INTERNET BACK UP RUNNING

Well I have to say that after two days of running about as slow is it could my internet service is back up and running smoothly. I was becoming extremely frustrated because it wasn't working correctly if you can believe that. There was some type of problem with Verizon causing the internet to run so slow. Well I want wish everybody an early HAPPY NEW YEAR and by the way i will be working on NEW YEARS DAY. Also fellow bloggers Scott and Joy will be coming to town tonight and will be here until Sunday morning, a member of Scott's moms side of the family is very ill and Scott will be bringing his mom and dad up here to see him. Well it is raining again this morning here in Colonial Heights, the temperature is just warm enough to keep it from being frozen precipitation. MICKEY

SOME STAY POSITIVE TIPS
Practice reframing those negatives into positives. Soon you will automatically put a positive spin on perceived negativities, letting them go.

Exercise – you shed stress and release endorphins. You can work out for short bursts throughout the day when you feel your mood dipping to get an effective pick-me-up.

SAVE YOUR TEETH
Use a straw with acidic beverages. This minimizes contact with your teeth.

“Worrying is like a rocking chair,
it gives you something to do,
but it gets you nowhere.”
~ Glenn Turner ~

George Schlatter TV producer ("Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In") 80
Anthony Hopkins Actor 72
Tim Considine Actor ("My Three Sons") 69
Sarah Miles Actress 68
Andy Summers Rock musician (The Police) 67
Ben Kingsley Actor 66
Peter Quaife Rock musician (The Kinks) 66
Taylor Hackford Director, producer 65
Diane Von Furstenberg Fashion designer 63
Burton Cummings Rock musician (The Guess Who) 62
Tim Matheson Actor ("Animal House," "The West Wing") 62
Joe Dallesandro Actor 61
Donna Summer Singer 61
Tom Hamilton Rock musician (Aerosmith) 58
James Remar Actor 56
Bebe Neuwirth Actress ("Cheers") 51
Val Kilmer Actor 50
Paul Westerberg Rock singer (The Replacements) 50
Don Diamont Actor ("The Bold and the Beautiful") 47
Gong Li Actress 44
Nicholas Sparks Author 44
Joe McIntyre Singer (New Kids on the Block) 37

INTERNET MOVING TO SLOW

THIS IS THE EXTENT OF TODAYS BLOG ENTRY TODAY, THE INTERNET IS JUST MOVING TO SLOW. MICKEY

SCOTTIES CHRISTMAS GIFT

scottie woke up christmas morning to find santa had been extra nice to him this year.

I HAVE UPDATED THE FOOTBALL CONTEST STANDINGS

I have updated the Mickey's Place football pick em contest through yesterdays Georgia game. Keith continues to lead the contest by 6 games over Julianne and Lee with me and Andrew a distant 9 games back. Dad has dropped all the way back to 11 place and it right in the middle of the Georgia contingent and is just 2 games ahead of Scott. I think it will take a total meltdown for Keith to lose the contest. I have become a bit frustrated with the computer because for some reason it has been running a bit slow the last couple days, it's not dial up slow but slower than I have been use to. The CH girls basketball team was in action last night in Charles City against West Point however the paper didn't report the score of last nights game, they will play in the same tournament tonight. Where has Scott been nobody heard from him since the 24. MICKEY

Manage the little stressors which chip away at your spirit – this includes environmental chemicals, clutter and dust, skipping breakfast, insufficient sleep, a lack of quiet time, even old makeup.

GINGER
Soothe a sour stomach. Ginger is also known to help quell motion sickness, reduce lousy LDL cholesterol, thwart artery-clogging clots, kill ovarian cancer cells, quash inflammation, and maybe even fend off the common cold. Of course, consuming 50 ginger cookies isn't the way to get the goodness of this root; better to take it in extract form (which, in fact, has been shown to reduce the stiffness and pain of osteoarthritis if taken every day).

BAKE YOU BACON
The secret to perfectly cooked bacon: Skip the pan or the skillet. Bacon's tendency to scrunch up makes for uneven cooking. Instead, place no more than a half pound of bacon on a 12 x 18 baking dish or baking sheet with sides and roast in a 375°F oven for 12 to 15 minutes, for that perfectly crisp (but not too crisp) texture.

Inga Swenson Actress ("Benson") 77
Tom Jarriel Broadcast journalist 75
Mary Tyler Moore Actress 73
Jon Voight Actor 71
Ed Bruce Country singer, actor 69
Ray Thomas Flutist (The Moody Blues) 68
Marianne Faithfull Rock singer 63
Ted Danson Actor ("Cheers") 62
Jon Polito Actor 59
Yvonne Elliman Singer, actress 58
Paula Poundstone Comedian 50
Patricia Clarkson Actress 50
Sean Payton Football coach 46
Mystro Clark Actor, comedian 43
Jason Gould Actor 43
Andy Wachowski Director ("Matrix" films) 42
Jennifer Ehle Actress 40
Kevin Weisman Actor ("Alias") 39
Jude Law Actor 37
Mekhi Phifer Actor ("ER") 35
Shawn Hatosy Actor 34
Laveranues Coles Football player 32
Katherine Moennig Actress ("Three Rivers," "The L Word") 32
Diego Luna Actor 30
Jessica Andrews Country singer 26

