USA VS CANADA, VIRGINIA BASEBALL TEAM WINS

The United States hockey team will play for the Gold Medal today against Canada at 3pm in Vancouver at the Winter Olympics. This will be very tough test for the US team which has already beaten Canada in the preliminary round, I think they can win the game but they have to play a very disciplined game to do so. The Virginia baseball team improved to 5-1 on the season with 22-2 win over Rhode Island, the Cavs will play the Rams one more time today. The Virginia basketball team will be at home today as well against the Duke Blue Devils, I don't see this game going well for the Cavaliers. The VCU Rams fell on the road yesterday at ODU 73-70, with the win ODU wins the regular season CAA Championship and the Rams finished 5th. The CAA Tournament starts Friday at the Richmond Coliseum. Andrews basketball team picked up its 2nd straight win of the season yesterday winning 36-21, hist team finished the regular season with a 2-3 mark. They will start the playoffs next Saturday at 9:15am, I think Coach Lamantia has the team peeking at the right time. Kevin Harvick won yesterdays Nationwide race at Las Vegas, the Sprint Cup Series will race there today. MICKEY

Follow Road Rule Number One
"Running against traffic allows the runner to be in command. Anyone who is alert and agile should be able to stay alive." —Dr. George Sheehan

Lay off the caffeine. Nineteen cups of coffee during the day may be what's making you a night owl. Switch to decaf at 4pm at the latest, preferably earlier.

The indispensable first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: decide what you want. -Ben Stein

Today's Birthdays: Producer Saul Zaentz is 89. Actor Charles Durning is 87. Svetlana Alliluyeva (ah-lee-loo-YAY'-vah), daughter of Josef Stalin, is 84. Architect Frank Gehry is 81. Actor Gavin MacLeod is 79. Actor Don Francks is 78. Actor-director-dancer Tommy Tune is 71. Hall of Fame auto racer Mario Andretti is 70. Singer Joe South is 70. Actor Frank Bonner is 68. Actress Kelly Bishop is 66. College Football Hall of Famer and retired NFL player Bubba Smith is 65. Actress Stephanie Beacham is 63. Actress Mercedes Ruehl is 62. Actress Bernadette Peters is 62. Energy Secretary Steven Chu is 62. Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman is 57. Comedian Gilbert Gottfried is 55. Basketball Hall-of-Famer Adrian Dantley is 54. Actor John Turturro is 53. Rock singer Cindy Wilson is 53. Actress Rae Dawn Chong is 49. Actor Robert Sean Leonard is 41. Rock singer Pat Monahan is 41. Author Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket) is 40. Actress Maxine Bahns is 39. Actress Ali Larter is 34. Country singer Jason Aldean is 33. Actor Bobb'e J. Thompson is 14.

USA HOCKEY TEAM TO PLAY FOR THE GOLD MEDAL

Before the Olympics started the United States hockey team wasn't even suppose to win a medal at all and now they will be playing for the Gold tomorrow against Canada in Vancouver tomorrow. The US team beat Finland yesterday 6-1 while Canada beat Slovakia 3-2 to advance the Gold Medal game. The US team will need to play the same type of game they played against Canada last week when they beat them if they want to beat them a 2nd time, they do not want to get in an offensive shootout thats for sure. The Virginia baseball team beat Rhode Island yesterday 13-0, the Cavs will face the Rams again today and tomorrow as well. The VCU Rams will be on the road today at Old Dominion, I am predicting that the Rams will have a tough time down in Norfolk. Kurt Busch won the pole for this weeks Nascar race at Las Vegas, Jeff Gordon qualified 2nd. It looks like we may have a pretty good chance of snow again next week, I am hoping that the weatherman are wrong but things are not looking good. MICKEY

Eggs
The bad rep: A significant source of dietary cholesterol, egg yolks are off-limits for those concerned about heart health.

The good truth: Medical experts now emphasize that saturated fats and trans fats are bigger culprits in raising blood cholesterol than dietary cholesterol is. Plus, eggs are super-satisfying: in one study, people who ate a scrambled-egg-and-toast breakfast felt more satisfied, and ate less at lunch, than they did when they ate a bagel that had the same number of calories. Egg yolks contain lutein and zeaxanthin, compounds that research links with reduced risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in people over 50.

