Shauna Wright
![What Were 2011′s Stupidest Consumer Fees?](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2011/12/fees.jpg?w=980&q=75)
What Were 2011′s Stupidest Consumer Fees?
As consumers, we’re all used to being nickel-and-dimed to death with fees — from charges for checking a bag when we fly to charges to pay a bill online, we see them every day. They may be small, but they add up. And some were even more egregious than others in 2011.
![10 Tips to Get Fit With Your Kids in 2012](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2011/12/workoutkids.jpg?w=980&q=75)
10 Tips to Get Fit With Your Kids in 2012
Want to help your kids get in shape this year? It could be easier — and a lot more fun — than you think.
![Study Links Traumatic Stress, Respiratory Illness in First Responders](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2011/12/911.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Study Links Traumatic Stress, Respiratory Illness in First Responders
In the decade since 9/11 terrorist attacks, hundreds of rescue and recovery workers on the scene that day have developed debilitating respiratory conditions they say were caused by exposure to environmental conditions such as jet fuel combustion and smoldering debris fire.
Now researchers may have found a link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the illnesses afflicting many of those
![Hey Moms, It Could Be Your Fault Your Kid Is Overweight](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2011/12/obesechild.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Hey Moms, It Could Be Your Fault Your Kid Is Overweight
Childhood obesity is soaring. In fact, about a third of US children are currently overweight or obese — and a new study may reveal one big cause.
Researchers found toddlers who have a poor relationship with their moms could be twice as likely to be obese by the time they turn 15, possibly because they tend to turn to food as a substitute for motherly comfort.
![Why Are More and More Americans Deciding Against Owning a TV Set?](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2011/12/family-tv.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Why Are More and More Americans Deciding Against Owning a TV Set?
For pretty much an entire generation, televisions have been as ubiquitous as living room sofas — but that could be changing.
For the first time in 40 years, the number of households with TV sets has actually dropped, despite the fact that the number of US households in general has continued to grow.
![Dozens of Kmart and Sears Stores to Close After Disastrous Holiday Season](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2011/12/searsholdings.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Dozens of Kmart and Sears Stores to Close After Disastrous Holiday Season
If you’re a regular shopper at Kmart or Sears, you may soon have fewer places to spend your money — parent company Sears Holdings has said that in light of decreased holiday sales, it’ll close at least 100 stores in the coming months.
![Remember This…? 10 Celebrity Stories That Had Everyone Talking in 2011](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2011/12/topcelebstories1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Remember This…? 10 Celebrity Stories That Had Everyone Talking in 2011
This year, magazines used a lot of ink writing about who got married and who broke up. But all that aside, there were still plenty of celebrity news stories to go around. Here's a look at 10 that had everyone buzzing.
![Weekend Box Office — ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ Refuses to Be Ignored](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2011/12/missionimpossible.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Weekend Box Office — ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ Refuses to Be Ignored
With at least six movies opening in wide release on various days over the past week, it would’ve been easy for any film to get lost in the shuffle.
But since Tom Cruise flicks rarely fade into the background, it’s hardly a surprise that ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’ brought in $26.5 million to handily beat all its competitors at the box office this weekend.
![How Do You Avoid Divorce? Try Not Getting Married in the First Place](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2011/12/divorce.jpg?w=980&q=75)
How Do You Avoid Divorce? Try Not Getting Married in the First Place
A new study from the Pew Research Center recently revealed marriage rates are at an all-time low, and now we may have one reason for it: people are afraid of getting divorced.
![2012 Kiss Kruise Details and Pre-Sale Announced](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2011/12/kisskruise.jpg?w=980&q=75)
2012 Kiss Kruise Details and Pre-Sale Announced
If you’ve ever wanted to join the Kiss Navy and hang out with the band on the high seas, now’s your chance: the dates for the second Kiss Kruise have been announced.
![It’s a Generation Y Takeover! Younger Employees Are Changing the Work Place](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2011/12/generation-y-younger-workers.jpg?w=980&q=75)
It’s a Generation Y Takeover! Younger Employees Are Changing the Work Place
The standard 9-5 workday has been customary for decades, but it looks like all that could soon change thanks to the demands of a whole new generation of younger workers. And that’s not all they want.
![US Population Growth Finally Slowing Down, But By How Much?](http://townsquare.media/site/126/files/2011/12/babies.jpg?w=980&q=75)
US Population Growth Finally Slowing Down, But By How Much?
If you think you’re seeing fewer babies now, it’s not your imagination — the US Census Bureau says the US population is growing at its slowest rate in more than 70 years, possibly caused by fewer births and less immigration as a result of the recession.