Earlier this spring, I read a very insightful book about our federal budget. The book is called “Where Does The Money Go? ” I learned a great deal about our growing yearly defecits and our blooming $9 trillion national debt. The book ends with a budget game for the reader to complete. I stumbled across a similar game yesterday while reading about the recent Minnesota budget battle. The game is very educational and enlightening. Give it a shot and let me know how you do.

Barack Obama was able to claim 56% of the vote in North Carolina and 49 % of the vote in Indiana last night to maintain his lead over Hillary Clinton. Senator Clinton has stated today that she will remain in the race and lend $6 million of her own money to the campaign. Do you think she should remain in the race?

Results by County: Do you notice any themes that we’ve seen in other states?

Hillary Clinton claimed victory in the state of Pennsylvania last night. She won nearly 55% of the vote and 64 delegates. Barack Obama received 45% and won 63 delegates. The New York Times has a great breakdown of the Pennsylvania primary data on their website. Their results maps are very intriguing. As you study the maps, what stands out? How has the concept of “region” played a role in the election?

Results by county: Counties are shaded according to the leading candidate

Margin of Victory: Circles are proportional to the amount each county’s leading candidate is ahead

As the Olympic torch continues to run into protests around the world, I have begun to wonder what role the Olympics play in our world?  To what extent should the Olympics be a show of athletic excellence?  To what extent can politics intrude on the games?  Can there be a healthy balance between the two?  If so, how would it play out?

The deadline to file taxes with the Federal Government is April 15th. This year, the federal government is distributing “economic stimulus payments” to those who file a tax return. Eligible people will receive up to $600 – what do you think would be the best way to spend this money?