The road to a friend’s house is never too long. ~ Danish Proverb

Today's Birthdays: Actress Joanne Woodward is 80. Actress Elizabeth Taylor is 78. Consumer advocate Ralph Nader is 76. Opera singer Mirella Freni is 75. Actress Barbara Babcock is 73. Actor Howard Hesseman is 70. Actress Debra Monk is 61. Rock singer-musician Neal Schon (Journey) is 56. Rock musician Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden) is 53. Actor Timothy Spall is 53. Rock musician Paul Humphreys (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) is 50. Country singer Johnny Van Zant (Van Zant) is 50. Rock musician Leon Mobley (Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals) is 49. Basketball Hall-of-Famer James Worthy is 49. Actor Adam Baldwin is 48. Actor Grant Show is 48. Rock musician Mike Cross (Sponge) is 45. Actor Donal Logue (DOH'-nuhl LOHG) is 44. Rhythm-and-blues singer Chilli (TLC) is 39. Rock musician Jeremy Dean (Nine Days) is 38. Rhythm-and-blues singer Roderick Clark is 37. Country-rock musician Shonna Tucker (Drive-By Truckers) is 32. Chelsea Clinton is 30. Rhythm-and-blues singer Bobby Valentino is 30. Singer Josh Groban is 29. Actress Kate Mara is 27.

US HOCKEY TEAM BACK IN ACTION TODAY, ARM A BIT SORE

The US mens hockey team will be back in action this afternoon at 3pm when it faces Finland, if the US win this game they will play for the Gold Medal on Sunday. The Nascar Sprint Cup Series is in Las Vegas this weekend, after this weekends race the teams will have a 2 week break to regroup for the rest of the season. Well we were able to get on the field some yesterday but we could only use the outfield, the infield still was a bit to soft. I was in the cage throwing BP and I have to say my arm is a bit sore this morning, I think I threw over 450 pitches in there yesterday. I also now have a blood blister on my right middle finger. The Virginia baseball team is scheduled to play Rhode Island today and tomorrow weather permitting, if they play it is going to be cold for sure. MICKEY

Don't crush the egg
"Don't clench your fists in a white-knuckle grip. Instead, run with a cupped hand, thumbs resting on the fingers, as if you were protecting an egg in each palm." —Runner's World editors

Do all your eating at a table. No, a desk is not a table. If we eat while we’re working, or while watching TV or driving, we eat mindlessly—and as a result eat a lot more than we would if we were eating at a table, paying attention to what we’re doing. This phenomenon can be tested (and put to good use): Place a child in front of a television set and put a bowl of fresh vegetables in front of him or her. The child will eat everything in the bowl, often even vegetables that he or she doesn’t ordinarily touch, without noticing what’s going on. Which suggests an exception to the rule: When eating somewhere other than at a table, stick to fruits and vegetables.

“Charm is a way of getting the answer yes
without asking a clear question.”
~ Albert Camus

Today's Birthdays: Singer Fats Domino is 82. Country-rock musician Paul Cotton (Poco) is 67. Actor-director Bill Duke is 67. Singer Mitch Ryder is 65. Rock musician Jonathan Cain (Journey) is 60. Singer Michael Bolton is 57. Actor Greg Germann is 52. Democratic National Chairman Tim Kaine is 52. Bandleader John McDaniel is 49. Actress Jennifer Grant is 44. Rock musician Tim Commerford (Audioslave) is 42. Singer Erykah (EHR'-ih-kah) Badu is 39. Rhythm-and-blues singer Rico Wade (Society of Soul) is 38. Olympic gold medal swimmer Jenny Thompson is 37. Rhythm-and-blues singer Kyle Norman (Jagged Edge) is 35. Rock musician Chris Culos (O.A.R.) is 31. Rhythm-and-blues singer Corinne Bailey Rae is 31. Country singer Rodney Hayden is 30. Actress Taylor Dooley is 17.

