Static banners are a thing of the past. According to CNET News.com, online advertisements are evolving into widgets. Though people are already using desktop widgets as clocks, calendars and RSS feeds, widget ads are still relatively new. But it won't be long before brand advertisers jump on the widget ad bandwagon. According to the article, the interactivity and viral nature of widgets make them attractive to marketers looking for new ways to expand their audience.

Ford is giving widgets a try with its online ad campaign for Sync, an in-car system powered by Microsoft. The widgets will run on AOL sites this week, and will allow users to download a free song or view short videos, all while viewing more information about the product. One of the best features, at least from a marketing perspective, is that users can grab the widget and embed it into other sites. "This is an effective way for marketers to share their brand with influencers out there," said Peter Kim, president of Interpolls, which is hosting the Sync widget ads. "It has to be compelling enough for someone to want to grab it and place it onto their page," he said.

In 2006, Americans consumed more than 3 billion bottles of wine. That record-setting statistic from WineMarketCouncil.com emphasizes that wine consumption is on the rise. And according to Don Sritong, corporate sommelier and owner of Chicago's Just Grapes Wine Shop, it's a trend that will only grow stronger. "This year will be an exciting year in the world of wine, from biodynamic wines to at home wine blending," Sritong said. The sommelier predicts that organic and biodynamic wines will become more popular, as will at-home blending parties. Another wine trend--unique wine names. Sritong says the success of Yellowtail in 2001 introduced a new category of "critter brands" like Little Penguin, Three Blind Mooses and Twin Fin. According to AC Nielsen.com, critter-branded wine has reached more than $600 million in sales over the last three years.

To find out how you can get in on the wine craze next year, check out this article.

According to this Newsweek article, it certainly could be. From dry eyes to rushed lunches, it all adds up. Newsweek points out five of the biggest office health concerns and the best ways to beat them. Here are some of their suggestions:

• To protect your eyes, try looking away from the screen and at a distant object every 30 minutes. If you feel strain, use eye drops.
• Try adjusting your chair and keyboard and the distance between you and the screen to become more comfortable. If you've already adjusted your workstation, try getting more exercise outside of work.
• If the chatter from an open office environment is driving you crazy, try a pair of noise-canceling headphones. You could also test out one of the many products on the market designed to block out conversational noise around cubicles.