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Around the beginning of January, we heard a lot of talk about it already being 2010, and questions about why we weren't all driving around the skies Jetsons style and asking our robot-maid for a cheese sandwich when we needed snack. Alas, the vehicle of the future just hasn't become reality yet. Or has it?

O.K., so it's early in production, but we recently heard about a guy down in New Zealand, Rudy Heeman, who seems to be on to something big. Using his mechanical skills, plus some household items including a gas bottle from his barbecue and parts from his daughter's scooter, Heeman has spent the last 11 years building a 'hoverwing.' It's a boat-like vehicle you might call a hovercraft and it can reach speeds of about 60 mph on the water and has the ability to simply take flight over an obstacle.

Heeman thinks his new ride has some practical applications, including being great for farmers who don't want to leave a vehicle to open and close a fence gate, but we're thinking his invention might be perfect for hovering right over backed up traffic when you're late for first period. What do you think? Are you ready to take a ride in this futuristic flying machine? Vote below!

Ford will introduce a new element to their Sync system -- free wi-fi. Ford's Sync is a system that allows drivers to make hands-free calls, play music and now provide a wi-fi hotspot for smartphones, laptops, etc. The new technology comes at a controversial point in time where multi-tasking on the road has proved to be quite dangerous, yet if the internet is used by passengers only, we see the appeal.

Ford's wi-fi will have WPA2 security so other people will not be able to use it. The service doesn't require any extra monthly service fees and we're thinking this will be great for long car rides. How many times have you wished you could show your brother that funny YouTube video while you're on a family trip? With the new wi-fi rides, you'll be able to!

As for the concern over driving safety, the cool thing about Sync is that it will tell you the weather or news updates while you are on the road, you don't have to read them off a screen. And, while you won't be able to see your best friend's new pic uploaded to Facebook if your in the driver's seat, for safety reasons, you know it will be there as soon as you pull over or reach your destination.

So will wi-fi rides be the next big thing? Vote below!

Creating and remembering passwords for different websites can become tedious, especially with the variety of sites we use like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, email and online stores, it's easy to forget your usernames and passwords for all of them. That's why Key Lemon has developed new face recognition software allowing users to sign into their accounts with a photo instead of words and numbers.

What does that mean exactly? Well, your face becomes your password for your computer (Windows, to be specific) and sites you use on the internet. There's even a Firefox add-on to make the transition even easier. Is it safe? Key Lemon reassures prospective photo password users on their site that the software is safe and easy-to-use with a locking feature, so other people cannot access your profiles, emails and accounts.

Though this particular program costs money, photo passwords may be on the rise given the amount of personalization and need for an "identity" online. Will you be putting a face to your password? Tell us below.

We know you've been planning for your future, taking the SATs, applying to college and looking forward to graduation. Yet, have you ever considered working toward a greener future for graduation? Now, you might. GreenWeaver, a new brand of recycled graduation products sells caps and gowns made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. In fact, the fabric from each gown is spun from the molten plastic pellets of 23 bottles.

Just think, if 100,000 students wore a GreenWeaver grad gown, 2.3 million bottles would not go to waste in landfills, says Oak Hill Cap and Gown, the manufacturer. "College students and campuses are at the forefront of environmental conscience and green habits," says Joseph D?Angelo, executive vice president of Oak Hall. "When we started seeing such campus trends as biodegradable utensils, we felt developing an environmentally friendly gown was the right thing to do for students, colleges and universities and our planet."

And, since most gowns are made from itchy polyester and grads only wear them once, they might as well be good for the environment. Oak Hill Cap and Gown is making other efforts to be even more eco-friendly. A recent press release says they plan to use recycled cardboard in the caps and switch to "non-polluting" dry-cleaning products. So what do you think? Are green caps and gowns the next big thing? Would you save 23 plastic bottles from a future in the landfill?

Have you ever gone on a long trip and wished you had an outlet to charge your cell phone, mp3 player or laptop? Well, now you can. There's new backpack with outlets to charge your electronics. And, you don't need to ever plug the bag in. This new backpack has solar panels that store energy to power all that you plug in.

Plus, it's a renewable energy source because everytime you are in the sun, it charges up again. This solar backpack, or Voltaic Backpack, is a solar charger that also looks cool too. (It's very futuristic-looking.) And, for really long trips, the backpack comes with a battery that will store up your energy for later.

What else makes this new backpack so Earth-friendly? It's made from recycled plastic bottles. So, if you aren't convinced, tell us below. Otherwise check out more photos of this black mesh bag with compartments for all of your goodies.

In an efffort to reduce plastic bottle waste, Coca-Cola recently announced they will be using PlantBottles for their drinks. These new bottles will be made from a plant-based plastic that is "fully recyclable, has a lower reliance on a non-renewable resource, and reduces carbon emissions, compared with petroleum-based PET plastic bottles," according to a Coca-Cola press release.

