Apparently they do.

On this day of daylight savings time, the day we gain another hour of sleep and daylight, I'm realizing that my daily routine of coffee in the morning is a must.

I thought a break from that morning cup of joe would be a good thing. Looks like my caffeine break was not what my mind and body wanted after all.

So I ask myself this question, "do caffeine withdrawals really exist?"

According to several articles in the internet, those symptoms of withdrawals are real.

One website, sciencedaily.com says reports from consumers of coffee and other caffeinated products experience withdrawals in many forms -- from headaches, to fatigue, to feeling less alert and less energetic. I'm pretty sure I've checked off every single one of them.

I look forward to the fall when we "fall back" and gain back one hour of sleep. I thought a break from coffee wouldn't affect my alertness, but I guess I was wrong. I'm tempted to have a cup, but I've decided to savor the flavor when I get up Monday morning. A cup of caffeine on a Sunday afternoon would keep me awake much longer than what's necessary.

From the website, Sciencedaily.com, it states researchers from the University of Vermont College of Medicine and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine took a close look into caffeine and how the brain is affected during a withdrawal.

Studies showed stopping daily caffeine consumption produced changes in the body, much of those changes were related to the withdrawals i just mentioned -- headaches, drowsiness and decreased alertness. Caffeine increased blood flow to the brain, which probably explains the headaches and fatigue, and feeling tired.

There are more reports on the internet that explain those bizarre withdrawals and feelings of tiredness when you haven't had your morning coffee. It explains why some feel comfort when they finish a cup that's good to the last drop. I know I do!

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Growing up and well into college, I was surrounded by engineers or people who worked with engineers -- my uncle, my cousin, my college roommate and friends. My dad wasn't an engineer, but worked for one the biggest engineering firms back home.

So I understand just how important it is to have engineers in this world. My dad talked about some of the great structures and projects he and his team were responsible for. My uncle and his son worked in the mining industry in the Philippines. My college roommate and several of our friends majored in Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. Their study habits consist of intense math and science courses. They were some of the smartest people I ever met. Today many of them are still working in the engineering field.

A meeting with the author of Rocks, Jeans and Busy Machines brought back a lot of those memories. Alane Alvarez de Rivera is a professional engineer who co-wrote a children's book about the engineering world with her husband, Raymundo. Alane earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in 1996 and a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas in San Antonio in 2000. Her husband Raymundo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas in San Antonio in 1997 and a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 2009. Raymundo is also a registered professional engineer in the state of Texas. Together they have more than 20 years in the field.

In our Great Day Sunday interivew, Alane said she and her husband's collaboration was to encourage more kids to go into engineering because there's a shortage of engineers throughout the world.

With President Obama's push for a green economy, some of the workload will fall on engineers with expertise in electricity. According to the U.S. Power and Energy Engineering Workforce Collaborative, led by the IEEE Power & Energy Society, in the next 5 years, about 7,000 power engineers will be needed in the electrical utility industry. Their expertise in conserving energy will be a greatly needed in the next few years.

Rocks, Jeans and Busy Machines is about a trip to the park by kids, Pedro and Violet. Along the way they learn about how things are made. They find out how buildings and bridges are designed and built safely. The book is for children ages five to nine and is the only series written by professional engineers specifically designed to get kids interested in the different fields of engineering.

Expect to see more books on the shelves soon. Alane and Raymundo hope to introduce more engineering fields such as geotechnical and electrical engineering to your child in the near future.

By the way their book Rocks, Jeans and Busy Machines is available at The Twig book store and Learning Express at the Quarry Market and in Stone Oak.

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We're less than one week away from Halloween and neighborhoods are celebrating.

The 9th Annual Boo Bash Halloween Parade this past Saturday. Lindsey Place is located off of Grissom between Bandera and Culebra. There residents came together for a parade, costume competition and a chance to get to know their neighbors.

Since National Night Out was moved from August to October a couple years ago, Saturday's event was a combination of Halloween and NNO. Residents stepped outside of their homes to join friends and families from around the block. Their kids played together, took pictures together and participated in games together.

I was asked by one of the guests, San Antonio Police Officer Jesse Lopez if I wanted to walk or ride along with them. I said that I've never been inside a fire truck, so firefighters from a nearby fire station escorted me along the parade route. It wasn't a far walk, but I didn't come equipt with the right shoes... oops!

I was Grand Marshall of the parade, but with me were District 6 City Councilman Ray Lopez and Officer Jesse Lopez (no relation). Together we judged the Halloween costume competition. There were some incredible and original costumes that day. There were so many to choose from that we guest judges had to have a total of three winners -- first, second and third place. We couldn't have just one. First place went to a young girl who dressed up as Cleopatra.

