the message that your friends are more worthy of your time.
How to stop: Schedule nights out with your crew a few times a month, but make sure to let your partner know in advance. It's important to have these friendships as long as they don't make your married time sparse. And it's always best that these friends are people your partner knows and trusts, so there's less reason to worry.

Rut #7: Being Too Close
Why it's bad: As much as you think burping, scratching, picking, or farting is funny or cute, it can backfire and cross the line. It may be a reflection of your closeness, but there should be a limit. Otherwise, you're leaving your partner with a very unsexy image of you.
How to stop: Start a new rule. If you wouldn't do it in front of your work friends, don't do it in front of your honey. To get your mate to refrain, say: "I know we're close, and we can share everything, but I'd really appreciate it if you'd leave the room, or leave me out, when you do that. It's not very sexy, and I don't want anything that makes you less sexy to me."

Rut #8: Sharing Too Much with Your Parents or In-laws
Why it's bad: This shows a lack of loyalty to your spouse. Your parents shouldn't have any information that your spouse doesn't have. And they shouldn't know anything he wouldn't want them to know.
How to stop: Be loyal to your spouse even when she's not present. If you wouldn't say something in front of her, don't say it at all. You would want the same in return.

Beyond books

5 Lessons the Teacher Can't Give Your Kids
Article provided by Tutor.com.
At some point, your kids are going to outgrow the need for your help with their homework. With the kitchen sink full of dishes, bills to pay and to-do lists to conquer, chances are that's just fine with you -- especially if your kids are taking classes that weren't even offered when you were in school.
But that doesn't mean you don't play a critical role in your children's education in other ways. Here are five beyond-the-books life skills to teach your kids that they may not learn in school.

Money matters
It's never too soon to give a financial lesson. If you haven't already, open a bank account for your children. Build on the math skills they learn in school and talk to them about how a savings account can grow and what it means if they overdraw the account.
Use real-life examples to show where financial pitfalls occur. For example, those “No payments for a year” ads might make you skeptical, but to kids, it may it look like a good deal. Teach them how to read the fine-print details and to be on the hunt for those sneaky asterisks.

With college comes a deluge of credit card offers and if your child doesn't understand the consequences of accumulating a large balance on a high interest-rate card, they could be paying down that debt well beyond their 20s.

Responsibility rules
With students having to report to class on time and meet deadlines with homework and other school assignments, the stage is already set for this lesson.
If they miss an assignment or get up late, they're not going to get fired from school -- and you know that doesn't relate well to the real world. So when they make a misstep, give them the real scoop about what it means to be late for work or to miss a deadline.


Sitting in detention is one thing -- but missing out on bonuses and the corner office might hit home a little harder. Bad habits in the classroom can predict bad habits in the workplace.


Good manners count
Little things like forgetting to hold a door open or even being too informal in a business e-mail can hinder landing a dream job.
If you've ever watched your kids goofing off at the mall, you probably know that good manners -- and good grammar for that matter -- often go by the wayside.

You don't have to rain on their parade, but you can illustrate the differences between how they behave now with how they'll need to behave in the future.

Take them to work with you when they have a day off from school, or attend a local school board or city council meeting so they can observe how adults communicate in a business setting.

Household chores aren't optional
While you probably already assign a few, you might want to offer up a real lesson in housework.
By college, your child should know how to wash clothes, cook up a quick meal -- besides ramen noodles -- and keep things in (relatively) good order.

You might even want to show them how to sew on a button and iron a shirt. Then let them take over for a weekend, while you sit back and enjoy the results.

Work on career skills
Homework leaves little time for a paying job. But kids can learn how the skills they're learning can apply to a career.
Have your child visit job sites on the Web and read job descriptions for careers that interest them.

Encourage your kids to think about their career goals and craft a résumé that includes teams they've played on, clubs they've belonged to or volunteer jobs they've held. This résumé can help immensely when your child is looking for that first summer job.

Your child may not think playing soccer relates to a dream of becoming a lawyer, but competition and teamwork are skills that translate from the field to the courtroom.

Do you believe?