USA SURVIVES WITH A 2-0 WIN & WILL FACE FINLAND NEXT

The USA hockey team survived yesterday with a 2-0 win over Switzerland, although the US didn't play all that well they were able to come away with the win which is all that matters. Team USA will need to play much better on Friday when the play Finland if they want to make it to the Gold Medal game on Sunday which looks like it could be a rematch with Canada. The Virginia baseball won its home opener yesterday 5-2 over George Washington, next up for the Cavaliers is 3 game series with Rhode Island. The VCU basketball team beat James Madison last nigh 76-62, I hear the Rams fans were very Rowdy last night. Well we had to practice in the gym again yesterday due to poor weather conditions, I have to say its not looking to good today either. MICKEY

Relax to the max
"When running, let your jaw hang loose, don't bunch up your shoulders close to your ears, and occasionally shake out your hands and arms to stay relaxed." —Dave Martin, Ph.D., exercise physiologist

Don’t eat breakfast cereals that change the color of the milk. Such cereals are highly processed and full of refined carbohydrates as well as chemical additives.

"One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure its worth watching." - Unknown

Today's Birthdays: Country singer Ralph Stanley is 83. Actor Tom Courtenay is 73. CBS newsman Bob Schieffer is 73. Actress Diane Baker is 72. Actress Karen Grassle is 66. Humorist Jack Handey is 61. Movie director Neil Jordan is 60. Rock musician Dennis Diken (The Smithereens) is 53. Rock singer-musician Mike Peters (The Alarm) is 51. Actress Veronica Webb is 45. Actor Alexis Denisof is 44. Actress Tea (TAY'-ah) Leoni is 44. Comedian Carrot Top is 43. Actress Lesley Boone is 42. Actor Sean Astin is 39. Singer Daniel Powter is 39. Latin singer Julio Iglesias Jr. is 37. Rhythm-and-blues singer Justin Jeffre is 37. Rock musician Richard Liles is 37. Actor Anson Mount is 37. Comedian Chelsea Handler is 35. Actress Rashida Jones is 34. Actor Justin Berfield is 24. Actors Oliver and James Phelps ("Harry Potter" movies) are 24. Rock musician Erik Haager (Carolina Liar) is 23.

USA HOCKEY BACK IN ACTION TODAY

The USA Hockey team will be back in action today when it faces Switzerland, Switzerland won there game with Belarus in a shootout yesterday. The Virginia basketball team woes continued last night against Miami when the Hurricanes beat the Cavaliers 74-62, the Cavs may not win another game this year. The VCU Rams will be back in action tonight at home when it faces JMU, I am predicting the Rams are going to blowout the Dukes tonight. The Virginia baseball team will return to action this afternoon at home against George Washington weather permitting, there is a chance of snow this afternoon. Well we had to practice in the gym again yesterday, hopefully we can get on the field this afternoon before it rains or snows. MICKEY

Listen to the rumbling
"If you feel like eating, eat. Let your body tell you what it wants." —Joan Samuelson, 1984 Olympic marathon champion

Cook at Home
Even “inexpensive” meals out can be less cost effective than the same meal eating in. This is where the biggest savings comes in. It is quicker to go out, grab something on the run or buy lunch at work, but if you get in a routine and plan on the time it takes to make a sandwich or quick salad for yourself to take to work, it will make the biggest impact on your wallet!

"When placed in command - take charge." - Norman Schwarzkopf

Today's Birthdays: Actor Abe Vigoda is 89. Actor Steven Hill is 88. Actor-singer Dominic Chianese (kee-uh-NAY'-see) is 79. Movie composer Michel Legrand is 78. Actor James Farentino is 72. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) is 68. Actor Barry Bostwick is 65. Actor Edward James Olmos is 63. Singer-writer-producer Rupert Holmes is 63. Rock singer-musician George Thorogood is 60. Actress Debra Jo Rupp is 59. Actress Helen Shaver is 59. Apple CEO Steve Jobs is 55. News anchor Paula Zahn is 54. Country singer Sammy Kershaw is 52. Singer Michelle Shocked is 48. Movie director Todd Field is 46. Actor Billy Zane is 44. Actress Bonnie Somerville is 36. Rhythm-and-blues singer Brandon Brown (Mista) is 27.

