1.)     When your son or daughter goes back to school today, will they have recess?     The American Academy of Pediatrics says recess is just as important to a child’s development as class time is.    The organization is officially advocating a scheduled break during the school day, saying it’s not enough to just switch from math to English -- students need a break.    Plus, recess lets children work on conflict resolution, and it also provides exercise.   The decline in recess in our schools has coincided with a rise in child obesity in our country.

2.)     There’s been a big change to start the new year in Russia, where beer has been officially classified as alcohol.      Previously, beer was equated with soft drinks, and was categorized as foodstuff in that country.    The new legislation means that beer will be facing new restrictions, at a time when 20% of male’s deaths in Russia are tied to booze.     Beer can no longer be sold from street kiosks or rail stations, it can’t be sold anywhere between 11PM and 8AM, and will no longer be allowed to be advertised on TV.

3.)     The “Most Wanted Deadbeat Parent,” who has been a fugitive for almost 20 years, has finally been caught.      Robert Sand owes a million dollars to his ex-wife Rita.    After divorcing her, he re-married, fathered another child, and left that woman as well.      He is one of 23 million dollar deadbeats facing prosecution in New York state.    His ex-wife and prosecutors now face a dilemma - send him to prison, or leave him free to work so he can pay off his debt.