Donald Trump For President?

As President Obama's first term winds down, there is much anticipation for who will run in the 2012 election. Speculations have been spinning around, but if early online surveys are any indicator, it appears that hotel mogul and reality show star, Donald Trump may be running for office.

Based on surveys by CNN and the Opinion Research Corporation, Trump and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee are among the leaders for the Republican party. What happened to Sarah Palin? Well she is in a close third behind Trump and Huckabee.

The question is, will Trump really follow through and run for President? Also, is he qualified? If you are a little skeptical about Trump being the leader of our country, not to worry. Experts believe that Trump would not run for office in the end, because candidates are required to publish in-depth financial disclosure statements.

So, what do you think? Would you vote for Donald Trump? Do you think he will actually follow through and run for President, or is this just more publicity for Trump...and his hair? Let us know what you think!

The Success of Small Businesses in America

In the latter part of American history, we have seen the power of small businesses. Many researchers have even claimed that Entrepreneurship may be the future of the American economy. The way companies advertise, create new products, and sell merchandise is completely different than it was even 25 years ago. A great example of this idea can be seen in TOMS shoes.

Blake Mycoskie has become one of the most successful entrepreneurs since founding TOMS in 2006. His ideas were considerate and his conventions were unique. He didn't found TOMS just to make money and live a prosperous life. Blake founded TOMS after competing on the reality show, The Amazing Race, and noticing that many children in Argentina didn't have shoes. He founded his company not for the good of himself, but for the good of others. And people have really taken notice. TOMS exists on the simple premise: One for One. For each pair of shoes you buy, a child in need gets a pair of shoes. Not a donation towards a pair of shoes and not a percentage of your purchase... simply a pair of shoes to call their own. 

Because of the nature of the company, TOMS does not have the budget to spend large amounts of money on elaborate ad campaigns. As a result, they have embraced the technology available to them. They have gone viral with many online video ad campaigns. They have utilized social media as their primary source of advertising to spread their message. What they're doing is working, but Blake believes that the company would not have been able to exist 10 years ago. 

So while the saying goes "technology is a blessing and a curse," in this situation it is a blessing. It not only allows many small businesses to exist, but also in the case of TOMS, allows people to do a little good.

Click here to learn about and support the TOMS movement. 

Do you think this is true? Do you think small businesses are able to thrive in the technological era?

The Harry Potter Era Begins To Come To A Close

The story that began over a decade ago is beginning to become to an end. It all began when we met Harry, Ron, and Hermione in Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone in 1998.

The series has had a huge amount of success as kids around the world up grew up with the trio. We were there for every spell, curse, and battle as Harry and his friends attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Now it is all coming to an end with the final installment of the series, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. The final book was so long that the accompanying movie was divided into to two parts. 

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1, which debuted in the Fall of 2010, is set to be released on DVD April 15. The film will be available for purchase on DVD, Blu-Ray, and for digital download. The DVD will included deleted scenes, behind the scenes footage, interviews with the cast, bloopers and more. It's a must have for any Harry Potter fan, Gryffindor's and Slytherin's alike. 

Although the series is preparing to come to an end, fans still have one last feature film to look forward to. Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 will be in theaters July 15, 2011. Check out the trailer for the final Potter film here.  

Will you be buying Part 1 on DVD this week? Are you excited/sad about the final movie? Share your thoughts!

Update: Philadelphia's Fight For Education Continues

In March, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett revealed his plans to cut the education budget by over half a million dollars. The budget cuts are going to have a direct impact on many people. Teachers, students, and staff at everything from elementary schools through universities will be affected. 


As a result, people around Pennsylvania are standing up together, in an effort to rally against the proposed budget cuts. This week in Philadelphia, a group of protestors marched from the Philadelphia School District's headquarters to City Hall to let Corbett hear their voices. The group, Protect Public Education, consisted of students, teachers, and local community members. 


For the Philadelphia School District, the budget cuts could mean a loss of almost $300 million next year. Members of the District fear that after school activities, full-day kindergarten, and after school remedial programs may have to be cut as a result of the lack of funding. 


Stay tuned for more updates on Governor Corbett's budget cuts.


Have you seen anyone standing up and speaking out? Share your stories!

2011 Guinness World Records!

In 1951 Sir Hugh Beaver, of Guinness Brewing, began traveling around the world taking pictures of odd and quirky things that had never been done before. By 1955 the first official "Guinness Book of Records" was published. The book became extremely popular around the world and became a best seller. We've all read the unbelievable stories and seen the outrageous pictures in previous editions of the book. Well, get ready! Guinness is back with "Guinness World Records 2011."

Check out some of the highlights below!

Widest Mouth! 17cm!!

Most perfect games of Wii Bowling, 850!!

World's Largest Shoe!