THE VIRGINIA BASEBALL TEAM IN RANKED #1

The Virginia Cavalier baseball team is ranked #1 in the country in numerous polls, the Cavs will play there first game as the #1 team in the country against George Washington tomorrow. The Virginia basketball team will be back in action tonight at Miami, the Cavs need a win bad. Well we had a our first day of baseball practice yesterday but it was in the gym and I now have a blister on my right hand. It looks like we may be hitting in the cage today because of the rain yesterday, by the way we have scrimmage one week from today. MICKEY

Sugar in food (not added to it) is OK; you can't avoid it. But limit your daily total to 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. Check labels: sugars often have sneaky synonyms, so look for the suffix -ose (such as dextrose, sucrose or fructose) or pseudonyms like molasses, maple syrup, corn syrup, corn sweetener, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, fruit juice concentrate, malt syrup, rice syrup, and evaporated cane juice. Leave that stuff on the shelf.

Think big (and wide)
"Buy all shoes, both street and running, slightly longer and wider than your bigger foot. Also, avoid pointed shoes. You'll save yourself needless foot pain." —Ted Corbitt, ultrarunner and 1952 Olympic marathoner

“People who ask our advice almost never take it.
Yet we should never refuse to give it, upon request,
for it often helps us to see our own way more clearly.”
~ Brendan Francis

Today's Birthdays: Actor Peter Fonda is 70. Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Fred Biletnikoff is 67. Author John Sandford is 66. Singer-musician Johnny Winter is 66. Country-rock musician Rusty Young is 64. Actress Patricia Richardson is 59. Rock musician Brad Whitford (Aerosmith) is 58. Singer Howard Jones is 55. Rock musician Michael Wilton (Queensryche) is 48. Country singer Dusty Drake is 46. Actress Kristin Davis is 45. Tennis player Helena Sukova is 45. Actor Marc Price is 42. Actress Niecy Nash is 40. Rock musician Jeff Beres (Sister Hazel) is 39. Country singer Steve Holy is 38. Rock musician Lasse (loss) Johansson (The Cardigans) is 37. Actress Emily Blunt is 27. Actor Aziz Ansari is 27. Actress Dakota Fanning is 16.

USA HOCKEY STUNS CANADA, VIRGINIA HOLDS ON

The United States hockey team stunned Canada last night 5-3 in Olympic hockey action, with the win the US team becomes the #1 seed in the 12 Olympic hockey tournament, USA, USA. The Virginia baseball team held on for 14-11 win over East Carolina yesterday, with the win the Cavs are now 2-1 and will face George Washington next. Jimmi Johnson won yesterdays race at the California Speedway holding off Kevin Harvick for the win, next week the will race at Las Vegas. Well today is the 1st day of baseball practice weather permitting, there is a pretty good chance of rain but the temps are not going to be that bad so hopefully we will be able to get the practice in. MICKEY

Downing too much sugar raises troublesome blood fats known as triglycerides. When you eat more sugar than your body can burn, your liver repackages it into fat. Your liver then takes that fat and dumps it into your bloodstream, where it clogs up your arteries.

Wear good running shoes
"Spend at least $60. A good pair of running shoes should last you 400 to 500 miles and is one of the most critical purchases you will make." —John Hanc, author of The Essential Runner

A man too busy to take care of his health is like a mechanic too busy to take care of his tools. -Spanish Proverb

Today's Birthdays: Announcer Don Pardo is 92. Actor Paul Dooley is 82. Hollywood "ghost singer" Marni Nixon is 80. Baseball Hall of Fame manager Sparky Anderson is 76. Movie director Jonathan Demme (DEH'-mee) is 66. Actor John Ashton is 62. Actress Miou-Miou is 60. Actress Julie Walters is 60. Basketball Hall of Famer Julius Erving is 60. Actress Ellen Greene is 59. Former Sen. Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) is 58. White House adviser David Axelrod is 55. Actor Kyle MacLachlan is 51. World Golf Hall of Famer Vijay Singh is 47. Actress-comedian Rachel Dratch is 44. Actress Jeri Ryan is 42. Actor Thomas Jane is 41. Actress Tamara Mello is 40. Actress-singer Lea Salonga (LAY'-uh suh-LONG'-guh) is 39. Actor Jose Solano is 39. International Tennis Hall-of-Famer Michael Chang is 38. Rock musician Scott Phillips is 37. Actress Drew Barrymore is 35. Actress Liza Huber is 35. Singer James Blunt is 33. Actor Daniel E. Smith is 20.

