They're heerree! Well, they have really been here about a year, but the state now requires stores to only sell the new, slower-burning cigarettes. As of midnight, retailers must get the old cigarettes off shelves and now stock the self-extinguishing ones.

Experts say the fire safe cigarettes will be an extra safegaurd against accidentally starting a house fire. In 2006, about 500 residential fires were blamed on cigarettes, along with 10 deaths. 

Smokers are mixed on the new cigarettes. Some don't like the taste, others don't like that the smoke goes out easily on it's own. But, most agree the cigarettes will save lives. Those stores that don't stop selling the old cigarettes could be fined.

Researchers in Michigan have found that kids who are spanked up to the age of six are more likely to become happy, successful adults than kids who were never spanked. I don't know if I was spanked or not, but I was certainly swatted a few times and it had a great impact on my behavior. But these six words my mom would often utter made me straighten up faster than any swat on the rear. "Wait until your dad comes home." Just the threat of being spanked worked wonders.

So does spanking work? Can it really make for a more successful, happy life? You make the call.

It must be hard to imagine what this week will be like for the family of Garland Police Officer, Michael Moore. Moore's killer is set to be executed in Huntsville, Thursday. Kenneth Mosley shot Officer Moore to death during an attempted robbery in 1997.

This week, Moore's family will get the chance to witness the result of justice, but it is unclear if they will. One man who says he will be there is former prosecutor, Jason January. January says he wants to follow the case through. He was instrumental in sending Mosely to death row. For January it will not be a time of celebration, but he says he can't help but compare the deaths: Moore died in a violent manner and he says Mosley will die a very clinical death, by lethal injection. 

OK, admit it. North Texans may not be experting about protecting pipes from freezing temperatures, but we all better get wise quick, because the cold weather is coming.

First, experts say leave the water running inside that will help. Also, open cabinet doors to let the heat inside near the pipes. Outside, you need to wrap any exposed pipes, like the faucet. You can buy a styrofoam protector, or just use an old sweat shirt and duct tape.

Also, make sure the freeze guard is working on the pool and if not, leave the pump on. Those are just a few simple steps, but I am told if you don't do them you could be in for some expensive problems. 

Not really, but there is a new study that suggests teens who sleep 5 hours or less are in jeopardy of having mental issues. A sleep study in the January issue of Sleep found that teens who normally sleep fewer than 5 hours a night are 71% more likely to be depressed. 24% were more likely to have suicidal thoughts.

I'm blessed, I've never had trouble sleeping, in fact, waking up is my problem. We interviewed a sleep doctor at Children's Medical Center in Dallas who gave us some great suggestions to get your teens to sleep better.

1: Get them up and outside in the sunlight early.

2: Sleep in a dark room.

3: Go to bed and get up at the same time, seven days a week.

If those tips don't work, I've got something that will really work: Read my blog every night just before bedtime.

Both have their strongpoints, but I'll have to admit that I prefer hot weather over cold weather. Here is my reasoning. I know what to wear in hot weather and it's easier to work in hot weather. Cold weather is simply more of a hassle. How heavy of a coat do I need? Should I layer? Here's the real dealbreaker: I hate to constantly put my gloves on and off. In the summer, I know exactly what to wear before I even go out the door.

I actually enjoy cold weather if I'm not working. Staying home and watching it snow, hail or sleet is actually kind of comforting. I won't be that fortunate tonight, I'll be the guy on TV with the coat and gloves telling viewers it's cold outside. Now start the cold vs. heat debate. See you tonight.

It appears you helped a Plano Food Pantry re-open before expected.  Minnie's Food Pantry lost six dumpsters worth of food on Christmas Eve when part of its roof fell in.  It was closed for nearly two weeks, but is now back in business.

Watch the story and hear the founder's gratitude here on line.

Good job!!! 

Another reason not to like really, really cold weather: I parked in the driveway last night so that if it got icy, I could drive my wife to work. My wife parked in the garage because sometimes the sloped driveway is so slick, she can't get out. So here is what happened: It rained, then froze and my SUV was encased in ice. I couldn't even open my doors. My wife? She pulled out of the garage and off to work she went. See what happens when you try to do the rigth thing in cold weather?

