This past Wednesday, animal trainer, Dawn Brancheau was killed during a Shamu performance at the Sea World in Orlando, Fla. Brancheau was a 40-year-old veteran trainer among few other trainers permitted to work with the Orca, Tilikum, due to the animal’s volatile past. Unfortunately, it has been reported Brancheau was the third person this “killer whale” has killed. Apologies for my lack of weeping, but this enormous mammal is in fact an Orca, and has been re-named a “killer whale” for a reason.

According to witness statements, Brancheau was performing before an audience when she leaned over and the whale pulled her by her ponytail into the tank. It was then that the animal began to attack Brancheau. The autopsy revealed Brancheau likely died from mulitple traumatic injuries she suffered as well as drowning, according to the Orange County medical examiner.

Evidently, the executives at Sea World have ignored the behavioral patterns of a veteran Orca at the Orlando, FL Park. Hint, hint… this orca may not be content in captivity. The death of Brancheau is being titled an accident, which is completely inappropriate. It is in the animal’s nature to be aggressive at times. It absolutely is a tragedy that a human life was lost, but not exactly shocking when considering the circumstances that were ignored.

The park re-opened Thursday, however as a result of this tragedy, Sea World has indefinitely suspended future performances in the Shamu Stadium until the investigation is complete. There are no plans to euthanize the 12,000 pound whale, and TIlikum (pet name) is currently in the holding tank with the other orcas.

Let’s begin with the nauseating statistic that our nation spends wastes $150 BILLION every year for treating obesity related health issues, and in most cases are preventable. This month, Michelle Obama has set forth in hopes of establishing her legacy for the “Let’s Move” campaign battling childhood obesity in our severely overweight country.

Are we beyond appropriate portion sizes, physical education, and couch potato syndrome? It seems the “normalcy” of over-eating has become too acceptable and available. Should restaurants begin cutting off obese children and adults from cleaning their plates, like a drunk at a bar?

Making headlines this week, a morbidly obese woman in Houston, TX fell in her home, making her way to the bathroom, and she broke her leg. The 38-year-old woman weighs in at approximately 400 pounds, and had to call for emergency help. Unfortunately due to her size, Houston firefighters were unable to remove her from her apartment through the hallway.

As a result, the rescue crew had to cut out a window and part of a wall from her second-floor apartment in order to provide medical treatment for the patient. It has been reported, her housing agency has recommended she move to a lower level of the building because of her “health concerns.” However, the woman explained her use for a wheelchair was only temporary.

Further details regarding the status of the woman’s health have not yet been made available. However, it has been reported her injuries required doctors to amputate her leg.

It has been confirmed, Bristol Palin, Sarah Palin’s nineteen-year old daughter, is set to make her Hollywood debut on ABC. Palin was pregnant with her son, out of wedlock, during her mother’s Republican Vice-President campaign back in 2008. The family has maintained their position in the tabloid spotlight ever since. After the birth of her son, Tripp, her baby daddy and ex-boyfriend, Levi Johnston, posed in the buff for Playgirl.

Forget the rest of the family run down, ABC announced this morning that Bristol Palin is set to grace her presence as herself in the ABC Family series “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.” The episode is scheduled to air something this summer. Recently in the show, the main character, Amy’s, reaction to an unexpected pregnancy has been spotlighted on the show. Palin will be playing a supportive and consoling friend to Amy, according to the network.

Bristol says, “I am thrilled to be on this show and to be a part of a program that educates teens and young adults about the consequences of teen pregnancy.” Palin was eighteen years old when she gave birth to her son back in December 2008. At the time, Palin was actually engaged to Johnston, but since have split and now battle over child support. She has a lot of baggage for a nineteen year old, which apparently makes her an excellent addition to the cast of a family television show.

“Secret Life’s” executive producer stated, “We’re thrilled to have Bristol join us, and I think she will bring additional attention to the issues facing teen parents that we’ve been exploring for a couple seasons now.” Understandable, but understated as it is thought Palin has brought too much attention to teen parenting issues and her baby daddy is a porn star. Evidently, this is the desired new path for the show’s exploration.

