Shauna Wright
Why Is Christmas the Perfect Time for Telling People They’re Overweight? — Health Check
Who says the holidays have to be all warm and fuzzy? According to some health groups in the UK, Christmas can be the perfect time to tell a loved one he or she is overweight.
It may sound rude, but experts insist the health risks involved with obesity, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke, make it worth the uncomfortable conversation.
Did a College Professor Get Fired for Giving James Franco a ‘D?’
Eccentric actor (and Oscar host) James Franco is almost as well-known for being a professional student as he is for his on-screen roles.
But a professor at New York University didn’t think much of Franco’s scholastic ability and gave him a “D” — and now that teacher says he got the ax because of it.
Celebrity Birthdays for December 21 – Samuel L. Jackson, Kiefer Sutherland and More
Here’s a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today:
Samuel L. Jackson
Age: 63
Occupation: Actor
Known For: Appearing in more than 100 movies, most notably ‘Pulp Fiction,’ the ‘Star Wars’ prequel trilogy, and ‘Snakes on a Plane,’ being an avid golfer, and his hilariously and famously foul mouth
Weekend Box Office — ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’ Hunts Down First Place
Moviegoers lined up to see Robert Downey, Jr. in ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,’ giving the sleuthing sequel a $40 million showing and the top spot at the box office this weekend.
This Day in History for December 18 – ‘The Nutcracker’ Premieres and More
Here’s a look at some interesting events that took place on this day in history:
1620 – The Mayflower docks at modern-day Plymouth, Massachusetts (More info)
1898 – Gaston de Chasseloup-Laubat sets the first officially recognized land speed record of 39.2 mph in a Jeantaud electric car (More info)
Good News for New Year’s Resolutions States ‘Nibbling’ Is OK — Health Check
As you start to think about your New Year’s diet (really, don’t we all have one planned?), a small Norwegian study has found a little eating between meals won’t necessarily torpedo your weight-loss goals.
Could the Dangers of Driving and Using a Cell Phone Be a Bunch of Baloney? — Health Check
In recent years, study after study has raised the alarm about the dangers of talking on the phone while driving, with some saying you could be four times as likely to have a crash if you’re using a phone behind the wheel.
But new research indicates it may have been much ado about nothing.
Can You Avoid the Stench of Bad Grades by Studying with Pleasant Smells? — Health Check
Hey students, want higher test scores? Try studying with a little potpourri or the scent of fresh-baked cookies. Scientists have discovered that our ability to learn actually decreases when the information is paired with a nasty smell.
10 Tasty Homemade Christmas Cookies to Keep Kids and Santa Happy [VIDEO]
Cookies are a must for Christmas festivities, although they’re mainly for jolly St. Nick. In light of the fact that we must appease this Santa of ours, why would we default to plain old sugar cookies when you can truly wow holiday revelers with more unusual choices? Don’
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Put Down the Raw Cookie Dough and You Won’t Get E. Coli — Health Check
Arguably the best part about making cookies during the holidays is getting a sneak spoonful of the raw dough before it goes in the oven. Like with tons of other great-tasting grub, however, it’s so not good for us. In fact, two years ago, 77 people in 30 states became ill from doing just that.
You Won’t Believe What a Group of Parents Did to Get Better Schooling for Their Kids
Parents upset about the education their children are receiving at the Notre-Dame de Caderot school in southern France didn’t merely hold meetings or complain to the school board.
Instead, they stormed the building and took several teachers and the school headmistress hostage.
Celebrity Birthdays for December 12 – Dionne Warwick, Jennifer Connelly and More
Here’s a look at some notable birthdays being celebrated today:
Dionne Warwick
Age: 71
Occupation: Singer
Known For: Top 10 hits like ‘Anyone Who Had a Heart,’ ‘Walk On By,’ and ‘Do You Know the Way to San Jose?,’ being Whitney Houston’s cousin, and hosting infomercials for the Psychic Friends Network