The video pulses with the Black Eyed Peas song "Boom Boom Pow" while the message flashes on screen: "Pay attention to your family history! Dying before 50 from cancer is NOT normal! ... Make your family history clear to your doctor! Yell at them!"

It may be one of the only aspects of civilized life that hasn't changed much in more than a century: the thank you note.

LOS ANGELES (AP) Ed McMahon, the loyal "Tonight" show sidekick who bolstered boss Johnny Carson with guffaws and a resounding "H-e-e-e-e-e-ere's Johnny!" for 30 years, died early Tuesday. He was 86.

LOS ANGELES Michael Jackson, the sensationally gifted child star who rose to become the "King of Pop" and the biggest celebrity in the world only to fall from his throne in a freakish series of scandals, died Thursday. He was 50.

NEW YORK (AP) "Ladies and gentlemen, Michael Jackson has just died," the woman called out breathlessly upon boarding a Manhattan bus, moments after the news had broken. Not a word was spoken in response. But nearly every passenger reached for a BlackBerry, a cell phone, whatever device was at hand.

... bridal expos in your area. Wedding-service providers often offer special discounts to attendees. Distributed by the Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service

... retailers will go on the price. Most stores have plenty of big-screen TVs, not so many iPhones. Distributed by the Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service EndStory//

WASHINGTON President-elect Barack Obama is grabbing the mantle of national leadership in unprecedented ways, creating what has emerged as a parallel presidency just three weeks after his election.

WASHINGTON With job losses mounting and lawmakers preparing to funnel money to Detroit automakers, a top House Democrat said Monday that a new government effort to help borrowers avoid foreclosure will have to wait until after President-elect Barack Obama takes office.

Here are some ideas from Jennifer Bertrand, Jo Pearson, Leah Ingram, FamilyFun.com and RealSimple.com to help you think outside the box: