EAST CAROLINA UPSETS HOUSTON, VCU FALLS

The East Carolina Pirates upset the high flying Houston Cougars yesterday 38-32 on a cool damp day in North Carolina. The Pirates trailed 19-14 at the half but took control of the game in the 2nd half, with the win the Pirates won there 2nd consecutive CUSA Championship and and are heading back to the Liberty most likely to face Arkansas. In the I-AA playoffs yesterday William & Mary won 24-3 but Richmond lost to Appalachian State 35-31 blowing a 10 point lead in the 4th quarter. In high school football action yesterday Thomas Dale upset Oscar Smith 20-17 in OT and with the win will play for the AAA DIV 6 State Championship next Saturday at the University of Virginia. Today in the NFL the Washington Redskins will be at home against the undefeated New Orleans Saints, the Packers don't play until tomorrow when they visit Baltimore. In high school basketball action last night the CH boys team lost to Trinity 69-52 while the CH girls team improved to 3-0 with a 55-43 win over the Maggie Walker Governors School. In college basketball action yesterday the VCU Rams were upset by William & Mary 75-74 in there CAA opener. It is a very cold 25 degrees here in Colonial Heights this morning. MICKEY

Beef can power up your immune system.
Beef is one of the richest and best-absorbed sources of zinc, a key mineral in your immune system's fight against many enemies, from viruses to cancer. Getting enough zinc is also critical for appetite, taste, and night vision, yet only half of adults over age 50 come close to the daily value of 15 mg.

Don’t overdo it: For a special treat, have a 4- or 5-ounce filet mignon—a holiday season stalwart. When you eat out, pass on the huge steaks and burgers and choose kebabs, fajitas, or stir-fries, where a small amount of beef is served with lots of veggies instead.

One man in his time plays many parts.
William Shakespeare

Today's Birthdays: Jazz musician Dave Brubeck is 89. Pro Football Hall of Famer Andy Robustelli is 84. Comedy performer David Ossman is 73. Actor Patrick Bauchau is 71. Country singer Helen Cornelius is 68. Actor James Naughton is 64. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is 64. R&B singer Frankie Beverly (Maze) is 63. Former Sen. Don Nickles, R-Okla., is 61. Actress JoBeth Williams is 61. Actor Tom Hulce is 56. Actor Kin Shriner is 56. Actor Wil Shriner is 56. Actor Miles Chapin is 55. Rock musician Rick Buckler (The Jam) is 54. Comedian Steven Wright is 54. Country singer Bill Lloyd is 54. Singer Tish Hinojosa is 54. Actress Janine Turner is 47. Writer-director Judd Apatow is 42. Writer-director Craig Brewer is 38. Actress Colleen Haskell is 33. Actress Lindsay Price is 33. Christian rock musician Jacob Chesnut (Rush of Fools) is 20.