Why does Lisa have the price tags on her boots? Is it a new fashion statement? – Chris, Lowell

Does the female anchor have a tag hanging from her right boot? – Susan, Wareham

Well, nothing gets by your curious eyes.   Lisa says “busted.”  It wasn’t a price tag, it was the receiver for her wireless microphone.  She says she attached it to her boot because it was too heavy for the back of her skirt.  She was hoping it was out of the picture, but no such luck.

Well now you know.

But, there’s a good chance we’ll never hear from the Navy SEALs who actually carried out the mission. The SEAL team is highly-trained and very secretive.

So, how was the mission carried out?

WBZ-TV’s Lisa Hughes reports.

“They’re SEALs who have been selected from the SEAL teams to do these special types of operations,” said Don Tocci of Burlington.

Tocci served with the Navy SEALs in Vietnam. He said the SEAL Team 6 that raided bin Laden’s compound is the best of the best.

Their training is legendary. Most cadets never make it through Hell Week, which is six days of around-the-clock training.

But, those who do endure build a powerful bond that helps them survive the battlefield.

“When he’s breathing, you can hear him breathe, and you know he’s shooting here, the other guy’s shooting someplace else,” said Tocci.

The military had eight months to prepare for the raid, which allowed the seals to train in a replica compound built at the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. Tocci said that is crucial to avoid any nasty surprises.

“If I said to you, ‘Are you gonna come to my house and you’re going to take me out,’ well you better know my whole house before you try to do that, especially if I’m armed,” said Tocci.

The SEALs encountered a problem early on: one of the helicopters had to make a hard landing because of the hot weather.

When the SEALs moved into the compound, they used zip ties to secure everyone inside as they searched room by room for bin Laden.

Once they found their target, who was code-named “Geronimo,” bin Laden’s wife rushed one of the soldiers. She was shot in the leg. Bin Laden was killed during the raid.

Tocci said the fight was likely over almost as soon as it had begun.

“I’m sure in the first ten minutes, they did the job that they had to do. Initially, go in, and get bin Laden,a nd then now scour the place for intelligence,” said Tocci.

Although the mission was secret, there were some people in the loop. One high-ranking member of Congress revealed Tuesday that she was told about the compound back in December.

                 Lisa Hughes, WBZ                     Kathrine Switzer                      Toni

Both cars earned top scores for front, side and rear-impact crashes and for rollover crash protection, according to results released Tuesday by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

WBZ-TV’s Lisa Hughes reports.[worldnow id=5791092 width=320 height=240 type=video]

While both the Leaf and Volt are classified as small cars, the institute said their heavy battery packs put their weight closer to large sedans. The Volt, for example, weighs 3,760 pounds, which is close to the weight of the Chevrolet Impala. The Leaf weighs 3,370 pounds, which is similar to a Nissan Altima midsize car. That extra mass helps protect their occupants, since heavier cars are less likely to be pushed around in a crash.

The Leaf runs solely on battery power and has a range of around 100 miles. The Volt can go around 40 miles on an electric charge before a small gas engine kicks in.

The institute said it was the first time it has tested road-worthy plug-in cars. Two golf cart-like electric vehicles, the Gem e2 and Wheego Whip, were tested for research purposes but performed poorly in side-impact tests, the group said. But those cars run at very low speeds and aren’t required to meet federal safety standards.

The federal government hasn’t yet released crash-test results for the Volt and Leaf.

“What powers the wheels is different, but the level of safety for the Volt and Leaf is as high as any of our other top crash test performers,” said Joe Nolan, the institute’s chief administrative officer.

The institute, which is funded by insurance companies, buys the cars it tests directly from dealers.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Elaine in Arlington is curious, “if texting and driving is illegal, is it legal to be driving wearing ear buds, listening to your iPod?”

WBZ-TV’s Jonathan Elias and Lisa Hughes have the answers [worldnow id=5751699 width=320 height=240 type=video]

CBSBoston.com senior web producer Mike Toole is one of them. His own family’s journey inspired him to run for Children’s Hospital Boston, for his daughter Avery, and for a very special boy they never met.

WBZ-TV’s Lisa Hughes reports.[worldnow id=5743780 width=320 height=240 type=video]

To see Avery Toole run and laugh like any other six-year-old is nothing short of a miracle to her parents.

When she was just 18 hours old, the doctors at Children’s told the Tooles that Avery’s heart was so underdeveloped that it couldn’t pump enough blood to keep her alive.

“When she was five days old, they brought her to the operating room for what would be the first of nine open heart surgeries,” Mike said.

Just two months after what they hoped was the final operation to repair her heart, four-year old Avery went into cardiac arrest. A transplant was her only hope.

An artificial heart – called a Berlin Heart – sat on her belly, connected by tubes to Avery’s own heart, keeping her alive while she waited for a new heart.

“Avery was priority 1A, which meant she was basically slowly dying and needed a heart immediately,” Avery’s mom Cheryl told WBZ-TV.

“That was the first time we really thought we may lose her.”