Our home galaxy, the Milky Way, is a pretty big place. It harbors 200 to 400 billion stars and spans roughly 100,000 light-years from one edge to the other. (To put it in perspective, Earth is only about 8.3 light-minutes from our own star, the sun.) This is one reason why some scientists feel that alien civilizations are common in the galaxy, possibly numbering in the tens of thousands, and why a small band of astronomers have devoted themselves to the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). Yet other scientists think we humans are the only creatures in this vast neighborhood with the smarts and technology to communicate across space.

What do you think? Are there aliens in the Milky Way capable of communicating with us?


Aliens are out there, says former Nasa astronaut
A Nasa astronaut who has walked on the moon has claimed that UFOs are real and aliens have visited the earth.

By Laura Clout



Although there is no shortage of subscribers to theories that 'we are not alone’, the fact that Edgar Mitchell, who holds the joint record for the longest moon walk, is among them will come as a surprise to many.

Dr Mitchell, who holds two Bachelor of Science degrees and a doctorate in aeronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, made his comments during an interview with a UK radio station this week.

Asked whether he believed there was life on other planets, he replied: “Oh yes. There’s not much question at all that there is life throughout the universe. I’m totally sure we are not alone.”

The presenter for Birmingham-based Kerrang! Radio could be heard to inhale sharply, before Dr Mitchell continued that he had intelligence “that we have been visited on this planet and the UFO phenomenon is real - though it’s been covered up by governments for the last 60 years or so.”

Dr Mitchell spent nine hours on the moon on February 9 1971 as part of the Apollo 14 mission.

Although he has referred to the existence of extra-terrestrial before, this is the first time the former astronaut has given so much detail about his beliefs.

In a statement, Nasa said: “Nasa does not track UFOs. Dr Mitchell is a great American, but we do not share his opinion on this issue.”

Cut food costs

Smart shopping strategies can cut food cost to a minimum while still providing a nutritious and varied diet.
Food costs can be a drain on any budget. Careful planning strategies, however, can make this necessary expenditure less expensive. Here are ten ways to significantly reduce food costs and get more out of a grocery budget.

(1) Planning menus for a week in advance will help to save money by giving an exact picture of what items are needed. This list of items can be compared against weekly grocery circulars for the best buys on food items. Center menu ideas around items that are on special for the week.

(2) Cut food waste. Buying food in volume only to have to throw out part of it saves no money. Consider investing in a freezer to store food until it is needed. When storing food in a freezer, divide into individual servings. This will save when having to prepare a meal for only a few family members or one person. Also invest in proper storage containers for foods to cut waste when buying in large quantities.


(3) Always take a list when shopping for groceries. Impulse buying can destroy a budget. Post a list where other family members can add items as they are needed. This will eliminate running out of items. If frequently-used items are on sale and can be stored easily, consider buying several at the low price. This way the item will likely last until it is on special again.


(4) Never assume that an item is a great buy just because it is listed in a weekly circular. Many advertised prices have actually been increased and mixed-in with lower priced items. Comparison shop to make sure.


(5) Use coupons. These little pieces of paper are real money and can significantly reduce the total cost of groceries by 50% or more. Learn to collect and organize coupons so that they can be matched to on-sale items for even more savings. Coupon shopping allows families to buy more expensive and better quality items at a lower price than generics.


(6) If possible, shop without children in tow and at hours when stores are not crowded. This helps to eliminate rushed shopping and possible impulse buying. Never shop when hungry for the same reasons.


(7) If you find a great buy on some item in bulk but find that it is more than you can use or store, consider joining with a friend to make the purchase. You will still get the bargain price without the waste.


(8) Forget about store loyalty. Shop where you can find the best bargains for what you need. Traveling a little further or to more than one store will not deplete your food savings. No store runs everything on sale at one time. When Store A runs a special on meat, Store B might be running a sale on canned foods or some other items. Making all purchases at one store could cost you more than you think.


(9) Keep purchases of packaged foods like tv dinners and frozen pizza at a minimum. It takes more time to prepare foods yourself but it is healthier and more economical. Use more fresh fruits and vegetables in daily menus. Try using fruit drinks and fresh juices more often as an alternative to soft drinks. Over time, this will save a great many budget dollars.


(10) Be sure to check your cash register receipt before leaving the store or on the parking lot. Cashiers often make honest mistakes that can cost you money. If you find that you have been overcharged for an item, you are more likely to return for a refund (and more likely to receive it) if you are still at the store or closeby.