How odd it was today to visit the Fort Worth Zoo and not see a single visitor. Usually there is a gaggle of people trying to get a gander at the giraffe or a flurry of folks taking a peak at the elephants. But, not today.

It was simply too cold and too cold for the animals. Almost all of the animals are locked away in heated pens. Zoo officials say african mammals can't take the cold. With the temperatures this low even some animals that tolerate some cold, like deer, have to be put inside.

Visitors who do brave the cold will get a very good look at the gorillas, which are holed up inside. Today, through the glass enclosure we could see two females and the male very close up. I won't mention the disgusting thing the male kept doing. It was just too gross even for a blog posting.

One last tidbit, if you do brave the cold. The Dallas Zoo offers half-price admission when the temperature drops below 40 degrees.

With that in mind, I offer you this: I am a 49ers fan. Always have been, always will be. I've lived in DFW now for ten years and I really, really like it here. When I arrived, I did not like the Cowboys and I still don't HOWEVER, I'm finding it harder and harder to root against them. They seem like a great group of guys. How do you not like Tony Romo, Miles Austin or any other player? Not only that, but my friends are all Cowboy fans. I don't like to see them in misery.

So I've come to this conclusion: The Cowboys can win every game they play, unless they're playing the 49ers or are in the Super Bowl. If the 49ers win a 6th Super Bowl, it's okay if the Cowboys follow up with a 6th Super Bowl win.

Fair enough? I'm glad I got that off my chest. I feel so much better.

The North Texas cold snap is taking a toll on homeowners.  Some forgot to wrap their outdoor pipes or chose to take their chances with Mother Nature.  Others didn't know pipes in the ceiling or attic could be equally as dangerous.

Plumbers stayed busy today also, scrambling to meet the increased demand.  Watch the two worlds collide (among other things) online here at The33TV.  It was a busy day today.

ps.  Bring in your pets!!!  Even the cows and horses!

If you read my Friday post, you'll understand how hard this is for me to say: The Cowboys looked REALLY good on Saturday. Again, this is coming from a 49ers fan, but honesty is the best policy.

Like I said on Friday, it's okay for the Cowboys to win a playoff game or two, just not a 6TH Super Bowl before the 49ers. So I'll jump on the gravy train and hope it stops just short of Miami. Honesty is the best policy, but then again, it also hurts.

It belongs to the Atkinson family of Carrollton; now YOU can borrow their ideas!

The Atkinsons are a smart, funny, close-knit family who has found themselves temporarily "down" in this recession, but certainly not "out". 

At the moment, both parents are unemployed.  Between them, the parents have been laid off four times in four years.  He is in sales & marketing.  She is a school teacher.  Their kids are working to help contriubte and the family's bottom line and together they've found ways to stay positive and make saving money (almost) fun.  Here goes:  (FULL DISCLOSURE: I've added my own comments.  Couldn't help trying to glam on to their good thing!!) 

*Shop garage sales.  Kim (mom) got a $25 real Louis Vuitton purse from an upscale unload.

*Clip coupons.  (I still love trying to cut exactly along the dotted line.  See who can find the best deals!)

*Have a frugal family night (Think Happy Hour and High School sporting events.)

*Concentrate on what really matters (It ain't money.  News flash: It's "who" you are, not what you have.)

*Reflect (Even their daughter says it's a benefit to make do with what you have and her closet got way more crowded when they downsized!)

*Stay positive.  (Did you not read any of the above?)

Can you add to this list?  You know I always want to hear from you.  Make me proud.  Send your success story.  I might "steal" your ideas too!

And maybe that's a healthy thing. Researchers at the University of Oxford in England have found that fat in the booty, thighs and hips may actually be healthy. They found that the fat in those areas release good hormones that appear to protect against diabetes and heart disease. That fat around the waist? It's still bad for your because, according to scientists, it releases substances that are bad and increase chances of getting diabetes and heart disease.