After 52 agonizing days, Cheryl was sleeping next to Avery’s bed when the call came in the middle of the night.

“(Avery’s cardiologist) said we found it… I didn’t say anything… She said we found the perfect heart,” Cheryl remembered.

“The sensation that I had was to run out the door and go to the hospital… Avery has a heart,” Mike said.

“It was like she was born all over again.”

But mixed with their joy over this gift, they also felt another family’s loss.

“Something awful has happened somewhere else for this to happen. It puts the brakes on it,” said Mike.

“You immediately know what you’re being saved from is something that some other family is going through,” Cheryl said.

Eight-year old Dalton Lawyer of College Station, Texas was riding his bike when a pickup truck hit and killed him. His heart gave Avery new life.

“The first thing we noticed (immediately after the transplant) was that her lips were bright pink. They’d never been that way before,” Mike remembered.

“When we saw that, we knew something really fantastic just happened.”

As Avery grew stronger, her parents reached out to Dalton’s family.

“You just have this enormous sense to somehow need to thank this family — whoever they are. It became a huge driving force for us,” Cheryl said.

It’s not unusual for such appeals to go unanswered.

But the week before Thanksgiving of 2009, the Tooles received an email from Dalton’s family.

And then on Christmas Day, a phone call. And last summer, the two families met for the first time.

“It was beyond fine… It was incredible,” Mike said. “It was kind of like finding new family for the first time.”

And just like that, three boys – triplets who’d lost their big brother when Dalton died – now became big brothers to Avery.

“The kids were inseparable,” Mike recalled about that first meeting of the families.

“It was instant…. No awkwardness, no shyness,” Cheryl said. “There was an immediate protective sense of them for their new sister.

“The four of them — the couch will be empty — but they’ll all sit on top of each other in a chair watching a movie. Typical siblings.”

And for that gift, the 26.2 mile run seems a small gesture for her dad to make.

“We owe so much to Children’s for what they’ve done, for what the Lawyers have done… and to pay tribute to Dalton and Avery. What better way to do it?”

If you’d like to contribute to the Children’s Hospital Boston Marathon Fund, click here.

In the case of Hilary Hall, running for Dana Farber is about giving something back to the hospital that saves lives and put her to work.

Hall works at Dana Farber, compiling research data on stem cell transplants. For her, life has come full circle after surviving leukemia as a 12-year old girl.

WBZ-TV’s Lisa Hughes reports.[worldnow id=5725632 width=320 height=240 type=video]

“It was really hard on my family,” Hall said. “We went from coming back from vacation and figure skating lessons… and a few hours later we found out I was high risk and wouldn’t make it to my next birthday.”

She went through two courses of chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant.

See: Other Boston Marathon Stories

“They tested my family, and my only brother turned out to be a six of six match,” Hall recalled. “So my nine year old brother donated his bone marrow.”

She believes that experience gives her a rare understanding of what Dana Farber’s patients going through the same procedure are dealing with.

“A lot of times my colleagues will ask why it’s happening, why wouldn’t this patient do this. I can offer the patient perspective. I definitely understand.”

Hilary is 27 now and married with a little boy, Gus. A child doctors thought she’d never have because of her cancer treatments. When she heard about the Dana Farber marathon challenge, she knew she was in.

“It’s a perfect way to celebrate 15 years cancer free,” Hall said. “It was just an amazing opportunity to give back and know that you’re making a difference.”

Not every cancer survivor could go to work in a cancer hospital. But it’s clear Hilary is right where she was meant to be.

“I love being there,” she said. “Some people choose to put it in the past and move on, and for me this is just constant therapy. I embrace it.”

Hilary’s brother, David, is now in medical school at Cornell and also working in cancer research.

Her goal is to raise $15-thousand to celebrate her 15 years of being cancer-free.

To donate to Hill’s cause please visit www.RunDFMC.org

“Back On My Feet” is made up of volunteers working with residents from local shelters, helping the homeless re-start their lives.

The program helps them train for jobs and find homes, and the early morning runs are a big part of the program.

“I personally think running has great benefits for your mental health and your overall well being,” said Matthew Kennis, who volunteers for “Back On My Feet.”

WBZ-TV’s Lisa Hughes reports. [worldnow id=5722578 width=320 height=240 type=video]

Mike Adams, who is a resident at St. Francis House, adds, “Not only do we run, but we have to talk when we run — how you’re doing, how’s things going in your life.”

Members of the group say they they’re happy to be part of a group.

Steve Karagiozis is one of them. He has struggled with alcohol and drug problems and lives at the Boston Rescue Mission. He says “Back On My Feet” has helped keep him sane and sober.

But everyone involved admits that the idea of a 5 a.m., three mornings a week, wasn’t an easy sell.

Team members say it’s “brutal,” and can be cold, dark and windy. And it’s tough getting up at all. But they all get each other through it.

“It’s given me perspective on my life,” said “Back On My Feet” member Jon Bordeau. “It’s gotten me in better shape. I’ve interacted with people I wouldn’t have otherwise. It’s been a privilege.”

