NU study: Dirt's good for kids

"A little dirt may be good for the heart.

Analyzing data collected from thousands of children over two decades in the Philippines, researchers have concluded that a healthy dose of germs and pathogens during infancy reduced cardiovascular inflammation in adulthood — a precursor to heart attacks and strokes."

To get the dirt on this study, click here.

A Mother’s Day Gift that Gives Lasting Joy

"This Mother’s Day, Save the Children has a special gift for your mom that can save a newborn’s life in some of the poorest, most remote communities in the world. For as little as $13 you can buy, in your own mother’s name, one Newborn Care Kit, which consists of lifesaving supplies and information for a new mother and her baby."

Click here for details on this life-giving gift.

Boston Flower and Garden Show 2010

"Although run now by a different organization, the flower show is back after a one-year hiatus because of financial issues. The show runs March 24-28 at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston. Enjoy the photo gallery."

To take a look, click here.

'Perfect little dog' makes a good life better for couple

"Ben and Maxine had a good thing going for 25 years. Then they found a 'perfect little dog' who made it better.

Ben Mathews loves to talk about Buud, the little terrier mix he and Maxine Dixon adopted last August."

Click here for more on the changes wrought by Buud.

Making harmonicas of note in Rockford: Tiny startup company targets professional players

"He had poured his life savings and the better part of 10 years into the development of the small, nickel-plated harmonica. Years of research, months of false starts, dozens of failed prototypes, countless nights of sleeping on the floor at the office."


Learn more about this musical dream and its realization-click here.

New tower is monument to Lewis, Clark — and persistence

"A soaring monument to the Lewis and Clark Expedition soon will open to the public, ending 10 years of persistence and frustration.

The idea of a 'viewing tower' overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers first arose in a community group's brainstorming sessions in 2000."

Click here for more on the monument and the years of work behind it.

Ashes of Affirmation: Lent and Worldview

"Every year Washington, DC, along with every other city and town in America, is filled with a vast and silent witness to Christian faith in the face of inevitable death.

On Ash Wednesday, forehead after forehead displays two black smudges in the shape of a cross."

Click here for more on the affirmation inherent in Ash Wednesday.