At least someone is doing something in the White House…

As of this morning, President Barack Obama has signed a memo in order to establish a federal task force regarding the epidemic of childhood obesity. This has to be the best thing he’s done since he moved into the White House, and his wife, First Lady Michelle, will be leading the campaign.

According to the memorandum, an encouraging plan of “optimal coordination” among the federal government, private and non-profit sectors will be established in the next 90 days. Mrs. Obama will lead an aggressive public relations effort to increase awareness of childhood obesity. The epidemic is “one of the most urgent health issues that we face in this country,” he continued, “We think that this has enormous promise in improving the health of our children, in giving support to parents to make the kinds of healthy choices that oftentimes are very difficult,” President Obama said from the White House.

The growing figures of childhood obesity are overwhelming, where the memo states approximately one-third of children born after 2000 will suffer from a form of diabetes at some stage in their life. Michelle Obama will launch the campaign this afternoon, along with mayors, doctors and sports leaders, as well as members of the President’s cabinet.

The First Lady stated in a speech last month, “We’ve seen the surge in obesity in this country is nothing short of a public health crisis, and it’s threatening our children, it’s threatening our families, and more importantly it’s threatening the future of this nation.” Kicking of the campaign against childhood obesity, Michelle Obama urges families to shut off televisions, drink more water and serve smaller portions. It is “really minor stuff. But these small changes resulted in some really significant improvements,” the First Lady said.

We’d have a lot more to talk about than the first lady’s flabulous arms.

It couldn’t be worse and still we’d have more to talk about than anything our current President can give us. The ever-so-suspicious, former presidential candidate, John Edwards, has admitted to fathering the “love” child with his former campaign videographer, Rielle Hunter.

Andrew Young, a former confidante to John Edwards, has written a disclosing book expected to hit shelves this week. The former Senator from North Carolina confessed his paternity of Hunter’s child to Elizabeth this past summer. It is unknown when the Edwards officially split, however a close source revealed it happened a while ago. On separating, Mr. Edwards has called it “an extraordinarily sad moment, but I love my children more than anything and still care deeply about Elizabeth.” When he says he loves his children, does that include the illegitimate child he has denied fatherhood its whole life? Bottom line, he loves his children, but after 32 years of marriage he does not love Elizabeth. Mr. Edwards has four children with Elizabeth, and his love child with Hunter makes a whole handful.

Edwards has denied his paternity of the child for more than a year saying his affair with Hunter had ended before she became pregnant. Good story… tell it walking John. His future ex-wife has been prepared for a divorce for the better part of a year. However, Elizabeth is still undergoing treatment for breast cancer, therefore she has yet to file the divorce. A close source says her decision to file likely depends of her condition.

More updates to come from this husband/father of the year… stay tuned

As flights resume transporting injured victims to U.S. hospitals, the quest continues to save lives and rebuild the poverty-stricken nation after the devastating earthquake. These flights were temporarily suspended due to logistical concerns for the lack of hospital space, according to the White House. Additionally, questions were raised regarding payment for the care of the victims as they do not have insurance. These concerns have been dealt with and transportation will resume this morning.

The State Department is working with the Haitian government to protect the children from human trafficking. There have been concerns for existing Haitian orphans as well as “a number of people, including, many, many children, have been displaced, separated from their families. This poses great risk, and particularly for children, of a higher vulnerability to human trafficking,” State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley has stated. With previous concerns for illegal child trafficking, the Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive has stated it “is one of the biggest problems we have.”

There are currently thousands of volunteers from dozens of countries present in Haiti to rescue and aid the injured. Some relief workers have even left their jobs and families to do what they can to help in shelters, provide water and food, or to assist in rescuing survivors from the rubble. There are a lot of ways you can help through multiple charitable foundations. If interested, here are some ways you could help:

The American Red Cross: To make a donation text HAITI to 90999* to donate $10 to Red Cross for their efforts in Haiti.