Some of the group’s leaders say they’ve seen members go on and get jobs, and housing, and be successful. They like to believe some of the motivation comes from running. They want to be a better person and try harder.

“Back On My Feet” began in Philadelphia, and expanded to Boston last year. The group’s working with about 50 people at six Boston shelters.

For more information, log on to www.BackOnMyFeet.org

Kara Goucher missed last year’s race because she was pregnant with her first child.

WBZ-TV’s Lisa Hughes reports from New York City [worldnow id=5686415 width=320 height=240 type=video]

Two years ago, Kara led the race with just a mile to go, but ended up finishing third, 9 seconds behind champion Selina Kosgei.

“I was shocked to hear people tell me ‘you did great,’ because I felt like I failed,” Goucher told WBZ-TV’s Lisa Hughes during an interview before last week’s New York City Half-Marathon.

Goucher also talked about how her perspective on life has changed since the birth of her son, Colt.

“My life is completely different, but it’s just better. My training — I don’t feel like my training has suffered.”

Lisa Hughes talked with Kara [worldnow id=5687976 width=320 height=240 type=video]

Above all, this year, Goucher is determined to win.

“I’m always going to be tough on myself. I’m always going to want the best and I’m always going to try for the best. I’m just a competitive person. I’ve been given more perspective now and Colt’s helped a lot with that. Colt doesn’t care if I win Boston or not. He’s like ‘yea, mom’s home.’”

Colt and Kara’s husband, Adam will be waiting for her in Copley square. They’re hoping she’s the first woman to cross that finish line.

He spoke at length with WBZ-TV’s Lisa Hughes:[worldnow id=5682590 width=320 height=240 type=video]

You can help the relief effort in Japan. Text “Red-Cross” to 90-999 to make a ten-dollar donation using your cell phone. You can also visit RedCross.org or call 1-800-Red-Cross.

But that sense of defeat didn’t last long. Her son, Will Gilson, was already cooking up a plan. Will is the chef at the Cambridge restaurant, Garden at the Cellar. He grew up in the greenhouses and helped build them. He knew what they meant to his mom. And after years of cooking for charity events in greater Boston, Will knew that if anyone could help get Jodie back on her feet, it would be his friends in the restaurant business. “I opened up my computer and wrote an e-mail,” he says. “The most honest thing, I could.”

WBZ-TV’s Lisa Hughes reports. [worldnow id=5629764 width=320 height=240 type=video]

In the message, he asked for help creating a fundraiser. After talking with Jodie, Will knew that if he could raise $20,000 it would be enough to get his mom started for the spring growing season. He put out the call for help. The response was overwhelming. “I woke up the next day to 45 e-mails from some of the most important people in Boston.”

One of those people was Garrett Harker, the owner of the Kenmore Square restaurant, Eastern Standard. He saw Will’s e-mail and immediately donated a week of late-night dining proceeds to the Jodie Gilson Fund. And then, Will came up with an idea; he would hold a dinner for 200 people. He’d charge $100 each and raise the money for a replacement greenhouse. Just as the idea was coming together, the Boston Center for Adult Education called him. People at the BCAE had heard about his idea and wanted to donate their space.

For Jodie, it’s a little overwhelming. “I don’t know how I’m going to repay people for all this. But if they’re willing to help William’s mom get back on her feet, I’m going to swallow my pride and say, ‘Thank-you so much.’ I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”

Saturday night, March 5th, Will Gilson and fourteen other Boston chefs will donate their time and talents for a dinner and live auction. The whole thing came together in three weeks. And Will Gilson says it makes him feel great to help his mom. And he can’t thank his fellow chefs enough. “I’ll say it until I’m blue in the face. Boston has the best restaurant community.”

For more information on how to purchase tickets, go to the function’s website.

On Thursday, 50-year-old Scott Crane met the doctors and nurses from Brigham and Women’s Hospital who saved his life.

Crane was at the Jets game in Foxboro when he suffered a massive heart attack.

“I started cheering and then just went down” said Crane.

Dr. Laurel Barrett described the scary situation. “The paramedics found him unconscious in the stands. They essentially had to drag him into the first aid station and put him down on the table. He didn’t have a pulse- his heart had no rhythm.”

WBZ-TV’s Lisa Hughes reports. [worldnow id=5532011 width=320 height=240 type=video]

Dr. Eric Goralnick, Dr. Barrett and Dr. Erin Smyth had all volunteered to be on the medical team who treats fans at Patriots games.

Scott and his family are so grateful they were working that night.

Crane’s daughter was all smiles talking about her dad. “I get to thank the people that saved him, and I’m happy he’s still with us.”

Eight doctors and nurses from Brigham and Women’s are part of the medical team that works at all of the Patriots home games and at several concerts at Gillette throughout the year.

