RIDDLE

Hello everyone. I will give you a riddle today and maybe tomorrow I will be back with everything else.

Today's Riddle

How do you make notes out of stone?

I'm at the beach and plan on not planning to do anything this week. Try not to celebrate too much tonight.

REDSKINS BEAT COWBOYS AND MAKE PLAYOFFS, PACKERS GET BACK ON TRACK

The Washington Redskins beat the Dallas Cowboys 27-6 yesterday afternoon and by doing so clinched the final spot in this years NFC playoffs. The Skins pretty much dominated the game on both sides of the ball, the Skins will meet Seattle on Saturday in the wild card round of the NFC playoffs. The Green Bay Packers beat the Detroit Lion's yesterday 34-13, most of the Packers regular players played the 1st quarter and then took the rest of the day off. The Packers have 1st round bye in the playoffs. The UVA basketball team held on to beat Hartford yesterday at the JPJ Arena 78-70, definitely not the Cavs beast effort. The Richmond Renegades were dealt another pretty big blow yesterday when leading scorer Danny White left the team to play another pro team in Europe, the Gades need to find some more players pretty quick because they are down to just 13 skaters. In case you didn't notice on yesterday entry on Mickey's Place I had another gout attack Saturday night, I did start taking the medicine yesterday afternoon and the pain is much better this morning but lets just say nothing down for to long right now. We did pick over an inch of rain yesterday here in CH, maybe fellow blogger Les can give us an official total. MICKEY

We grow neither better or worse as we get old, but more like ourselves.
May L. Becker

Fitness Tip
Fight the boredom. If exercise bores you no matter what you do, use distraction to stick with the program. Listen to music or books on tape while walking outdoors or on the treadmill. Once you get into the exercise habit, try to become involved with the act of exercising (mind to muscle), which researchers say produces better results. Really focus on the moment and how the exercise feels.

Never fade
Whatever you fully experience, you never need to leave behind. Whatever you worry about losing, you never did have to begin with.

Without change, life would not exist. With every change is the opportunity to become more fully alive.

The days and weeks and years come to an end. And yet it is always now.

The artifacts and remnants that you associate with the good times will fade and rust and decay, eventually to disappear. Yet the goodness and joy of the authentic experiences will grow ever stronger.

There is no reason to be sad about the fact that time has passed. There is every reason to find joy in the real treasures that you will always retain from that time.

Learn to quickly let go of the meaningless, superficial things that will soon be gone anyway. Invest your spirit and your experience in the timeless values that you know will never fade.
-- Ralph Marston

Odetta Folk singer is 77
Anthony Hopkins actor is 70
Tim Considine Actor ("My Three Sons") is 67
Sarah Miles Actress is 66
Andy Summers Rock musician (The Police) is 65
Ben Kingsley actor is 64
Burton Cummings Rock musician (The Guess Who) is 60
Tim Matheson Actor ("Animal House," "The West Wing") is 60
Joe Dallesandro Actor is 59
Donna Summer Singer is 59
Tom Hamilton Rock musician (Aerosmith) is 56
James Remar Actor is 54
Bebe Neuwirth Actress ("Cheers") is 49
Val Kilmer Actor is 48
Don Diamont Actor ("The Young and the Restless") is 45
Ric Ivanisevich Rock musician (Oleander) is 45
Gong Li Actress is 42
Joe McIntyre Actor, singer is 35

REDSKINS HAVE A BIG GAME TODAY, GOUT RETURNS

The Washington Redskins have huge game this afternoon and it happens to be against it's arch rival the Dallas Cowboys. All the Redskins have to do is win the game and there in the NFC playoffs, Dallas on the other hand win or lose will be the NFC's #1 team in the playoffs and will rest several key members of the team because of the risk of injury. I think the Skins will win this afternoon but it's going to be a close game. The Green Bay Packers will host the Detroit Lions today and like the Cowboys will rest several players, from the reports I have read the starters may play a quarter and thats it, the Packers will be the NFC's #2 seed win or lose. The Richmond Renegades won there 2nd game in as many nights last night at the RC knocking off Columbus 5-3, the Gades were playing 3 players short due to a suspension an couple of injuries. The Gades are now off until Thursday night when they visit Huntsville. Well the gout has returned to my foot this morning, it started feeling pretty sore last night and this morning I had to start taking colchicine again, hopefully this medicine will work as well as it did before. Fellow blogger Keith will heading to Jacksonville later today to see Cavaliers play on New Years Day. Speaking of Cavaliers the UVA basketball team will be back in action today at the JPJ Arena against the Hartford Hawks, the Hawks are 0-7 on the road this year. It looks like we are going to get some more rain today here in CH, the NWS says we could get anywhere from a 1/2 inch to 1 inch of rain here in CH today with higher amounts in some areas and it's going to be very cool as well. In Andrews Bowl Bonanza fellow blogger Scott has overtaken Andrew for the #2 spot in the rankings, Keith is now 6th, Maureen is 7th, Bobby 8th, A.G. 9th, Mickey 10th, Scottie 11th, Joy 12th and Dusty 15th. MICKEY

Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you'll understand what little chance you have in trying to change others.
Jacob M. Braude

DECEMBER 30
1809: Boston made it illegal to wear a mask at a party that included dancing.
1851: Asa Candler was born in Georgia. An Atlanta pharmacist, in 1887 he converted a medicinal tonic called Coca-Cola into a soda fountain soft drink.
1944: Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys debuted on the Grand Ole Opry, performing their hit "New San Antonio Rose," a revamped vocal version of their 1938 classic instrumental hit. The "new rose" was the first of 19 consecutive top five country hits for "The King of Western Swing."
1951: "The Roy Rogers Show" debuted on NBC-TV, starring Roy, Dale Evans, Pat Brady, Trigger, Buttermilk, Bullet, and Nellybelle. Nellybelle was a jeep. Dale wrote the theme "Happy Trails to You." The show lasted six years.
1978: Coach Woody Hayes was fired as head football coach at Ohio State. He had punched Clemson player Charlie Bauman during the Gator Bowl after Bauman intercepted a pass.
1995: Procter & Gamble announced it would resume Mr. Whipple’s lifetime supply of free Charmin bathroom tissue immediately. Actor Dick Wilson, who had urged shoppers for 25 years not to squeeze the Charmin, had suddenly stopped receiving monthly shipments to his home in Nevada. A company spokesman said it was a goof-up, not intentional.
2004: Artie Shaw, the clarinet virtuoso and leader of one of the biggest of the Swing Era big bands, died at age 94.

Fitness Tip
Examine your exercise before you stretch. In some cases pre-exercise stretches may actually increase your risk of injury. However, make sure you DO warm up before exercises, which make your tendons more flexible and maximize blood flow to the muscles.


Bo Diddley Rock singer, musician is 79
Joseph Bologna Actor is 73
Russ Tamblyn Actor is 73
Jack Riley Actor ("The Bob Newhart Show") is 72
Sandy Koufax Baseball Hall of Famer is 72
Paul Stookey Folk singer (Peter, Paul and Mary) is 70
Michael Nesmith Rock singer, musician (The Monkees) is 65
Fred Ward Actor is 65
Davy Jones Rock singer (The Monkees) is 62
Meredith Viera TV host ("Today") is 54
Sheryl Lee Ralph Actress is 52
Suzy Bogguss Country singer is 51
Patricia Kalember Actress is 51
Matt Lauer TV host ("Today") is 50
Tracey Ullman Actress, comedian is 48
Sean Hannity TV host ("Hannity & Colmes")is 46
Meredith Monroe Actress ("Dawson's Creek") is 38
Daniel Sunjata Actor ("Rescue Me") is 36
Maureen Flanniga Actress is 35
Jason Behr Actor is 34
Tiger Woods golfer is 32
A.J. Pierzynski Baseball player is 31
Eliza Dushku Actress ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer") is 27
Kristin Kreuk Actress ("Smallville") is 25
LeBron James Cleveland Cavaliers forward is 23

RENEGADES WIN, RENEGADES WIN

The Richmond Renegades ended there five game losing streak last night at the RC knocking off the Fayetteville FireAntz 5-4 on the night they retired Trevor Senn's #25 sweater. The Gades were lead by Brett Needham who had three goals and one assist on the night, the Gades will be back at home tonight against the Columbus Cottonmouths. In college football bowl action yesterday the ACC went 1-1 with Boston College picking up a 24-21 win over Michigan State and Maryland fell to Oregon State 21-14. In the NFL tonight the New England Patriots will try to finish out a perfect regular season with a victory over the NY Giants at the Meadowlands. We got some more rain here in CH last night and this morning and they are calling more rain again tomorrow as well, it's a good thing it's not cold enough for snow because we would have been snowed in by now. My foot continues to be pretty sore, the pain still is no where near as bad as it was back in late November though. I did make it down to Wal-Mart this morning and it was pretty quite down there this morning, no where near as many people as last week for sure. I tried to get fellow blogger Les to go down there this morning with me but he said if wasn't standing at the curb when I went by his house to go on without him. MICKEY

Remember that if the opportunities for great deeds should never come, the opportunities for good deeds are renewed day by day. The thing for us to long for is the goodness, not the glory.
F.W. Faber

Health and Diet Tip
How much water should we drink? The recommended water intake is eight 8-ounce glasses per day. Water is needed for almost every bodily function -- it aids digestion, absorption, circulation, distribution of nutrients and excretion. Water helps maintain our body temperature and is necessary for carrying out waste. Try including water with your meals – a great way to avoid some extra calories and hydrate your body at the same time.