Though the PlantBottle doesn't replace all of the PET, or petroleum-based plastic (a non-renewable source) in Coke's packaging, the bottles will now be 30% plant-based materials. As the use of plastic bottles continues to rise -- the American Plastics Council estimates that of 4.47 tons of plastic bottles sold in 2006 only about 1/4 were recycled -- the PlantBottle is a solution to being more green.

"Another advantage to the PlantBottle is that, unlike other plant-based plastics, it can be processed through existing manufacturing and recycling facilities without contaminating traditional PET. So, the material in the PlantBottle can be used, recycled and reused again and again," says the release. The company plans to roll out the new bottles later this year in North America for Dasani and other products. In 2010, they will use the PlantBottle for Vitamin Water too.

Not only will the new packaging be easier to recycle, a study by the Imperial College of London shows that the manufacturing process will reduce carbon emissions by 25%. Do you think the PlantBottle will be the next big thing? Tell us below.

As the technology boom progresses, scientists and engineers seek new ways to make electronics more energy efficient and environmentally-friendly -- not to mention, really cool. A new television screen is about to hit the market (now that your family finally got a flat screen), with laser phosphor display (LPD).

Prysm, a 2005 start-up company in San Jose, California invented the LPD. And, it works differently than an LCD, or liquid crystal display screen. The LPD uses a material called phosphor, a substance made of transition metal that glows when energy passes through it. Using a laser to light the phosphors, which illuminate in red, green and blue. The images are created by the rapid reflections of phosphors with many small mirrors, never causing them to break down or need to be replaced like the liquid crystals in an LCD TV.

Phosphors can also be made into any shape or size screen because they can be adapted easily. This ability to adapt affects how it can be displayed; the pixel quality doesn't change, so a small image can be used on large screens and vice-versa without affecting the quality. The images are also produced faster with the LPD than other display systems currently used.

What does this mean for the future or your TV? Well, don't drag your parents to Best Buy yet. You'll probably see the technology used in large-scale screens like the advertising signs in Times Square, stadium displays and maybe even movie theaters. Don't worry, the LPD will make it into your living room soon enough, making your energy bills lower and your picture even clearer.

On Tuesday, January 12, 2010 a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, a small country sharing an island with the Dominican Republic. Hundreds of thousands of homes and buildings were destroyed. The Red Cross estimates that 50,000 people have lost their lives in the devastation of the quake.

After the quake hit, hundreds of people began donating to charities like the Red Cross and Wyclef Jean's organization, Yele Haiti. Soon, social media sites like Facebook and Twitter were abuzz with ways to donate easily and quickly, with mobile phones. Anyone with a phone was able to give money to the people suffering in Haiti, by texting the word "Haiti" to the number 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross.

Each texted donation is handled by mGive, an organization working with the State Department to administer the funds to the Red Cross. Only a mere two days after the quake, $2 million in donations were texted, The New York Times reports. Will you be donating via text? What do you think of this new way to aid disaster relief?

Given the state of the economy and global warming, it's raining eco-friendly everything -- even video games. If you love Sim City and you've always wanted to learn how to build an energy efficient city, try City Rain, an urban planning puzzle game.

City Rain has a free demo available for download online, so you can practice strategically placing homes, schools and facilities like hydroelectric dams. The game requires players to build cities based on budgets, economies and energy efficiency. Not feeling too creative? Don't worry, you can complete missions where you are assigned tasks to make cities better according to environmental guidelines and the well-being of the inhabitants.

This eco-game promotes sustainability, earning itself numerous awards and downloads from critics who can't get enough of upgrading their digital cities and recycling plants. Do you have an urban green thumb? Let us know if you think City Rain is the next big thing.

Time to rev up your...bicycles? A new hybrid bike was introduced at the Climate Conference in Copenhagen this year. The Copenhagen Wheel, developed by MIT's SENSEable City Laboratory uses kinetic energy to regenerate power when the brakes are used. So, if you are needing some extra power, all you have to do is use the energy stored up in the wheel.

The Copenhagen Wheel is not only energy efficient, it's smart too. Each wheel is connected to the rider's smart phone where he or she can manage the energy used, track road conditions, miles traveled, etc. The device even has an anti-theft system. The bike will sense when someone tries to move your bike and alert you on your phone. The wheel also activates your brake, making it harder for the thief to get away.

So, what do you think? Will the Copenhagen Wheel be the next big thing to hit the green market? Or are we just spinning on wheels for this new invention? Vote below!

We love it when new technology comes along that can actually change the way people live and understand the world around them. Google has once again improved the internet experience by putting a new way to search right into the palm of your hand. Google Goggles is their latest experimental application in Labs that allows users to visually search the internet with images taken on their phones. Landmarks, logos, books, contact information, artwork and places can be photographed, then used to find more information about them.