Kristine and Sean Lydon were overcome with emotion as they honored the Children’s Hospital researcher who’s trying to find a cure for their six year old daughter Kyleigh. Sean explains, “It’s very emotional, that’s why were doing this because we’re hoping someday they’ll be a cure for Kyleigh and other patients.”

Kyleigh suffers from with a rare metabolic disorder called galactosemia. It causes a sugar which is found in milk to build up in her body and poison it, and can cause organ failure and brain damage. Sean says, “It’s very scary, there are a lot of unknowns with this, there is no cure or treatments.”

WBZ-TV’s Lisa Hughes reports.[worldnow id=5497815 width=385 height=255 type=video]

And because it’s so rare, and affects only one in every 50-thousand babies in the US, there’s very little funding for research so the Lydons and their friends have raised nearly 200-thousand dollars in the past few years.

Today, they presented the latest check for $93,000 to Dr. Berry and the Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research at Children’s Hospital. Dr. Berry explains, “This allows us to the state of the art research.”

Kristine says “We’ve been so grateful to everyone that’s helped, that’s what keeps us going.”

Dr. James Mandell, CEO of Children’s Hospital Boston, says, “The fact they’ve been able to mobilize their home community an friends for a rare disease, is pretty remarkable.”

Dr. Christopher Walsh, the chief of Genetics for Children’s Hospital explains says, “We can’t study all of the diseases, but committed families like the Lydons can help patients get together and give us a clearer understanding of the disease and help us develop better treatments.”

The Lydons say that’s just the beginning. They’re holding another fundraising walk and 10K/5K race in Braintree on June 12, 2011 at 9:30am and promise to keep raising money as long as they can. If you’d like more information, log onto Kyleighscure.com.

Children born less than two years after their siblings were considerably more likely to have an autism diagnosis compared to those born after at least three years.

WBZ-TV’s Lisa Hughes reports. [worldnow id= 5456088 width=385 height=255 type=video]

The sooner the second child was conceived the greater the likelihood of that child later being diagnosed with autism. The effect was found for parents of all ages, decreasing the chance that it was older parents and not the birth spacing behind the higher risk.

“That was pretty shocking to us, to be honest,” said senior author Peter Bearman of Columbia University in New York. The researchers took into account other risk factors for autism and still saw the effect of birth spacing.

“No matter what we did, whether we were looking at autism severity, looking at age, or looking at all the various dimensions we could think of, we couldn’t get rid of this finding,” Bearman said. Still, he said more studies are needed to confirm the birth spacing link.

According to the most recent state statistics, nearly 10,000 Massachusetts residents under the age of 22 have been diagnosed with autism.

Closely spaced births are increasing in the United States because women are delaying childbirth and because of unplanned pregnancies. Government data show the number of closely spaced births — where babies are less than two years apart — is rising, from 11 percent of all births in 1995 to 18 percent in 2002.

The study, appearing Monday in the journal Pediatrics, comes just days after a new report further tarnished a British researcher’s 1998 paper linking vaccines to autism, this time calling the paper a fraud based on altered facts.

Bearman contrasted the new research to what he called the “junk science” behind the notion that vaccines cause autism.

“One of the things that leads people to think that junk science is science is the idea that science solves all problems with a single bullet,” Bearman said. Instead, “science is very slow and proceeds in steps.”

Reasons behind the birth spacing-autism link aren’t clear. It could be that parents are more likely to notice developmental problems when siblings are very close in age, Bearman said. When 2-year-old Billy isn’t developing like 3-year-old Bobby, parents might be more likely to seek help.

Or biological factors could be at play, he said. Pregnancy depletes a mother’s nutrients like folate, a B vitamin found in leafy green vegetables, citrus fruit and dried beans. Prior research has tied close birth spacing to low birth weights and prematurity, possibly because of lack of folate.

“And it could be a combination of effects, not a single explanation but a combination of dynamics,” Bearman said.

The researchers looked at births from 1992 through 2002 in California. They analyzed data on second-born children born to the same parents whose older siblings didn’t have autism. The information on autism diagnoses came from the state’s Department of Developmental Services.

The overall prevalence of autism was less than 1 percent in the study. Of all the 662,730 second-born children in the analysis, 3,137 had an autism diagnosis. Of the 156,034 children conceived less than a year after the birth of their older siblings, 1,188 had an autism diagnosis — a higher rate, but still less than 1 percent.

Children with Asperger’s syndrome and pervasive developmental disorders, milder forms of autism, weren’t included. Government studies indicate about 1 in 100 children have autism disorders, including the milder forms.

Dr. Diane Ashton, March of Dimes’ deputy medical director, called the study results an interesting finding that she hasn’t seen in prior research. The results will have to be replicated, she said, but her organization already suggests at least a year between pregnancies.

“That is to allow the mother to rebuild depleted nutritional stores and decrease the risk for low birth weight and prematurity. Surely this evidence would provide additional reasons for those recommendations to be made,” she said.

The March of Dimes also recommends that all women of childbearing age take a daily multivitamin containing folic acid, an artificial version of folate. Since half of pregnancies aren’t planned, the recommendation includes women who aren’t trying to get pregnant.

