The iPod turns 10

You'd be forgiven for forgetting the iPod's 10th birthday. You might want to make the effort, though, as the iconic media player's days are in all likelihood numbered.

Introduced to the world on October 23, 2001, we were all a little too shell-shocked by 9/11 to pay much attention to Apple's first portable music player. Sure, the company had already sealed its return from near-death with its colourful iMacs, but the first Apple Store had opened only earlier that year, and Apple cultists hadn't yet perfected the art of lining up around the block for days to be the first to snap up Apple's latest gadget.

That first $399 U.S., 5 gigabyte iPod was a relatively expensive, lower-capacity alternative to competing devices already being sold by companies like Archos, Creative Labs and Rio. It was also a Mac-only proposition, as Windows compatibility wouldn't arrive until 2002. The iTunes Music Store that allowed online purchase and distribution went live a year after that.

Jennifer Lopez Amazes Vegas Crowd in Tight, Sexy Red Dress

Jennifer Lopez Amazes Vegas Crowd in Tight, Sexy Red Dress

Work it, J-Lo!

Jennifer Lopez showed off her figure in a tight, sexy red dress during her performance Saturday in Las Vegas at the iHeartRadio Music Festival. Just two months after splitting with hubby Marc Anthony, the 42-year-old glammed things up with bejeweled fishnet tights and a red feather cape.

Hot, high-paying career sectors

In today's labour market, a well-paid, lucrative job may sound like wishful thinking. We have all heard grim stories of unsuccessful job hunting, but the news is not all dire. According to career site PayScale.com, the good news is that certain industries are still offering fast growing jobs in this otherwise slow-growth economy.

Not all jobs are 'hot,' but those looking to start a new career might be helped by looking specifically at certain jobs that pay well in growing industries. These jobs are largely specialized roles that require dedication and are traditionally available to those with a bachelor's degree.

The following list uses data from PayScale to rank the top 10 jobs in terms of the pay you will receive after you have gained some years of experience, the necessary education (traditionally a bachelor's degree), the job's commonness and the years of experience that it will take to reach your plateau.

Mechanical Engineer - $73,200 After Three Years Experience
For people just starting their careers, mechanical engineering is a good place to begin because it is one of the broadest and most in-demand of the engineering disciplines. In short, mechanical engineers use science and mathematics to plan and design tools, engines and machines. Many of these engineers work in manufacturing - chiefly for companies that make primary and fabricated materials, machinery and electrical and transportation equipment. Others work for government agencies, colleges and universities, and consulting firms.

The Top Trends in Fall Shoes

This year, fall shoe trends aren’t terribly dissimilar from years past. If anything, the trend is that designers are putting new twists on previously popular styles. Like what? See five of our favorites below—which incorporate more than one trend in a single style, giving you even more bang for your fall-fashion buck!


Chunky Heels

Steve Madden "Sarrina"

Steve Madden "Sarrina"

If you’re over last year’s stiletto trend, or just want a more stable heel to help you navigate fall’s wet sidewalks, you can rejoice that chunky heels are making a comeback. Snag the look (as well as fall’s suede trend) with Steve Madden’s “Sarrina,” which is available in six colors from Zappos ($100).

Can eating apples prevent a stroke?

apples.jpg


As many of us are increasingly mindful of the impact our diet has on our health, here's something else to consider: A new Dutch study has concluded that eating apples, pears, bananas, cauliflowers, cucumbers and other fruits and vegetables with white flesh can help prevent a stroke.

Why? The CBC reports -- "Apples, pears, bananas may prevent stroke" -- that these white-flesh foods are particularly high in dietary fibre and flavonoids, which provide antioxidants. The 10-year study included 20,000 adults and examined the relationship between stroke risk and four colour groups for produce: green (dark leafy vegetables); orange yellow (citrus fruits); red purple (red vegetables); and white. This risk of stroke was evidently lower among those who claimed a higher intake of white vegetables.

3 fat-burning snacks to pack in your bag

I never leave home without snacks in my bag. If an appetite emergency strikes, I’m ready. Of course, just because I have a snack doesn’t mean I need to eat it. Munching when you’re not really hungry can rack up lots of extra calories. (Must read: 10 ways to snack smarter.) But judicious use of the right snacks can boost your calorie burn (every time you eat, your metabolic rate increases slightly) and even help you blast fat. Here are three portable snack options packed with fat-burning ingredients:

Lady Gaga’s younger sister speaks out about Gaga’s fashion

Teen Vogue

Considering how seriously Lady Gaga takes herself, it's kind of refreshing to read Teen Vogue's new interview with Gaga's 19-year-old younger sister Natali Germanotta.