GREEN BAY CLINCHES PLAYOFF SPOT, REDSKINS LOSE AGAIN

The Green Bay Packers clinched a playoff spot yesterday with 48-10 win over the Seattle Seahawks, the Packers pretty much dominated every aspect of this game. Next week the Packers will finish out the season at Arizona. The Washington Redskins season cannot end soon enough, the Redskins lost to Dallas lat night 17-0. The Redskins offense was non existent last night, the Skins will finish out there season at San Diego last night. Well after being off for the last three days I am very well rested and ready to go back to work, we will be starting our year end inventory today. I am sure there are probably some government workers who are probably not going to be working all week, but I am. It looks like we are going to have a pretty cold week weather wise with temps in the low 40's all week with chance of rain Wednesday night and Thursday, I guees it could be worst. MICKEY

Wear layers. If you want to continue exercising outdoors, don't let the cold stop you. Make sure you wear layers so that the weather does not make you so uncomfortable that it keeps you from being active. You can shed layers of clothing as your body temperature warms up. Wear a windbreaker on windy days and don’t forget your hat and gloves. Wear water-wicking fabrics that don’t hold moisture against your body and avoid cotton.

When you want to: Stay alert -- and alive. Try a whiff of cinnamon when you have a long drive ahead of you; research has shown that it decreases fatigue on the road. And people with diabetes who added three-eighths of a teaspoon of cinnamon to their daily routine had better blood sugar levels after about a month.

“It is every man’s obligation
to put back into the world
at least the equivalent
of what he takes out of it.”
~ Albert Einstein

Stan Lee Comic book creator ("Spider-Man," "The Incredible Hulk") 87
Martin Milner Actor ("Adam-12") 78
Nichelle Nichols Actress ("Star Trek") 77
Maggie Smith Actress 75
Charles Neville Rock singer, musician (The Neville Brothers) 71
Johnny Isakson U.S. senator, R-Ga. 65
Mike Beebe Governor of Arkansas 63
Tim Johnson U.S. senator, D-S.D. 63
Denzel Washington Actor 55
Joe Diffie Country singer 51
Mike McGuire Country musician (Shenandoah) 51
Ray Borque Hockey Hall of Famer 49
Chad McQueen Actor 49
Marty Roe Country singer, musician (Diamond Rio) 49
Malcolm Gets Actor 45
Mauricio Mendoza Actor 40
Patrick Rafter Tennis Hall of Famer 37
Adam Vinatieri Football player 37
Seth Meyers Comedian ("Saturday Night Live") 36
Brendan Hines Actor ("Lie to Me") 33
John Legend R&B singer 31
Sienna Miller Actress 28
James Blake Tennis player 30
Thomas Dekker Actor 22
Mackenzie Rosman Actress ("7th Heaven") 20
David Archuleta Singer ("American Idol") 19

DALLAS AT WASHINGTON

Well the Washington Redskins will face there arch rival tonight the Dallas Cowboys in Washington. This game could turn very ugly if the Redskins play like they did last night Monday night against the Giants. I have a feeling that it is going to be a very close game with the Cowboys winning it late. The Green Bay Packers are at home today against the Seattle Seahawks, a Packers win today would put a whole lot of pressure on both the Giants and Cowboys to win there games games if they want to make the playoffs. I finally won some games in our college football pick em contest yesterday, I have had a rough time with my picks. After eating roast beef for the last three days I am now officially tired of roast beef, I did go to Burger King yesterday for lunch for some fast food though. GO PACKERS & REDSKINS. MICKEY

Wear reflective clothing. Due to shortened daylight time, wear light-colored clothing and a reflective vest if you exercise at early in the morning or at dusk, as it tends to be darker outside.

Watch out for slippery slopes. Winter months bring the hazards of ice and snow on the roads. Poorly plowed sidewalks and roads are slick, making it dangerous to slip and fall when exercising.

“Guard well within yourself
that treasure, kindness.
Know how to give without hesitation,
how to lose without regret,
how to acquire without meanness.”
~ George Sand

James A. McClure Former U.S. senator, R-Idaho 85
Scotty Moore Rock musician 78
John Amos Actor 70
Cokie Roberts Broadcast journalist 66
Mick Jones Rock musician (Foreigner) 65
Tracy Nelson Blues singer 65
Gerard Depardieu Actor 61
T.S. Monk Jazz drummer, vocalist 60
Tovah Feldshuh Actress ("Law and Order") 57
David Knopfler Rock musician (Dire Straits) 57
Karen Hughes Former White House aide 53
Andre Tippett Football Hall of Famer 50
Maryam D'Abo Actress 49
Jeff Bryant Country musician 47
Ian Gomez Actor 45
Theresa Randle Actress 45
Eva LaRue Actress ("All My Children") 43
Darrin Vincent Bluegrass musician 40
Sarah Vowell Author 40
Wilson Cruz Actor 36
Olu R&B singer 36
Masi Oka Actor ("Heroes") 35
Deuce McAllister Football player 31
Carson Palmer Football player 30
Emilie de Ravin ("Lost")Actress 28
Cole Hamels Baseball player 26
Hayley Williams Rock singer (Paramore) 21