A TOUGH DAY FOR THE CAVALIERS

The Virginia Cavalier baseball team suffered its first loss of the season yesterday at the hands of the East Carolina Pirates 6-1. The Pirates pitching staff pretty much held down the Cavs high powered offense, the only run the Cavs scored was very late in the game. They will play game 3 of the series this afternoon. The Virginia basketball team woes continued at Clemson yesterday where the Cavs fell to Clemson 72-49, the basketball team sure has lost all of its confidence it had earlier this year. The VCU basketball team picked up another win yesterday beating Akron 70-53, this was a good win for the Rams. Andrews basketball team also won yesterday giving Coach Lamantia his first win of the season, they will go for the 2nd straight win next Saturday. Tonight at the Olympics the Untied States hockey team will face Canada in a big Olympic match up, the winner will probably get a bye in the elimination round which begins soon. Kyle Busch won yesterday Nationwide race at California, the Sprint Cup Series will race there this afternoon. Its not looking good at all for the 1st day of baseball practice, there is an 80% chance of rain. MICKEY

Be a minuteman
"The biggest mistake that new runners make is that they tend to think in mile increments—1 mile, 2 miles, 3 miles. Beginning runners need to think in minutes, not miles." —Budd Coates, four-time U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier/coach

Plan Ahead
It may sound daunting, but taking the time to plan out your menu for the week and make a grocery list will help to eliminate unnecessary spending. That, and not going to the grocery store when you are hungry.

Exercise is the chief source of improvement in our faculties. -Hugh Blair

Today's Birthdays: Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe is 86. Movie director Bob Rafelson is 77. Actress Rue McClanahan is 76. Actor Gary Lockwood is 73. Actor-director Richard Beymer is 71. Actor Peter McEnery is 70. U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) is 70. Film/music company executive David Geffen is 67. Actor Alan Rickman is 64. Actress Tyne Daly is 64. Actor Anthony Daniels is 64. Tricia Nixon Cox is 64. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) is 63. Rock musician Jerry Harrison (The Heads) is 61. Actress Christine Ebersole is 57. Actor William Petersen is 57. Actor Kelsey Grammer is 55. Country singer Mary Chapin Carpenter is 52. Actor Jack Coleman is 52. Actor Christopher Atkins is 49. Actor William Baldwin is 47. Rock musician Michael Ward is 43. Actress Aunjanue Ellis is 41. Blues musician Corey Harris is 41. Country singer Eric Heatherly is 40. Rock musician Eric Wilson is 40. Rock musician Tad Kinchla (Blues Traveler) is 37. Actress Jennifer Love Hewitt is 31. Singer Charlotte Church is 24. Actress Ellen Page (Film: "Juno") is 23. Actor Corbin Bleu is 21.

VIRGINIA WIN IT'S OPENER

The Virginia Cavalier baseball team won it's opener yesterday 6-2 on the road at East Carolina. The Cavs fell behind 2-0 in the 1st inning before rallying for a 6-2 win over the Pirates, they will play game 2 of the series today. Me and Ricky are going to todays game and I have to say that I will be rooting for the Cavaliers, I root for ECU to do well but when they Virginia I have to root for the Cavs. The Virginia basketball team has another tough game today on the road at Clemson, if they play like they did on Wednesday they might get beat by 40 today. The VCU Rams will be at home today to face the Akron Zips in bracket buster game, I have to say it must be a NIT bracket buster game for the Rams. Jamie McMurray good luck continued yesterday at the California Speedway where he won the pole for this weeks race edging out his teammate Juan Pablo Montoya for the tops spot, the Nationwide series will run today at California. I did go down to Wal-Mart this morning and then over to Dunkin Donuts in Hopewell and yes the donuts were very good. MICKEY

Shoot for this (at least)
"Running 8 to 15 miles per week significantly increases your aerobic capacity, and positively effects many of the coronary risk factors." —Dr. Kenneth Cooper, aerobics pioneer

Buy Local
It’s not always possible, but when you can, buy food that is grown locally. Not only will this make an impact on the environment, but it eliminates the added cost of shipping (sometimes overseas) for food that can be grown down the street.