Are you traveling and want to know more about the landmark you are viewing? Just snap a photo with your phone. See a book you'd like to read, but want to check its price at different bookstores? Take a pic. The Google Goggles search through billions of images stored in Google's database through a device running Android 1.6 software.

Google suggests that photos are taken in landscape mode to increase your search accuracy. Since the project is in the early phases, taking pictures of books, DVDs, logos, business and art work are all easier for the Goggles to find. In the future objects like cars, trees and apparel will work too.

Yet, why don't you tell us -- will you be going gaga for these Goggles?

Scientists and doctors have long searched for adequate prosetheses for amputee patients. In 2000, much time and research was dedicated to robotic technology that has lead to a recent breakthrough. During a month-long experiment, 26-year-old Pierpaolo Petruzziello successfully controlled a robotic arm with electrodes connected to his nerves. Petruzziello was able to move the robotic arm by imagining it was the arm he'd lost, "It's a matter of mind, of concentration," Petruzziello he told the Associated Press. "When you think of it as your hand and forearm, it all becomes easier."

Experts say this is the first time a patient was able to make such complex movements. In the past when similar experiments were conducted, researchers hadn't found this type of success that will help forward prothesis technology. The next challenge for the project in Italy called, "LifeHand" and the EU-funded program, "SmartHand," is finding a way to keep the system functioning inside a patient for more than a month. Researchers will soon conduct long term experiments over the next couple of years to see how well the electrodes perform.

What do you think of robotic technology, will scientists be able to connect robotic arms to a human's nervous system? Tell us if you this robotic prostheses are the next big thing.

If you've gone holiday shopping at any major department store or mall, then you probably recognize the red-clad Salvation Army volunteer jingling a bell next to a red kettle and asking for donations. Maybe you've tossed in some change or even gave a hearty smile and wad of cash, but now, the Salvation Army is taking their efforts beyond asking for loose change and dollars in your pockets.

This year, the charity volunteers are equipped with handheld debit and credit card machines, so if you don't have cash or coins, you can still make a donation to help feed poor families in need. Some say this new system has encouraged holiday shoppers to donate more since they are not limited by the amount of cash they have on hand. And, given the organization's annual dedication to giving and their efforts to fight hunger, we're sure they will continue to do good things for communities, whether the machines catch on or not. The charity assures people that all transactions are safe and the machine's do not store donators personal information.

Why don't you tell us what you think -- will these new efforts increase holiday giving? Share your opinion below.

Picture it: You're finishing up your holiday shopping with bags of presents for your family and friends. You're exhausted from wrangling the last pair of slippers for your little sister from some crazed lady who already has a pair in her hand. You search for your car across what seems to be miles of parking lot. And, as your shopping bags seem to get heavier, you realize you can't remember where you parked. Bummer. If you've experienced car amnesia like this or just generally get lost, you might be interested in the new Ecco Keychain with GPS.

First off, the Ecco Keychain doesn't work like a conventional GPS device, instead of always finding new locations when you want to get directions, with the Ecco you program the locations you'd like to remember -- whether that's your home address, or your parking spot at a crowded mall. The keychain has a range of almost 1,000 miles. And, you can program up to three different locations with the device and it will always tell you how to return to those three places when needed. Will you stave off car amnesia with the new Ecco GPS Keychain? Cast your vote below.

The Ford Motor Company is stepping up auto safety with a new seat belt that inflates during car accidents. The inflatable seat belt is said to protect the chest, neck and head of rear seat passengers by shielding the body from five times the crash force of normal safety restraints. This could be a major shift in safety for children and the elderly who ride in the back seat and are less likely to wear their seat belts due to discomfort because the new seat belt is not only inflatable, studies show it is also more comfortable.

Ford says the new safety restraints will debut in the next generation of the Ford Explorer, a sport utility vehicle. The company plans to add these rear seat belts to other Ford models in the future, with hopes of increasing the crash safety protection of their cars. How does it work exactly? Well, there's an accordion-like bag inside of the belt which fills up with cold compressed gas within 40 milliseconds of a crash. The expansion of the seat belt helps protect the passenger by keeping him or her in the seated position and providing protection across the chest.

In 1955, Ford first introduced the seat belt, which is now used in automobiles across the globe, it makes sense that Ford, a pioneer in the auto industry would research and develop a new version of the seat belt. Maybe they'll change the auto industry yet again. What do you think of the inflatable seat belt? Is it a revolution in safety?

Here's an idea with some pull behind it. What if, in an effort to cool buildings and save on energy costs, we slapped a coat or two of bright white paint on homes and buildings? If you've ever visited Spain or Greece, or, more likely, Tuscon, Ariz. you may already be familair with the concept. But Steven Chu, President Obama's Secretary of Energy, has been sharing this big idea far and wide and in some places, it's catching on.