What is the craziest Guinness Record you have ever seen?

Check out more of 2011's records here!

Being In A Good Mood May Affect Your Memory?

Have you ever noticed that negative experiences stick out more to you than positive experiences in your memory? Well, if so you may not be alone. A new study has found that your memory doesn't function as well when you're happy or in a good mood.

A team of researchers assessed the memory of 180 college students. The students were divided up and shown two different videos. Half of the students watched Jerry Seinfeld's comedy sketch "I'm Telling You For The Last Time" while the other half watched home improvement video, "How I Do Flooring." After watching the videos, the students who watched the Seinfeld clip were in happier moods while the others were indifferent. But, the research didn't stop there.

The students were then given a memory test. They were each told a series of repeated numbers and were asked to recite the numbers back. The students who watched Seinfeld, and were in a happier mood, had a more difficult time doing so. 

Researchers believe the memory does not function as well when you're happy because your thoughts are more scattered which makes it tough to focus on things. 

Do you think this is true? Do your thoughts scatter when you're in a good mood? Is it easier for you to recall bad memories? Let us know what you think!

Also, if you enjoy quirky news like this check out The Boddy Odd on Facebook!

Fun Facts About Phillies Opening Day

It's that time of year again! The Phillies are set to kick off the season and take on the Houston Astro's on April 1, 2011. Baseball is back!

After the long winter months without baseball, Phillies fans are excited to get back to Citizen's Bank Park to see their favorite boys of summer! Opening Day is a fun filled day for everyone. It's time to break out that red Phillies gear, fire up the grill, catch up with friends, and enjoy the game. This year's Opening Day is completely sold out, which is not a shock. What you may find surprising is the amount of food Phillies fans will consume on Opening Day.

Phillies fans will eat and drink...

6,500 bottles of water.
3,700 gallons of soda on Opening Day.
10,600 hot dogs
5,500 soft pretzels
4,200 pounds of french fries
4,000 cheesesteaks
3,100 bags of peanuts
2,500 sausage and pepper sandwiches
1,600 orders of chicken tenders
1,500 slices of pizza pie
1,000 bags of popcorn
650 hamburgers
630 bags of cotton candy
600 orders of nachos
195 gallons of ice cream, including Phillies Graham Slam!

That's a lot of food! Will you be at CBP for Opening Day? What is your favorite ballpark cuisine? Do you grab food inside the park or cook up your own food before the game? Share your favorites and your recipes!

Temple President Ann Weaver Harts Fights Against Budget Cuts

Earlier in March Governor Tom Corbett announced budget cuts on education of over half a million dollars. Local State Schools will see 50% budget cuts, which could cost Temple close to $90 million next year. In the weeks after Corbett announced his proposal, students and teachers have been fighting for their rights. Temple President Ann Weaver Hart even created this petition to present to the governor. 

This week, Hart traveled to Harrisburg to appear before the House Appropriations Committee to fight for Commonwealth support for higher education. Hart urged members of the committee to include to remember that the decisions they make will have a direct affect on the people involved. She encouraged them to convince elected officials to not fight this alone. Hart Believes members of the education should have a say in the budget cut decisions. 

Hart also reminded legislators that Temple is not only a place for students. Temple also has a huge impact on the surrounding community. Temple employs over 7,500 Commonwealth residents and has created 14,000 jobs for those in the local area. Budget cuts would also affect the Temple University Hospital, which provides Health Care to many Philadelphia residents. 

President Hart was also joined by members of Penn State, Lincoln, and Pitt. While no final decision has been made about the budget cuts, you can continue to show your support by signing the petition above.

What do you think about the budget cuts? Do you think President Hart will be able to change Corbett's decision? Share your thoughts or concerns. 

New Music Tuesday: Britney Spears Femme Fatale

Pop icon Britney Spears is back with her seventh studio album, Femme Fatale. Spears is the voice behind hits like ...Baby One More Time, Toxic, and Womanzier just to name a few. With over 80 million albums sold worldwide, Spears has been atop the Pop world since she burst onto the scene in 1999.

Over a decade later, Spears continues to give us fun songs to blast on our iPod's. The Femme Fatale era began with the release of singles Hold It Against Me and Till The Word Ends. Britney's legion of fans have responded very well to the two singles so far. The new album may be Spears' most mature album yet. It is a dance record full of club beats and Dubstep breakdowns. Spears collaborated with producers Max Martin, Dr. Luke, and Bloodshy and Avant to create the albums. These producers are behind hits such as ...Baby One More Time, Piece of Me, Gimme More, and If U Seek Amy. Fans can expect to hear some of Britney's trademarks with a modern twist on the album.

With Britney, it's always a party and the release of her new album was no different. She began the day with a concert featuring three songs off Femme Fatale, on Good Morning America. She will also appear on Jimmy Kimmel Tuesday night.