Health and intellect are two blessings of life. -Menander

Today's Birthdays: Fashion designer Gloria Vanderbilt is 86. Author-screenwriter Richard Matheson is 84. Actor Sidney Poitier is 83. Racing Hall of Famer Bobby Unser is 76. Actress Marj Dusay is 74. Jazz-soul singer Nancy Wilson is 73. Racing Hall of Famer Roger Penske is 73. Singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie is 69. Hockey Hall-of-Famer Phil Esposito is 68. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is 68. Movie director Mike Leigh is 67. Actress Brenda Blethyn is 64. Actress Sandy Duncan is 64. Rock musician J. Geils is 64. Actor Peter Strauss is 63. Rock singer-musician-producer Walter Becker (Steely Dan) is 60. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is 59. Country singer Kathie Baillie is 59. Newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst is 56. Actor Anthony Stewart Head is 56. Country singer Leland Martin is 53. Actor James Wilby is 52. Rock musician Sebastian Steinberg is 51. Comedian Joel Hodgson (HAHD'-suhn) is 50. Basketball Hall-of-Famer Charles Barkley is 47. Actor Willie Garson is 46. Actor French Stewart is 46. Actor Ron Eldard is 45. Model Cindy Crawford is 44. Actor Andrew Shue is 43. Actress Lili Taylor is 43. Singer Brian Littrell is 35. Actress Lauren Ambrose is 32. Actor Jay Hernandez is 32. Country musician Coy Bowles is 31. Actress Majandra Delfino is 29. Singer-musician Chris Thile (THEE'-lee) is 29. Actor Jake Richardson is 25. Singer Rihanna is 22.

COLLEGE BASEBALL BEGINS TODAY

Well today the Virginia Cavalier baseball team opens its season up on the road at East Carolina. The Cavaliers are trying to get back to Omaha again this for the College Baseball World Series while the Pirates will be trying to get there for the first time. The Cavaliers are ranked as high as 2nd in the country while the Pirates come in ranked as high as 11th in country. I will going down to tomorrow's game to root the Cavaliers on. The Nascar Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series will be at the California Speedway this weekend. Well it now looks like it is going to rain the first day of baseball practice on Monday, who would have thought that after all the rain we had during last year season. MICKEY

Accept the challenge
"Everyone is an athlete. But some of us are training, and some of us are not." —Dr. George Sheehan, runner/writer/philosopher

Skip the Antibacterial Soap
There's absolutely no reason to buy antibacterial soaps, according to the American Medical Association. While close to 50 percent of soaps sold in the States contain antimicrobial agents, the AMA claims there's no solid scientific proof that these soaps are better at preventing infection than regular soap. In fact, the group argues that antibacterial soaps may be doing more harm than good—by making bacteria stronger and more resistant to existing germ killers.

Sleep is a healing balm for every ill. -Menander

Today's Birthdays: Singer Smokey Robinson is 70. Singer Bobby Rogers (Smokey Robinson & the Miracles) is 70. Actress Carlin Glynn is 70. Sony Chairman, CEO and President Howard Stringer is 68. Singer Lou Christie is 67. Actor Michael Nader is 65. Rock musician Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell) is 62. Author Amy Tan is 58. Actor Jeff Daniels is 55. Rock singer-musician Dave Wakeling is 54. Talk show host Lorianne Crook is 53. Actor Ray Winstone is 53. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is 51. Britain's Prince Andrew is 50. Tennis Hall-of-Famer Hana Mandlikova is 48. Singer Seal is 47. Country musician Ralph McCauley (Wild Horses) is 46. Rock musician Jon Fishman (Phish) is 45. Actress Justine Bateman is 44. Actor Benicio Del Toro is 43. Rock musician Daniel Adair is 35. Pop singer-actress Haylie Duff is 25.