Here's the bottom line, no pun intended. All fat is not created equal.

You know it's the next big thing. "Avatar" has made $1 billion since it's release, much of it in 3D. Now TV makers are eyeing the newfound popularity of 3D by making 3D TV's. But here's the catch: 3D movies, in the theater or at home can cause headaches and nausea. That's according to eye doctors. They say if you're eyes are imbalanced, the 3D images can make your eyes and brain work to hard and BINGO, you have a headache.

I've never been to a 3D movie and I'd like to hear from you. Ever got a headache after watching a 3D movie? Join the conversation and I'll see you tomorrow.  

We all should be aware of how dangerous too much sun can be but at the same time understand that it can also be good for us. That's what doctors are saying. According to a study 69% of kids between the ages of 6 and 11 are deficient in vitamin D. Some of it's because a lack of sunshine and the healthy fear parents have to protect their kids from sun damage.

Experts say kids needs about 400 units of vitamin D every day. Double that, plus some for adults. Most of the vitamin D deficiency problem is due to diet and can be fixed by eating the proper foods. Since this is your full service blog, click to newslinks of the front page and check out more than 400 foods that are rich in vitamin D. Most of them actually taste good!

It hasn't received much attention, but there is a proposal in the health care overhaul plan that would require married couples, who use government subsidized health insurance, pay more than singles who live together.

If you think that smacks of being unfair, you aren't alone. If the plan passes in the final version, married couples could pay thousands more for the same coverage. Some are asking will that dissuade some people from getting married? Depending on the price tag it just might in a recession. 

Bottom line is that some are hoping when it comes to this proposal, lawmakers will say, "I don't".

NEWSFLASH! I think we pretty much all knew this but a new study by Manhattan Research found that the internet has surpassed doctors as the most popular health resource.

Move over doctors? Not really. People are using the internet to reseach prescription drugs and compare the costs of certain drugs and services. Hospitals are making sure the information the public is getting is accurate. Here in DFW, Baylor, Parkland, Texas Health Resources and others are putting health information on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.

Hospital officials say nothing can replace a one-on-one visit with your doctor, but when you visit, you'll be armed with good information.

So, you want a ticket to the big Super Bowl game at Cowboys Stadium in 2011? Better have a good dose of luck on your side or a big wad of cash. Experts say there will be tickets available, if you are willing to pay $4,000-8000 per ticket.

If that is a little too rich for your blood try this less expensive method, that does require some good fortune. You can send a ticket request via certified or registered mail, beginning February 1st through June 1st. Those selected will have the opportunity to purchase two tickets at face value. Only one request per address is accepted. Be sure to cross your finger, the NFL is expected to draw about 500-1000 names in a random lottery.

Here is the address:

Super Bowl Random Drawing

P.O. Box 49140

Strongville, OH 44149-0140

A team of doctors and support staff went to Haiti and operated on about 300 people. Most of the victims need a limb to be amputated in order to save their life. We interviewed a support staff member who had never been in an operating or emergency room. What a shock that was for him. We had him take one of our cameras to document his experience, it's one he says he'll never forget. The images of death were everywhere and it's changed the way he looks at life.

We have it pretty good here, maybe that's why people like the person we interviewed feel compelled to help. Even in dire economic times, there is still enough good in the land of mild and honey to spread around.

Kids these days! They really love their new media. I'm talking computers, smart phones and TV's. Not that TV viewing is new, but it's still the big daddy among new media. According to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids between the ages of 8 and 18 spend nearly eight hours a day using new media. That's up nearly nearly two hours from five years ago.

I'll admit, it can be addicting. If you are an information freak like myself, you can easily spend way too much time on the internet. I'm not a teen but if I see something I find interesting, I just have to snoop around and learn everything I can about it. I'm not proud of that. It's not productive other than filling my head with pretty much useless information.

I think the key is spending quality time on the internet. Now excuse me while I snoop around and see if the SF Giants have spent any money on players this year.

See what I mean? I could be up all night reading about this.

