Fast Food Choices For Young Children

In a new study, the amount of calories selected by parents for their child’s hypothetical meal at McDonald’s restaurants were reduced by an average of 102 calories when the menus clearly showed the calories for each item. This is the first study to suggest that labeled menus may lead to significantly reduced calorie intake in fast food restaurant meals purchased for children. Led by researcher Pooja S. Tandon, MD, from Seattle Children’s Research Institute, these findings support nutritional menu labeling and show that when parents have access to this information they may make smarter meal choices for their children. “Nutrition Menu Labeling May Lead to Lower-Energy Restaurant Meal Choices for Children” published online January 25 in Pediatrics.

At a pediatric practice in Seattle, 99 parents of 3- to 6-year-olds who sometimes eat in fast food restaurants with their children were surveyed about their fast food dining habits. They were presented with sample McDonald’s restaurant menus which included current prices and pictures of items, and asked what they would select for themselves and also for their children as a typical meal. Half of the parents were given menus that also clearly showed calorie information for each item. Choices included most of the items sold at McDonald’s, including a variety of burgers, sandwiches, salads, dressings, side items, beverages, desserts and children’s “Happy Meals.” Parents who were given the calorie information chose 102 fewer calories on average for their children, compared with the group who did not have access to calorie information on their menus. This reflects a calorie reduction of approximately 20%. Notably, there was no difference in calories between the two groups for items the parents would have chosen for themselves.

“Even modest calorie adjustments on a regular basis can avert weight gain and lead to better health over time,” said Dr. Tandon, research fellow at Seattle Children’s Research Institute and the University of Washington School of Medicine. “Just an extra 100 calories per day may equate to about ten pounds of weight gain per year. Our national childhood obesity epidemic has grown right alongside our fast food consumption. Anything we can do to help families make more positive choices could make a difference. Interestingly, by simply providing parents the caloric information they chose lower calorie items. This is encouraging, and suggests that parents do want to make wise food decisions for their children, but they need help. Now that some areas are requiring nutritional information in chain restaurants, we have opportunities to further study what happens when we put this knowledge in the hands of parents.”

There was no correlation between the families’ typical frequency of fast food dining and calories selected, for either parents or children.

A growing number of jurisdictions across the country have begun mandating that nutritional information be readily available at point-of-ordering in chain restaurants. Currently more than 30 localities or states are considering policies that would require calories and other nutrition information to be clearly visible—four have already implemented policies. Federal menu labeling standards have also been discussed as part of health care reform legislation.

For information on menu labeling including current bills under consideration, fact sheets, related resources and a menu labeling map, visit the Center for Science in the Public Interest Web site: http://www.cspinet.org/menulabeling/.

For information on childhood nutrition, dietary guidelines, healthy meals and snacks, visit:http://www.seattlechildrens.org/safety-wellness/nutrition-fitness/.

VIDEO: Watch 2-minute video of Dr. Tandon discussing study findings for parents (includes menu ordering tips): http://www.seattlechildrens.org/Pooja-Tandon-interview

10 RESTAURANT TIPS for parents and caregivers when selecting menu items for young children:

  1. Eat at restaurants less often: they are not for frequent dining.
  2. Model healthy ordering: children learn from you. Read menus. Make informed choices together.
  3. Sizes: choose smallest portions available.
  4. Sideschoose salads, veggies, apple slices, mixed fruit, yogurt. (Avoid French fries, fried items, sugary items).
  5. Beverages: choose water, low-fat milk or 100% fruit juice. (Avoid sodas, shakes or blended drinks).
  6. Load up veggies: lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, pickles and salsa add flavor, crunch and fiber for few calories.
  7. Avoid deep-fried, “crispy” or breaded items. (Choose “grilled” instead).
  8. Avoid add-ons: extra cheeses, meats, bacon, butter, sauces and toppings add up fast.
  9. Avoid: sauces, breads/buns/tortillas, desserts. Dip into sauces on the side; remove part of the bun.
  10. Moderation is key. If your family eats out for a meal, eat extra healthy the rest of the day.

