Diesel Divas: Michelle Obama, Jada Pinkett Smith and More!

The economy is in shambles, the domestic auto industry is on the brink of failure, we have troops overseas fighting in two wars -- and yet journalists and political commentators still have time to discuss a topic that seems to be of the utmost importance. The first lady's arms. It's no secret that Michelle Obama has some serious biceps and likes to show them off in sleeveless shift dresses. Nevertheless, her official White House photo, in which she's wearing a sleeveless black dress and conservative pearls, set tongues wagging. She was also criticized for wearing a sleeveless purple dress to her husband's address to Congress in February.

Is the problem that first ladies should dress more conservatively? Or is the problem that Obama's bared arms show that she has plenty of physical strength to go along with her inner toughness? In a society where "rail thin" is always in, Obama and a number of other famous women -- think Angela Bassett, Regina King, Jada Pinkett Smith and Jessica Biel -- are bucking convention and staying superhealthy by working out to their heart's content. The hard work these "diesel divas" put in at the gym definitely pays off.

The College Survival Guide

A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.

Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.

Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.

Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.

MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.

Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age

Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.

Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.

Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.

Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!

Want "diesel diva" arms? Break out the dumbbells!

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