For Britney fans who just can't get enough, check out clips from her GMA performance below:



Also, stay tuned for the upcoming MTV Documentary, "I Am The Femme", set to air in April. You can get a sneak peek of the documentary here.

Have you bought the album yet? What is your favorite Femme Fatale track?

New Health Risk: Facebook Depression

Doctors are warning teens about obsessing over what they see on social media outlets, such as Facebook, because it can lead to depression. While Facebook may not be the sole cause of depression in many cases, it may be a factor. For kids with already low self esteem, seeing what their peers do on Facebook may be just another kick in the face. Kids used to just have to deal with popularity, bullying, and clicks at school. But now these difficult situations go beyond face to face interactions and take place in another world, a cyber world.

Seeing everything that your friends do can be a sticky situation. The constant status updates, wall posts, and pictures on sites like Facebook can be tough to see for kids who don't feel included. One of the main problems is that Facebook only provides the world with a distorted view of what's really going on. Most people only post happy things, making it look like their lives are perfect all of the time. While many kids like using Facebook, many agree that it is just a popularity contest.

Since social networking sites have become so popular, doctors are urging parents to take the time do discuss internet risks such as Facebook depression and cyber bullying with their children.

What do you think? Do you think Facebook Depression is real? Do you think the cyber reality paints a skewed portrait of what people's lives are really like? Share your thoughts.

This Week in Politics: Obama Says Students Should Take Less Tests

President Obama announced this week that he believes students should take less tests. This doesn't mean that Obama thinks they shouldn't take tests at all (Bummer, I know!), but that he believes students should take less standardized tests. He believes there are many more accurate ways to measure a students proficiency, competence, and development.

As part of the President's new wave of education laws, Obama said that he believed students should not see tests as punishments and should take tests in a less pressured environment. He feels that students not only need to learn the facts, but also need to be taught about the world and what is going on around them. Obama believes students will do well in subjects they are interested in and that they need real life experience to do well. Obama is urging schools to use standardized testing just as a mode to gage their student's abilities and then should teach an appropriate curriculum from there.

Obama proposed plans to put a plan in to effect that would replace standardized tests with classes to prepare students for college and their careers by 2020.

What do you think of this idea of phasing out standardized testing? Do you think it will help students be more prepared for their futures? Share your thoughts.

Japan Update: Plutonium Found Outside Nuclear Plants

In the wake of the tragic events that have occurred in Japan over the past few weeks, the country continues to feel the effects of the earthquakes and tsunamis. In the latest development, plant operators have detected traces of Plutonium in the soil surrounding the plant. The good news is that researchers found that the amount of leaked Plutonium was very small, and should not provide to be a risk to public health. So, are the recent Plutonium leaks anything to worry about?

Plant officials said that only two of the Plutonium samples appeared to leak from dangerous reactors. But, it is better to air on the side of caution in these very delicate matters. Although only small amounts were found, Plutonium is the most toxic isotope that can be released from a nuclear reactor. If it is not removed or decayed quickly, even tiny doses can be harmful to humans. Luckily, most people in the area surrounding the plant have been evacuated to avoid the danger.

The Plutonium leaks are believed to be a result of the amounts of contaminated water that have leaked from the plant. Since three of Fukushima Dai-ichi's six units have been destroyed by the tsunamis, Japan will face an up-hill battle to contain the plant and avoid a major meltdown. Emergency experts are working to contain the plant, but most take very small steps in order to work with such a delicate situation.

Stay tuned for more updates on Japan during this difficult time. Your thoughts, prayers, and continued support are welcome.

Click here to monitor the effects of the earthquake tsunami.

Have You Checked the Dictionary Lately?

Over the past few years a whole new language has emerged. It is the unofficial language that most people find themselves using in text messages, blogs, and emails. To someone who is not fluent in this new technological language, words like LOL, SMH, OMG, ROFL, (etc.) may seem like a cryptic code language. Today, these abbreviations have just become a part of everyday life. But, if you're a little behind on the technological revolution, not to worry! Many of these words including OMG, LOL, and <3 have been added to the dictionary!

That's right, these text-savvy words have been added to the latest edition of the Oxford English Dictionary. Researchers for the Oxford English Dictionary found that many of these abbreviated phrases are used frequently enough in everyday life to be added to the dictionary. Other words including couch-surfing, wassup, and la-la-land have been added as well. So if you need to catch up on your texting lingo, now is the time! Just use your latest dictionary as a guide!

For a full list of words that have been added to the dictionary, click here!

What do you think about these texting phrases being added to the dictionary? Do you think it is a good idea or is it a little too much? Share your thoughts!