Tandon’s study collaborators included Jeffrey Wright, MD; Chuan Zhou, PhD; Cara Beth Rogers; and Dimitri A. Christakis, MD, MPH.

About Seattle Children’s Research Institute

At the forefront of pediatric medical research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute is setting new standards in pediatric care and finding new cures for childhood diseases. Internationally recognized scientists and physicians at the Research Institute are advancing new discoveries in cancer, genetics, immunology, pathology, infectious disease, injury prevention and bioethics. With Seattle Children’s Hospital and Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Research Institute brings together the best minds in pediatric research to provide patients with the best care possible. Children’s serves as the primary teaching, clinical and research site for the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine, which consistently ranks as one of the best pediatric departments in the country. For more information visithttp://www.seattlechildrens.org/research.

FAST FOOD MENUS WITH CALORIE INFORMATION LEAD TO

LOWER CALORIE SELECTIONS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

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Action for Healthy Kids Supports First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” Campaign for Healthier Kids

The following is a statement from Action for Healthy Kids Executive Director Rob Bisceglie:

Action for Healthy Kids applauds the Obama Administration and fully supports efforts by First Lady Michelle Obama and the national Let’s Move campaign to help America’s children grow up healthy and strong, and to address the continuing epidemic of childhood obesity. That 1 out of 3 children are overweight or obese should be unacceptable to us all. The goal of eliminating childhood obesity in a generation is an extremely important and worthy goal that we wholeheartedly support.

We welcome the leadership and formation of Partnership for a Healthier America, to be chaired by the First Lady, to unite the public and private sectors, other organizations, business and thought leaders, the media, and states and local communities to make meaningful and measurable commitments to fighting childhood obesity. Combined with Surgeon General Regina Benjamin’s recent statement on the urgent need to address obesity, the Obama Administration’s commitment to a strong Child Nutrition Reauthorization bill, and $10 billion in additional investments in the President’s budget, we believe it is more possible than ever before to truly make a difference in the lives of millions of children.

With more than 12,000 volunteers in communities nationwide and partnerships with leading national organizations and governmental agencies in health, education, nutrition and physical activity, we stand ready to contribute to this new national campaign. During the 2008-09 school year alone, Action for Healthy Kids reached nearly 4 million children in 8,000 schools around the country.

About Action for Healthy Kids
Action for Healthy Kids® is the nation’s leading nonprofit and largest volunteer network fighting childhood obesity and undernourishment by working with schools to improve nutrition and physical activity to help our kids learn to eat right, be active every day and be ready to learn. We provide expertise, volunteers, programs and resources nationwide through a unique collaboration of thousands of professionals, parents, educators, community volunteers and students, in partnership with more than 65 professional associations, government agencies and corporations.  More information is available at ActionforHealthyKids.org, on Facebook athttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Action-for-Healthy-Kids/267076500068?ref=mf and on Twitter athttps://twitter.com/Act4HlthyKids.

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USE CHINESE ASTROLOGY TO LEARN YOUR TRUE LIFE PATH IN 2010

Familiar with the Chinese birth year animals?  Want to dig deeper and learn more?  The Eastern astrological system contains some of the most profound personal guidance tools ever discovered. 

The Definitive Book of Chinese Astrology will teach readers Zi Wei Dou Shu, the best-kept secret in astrology, formerly only available to royalty.  Zi Wei Dou Shu is the most accurate and profound divination tool available, and can help readers identify inborn capabilities, achievement potential, and life path.

The Definitive Book of Chinese Astrology is beautifully illustrated and includes an interactive CD-ROM, which makes it easy to create Chinese astrological charts for yourself, your friends, and your family.  The book is broken down in to three sections: Section One gives background on Zi Wei Dou Shu; Section Two teaches readers to forecast life and love cycles; and Section Three covers Chinese astrological subspecialties like IChing and feng shui.