Natali -- an aspiring fashion designer who is currently studying at Parsons The New School for Design -- has a pretty wry sense of humor when it comes to her sister's penchant for completely weird clothing.

Natali on Gaga's outfits: "Some of the stuff she wears I'd be like, 'No, never.'"

Would she ever want to style Gaga? "[Gaga] changes 50 times a day," she responded, "exasperated."

But this doesn't mean she doesn't support her pop star sister's sartorial proclivities. Last year Gaga checked in with Natali before dressing for her high school graduation.

Celine Dion talks twins on ‘Good

Canadian icon Celine Dion stepped away from the Caesars Palace stage yesterday to talk family on "Good Morning America." The star brought along footage from her new documentary, which features her husband/manager, Rene Angelil, and their three sons.

"When you have children, it gives you a sense of your life," said Dion, who has a 10-year-old son, Rene Charles, and 11-month-old twins, Nelson and Eddie. Dion was very public with her struggle to get pregnant, using the assistance of in-vitro fertilization for both pregnancies.

"[Having children] is the biggest gift that you can offer yourself," the singer told "GMA" anchor Robin Roberts.

Dr. Oz's three easy ways to fight fat (without even trying)

Woman drinking smoothie


These three tips will help you fight aging and stay healthy and slim.

1. Practise healthy substitutions (and control portions at the same time!)

This strategy's a no-brainer. Simply eat small amounts of a healthier version of whatever you crave most. So if cola's what you're in the mood for, make it a low-calorie spritzer with soda water and a splash of fruit juice. Another good strategy is to keep prepacked healthy snacks around at all times, such as a can of vegetable juice, a baggie of nuts or a piece of fruit to satisfy sweet cravings. The easier it is for you to make healthy choices, the more success you'll have.

5 Celebrity Body Secrets

Jennifer Lopez - Marie Claire

Jennifer Lopez - Marie Claire

Jennifer Lopez - Marie Claire

1. Eat! One big mistake women make is severely cutting calories, which slows your metabolism and makes you feel deprived. The result? You binge and gain weight.


2. When you're doing any kind of athletic movement--jumping, lunging, lifting weights--never lock your elbows or knees. Keep them slightly "soft" (but not floppy) to prevent joint injury.

3. MUST-DO MOVE: Upper-body twist

TARGETS: Obliques (sides of stomach)

HOW TO DO IT: Sit on a mat or rug with your knees bent and your feet flexed. Lean back slightly (at a 45-degree angle). Now reach across your body with your right hand, as though you're grabbing something on your left, then reach to the right with your left hand. Do 10 reps (five on each side), rest for 30 seconds, then do two more.

Best Costumes For Halloween: How to Use a Grey Wig to Spruce up your Halloween Costume

There are only a few months left before Halloween comes around and many people are already planning their costumes. There are literally thousands of costumes to choose from, and picking a costume can be a daunting task. Do you happen to have an old grey wig lying around or have you seen a grey wig at a costume shop that you really like but you don't know exactly what to do with it? If so, read on and explore the myriad of possibilities that a grey wig can open up.

If you are interested in anime and you have a grey wig that you want to use for a Halloween costume, then take a closer look at your wig. Take note of how long or short it is, what shade of grey it is and whether the wig has curly or straight hair. Now, look up your favourite anime online and browse though the character pictures. Look for an anime character with hair that more or less matches the wig you have. If you find a character you like, then you can build your costume around that. You can also use this method for other cartoons or whatever your favorite show is.

One of the easiest things to do with a grey wig is to dress up as an old person. Granny (Gray) Bun Wig Adult

Elderly couple, Bruce and Esther Huffman, become Internet hit without knowing it

Some young people go to extreme lengths trying to become Internet sensations, but an elderly couple has achieved that without even trying. In fact, they didn't even know the video was recording when they made it.

Less than a month ago, Bruce and Esther Huffman, who live in a retirement community in Oregon, upgraded to a new laptop. They got an Aqua One because Esther liked the colour.

Their granddaughter tried to teach them how to use the new webcam and must have done some things correctly because the couple managed to record themselves. They just didn't know it.

Dr. Oz shares: The top weight-loss mistakes and how to avoid them

With summer's warm, activity-friendly days coming to a close and fall's homey coziness upon us, most of  us experience a lull in our exercise regimens and a leap in our scale numbers around this time of year. 