IDK My BFF Rose (new AT&T Ad) - Celebrity bloopers here

MLB Players Affected By Tragedy in Japan

The earthquakes and tsunamis that have struck Japan are affecting people around the world. A number of Japanese baseball players are currently playing ball on a number of American Major League Baseball teams. Teams including the Redsox, Mets, Rangers, and Yankees all have Japanese players. While the players are currently in Spring training, they have been trying to get as much information on the events as possible and have been contacting their family members via phone and email.

Many Major League Baseball teams are stepping up in an effort to help aid japan. The New York Yankees donated $100,00 dollars to the relief fund. The Oakland Athletics will host Japanese Heritage Day fundraisers on April 3 and the San Diego Padres will raise money during Japanese Heritage Night on May 20. It is expected that many more teams will join the effort to support Japan.

Although professional sports can be associated with some negative connotations, they can also be extremely unifying. What do you think of these team's efforts? Will you be attending any of the fundraisers? Share your thoughts.

Japan Update: Fukushima Workers Evacuate

After earthquakes shattered most of Japan, engineers have been trying to avoid a meltdown at Nuclear Power Plant, Fukushima. Authorities determined it was too dangerous to stay at Fukushima due to large surges of radiation. Workers have suspended their operations and evacuated the power plant. The only people who remain are members of a brave group of 50 workers dedicated to helping the plant sustain to avoid a large nuclear meltdown. They are working diligently to prevent a nuclear catastrophe. The technicians are working among extremely fragile circumstances. So much so that Japan's Health Ministry raised the legal limit of radiation intake from 100 to 250 millisieverts.

This image describes the circumstances that would cause a nuclear meltdown:

Continued support goes out to Japan, the 50 technicians, and their families. 

Gov. Tom Corbett's Budget Cuts

As Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett announced his budget proposal, many were shocked at the large budget cuts. Corbett plans to cut aid to schools by $550 million in the upcoming year. This huge budget cut will affect education on all levels. Schools will have limited funding. Many teachers and school staff may loose their jobs. Tuition prices for many schools may rise to counteract the lack of funding. The future of education in Pennsylvania appears to be a difficult one.

The budget cut really hits home for many people, and goes beyond the high school level. Corbett plans to make a $625 million cut to higher education funding. How will this affect local students? The fourteen state schools in Pennsylvania are expected to see 50% budget cuts. For Temple, that means a loss of close to $90 million next year. Temple President Ann Weaver Hart is urging students to sign this petition, to fight for Temple's rights. 

What do you think of Corbett's budget cuts? What does the say about the value of education in our political system? How will the budget cut affect you, especially if tuition rises as a result? Share your thoughts.  

If you missed Governor Corbett's announcement, watch it below:

Health Risks of Radiation: How Will the Nuclear Meltdown Affect Japan?

The past week has been the most trying week Japan has ever faced. Tragedy struck when earthquakes struck, affecting millions of people, followed by tsunamis that affected even more people. The only light at the end of the tunnel was the hope that it couldn't possibly get any worse. Unfortunately, that notion was short lived. The earthquakes and tsunamis have affected all forms of life in Japan including the large power plant, Fukushima. While engineers have done their best to contain the meltdown, authorities believe that radiation has escaped the power plant. People within twenty miles of the facility have been urged to stay inside and to close their ventilation systems. While an estimated 200 people have already been exposed to radiation in the area, the question is, what are the health effects of radiation?

Exposure to radiation may result in the following symptoms and effects:

Depending on the amount of exposure to the radiation, nausea, fatigue, vomiting,  hair loss and diarrhea may occur. If the person is exposed to a heavy amount of radiation, severe consequences may occur. Results include destruction of intestinal lining, dehydration, central nervous system failure, loss of consciousness and in some cases death.

Hopefully, those in close proximity to Fukushima will be able to remain safe or evacuate if necessary to avoid the harmful effects of radiation. Continued support goes out to Japan.

Donations to Japan can be made here.

Is Charlie Sheen Coming To A College Near You?

We have been taken on the roller coaster ride known as Charlie Sheen for the past few weeks. We've all heard about his goddesses, his tiger blood, and his passion for winning. Sheen's witty phrases have become  popular among people of all ages. (If you missed his interviews during the past week, you can catch up with this Charlie Sheen soundboard!) But, now you may be able to catch some of his Sheen-anigans in your local area!

It all started when Wired 96.5's "Chio in the Morning" Show used this sign, pleading for Charlie to call in.

Sheen was flattered by the sign and had to call in. They discussed everything from the actor's children to the current state of his hit TV show. At the interview Charlie even gave Philadelphia a shout out! You can watch coverage of the interview here:

While the interview was highly entertaining, the latest development in the Sheen Saga is the most interesting. Students at West Chester University are rallying to get Charlie Sheen as the guest speaker for this year's Commencement ceremonies. Students have been signing petitions around campus, and even created a Facebook petition to gain support. Sheen may be easily convinced to travel to West Chester, but it may take a little more convincing to get the Dean on board! We'll have to see if Sheen shows up in May! One thing we do know is if Sheen does attend, no one in the crowd will fall asleep during that Commencement speech!

What do you think about having Sheen as your graduation speaker? Would you like to see Sheen at Temple's Commencement as well? If Two and a Half Men doesn't work out, does Charlie have a future as a motivational speaker? Share your thoughts, and keep winning!

Justin Bieber Got a Haircut?!

We all know who Justin Beiber is, even if some of us don't want to admit it! He's the YouTube sensation turned international teen icon. Bieber is adored by girls all over the world! The recent outburst in "Bieber Fever" was due to his catchy songs, smooth voice, funny and YouTube videos, and most importantly his hair! Many would argue that Bieber's brown locks are simply iconic and that Bieber invented the hair flip. Check out Bieber' signature hair flip, that has driven young girls around the world crazy, below:

Now everything has changed! I know some of you Beliebers may refuse to accept the news, but Justin Bieber HAS cut his hair! (Moment of Silence for Bieber's hair...)

Fans are all weighing in with their thoughts about Bieber's new do! Some fans are embracing Justin's haircut and think it makes him look more mature and less like someone's little brother. On the other hand, many fans think he should have stuck with his signature hair style. We'll just have to wait and see how Bieber's new style will hold up!

What do you think of Bieber's new look? Do you like his classic shaggy hair or do you think it was time for a trim? Let us know what you think!

If you are still in denial about Bieber's recent hair cut, you can watch the whole transformation below: 

Tech Talk

The Pew Research Center has released the annual Report on Gadgets, so there is a lot going on in the tech world! Here’s what they found out!


Americans of all ages are really utilizing technology now more than ever! Cell phones have become a necessity and are the easiest way for people to communicate on the go. According to research, 85% of American adults currently own a cell phone! Even my grandparents are now able to send text messages!

As Americans are getting more comfortable with all of this new technology, more and more people are investing in computers. Now three quarters of Americans own their own computers! About 59% of computer owners have desktops. But, it looks like most people want to check their emails and facebook on the go, as laptop ownership has risen to fifty two percent since 2006!

Game consoles such as the Wii, Playstation, and Xbox are very popular in American households. Parents are twice as likely as the average adult to own a game console. The number of children and adults that own a game console is the same, at 63%! That means that just as many adults are playing games like Just Dance and Call of Duty as those in the generation below them! The technology gap has really decreased in the past few years!



Do you agree with most of these findings? How dependent are you on technology? I know I am constantly juggling my iPhone, computer, and iPad! Have your parents embraced this new technology craze? Personally, my Dad just discovered what YouTube is and now my inbox is overflowing with videos he's been sending me! Share your experiences! 

To check out the full Pew Report on Gadgets, click here!

Phillies Update: The Top 100 Players in Baseball

Now that Spring Training is underway, it's that time of the year where the predictions start rolling in! People like to analyze their favorite teams and place their bets on which team will prevail in the upcoming season. The Phillies have had quite a remarkable and exciting offseason, and people around the league are taking notice!  Most people would agree that the Phillies are a lock for the post season, and many are considering them as World Series contenders. As a result, seven Phillies have been ranked among the Top 100 Players in Baseball this year! Check out who made the cut below:

Shane Victorino came in at #82 on the list. Shane plays strong baseball in center field, is very fast, and has an infectious Hawaiian charm!

2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels is #71. Hamels had a very strong 2010 season and improved a lot after his difficult run in 2009.  Cole probably would have been higher on the list, but the Phillies either failed to protect his quality starts or allowed the Bullpen to blow the game seven times for Cole in the 2010 season. His 12-11 record did not reflect the quality pitching he threw all season.

Roy Oswalt, just one part of 2010's H2O and 2011's R2C2, was ranked at #51. Since Oswalt was added to the team last season, he has proved that he can still pitch.

Philadelphia's comeback kid, Cliff Lee, came in #31. Lee has pitched in the World Series for the past two years. Hopefully this year he will get the win, and some of those Philly cheesesteaks that he loves!

Fan favorite, Chase Utley, came in at #26. Clearly, Chase is still "The Man" as the great Harry Kalas once exclaimed. Any coincidence that Chase wears #26? We'll probably never know!

Ryan Howard is ranked at #25. Howard was 8th in the league in 2010 with 31 home runs.

Last, but certainly not least, is Roy Halladay. Halladay was ranked #2 on the list. 2010 was a historical year for Halladay, who reached many milestones including pitching a Perfect Game and a No-Hitter in the postseason! Halladay proved that he is truly a hardworking, remarkable pitcher! Fans can expect more of his fantastic pitching in 2011.