I HOPE EVERYBODY HAD A GOOD CHRISTMAS

Well I hope everybody had a good Christmas and didn't eat to much. I think I have as much the last two days than I have ate in the last 2 weeks. I think I am going to have to run an extra 2 miles a day for about a week to make sure I burn everything off that I have taken in. Well it least it isn't freezing cold here Colonial Heights this morning, it's a very balmy 54 here this morning. I did go down to Wal-Mart this morning and there where allot of people already bringing stuff back and there were allot of people there also for there after Christmas sale which has all Christmas stuff 50% off. I didn't go over to Dunkin Donuts this morning because we still have to many sweets in the house, I should be back on my regular routine next week. I think that I might have to go to McDonald's or Burger King today just to get away from all the holiday foods that I have been eating, my body is in shock because because it hasn't had fast food in the last 2 days. MICKEY

Another food source for fighting the flu are potatoes. They are one of the most affordable sources of vitamin C and they nicely complement any entrée with their high levels of potassium and fiber. Similar to other vegetables and fruit in which the skin contains vital antioxidants, the skin of the potato delivers the most fiber and the flesh just under the skin contains the most vitamin C. Fresh potatoes are the best source of vitamin C. Be careful of how you choose to prepare them, as soaking them in water robs them of their germ-busting vitamin C.

Feel on Top of the World
Let this feeling of happiness, this feeling of satisfaction and success diffuse in you and notice how motivated, exited and confident you will feel. In this moment you KNOW that you will succeed. In this moment you KNOW that you can do it! In this moment you KNOW that whatever you dream of is actually possible. Let your whole body fill with this knowledge until you really want to shout out this feeling, until you feel like celebrating your great success!

EVEN IN THE WINTER
Wear sun block. Your skin needs protection from the sun all year round. Make sure to wear a big brimmed hat that covers your ears too.

Donald Moffat Actor 79
Caroll Spinney Actor (Big Bird on "Sesame Street") 76
Abdul "Duke" Fakir (The Four Tops)Singer 74
Phil Spector Record producer 73
John Walsh TV host ("America's Most Wanted") 64
Bob Carpenter Country musician (The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) 63
Carlton Fisk Baseball Hall of Famer 62
Ozzie Smith Baseball Hall of Famer 55
Evan Bayh U.S. senator, D-Ind. 54
David Sedaris Humorist 53
James Kottak Rock musician (The Scorpions) 47
Brian Westrum Country musician (Sons of the Desert) 47
Lars Ulrich Rock musician (Metallica) 46
Nadia Dajani Actress 44
Audrey Wiggins Country singer 42
Jared Leto Actor 38
Chris Daughtry ("American Idol")Singer 30
Zach Mills Actor ("Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium") 14

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I just wanted to wish all you fellow bloggers on Mickey's Place a very Merry Christmas. We had our annual Christmas Eve dinner last night here at the house and if you went away hungry it was your own fault. I have posted a link below to the photos Al took at the festivities. It looks like Mother Nature is going to bring us some more not so much needed rain for Christmas today. After last nights college football game I am now 0-6 with bowl picks, I am beginning to wonder if I am going to get any games right. Well let me run I have a very busy day of me, MERRY CHRISTMAS.

CHRISTMAS EVE PHOTOS
http://public.fotki.com/bp2/family_photos/christmas-eve-2009/

Know what you want
Someone wiser than me said: “What the human mind can conceive, it can achieve.” But first you must know what you want to achieve. If you are not 100 % sure, if your ideas are vague, think about what you would do if you had more than enough money to do everything you have ever wanted to do. What would you do if you had traveled the world, had your dream home and everything else money can buy? What would get you up in the morning and keep you up at night? This is one technique to unveil your true goals, to discover what it is you really want. Once you become clear write it down in as much detail as possible and remember “what the human mind can conceive, it can achieve”.

How far you go in life depends on
your being tender with the young,
compassionate with the aged,
sympathetic with the striving
and tolerant of the weak and strong.
Because someday in your life
you will have been all of these.
~George Washington Carver

Tony Martin Singer 96
Dick Miller Actor 81
Hanna Schygula Actress 66
John Edwards R&B singer (The Spinners) 65
Gary Sandy Actor ("WKRP In Cincinnati") 64
Jimmy Buffet Rock musician 63
Larry Csonka Football Hall of Famer 63
Barbara Mandrell Country singer 61
Sissy Spacek Actress 60
Karl Rove Former White House aide 59
CCH Pounder Actress ("The Shield") 57
Robin Campbell Reggae musician (UB40) 55
Annie Lennox Rock singer (Eurythmics) 55
Steve Wariner Country singer 55
Shane MacGowan Singer (The Pogues) 52
Rickey Henderson Baseball Hall of Famer 51
Klea Scott Actress 41
Dido Rock singer 38
Mac Powell Rock singer (Third Day) 37
Hideki Okajima Baseball player 34
Ryan Shaw R&B singer 29
Alecia Elliott Country singer 27
Jess Origliasso Singer (The Veronicas) 25
Lisa Origliasso Singer (The Veronicas) 25

