Eat Breakfast

What it is -- A new line of breakfast bars from Luna, maker of nutrition and energy bars for women What we like about it --With vitamins and minerals to get you moving, these bars are made for mornings when you have to eat breakfast on the run. Try the blueberry yogurt, with its authentic berry taste and mildly sweet yogurt coating. Other flavors include strawberries and creme and vanilla almond. What it costs --$1.29 per bar Where to buy --Available at natural-food stores, sports specialty stores and some convenience, drug and grocery stores Per serving (1 blueberry-yogurt bar)

IT'S that time of year when you are preparing to go on vacation and you want to impress strangers.Therefore, as part of my service, I am providing one-liners that will get everyone's attention at a cocktail party or cookout."

Brenda Luengas, a sixth-grader at Annapolis Middle School, said students don't push in the halls anymore. "Usually, when we came back from lunch, they were running and pushing," she said. "But this year, they don't. They walk nicely." Brenda thinks the difference is Caring Community, a new program at Annapolis Middle School. Instead of the typical take-attendance-and-listen-to-announcements homeroom, teachers use the first half-hour of the day to talk to students about issues that matter to them.

Reservations due today for Beth Israel celebrationReservations must be made by today for those planning to attend the 40th anniversary celebration of Beth Israel Congregation of Owings Mills.The event will be held from 8 p.m. to midnight Nov. 30 at the synagogue, 3706 Crondall Lane.Tickets are $50.Information: 654-0800.'Sister to Sister' conference scheduled for next weekThe Esther Women's Ministry of First Christian Community Church in Annapolis invites the public to its third annual "Sister to Sister" women's conference at 7: 30 p.m. Nov. 15 and a workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 16.A concert for conferees will feature local choirs and soloists at 7: 30 p.m. Nov. 16.The conference will be held at St. Martin's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1120 Spa Road, Annapolis.

"If you like books about babies and how they grow on you, then you should read Where in the World Is the Perfect Family? by Amy Hest. The book starts with Connie's father telling her that her stepmom is going to have a baby. This book was a great book because once you start reading it you can't stop. I especially liked this book because I have a dad, a stepmom and a baby sister, like in the book." -- Megan Verner Oakleigh Elementary "I love to read books about animals. One of my favorites is If You Were a Kitten by Carol Watson.

Towson's Anita Nall is a gold-medal Olympic favorite in the women's 200-meter breaststroke swimming event. In an occasional diary, Nall will share her thoughts from the Summer Games. BARCELONA, Spain -- The Olympic Village is much larger than I ever expected. It has large game rooms, a library, computers and a 24-hour cafeteria. The food that we are given is fabulous. You can get anything and everything from fruit to pasta to chicken to beef. The apartments we're in are basically large, housing eight.

"DO YOU feel you don't have enough money to buy stocks or mutual funds?" asks Better Investing. "People who feel that way probably do have enough. They should take a closer look at expenses. For example, eat breakfast at home instead of buying that bagel and coffee. Pack a lunch instead of going to the cafeteria. You don't need much money to start. Many companies allow you to invest small amounts regularly through dividend-reinvestment plans." RESOLUTION: Kiplinger's Personal Finance Advisor says, "Right after New Year's Day, make a checklist of financial information for your family in case something happens to you -- bank and brokerage accounts, credit card numbers, insurance policies, etc. Give copies to your spouse, lawyer and whomever you've given power of attorney."

A rowhouse fire claimed the life of an elderly man Thursday morning in West Baltimore, according to a city Fire Department spokesman. The blaze broke out about 5 a.m. in the middle-of-group home in the 2000 block of N. Smallwood St. in the Mondawmin neighborhood, said Chief Kevin Cartwright, the spokesman. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, which was confined to two rooms on the second floor of the two-story brick house, he said. A search-and-rescue team found the man's body.

According to the article on the front page of The Sun ("Md. school systems study later start for high schools," March 11), there is a concern regarding the early start of schools in the morning. It seems that this may be the cause of poor performance by the students. One main reason is that the students do not have time to eat breakfast. Well, I may have the answer to that: "Get up 15 minutes sooner. " Oh yes, and then there is the problem of early dismissal. The reason given is that it allows more time for the students to get into trouble.

The Greater Highland Crossroads Association will sponsor its Highland Days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, rain or shine, at Routes 108 and 216. The festival is intended as a social event, allowing residents to get acquainted with more than 40 merchants, community organizations and service providers. This year's festival will include a stage with hourly performances by area groups, including the Maryland Accordion Club, musicians from Howard County schools, the Kangaroo Kids precision jump-rope team, performers from the Briggs Chaney Dance Center and Young Artists Theatre, and others.