How well do you think these Phillies were ranked out of the Top 100 Players in Baseball? Do you agree with their placement? Do you think anyone is missing from this list? Share your thoughts and your excitement as the anticipation for the 2011 season continues!

Uphill Skiing?

Many people know the feeling you get when you're driving your car and all the sudden you see those flashing lights in your rear-view mirror. Most likely you were pulled over for driving a little fast, cutting someone off, or accidentally running a red light. For one man in Jackson, Wyoming, the calls of the Police were on the count of...uphill skiing?

Ronald Fleck was arrested and taken to jail after refusing to stop uphill skiing at the Jackson Hole Resort. Officials felt that he was threatening his own life and the safety of others. Like many of us who have batted our eyes or tried to talk our way out of a parking ticket, Fleck refused Patroller's demands to stop skiing. As a result, Fleck was taken on charges of trespass, interference, unsafe skiing, and theft of services. After Fleck was taken off of the resort, resort officials suspended the charges and Fleck was released.

What do you think of this story? Did you even know uphill skiing was possible? If so, did you ever imagine that you could go to jail for it?

This Week in Politics

There have been a lot of historic political events going on around the globe for the past few weeks. Between the continued riots in Egypt for Democracy, protests in Wisconsin regarding the recent budget cuts, and criticisms of President Obama, A LOT has been going on in the world! So, what better way to recap these events than. . .political cartoons? Political cartoons have been around since the American Revolution and have played a huge role in many American and World wars. They often parody  hot topic situations going on at the time. Political cartoons can often shed light on these situations or even make them easier to understand. If anything, they at least provide a little comic relief during these trying times.

Check out these political cartoons from this week:

To view more cartoons from this week in politics, check out this website! 

Do you enjoy these political cartoons? If so, do you have a favorite? Weigh in on your thoughts about this week in politics and feel free to share any political cartoons you come across as well!

You Are Cordially Invited To... Share All the Details on Prince William and Kate's Wedding!

The date, April 29th, is quickly approaching for Prince William and Kate Middleton. The two have been engaged since October. Since their engagement, the questions and speculations have been pouring in! People around the world have been dying to get the inside scoop on the wedding! Where will the wedding be? What does the engagement ring look like? Who will be invited to the wedding? Who will be the Maid of Honor and who will be chosen as the Best Man? There are so many details that go in to planning a wedding! As the date gets closer, the couple is revealing more and more about their big day!

This is the beautiful engagement ring Prince William gave to Kate:

The stunning ring was worn by William's mother, the late Princess Diana. Prince William is thrilled to pass on the legacy of his mother to his future wife.

As of this weekend, about 600 invitations have been sent out for the Wedding. Click here to find out who made the cut to be in the wedding as Kate's Bridesmaid's! Click here to find out what music will be on the playlist for the big day!

Do you have more details about the Royal Wedding? Feel free to share! Who do you think will be the Maid of Honor/Best Man for the ceremony? What do you think Kate's dress will look like? What type of cake would you want to be served at the reception? Share your thoughts and ideas!

Local Teacher Says Blogs About Her Students "Spoke The Truth"

A local teacher from Central Bucks East High School is still facing suspension for comments found on her blog. Natalie Munroe used the blog to vent about her students. Munroe claims that the blog was only meant to be seen by a few select people, until its' contents leaked last week. Munroe made some very inappropriate and insensitive comments about some of her students on the blog. Now, almost a week later Munroe is standing by her comments. She claims that the blogs "spoke the truth", and will not take back her words. Munroe complained about her student's work ethics most recently on her blog, and claims that what she did is no worse than coming home and complaining about a co-worker. Some officials believe that Munroe will soon be dismissed from her position at Central Bucks Easy High School. Munroe's attorney believes that the district has no means for firing her, because it does not have a strict internet policy. For now, Munroe will remain on suspension until further action is taken. 

Do you think Munroe was wrong to talk about her students on the Internet? Do you think she will be fired for her actions, or is the suspension enough? Share your thoughts. 

Healthy And Sweet Valentine's Day Treats

Valentine's Day is a special day where loved ones show each other how much they care. Year after year lovers exchange the traditional cardboard hearts filled with chocolates. While Valentine's Day is a unique day that comes only once a year, after a while it can get a little monotonous. As Ashton Kutcher said in the movie Valentine's Day, "Love is the only shocking act left on the planet". So, this year why not ditch the candy hearts and get some healthy surprises for your loved ones? Just because it's healthy, doesn't mean it can't be delicious!

This year when you're walking down the candy aisle, skip the traditional milk chocolates. Grab a box of dark chocolates instead! Dark chocolate has been found to be healthier and is also good for your heart! Another good idea is to send your secret admirer a basket of delicious fruits instead of a box of chocolates. For more healthy tips, click here to see a full list of healthy treats and sweets!