CHRISTMAS EVE

Well it is Christmas Eve 2009 and since I don't work for a school or the government I have to work today. I really can't complain that much because of the last years 20 or so years I have just about worked every Christmas Eve unless it fell on Saturday or Sunday. It will be very busy at the house tonight when we are expecting around 30 family members for annual Christmas Eve Dinner. The Virginia basketball team improved to 6-4 on the season last night beating the Hampton Pirates 80-54, it won't be to much longer before the Cavs will open there ACC schedule. Well I am now 0-5 with my bowl picks, if I continue this streak I will be back with the Georgia contingent soon. Well I am going to work a little bit early so hopefully I can get off bit earlier than normal. MERRY CHRISTMAS

Eat like a 4-year-old. Kids who are picky eaters are skinny for a reason: They choose only what they want, not everything they can get their hands on. Because they eat less overall, they polish off less addictive saturated fat, sugar, salt, and calories. So instead of sampling everything that goes by, stick with a few holiday favorites. And ditch the now-or-never mentality. There's nothing on the menu that you, your mom, or your spouse can't whip up anytime of year if you really want it.

Warm up and stretch. Cold effects and stiffens your joints, tendons, and muscles, so be sure you take the time to warm up properly. When you warm up and stretch, blood flows to your cold muscles then, tendons and joints thus, warming them up to help reduce your risk of injury.

“If you don’t get everything you want,
think of the things you don’t get
that you don’t want.”
~ Oscar Wilde

Dave Bartholomew Bandleader 89
Mary Higgins Clark Mystery writer 82
Anthony Fauci Public health official 69
Mike Curb Recording company executive 65
Jeff Sessions U.S. senator, R-Ala. 63
Grand L. Bush Actor 54
Clarence Gilyard Actor 54
Stephanie Hodge Actress 53
Ian Burden Rock musician (The Human League) 52
Anil Kapoor Actor ("Slumdog Millionaire") 50
Kate Spade Designer 47
Mark Valley Actor 45
Diedrich Bader Actor ("The Drew Carey Show") 43
Amaury Nolasco Actor ("Prison Break") 39
Ricky Martin Singer 38
Stephenie Meyer Author ("Twilight" series) 36
Ryan Seacrest ("American Idol")TV personality 35

I AM NOT DOING TO GOOD WITH MY BOWL PICKS

Well there are have been 4 bowl games so far and I am now now 0-4 with my picks. I am not the only one who is 0-4, Julianne who was in 2nd place is also 0-4 and believe or not Scottie has the best record so far going 3-1 so far. Well if you haven't finished your shopping yet what are you waiting for, time is just about out. The Virginia basketball team will be back in action tonight against the Hampton University Pirates, the Cavs are coming off a win against the NJIT on Monday night. It looks like the snow outside is trying to stay around until Christmas but I don't know if it's going make it or not. I think there will be some snow on spots on Christmas, but mostly just were I piled it up after shoveling the driveway. It looks like we are going to get some more rain on Christmas day as well. I will be giving myself a Christmas haircut tonight and if there is anybody else out there who would like one they can come and after I get through with them they will look just like me. MICKEY

IF YOU DON'T LIKE ORANGE JUICE
Brussel sprouts are another excellent source of vitamin C. Brussel Sprouts are high in fiber and contain lots of folate as well both of which are vital to body.

Motivate yourself.
Be aware that great people have one basic but very essential quality and that is persistence. All successful people have failed, most of them have failed many times over. Like you and me, they are not perfect and not every decision they make is the right one. The difference between the winners and the losers is that the winners get up again fast. Instead of licking their wounds they look for the reason why they have failed and do it better the next time and the next until eventually they succeed. That is the mindset every one needs to acquire if they want to be truly successful.

It takes a lot of motivation to go from zero to 100. The best way to motivate yourself is by defining exactly what it is you want; is by seeing before your inner eye the end result you want to achieve.

Christmas is the gentlest, loveliest festival of the revolving year -- and yet, for all that, when it speaks, its voice has strong authority. W. J. Cameron

Gerald S. O'Loughlin Actor 88
Bob Kurland Basketball Hall of Famer 85
Ronnie Schell Actor 78
Paul Hornung Football Hall of Famer 74
Frederic Forrest Actor 73
James Stacy Actor 73
Jorma Kaukonen Rock musician (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna) 69
Ron Bushy Rock musician (Iron Butterfly) 68
Harry Shearer Actor, comedian ("The Simpsons") 66
Susan Lucci ("All My Children") Actress 63
Jack Ham Football Hall of Famer 61
Adrian Belew Rock musician, producer 60
Dave Murray Rock musician (Iron Maiden) 51
Joan Severance Actress 51
Corey Haim Actor 38
Brad Lidge Baseball player 33
Alge Crumpler Football player 32
Irvin Mayfield Jazz trumpeter 32
Victor Martinez Baseball player 31
Estella Warren Actress 31
Hanley Ramirez Baseball player 26
Anna Maria Perez de Tagle Actress ("Hannah Montana," "Camp Rock") 19

THE REDSKINS ARE TERRIBLE

The Redskins terrible season continued last night as the Redskins were pummeled by the New York Giants 45-12. The Redskins simply were never in this game and it looked they sure didn't want to be there thats for sure. Also fellow blogger Lee made the trip up to D.C. as well, he sure didn't pick a good game to go to thats for sure. I had a very long day at work yesterday, I didn't get home until about 6pm. I went out on the truck again yesterday because of the snow, lately I have been working in the office for the most part. I know there are a few bloggers out there who haven't finished there Christmas shopping yet, well time is running out. MICKEY

KEEP THE FLU AWAY
Switch out your morning glass of orange juice with grapefruit juice. Grapefruit is a sweet and tart vitamin C-rich drink. However, before you start mixing and adding grapefruit juice to your diet you should check with your doctor if you're on certain medications for blood pressure, AIDS, anxiety, or hay fever, since mixing grapefruit juice with certain drugs can lead to dangerous toxicity.

Friendship is always a sweet responsibility;
never an opportunity.”
~ Kahlil Gibran

Barbara Billingsley Actress ("Leave it to Beaver") 94
Jim Wright Former House speaker 87
Hector Elizondo Actor 73
Red Steagall Country singer 71
Paul Wolfowitz Former World Bank president 66
Steve Carlton Baseball Hall of Famer 65
Diane Sawyer Broadcast journalist ("Good Morning America") 64
Rick Nielsen Rock musician (Cheap Trick) 63
Robin Gibb Singer (The Bee Gees) 60
Jan Stephenson Golfer 58
Chuck Mead Country musician 49
Ralph Fiennes Actor 47
Lauralee Bell Actress ("The Young and the Restless") 41
Lori McKenna Country singer 41
Dina Meyer Actress 41
Heather Donahue Actress ("The Blair Witch Project") 35
Chris Carmack Actor 29
Logan Huffman Actor ("V") 20
Jordin Sparks ("American Idol")Singer 20

Riddle

Sorry about the riddle on Friday. Got busy and decided I would wait until Monday. I'm glad I didn't hurry and do one because they were no guesses. I'm going to call it quits for this year because I have to start getting ready for Christmas Eve.

Everybody have a Merry Christmas and remember the reason for the season.

ANSWERS

What do you call the last teeth you get?
False teeth

Why don't kangaroos visit Times Square on New Year's Eve?
They are afraid of pickpockets


QUESTIONS

When is a door not a door?

What animal is a weight loss fanatic?

I am the ruler of shovels.
I have a double.
I am as thin as a knife.
I have a wife.
What am I?

PACKERS LOSE ON THE LAST PLAY OF THE GAME

The Green Bay Packers lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers yesterday on the last play of the game 37-36. The Packers trailed 24-14 entering the 4th quarter and lead the Steelers 36-30 before losing the game on the final play. The Packers will be back at home next Sunday against the Seahawks. The Washington Redskins will face the New York Giants tonight on Monday Night Football and a Redskins win help the Packers out a lot in the playoff race. It is a very cold 21 degrees here in Colonial Heights this morning and there is a chance we could have white Christmas this year if the snow stays around till Friday, however it looks like a pretty good rain storm is going to hit the area on Friday washing whats left of the snow away. Well most of the schools here in our area are close already for the Christmas break, its a good thing because the CH road crews cleared the roads pretty good and school would probably be open if they were not already on break. I hope everybody has finished there Christmas shopping because time is running out. MICKEY

Take care of difficult calls or emails as quickly as possible. Procrastinating just makes it harder; getting them done gives a big boost of relieved energy.

The Apple Cider Vinegar Diet
Once used as a cure for Scurvy amongst American soldiers, apple cider vinegar is now used as an appetite suppressant amongst dieters. According to various evaluations of the Apple Cider Vinegar Diet, the diet toes that fine line between a dangerous and regular diet. The most dangerous part is the apple cider vinegar itself, which when taken in the recommended doses of 3 tbsp gets dangerously close to the point of damaging your stomach due to its high acidity. However, the diet's regimen includes eating in moderation and daily exercise, which is most likely why people lose weight on this diet, not the apple cider vinegar. It is still unclear as to whether or not the vinegar actually assists you in losing weight at all, apart from making you so sick that you don't want to eat anything at all.

PORK HELPS FIGHT THE FLU
Pork contains high levels of zinc and selenium. Both of these compounds help keep your immune system strong. Pork is also one of the best sources of B vitamins and contains only a little more total fat than beef. So be sure to include lots of pork entrees in your menu planning.

