FOX35News-Mornings's Blog

The center for studying health system change says roughly 20 percent of Americans have trouble keeping up with medical bills and with the cost of many everyday items on the rise that number could go up even more. Who should help people who can't afford treating potentially deadly diseases like cancer? The government, the private sector?

 

Whether is attacking dolphins or all the rain we've been seeing, we'd live to hear from you. Share your thoughts.

 

It's a way for some people to get around, but a south Florida condo is saying no way to segways. A condo board in Sunrise wants to ban the upright two-wheeled devices. A WWII vet loves to cruise around on his segway but the condo board says it's a hazard! The Florida State arbitrator is now involved and hopes to settle the segway squabble within the next 15 days.

We'd like to know what you think about this case.

               

Lately if you find yourself reaching for things like mac-n-cheese, ice cream, a big 'ole cheeseburger, or a piece of chocolate, you're not alone. There's no doubt about it, times are tough and people are feeling uneasy. For many food is the fastest way to feel better.

 

How do you comfort yourself when your money and retirement are flying out the window?

 

It's been a busy week. For the most part we've been watching the developments with the financial rescue bill. But there was also the v-p debate plus Casey Anthony has finally been named a suspect in her daughter’s disappearance. There was a lot of news happening in central Florida. But we want to know what is on your mind.

 

           

 

The Orlando Sentinel reported Wednesday that a teacher accused of having sex with her 14-year-old student would not be spending any time behind bars.

Jennifer Tarkenton was arrested last November and charged with three counts of lewd and lascivious acts on a child. The former Greenwood Middle School special needs teacher resigned her position after her arrest.

According to the Sentinel, prosecutors offered Tarkenton a deal which she accepted. She will be on probation for the next five years and has agreed to give up her teaching certificate.

In addition, she cannot live within 500 feet of a school or park and must stay away from anyone under the age of 18. She is now listed as a sex offender. 

The Sentinel also reported that since her arrest, Tarkenton got married and now lives in Lake Mary with her husband and son.

Tell us what you think. Was her punishment fitting for the crime? Should she have been offered a plea deal?

If you saw the calories listed on the menu at your favorite fast food joint, would it make you change your eating habits?

On Tuesday, trend-setting, health-conscious California became the first U.S. state to require fast-food restaurant chains to list calories on their menus.

The state estimates that residents collectively have gained 360 million pounds (165 million kg) in the last decade, and it sees the calorie count as one way to stem the obesity epidemic.

A calorie information rule took effect in New York City this year, and more than a dozen states are considering similar health code provisions.

Starting July 1 next year, chains with more than 20 locations must offer brochures with calorie and nutritional information. By January 1, 2011, they must list calorie information on menus and indoor menu boards.

Tell us what you think!

A survey has found the vast majority of the female population are happy to resort to tricks such as wearing "magic pants" to appear slimmer. The study found the most common cheats were push-up bras, with almost half of women using them to boost their cleavage.
More than four in 10 admitted they have worn oversized Bridget Jones-style pants because they help hide unwanted bumps and give the impression of a flatter stomach and a more pert bottom.

Even celebrities resort to slimming underwear, with Jennifer Lopez recently revealing her magic pants during a performance, and Susannah Constantine, from Trinny and Susannah showing off her own push-up corset during a charity event this week.
The survey of 1,300 women, carried out by the Lakeside Shopping Centre, also found more than a third of women dim lighting to enhance the romantic mood, while others admitted to more unusual methods.

Some said they used vaseline on their eyelids to appear more awake, while it was also suggested haemorrhoid cream under the eyes gets rid of dark circles and bags.
And one in 10 admitted using breast-enhancing "chicken fillets."

The poll also revealed the perils of attempting to look beautiful. Top of the list was the visible panty line, followed by smudged mascara and unshaven legs. Others included lipstick smudged on teeth and streaky fake tan, while falling over in high heels was also embarrassing.

Men meanwhile were asked what outfit they believed women to look sexiest in.
While women believed a classic black dress or snug fitting jeans was the best, men thought short skirts and low-cut tops were the way to go.

What do you think?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says their newest gadgets can tell a bad seed from a good one. It's something that seems straight out of science fiction. The DHS is testing machines that some people are already calling "mind scanners."            

They are body scanners that can read your mind and could be used at airports. They check you for non-verbal cues that supposedly predict if you intend to hurt other passengers. Things like body temperature, heart rate, respiration and abnormal facial movements are monitored.

If anything unusual pops up, you're flagged. The machines are designed to tell the difference between the good guys and bad guys. The mobile mind scanners could be used at large gatherings like sporting events too.

Tell us what you think about the new body scanners.

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Woes on Wall Street are dominating the headlines as lawmakers on Capitol Hill struggle to find a solution as the Dow balances on the brink. We want to know what you're doing to weather the fiscal storm. Are you keeping everything in the bank or are you starting to eye that spot under your mattress?

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A new Shock Study shows that 35% of Blackberry users would choose their phone over their spouse!!

Personal digital assistants like a Blackberry are so important to their owners that 87 percent keep them in their bedrooms, U.S. survey results indicate.

Sheraton Hotels & Resorts said in a release Monday its study conducted by StudyLogic LLC found that in addition to the 87 percent of 6,500 survey respondents whose PDAs are bedroom-bound, 84 percent of poll takers admitted to checking the devices directly before going to sleep and immediately upon waking.

The survey also found 85 percent of the respondents feel the presence of such technological devices in society means they should be working during every waking moment.

The poll was conducted on respondents who were all workplace professionals making more than $50,000 annually. Respondents were also required to make one to two business trips a year and own a PDA device.

Do you have a Blackberry? Do you think the study is accurate?

 

We've been telling you about the new variable speed limit signs being activated today along I-4 in the downtown area which are supposed to help ease congestion. Do you think slowing traffic to as little as 30 miles per hour on the highway will really help, or create more of a problem? Tell us what you think. 

We've made it through another week. It's Friday and that means we'd like to know what you want to talk about today. Have you been following Hurricane Ike?

Tell us what's on your mind!

Ten Chicago high schools are launching a program that allows students to anonymously text-message police if they see a gun or overhear plans about a fight after school. Students who report a potential crime also have an incentive to use the service - they are eligible for a $1,000 reward if the information they provide results in an arrest.

We want to know what you think. Should schools in our area consider a program like this one?

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How many times have you been out driving, and noticed a group of teenagers in a car beside you, not paying attention to the road? The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety wants states to raise the minimum age for getting a driver's license from 16-years-old to 17 or 18. Of course, some teens hate the idea and even parents are a little divided. While a new driving age could make the road safer, concerned parents say the move could take away their teen's independence. What do you think?