Okay, so having just gotten married four years ago, you'd think I'd know them by heart: money-saving wedding tips.

But, alas, I don't.  Please don't ask me if it's because my memory is bad or because I didn't utilize the money-saving tips at my own wedding.  I don't want to talk about it.  (Read: I'm still paying off my wedding).

So, I borrowed some very good tips from (clearly) better qualified people than I.  Here goes:

http://weddingblog.savvy-cafe.com/

http://weddings.about.com/od/weddingplanningtools/tp/Costcutters.htm

http://www.ourdreamwedding.com/index.cfm?page=wedding_budget_1&crid=9

http://wedding-planning.suite101.com/article.cfm/money_saving_wedding_gown_tips

The Imperva company, a data security firm, announced the release of study analyzing 32 million passwords recently exposed in a massive security breach.

The report identifies the most commonly used passwords:

Hollywood couldn't write a better story than that of Nick Donias. The recent Keller graduate was living a dual life while a senor at Fossil Ridge High School. He was an "A" student, student body president, track star by day; but at night he was sleeping his car and bumming food from friends. Donias was homeless.

Two years later, Donias who is now a sophomore at Brown University is sharing his story of tears to triumph. He hopes to encourage other teens who are living secret lives to come forward. He is also encouraging even the poorest of teenagers to strive to go to college. He says his dreams of going to an Ivy League school saved him and now he hopes to do the same for others. 

Watch my story at the33tv.com

Tonight is television at it's best. It's always there to inform, that's what we do in the news department and there's plenty of entertainment and educational stuff on the tube. But tonight the nationally televised 'Hope for Haiti Now' is what TV should do more of. Haiti has been in the middle of most things bad lately, hurricanes, earthquakes and eternal economic strife. Tonight, viewers can donate what they can to help the quake victims in Haiti. I hope the telethon raised a bunch of money. What a lineup of stars to entertain and request donations? How can you deny Tom Hanks?

Imagine if TV donated it's precious time once a year for whatever the need is at the moment. Raise millions to reduce the national debt or save animals in the shelters. Whatever. Americans love to pitch in, we decide and then donate.

Who says TV viewing is a waste of time? Telethons are TV at it's best.

It is a question being answered by prosecutors across the country who are seeing a slew of "sexting" cases come across their desks. It is a growing, trend involving sending explicit email or text messages. Prosecutors now have to decide if the texts that sometimes contain nudity are simply a youthful mistake or a crime.

Tarrant County prosecutors will see another case, involving Keller middle school students next week. The students at Hillwood Middle School were caught sending graphic messages. They could face misdemeanor or even felony charges. Some parents struggle with the thought of charging teens and altering their lives over a racy message. But others say the texts could border on obscenity or even pornography.

It is a dilemna that all of us will be hearing more about because it appears "sexting" for now isn't going away. Watch my story at the33tv.com

That bathroom scale has never been your best friend, now it turns out it's also a liar. Mayo Clinic researchers studied more than 6,000 Americans and found that even people who had normal Body Mass Index number, many of them still had an unhealthy amount of fat.

Doctors say that lead to heart disease. We talked to a girl who has been an athlete her entire life. She's 5' 8" tall and used to run marathons. At the time she weighed 116 pounds. She calls it 'skinny fat." Mayo Clinic researchers call it 'normal weight obesity." She's now lifting weights and weighs 142 pounds and her BMI is somewhere between 11 and 14, actually lower than when she weighed 116 pounds.

Bottom line? Never believe what you read, especially the bathroom scale.

Tweeters are mocking the new iPad name with very funny 'iTampon' tweets. Here's a collection of the most funny iTampon Tweets I found on Twitter today!


Funny iPad Mocking Tweets:

@BruinGirl2001: Will the next version of the #ipad come w/wings? will there be a model called the #itampon?

@wendymolyneux I'm already going through like 4 or 5 iPads a day because of my heavy workflow

@sarahk47: The iChastityBelt will come with a password instead of a key.