“Some people bear three kinds of trouble
the ones they’ve had, the ones they have,
and the ones they expect to have.”
~ Edward Everett Hale

Joe Paterno Penn State football coach 83
Freddie Hart Country singer 83
Ed Nelson Actor 81
Phil Donahue Talk show host 74
John Avildsen Director 74
Jane Fonda Actress 72
Larry Bryggman Actor 71
Carla Thomas Singer 67
Albert Lee Rock musician 66
Michael Tilson Thomas Conductor 65
Samuel L. Jackson Actor 61
Jeffrey Katzenberg Movie producer 59
Betty Wright R&B singer 56
Chris Evert Tennis Hall of Famer 55
Jane Kaczmarek Actress ("Malcolm in the Middle") 54
Lee Roy Parnell Country singer 53
Jim Rose Entertainer (The Jim Rose Circus Sideshow) 53
Ray Romano Actor, comedian ("Everybody Loves Raymond") 52
Steve Spagnuolo Football coach 50
Christy Forester Country singer (The Forester Sisters) 47
Murph Rock musician 45
Andy Dick Actor, comedian 44
Gabrielle Glaser Rock musician (Luscious Jackson) 44
Kiefer Sutherland Actor ("24") 43
Karri Turner Actress ("JAG") 43
Khrystyne Haje Actress 41
Brad Warren Country singer (The Warren Brothers 41
Julie Delpy Actress, director 40
Rhean Boyer Country musician 39
Glenn Fitzgerald Actor ("Dirty Sexy Money") 38
Karrie Webb Golfer 35
Luke Stricklin Country singer 27

I AM ALREADY TIRED OF THE SNOW

I have to say that I am already tired of the snow and all this cold weather we have been having. I use to like the snow but the older I have gotten the more I have to say that I dislike the snow. The VCU Rams continued there winning ways on the road last night beating the Tulane Green Wave in New Orleans 78-77, its a good thing the were playing down there because if they were playing Richmond they would have probably been postponed. Speaking of postponements the Virginia game with UNC Wilmington was postponed until a later date because of the snow. Today in the NFL Green Bay will be at Pittsburgh, I am sure it is going to be cold there but that shouldn't matter to either one of these team because they are use to playing in cold weather. The Redskins don't play until tomorrow night when the play host to the New York Giants. I have to say all the presents have been wrapped here at the house and that I am ready for Christmas. MICKEY

THE GRAPEFRUIT DIET
The Grapefruit Diet functions the same way as the Cabbage Soup Diet; both are only successful because they deprive the body of calories, but at the same time leave out essential nutrients that keep you alive and healthy. The Grapefruit Diet claims to allow the dieter to eat a wide array of foods that they would not think possible, but as long as you follow your meal with half a grapefruit, you will lose weight. This claim is both startling and far-fetched. As predicted, and mentioned on the website, the Grapefruit Diet is dangerous. The Grapefruit Diet website suggests that the diet may lead to dehydration due to the low amount of calories and high levels of caffeine involved. The restrictions in this diet also make it an incredibly difficult and unlikely regiment to follow.

Make a playbook. You wouldn't want your favorite football team to walk onto the field without a plan, would you? Even the Cleveland Browns have a plan. Well, holiday eating isn't any different. When you wing it, you're more likely to end the evening in defeat. Instead, spend a few minutes mapping out a game plan of what you're going to sample and what you're going to snub.

“There will be times in life
when impossibility is felt,
but then there are dreams
and dreams allow us possibility.”
~ Jeffrey David Lang

Audrey Totter Actress 92
Charlie Callas Comedian, actor 82
Ike Skelton House Armed Services Committee chairman, D-Mo. 78
John Hillerman Actor ("Magnum P.I.") 77
Jean Carnahan Former U.S. senator, D-Mo. 76
Kathryn Joosten Actress 70
Bobby Colomby Rock musician (Blood, Sweat and Tears) 65
Peter Criss Rock musician (Kiss) 64
Uri Geller Illusionist 63
Sonny Perdue Governor of Georgia 63
Dick Wolf TV producer ("Law and Order" shows) 63
Alan Parsons Rock musician 61
Jenny Agutter Actress 57
Michael Badalucco Actor 55
Blanche Baker Actress 53
Billy Bragg Rock singer 52
Mike Watt Rock musician 52
Kris Tyler Country singer 45
Chris Robinson Rock singer (The Black Crowes) 43
Nicole deBoer Actress 39
Roy Williams Football player 28
David Wright Baseball player 27
David Cook ("American Idol") Singer 27
Jonah Hill Actor 26
JoJo Singer 19

WELL WE GOT SOME SNOW LAST NIGHT

Well we did get some snow here in Colonial Heights but not no where as much as they did just to our west. We got about 3 inches before it switched back over to sleet and some rain. This morning when I went out to get the paper it wasn't doing anything, it was just cold and windy. They are calling for 2-4 more inches later this morning, however looking at the radar i just don't see that happening. The Colonial Heights Invitational Basketball Tournament was cancelled due to the inclement weather and I don't know at this time whether or not it will be rescheduled or not. Down in Georgia last night Scottie went 3-0 in wrestling action, he will have at least 4 more matches today. The college football bowl schedule starts today with a couple of games, I have sent out who everybody picked in bowls and like I said it's Keith's contest to win. MICKEY

The Cabbage Soup Diet
The title is self explanatory: the dieter's survival is based on a constant intake of cabbage soup. Even on the Cabbage Soup Diet website, red flags are evident. The first being the opening words on the homepage, warning that the diet should not be used long term and that followers of the Cabbage Soup Diet have felt light-headed, weak, and have suffered a lack in concentration. The second red flag appears in the suggested seven day menu. Each day, the dieter is instructed to "stuff themselves" with a different food group. How about a little "moderation?" The third warning lies in the "Health" section of the website, warning the dieter that the diet lacks "complex carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals," all of which are necessary for your body to function properly.