The best
The best athletes don't care about whether or not they're the best. What they care about is the game.

The best actors, musicians, doctors, scientists, teachers and businesspeople are not consumed with being the best. They're consumed with a passion for what they're doing.

If your desire is to be the best merely for its own sake, you will strive and struggle against a world that absolutely does not care. If, on the other hand, your most abiding desire is to make a positive difference, you will surely end up being the best at some particular thing or another.

The real substance of accomplishment is never in the trophies or the praise or the recognition it brings. The substance of accomplishment is in the value it delivers.

The best performers in any field are not the ones who hope to be the best or even the ones who already think they are. The best performers are those who never have to even think about where they stand in the rankings.

Commit yourself to delivering value, and you won't be burdened with the need to keep score. Indeed, you will always be on top of the game.
-- Ralph Marston

Clarence Swensen Actor ("The Wizard of Oz") is 90
Inga Swenson Actress ("Benson") is 75
Tom Jarriel Broadcast journalist is 73
Mary Tyler Moore Actress is 70
Jon Voight actor is 69
Ed Bruce Country singer, actor is 67
Marianne Faithfull Rock singer is 61
Ted Danson Actor ("Cheers," "Becker") is 60
Jon Polito Actor is 57
Yvonne Elliman Singer, actress is 56
Patricia Clarkson Actress is 48
Paula Poundstone Comedian is 48
Dexter Holland Rock singer (The Offspring) is 42
Mystro Clark Actor, comedian is 41
Jason Gould Actor is 41
Andy Wachowski Director ("Matrix" films) is 40
Jennifer Ehle Actress is 38
Kevin Weisman Actor ("Alias") is 37
Jude Law Actor is 35
Mekhi Phifer Actor ("ER") is 33
Shawn Hatosy Actor is 32
Laveranues Coles Football player is 30
Diego Luna actor is 28
Jessica Andrews Country singer is 24

the carsley house

donna and i were out taking pics of some of her students homes with all their christmas lights on last night and mark and mary's house was down the street from one of her students house so i took a picture of it! next year mark i think you should hang lights from the roof and eve!

IT'S FRIDAY AGAIN

It's always good when it's Friday but it's even better when it's Friday on a short work week, if I work to many more of these short weeks I am really going to feel like a work for the government. I think allot of fellow bloggers must still be on Christmas break, there sure haven't been allot of comments this week. The Richmond Renegades will be back in action tonight at the RC against the Fayetteville FireAntz, it will also be Trevor Senn night and the will retire his #25 jersey, maybe they can talk him into playing a few more games, he was pretty tough in his day. Also Renegades forward Mat Goody was suspended for 12 games by the SPHL for his actions in Fayetteville on Christmas day, this mornings paper said he might retire. The Texas Longhorns beat Arizona State last night 52-34 in the only college football game of the day yesterday, there will be three more bowl games today and two of those will have ACC teams playing in them. My foot is a little sore this morning and it might be raining again by this afternoon so my AIP has been elevated. Mom is still under the weather a bit, her temp is still not back to normal and she still is not feeling to good. MICKEY

Be calm in arguing; for fierceness makes error a fault, and truth discourtesy.
George Herbert

PUN OF THE DAY
The warden gave the inmates acne medicine hoping it would keep them from breaking out.

Health Tip: What's Causing Your Dizziness?
Dizziness is not a disease, but a symptom of another condition. While it's usually not serious and is often temporary, it helps to know what's causing the problem.

The University of Michigan Health System lists these common causes of dizziness:

* An infection or other condition affecting the inner ear.
* Fatigue, stress or fever.
* Low blood sugar.
* Anemia.
* Dehydration.
* An injury to the head.
* A heart or circulatory condition.
* Stroke.
* A side effect of certain medications.

On December 28
1902 The first professional indoor football game was played at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Syracuse defeated the Philadelphia Nationals, 6-0.
1912 The first municipally-owned street cars were used on the streets of San Francisco, CA.
1937 The Irish Free State became the Republic of Ireland when a new constitution established the country as a sovereign state under the name of Eire.
1945 The U.S. Congress officially recognized the "Pledge of Allegiance."
1964 Initial filming of the movie Dr. Zhivago began on location near Madrid, Spain. The movies total running time was 197 minutes.
1973 The Chamber of Commerce of Akron, OH, terminated its association with the All-American Soap Box Derby. It was stated that the race had become "a victim of cheating and fraud."
1981 Elizabeth Jordan Carr, the first American test-tube baby, was born in Norfolk, VA.
1989 Alexander Dubcek, who had been expelled from the Communist Party in 1970, was elected speaker of the Czech parliament.
1991 Nine people died in a crush to get into a basketball game at City College in New York.
1995 Pressure from German prosecutors investigating pornography forced CompuServe to set a precedent by blocking access to sex-oriented newsgroups on the Internet for its customers.
2000 U.S. District Court Judge Matsch held a hearing to ensure that confessed Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh understood that he was dropping his appeals. McVeigh said that he wanted an execution date, set but wanted to reserve the right to seek presidential clemency.