@fastcompany: iPad not the first choice for women. Period. http://bit.ly/dAvVsV

@parisiensalon: The new iPad was definitely designed for women in mind. It comes in 3 sizes: regular, super and maxi.

@zombieshark: It makes me happy that #itampon is the top trending topic. I like knowing that we collectively as a people are twelve years old.

@Yoni seriously though, iPad is the worst naming decision since "attack of the clones."

@jellobean113: Who needs an iPad when you can just use an #iTampon?

@hagbardc: Is it just me, or is everytime Obama says "Jobs" really funny given the events of earlier today in re: the iPad?

@iamtourmalet: #Apple needs to rename the #iPad How about the #MaxiPad instead? It comes in three sizes too!

@TheMissus: Every time someone says iPad, I just think they're from Boston.

This comes from a study at the University of Pittsburgh. It's kind of one of those no-brainer studies that you just have to do to make sure. Anyway, they studied nearly 300 mothers who had given birth. The women were between the ages of 45 and 58 and what researchers discovered was nothing short of amazing. The women who breastfed their babies were less likely to develop heart disease later in life.

A doctor we interveiwed boiled it down to this: Women who don't breastfeed their babies have a hard time losing their baby-weight and therefore are at increased risk of developing heart disease. The doctor said the simple act of breastfeeding consumes a lot of energy and moms who breastfeed lose their baby-weight faster.

Bottome line? We always knew breastfeeding was good for babies, now doctors are pretty sure it's also good for a moms heart.

It's estimated that as many as 40 million Americans suffer from form of anxiety. That's a lot of people, so many that SMU is teaming up with the Univesity of Boston and Harvard Medical School to find ways to enhnance already utilized therapies.

We met a girl who suddenly developed an anxiety about crowded spaces, like elevators or packed rooms. She went through the eight-week program and now has no anxiety. The program uses some medicines that help patients remember therapies which makes them face their fears. Our interview subject can now pack into a crowded elevator and no longer dodges restaurants and clubs that are filled with people. Her high anxiety is now so low it doesn't exist.

http://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/

So, you have probably seen the video of the woman being attacked in a Dallas parking lot. It is very difficult to watch, but worth seeing if you are a woman. Self-Defense experts say there are lessons to be learned in watching the video.

Also, the woman who was attacked says she is receiving hundreds of emails from women who say her story has inspired them to be safer. 

In the meanwhile, we all can review safety tips. Here is a Top Ten List from Nick Chamberlain of Chamberlain Studios in Dallas, who trains women in protecting themselves. 

www.dallaskenpo.com/womens_self_defense/chamberlain_studios_womens_self_defense_%20program_brochure.pdf

Be sure to watch my story for the security video at the33tv.com

Back. You thought I was going to write something else, right? Anyway, I had an interesting story today out of the University of California at San Diego. Researchers there gave backpacks to eight kids, all about eleven years old. The backpacks ranged from empty to thirty pounds. They used an MRI to measure the packs inpact on the kids' spines. Guess what? The heavier the backpack the more disc compression, spine curvature and pain.

We interviewed a Baylor-Carrollton pediatrician who says some kids complain of backpain, then drop a 40-pound bag full of books on the examination room floor. Kids in the 4th grade are coming in. 4th grade!

We also interviewed a Hebron High School freshman volleyball player who's backpack weighs about 30-pounds, as you might imagine, her back hurts.

All of this leads me to wonder why in this high tech world we live in, why aren't there applications that students can use on their smartphones? Ditch the books and go digital. Imagine a handheld device that allows students to easily move from history to math to science to english? Wait, I think I know why it hasn't been done yet. It's probably too expensive. If you think that's expensive, wait until we see the medical bills.

That is the question facing lawmakers, everywhere. Many are struggling with the idea of banning texting while driving. So far, 19 states have outlawed the practice; another 23 are considering it.

Texas is not among those states. The legislature did ban texting and talking in school zones last year. But, the lawmaker who sponsored the bill in the house says it was tough to get that through. Many Texans, it seems, like their freedom. So what do you think? Share some texting nightmare stories with me.