Hats off to Lindsey Place Homeowners Association President Jesse Garcia. He did a great job organizing the event and getting the entire community involved. Residents could've stayed indoors, but so many of them came out to hang out with their neighbors.

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What's old is new again at this year's Monte Vista Historic District Home Tour.

A mile and half north of downtown, the Monte Vista area is where San Antonio's movers and shakers call home. Restaurant and business owners, CEO's, doctors and lawyers have moved into San Antonio's 2nd oldest historical district for the past century.

A neighborhood of about 3,000 residents, Monte Vista will showcase six historic homes, including a 100-year old church with a collection of stained glass windows. From English Tudor to Italian Renaissance to Greek Revival, you'll see homes built from the 1890's to the 1930's this weekend. You'll get to walk into each home, see every detail and ask homeowners questions. The tour will inspire you to work on those improvement ideas you've put off for a while.

Rob and Melissa Killen are two attorneys who moved into the Monte Vista Historic District because they were tired of the traffic from the Medical area. Commutes to downtown were getting worse, so living closer to work was the better option.

Built in 1902, the Killen's four-square home was already going through renovations thanks to the previous owner. But the couple asked him that he "stop what you're doing! because most of work was going to be re-done. Rob and Melissa spent their nights and weekends restoring and renovating their century-old home. It was truly a work in progress.

They transformed all two stories of it, one section at a time. They also made their humble abode very green by re-using materials from older homes ready to face demolition. From floors, to wainscotting to their front door, nearly half of their home includes recycled materials. AND, they got rid of their waist high weeds. Rob and Melissa are very happy with their backyard oasis.

Homes large and small will be open to the public this Saturday. Once you've stopped by the six historic homes, then take a walk through Main Avenue where you can visit stores and restaurants.

The Monte Vista Home Tour is Saturday, October 24th from 9am to 4pm. Contact the historical association at (210) 737-8212. Don't miss out on the tour this year, or else you'll have to wait. It only comes every other year.

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Those were the 5 greatest words I've ever heard in my career.

The 2009 Lone Star EMMYS were held Saturday night in Dallas. KENS 5 was nominated for a total 19 EMMYS. The station walked away winners in four different categories.

I was lucky to be recognized and I'll be honest -- it feels great. Members from different chapters across the country vote for the EMMY winners. Knowing who and what markets they come from are kept a secret. So there's no telling who looked at our entries.

Winning an EMMY for the story of the Philippine Scouts was an amazing feeling. It was the story about two surviving Philippine Scouts in San Antonio who fought alongside Americans during World War II. They were held captive as Prisoners of War under enemy forces. One escaped, the other Scout endured 3 LONG years surviving the Bataan Death March and labor camps. After the war they came to the United States with their families, made San Antonio their home and continued to serve their new country as soldiers of the US Army.

Growing up, my parents would tell me stories about their families' experience during World War II. My mother was still an infant and my father was a young boy. Pa had a clearer memory of the war - hiding underground and in make-shift shelters in hopes they would never be found. Pa's uncle was a Scout and when he came home, he was unrecognizable. Uncle was frail and left to skin and bones after surviving one of the most horrific acts of war in the Pacific. He and thousands more of his fellow Philippine Scouts, plus American soldiers were held captive and forced into the Bataan Death March.

I learned later that I had several uncles who fought in the war. They were young Scouts who enlisted at very young ages -- 18, 19, even 20. Listening to these stories, I was always reminded of who I am and where I came from. My parents never let me forget the hardship they endured from their childhood to when they finally arrived in the United States. I grew up loving the country that was thousands of miles away, while living in a country where I am spoiled with freedom and take liberty for granted.

To receive an EMMY for telling a story I felt personally close to was a great way to celebrate my first win. This industry gives you a voice to a meaningful cause and a meaningful story. AND to be surrounded by other great storytellers who are veterans in this industry... not mention in their craft was an even better feeling.

The EMMY statue may be mine, but my gratitude goes to the Scouts and their families who let me tell their story. Today only 3 are alive in San Antonio. It's a generation that's fading fast and their stories will fade with them if we don't stop and listen. In my mind, the real winners that night were that generation of brave soldiers.

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How would you like to take a swing at heart disease?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. In 2005, more than 600,000 people died of heart disease. Half of them were women.

The CDC also reports this year heart disease will cost more than $304.6 billion, including health care services, medications, and lost productivity.

If you're wondering who is at risk, then check out the CDC. It states those who are at risk are adults who are physically inactive, obese, diagnosed with hypertension, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and currently smoking.