Lastly, if you just can't resist the cookies and candy just use the rule of "Everything in Moderation" as your guide!

What do you think of these healthy alternatives? Will you surprise your loved ones with a healthy treat this year?

Justin Bieber Never Says Never

This Valentine’s Day many girls hearts are beating for Justin Bieber. His movie “Never Say Never” earned almost twelve million dollars Friday, on its opening night. Fans lined up to see the compilation of performances and interviews in over three thousand locations. A number of celebrities attended the premiere as well, including Usher, Will Smith, and rumored girlfriend Selena Gomez.

Justin Bieber chose to attend the “Never Say Never” premiere solo. Bieber said he wanted to focus on his movie and enjoy the night with his fans. But, don’t get too excited ladies! Although Bieber claims Selena Gomez is just one of his “best friends”, the two have been seen in public, looking quite cozy. Neither Beiber or Gomez will confirm if they are in fact dating, so for now girls, you can continue to dream!

Did you see the movie this weekend? Have you been hit with Beiber fever? Let us know (if you want to admit it!).

Spring (Training) Is On Its Way

     This Friday the Phillies head down to their home in the South, Clearwater Fl., to prepare for Spring Training.

     Pitchers and Catchers will report on February 14th and the full team will be practicing by February 18th.

     The start of Spring Training could not come sooner for Phillies fans who have not been able to get this image out of their head after the loss to the Giants in the NLCS.

     Once the Phillies begin Spring Training, fans will finally cover up the wound left on their hearts by Ryan Howard and begin preparing for the season. This season the fans have even more to be excited about! Pitcher Cliff Lee has returned to the lineup, giving the Phillies an unstoppable pitching rotation. The Phillies will have Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, and 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels on the mound this season.

     Have you been counting down the days to Spring Training? How excited are you about the Phillies new starting line up? 

     Also, in case you were wondering, the Phillies will bring fifteen cases of gum to Spring Training! Check out all of the Phillies essentials for Spring Training below.

• 15 cases of gum (regular and sugarless)
• 12 cases of sunflower seeds
• 20 coolers and a half pallet of POWERade mix
• 250 batting practice tops
• 300 helmets
• 350 pair of shorts
• 450 pair of socks
• 600 pair of pants
• 600 hats
• 200 fleeces
• 1,200 bats
• 2,000 t-shirts
• 10,000 12 oz. cups
• 15,000 baseballs
• 150 pairs of batting gloves

Collision in Mississippi Leaves 3 Adults Dead

     Two school buses full of students and an 18-wheeler collided on Tuesday afternoon. The accident, which occurred in Calhoun County Mississippi, left three adults dead. Two teachers and the truck driver were killed.

     The accident took place when the buses from Ackerman High School were bringing Seniors home from a trip to the University of Mississippi. The truck collided head on with the first bus and proceeded to hit second bus from the side. Fewer than ten students were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

     More information from the scene of the accident can be seen here:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

     For updates on this story, you can check in with MSNBC.  Do you have more information about the accident or those involved? Let us know.

The Beauty of the Super Bowl: The Commercials

Family and friends gather each February to watch the biggest television event of the year, the Super Bowl. People love the Super Bowl for many reasons. Sports fans look forward to watching their favorite teams battle for the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Popular party hosts entertain their guests with delicious food. Whether you like sports or not, most people will agree that one of the best parts of the night is the commercials. The commercials make us laugh, cry, and think of some of our fondest memories.

The original Super Bowl commercial aired in 1984. The commercial was an ad for Apple Computers. In the commercial Apple introduced the “Macintosh” computer and played on the theme from George Orwell’s 1984. The concept of the commercial was ground breaking and the presentation was revolutionary. Apple’s President, Steve Jobs, announced that the commercial for the new product would air one time only. The commercial was shown during half-time of the Super Bowl. Ever since, the Super Bowl has never been the same.

If you have not seen Apple’s 1984 ad, watch it here:

Also, check out some of this year’s most popular commercials:

What were your favorite commercials this year? Do you have an all time favorite Super Bowl Commercial? Share your favorites!

Healthy Super Bowl Snacks!

     The first weekend in February includes one of the biggest events of the year, the Super Bowl. Family and friends gather to watch the big game, but in many cases the Tostito's and taco dip overshadow the touchdowns and turnovers.

      Unfortunately, some of the most delicious game day foods come with a cost: large amounts of calories. According to health.com, "The average football fan eats about a day's worth of calories during the game." Many people can not fight the battle against chili and chicken wings and give in to the temptation to eat these fatty foods, even though they know it is not good for them. The timing of the parties for the big game is an issue as well. Fresh off the start of a new year, many Americans try to stick to their resolutions to get healthy and loose weight. As a result, many people face a tough dilemma when it comes time for the parties. The good news is that there is no need to worry anymore about this tricky situation! Now people are able to find healthy, yet delicious, alternatives to the traditional party foods!

