Some years are better than others. This one in particular has been more difficult largely due to the economic crisis, which has put millions out of work and made millions more fear that they will be next.

Here are some great new children's books by previous winners of the Newbery and Caldecott Medals:

-- Two-time Newbery Medalist Lois Lowry has just published her first picture book, "Crow Call" (Scholastic, $16.99). Based on a memory from Lowry's childhood, "Crow Call" tells the story of a special day that a young girl named Liz spends with her father, just back from World War II.

"Life is Short. Have an Affair." So reads the slogan for The Ashley Madison Agency Web site, a business devoted to helping married men and women sexually hook up with others.

With its in-your-face billboards and provocative ads, the site has been in the news the last few years. Recently I debated the merits of the site with its CEO, Noel Biderman, on "The Laura Ingraham Show."

Of all the rumors about who's dating whom on the set of "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," you can definitely eliminate Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner as a real-life couple.

"Taylor and I are really close," said Stewart, 19, of her 17-year-old co-star. "He's one of my best friends."

Here are some questions to ask if you think you are addicted to the Internet:

-- Do you spend excessive time online, or more than you intended?

-- Do you feel more depressed or lonely the more time you spend online?

-- Do you have a heightened sense of euphoria while online or using a computer?

-- Is it interfering with your job or school performance?

Ballots for the 75th Heisman Trophy were mailed Monday. And finally, the race appears to be coming into focus.

Heart disease has generally been thought to be an affliction associated with modern civilization -- fast food, salt, lack of exercise, smoking, stress. And it's true that as countries like China and India become increasingly developed, heart disease is increasingly prevalent.