UNICEF: Requesting donations for relief for children in Haiti. Call 1-800-4UNICEF

Yele Haiti Foundation: To donate to the Haiti native, Wyclef Jean’s, nonprofit organization text YELE to 501501*

The United Nations Foundation: To donate $5 text CERF to 90999*

International Rescue Committee: To donate $5 text HAITI to 25383*

Compassion International: To donate $10 text DISASTER to 90999*

Save the Children: To donate $10 text SAVE to 20222* for the Save the Children for Haiti earthquake victims

K.I.D.S (Kids in Distressed Situations):Pproviding clothing, diapers, and water is accepting monetary donations as well as product donations. Call K.I.D.S President Janice Weinman at 212-279-5493 x207 for information on how to donate.

NNU (National Nurses United): 100% of donations will go directly to sending nurses to Haiti. Go to www.nationalnursesunited.org

*All text donations will be added to you phone bill.

The above list is only the tip of the iceberg in ways you could help the Haitians during this devastating time. For extensive information, missing person reports, and updates from Haiti you may also visit www.haitiearthquake.tel

It may be time to conduct a new research study directed toward the possibility of bringing on another Ice Age, Mr. Gore. Last night in Miami, Iowa played Georgia Tech in the coldest Orange Bowl ever. This morning, Florida broke five of its previous record low temperatures: Tampa, 27; West Palm Beach, 34; Melbourne, 27; Daytona Beach, 28; Fort Myers, 30.

Today is -8 degrees in Glasgow, Montana. Mr. Gore may need to reevaluate some of the slides in his global warming documentation. Understandably, there is a difference between the current weather and overall climate of regions. However, Florida is not the only region experiencing bitter-cold temperatures. I am sure any residents in Glasgow, Montana would like to lock Al Gore out of their home and ask him, “Does that feel warm to you? How warm is it, would you say?”

It is sad because our population is spending billions of dollars on “green” products, fuel efficient automobiles, “alternative fuels”, “energy-saving” buildings, and investing in Al Gore’s nonsense, when they should really be investing in Hats, Gloves, Scarves and UGG’s. So build a fire in your fireplace and warm up your car for as long as you need to because Al Gore needs to come up with a new story.

Ease your airport anxiety and follow these helpful hints for flying this holiday season!

1) Pack Light- Ship your gifts rather than packing them with you. Most airlines are charging a checked bag fee, so it will be cost effective to ship your gifts. This allows you to carry on your light luggage, and skip the airline fees.

2) Check Your Weight- If you are checking your luggage, be sure to step on the scale before you head out. It is helpful to plan ahead for any additional checked baggage costs before you get to the airport. Checked baggage over 50 lbs. can cost about $50/ bag in addition to the checked bag fee. That will add up very quickly if you are not prepared. If you can, it will be helpful to weigh your bags before you head to the airport.

3) Lose the Liquids- Ditch or check your liquids over 3.4 oz/100ml because TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will confiscate all liquids over the indicated limit. Even if the liquid amount in a container is under the limit, but the container is over the limit, TSA will not allow you through security with the container. Also, detergent pens such as “Tide 3 Go” and “Shout” will also be taken at security. Check them in your luggage and you can clean up upon arrival at your destination.

4) Skip the Line, Check in online- Most airlines allow you check in online and print your boarding pass up to 24 hours before your scheduled flight. Online check in will save you some time from waiting in the check line when you arrive for your flight. Some airlines will also let you pay for you checked baggage online, speeding up the process in the curb-side and kiosk lines. Keep in mind the check in lines are generally longer than security, so sparing any time you can is a good way to travel stress free.

5) Park and Fly- Airport parking will be crowded and possibly sold out. Try reserving a spot through an off-site parking lot and shuttle into the airport. Most shuttle are super convenient and will pick you up with your luggage at your car. Avoid the parking crowd, and the cost could be about half the price of parking at the airport.