But, if you're careful, staying fit and healthy during the colder months doesn't have to be a challenge. In this video, Dr. Oz outlines the most common weight loss mistakes and offers advice on keeping your  health up and your weight down through a sluggish autumn—and beyond.

The 2 healthiest oils to cook with, 2 to skip

For health reasons, many people—me included—have traded butter for oil. But there are lots of oil options out there and some are healthier than others. So which ones are best? Here are two to pick and two to skip:

Butter or Margarine: Which Is Healthier?

Top oils to buy
If you have limited pantry space and a limited budget, these two oils will cover your basic cooking and baking needs.

1. Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Why buy extra-virgin olive oil: Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat and research shows that monounsaturated fats help keep “bad” LDL cholesterol low and boost levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. In addition, extra-virgin olive oil is high in antioxidants called polyphenols that have been linked to heart health.

Best Costumes For Halloween: Choose Women Costume for Your Halloween Party

A Halloween costume party is one event that everybody looks forward to because of amazing women costume themes that come to the forefront.  The masquerade ball is oftentimes a blast with women out-dressing one another.   Do you plan to attend Halloween and do not know what to wear? The following are some of the scariest women costume themes that you can adopt:

Devil Themes
A snarky, dark make-up can lend a devilish glint into your face to complete your flowing, dark outfit.  Women costume with the Devil theme can be scary when accompanied by the proper make up. A trident in your right hand is a perfect accessory for the gleeful smile in your face.  Your makeup should emphasize the eyes and the ears. As a devil, you should snarl and not smile.

5 Embarrassing Health Questions—Answered

Bothersome bladder problems, alarming odors, hair growing in all the wrong places. We all have issues that we’re too embarrassed to bring up with anyone—including our doctors. But rest assured, your doc has heard it all before. “It’s our job to help you, not judge you,” says Laura Dean, MD, a spokeswoman for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists who practices in Stillwater, Minnesota. Still, inquiring about a delicate health problem can be uncomfortable. That’s why we decided to start the conversation for you by asking experts to address six common blush-worthy complaints.

Q: Sometimes I pee a little when I laugh or run, but I don’t want to take medication. Should I even bother mentioning this to my doctor?

Brow Basics

Brow Basics

Photo by Chris Nicholls
If you thought your eyebrows were immune to the trends, think again. Although fundamentally contingent on elements that won't change with the seasons - i.e. your face shape and bone structure - they can still be tweaked to complement your makeup or the overall look you want to achieve. Ultimately, though, the final result should always look natural, says Natalie Gee, co-owner of Gee Beauty salons in Toronto and Bal Harbour, "even if that means erring on the side of bushy brows." Here she shares her top tips for getting perfect brows.

US probes 9/11 anniversary terror threat

US officials warned of the threat of a terror strike on the United States reportedly involving bomb-laden trucks ahead of this weekend's 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

"There is specific, credible but unconfirmed threat information," the Department of Homeland Security said in a statement on Thursday, as the White House confirmed President Barack Obama had ordered boosted counterterrorism efforts.

"We have taken, and will continue to take all steps necessary to mitigate any threats that arise," the department added in a statement.

US media said three individuals were reported to have entered the country in August and were allegedly seeking to carry out an attack using a vehicle laden with an explosive bomb.

Although the country has already tightened security ahead of Sunday's anniversary, Obama had "directed the counterterrorism community to redouble its efforts in response to this credible but unconfirmed information," a White House official said.

7 Unusual Ways to Save Money

Most of us don't have the option to suddenly go out and make more money. Either we're retired on a fixed income, or we're settled into a job with small and predictable or nonexistent salary increases. So how do you put more cash in your pocket? Work the other side of the equation: Cut expenses.

[See One Move Could Boost Your Retirement Security.]

You can do that one of two ways. You can watch your pennies, never splurge, trade down on food, and beat back any generous impulse you have to overtip or contribute to a charity. Or, instead of penny pinching, you can find clever ways to save money that won't reduce your quality of life and will still allow you to be expansive and generous. The key is to cut back where it doesn't hurt, and where you're paying out, but not getting much back. Here are six ideas:

1. Go out to lunch. Everyone likes to go out to a restaurant. No one has to cook or do the dishes. The secret ingredient is to go out for breakfast or lunch instead of dinner. You get the same benefits at half the cost. You're less likely to buy overpriced alcoholic beverages earlier in the day, and you won't feel like you're a poor pensioner who can only afford to eat dinner at the 5 o'clock special.

