People magazine named Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson 2016’s “Sexiest Man Alive.” Staffer Antoinette Coulton gives us the inside story behind the pick in this interview.

In case you missed our interviews with our veterans from the Upper Cumberland area, here are some of the local heroes we spoke to. We thank them for their hard work and sacrifice to our country.

2016 has been a ground breaking year in many ways, besides a presidential year……….

1.  Scientists may have found the gene responsible for ALS.  And funding for the study came from the Ice Bucket Challenge.
2.  We figured out a new stem-cell therapy that can halt the effects of Multiple Sclerosis.
3. Solar panels in California started producing enough electricity to power six million homes, which is a new record.  And a solar-powered plane flew around the world.
4. Volunteers in India planted 50 million trees in less than 24 hours.
5.  The number of wild tigers, manatees, and giant pandas is up.
6.  The hole in the ozone layer finally started healing itself.  Scientists have been waiting for it to happen since we banned certain chemicals in aerosols 30 years ago.
7.  We’re closer to helping paralyzed people walk again.  Just this week, scientists in Switzerland said they used a brain implant to help a paralyzed monkey walk again.

According to science, these are the things you need in your home if you want to be happy …

Green or yellow walls: A study from Amsterdam found that these two colors evoked the most feelings of happiness.

Fresh flowers: Researchers at Rutgers University found that fresh flowers trigger happy emotions.

Sentimental photos: A study at the University of Portsmouth found that sentimental photos give you positive feelings and a sense of calmness.

Vanilla-scented candles:  A Chemical Senses study found that the smell of vanilla improves your mood.

A journal: Keeping a journal can make you more grateful and research published in Psychological Science found that re-reading past entries can make you feel happier.

A pet: Any dog or car owner knows how much a pet improves your life, and research published in Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that pets alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.

A made bed: According to a survey by Hunch.com, 71% of people who make their beds every day consider themselves happy, while 62% of people who don’t make the bed say they’re unhappy.

No clutter: Researchers from UCLA found a link between clutter and stress, particularly with women. So de-clutter and be happy.

Scott Hamilton is know as an Olympic Gold Medal figure skater but also as a motivational speaker. His unique positive attitude through many adversaries, including cancer, has given him a big following. Scott talks to me about a fundraising event in Nashville for the Scott Hamilton Cares Foundation and gives us insight on having a positive attitude about life.

Carrie, the movie based on the best-selling Stephen King novel, is 40 this year! You might remember that Carrie was a girle who was picked-on in high school and develops telepathy. She gets back at everyone at her school on prom night. Nancy Allen played the main men girl in the film. She talks to me about the chemistry the cast had and why the movie is still popular today.

Former basketball superstar Shaquille O’Nea has purchased a “Krispy Kreme” franchise. Shaq is also teaming with the donut chain for “Shaq-or-treat” social media promotion for Halloween. If you tag your social media posts with #ShaqOrTreat between October 28th and the 31st you’ll be eligible to win Shaq autographed prizes and other items from Krispy Kreme.

You may remember Joan Embrey best from her visits to the Johnny Carson Show. Her love of animals and great chemistry with Johnny made her a favorite of all animal lovers. She talks about some of her favorite moments being on the show in my interview with her.

It’s a tradition in Cookeville each October on the last Friday in the month. Cooking On The Square to raise money for habitat for humanity of Putnam County. For just $20, you get a hand thrown pottery bowl, plus all you can eat gumbo, dessert and drink. Find out more in the interview below.

Guys if you’re planning on asking a woman to marry you, here’s some help. In a survey of over 2,000 women, it found that a third of them wanted to pick out their own ring. Most women (95%) want a diamond and she expects you to spend over $1,200 on it. On the plus side guys, most ladies don’t expect the perfect proposal, just a little spontaneity.