According to the Wall Street Journal, which made calculations based on research from the California based Lawrence Labratory, "white roofs and pavements could mean a one-time reduction of 44 billion tons of carbon dioxide." And depending on how you do the math, that's the equivalent of removing all cars from the planet for 18 years. This nifty little idea also has the potential to cut energy costs by 10 to 15 percent, making it even easier to get behind a paint roller.

So, with trend-setting New York City launching a volunteer program to help building owners get their roofs painted, and with a new law in effect in California as of this summer, can the rest of the country be far behind? You tell us. Vote below.

This week we have another great advance in the food industry: the radiant fryer, or as some are calling it, the Keener Oven. Professor Kevin Keener, at Purdue University developed the fryer to cook food without the oils of a traditional fryer, yet produce the desired texture and cooking of the original.

In fact, some are saying that the radiant fryer, that cooks foods with electromagnetic waves, or radiant energy, is better than an oil fryer. Since it's faster and cooks without the fats of the oils, this prototype just might make the fast food industry even faster and ... healthier. The one problem? You can't just throw anything in there like a regular fryer, each type of food requires particular settings.

So, why does it work so well? Co-inventors, Keener and Brian Farkas, a food scientist at North Carolina State University, found that the intense flux of heat in an oil fryer is what creates the crisp texture and inner moisture of fried food. And, radiant energy achieves the same intensity of heating when objects are of similar size like French fries. Yet, will this new fryer change the face of fast food? Tell us what you think.

The idea of getting your lunch from a vending machine is about as appetizing as shopping at a convenience store for groceries. Yet, for years, schools, athletic facilities, libraries and other public places where teens hang out have snack machines filled with junk food. It's no wonder teen obesity has tripled in the last 20 years -- the food available to them throughout the day lacks nutritional value and is high in all the wrong kinds of fats and sugar.

However, the tables have turned, some vending machine companies like Del Monte are serving healthy snacks like bananas, carrots and other fruits and vegetables for teens to grab on the go. The company Coral Gables has been testing these veggie vendors at different locations in Florida with great success and plans to distribute more.

And, what's great about these machines is the low cost for the products and the fact that it's not just candy bars and chips. Teens have a wider selection of foods that will actually give them nutrition and the benefits needed for a healthy diet. But, what do you think, will these new vending machines be the next big thing? Do you think they'll help teens eat better? Tell us.

Are you an aspiring video journalist, or just someone who's dying to make a tribute video for your best friend's birthday? No matter the reason, TheOneAbout.com has an easy program that will help you upload, edit and share videos you create.

Isn't that like YouTube? Nope. Actually, TheOneAbout.com is not only a website where you can share your videos, the site allows others to contribute to your video when you invite them. It also helps you edit all the pieces together to create a cohesive tribute. You can even purchase DVD versions of it for your friends.

So, maybe your little sister just had the best field hockey season ever and you want to create a highlight reel with comments from her friends, or your cousin is graduating from high school and you want his friends to give him a good send off -- you can do that and get copies of it on DVDs. Want to make a collection of interviews for the school news station or your blog? The possibilities are endless!

Will you be checking out TheOneAbout.com? Tell us!

For decades, readers have loathed the transition of their favorite books to film. Yet, now publisher Simon & Schuster is embracing the two mediums to advance reading into a multimedia experience.

The "vook" is a work of non-fiction or fiction with incorporated video and interactive elements. For a non-fiction vook about exercise, for example, there are videos within the text to show the reader how to do a particular movement. In fiction, there are videos of scenes to provide a more cinema-like quality to the narrative.

The digital book can be read/watched on a web-based application or on a mobile phone. Vook readers can also connect with the authors and their friends via social media applications like Facebook and Twitter which are also linked inside the vook. Some argue that the videos mixed in with the text is distracting and limits the reader's imagination. Others say, it's the future of reading.

What do you think of the "vook," will it change the way people read? Tell us!

"I think what Microsoft is doing is not about reinventing the wheel. It?s about no wheel at all," Steven Spielberg said about the latest advance in gaming called Project Natal. And, Spielberg's comment is a pretty fair description of the new motion-detection system gamers can plug into their XBOX 360. Not too sure how this works? Check out all of the funny promotional videos of kids hopping around in their living rooms while playing skateboarding games -- if nothing else Project Natal will be great for funny YouTube videos.

Project Natal was revealed at the E3 gaming conference this month to rave reviews and a little skepticism. Some weren't sure how you could play a racing game or other games where sporty movements like skateboarding, dancing or fighting aren't necessary. Though, most reviewers rescinded their skepticism after trying the demos. I imagine it's sort of like the virtual reality games at ESPN Zone.