The Definitive Book of Chinese Astrology is the astrology book to keep at hand.  The life charts created with the CD-ROM help readers paint a rich personality portrait and can help readers understand their destiny and assess their life options.

The Definitive Book of Chinese Astrology (EAN 978-1-60163-078-0, pages: 216, price: $18.99) was published by New Page Books. The book is available at Barnes & Noble, Borders, Amazon.com, and many other booksellers.

For more information about The Definitive Book of Chinese Astrology and other new releases, visit the Website of the publisher, New Page Books, at www.NewPageBooks.com.

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Top 10 Toy Safety Tips From Seattle Children’s Hospital

Seattle Children's
Image via Wikipedia

During the holiday season it is difficult to make sense of the millions of toys out there. Which ones are best for your child? Toys are supposed to be fun and are an important part of any child’s development. But each year, scores of kids are treated in hospital emergency departments for toy-related injuries. Choking is a particular risk for kids ages 3 or younger, because they tend to put objects in their mouths.

As parents are shopping for holiday gifts for their childrenDr. Tony Woodward, chief of emergency medicine at Seattle Children’s Hospital, would like to remind them of these 10 important tips on choosing safe and appropriate toys:

  • Check the labels to make sure the toy is age-appropriate and matches your child’s skill level.
  • Avoid toys with small pieces for children under age 3 – these can become choking hazards. A good rule of thumb: if it can fit in a toilet paper role, it is too small.
  • For toddlers and babies, avoid toys with metal parts, cords or strings.
  • Avoid letting young children play with toys that have magnets. Warn older children to never put magnets in their mouth.
  • For electric toys, only choose ones that say “UL Approved” – this means they have passed certain safety standards.
  • Dispose of plastic wrapping and other packaging right away.
  • Help your child understand the instructions.
  • Check toys often for damage – if a toy cannot be fixed, throw it away.
  • If you have older children, remember to keep their toys out of reach of your toddler or infant.
  • Sign up to receive recall notices on child products, including toys, from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission atwww.cpsc.gov.

For more information and tips on toy safety by age group, please visit http://www.seattlechildrens.org/pdf/ce136.pdf,

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“In 2010, I Will Teach My Child How To Be Healthy”

New Years resolutions usually benefit the person making them – and eating healthier and getting more exercise often top the list.  This year, Action for Healthy Kids encourages parents and caregivers to make a resolution to help their children get the nutrition and physical activity they need.

“Many of us set goals for personal improvement when the year begins.  What a perfect opportunity to also find ways to help our children to be more fit and to eat better,” says Rob Bisceglie, Action for Healthy Kids’ executive director.

Research indicates that physical activity and good nutrition are linked to better academic performance, in addition to better physical and mental health.  They can also help prevent and fight overweight and obesity, which currently affects one in three children in the U.S.
Parents and caregivers can make simple changes that go a long way in helping children of all ages learn to eat right, be active every day, be ready to learn, and develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Here is Action for Healthy Kids’ Five Fit and Fantastic New Years Resolutions:

# 1 – Be active as a family:  Play at the park; romp in the snow; or add an after-dinner walk to your family routine.  Look for ways to make activity part of every day. If possible, walk or ride bikes to school or the store. Go crazy doing chores – turn up the music and dance til the house is clean.

# 2 – Be a good role model:  Show your kids how to eat healthy foods by eating them yourself.  Substitute low-fat milk or water for soft drinks; eat mostly whole-grains; fill half of your plate with colorful vegetables – and eat them!

# 3 – Add more fruits and veggies to your family’s diet:  Add chopped veggies to pasta sauce or mac n’ cheese; offer low-fat/non-fat dairy or fresh fruits and veggies instead of salty or sugary snacks. No fresh?  Use frozen or canned in natural juices.  Have your kids help prepare meals; they’ll be eager to eat the food they fix.