Luck, bad if not good, will always be with us.
But it has a way of favoring the intelligent
and showing its back to the stupid.”
~ John Dewey

Take a break. Get up, walk, and stretch your legs every hour or so if you can. If you have to remain seated, do ankle rolls, and alternately point and flex your toes 10 times every half hour.

Little Jimmy Dickens Country singer 89
Robert Sherman Composer 84
Cicely Tyson Actress 76
Al Kaline Baseball Hall of Famer 75
Maurice White R&B musician (Earth, Wind and Fire) 68
James Jones National security adviser 66
Elaine Joyce Actress 66
Richard E. Leakey Palaeontologist 65
Alvin Lee Rock singer (Ten Years After) 65
Tim Reid Actor ("WKRP in Cincinnati") 65
John McEuen Country musician (The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) 64
Janie Fricke Country singer 62
Rob Portman Former White House budget director 54
Kevin McHale Basketball Hall of Famer 52
Mike Lookinland Actor ("The Brady Bunch") 49
Jennifer Beals Actress 46
Scott Cohen Actor 45
Randall McDaniel Football Hall of Famer 45
Robert MacNaughton Actor 43
Criss Angel Magician 42
Kevin Shepard Rock musician 41
Kristy Swanson Actress 40
Amy Locane Actress 38
Rosa Blasi Actress 37
Alyssa Milano Actress ("Charmed," "Who's the Boss?") 37
Warren Sapp Football player 37
Jake Plummer Football player 35
Jake Gyllenhaal Actor 29
Marla Sokoloff Actress 29

WE HAVE A WINTER STORM WARNING

Well the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Colonial Heights for the potential of 5 or more inches of snow. Again it appears we right on the line on whether we get allot of snow or a mixture of snow, sleet and rain. The areas not to far to the west of CH could get a foot or more of snow while the Lynchburg and Roanoke area could get anywhere from 1 to 2 feet of snow. The CH boys basketball team is suppose to play in the Colonial Heights Sportbackers basketball tournament tonight but if there is inclement weather I doubt they will play. Well Christmas is now just a week away and if we get this storm they are calling for could cause some major headaches for retailers trying to get rid of there merchandise and some major problems for people who are doing there Christmas shopping at the last minute. Well I guess we will just have to see how much snow we get, I am tending now to believe that we are going to be on the low end of the snow totals. MICKEY

Commit. Commitment is about pledging, promising, taking a vow. It's about being loyal, dedicated, having allegiance to and faith in oneself.

I never thought I'd be quoting football coaches, but as football legend Bill Parcell's points out, "Commitment is about giving your all to every play. It's about choosing the right path; not the easiest one."

Chocolate has a cavity-fighting compound. Okay, so you don't necessarily want to trade in your toothbrush for a chocolate bar. But some interesting new research shows a compound in chocolate -- theobromine -- may be just as good as fluoride at hardening tooth enamel. So the compound could find its way into toothpastes and mouthwashes one day. Until then, keep in mind that most commercially prepared chocolate has lots of sugar in it.

A minute’s success pays the failure of years. -Robert Browning, British poet

Hal Kanter TV writer, producer 91
Ramsey Clark Former U.S. attorney general 82
Roger Smith Actor 77
Lonnie Brooks Blues musician 76
Keith Richards Rock musician (Rolling Stones) 66
Alan Rudolph Writer, director 66
Steven Spielberg Director-producer 63
Rod Piazza Blues musician 62
Gillian Armstrong Director 59
Leonard Maltin Movie critic 59
Elliot Easton Rock musician (The Cars) 56
Ray Liotta Actor 54
Ron White Comedian 53
Brad Pitt Actor 46
Rachel Griffiths Actress 41
Alejandro Sanz Singer 41
Cowboy Troy Country singer, rapper ("Nashville Star") 39
DMX Rapper 39
Arantxa Sanchez Vicario Tennis Hall of Famer 38
Katie Holmes Actress 31
Christina Aguilera Singer 29

Riddle

Bobby got both of the riddles right yesterday. Way to go Bobby.

ANSWERS

Why did Santa go to a workshop that built self-confidence?
Because he no longer believed in himself

What does a deep-sea fisherman send to his friends in December?
Christmas cods

QUESTIONS

What do you call the last teeth you get?

Why don't kangaroos visit Times Square on New Year's Eve?

IT LOOKS LIKE WE MAY GET SOME SNOW

Well it looks like we are going to get some snow Friday night and Saturday here in Colonial Heights. It looks like we are going to get a couple of inches of snow if not more, the area out by Lynchburg could get 8-10 inches of snow. i have to say I use to like snow but as I have gotten older the less I like it. Well time is running out for all you Christmas shoppers who are waiting to the last minute to do all your Christmas shopping, Christmas Eve is just one week from today. I am going to finish up wrapping up all the presents that I have to wrap this weekend, I have done most of mine but I am wrapping dads presents as well. I am just hoping I don't pull a muscle wrapping the the presents this weekend. MICKEY

Be Aware of Your Thoughts. The first step to being in control of your eating habit patterns is to begin to be aware of your thoughts and gain control of your mind. That's right ... you are controlling your mind. No one else!

