A STUDIO 2B Web cast Girls 11-17 across the nation are invited to tune in to a STUDIO 2B Web cast from noon to 12:30 p.m on November 8. Hear other girls talk about life and write in with their questions or advice.

The host will be Karen Bokram, Girls Life Magazine editor! Bokram will chat with teens about how to creatively deal with everyday life as a teenager: friends, relationships and dating, and stress. She's heard it all, even stories about the most famous teens dealing with the same issues.

To view the Web cast, girls should log onto the Studio 2B site at www.studio2B.org where there will be a direct link to the Webcast. In order to access the Web cast girls will need Windows Media Player installed on their computer (it can take up to one and a half hours). Then on November 8, log on at least 10 minutes before the event.

If you do not already have Windows Media Player installed on your computer, you can download it for free at www.microsoft.com.

Food, toy, and clothing drive Girl Scouts can help others by donating non-perishable food, clothing, and toys to the B'nai B'rith annual drive on December 7 at the Jewish Community Center, 5601 South Braeswood in Houston. Items will go to the Greater Houston Interfaith Ministries pantries.

Parents may be eligible for tax break Do you work hard but still struggle to make ends meet? If you earn a low income and file an annual tax return, you might qualify to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit or EITC. If you have more than one qualifying child and earn under $33,692 on the job, you may be able to claim up to a $4,204 credit. With one qualifying child and earnings less than $29,666, or no child and earnings under $12,230, smaller credits are available.

If you do qualify for the EITC, you can choose to get part of the credit in advance instead of waiting until you file your tax return. If you work, earn less than $30,666, and have at least one qualifying child, you can receive part of the credit with your paychecks. This year, you may receive up to $1,528 in your paychecks if you are eligible.

To find out if you are eligible for the Advance EITC, complete the questions on Form W-5, Earned Income Credit Advance Payment Certificate. This form is available at the IRS Web site or through your employer. If you are eligible, give the completed Form

W-5 to your employer. Based on your eligibility and income, your employer will add extra money to your take-home pay in each paycheck.

For more information about the Advance EITC, visit the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov or call 1-800-829-3676 for a free copy of IRS' Publication 596, Earned Income Credit.

Free Family Nights are every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Children's Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz. In November, families can learn about holidays celebrated by other cultures while making crafts and participating in fun activities. On November 6, the museum will feature Ramadan, a time of prayer, fasting, and worship for Muslim families. On November 13, families can celebrate Diwali, a Hindu tradition which means "garland of lights." The museum will be closed Thursday, November 27 for Thanksgiving. For more information call 713-522-1138.