VIRGINIA LOOKS BAD AGAIN

The Virginia Cavalier basketball team looked pretty bad again last night falling to Florida State 69-50. The Cavaliers offense was as bad I have see them all year and the team looked like they were just going through the motions, they just didn't look like they had any purpose. I have to say that I am glad that college baseball starts tomorrow, hopefully the Cavalier baseball team will have good season. Well the weather looks it s going to be dry through Monday which happens to be the 1st day of baseball practice, however it's going to be a bit on the cool side for baseball. MICKEY

Type 2 diabetes (the more common kind) develops from eating too much of anything, including too much sugar. After you eat, your body breaks down food (sugary or otherwise) into glucose. Too much food translates into too much glucose, signaling your pancreas to crank out megadoses of insulin. Those unnaturally high insulin levels can do the equivalent of confusing your cells over time, making them unable to use insulin like they should. That causes sugar to pile up in your bloodstream instead of reaching your cells where it belongs.

Serve Yourself and Your Family in Smaller Portions
We all know portion control can have a slimming impact on your waistline, but it can do the same to your spending! Our eyes tend to be bigger than our stomachs so we pile food on our plates only to throw half away in the trash. Instead, serve a smaller portion and go back for seconds if you’re still hungry. That way, there should be more “untouched” food for leftovers.

Pray that success will not come any faster than you are able to endure it.
- Elbert Hubbard

Today's Birthdays: Former Cosmopolitan editor Helen Gurley Brown is 88. Actor George Kennedy is 85. Former Sen. John Warner (R-Va.) is 83. Author Toni Morrison is 79. Movie director Milos (MEE'-lohsh) Forman is 78. Singer Yoko Ono is 77. Singer/songwriter Bobby Hart is 71. Singer Irma Thomas is 69. Singer Herman Santiago (Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers) is 69. Singer Dennis DeYoung is 63. Actress Sinead Cusack is 62. Actress Cybill Shepherd is 60. Singer Juice Newton is 58. Singer Randy Crawford is 58. Actor John Travolta is 56. Game show host Vanna White is 53. Actress Greta Scacchi (SKAH'-kee) is 50. Actor Matt Dillon is 46. Actress Molly Ringwald is 42. Actress Sarah Brown is 35. Singer-musician Sean Watkins (Nickel Creek) is 33. Actor Tyrone Burton is 31. Rock-singer musician Regina Spektor is 30. Actor Shane Lyons is 22.

VCU WINS, VIRGINIA BACK IN ACTION TONIGHT

The VCU Rams picked up a 67-49 win over Drexel last night at the STU, I think the Rams wish they could play Drexel every game. The Virginia Cavaliers need a win tonight when they return to the JPJ Arena to face Florida State, the Cavs really struggled in there last two games. The Colonial Heights girls basketball season came to an end last night in the CD Tournament when Petersburg beat Colonial Heights 63-43. Now its time to move on to all the Spring Sports in high school, practice begins on Monday for those sports. I am going down to East Carolina on Saturday to see the Virginia Cavaliers face the East Carolina Pirates in college baseball action, hopefully it won't be to cold down there on Saturday. MICKEY

Use the First Stall
After analyzing 51 public restrooms, experts found that the stall closest to the restroom door consistently had the lowest bacteria levels (and the most toilet paper!). The first stall probably sees less traffic because it's near the door and people want privacy. And when you're finished, stand before you flush. When toilets are flushed, a fine mist of water containing contagious bacteria sprays up. You can catch intestinal bugs and hepatitis from it.

Late-night Googling. The light from computer screens can be enough to mess with your body's natural "time to go to sleep" signals. And when your sleep is compromised, so is your health and longevity.

“You have to have confidence in your ability,
and then be tough enough to follow through.”
~ Rosalynn Carter

Today's Birthdays: Bandleader Orrin Tucker is 99. Actor Hal Holbrook is 85. Mystery writer Ruth Rendell is 80. Singer Bobby Lewis is 77. Comedian Dame Edna (AKA Barry Humphries) is 76. Country singer-songwriter Johnny Bush is 75. Football Hall-of-Famer Jim Brown is 74. Actress Mary Ann Mobley is 71. Actress Brenda Fricker is 65. Actress Rene Russo is 56. Actor Richard Karn is 54. Actor Lou Diamond Phillips is 48. Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan is 47. Actor-comedian Larry, the Cable Guy is 47. TV personality Rene Syler is 47. Movie director Michael Bay is 45. Singer Chante Moore is 43. Actor Dominic Purcell is 40. Olympic gold medal skier Tommy Moe is 40. Actress Denise Richards is 39. Rock singer-musician Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day) is 38. Actor Jerry O'Connell is 36. Country singer Bryan White is 36. Actress Kelly Carlson is 34. Actor Jason Ritter is 30. TV personality Paris Hilton is 29. Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt is 29. Actress Meaghan Jette Martin is 18.