But, what do you think? Will Project Natal be the next big thing? Tell us!

A volunteer group within Saga Prefecture, Japan's largest producer of seaweed, is taking going green literally with a stylish new way to keep homes cool with live vegetation -- the green curtain. This trendy new eco-movement is not only easy to grow, for many, it's also free. Green enthusiasts in Japan acquire nets to attach outside their windows and then plant a row of vined plants to grow up the netting.

Saga recycles these nets by giving them to people who want to grow plants with vines to provide not only nice shade, but some naturally beatuiful curtains. Since many apartments can get hot, these new functional gardens are the perfect way to get shade and add some color.

Green curtains are a new hybrid of environmentally friendly design concepts. In fact, they are a triple threat providing three different ways of helping the environment. First the company is recycling nets, so it's not a waste of material; then growers use this natural curtain instead of something store-bought which costs money and materials; and finally growing more plants means producing more oxygen too!

Yet we want to know what you think about the green curtain!

Master Lock just released a new customizable lock with increased durability and functionality. In fact, they've kicked that old fashioned rotary dial habit and introduced a new type of dial called the "Speed Dial" which works up and down, left to right. Plus, you don't have to worry about remembering a preset combination to protect your locker -- you can choose your own. The 1500iD Speed Dial Set-Your-Own Combination Lock is the first of its kind and even has a patent.

What's so great about the new lock, aside from it's patented technology? The Speed Dial, is actually named well. It's much faster to unlock when you are rushing between classes. Master Lock also tauts it's ease for the visually impaired -- you don't need to see numbers to open it. And, the best part is, the new lock isn't too expensive -- $6.99. The regular customizable lock, the 1590D Set-Your-Own Combination Lock, without the speed dial, is a dollar cheaper.

Are you ready to update your security, or are you satisfied with with your current combination lock? We want to know what you think.

Alright, it's time to tune (aka plug in) your Rock Band instruments, "The Beatles: Rock Band" is finally here. After much anticipation, the popular concert experience game has released a new version with remastered albums by one of the most iconic bands in history -- The Beatles. So, start growing out your hair for that mop-like do and getting ready to rock out John Lennon style.

The game is proving to be popular among teens, parents and musicians alike as it's rapidly selling out in stores across the country. The game was created with the help of a couple of big name companies: Harmonix Music Systems, MTV Games and Electronic Arts. The game was also made with the blessing and help of George Harrison's son and two former band members Sir Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.

Many critics are touting "The Beatles: Rock Band" as the best music game ever made because it appeals across generations. With 13 albums and multiple singles, the game probably has one of the best Beatles collections few teens own. Yet, we'd like to know what you think about the Beatles craze hitting music and tech stores across the country. Will Beatlemania strike again?

Calling all cell phone users with dead batteries -- forget charging your phone with an outlet and step into the light, sunlight that is. Safaricom Ltd. just launched the very first solar-powered cell phone in Kenya. The phones only cost $35 and are very practical for many users without electricity in their towns.

Though many companies across the globe have shown eco-friendly concept phones at trade shows, Safaricom is the first company to sell them. The company plans to release 100,000 phones and according to a report by CNN, CEO Michael Joseph thinks they'll sell out quickly. The phone's ability to charge while in use is another perk of this sunny new device. Plus, if you think about, the phone pays for itself without any electrical costs. And, it even charges when it's cloudy.

Given Kenya's energy crisis (most people are not connected to the national power grid) and the world's growing need for environmentally friendly technology, these solar-powered phones just might be the next big thing, but why don't you tell us what you think...

To end our month-long focus on food trends, we'd like to tell you about the rise of comfort food in this economy and season of the 'que. Barbeque, that is. There's nothing like a fabulous party complete with friends, a picnic table of fresh side dishes and anything hot off the grill from veggies, to meat, poultry and fish. While we don't recommend firing up your family's grill without a parent around, we do suggest making a timeless side dish to satisfy your guests (and your craving from cheesy carbs). Yum.

In fact, there are teen foodies across the globe crafting tasty recipes that will fit in perfectly at your end of summer bash. In the UK, teen chef Sam Stern cooks, blogs and writes cook books for students. Whether they want a healthy recipe, to increase their study power, or a modified English classic, his recipes are easy to follow. For those of you with your mouths watering after the mention of "cheesy carbs," we have the perfect recipe from top teen chef Adreena Winnfield, winner of The Art Institute's scholarship competition Best Teen Chef in 2005 from DoItYourself.com. Before you get to work in the kitchen, check out this year's competition and last year's champ, Martha Wilcox. Maybe you're the next Top Teen Chef...