The new study was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.

Bearman hesitated to give advice to parents planning families because the results are so new and unconfirmed. Older parents may not want to wait two or three years for a second child because of other health concerns, he said.

“The advice for parents is to pay attention to the science,” Bearman said.

(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

WBZ’s Lisa Hughes introduces us to a woman who has spent decades creating them and teaching others her craft.

[worldnow id=5413230 width=385 height=255 type=video]

Cory Demeth tries to work out several times a week at Healthworks in Brookline to help keep her in shape. “It only gets worse when you get older, moderate levels four days a week really helps. I hope I can maintain that until I get old.”

A new study finds that young adults, particularly women like Cory who work out vigorously on a regular basis over two decades, tend to gain less weight, especially around the waist, when they reach middle age. Those women gained an average of nearly 13-and-a-half pounds less while men put on about five fewer pounds than folks who didn’t exercise regularly.

Leslie Willis, the fitness director at Healthworks, explains, “Habits take a long time to get into, making sure you start at an early age will help them healthy long term.”

WBZ-TV’s Lisa Hughes reports. [worldnow id=5382693 width=385 height=255 type=video]

But researchers found that those who only exercised moderately or didn’t work out regularly gained about the same amount of weight as people who only did light activity, so it’s important to stay active, especially as you get older.

“Getting into that routine when you’re younger is much easier rather than trying to start in your 40′s, 50′s or 60′s,” said Willis.

Researchers say it’s not easy to maintain those levels over the long haul. Only 11 to 13 percent of those who took part in the study were able to do it.

You may need a couple cups more than today’s food labels say to get enough vitamin D for strong bones.

But don’t go overboard: Long-awaited new dietary guidelines say there’s no proof that megadoses prevent cancer or other ailments — sure to frustrate backers of the so-called sunshine vitamin.

The decision by the prestigious Institute of Medicine, the health arm of the National Academy of Sciences, could put some brakes on the nation’s vitamin D craze, warning that super-high levels could be risky.

“More is not necessarily better,” cautioned Dr. Joann Manson of Harvard Medical School, who co-authored the Institute of Medicine’s report being released Tuesday.

WBZ-TV’s Lisa Hughes reports. [worldnow id=5339955 width=385 height=255 type=video]

Most people in the U.S. and Canada — from age 1 to age 70 – need to consume no more than 600 international units of vitamin D a day to maintain health, the report found. People in their 70s and older need as much as 800 IUs. The report set those levels as the “recommended dietary allowance” for vitamin D.

That’s a bit higher than the target of 400 IUs set by today’s government-mandated food labels, and higher than 1997 recommendations by the Institute of Medicine that ranged from 200 to 600 IUs, depending on age.

But it’s far below the 2,000 IUs a day that some scientists recommend, pointing to studies that suggest people with low levels of vitamin D are at increased risk of certain cancers or heart disease.

‘STUNNING DISAPPOINTMENT’

“This is a stunning disappointment,” said Dr. Cedric Garland of the University of California, San Diego, who wasn’t part of the institute’s study and says the risk of colon cancer in particular could be slashed if people consumed enough vitamin D.

“Have they gone far enough? In my opinion probably not, but it’s a step in the right direction,” added prominent vitamin D researcher Dr. Michael Holick of Boston University Medical Center, who said the new levels draw needed attention to the vitamin D debate and encourage more food fortification.

Vitamin D and calcium go hand in hand, and you need a lifetime of both to build and maintain strong bones. But the two-year study by the Institute of Medicine’s panel of experts concluded research into vitamin’s D possible roles in other diseases is conflicting.

Some studies show no effect, or even signs of harm.

A National Cancer Institute study last summer was the latest to report no cancer protection from vitamin D and the possibility of an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in people with the very highest D levels.

Super-high doses — above 10,000 IUs a day – are known to cause kidney damage, and Tuesday’s report sets 4,000 IUs as an upper daily limit — but not the amount people should strive for.

And Manson pointed to history’s cautionary tales: A list of other supplements — vitamins C and E and beta carotene – plus menopause hormone pills that once were believed to prevent cancer or heart disease didn’t pan out, and sometimes caused harm, when put to rigorous testing.

Stay tuned: To help settle the issue, Manson is heading a government-funded study that’s recruiting 20,000 healthy older Americans to test whether taking 2,000 IUs of vitamin D really will lower their risk for heart disease, a stroke or certain cancers.

In the meantime, it’s hard to consume 600 IUs of vitamin D from food alone. A cup of D-fortified milk or orange juice has about 100 IUs. The best sources may be fatty fish — some servings of salmon can provide about a day’s supply. Other good sources are D-fortified cereals.

THE BIG SURPRISE

But here’s the report’s big surprise: While some people truly are seriously deficient in vitamin D, the average American in fact already has enough circulating in his or her blood — because we also make vitamin D from sun exposure, and because many people already take multivitamins or other D-containing dietary supplements.