     Check out this article to see how some of your favorite game day foods compare in terms of calories and overall healthiness. For example, if you have the choice between a Caesar Salad and Chili, choose the Chili!

     If you enjoy cooking, check out these healthy recipes! Instead of ordering out, you can cut back on calories by preparing your own dishes with healthier, organic foods. My favorite healthy recipe is the "Southwestern Layered Bean Dip".

     I like this recipe for a couple of reasons. First, all of the ingredients are very easy to get and can be found at your local grocery store. Also, this recipe is very simple to make. Finally, it's delicious! I have found this to be a crowd favorite at many parties!

     Just because you have made the decision to go healthy at this year's party doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your favorite game day snacks completely! Check out this article to learn some easy adjustments you can use to make your classic dishes a little healthier. 

     Will you be cutting back and watching calories at this year's parties? What are your favorite healthy snacks to eat during the game? Feel free to swap recipes and share your thoughts! Enjoy the food...and the game, of course!

Update: Egyptian President, Honsi Mubarak, Will Not Run For A New Term

     As the turmoil in Egypt continues, President Honsi Mubarak is trying to calm the storm. Today Mubarak reveals that he will not run for President again when his term ends in September. Many believe that the promise of a new President will help tame the protestors and put and end to the riots in Egypt. Unfortunately, the relentless protestors vow to not give up until Mubarak is out of the country. Despite the negative response from protestors, Mubarak will complete his term and will hand over his title to his successor in a civilized manner. Will Mubarak be able to regain power and maintain a civil country until September? Only time will tell, as new developments in Egypt occur every day.

     Listen to President Mubarak's speech for yourself and feel free to share your opinions on the situation. Also, click here to see the how the protestors reacted to the announcement.

     Do you think the President made the right decision? Do you think he will be able to maintain power until September. What do you think of the protestors reaction to Mubarak's announcement? Do you think they will let up knowing his term will soon be over? Let me know your thoughts and concerns.

International News: Chaos Continues in Egypt

     One week ago everything appeared to be normal in Egypt. It has now been six days since Egyptian protestors emerged, and all of a sudden the world is upside down. The protests began on January 25, 2011 when thousands of people began to protest using social networking websites such as Facebook and Twitter. By Thursday the riots were so violent that the government was forced to restrict phone and internet access in Egypt. As of Friday morning the protestors continued to riot and the government banned all internet access in an effort to tame them. As of Friday the death toll was at eight people, but by Saturday it rose to over 70 people. On Saturday President Mubarak appointed his first Vice President, Omar Suleiman, as a reinforcement. Today, the violence continues and protestors are not backing down. Check out this timeline to catch up on all that has occurred in the past week.

     Today the death poll is currently at 97 people. As the riots continue United States Government and Military officials continue to devise a plan to safely evacuate American citizens from Egypt. The Government will send planes on Monday in an effort to safely transport American citizens home. The biggest concern among many people is the lack of communication as a result of the ban on the Internet. American Government Officials urge those with family and friends in Egypt to call them and let them know that help is on the way.

     What do you feel is the best way to contact Americans who are stranded in Egypt without the use of the internet? Do you think Egyptian Officials made the right choice by banning internet access? Let me know your thoughts.
  

"No" Snow Day

January 27, 2011:

     Everyone loves a good snow day. We get to take a nice, usually unexpected, break from our everyday routines. We sleep in a little longer and stay in our pajamas all day. Sometimes snow days can result in a more unpleasant surprise. Unfortunately, there are times when not even fifteen inches of snow can stop life from going on. That was the case this morning. Last night I was sure school would be cancelled. When I woke up this morning I was shocked that I had not received an email saying that campus was closed. When I hadn't received an email from Temple, I decided to check out what my fellow students on Facebook and Twitter had to say. According to the official Temple University Twitter, "Weather alert: As of 5:15am...Temple is open & operating on normal schedule on Thursday". So at that point I had to buckle down, bundle up, and head to class. I live on campus and this is what I saw when I walked out the door:

     Walking to class was difficult. The maintenance staff did their best to clear the roads and sidewalks. They worked all day to make the paths to class as safe as they could. With such a large amount of snow and ice in such a short amount of time this was a difficult task. Many students in my classes were absent due to the bad transportation conditions and difficult commute. Overall, some teachers and students made it to class and life went on as usual.

     What were your reactions to snow? Did you stay warm inside or did you brave the arctic tundra, otherwise known as North Philadelphia, to make it to class? Were you upset that classes were not cancelled? If so, you may want to unite with your fellow students by signing this petition.

     Check out the reactions of some other Temple students at our lack of a snow day here.