Adreena's Mac n' Cheese:
3 cups elbow noodles
6 cups sharp and jack cheese
2 cups milk
2 cups evaporated milk
5 eggs
black pepper
seasoning salt
garlic powder to taste
Yield - 12 to 15 portions


Directions: Boil noodles in salted water. Grate cheeses. In separate mixing boil, mix eggs with milks, black pepper, salt and garlic powder. Combine well. Drain noodles. Place enough noodles to cover the bottom of a 9 x 13 dish that has been buttered or sprayed with vegetable oil. Sprinkle one layer of cheese over noodles, and repeat process until pan is filled. End with a cheese layer. Pour milk over noodles until mixture comes just to the top of the pan. Place pan on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 F for approximately 45 minutes.

"I am Iron Man." Well, actually I'm not, but you could be. If you've always dreamed of donning a shiny Tony Stark robot suit, you just might get your chance. That's right, there's a "wearable robot" that doesn't require a plutonium heart to fuel it. Marvel Comic fantasy -- meet "Robot Suit HAL."

Japanese company, Cyberdine, recently invented a suit that enhances normal physical capabilities when worn by a human. There are no remote controls or computers to navigate the cyborg-like suit. Sensors attached to the wearer's skin communicate the commands sent from motoneurons, which manage signals from your brain to your muscles. The suit responds accordingly.

"HAL" has an additional setting allowing the wearer to use the "robotic autonomous control system," which mimics a system of human movements, making it less cyborg and more android. Though you won't blend in with average humans like a replicant from Bladerunner, we still think "Robot Suit HAL" is pretty awesome. But, why don't you tell us what you think?

The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are sending more troops abroad and separating more families. There are many resources for veterans like the post-911 G.I. Bill, yet in the past, there were few resources for the families of service men and women -- but teens with family members in the military have created a program to help their peers.

Moranda Hern and Kaylei Deakin are out to help "military brats," like themselves who are dealing with being a part of an armed services family. Partnered with DoSomething.org, these teens seek to empower others who are dealing with the challenges of deployment with their project The Sisterhood of the Traveling BDUs. Their master plan is to "UNITE, INSPIRE, LEAD," with a traveling conference across the country that will provide teens with the tools they need to cope with the issues that arise as military teens. In the future they seek to open a chapter of their group in every state. And, they're not alone. First Lady Michelle Obama has recently shown her support for military families by drawing attention to the services available to the spouses of soldiers and their children. Ms. Obama recently visited Ft. Bragg in North Carolina where she spoke with wives and mother about their access to helpful resources.

Will the growing need and attention for families create more groups and aid? Will programs like The Sisterhood of the Traveling BDUs create a more solid community for military teens? Tell us what you think.

There's a new fashion trend popping up in your inbox. Though retail websites have long begged for subscribers when making purchases online, customers were able to opt out of creating a login and password that could lead to email spam. The tide has turned, however, and now many retailers and shopping websites are catering to the specific fashion sense of consumers after they make online purchases, sending out newsletters with offers tailored to the clothes they already know a shopper wants.

Other sites are cat walking on to the fashion web-o-sphere showcasing information on sales from your favorite brands and designers. With personalization and offers for gift cards, they are a shoe in for new registrants and the hottest offers online. Fashion newsletters from websites like Gilt Group, Shop It To Me, Zappos and Shop Bop provide information on sales from your favorite designers online. Some will also give the location and times of sample sales near you. All you have to do is sign up or accept invitations from your friends and select which designers suit your style needs.

Now, we know these emails are all focused on getting you to spend money on their products, but we think it's an advantage to consumers. With a constant flow of emails either daily or weekly depending on the host and the subscriber's specifications, shoppers are given more of a selection at the best price. Plus, shoppers are alerted of days with free shipping or special weekend deals that you may not know about if you don't visit your favorite websites or stores often.

Even though we know the abysmal retail sales statistics have spawned the surge of these sites, we really like that we can be trendy, picky and shrewd shoppers from the comfort of our email without having to worry about fighting over the marked down skinny jeans at our local department store. Want to find out more about the new savvy shopper? Watch this VIDEO, then cast your vote on this new form of personalized shopping.

When it comes to music, iTunes tries to stay ahead of the curve, whether it's showcasing new bands in the free "Single of the Week," or with free iTunes applications that aim to heighten a listener's music experience. Many free "apps" are available for the iPhone in addition to iPods and the iTouch. Over the last year, these apps have become increasingly better -- from iConcertCal, which began last year, but got a mobile version last week; Tune Wiki Limited, a recent launch that displays lyrics of songs while you are listening to them; the latest version of Shazam, a music discovery and personalization program; and the ever popular Genius from last year, which helps expand your music library.