Wait a minute: Headlines in recent years have insisted the opposite, that a majority of people don’t get enough vitamin D, especially during the winter. What explains the contradiction?

Most testing laboratories are using a too-high cutoff for those blood levels, said report co-author Dr. Clifford Rosen of the Maine Medical Center.

The report says at least 20 nanograms is adequate for bone health, while many labs instead list people as low if their blood levels are below 30 ng.

Serious vitamin D deficiencies are diagnosed when levels dip well below 20, something that hasn’t changed.

Rosen called the state of vitamin D testing “the wild, wild West,” and said he hoped that “with this report, we can at least temper people’s enthusiasm for just taking tons of supplements.”

CALCIUM

As for calcium, the report recommended already accepted levels to go along with your daily D — about 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day for most adults, 700 to 1,000 mg for young children, and 1,300 mg for teenagers and menopausal women. Too much can cause kidney stones; the report said that risk increases once people pass 2,000 mg a day.

It’s true that most studies link poor health to vitamin D levels that are below 20 ng, said preventive cardiologist Dr. Erin Michos, a Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine professor who wasn’t part of the study.

But, “I’m not sure I’m going to dramatically change my practice,” said Michos, who pushes her patients to boost their levels until they’re between 30 and 50 ng.

RECOMMENDED DOSES

The amount of vitamin D recommended daily, from food or dietary supplements, in a report Tuesday from the Institute of Medicine:

–Ages 1-70: 600 international units.

–Ages 71 and older: 800 IUs.

Calcium and vitamin D must be taken together to build and maintain strong bones. Here are the recommended daily levels of calcium:

–Ages 1-3: 700 milligrams.

–Ages 4-8: 1,000 mg.

–Ages 9-18: 1,300 mg.

–Ages 19-70: 1,000 mg — but for women the amount rises to 1,200 mg at age 51.

–Ages 71 and older: 1,200 mg.

This year’s First Night button was designed by Somerville artist Scott Listfield.

It features a painting of an astronaut which has been the central figure in his work for the past decade.

“All of my works feature this astronaut who sort of represents the future we thought we would have, against the future we’re actually getting,” he said.

Lisa Hughes reports.[worldnow id=5327924 width=385 height=255 type=video]

Scott says he’s thrilled that his work will be featured on the First Night button which will be worn by thousands of revelers of all ages.

“I’m really excited, it’s surreal, I’m not sure there’s anyone who’s used to seeing their artwork on everybody.”

Scott says not only is it an honor to have his work highlighted, but First Night is a wonderful opportunity to showcase dozens of local artists and other performers to a whole new audience.

“I think any sort of recognition the Boston arts scene can get is fantastic, so I think First Night is a great way for people who might not necessarily see the art world here in Boston can go out and experience it a bit.”

Scott will also be exhibiting some of his work at the Laconia Gallery in the South End from December 3rd through January.

For more information about the artist and his work, visit astronautdinosaur.com or his Facebook page.

First Night buttons go on sale at dozens of locations including I-party, Store 24, Au Bon Pain, Tedeschi’s, Borders Bookstore on December 1.

They cost $18. Children under 4 are admitted free.

They’re also available online for a special web price of $15 through Christmas Eve.

For more information or to purchase a button online, go to firstnight.org or call 617-542-1399.

One local family went to extreme measures to help save themselves from a rare form of stomach cancer.

[worldnow id=5284503 width=385 height=255 type=video]
  
80-year-old Mary Walsh has been battling colon cancer since 2005. That same year, her son Steven was also diagnosed with stomach cancer.

By chance, Mary’s doctor just happened to notice that both of their cancers were caused by the same rare genetic mutation. So after Steven died, all four of his surviving siblings got tested to see if they also carried the same gene.

Mary Walsh explains, “We’re sorry we lost him but because of him we were able to save the others.”

Even before they were tested, all of Mary’s kids decided that if they did have the mutation, they would take a drastic step –  undergo surgery to have their stomachs removed. Only one brother didn’t have the gene. The other three siblings did.

Beth Lambert explains, “When we first learned about this, it was shocking to us, we didn’t know you could live without a stomach but when you look at the option and we saw our brother Steve really suffer and that made the decision really easy.”

Michael Walsh agrees, “After watching our brother going through being sick, was really the only choice we had.”

It was a choice that saved their lives because it was only after the surgery that doctors discovered that all three siblings did in fact have stomach cancer.

So now all of their children are getting tested; three of Shannon’s cousins have already tested positive for the gene.

“It makes me feel a lot better to know that you can do something about it if I do have it.”

The Walsh family is now working with a group called No Stomach for Cancer to help educate families and doctors about the rare hereditary cancer their family suffered from. They’re hoping their story will encourage others to learn more about their genetics and their families November has been declared Stomach Cancer Awareness month.

The official change to standard time occurs at 2 a.m. Sunday, though most folks will change their clocks Saturday night.

The National Fire Protection Association also reminds people to change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Some states and territories don’t observe daylight-saving time and thus won’t have to worry about changing their clocks back. Those are Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam and the Northern Marianas.