6) First Time Flyers- Unfortunately, this time of year brings a lot of beginner flyers to the airports. Be prepared for the slow lines and arrive a little earlier than usual. Give yourself a little extra time to compensate for the amateurs holding up the lines, this will help reduce irritability if you do happen to have to wait for someone new to airports.

7) Carry On Quick- Because of checked baggage fees, a lot of flyers are opting to carry on. The overheard space of the airplanes can fill up quickly. Be sure to board your aircraft as soon as you can so that you will have a space to stow your bag; even if you have to wait in the breezeway to the plane for 20 minutes.

8 ) BYOS (Bring Your Own Snacks)- Airlines are nickel and diming passengers for everything these days. I will be surprised if I can get a free napkin on a flight this week. Be a little self-sufficient and snacks, food, and a travel pillow or blanket with you. You can dodge unnecessary airline fees for these amenities, and surely your snacks from home will be better than the $6 snack you could purchase in flight.

9) Avoid Airport Rental- Renting a car from the airport has become incredibly expensive. More than twice the cost for renting off-site. If you can, take other transportation to get to another rental location or beg your family or friend to pick you up from the airport.

10) Cell Phone Lots- The arrival curb can be a cluster, so if you have a kind family member or friend picking you up, let them know most airports now have “cell phone lots” where they can park and wait until you call when you land at your destination.

11) Pack for Sanitization- Certainly no one wants to get sick during the holidays. Be sure to being along some sanitizing wipes or gel to keep you from catching germs during all travel. If you have wipes you can wipe down anything you’ll touch will on the aircraft, otherwise be sure to sanitize your hands frequently. And don’t touch your face as that is the fastest ways to catch germs.

12) Flight Status Check- You can check your flight status by entering your flight number into a Google search or you can even SMS Text Google with your flight number to get updates on your flight status. Also, if someone is picking you up from the airport, give them you flight details so they can track your flight and pick you up at the correct times. Airports are extremely busy at this time, and there can often be delays simply because of airport traffic.

It is extremely important to go with the flow while traveling, as flying can make many people very vulnerable. Especially this time of year, when everyone is stressed to get to their destination safely for the holidays. Being irritable or upset does not fix weather, de-icing, traffic or airplane delays. Compose yourself, keep your cool, relax and grab your snacks that hopefully you remembered to bring with you. Safe travels and happy holidays!

This week Sarah Palin was photographed on the beach in Hawaii wearing a McCain campaign visor, however she blacked out McCain’s name with a Sharpie. So maybe she is recycling a perfectly good visor, that she feels was “so last year.” Or… intentionally drawing attention to herself because, for liberal media, this qualifies as news.

That was not the case when Ms. Palin responded to the accusations her hat wearing behavior was a “frontal attack on Sen. John McCain.” Palin has explained it was a simple attempt to “be incognito” while on holiday in Hawaii. She made a statement, ” I am sorry if people took this silly incident the wrong way… I adore John McCain, support him 100% and will do everything I can to support his reelection. As everyone knows, I was honored and proud to run with him. And Todd and I were with him in D.C. just a week ago. So much for trying to be incognito.”

Where is the logic? Scribbling out your party’s campaign name on a visor is an effective solution to disguise yourself? This may be news to you Ms. Palin, but you couldn’t disguise yourself in a burqa. The message these photos signify is either pure ignorance, or she’s broke, in which the former seems more accurate. Her cognitive process while packing went something like this, “I need something to go incognito on the beach. I got it! I’ll just pack my McCain 08 visor.” Your new book was a bestseller from pre-orders alone, and you’re saying you couldn’t buy a new hat for vacation, better yet, pay someone to go buy a hat for you? I’m not buying what she’s selling. Ms. Palin it would be in your best interest to refrain from making further illogical decisions such as this, from here on out. Incognito or not, liberal media is all over you for anything and everything. Shockingly, this weak attempt to “be incognito” failed. What’s your address? I’ll send you a new hat as an early Christmas present.