Lou Jacobi Actor is 94
Johnny Otis Bandleader is 86
Stan Lee Comic book creator ("Spider-Man," "The Incredible Hulk") is 85
Martin Milner Actor ("Adam-12") is 76
Maggie Smith Actress is 73
Charles Neville Rock singer, musician (The Neville Brothers) is 69
Edgar Winter Rock singer, musician is 61
Alex Chilton Rock singer, musician is 57
Denzel Washington Actor is 53
Joe Diffie Country singer is 49
Mike McGuire Country musician (Shenandoah) is 49
Ray Borque Hockey Hall of Famer is 47
Chad McQueen Actor is 47
Marty Roe Country singer, musician (Diamond Rio) is 47
Malcolm Gets Actor is 43
Mauricio Mendoza Actor is 38
Adam Vinatieri Football player is 35
Seth Meyers Comedian ("Saturday Night Live") is 34
James Blake Tennis player is 28
Sienna Miller Actress is 26
Thomas Dekker Actor is 20
Mackenzie Rosman Actress ("7th Heaven") is 18

RENEGADES DROP ANOTHER ONE

The Richmond Renegades losing streak has reached five games after last nights 3-1 loss at Twin City. The Gades offensive woes continued last night just scoring 1 goal for the 3rd straight game, in the is league you are not going to win to many games just scoring 3 goals in 3 games, I don't think the new year can get here fast enough for the Gades. The Gades will be back at home Friday & Saturday nights. It sure was a miserable day here in Colonial Heights yesterday, it rained all day and it was pretty cold as well, at least is wasn't snow. I did have to go to the mall area yesterday while working yesterday and it actually wasn't to bad, there were more people than normal but traffic wasn't backed up at all. In college football action last night Purdue edged Central Michigan 51-48 on a late FG, not to much defense in this one. Mom does appear to be feeling better, her temp has dropped back as well but still not normal yet. MICKEY

Before you try to keep up with the Joneses, be sure they're not trying to keep up with you.
Erma Bombeck

1831 - Charles Darwin set out on a voyage to the Pacific aboard the HMS Beagle. Darwin's discoveries during the voyage helped him form the basis of his theories on evolution.

1932 - Radio City Music Hall opened its doors to the public for the first time.

1945 - The World Bank was created with an agreement signed by 28 nations.

1947 - The children's television program "Howdy Doody," hosted by Bob Smith, made its debut on NBC.

1971 - Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Linus, Lucy and Woodstock of Charles Schulz’ "Peanuts" comic strip were on the cover of "Newsweek" magazine.

2000 - Mario Lemeiux (Pittsburgh Penguins) returned to the National Hockey League (NHL) as a player after over 3 years of retirement. He was the first owner-player in the modern era of pro sports. Lemieux had purchased the Pittsburgh Penguins during his retirement from playing.

2001 - U.S. President George W. Bush granted China permanent normal trade status with the United States.

Health and Diet Tip
Butter or margarine? Both butter and margarine contain fats that can raise blood cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease. Butter is a major source of saturated fat. Margarine does contain less saturated fat, but the hydrogenation process of margarine creates trans fatty acids (TFA). Opt for natural, unhydrogenated oils such as canola or olive oil.

Fitness Tip
Eat early and often. Try not to go more than 3 hours without some form of nutrition. If it has been 3 hours since lunch, snack on a piece of fruit, a tablespoon of nuts, a piece of dried fruit or a nonfat organic yogurt. Have dinner 2 or 3 hours later. If you have dinner after 7 p.m., make sure it totals less than 500 calories. Heavy eating before bedtime makes it difficult to maintain deep sleep, as your body is focused on digesting food instead of revitalizing itself.


Scotty Moore Rock musician is 76
John Amos Actor is 68
Cokie Roberts Broadcast journalist is 64
Mick Jones Rock musician (Foreigner) is 63
Tracy Nelson Blues singer is 63
Gerard Depardieu Actor is 59
Tovah Feldshuh Actress ("Law and Order") is 55
David Knopfler Rock musician (Dire Straits) is 55
Maryam D'Abo Actress is 47
Jeff Bryant Country musician is 45
Theresa Randle Actress is 43
Eva LaRue Actress ("All My Children") is 41
Wilson Cruz Actor is 34
Olu R&B singer is 34
Masi Oka actor ("Heroes") is 33
Deuce McAllister Football player is 29
Carson Palmer Football player is 28
Emilie de Ravin actress ("Lost") is 26
Cole Hamels Baseball player is 24

jacob christmas morning

pic1 in his john senna outfit. pic 2 wearing his redskin helmet. pic 3 rocking out with his plug and play guitar. pic 4 showing off his new ds.

who's the adult?

pic 1 is andrew riding his new electric scooter. notice the helmet, both feet firmly planted on the scooter, matter fact one foot is on the brake incase he needs to stop!! pic 2 is maureen doing stunts without a helmet! who is the more responsible riding?