Cell phone warning

Variety
Excessive cell phone use may lead to cancer: expert


Excessive use of cell phones may lead to possible health hazards, including cancer, a US expert has warned.

Director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Dr Ronald Herberman issued an advisory to about 3,000 faculty and staff about the possible health risks involved with the use of the gadget.

The director said the evidence is still controversial but he was convinced that there are sufficient data to warrant for an advisory. Several other experts say that the warning is premature as studies have not conclusively proved that excessive use of c ell phone leads to cancer or other disease.

“Recently, I have become aware of the growing body of literature linking long-term cell phone use to possible adverse health effects including cancer,'' Dr Herberman said in the memorandum.

The advisory, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says, calls for certain measures to limit exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by the devices, such as shortening the length of conversations or keeping the phones away from the head by text messaging or usi ng headsets or speaker phone options.

It also recommends that children should not use cell phones except in emergencies.

Cell pops corn

YouTube videos that show a group of friends apparently cooking kernels of popcorn with their cellphones have been viewed more than a million times since they were uploaded last week.

The clever parlor trick looks amazing enough, but there's a hitch: It's not physically possible, according to University of Virginia physics professor Louis Bloomfield.

"[The videos] are cute," said Bloomfield in a phone conversation Monday. "But that's never gonna happen."

In a microwave oven, energy excites the water inside popcorn kernels until it turns into highly pressurized gas, causing the kernels to pop. If mobile phones emitted that much energy, the water in the fingers of people holding them would heat up.

"It would hurt like crazy," Bloomfield said. "Cellphones probably warm your tissues, but studies indicate that's not injurious."

Bloomfield, author of How Everything Works: Making Physics Out of the Ordinary, dismissed theories bubbling up in comment threads about the videos that suggest harmonious vibrations are heating the corn.

"Ringing the phones doesn't help because they're interfering with each other and receiving a signal [from a cellphone tower] -- not transmitting it," he said. Furthermore, while it is possible to heat with sound, it's not likely to happen at the low volume emitted by a mobile phone. "It would be like gathering opera singers together to sing, and trying to make the corn pop," Bloomfield said.

So, what's really causing the kernels to ricochet off the table in the YouTube clips? Bloomfield suggests tricky video editing or even a covert heating element beneath the table. Debunker website Snopes.com also points out that cooking popcorn with cellphones is impossible (same goes for eggs).

The popcorn videos, like the slew of YouTube clips showcasing ordinary people performing extraordinary feats that came before them, has the distinct markings of a viral-marketing campaign. Let's look at the facts.

First, all four videos -- French, Japanese and two American editions -- were posted to the YouTube accounts of users bobtel08 and benzin513 (with French descriptions) within several days of one another.

Second, a cryptic bit of commentary posted alongside one of the videos says: "We tried but didn't make it ... maybe only with phone brands or models???" It could be a subtle hint to get viewers to notice the phones more than the stunt. And, indeed, several comments have suggested the phones all appear to be similar makes and models, possibly Nokias or Sony Ericsson mobiles.

For now, however, the clandestine origin of the videos is under wraps. Bobtel08, benzin513 and Nokia did not immediately respond to Wired.com's requests for comment, and a representative from Sony Ericsson North America said he wasn't aware of the videos at all.

Sexy food

Studies show that Zinc, Potassium, Vitamin C, E, and B6, are all vital nutrients for a healthy and vibrant sex life.

Here are ten of the top aphrodisiac foods guaranteed to light your partner's fire:

-- Raw Oysters: This is one of the most popular and well-known "sexy" foods on the aphrodisiac list. High in Zinc, which increases sperm and testosterone production, oysters also contain a hormone called dopamine, which increases libido.

Squeeze some fresh lemon juice onto them for extra zest.

-- Asparagus: Loaded with vitamin E, a key nutrient for a healthy sex life and treating impotence.

-- Eggs: Hard boil them and spread a little caviar on the top, and you have an aphrodisiac bomb that is guaranteed to make waves long after the meal is finished. Eggs are rich in B6 and B5, both crucial for libido and balanced hormone levels.

