Life

BOSTON — Who’s better at getting a family to talk about money matters, mom or dad? Taking sides probably won’t make for a harmonious Mother’s Day celebration on Sunday.

TORONTO — That the sneaker has come a long way from its plain, canvas-and-rubber origins should be no surprise to anyone who’s seen the flashy, tricked-out kicks proudly trotted out by stars and style-savvy teens.

TORONTO — With grunge styles on the runway, New Kids on the Block headlining a summer tour and spinoffs of family sitcom “Boy Meets World” and horror franchise “Scream” bound for the small screen, you’d be tempted to check the calendar to ensure it is indeed 2013 — not 1993.

MONTREAL — Just 10 per cent of Canadians expect to spend their tax refund this year on travel or luxury goods, with more than half planning to pay down debt or invest, according to a new poll.
The BMO Nesbitt Burns tax survey conducted in mid-March found that eight in 10 Canadians expected to receive a refund, with 37 per cent saying they planned to pay down debt.

SALINA, Kan. — A central Kansas woman likely won’t remember her first circus for the clowns or performances — it’ll be the tiger in the bathroom.

KABUL, Afghanistan — The homespun Afghan burqa is under siege from east and west these days — cut-price competition from China, and Western influences that are leading many urban women to exchange the full-body cloak for a simple headscarf.

TORONTO — Reality TV stars may come and go, but a new study suggests true fame is enduring.
The research finds that people who achieve real celebrity remain famous for years, making frequent appearances in newspapers over periods of decades.
The work bucks the widely held notion that fame is ephemeral, a belief held both by average individuals and by those who study the sociology of fame.

NEW YORK — As experts can testify, super sleuths in the wine business must study the cork, glass, sediment, wrapping, labels and how full a bottle of wine is to ascertain whether it’s the real deal. And as two uber-wealthy wine collectors can tell you as they square off in federal court over some questionable bottles, even that sometimes is not enough.

TORONTO — Consumers in Atlantic Canada might be more cautious when it comes to shopping for foods that can help manage sodium and cholesterol levels and are aware of the importance of eating more fibre, fruits and vegetables, but the country’s obesity rates are highest in Newfoundland and Labrador, a new study shows.

TORONTO — Women who sit on corporate boards are more likely to “rock the boat” and be more open to new ideas than their male counterparts — skills that often translate into better decisions and financial success for the company, according to a new study.