Click here to see what time it is in different cities around the world.

Daylight Saving Time is four weeks longer since 2007 due to the passage of the Energy Policy Act in 2005.

The Act extended Daylight Saving Time by four weeks from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November.

Daylight Saving Time will return on March 14, 2011.

The time change gives most of us an “extra” hour of sleep this weekend.  WBZ News Radio’s Deb Lawler spoke with a sleep expert who has some tips on getting a better nights sleep.

[worldnow id=5265948 width=385 height=255 type=video] WBZ-TV’s Lisa Hughes has more

http://www.welovesoaps.net/2010/04/hot-stories-atwts-bob-kim-celebrate-25.html

Read Soap Central’s comments about the episode here:

http://www.soapcentral.com/atwt/scoop.php?section=twoscoops&year=2010&date=100405

P.S. I know you’re dying to know, what did I think were the three mis-steps? 1. While the celebration and concern were brilliant we didn’t really need their marriage to be declared void for the plot to take place. Kim’s threatening to leave Bob would have worked just as well and they could of had a vow renewal instead of a wedding (they’d already had one vow renewal). Having them never notice their marriage was null and void was ridiculous, especially considering this wasn’t the 1st marriage for either of them and both Bob’s father and one son were lawyers and they never noticed the legal paperwork never came through? Why discount 25 years of show history for 3 days of plot when it wasn’t even necessary for the plot to work? 2. Julianne Moore’s (Frannie Hughes) visit was hyped to blue blazes. I was glad she came back at all, but she was only on for less than 2 minutes.  (It was at the very end if you just want to see that.) They had to have paid her for the whole day. She couldn’t have stood around in a couple of other shots while she was already there? She made a quick toast, but barely had a line of dialogue with her father, step-mother/aunt, half-sister, 2 half-brothers, grandmother, etc. In fact, I’m not entirely convinced that her half-sister Barbara who she hasn’t seen in a decade even saw her at the party, being “busy” in the bathroom with her current boy toy at the time. 3. Nobody mentioned Bob’s son Tom and Margo’s 25th wedding anniversary which was celebrated with a very small dinner party last year. Bob took potshots at his son Chris and grandson Casey’s romantic woes, but not one word of praise for his Tom son who’s only marriage has lasted longer than Bob’s what 5th or 6th? (OK, OK, I might be alone on this, BUT I also would have liked to see Lisa make more of an actual run at Bob – even if they did get one flashback as it was. I never saw Bob and Lisa together outside of a few old clips, but I loved them as ex’s and Kim always annoyed me when she wasn’t giving Barbara or Susan the what for they so richly deserved. I’ve been waiting patiently for Lisa to make her move for about 20 years and I’m about ready to admit it never will come now. SIGH!)

Part of me wants to give credit to the writers for making sure that the character was as strong as she was and that they hadn’t decided to shove Evangeline into the deepest darkest corners of crazyland – where they eventually relegate  all female characters.    We were fortunate that there were no huge psychological breakdowns for this character after failed romances.  She didn’t go on drinking binges, no drug use, she didn’t lurk in shady places trying to keep a watchful eye on ‘rivals’ – in desperation to hold on to a man.  What makes all of that even bigger news for a One Life character?  She dated John ”Sanity Killer” McBain, folks!  She survived their relationship and remained healthy.  Who could forget this moment between sisters Evangeline and Layla once it was clear to Evangeline that John was going to betray her:

The sane woman’s anthem when love goes wrong!

Whatever happened, no matter the writing, Goldsberry gave Evangeline a rare sense of dignity and strength for a female character in modern daytime.   My best guess is that the writers got it – REG was a very different actress all together.  She had the elegance and comportment of a more seasoned actress. Writing that may have been translated onscreen as shrill, needy, and whining by another young actress was treated as an opportunity to turn Evangeline into her own heroine – no need for rescue.  The partnership between the writers and the actress gave OLTL fans like myself joy in watching one of the most memorable characters in daytime.  If only the powers that be had been able to convince the actress to stay.  Despite her unfortunate dalliance with John, and her flirtation with the mad-as-a-hatter Todd Manning (which I loved while he was still in the process of reforming and becoming a better person), it was Evangeline’s last relationship – with the  lovely Cristian Vega that sealed Evangeline’s fate as a winner in life, but loser at love.  Cristian walked away once he realized that there was more between Evangeline and Todd than she was able to admit, even to herself.

Rather than kill the character off when REG vacated the role, the writers decided to have the character succumb to a coma.  While it preserved their right to bring her back (and I appreciate that), it’s awful thinking that the character remains there and life in Llanview goes on without her.  I wish they’d thought to let her move on to another city, start a successful law practice and allow Layla to occasionally mention who well her sister is doing in her new life.

