Friday, February 25, 2011

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!



Tuesday, February 22, 2011

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!








Monday, February 21, 2011

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!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

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!




Tuesday, February 15, 2011

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.