TexSAn Heart Hospital opened up 5 years ago and since then has been dedicated to prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. TexSAn allows doctors, nurses and medical technicians focus their concentration on care and its community. Because of its specialty, the hospital is a title-sponsor in next week's important fundraiser.

Benefitting the American Heart Association, the Arthur O'Krent Golf Classic is Monday, October 19th. Be sure to call the orgaznizers if it's too late to sign up for tee time. I know it's NOT too late to buy or even check out the raffle tickets. Some great prizes avaiable are tickets to Super Bowl XLIV in Miami, a fully-loaded home theater system, and the biggest prize package is a trip for two to the 2010 Masters Tournament. The package includes full access 4-day passes to the Masters Tournament and roundtrip airfare for two to Atlanta, Georgia.

The O'Krent name is synonymous with flooring in San Antonio. Sam O'Krent is a fourth generation flooring dealer. He learned the business from his father and grandfather. Arthur O'Krent is Sam's father who lived a full life. Unfortunately, he was gone too soon after losing the battle against heart disease. He was 62 years old. Arthur dedicated his life to hard work and giving back to his community. Because of his devotion, the Arthur O'Krent Golf Classic is in his honor. The proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards the American Heart Association.

Mark your calendars. The Arthur O'Krent Golf Classic is Monday, October 19th at The Resort Course at La Cantera. Registration is at 11am and the shotgun start is at 1pm. Be sure to stay a little longer for the Fiesta Dinner and Auction Awards. The evening event starts at 6:30pm.

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When you think arthritis, do you think kids?

Very few know that children can also suffer from arthritis. We normally think adults deal with those terrible aches and pains.

One couple is hosting a sporting event that's made just for young athletes in your family and to help raise money for their favorite cause.

Marco and Lorena Garsed own Tri-Sition Area. It's a store specializing in retail services for athletes who swim, bike and run in one race.

Their young daughter deals with arthritis everyday. Together with her doctor, the Garsed family have combined their love for their daughter and their love for triathlon to create a sporting event called Tri-to-be-Spooky Kids Triathlon. With Halloween just around the corner, the Garseds put together this fun family event.

The race takes place at the Spectrum Club at Rogers Ranch located at 2711 Treble Creek in north San Antonio. First kids will swim in the pool, then go on a bike route and lastly a run around the club. The young athletes will take on the course according to their age group. For instance, kids ages 5 and 6 will swim 25 yards, bike for one kilometer, then run 100 yards. Kids ages 7 to 10 year olds bump up their course to a 100-yard swim, a 3-mile bike ride and a 1k run. The older kids from ages 11 to 15 years old will go the distance by swimming 200 yards, bike for 6 miles and run for 2 kilometers.

Be sure to support the kids and the kids living with arthritis. Race day is Saturday, October 17 and starts early at the pool. Athletes have to be there by 6am. TO learn more about this event, call Tri-Sition Area at (210) 492-4884 or log onto www.trisitionarea.com.

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This week (October 4-10) marks an important week for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, also known as NAMI.

One in four people deals with a mental illness (depression, mental and emotional disorders, substance abuse, schizophrenia) affecting one in five families. It's why NAMI is on a mission to raise awareness about mental disorders. The group's mission is advocacy, support and education of mental illnesses. One of the group's main goals is to get rid of the stigma behind the disorders.

I had the pleasure of interviewing a mother whose 19-year old son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Jackie Dickey is a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She first learned about her son's condition when he became ill his senior year in high school and started to become withdrawn. Jacob was later diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Though he deals with a mental disorder everyday, this young man loves music and enjoys playing the piano. In fact, when Jacob plays he feels a sense of calmness and clarity. He practices daily and is happiest when he plays his favorite pasttime.

Because of his love for music, Jacob is able to connect to the community. As a result, his mother Jackie says "music is a very good connector of people." Hopefully someday you'll get a chance to hear the 19-year old tickle the ivories. He is an exceptional pianist. His favorite composer is Scott Joplin, the "King of Ragtime," also known as the composer of "The Entertainer " famously heard in the movie The Sting.

According to NAMI, the economic downturn has an affect on the mental health of Americans. "Individuals who are unemployed are four times as likely as those with jobs to report symptoms consistent with severe mental illness."

It goes on to report that "Americans who experienced involuntary changes in their employment status, such as pay cuts or reduced hours, also are twice as likely to have these symptoms, even though they are employed full time."

