In the News...

For the first time since the war in Iraq began in 2003, none of the three major networks has a correspondent stationed in the country. Although the violence in Iraq has subsided some 130,000+ US service persons remain. - The New York Times.

37 inmates were executed in the United States in 2008, the lowest total in 14 years. - LA Times.

Only 13% of the US population changed their address between 2006 and 2007. - San Jose Mercury News

Four of the 10 highest grossing movies in 2008 were computer animated, Wall-E, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar2 and Horton Hears a Who. Two others, Batman and Iron Man were comic book heroes. - New York Times.

Former President Bush experienced the biggest swing in approval ratings, more than 70 points. His 92% after 9/11 was an all time high for any US President, his rating when he left office 20%, the lowest ever. CNN.com

Over 20,000 people found themselves "unfriended" on Facebook, when Burger King ran a promotion telling people to unfriend 10 people to win a free Whopper.

Over his 8 years in office, President Bush saw the number of jobs increase 2%, the weakest job growth in the 70 years the statistics have been compiled. - The Washington Post

For the first time since commercial aviation became popular not a single passenger has died in a crash of a U.S. Airliner for two years running. - USA Today

A man in New York tried to return a lobster saying it was "bad". The grocery store looked at it, and realized it had been eaten and put back together to look whole.

The longest inauguration speech in history was delivered in 1841 by William Henry Harrsion, who spoke for two hours in driving snow. Harrison wore no coat, came down with pneumonia and died a month later. - Livescience.com

Heath Ledger's nomination for an Academy Award in the "Dark Knight" marks the seventh time a deceased actor has been recognized. The only one to have won was Peter Finch, for Network in 1976. - New York Daily News.

70% of black children in the U.S. are born to single mothers. - New York Times.

There were 26,786 emergency room visits for cheer leading injuries in 2007, up from 4,954 in 1980. - People

Fast Food giants McDonalds appears to be immune to the economic downturn, plan to open 1,000 new restaurants worldwide and spruce up others. - CNN Money.