Though some of these free applications can be a little hokey in their vain attempts to be free, with advertising that can get a little annoying, programs like iConcertCal, are helpful to music lovers with obscure tastes and are pretty painless ad-wise. If you find yourself checking each individual website for tour dates of your favorite obscure bands, iConcertCal scans your music library and collects all the tour dates, ticket purchase information for bands and puts them neatly in a calendar for you to peruse at your leisure. Plus, the app links you directly to the ticket seller so you can buy tickets instantly.

Tune Wiki Limited is a fun addition to your iTouch or iPhone, allowing you to read the lyrics of songs as you hear them and receive a real time map of what is most popular among music fans around the world. Shazam is great for those of you who love to share your music. It requires an internet connection but allows you to tag songs and videos to share with your friends. Finally, Genius is a great addition to iTunes for anyone who's always looking for new music.

In the end, a lot of these applications are entertaining and could enhance your daily music experience, but you have to find the ones that work for you depending on what generation of iPod, iTouch or iPhone you have. Why don't you tell us what you think about free music applications. Are they the next big thing?

If you read health and fitness magazines, or peruse Perez Hilton for the latest in celeb diets, then you've probably already heard about the latest super fruits -- from pomegranates and açai, to goji berries. It seems like there's a new fab fruit on the scene weekly, touting benefits like increased energy, longevity, or antioxidant power. Well, we're totally into the latest and greatest in exotic fruits whether they'll give us energy, improve our memory, or simply taste yummy. (We're not picky about the super-ness of our fruits.)

However, since they are all the rage on blogs, in the news and in the bellies of the rich famous, we thought you'd like to know a little more about these would-be cape wearing fruits. First off, they are not doused in radiation like most super heroes. Most of the time they are exotic fruits that become popular after research shows their health benefits. Many of these so-called super fruits have been used in their native origin for medicinal purposes for centuries. Often, these fruits are high in fiber, low in calories and have a wide variety of phytochemicals that have health benefits.

The upside to all of the research, is these fruits become more available because the public shows a desire for them. The downside: Every product on the market like sports drinks and protein bars incorporated these fruits (in less effective forms, at times) for marketing purposes. We're not saying they lose all of their intense nutritional power, but it's you're probably better off eating these fruits in their natural form to get the full effect. They not only taste good, they'll make you feel good too.

Vote on whether you think super fruits are the next big thing, or rotten with hype.

Since it's July, it must be food month here at NBT! This week we're all about the rise of the latest fast food controversy. Last year, New York City's health commissioner instituted a new policy for food menus in the city -- all chain restaurants must list nutritional facts about each menu item.

For example, if you decided to order a Big Mac at McDonald's, you'd see that it has 540 calories. And, if you look at an in-store nutritional pamplet, which are also required, you'll see that a Big Mac has 29 grams of fat. While you may have guessed that the double decker burger is high in calories, keep in mind that the amount of fat is staggering -- a whopping 45% of your recommended daily amount.

Well, now the trend is going national. Across the country different areas are implementing this new regulation in fast food restaurants, which health experts say, are a constant problem for America's expanding obesity epidemic. The Center for Science in the Public Interest has a map of menu labeling in the U.S. and how it is spreading across the country. Soon, Maine, Masschussets, Oregon and California will require nutritional information to be displayed on menus. Not sure which chains will be hit with calorie counting menus? Most participating states and counties require franchises with 15-20 or more locations to make the change -- so big boys like McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's and even, Starbucks -- you'd be surprised how many calories there are in those blended drinks -- will have nutritional information available to their customers.

Weigh in with your thoughts about menu labeling and vote below.

Since summertime is all about fresh eats and tasty treats -- we've decided to bring you the next big things in food each week in July. That's right, we're all about noshing this month and we think it's very patriotic considering the Fourth of July is one of the biggest barbeque weekends of the year.

Speaking of comfort foods and do it yourself cuisine -- cooking at home is totally on the rise. Whether it's because teens are bored without any homework to do (ha!), or it's an attempt to save some cash, teens are sauteing up some fun in the kitchen and learning how to make their favorite foods on their own.

There's nothing like a homemade meal. And many are finding that shopping for ingredients at the supermarket or their local farmer's market is far cheaper than hitting their local California Pizza Kitchen, which will run you at least $25 for a BBQ Chicken Pizza and dessert. Why not make your own and avoid the extra costs of tax, tips and gas to get there, when you can make twice as much for all of your friends for the same cost? And, even if you're not into pizza, but want to get a head start on some cooking basics, you could register for one of Bon Appétit's cooking camps. The classes take place over five days across the country and include training on different cooking methods and meal courses.

Ready to tie on your apron tonight? Open our Teen Cookbook, where you'll find many recipes and a quiz on cooking 101. Now, if you're not convinced that cooking at home is the next big thing, tell us! We want to know. Before you decide, though, watch our segment on Brainfood, where a group of teens show Steven Fabian how to make Jamaican Beef Patties. Yum. Don't forget to check back next week for more hot trends straight out of the oven.