# 4 – Offer non-food rewards:  It’s easy to reward good behavior or deeds without food.  Play a game; dance to your kids’ favorite tunes; take a trip to one of their favorite places; offer prizes from a ‘treasure box’ of stickers, pencils and small toys.

#5 – Encourage healthy practices at school:  Ask teachers and other family members to offer fruits and veggies alongside cupcakes and cookies at classroom parties.  Suggest that non-food awards, such as an extra recess period or items with the school logo, be used rather than candy or other treats. Advocate for non-food fundraisers.

Information and tips to help families with these resolutions can be found in Action for Healthy Kids’ Family Corner.

More About Action for Healthy Kids
Action for Healthy Kids® is the nation’s leading nonprofit and largest volunteer network fighting childhood obesity and undernourishment by working with schools to improve nutrition and physical activity to help our kids learn to eat right, be active every day and be ready to learn. We provide expertise, volunteers, programs and resources nationwide through a unique collaboration of thousands of professionals, parents, educators, community volunteers and students, in partnership with more than 65 professional associations, government agencies and corporations.  For more information please visit: ActionforHealthyKids.org.

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Make It Ruby Launches for Tween Girls

New online magazine shows young girls a variety of fun “how-to” projects.
MakeItRuby.com, a new online magazine for tween girls, launches today with fresh content of fun “how-to” projects for at home arts and crafts. Each DIY project contains three simple steps with materials easily found around the home, encouraging impressionable youth with the reusable, renewable, and repurposed movement for an eco-friendly and economical approach. Basic materials for Ruby’s creations are approximately $5 or under with some of the larger items available at most thrift stores.

At the heart of the site is its namesake personality, Ruby, an animated precocious tween girl who encourages her friends to be creative and have fun. She is the representation of the target audience of tween girls who love to learn, enjoy making something with their hands, and have a desire to exercise some creative energy. “We have found that many young girls are starved for content that is produced especially for them, similar to items found in shelter magazines and do-it-yourslef web sites,” comments Make It Ruby co-founder Joie Gharrity. “The market is untapped and we found a way to provide a safe environment for these young girls and their moms, and still make advertisers and partners happy.”

Gharrity, a former manager in creative development for Disney-ABC Television Group’s Stage 9 Digital Media, partnered with long-time friend John Frazier for the venture. Frazier, an art director and stylist who has worked for companies like JC Penney, Land’s End, Kellwood, and others, is the creative director for Make It Ruby. “We wanted to create a wholesome magazine full of inspiring ideas for young girls that would cost little to nothing to produce,” states Frazier. “After working with clients like JC Penney and Kellwood, we have found ways to create thrifty ideas that empower these tweens during these uncertain economic times.”

With over $40 billion in purchasing power, the children of young Baby Boomers and Gen X-ers have considerable influence in today’s market and are receiving increased attention by various companies. Their tenacious tendencies result in high use of electronics and the Internet, providing advertisers with a unique opportunity to develop their brands with this target audience. At Make It Ruby, the online magazine is rich with content with plenty of opportunities for promotional partners.

Make It Ruby, LLC
Make It Ruby is a Los Angeles-based company created to produce quality, rich content for the ever-growing tween market through a safe and fun online experience. Its first online magazine, MakeItRuby.com focuses on fun how-to’s and do-it-yourself (DIY) projects with materials easily found at home, making for a very cost-conscience approach for families experiencing some hardships during this economic climate. The company includes a management team that represents over 60s years of expertise in creative content development, publishing, marketing, design, and entertainment.
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Very Berry Holiday Tree

During the holidays, decorating the home and creating memories is high on the to-do list. This year, consider our Very Berry Holiday Tree as the perfect opportunity to craft with your children and create a beautiful custom centerpiece that is bright and delicious – at far less than the cost of flowers.  Cookbook author Tish Boyle created this step by step method with kids in mind.   No sharp knives or glue guns are needed and little hands can easily help with each step. 