HEADING BACK TO WORK TODAY, RENEGADES DROP ANOTHER

Well some of us fellow bloggers will be heading back to work today while others who work for the government still more time off. I hope everybody had a Merry Christmas and didn't eat to much, we still have right many leftovers here at the house. I have posted a link below to the photos Al took on Christmas eve and I will post all the Christmas day photos later today. Mom is a bit under the weather, she had a temp over 102 last night, I don't know if she has a strain of the flu or something else, she did have a flu shot. The Richmond Renegades lost another last night in Fayetteville falling to the FireAntz 3-1, in the game Matt Goody apparently went nuts after a fight in the 2nd period throwing a helmet which struck an off ice official (just like dad) in the head causing the official to have to get 4 or 5 stitches. After that he tried to climb over the glass and get to a fan and the glass collapsed causing some more problems, I think he will be suspended for quite some time. The Gades will play again tonight in Twin City. It looks like we are going to get more much needed rain today here in the CH, we can use all the rain we can get. I could be another busy day at the mall today with all the returns and all the sales, I think I will steer clear of the mall for at least the next week. Well I have to go to work. MICKEY

CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE GOULDERS
http://public.fotki.com/bp2/family_photos/christmas-eve-at-th/

PUN OF THE DAY
The skunk is an animal of distinction.

Health and Diet Tip
Want to add more fruits and vegetables into your daily meals? Try some of the following tips. Add fresh fruit to your cereal. Top pancakes with fruit rather than syrup. Cook recipes with fresh and dried fruit. Make soups, casseroles, and past dishes with a variety of vegetables. Add vegetables to omelets. Chop vegetables into bite-size pieces and add to your salads.

Let life's richness flow
Accomplishment comes when you allow it. Fulfillment comes when you allow it.

Worry, resentment, anger, envy and fear all serve to prevent your best possibilities from being realized. The more you learn to let go of the negative influences, the more easily and naturally will the richness of life flow through you.

How many worthwhile and fulfilling experiences have you missed because you were worried about what others might think? How many precious days have you wasted by being filled with resentment or fear?

You have so many beautiful places to go. There are so many valuable and fulfilling things you can do.

Begin today to more faithfully follow those bright and shining purposes that are deep within you. Let the negative, limiting thoughts and perceptions fall quietly and uneventfully away from you as quickly as they come.

Open your spirit, and allow your most beautiful possibilities to come to life. Remember who you truly are, and let life's richness flow.
-- Ralph Marston

Richard Widmark Actor is 93
Donald Moffat Actor is 77
Abdul "Duke" Fakir R&B singer (The Four Tops) is 72
John Walsh TV host ("America's Most Wanted") is 62
Bob Carpenter Country musician (The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) is 61
Carlton Fisk Baseball Hall of Famer is 60
Ozzie Smith Baseball Hall of Famer is 53
Tim Kaine Governor of Virginia is 51
James Kottak Rock musician (The Scorpions) is 45
Brian Westrum Country musician (Sons of the Desert) is 45
Lars Ulrich Rock musician (Metallica) is 44
Nadia Dajani Actress is 42
Audrey Wiggins Country singer is 40
Jared Leto actor is 36
Chris Daughtry singer ("American Idol") is 28

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I hope all of you fellow bloggers have a Merry Christmas. We had our annual family Christmas Eve dinner here at the house and it was packed, I would think we had 27 people but we had room for a more. Scott, Joy, Dusty and Scott I just wanted to thank yawl for my East Carolina sweatshirt, Georgia t-shirt and sports trivia game, wish yawl could have been here. Today is shaping up to be another busy day as well, we will be heading over Keith and Maureen's house later this morning for brunch and to see how much stuff Andrew got for Christmas and over to Mavis's house tonight. As busy as I have been the last two days I need to get back to work so I can get some rest. The Richmond Renegades will be back in action tonight in Fayetteville, NC against the FireAntz, the Gades just want another win for Christmas, it has been a while. My foot is about the same this morning but I turned my wrist a bit last night so my AIP index has gone back up a little, I will be happy to just get back in the 6 area but that looks like it might be a few weeks away. MERRY CHRISTMAS, MICKEY

We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.
Frederick Keonig

Fitness Tip
Are you overtraining? Here are some signs to watch out for: waking up tired, poor appetite, not sleeping well, feeling drained between workouts, feeling sluggish and depleted of energy throughout the day. Bear in mind that these can also be signs of depression, or other illness. In any case, listen carefully to your body. Take a break from your workout if you need to, or see your doctor.