-- Almonds: Both the smell and nutrient make-up of almonds make these crunchy morsels a "must eat". Full of essential fatty acids, they are particularly important for male hormone production. To get her in the mood, light an almond scented candle during dinner and she will never know what seduced her.

-- Figs: Known as a food fit only for the gods and goddesses, figs are high in amino acids and improve sexual stamina. Flambé fresh figs and serve them over vanilla ice cream with a balsamic reduction-- a sure way to sweeten anyone's mood.

-- Avocados: Avocados are bursting with folic acid, a type of vitamin B that helps turn protein into energy, and potassium that helps boost men and women's libidos.

-- Chili: Spice up your night and get a good hit of vitamin C at the same time, by incorporating some chili into your dinner.

-- Bananas: Packed with bromelain enzymes, potassium and riboflavin, eating one banana a day is guaranteed to keep you energized.

-- Garlic: Perhaps known more as a "turn off" than a "turn on," garlic is actually a very effective aphrodisiac. Garlic contains a potent ingredient called Allicin that increases blood flow and libido. But don't forget to bring the breath mints or you will be sent home early.

-- Chocolate: Finally, what we have all been waiting for, the chocolate! This is the surest way to a women's heart. Nibbling on a piece of dark chocolate immediately produces a chemical called phenylethylamine, which is believed to produce the feeling of "being in love."

In the mood?

(theartofloveandintimacy.com)

Many men are confused and perhaps frustrated at times, wanting their wives to more easily get in the mood for physical intimacy.
The arousal response is different in men and women. It is true that (generally speaking) men and women respond and react differently to various forms of behavior and stimulation.

Women desire physical closeness when they feel loved, adored, appreciated, cared for, desired, and attractive by their partner. Women also are more easily stimulated when they feel sensual, sexy, and attractive as a female.

Knowing this, and gaining information from numerous research studies, it is not difficult to understand why some women are not interested in sex and why some women are more apt to desire physical closeness with their husbands.

Here are ten simple ideas for men, to help women become more interested in physical intimacy. The purpose of this list is not to create a superficial list of things men must do so they can have more sex; it is intended as some ideas to help a relationship become closer and more intimate so the sexual relationship can be a healthy and satisfying one for both partners.

1. Show appreciation - be specific and clear by noticing and expressing your gratitude for her.

2. Be kind, considerate, and compassionate, - noticing and caring for her needs; treat her as you did when you first were in love.

3. Disclose your need for her - be open as you allow yourself to be vulnerable.

4. Notice some specific wonderful traits about her - and share what you notice with your wife.

5. Compliment her for specific things - what is beautiful about your wife? Notice her physical beauty as well as her character, mind, creativity, etc. The more sexy a woman feels the more she is inclined to desire physical intimacy.

6. Tell her how you adore and cherish her - it is often difficult for a woman to want to be intimate when she does not feel important or significant.

7. Help her to feel special in your eyes - what is it that YOU admire and love most?

8. Let her know she is the most important person in your life - women respond best when they feel they are the most significant woman in your life.

9. Be affectionate - in non-sexual ways without an ulterior motive.

10.Express your love - honestly, openly, and deeply.

The key here is to not behave or say things solely for the purpose of getting some action. This list is intended to bring a closeness to the relationship that will ultimately lead to a more healthy and balanced intimate relationship.

There is a fine line between expressing love for the sake of more sex vs. being open and honest and appreciative so the relationship can be more loving and intimate.

Are you a snoop?

Did you know that a large percentage of guests in your home when in the bathroom, will take a peek inside your medicine cabinets? I've heard different percentages. Some say 40%, some say 7 of 10, I heard one that said 80-90%.


One woman tested this theory by emptying her medicine cabinet, and then refilling it with marbles so that when you opened it up, they all came spilling out.

I'll be cleaning out any embarrassing stuff in my cabinets when guests come over...

Are YOU a snoop?

Spy on your kids

When protecting their children from internet predators or unsafe behavior, the first step for parents is to get over their fear of monitoring them. Parents must learn how to monitor internet activity. It is a parent's job to protect their children and foster a healthy, safe lifestyle. It is a parent's job to watch over them and be there to correct potential bad decisions that are all too common in a teenager's life. Different parents may choose different degrees of monitoring, but all parents need to deploy some strategy to monitor online behavior. What level of monitoring a parent may choose will depend on the parent, the child, and the relationship. One thing should be clear, it is OK to monitor your children.