If you or someone you know deals with a mental illness, there are a number of activities happening this week. This Thursday is a free screening at the Frank Bryant Health Center. It starts at 8 in the morning and ends at 5pm. If you're reluctant to go out and want more privacy, you can call (210) 731-1300. After each screening, professionals will help you find the treatment you need.

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When was the last time you played Dodgeball?

For many of you, you were probably a kid... maybe in elementary school.

For some, you might belong to a sports club or team that meets every weekend to play Dodgeball.

Or better yet, you may have participated in an annual event that happens right here in the Alamo City.

It's the 4th Annual Duck and Dodge City Dodgeball Championship.

Tomorrow is one full day of dodging every pounce, bounce, hit and smack from an object disguised as a nerf ball.

I had the chance to participate in a team a couple years ago. The year was 2007. It was the first time Great Day SA was approached to join the championship. One of our producers got me and several others (the rest were men) to sign up. I ended up being the only girl. I felt special being the only female, but little did I know I wouldn't get special treatment.

We practiced once before the game. Were we ready? No, but we wondered, "who is!?" No one really plays dodgeball! Besides we have a team of guys and a gal who all work out. From the push up king to the basketball baller to the marathon runner to the weatherman dancer, we were ready. Do a few drills and we're ready to go.

Or were we?

We arrived at Brooks City Base that Saturday morning. Some of us groggy and tired. Some dehydrated from the night before (!!) No questions asked. Besides, all I asked was "please show up." Being the only female, somehow I became the coach.

Anyway, I had to treat it like it was a long run day. Get lot's of rest and drink lot's of fluids the night before. I learned later none of that would help me.

The other teams were mean, tough and ready for a challenge. We... well... we played.

Round after round, we surprised ourselves (and others) when our team made it to the semi-finals. We were known as "Hey, it's the KENS 5 team". Spectators asked if they were going to be on TV. Opposing teams wanted to know if their winning shots would put them on TV. What winning shots? All I know is their losses made the highlight reel. heh-heh!

By 4pm that day, we were tire, beat, and injured. Two of our men were hurt. One worked with a sprained ankle, the other somehow hurt his wrist. It wasn't until we played the last team in the semi-finals was our fate decided in the last two throws. It came down to one person from each team on the court. The opposite team threw the ball, hit our player on the legs and that was the end of the game.

We lost to the other team, and they went to the finals. We were close to winning a year's supply of Powerade (or beer, according to the rules), but we took it stride. We congratulated them and they did the same to us. We were arrived as a team and left as a team. All of us couldn't wait to go home, shower, take a nap and nurse our injuries. We realized that being an athlete isn't easy.

Two years later and the original KENS 5 team hasn't been to the tournament since. All of us have decided to leave a good thing alone.

Instead we participate in a smaller way. It's when the San Antonio Sports Foundation come to our show and talk about the tournament. KENS 5 is one of the sponsors of this fun event. Just a couple days ago we battled it out against the Sports Foundation team.

No luck. They're undefeated when they play us. They're good. And us? Well, let's just say we make good TV!

In case you miss the Duck N Dodge game tomorrow, then think about playing next year. Your entry fees to the Championship game go towards helping the Sports Foundation in its efforts to get kids off the couch, off the streets and in team sports. Your participation helps the foundation put together meaningful programs to make sure our kids stay active.

If you don't do it this year, get some friends together for next year.

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A remarkable young boy was on the show this week.

Weston Wright is only 4 years old and he's already an inspiration. So much so, he's been called a "beacon of light."

Weston was diagnosed with a rare eye condition called Septo-Optic Dysplasia, causing him to be blind in both eyes. BUT Weston hasn't let his blindness stop him from living his young life.

SA Lighthouse heard about Weston from a news story. His mother Christina asked for the public's help in financing her little boy's visit to China where he would undergo surgery and receive treatment for his eyes. Thanks to the community and SA Lighthouse for the Blind, Weston travelled to China. He went from total darkness to some sensitivity to light.

Because of Weston's inspirational story, the inaugural 5K Run/Walk is named after him. Proceeds from this Lighthouse event benefit young adults ages 16 to 21 who participate in the group's high school to Work Transition program.

More than 50,000 local children and adults are blind or visually impaired. The Lighthouse helps every one of them lead an independent life. In fact, the group has a contract with the military. According to the Lighthouse website, employees are responsible for Army, Navy, and Air Force items such as uniforms, helmet chinstraps, and oil analysis kits.

If you're interested in helping raise money and raise awareness about blindness and the visually impaired, you could register to run or walk the Weston Wright "Lighting the Way 5K Run and Walk. It takes place this Saturday at Mission County Park starting at 8am.

Weston will be there to help kick off his event. Prepare to be inspired.

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