Man raided fridge and poured himself a bath after break-in at Celine Dion's home - omg!

Celine Dion answers questions during a press conference after her opening night performance at Caesar's Palace, Tuesday, March 15, 2011, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

MONTREAL - A 36-year-old man has been charged after he allegedly broke into Celine Dion's home near Montreal, raided the fridge and even took the time to pour himself a bath.

He was nabbed by Laval police on Monday afternoon after the alarm system went off.

The international superstar and her husband, Rene Angelil, were not at home at the time. Dion and Angelil usually live in Florida but use the Laval residence when they come home to Quebec.

Laval police spokesman Franco Di Genova says the suspect was getting ready to take a nice hot bath when police arrived with the K-9 unit.

"He opened the water faucets, was pouring a nice warmish bath (and) he even managed to eat some pastry that was in the fridge," Di Genova said.

The #1 breakfast your kid should be eating before school

My son is a fruit fiend. He’d eat blueberries, watermelon, bananas and grapes (and nothing else!) morning, noon and night if I let him. There are many mornings when I’m lucky if I can get him to eat anything more than fruit before we have to get out the door. But working as the digital editor at EatingWell Magazine, I’ve read enough from our nutrition experts to know that’s not enough to fuel my boy’s active body and brain until snack or lunchtime. Since I know you can’t force a child to eat, my tactic is to offer him the best breakfast around, with some of that fruit he loves so much on top as an incentive. (It worked this morning—hooray for frozen blueberries!)

Secrets to the best apple pie

Apple pie is an iconic American dessert. It’s pretty simple to make—put together a crust, throw in some apples, bake and wham! Apple pie. But if you want your pie to be memorable, true apple pie aficionados know a few secrets that can really elevate the apple pie experience. One of these pie aficionados is Stacy Fraser, our Test Kitchen manger. She was born a baker extraordinaire and her Deep-Dish Apple Pie (see recipe below) is second to none. On top of being delicious, it’s healthier than the average pie. What do you think: Which is healthier: apple pie or pumpkin pie?

How did she do it? Here are some of her secrets:

The most common reason for divorce is

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Breaking up really is hard to do. In fact, some therapists view the experience of divorce as second only to the death of a child in terms of stressfulness and associated pain. 

Not surprisingly, the dissolution of any romantic partnership is a worrying prospect for most couples. And while some may think that infidelity is the most common reason cited for divorce, one recent survey published in the Guardian (via jezebel.com) suggests that may be changing. 

The survey of divorce lawyers in the UK, found that "growing apart" from one's partner overcame cheating as the number one reason why people ended their marriages. The lack of emotional chemistry or "falling out of love" with their partner was the reason people split 27 percent of the time, while cheating, which was formerly No. 1 came in at No. 2, accounting for 25 percent of divorces. 

The 9/11 cover that captured the world

On Sept. 11, 2001, photographer Lyle Owerko's camera bag sat beside his door, still packed with multiple cameras and lenses from a trip to Africa. Jet-lagged, he was sitting in his apartment in New York's Tribeca neighbourhood when the attack on the World Trade Center began.

"I heard the first plane crash.... It sounded so close," Owerko said. The 43-year-old photographer, born in Calgary, raced onto the street and began shooting. The pictures he took were from a street-level viewpoint, bringing an immediacy and intimacy to the horror of the scene.

A 400-millimetre telephoto lens he didn't normally carry but had taken to Africa allowed him to capture the image that would become the unforgettable cover of Time magazine's 9/11 special issue.

"When that second plane hit, I knew that the world changed. You could just feel it. I just knew that the camera I was holding in my hand contained lightning in a bottle."

Angelina Jolie: ‘No secret wedding, I’m not pregnant,

Angelina Jolie graces the cover of Vanity Fair. (Vanity Fair)

A striking close-up of Angelina Jolie's face is probably the surest way for a magazine to get us to pay attention.

Jolie -- beginning the promotional cycle early for her directorial debut this winter -- takes the cover of the October issue of Vanity Fair. Based on the preview provided on the magazine's website, it seems she mostly discusses the process of writing and directing "In the Land of Blood and Honey."

PHOTOS: Celebs who are hot from head to toe

But that doesn't meant there aren't some more gossip-y morsels for Us Weekly and others to salivate over.

In what will be the most quoted bit of the interview, Jolie says there is "no secret wedding" on the horizon, adding, "I'm not pregnant. I'm not adopting at the moment."

Jolie said that she is nervous about how the Bosnian war film will be received.