Christmas presence
There is a light in the darkness. It is love; it is joy.

There is a pure and simple radiance with a positive, joyous power. It warms the hearts of those who value peace and love.

The spirit of Christmas transcends beliefs, traditions, culture and customs. It speaks directly to the heart, of love and grace, of giving and of renewal.

In the pure, limitless power of love, life is created and sustained. In the radiance of this day, love's presence is joyously expressed again and again, in countless ways.

In this moment, new life begins. And love is the ever-present purpose that drives every other purpose.

On this day, you have a glimpse of how truly blessed you are. Give love, give joy, and you have even more.
-- Ralph Marston

Tony Martin Singer is 94
Dick Miller Actor is 79
Hanna Schygula Actress is 64
John Edwards R&B singer (The Spinners) is 63
Gary Sandy Actor ("WKRP In Cincinnati") is 62
Ken Stabler for NFL QB is 62
Jimmy Buffet Rock musician is 61
Larry Csonka Football Hall of Famer is 61
Barbara Mandrell Country singer is 59
Sissy Spacek Actress is 58
Annie Lennox Rock singer (Eurythmics) is 53
Steve Wariner Country singer is 53
Shane MacGowan Singer (The Pogues) is 50
Rickey Henderson Baseball player is 49
Klea Scott Actress is 39
Mac Powell Rock singer (Third Day) is 35
Hideki Okajima Baseball player is 32
Alecia Elliott Country singer is 25

REDSKINS WIN, EAST CAROLINA WINS, PACKERS DON'T SHOW UP

The Washington Redskins defeated the Minnesota Vikings last night at the Metrodome 32-21, the Skins pretty much dominated the game but the Vikings did make a late run at the Skins in the 4h quarter but came up short. With the win all the Redskins have to next week is beat the Cowboys and they are in the NFC playoffs. The Green Bay Packers on the other hand played there worst game of the season falling to the Bears 35-7, it was like they had nothing to play for but they did. The Bears dominated every aspect of the game, it was like the Packers just didn't want to be there and you could tell Favre was off his game right off the bat. Well if the Pack wants to win the NFC it looks like they will have to beat Dallas in Dallas, if they play like they did yesterday they may not win any games in the playoffs. The East Carolina Pirates upset the Boise State Broncos last night as time ran out 41-38 in the Hawaii Bowl, the Pirates lead most of the game big but Boise St. tied it up at 38 with 1:25 left only to allow the Pirates to kick a game winning 34 yard field goal as time ran out. On ESPN's online bowl contest 98% of the country picked Boise State. Well there will be allot of fellow bloggers at the house tonight as we have our annual family Christmas Eve dinner tonight here at the house tonight, Scott if you coming you had better get on the road. The weather here in Colonial Heights is going to be pretty mild for this time of year, it is suppose to get into the upper 50's today and it it's going be in the lower 50's on Christmas Day, not bad for the 2nd day of winter. Well I have to go cut my hair, I hop everybody has a MERRY CHRISTMAS. MICKEY

You can't let praise or criticism get to you. It's a weakness to get caught up in either one.
John Wooden

Holiday Sleep Tips
* Take time to relax in the evening. Giving your brain time to calm down before bed will help you sleep better. * Stick to your regular sleep/wake schedule. Customary pre-sleep rituals, such as a warm bath or a few minutes of reading, can also help ensure you get a good sleep. * Plan ahead for holiday activities. Set aside time to wrap gifts, decorate the house, or plan your holiday menu. * If you become drowsy while driving, pull off into a rest area and take a short nap -- about 15 to 20 minutes. * Don't eat a heavy meal before bedtime. This can cause heartburn or discomfort that can make it difficult to fall asleep or disturb your sleep. * When you're at evening holiday parties, don't have too much alcohol or caffeine. Both can inhibit your normal sleep pattern.
TODAYS PUN
When baking dog biscuits, be sure to use collie flour.

A moment of serenity
Take a moment to pause and remember who you are. Take a moment to reflect on the things that have real and lasting meaning in your life.

In a world where there is so much change from instant to instant, keep yourself ever connected to those values that endure. Refresh your spirit often with a time of quiet serenity.

Find refuge from the noise and turmoil, and you'll be able to hear the voice of purpose and meaning, calling from within. There are many valuable things you know without being told, and it can be energizing to contemplate them.

Beyond the shallow concerns that must scream for attention are life's real treasures. Those treasures come clearly into focus when you step back a little bit and take an objective look.

