New credit card rules mean changes for consumers {Thanks, AP}

If you’re a credit card user, it’s more important than ever to pay close attention to credit card statements. Beginning today, new credit card rules go into effect. Users shouldn’t expect things to stay the same, but the changes could be good news for many consumers.

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Peyton Manning wants to put a ring on it {thanks, AP}

1. Super Bowl XLIV: Saints v. Colts
We know you’ll watch the Super Bowl regardless of who’s playing (even if just for the commercials), but this year’s matchup is extra juicy. You’ve got the AFC’s and the NFC’s top seeds meeting for the first time since 1993. You’ve got two of the league’s most underrated defenses. And you’ve got a couple of guys named Peyton Manning and Drew Brees. This one has classic written all over it. 6:25 p.m. Sunday, WJZ-23 CBS. MATT VENSEL, B

2. ‘Lost’ season premiere
It’s no secret that I’m a “Lost” fanatic. Fanatic is an understatement. And while I realize that this is the beginning of the end, I can’t wait to find out what happens in the final season. Who’s “dead” and coming back? Seriously, what’s up with Walt? Did the bomb really reset everything? Find out during the season premiere, 9 p.m. Tuesday on WMAR-12 ABC. MARISSA GALLO, B

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Hello all. I’ve been away for a while but I make my return just in time for “Follow Friday.”

For the unfamiliar, “Follow Friday” is when I tell you about a blogger or Twitter user you should follow. This week, it’s Natalie McNeal who is both a blogger and on Twitter. Her site, “The Frugalista Files,” offers important information about getting the most bang for your buck. Natalie often shows that stretching dollars isn’t about being cheap,but rather about being responsible and fiscally frugal. Also be sure to take advantage of her money mind by following her on Twitter (@frugalista).

Natalie’s most recent post centers on how to make a year-end review of your finances. So head on over to “The Frugalista Files” and make sure your financial house is in order.

Happy Friday, and happy Internet searching.

Give the special gift of the Rock Chick {thanks, Rocks-Off Ltd.)

Despite its gams-tastic cover, b’s holiday gift guide last week was, sadly, sexy-free — in case you count the Snuggie as sexy.

We’re sure someone, somewhere, does.So, in order to right this wrong, I’ve decided to compile my favorite sexy gifts this year.

No, I haven’t tried them myself. That would be expensive/tiring (but probably fun).

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Let the great Snuggie debate begin {thanks, Get Snuggie}

$13 Kinoki Cleansing Detox Foot Pads amazon.com
We don’t know what would make you look worse: giving these to someone as if to say, “Dude, you really need a deep cleanse” or being gullible enough to fall for this proven scam. Either way, you’d probably lose a friend — and your dignity.

$14.95 Fart Lauderdale Hat zazzle.com
Hmm, where to start? First of all, we don’t even know what this “joke” is. We can’t tell if it’s making fun of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., (if so, why?) or if the creator just thinks it’s hilarious. Also, we thought mesh hats were banned by consensus in 2001.

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Lots of “Bourne” love on best-of-decade lists so far {thanks, AP}

As the year winds down, the inevitable best-of-the-year lists are popping up everywhere.

Granted, we in the media really, really love these lists. I guess they prove we’re “knowledgeable” and “aware” and such. But what has been interesting to see is what people are calling this decade, since there’s no official name, such as the disco-fueled ’70s or cocaine-heightened ’80s.

Do you call them the aughts, the OOs (pronounced, somewhat orgasmically, as the oh-ohs), the 2000s or, as The London Times calls it, the “noughties”? Seriously. They called it that. If you say “noughties” with a British accent, don’t forget to add a winsome and derisive chuckle.

The Times threw down the noughties term to count down the 100 best movies of this decade. No. 1 is “Hidden,” which was directed by Michael Haneke, the dude who did “Funny Games” (which we recommend if you’d like to see Naomi Watts bound and gagged while clad in blood-stained bra and panties).

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A week and a half ago, while at a journalism convention in Tampa, Fla., I had the opportunity to sit in on a finance workshop sponsored by MetLife.

For me, it was an opportunity to sit down take notes, and take stock of the importance of financial literacy.

Learning how to better manage my money is something I’ve really wanted to do since graduating from college a year ago, but I must admit it’s not something I’ve actually put a whole lot of effort into these last 15 or so months.

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Young hons prepare for the Honfest spotlight {thanks, The Baltimore Sun}

1. It’s the only time of the year I can get away with wearing leopard print. And, really, why would I want to turn that opportunity down? Tease up your beehive and thicken your Bawlmer accent, hon — one of the biggest events of the year is upon us. Saturday and Sunday. On the Ave., Hampden. Marissa Richardson, b

2. The 41YO
Is there anything better than hometown hip-hop pride? Brandon Soderberg and Co. keep readers updated on everything Baltimore hip-hop and Club. With DJ Class, Bossman and other local artists gaining national recognition, the 41yo is a terrific resource to keep up with our booming scene. 41yo.com. Wesley Case, b

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Do you think you could spot a fine line on your face from space? Are you constantly scanning your hairline for hints of gray?

You may be part of the feverish quest for the fountain of youth that continues among consumers, especially those in their 20s and 30s.

How obsessed are we with aging? Very obsessed, as indicated by a proliferation of skin care products that include anti-aging claims (one in four) and the fact they have finally edged out skin cleansers to be the top facial skin care seller, according to recent data from consumer research company Mintel.

Consumers spent more than $1.6 billion on such products in 2008, the report revealed.

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