Find out more.

Play ball!

With a shot at a three-way tie for first place in the NL East, the Marlins amassed just two hits as they fell to the Braves, 4-0, in Monday's series opener.

Get the latest information on your Florida Marlins.

PLLLLLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY BAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!

Tube dual

I did something really strange, but fun and exciting on my summer vacation in California. Cardboard tube dual fighting. I know it sounds strange, but who hasn't has a sword fight with the cardboard tube from the center of gift wrapping paper? I took me back to my childhood. Only in this league there are rules. Just think the movie "Braveheart". Two teams running toward each other to battle till your tube breaks.

I'd love to start a league here in South Florida. What do you think?

Learn more about it.

Holy wad of cash!

Batman has sent Spidey packing as king of Hollywood's box-office superheroes.
"The Dark Knight" took in a record $155.34 million in its first weekend, topping the previous best of $151.1 million for "Spider-Man 3" in May 2007 and pacing Hollywood to its biggest weekend ever, according to studio estimates Sunday.
"We knew it would be big, but we never expected to dominate the marketplace like we did," said Dan Fellman, head of distribution for Warner Bros., which released "The Dark Knight." The movie should shoot past the $200 million mark by the end of the week, he said.
Hollywood set an overall revenue record of $253 million for a three-day weekend, beating the $218.4 million haul over the weekend of July 7, 2006, according to box-office tracker Media By Numbers.
"This weekend is such a juggernaut," said Nikki Rocco, head of distribution for Universal, whose musical "Mamma Mia!" debuted at No. 2 with $27.6 million.

Diet study

Study: Low-carb diet best for weight, cholesterol
By MIKE STOBBE

The Atkins diet may have proved itself after all: A low-carb diet and a Mediterranean-style regimen helped people lose more weight than a traditional low-fat diet in one of the longest and largest studies to compare the dueling weight-loss techniques.

A bigger surprise: The low-carb diet improved cholesterol more than the other two. Some critics had predicted the opposite.

"It is a vindication," said Abby Bloch of the Dr. Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Foundation, a philanthropy group that honors the Atkins' diet's creator and was the study's main funder.

However, all three approaches — the low-carb diet, a low-fat diet and a so-called Mediterranean diet — achieved weight loss and improved cholesterol.

The study is remarkable not only because it lasted two years, much longer than most, but also because of the huge proportion of people who stuck with the diets — 85 percent.

Read the whole story.

The diet that works for me

With my big day fast approaching, I've been trying to lose a few pounds and I've tried every diet out there. But, I found one that works for me. Quick Weight Loss. For me, it's easy, it works and I don't feel like I'm missing out on any of my favorite foods. I've lost about 19 pounds.

Quick Weight Loss Centers provide you with the support, structure and strategies you need so you can lose your weight quickly, easily and without hunger!
Your individualized program is professionally supervised for the safest results and nutritionally designed to develop proper eating habits for long term success.

Calm banking fears

Are you worried about your money? Wonder if it's safe in the bank? Check out this site, it may calm you a bit.

I-95 Express guide

The former High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane and the newly created Express Lanes are now for long distance trips ONLY.
Once you enter the new Express Lanes
You cannot exit until the end
You cannot cut through the lane markers (delineators) to break out before Golden Glades.
If you find yourself in the Express Lanes by accident, remain calm.
RIDE THROUGH to the Golden Glades Interchange.
If you get confused, DO NOT STOP at any time whether in the general purpose or Express Lanes.
Weaving in and out of the Express Lanes is illegal. Drivers who do
Could cause crashes
Will be subject to fines and incur points on their licenses.
Be alert and pay attention to all advisories, signage, pavement markings and posted speed limits.
Tolling on the Express Lanes will begin soon.
For more information about the purpose of the new 95 Express program and how it works call 1-877-95X-FDOT or 1-877-959 -3368
FDOT is confident that with the improved driver information and with increasing familiarity of the public the Express Lanes will operate smoothly.

Click here for the guidelines.