This project can be completed in under an hour.

tree

Made from bright and juicy Driscoll’s strawberries that are bursting with flavor, the tree-shaped centerpiece is guaranteed to add a personal touch and a bit of health to holiday celebrations.

Driscoll’s Very Berry Holiday Tree

Makes one table centerpiece

Special equipment: 
1 green styrofoam cone (measuring 4-5 inches in diameter at the base and 12 inches high)
1 box of toothpicks

Supplies: 
4 one pound containers of fresh Driscoll strawberries
1 bunch fresh mint
1 slice from a carambola fruit (also known as star fruit)*

*Note: If you can’t find a carambola, you can use a 1-inch star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out a star shape from a mango slice instead.

Directions: 
1. Wash the strawberries and blot them dry with paper towels. Pull off the green stem from each strawberry. Reserve a perfect strawberry for the top of the ‘tree’.

2. Push a toothpick halfway into the side of the cone, about 1/2 inch from the bottom edge. Secure a strawberry to the toothpick, piercing it through the stem end. Secure another strawberry right next to the first one. Continue securing strawberries to the cone in circular rows up to its top, covering the cone completely. Secure the reserved strawberry to the top of the tree. 

3. Remove some mint leaves from the bunch of mint and tuck them between the berries, placing them at about 3-inch intervals.

4. Secure the star-shaped carambola or mango slice to the top of the cone using a toothpick.

About Tish Boyle
Tish Boyle is editor in chief of Chocolatier and Pastry Art & Design magazines. A graduate of Smith College and La Varenne Ecole de Cuisine in Paris, she has been a caterer, pastry chef, and food stylist. She is the author of The Good Cookie and Diner Desserts, and coauthor of Simply Sensational Desserts (IACP Award Winner), Chocolate Passion, and the Grand Finales series of books.

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Yahoo!’s 2009 Year in Review Reflects America’s Need to Escape and to Cope

Image representing Yahoo! as depicted in Crunc...
Image via CrunchBase

Top 10 Overall Searches for 2009

  1. Michael Jackson
  2. Twilight
  3. WWE
  4. Megan Fox
  5. Britney Spears
  6. Naruto
  7. American Idol
  8. Kim Kardashian
  9. NASCAR
  10. Runescape

More than ever before, people used mobile devices to discover new things, stay connected to people they care about and stay informed — all while on the go.  Mobile devices emerged as essential and indispensible to the lives of many Americans.

Top 10 Yahoo! Mobile Searches for 2009

  1. Megan Fox
  2. Mobile Games
  3. Michael Jackson
  4. Movies
  5. Rihanna
  6. Mail
  7. Lady Gaga
  8. NFL
  9. Ringtones
  10. iPhone

As the unsteady U.S. economy continued to dominate national headlines in 2009, Americans scoured the Web for anything related to finding new jobs, going back to school, saving money, and learning how to start their own businesses. President Obama’s stimulus plan caused many people to ask questions and turn to the Web for answers. And strong interest in Bernard Madoff’s infamy was confirmed in widespread Searches on Yahoo!.

Top 10 Economy-Related Searches for 2009

  1. Coupons
  2. Unemployment
  3. Stimulus Plan
  4. Cash for Clunkers
  5. Student Loans
  6. IRS Refund
  7. Foreclosures
  8. Government Jobs
  9. Bernard Madoff
  10. Health Care Bill

President Obama made headlines nearly every day. People turned to Yahoo! to learn more about his transition from his campaign, which had been a huge story in the 2008 Year in Review, to his actual swearing-in as the 44th president of the United States.

Top Obama Searches for 2009

1.     Obama Inauguration

2.     Obama Biography

3.     Obama Speech

4.     Obama Stimulus Plan

5.     Obama Family

6.     Obama Health Care Reform

7.     Obama Approval Ratings

8.     Obama Facebook

9.     Obama Overseas (a roundup of his numerous travels)

10.  Obama Dramas (a roundup of controversies)

Deaths of well-known personalities often trigger Searches on Yahoo! about the circumstances of the death and the person’s relationships, memorials, and biographies. This year saw its share of celebrity deaths.