Pay attention to the nagging feeling that there must be more to life than all the rush and confusion. There most certainly is.

Take the time to make time stand still. And take in the experience of being.
-- Ralph Marston

Mary Higgins Clark Mystery writer is 80
Mike Curb Recording company executive is 63
Lemmy Rock musician (Motorhead) 62
George Thorogood singer is 57
Grand L. Bush Actor is 52
Clarence Gilyard Actor is 52
Stephanie Hodge Actress is 51
Kate Spade Designer is 45
Mark Valley Actor is 43
Diedrich Bader Actor ("The Drew Carey Show") is 41
Ryan Seacrest tv personality is 33
Ricky Martin Singer is 36

jacob is in the house!!!

pic 1 he wants to play ball but the problem is he wants to play in the house with a real ball! and my api went up because i had to throw with him, just kidding!! pic 2 he has to make a silly face before he can go to bed. pic 3 he's watching me me (donna) come into the house with some grape medicine!

GREEN BAY AT CHICAGO, RENEGADES DROP ANOTHER

The Green Bay Packers visit Chicago today to play the Bears in a game the Packers need to win to keep pace with Dallas for the top spot in the NFC who beat the Carolina Panthers last night 20-13, Dallas still holds the tiebreaker over the Pack if they end up tied though. Also tonight the Washington Redskins visit Minnesota in a must win game for the Redskins if they want to keep there playoff hopes alive, a tonight and a win tonight against Dallas would probably get them in but they still could miss the playoffs if they win both. One thing for sure is the playoff picture will be much clearer after today. The Richmond Renegades dropped another game last night in Knoxville on guaranteed night to Knoxville 5-1 and yest there were plenty of fights, the Gades are terrible offensively, next up for the Gades is a game on Christmas day against Fayetteville. The East Carolina Pirates will play Boise State tonight in the Hawaii Bowl at 8pm, I guess will have to have a remote in my hand to watch the Skins and East Carolina game at the same time. The UVA basketball team beat Elon yesterday 91-61 at the JPJ Arena, the Cavs are now until Dec 30 when another powerhouse Hartford visits the JPJ. The CH girls basketball had a tough afternoon yesterday in Richmond falling to Highland Springs 64-39. My foot is still improving but my shoulder is now a bit sore after throwing about 50-60 pitches with dad yesterday so my AIP has gone up just a little. I am thinking about doing another video, you will have to check back later to see if I did. MICKEY

Whether you're winning or losing, it is important to always be yourself. You can't change because of the circumstances around you.
Cotton Fitzsimmons

Health and Diet
Some quick fixes… Before eating pizza, blot the oil with a paper napkin to reduce the fat content. Use nonstick vegetable oil cooking sprays instead of regular oils. They can save you up to 100 calories and 14 grams of fat/serving. Keep a bowl of fruit on the counter and raw vegetables in the front of the refrigerator so they're at the ready as a healthy snack. Add a handful of walnuts (about 4 whole) to a salad instead of cheese. They contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

EXERCISE TIP
Sleep Benefits
Sleep duration and patterns can affect sports training and performance. Most people need 7 or 8 hours of sleep, and your body functions at its best when you have regular sleep patterns, generally sleeping at about the same time every night. So if your workouts, practices, or competitions aren´t going well, consider whether you´re getting enough sleep.

Action and attitude
Your actions affect your attitude and your attitude drives your actions. It can indeed be powerful to get your actions and your attitude working consistently in the same direction.

A small positive action can often make a big positive difference in your outlook on life. Even something quick and simple can shift your momentum.

In the same way, a small positive shift in your attitude can encourage you to take action when you previously were not inclined to do so. Just a brief empowering thought can get you moving forward.

So if you cannot quite bring yourself to take action, at the very least you can convince yourself to carry a more positive attitude. After all, thinking does not require any physical effort at all, and before long that positive attitude will surely lead you to take action.

Or, if you find yourself resisting a positive attitude, at the very least you can take some small beneficial action. And you'll be amazed at how soon that will lead to a more positive attitude.

Whether it's through your actions or through your attitude, there's always a way to introduce a more affirmative perspective into your life. Stay focused on the positive possibilities, and life will continue to grow more richly rewarding.
-- Ralph Marston

Gerald S. O'Loughlin Actor is 86
Bob Kurland Basketball Hall of Famer is 83
Ronnie Schell Actor is 76
Paul Hornung Football Hall of Famer is 72
Frederic Forrest Actor is 71
James Stacy Actor is 71
Jorma Kaukonen Rock musician (Jefferson Airplane) is 67
Harry Shearer Actor, comedian ("The Simpsons") is 64
Susan Lucci actress ("All My Children") is 61
Jack Ham Football Hall of Famer is 59
Dave Murray Rock musician (Iron Maiden) is 49
Joan Severance Actress is 49
Eddie Vedder Rock singer (Pearl Jam) is 43
Corey Haim Actor is 36
Alge Crumpler Football player is 30
Victor Martinez Cleveland Indians catcher is 29
Estella Warren Actress is 29

highland springs 64 colnonials 39

the colonials faced some tuff competition in the t-t tourney. they won one and lost 2

