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!