Top 10 Celebrity Farewell Searches for 2009

  1. Michael Jackson
  2. Farrah Fawcett
  3. Patrick Swayze
  4. Natasha Richardson
  5. Jett Travolta
  6. Billy Mays
  7. David Carradine
  8. Steve McNair
  9. Jade Goody
  10. Ted Kennedy

We also saw that, as information travels at hyperspeed on the Web, the cycle of fame, fortune, downfall, and redemption can occur within days. People turned to Yahoo! to escape and indulge in some guilty pleasures by following these overnight sensations’ every move.

Top 10 Sudden-Fame Searches for 2009

  1. Jon & Kate Gosselin
  2. Erin Andrews
  3. Susan Boyle
  4. Kris Allen & Adam Lambert
  5. Nadya Suleman
  6. Carrie Prejean
  7. Governor Mark Sanford
  8. Portuguese Water Dog
  9. Falcon Heene
  10. Sonia Sotomayor

People’s fascination with science continued in 2009 as we saw a frightening virus spread like wildfire, a computer worm affect millions of PCs, and natural disasters devastate the Asia-Pacific region.

Top 10 Science-Related Searches for 2009

  1. Swine Flu/H1N1
  2. Solar Eclipse
  3. Perseid Meteor Shower
  4. Conficker Worm
  5. NASA Space Shuttle
  6. Tsunami
  7. Stem Cell
  8. Bermuda Triangle
  9. Climate Change
  10. Hubble Space Telescope

The Year in Review also looked at the most-searched sports teams/athletes, music artists, and politicians.

Top 10 Searched Sports Teams/Athletes for 2009

  1. Dallas Cowboys
  2. Manny Pacquiao
  3. Maria Sharapova
  4. Danica Patrick
  5. New York Yankees
  6. Los Angeles Lakers
  7. Gina Carano
  8. Pittsburgh Steelers
  9. Anna Kournikova
  10. Serena Williams

Top 10 Searched Music Artists for 2009

  1. Michael Jackson
  2. Britney Spears
  3. Beyonce
  4. Miley Cyrus
  5. Rihanna
  6. Lady Gaga
  7. Taylor Swift
  8. Jessica Simpson
  9. Mariah Carey
  10. Vanessa Hudgens

Top 10 Searched Politicians for 2009

  1. Barack Obama (more than double the next contender)
  2. Sarah Palin
  3. George W. Bush
  4. Hillary Clinton
  5. Arnold Schwarzenegger
  6. Nancy Pelosi
  7. Ted Kennedy
  8. Corazon Aquino
  9. Prince William
  10. Charlie Wilson

New to Yahoo!’s 2009 Year in Review, people can tweet their own top moments of 2009 and have an opportunity to win an iPod touch with a $100 iTunes gift card. Learn more:http://yearinreview.yahoo.com/2009/moments

Yahoo! has created a Year in Review Rewind video. Check it out here: http://yearinreview.yahoo.com

To find out more about the Yahoo! 2009 Year in Review and other top searches, go to http://yearinreview.yahoo.com or search for “2009 Year in Review” on Yahoo.com.

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Yahoo!’s annual Year in Review

With 2009 coming to a close, Yahoo!’s annual Year in Review takes a look back at the top trends and searches from the past year.  Previously dominated by Britney Spears, 2009 brought her fall from the No. 1 position to No. 5, behind Michael Jackson, the book and film series “Twilight,” World Wrestling Entertainment, and rising actress Megan Fox.