BY POPULAR DEMAND "WHITE CHRISTMAS"

I have been told by several blog members that they wanted to see another Christmas video so here it is, "White Christmas" and no thats not Bing Crosby singing. MICKEY

I HAVE BEEN ACTIVATED FROM THE DL, CH GIRLS WIN

I have been activated from the DL, since being on the shelf since November 25 I have been able to do little or no exercise but now I can. I still can't go 100% but being able to run some is better than nothing, I think I will stay on the treadmill for the next week or so before I venture back outside. The CH girls basketball team bounced back from Thursdays loss with a 65-59 win over Mills Godwin on Friday, the Colonials will play Highland Springs today at noon in there final game of 2007. The Richmond Renegades woes continued last night at the RC, the Gades built a 2-0 lead after the 1st period but were unable to hold on to the lead. The Gades fell to Huntsville in the SO 4-3, th Gades will be in Knoxville tonight. I went down to Wal-Mart this morning and there were allot of last minute shoppers on the loose, I didn't see any fellow bloggers though, I did get some glazed donuts though. There are three college bowl games today and one NFL game, the Packers will be rooting for the Carolina Panthers tonight for sure when they play host to the Dallas Cowboys. Also today fellow blogger is going to see Virginia play another cupcake on there schedule when Elon comes to the JPJ Arena. I hope all you fellow bloggers have finished all yawls Christmas shopping. MICKEY

Winning isn't everything, but it beats anything that comes in second.
Paul Bryant

TODAY IN SPORTS HISTORY
1894 - The United States Golf Association (USGA) was formed in New York City.
1962 - Vince Lombardi, coach of the Green Bay Packers, was on the cover of TIME magazine.
1974 - Phil Esposito (Boston Bruins) scored his 500th goal as a Bruin.
1983 - The New York Islanders scored three shorthanded goals against the Washington Capitals.
1986 - Joe Paterno was named Sportsman of the Year by "Sports Illustrated" magazine. It was only the second time a coach had won the award.
1996 - Vinny Testaverde (Baltimore Ravens) became the eighth quarterback in NFL history to pass for 4,000 yards and throw at least 30 touchdown passes in a single season.
1996 - Brett Hull became the 24th player in NHL history to score 500 goals. Brett and his father Bobby became the first father-son combination to score 500 goals apiece.

EXERCISE TIP
Importance of Cooling Down
After vigorous aerobic exercise it is important to take 10 minutes or so to cool down gradually. Do not stop abruptly. For example, after a long run or jog, walk around and keep moving, rather than just stopping.

Cooling down properly (moving around) redistributes the blood that may have pooled in the extremities when you end your workout, and it prevents muscle stiffness because it allows the metabolic wastes to be worked out of your muscles.

Jim Wright Former House speaker is 85
David Pearson Three-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion is 73
Hector Elizondo actor is 71
Red Steagall Country singer is 69
Steve Carlton Baseball Hall of Famer is 63
Diane Sawyer Broadcast journalist ("Good Morning America") is 62
Rick Nielsen Rock musician (Cheap Trick) is 61
Robin Gibb Singer (The Bee Gees) is 58
Ray Guy maybe best punter to ever play the game is 58
Jan Stephenson Golfer is 56
BernNadette Stanis Actress is 54
Chuck Mead Country musician (BR549) is 47
Ralph Fiennes Actor is 45
Lauralee Bell Actress ("The Young and the Restless") is 39
Lori McKenna Country singer is 39
Dina Meyer Actress is 39
Heather Donahue Actress ("The Blair Witch Project") is 33
Chris Carmack Actor is 27
Jordin Sparks ("American Idol") singer is 18

Riddle

Hello fellow bloggers. I might not be back until after Christmas. I have a few things to do.

I don't even need to tell you who got the riddle right on yesterday but I will? LOUISE way to go.

ANSWERS

Food Trivia
A doctor's initials. Less air in this place. Water without rain. Moonshine.

Mountain Dew

Brain Bruisers
Explain what's happening here....or in other words...what is being counted...1,2,3 and keep going up to 1460...then add one

Counting Days up to Leap Year Day.

RIDDLE
Why did the gingerbread man go to the doctor?

He was feeling crummy.

Food Trivia Question

No money...small mountain. "A simple food". A girl and three animals. Famous food seldom spoken of.

Brain Bruisers Question

Name the two foods that were definitely on the first Thanksgiving menu.

Riddle

What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?