Chocolate weakens heart attacks. Although more research is needed to confirm this one, a new study showed that regular chocolate eaters who had heart disease were less likely to die following a heart attack compared with the people who didn't treat themselves to the dark and dreamy stuff.

After hard work, the biggest determinant is being in the right place at the right time. -Michael Bloomberg

Bob Guccione Magazine publisher ("Penthouse") 79
Armin Mueller-Stahl Actor 79
George Lindsey Actor 74
Tommy Steele Singer, actor 73
Art Neville Rock musician, singer (The Neville Brothers) 72
Christopher Cazenove Actor 66
Bernard Hill Actor 65
Ernie Hudson Actor 64
Eugene Levy Actor ("American Pie" movies, "SCTV") 63
Wes Studi Actor 62
Jim Bonfanti Rock musician (The Raspberries) 61
Paul Rodgers Rock singer (Bad Company) 60
Wanda Hutchinson R&B singer (The Emotions) 58
Barry Livingston Actor ("My Three Sons") 56
Bill Pullman Actor 56
Sharon White Country singer 56
Peter Farrelly Director, producer 53
Mike Mills Rock musician (R.E.M.) 51
Sarah Dallin Singer (Bananarama) 48
Tim Chewning Country musician 47
Tracy Byrd Country singer 43
Duane Propes Country musician 43
Sean Patrick Thomas Actor 39
Sarah Paulson Actress 35
Giovanni Ribisi Actor 35
Marissa Ribisi Actress 35
Milla Jovovich Actress 34
Chase Utley Baseball player 31
Jennifer Carpenter Actress 30
Vanessa Zima Actress 23

Riddle

Scott and Bobby got the riddles right yesterday. Scott I'm glad you are giving Bobby some competition.

I can't believe it is almost Christmas and I have so such to do. It always gets done but you don't see how it will. One thing I know is I'm not by myself.


ANSWERS

Why did the parrot wear a raincoat?
Because he wanted to be poly- unsaturated

How is a heart like a musician?
because both have a beat


QUESTIONS

Why did Santa go to a workshop that built self-confidence?

What does a deep-sea fisherman send to his friends in December?

COLONIALS UPSET PRINCE GEORGE, CHECK UP OK

The Colonial Heights Colonials boys basketball team upset the Prince George Royals last night 60-50 at Prince George, the Colonials trailed after the 1st quarter 20-11 before taking over the game. The CH girls didn't fair as well against Prince George at home falling to the Royals 59-52, I went to to the girls game last night and I thought the teams were pretty even but there was one stretch of the game were PG went on about a 10-0 run the Colonials never were able to catch up. Scottie went 2-0 in wrestling action last night, 1 of the wins was by forfeit. Scottie and the rest of his wrestling team have meet this Friday & Saturday and I understand Scott will be actin as assistant coach for the team this weekend. My check up with the oral surgeon went very good yesterday afternoon and he told me that I don't have to come back until late January, he said the graft looks like it is taking very well. MICKEY

To Reach our Full Potential: Goals enable us to move beyond our comfort zone and become the best we can be. They allow us to take-on new and exciting challenges and help us grow as individuals.

The Truth. Keep it honest. When we tell the truth, we unleash the forces of positive change. Being in denial, coming up with excuses, rationalizations and untruths may feel like it's working in the short run, but it comes with a great cost. It limits the possibility of change.

“Happiness is the only good.
The time to be happy is now.
The place to be happy is here.
The way to be happy is to make others so.”
~ Robert G. Ingersoll

Morris Dees Civil rights attorney 73
Joyce Bulifant Actress 72
Liv Ullmann Actress 71
Lesley Stahl Broadcast journalist ("60 Minutes") 68
Don Carcieri Governor of Rhode Island 67
Steven Bochco TV producer ("NYPD Blue," "Hill Street Blues") 66
Jim Gibbons Governor of Nevada 65
Tony Hicks Rock musician (The Hollies) 64
Benny Andersson Singer (ABBA) 63
Ben Cross Actor 62
Pat Quinn Governor of Illinois 61
Billy Gibbons Rock musician (ZZ Top) 60
Bill Bateman Rock musician (The Blasters) 58
Alison LaPlaca Actress 50
Sam Robards Actor 48
Jon Tenney Actor ("The Closer") 48
Benjamin Bratt Actor 46
Jeff Carson Country singer, songwriter 46
Michael McCary R&B singer (Boyz II Men) 38
Chris Scruggs Country musician 27
Hallee Hirsh Actress ("JAG") 22
Anna Popplewell Actress ("The Chronicles of Narnia" films) 21

Riddle

Bobby is back. He got both of the riddles right yesterday. Good job.

ANSWERS

What do Santa's helpers learn in school?
the elf-abet

What has neither flesh nor bone but has four fingers and a thumb?
a glove

QUESTIONS

Why did theparrot wear a raincoat?

How is a hearrt like a musician?