In the early 90's there was a surge of DJs scratching their way to the top of the music industry, collecting records and mixing to create new song. Now, many DJs have almost a cult-like following as they spin in clubs, for private parties and at music festivals across the country with very expensive digital music equipment few can afford. How will the next generation of DJs emerge? There are several new mixing devices hitting the market this year that just might cause a surge in DJ culture.

The iCue is a USB music mixing kit you can connect to your PC. iCue claims to be the complete DJ station equipped for looping, scratching, auto beat-matching for digital music. And, it looks pretty cool too. If you're more into the fun aspect of deejaying for parties or while you're hanging with buddies, but not sure if you're ready to commit to the mixing station, DJ Hero might be a better option for you.

Activision, the makers of Guitar Hero, the rock-worthy game with real rockstar groupies, plans to release this new game for Wii in October 2009 allowing players to engage in a dynamic way with hip-hop, dance and rap tunes instead of the rock and alternative fare of their previous game. With a turntable controller and buttons that should look familiar because of Guitar Hero, DJ Hero is an even less expensive option for those looking to dabble in DJ. Plus, this will be a good opportunity to mix the older hits of the nineties with recent chart toppers -- a nice homage to the DJs of the past.

What do you think? Will the latest in DJ technology create an itch for the next generation of scratchers?

Even though it's summer and normally you're up for buying a couple of new outfits to wear out with friends on one of the many non-school nights until fall, this summer we're all penny pinching a bit. However, just because you've gone budget, your style doesn't have to suffer. Some designers have embraced the trend and are excited about the challenge to create versatile, affordable and fashionable items -- and they're emerging with fresh, fun looks that will work well with your new budget. Who says recession dress means last year's lines?

Instead of buying a few new outfits, now you can buy one and modify it several ways. There are also fashionable picks that will do double duty. No, we're not talking about skorts, we hope those never come back. We're talking about dresses that look like new dresses depending on how you wear them. Butter by Nadia has three different dress styles that can be modified in 24 (24?!) ways each, for weeks of stylish wear for day or night. Then there are hybrid items like the swacket, a sweater that's also a jacket. Or the unisex scarf which doubles as a bolero in the summer.

Whatever your style, don't be afraid to test out these new hybrid or transformative outfits. You might just discover that being on a budget brings out the best of your chic style. Now, tell us what you think about these recession busting beauties.

Electronic Arts released the latest version of their popular (and addictive) Sims video game series this week -- The Sims 3. Thankfully, it's at the start of summer and not the middle of the school year, so you'll have plenty of time to accidentally spend a couple of hours on your PC in this virtual world, though it may be a little different this time around. That's right, the new Sims are now more customizable and EA touts, you can "play God."

We're not too sure about that controversial marketing ploy, but we do know that you can pick your Sim's personality traits, affecting his or her role in the expanded Sim town. Even though the new Sims will feel familiar to fans, the improved customization, expanded communication features, larger landscape and more tangible goals in the game, have some critics giddy over the new and improved virtual society.

As far as the general feel of the game and overall purpose, the appeal is the same. A player creates a Sim, or virtual persona, living out a simulated life among a cast of characters. And, like real life, you can manage everything from eating food and your Sim's hygiene, to improving one's personal development with education, work and socialization. The main differences between the Sims 2 and 3 are the moviemaking capability, more custom elements and the improved neighborhood that is utilized depending on the personality characteristics the player gives the Sim.

So, what do you think? Are the changes to Sims 3, worth the hoopla? Will people be spending time in this new and improved sim-u-world?

In the wild, many animals blend in with their surroundings, camouflaged by the color of their scales, fur and hides. Yet, in a Japanese genetic research lab in Kawasaki, there's nothing incognito about the monkeys' feet -- they glow green in the dark. Researchers at the Central Institute for Experimental Animals, are experimenting with genes, adding different types of genes to animals in hopes of finding ways to cure fatal diseases. Recently, scientists in this field, called transgenic medicine made a breakthrough by (painlessly) adding a fluorescent green protein to a marmoset's DNA when it was still an embryo.

Not only were they able to integrate the new genes with the marmoset's genetic material, making the monkey's feet glow in the dark once it was born, they successfully passed the gene to her offspring, AP reports. Why is this such a big deal? Scientists can use transgenic marmosets to study Parkinson's disease and Lou Gehrig's disease through transgenic research.

Though they cannot study diseases like AIDS with marmosets because of the specific immunity differences between humans and this type of monkey, their glowing feet are more than fancy footwear. Transgenic marmosets can be used for the study of other immunology issues, genetic and neurological disorders in a way that could eradicate certain diseases.

So, what you think about this new scientific breakthrough?

Check out our NBT archive to vote on more Big Ideas