Top 10 Overall Searches for 2009

  1. Michael Jackson
  2. Twilight
  3. WWE
  4. Megan Fox
  5. Britney Spears
  6. Naruto
  7. American Idol
  8. Kim Kardashian
  9. NASCAR
  10. Runescape

In addition to the Top Overall searches, Yahoo! takes a deeper look into the Top Mobile searches to see the difference in how consumers look for information on the go versus sitting at a computer.
Top 10 Yahoo! Mobile Searches for 2009

  1. Megan Fox
  2. Mobile Games
  3. Michael Jackson
  4. Movies
  5. Rihanna
  6. Mail
  7. Lady Gaga
  8. NFL
  9. Ringtones
  10. iPhone

The Year in Review also looked at the most-searched business success stories and top Science searches.

Top 10 Business-Success Searches for 2009

  1. Facebook
  2. Twitter
  3. Hulu
  4. Bing
  5. iPhone
  6. LinkedIn
  7. Dollar Stores
  8. Palm Pre
  9. Rosetta Stone
  10. Kindle

Top 10 Science-Related Searches for 2009

  1. Swine Flu/H1N1
  2. Solar Eclipse
  3. Perseid Meteor Shower
  4. Conficker Worm
  5. NASA Space Shuttle
  6. Tsunami
  7. Stem Cell
  8. Bermuda Triangle
  9. Climate Change
  10. Hubble Space Telescope

Today Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ:YHOO) announced its 2009 Year in Review (http://yearinreview.yahoo.com), which highlights the top Searches and trends on Yahoo!. The annual review, which accounts for billions of Searches, is a distinct way to look at people’s interests and to identify the ways they use the Web to find information and breaking news as it happens.

In 2009, the Web was an integral part of the news cycle as people rushed online to get updates about topics as diverse as the economy, foreclosures, Michael Jackson, unemployment, “Jon & Kate Plus 8,” and health care. And Yahoo! was the No. 1 ranked destination for people to get information that mattered to them most, whether they got the information from their computers or their mobile phones.

As the recession entered its second year, we saw old-fashioned thrift become a necessity, as those lucky enough to have jobs and homes scrimped, saved, and “stay-cationed”. People rolled up their sleeves and dug in to shift from crisis to survival, and went online to make sense of the seeming chaos around them by tracking stories (and welcoming distractions) throughout the year.

“We saw consumers escape to the Web hoping to pursue news and their guilty pleasures: vampires, political implosions, how to moonwalk — you name it, people went online to find it,” said Vera Chan, a Yahoo! Search trend analyst. “And with economic uncertainty looming, people looked for ways to find stability by searching the Web for new jobs, unemployment benefits, and ways to save through old-fashioned coupon hunting.”

The King of Pop knocked the pop princess off her Search perch in 2009. Britney Spears — who dominated Yahoo!’s Top 10 Overall Searches for the past four years —dropped from the No. 1 position to No. 5 this year, behind Michael Jackson, the book and film series “Twilight,”  World Wrestling Entertainment, and rising star Megan Fox. Michael Jackson’s death broke many records on Yahoo!. His memorial was the single most streamed event in Yahoo!’s history,  with five million total streams. The popularity of “Twilight” hit an all-time high in 2009 — with every “Twilight” book, DVD, and soundtrack release; and with every piece of cast gossip, massive numbers of “Twilighters” went online to search for more.



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Celeb Baby Item: Kobe Bryant’s Kids Stay Bundled up While Watching Daddy Shoot Hoops and Out on the Town with Mom, Vanessa!

kobe

Celebrity kids have amazing style, thanks to their ever so posh parents! However, with celebrities busy schedules and the amount of time pro-athletes spend traveling; it’s hard to take the time to get to all their favorite children’s clothing stores. That’s why Vanessa Bryant, Kobe ’s stunning wife makes sure their little ones stay bundled up and ready for the winter weather by purchasing their cloths at www.peachandplum.com!

kobe1

Sticking exclusively to European high fashion, the Bryant kids will be wearing Monnalisa and Sonia Rykiel infant styles. Vanessa purchased two of the below items which are available exclusively at www.peachandplum.com.

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