Sadly, I’m concerned that Layla Williamson will soon suffer the fate of her big sister.  She’ll disappear from Llanview history with barely a second thought from those who knew or loved her.  Overkill?  Do you remember Rachel Gannon?  Probably not.  She was so rarely featured before the writers decided to dump the legacy character, yet again (and yet FORD remains).  The Williamson family is relatively new.  I have little hope for the rarely seen Layla – who is now dating Cristian Vega.  While you would think that would be the perfect time for writers to wake Van up from her coma (even if they could only convince REG toreturn for a few eps to usher Van off to a new life), such is not the case with OLTL.  The writers instead have Teen Tessica Buchanan, who can’t remember her life beyond the age of 17 returning to high school as a student  (yeah right) and stalking ‘Mr. Vega’.  Where is Layla while all of this is happening?  Who the hell knows?

The more things change, the more they stay the same, One Life.  One Life fans may remember Valarie Pettiford ( Sheila Price Gannon) for delivering a  rousing rendition of ‘Dancing in the Streets’ at Megan’s funeral.  Where is she now?  Doing just fine without OLTL, thank you very much!  She was one of the co-stars of the show ‘Half and Half‘ and ocntinues performing on Broadway and has her own Cabaret act:

Van, Layla, Sheila, Rika (Sheila’s younger sister), and the few very women of color before them.  What a waste, OLTL.

As the World Turns

Smart women and the law?  They seem to go hand in hand in daytime.   OLTL’s Van Williamson and Nora Buchanan, GH’s Alexis Davis and Federal Prosecutor Claire Walsh, ATWT’s Margo Hughes and Jessica Griffin, all of whom helped make it ‘safe’ for women to be smart.  Tamara Tunie’s Jessica was a no frills – no bullshit character who wasn’t exactly shy about telling Oakdale residents where to go and how to get there… of course, she did it in the most elegant way possible.  TT’s Jessica Griffin McKeachnie  brought as much to her show as REG’s did to OLTL later.  Jessica was a beloved character  who was respected by her onscreen peers -, and then the inevitable happened.  Jessica found out where she really  fit in the grand scheme of Oakdale life.  Her ‘interracial’ romance with Duncan McKeachnie led to both heartbreaking and uplifting moments for the character.

She’d feared that her tough as nails, and somewhat conservative friend and client Lucinda Walsh would never approve of her relationship with Duncan.  Lady Lu, CEO extraordinaire would have to protect her business interests from ‘scandal’, right?  Jessica knew that the only person she and Duncan could share the news of their growing relationship with was their beloved friend and supporter, Lisa Hughes.  Lisa was a woman of the world.  She’d done something most women would never have thought of doing in her time – she’d left a husband and child and sought love elsewhere.  She’d dated and loved brothers.  She was a hellion in her youth and didn’t care who approved of her choices.  So imagine Jessica’s surprise when she learned that Lucinda was the one to give the happy couple her blessing and Lisa was the person who disapproved.

Jessica found even greater strength and a stronger voice when she grew tired of defending her love for Duncan and their desire to be together.  She remained a relatively strong character until the writers decided to SORAS’ young Bonnie into an adult woman.   Bonnie brought many changes into Jess’ life, most of them lousy, including having Jessica watch her daugther grow closeto the man she knew raped her mother, and being accidentally shot by her daughter.   When ATWT’s jumps the shark, it chums the waters, first.  Where is Jessica?  Around… somewhere… I hope.

The Young and the Restless

I’ve covered the topic of Victoria Rowell’s Drucilla Winters being absent from screen in several blog entries, most recently (HERE and HERE).  I still can’t get over what insanity leads the YnR’s PLTB refusal to bring Dru back to screen.  No matter how many times TPTB insists there’s no room for Drucilla onscreen, each new weak and snooze producing character they bring to screen in her place says otherwise.

Even worse than the above?  The talented Latina American, American Indian, Asian American, and other actresseses who ever never give the chance to appear onscreen.  It saddens me to realize that as networks are steadily shuttering soaps from the daytime schedule, Executive Producers and other execs don’t appear to be moved to change their practices before all soaps are eventually cleared from the schedule.  There has be some growth when you think of where daytime started and where it is now, but how much growth?  What will be the legacy of daytime and minority characters when all is said and done?

Bonus Clip!

The REG you’ve never seen on OLTL.  Goldsberry in RENT:

Mr. Schutte is leaving the magazine just two years after he got the job, following a tough year when the publication saw a 26.8 percent loss in ad pages. According to a source, Si Newhouse and Condé Nast C.E.O. Chuck Townsend didn’t feel Mr. Schutte has been a good fit for the magazine—particularly during a recesion—but given his background (years at Wired, Business Week and PC Week) he’s the right guy for the digital gig.

Meanwhile, Lisa Hughes has been named the new publisher of the magazine, which makes her the fourth one that David Remnick will work with in the decade-plus he’s been The New Yorker‘s top editor. Ms. Hughes has been the publisher of Condé Nast Traveler since 1995, a 14-year span regarded as an eternity in publishing circles. A source tells us, "She’s tough, smart, but this will be a really big test for her."

Here’s the full release: