US Obesity at an All-Time High

2008 Must Have Summer Accessory – SHADES!

Unlike hair trends and clothing trends, spectacles and sunglasses trends seldom undergo any major change and flux. Looking back over the past 5 years, it's really only the re-emergence of oversized sunglasses which have caused the biggest stir. But that doesn't mean that that you can wear any old pair in 2008. While last year's pair will get you by, that's not to say they're going to be fashionable. This summer it’s all about oversized (still), flash and 70s inspired glasses.  Also prominent amongst sunglasses trends for 2008 -- thick, plastic frames will be one of the year's key looks.  Selecting the right pair of shades is crucial. Most importantly, when you choose a style of retro glasses be careful that you're not picking from a decade currently not in trend. While you'd get away with 60s inspired frames, loud 1980s inspired sunglasses are a definitely not in, neither are the more eclectic, multi-tonal pieces from the 70s. Take a look at what we here at the 9s think are the must have summer spectacles of 2008.
Ed Hardy 'Brad Original & Blood Money' Sunglasses - Rimless shield sunglasses, styled with Swarovski-crystal-studded tattoo art and ornate metal temples.  They come in black & tortoise.  $225 – Ed Hardy Stores.
Bvlgari BV651B Pink Frames - Classic, sophisticated and stunning.  These shades say exclusive, precious and prestigious.  Stars like Dido and Madonna have been spotted these upper-crust specs.   You can even add a prescription to these for added effect.  They also come in black and brown.  $249.35 – Visiondirect.com.au

Sarcoidosis: The Silent Killer?

As I’m sure the entire world knows by now, funny man and star of television and film, Bernie Mac passed away recently from complications due to pneumonia.  But what some of you might not know is that ……
The 50-year-old star of Fox's "The Bernie Mac Show" in an interview with the E! Channel said that he’s had sarcoidosis (which causes inflammation of the body's tissues, most frequently in the lungs), since 1983.  "No one knows where sarcoidosis comes from or where it starts, and there's no known cause for this condition that effects primarily minorities," said Mac.
The condition landed Mac in the hospital in 2004 after finishing work on "Ocean's Twelve" and Fox delayed filming of his show's fourth season as a result.  Co-star of “Guess Who,” Ashton Kutcher, on a special memorial addition of the Larry King Show, dedicated to Bernie Mac, recalled how diligent Mac was as an actor, describing how the comedian would connect himself to an oxygen tube in between takes.