VIRGINIA PLAYS LIKE THE CAVALIERS OF OLD

The Virginia Cavaliers basketball team played like the Cavaliers of old last night falling to Maryland 85-66. Maryland just had there way Cavs the entire game, the Terps lead by 18 at the half and continued to extended there lead in the 2nd half. The Cavs need to get over this loss quickly because they are back in action tomorrow night at home against Florida State. The VCU Rams look to get of there snide tonight when they play host to the Drexel Dragons, the Rams are now in 6th place. The Colonial Heights girls basketball team will face Petersburg tonight in Central District Tournament, if the boys won last night they will be in action as well, however no score was reported in the paper so I don't know what they did. Although it's going to cool through Sunday it doesn't look like we will see any precipitation during that period which is fine with me. MICKEY

Change Your Name
People with "positive" initials—ones that spell out things like J.O.Y. or W.O.W.—live nearly 4 1/2 years longer than people with neutral initials. D.U.D.'s and A.S.S.'s live nearly 3 years less. Other initials that may shorten life: I.L.L. and D.E.D.

How much you complain -- or don't. Women, if you don't like how he's handling the vacation plans, or you otherwise think he's all wrong, staying clammed up can cost you. Clamming up makes you four times more likely to die earlier than your peers. But if it's your job that's stressing you, and you complain too much, it can cost your spouse. Guys married to women who come home upset by their work situations (when the upset is disruptive to home life) were nearly three times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than their peers were. If you can't find a way to change things or to get better at coping with these situations, then at least make sure you do everything else to keep your health in top shape.

The cruelest lies are often told in silence.
- Robert Louis Stevenson

Today's Birthdays: Singer Patty Andrews is 92. Kim Jong Il, the president of North Korea, is 68. Actor Jeremy Bulloch is 64. Actor Pete Postlethwaite is 64. Actor William Katt is 59. Actor LeVar Burton is 53. Actor-rapper Ice-T is 52. Actress Lisa Loring is 52. Tennis Hall of Fame player John McEnroe is 51. Rock musician Andy Taylor is 49. Rock musician Dave Lombardo (Slayer) is 45. Rock musician Taylor Hawkins (Foofighters) is 38. Olympic gold medal runner Cathy Freeman is 37. Singer Sam Salter is 35. Actor Mike Weinberg is 17.

McMURRAY WINS THE DAYTONA 500, HAPPY PRESIDENTS DAY

Jamie McMurray won a pretty exciting Daytona 500 dodging all the wrecks and potholes to pick up the win. McMurray only lead 2 of the 200 laps but he lead the one that counted holding off last lap charge by Dale Earnhardt Jr. to pick up the win. Next week the Sprint Cup Series heads to California. The Virginia Cavaliers will be back on the court tonight at Maryland, this will be makeup game from last Wed game which was cancelled because of the D.C. snowstorm. The CH boys basketball team will face Matoaca tonight at Prince in a play in game to get into the CD Tournament, if they win they get to face Thomas Dale tomorrow night. Well today is Presidents Day and yes most of you fellow bloggers are off for this holiday, however me and fellow blogger will be at work. Sometimes I think people make up these holiday just the give the government a day off. There will be no snow today just some light rain this afternoon which is fine with me. MICKEY

Toxic Furniture
How it happens: Those assembly-required bookshelves may be more trouble than they're worth. Particleboard is glued together with the toxin formaldehyde, the vapors of which irritate the eyes and skin of some people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The fix: Slap on a coat of varnish to trap the formaldehyde. You'll stave off exposure and maybe convince people you don't have cheapo shelves.

It may help you stay slim
If you eat nuts at least twice a week, you're about 30 percent less likely to gain weight than someone who never or rarely eats nuts, according to a study in the journal Obesity.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Kevin McCarthy is 96. Actor Allan Arbus is 92. Former Illinois Congressman John Anderson is 88. Former Defense and Energy Secretary James Schlesinger is 81. Actress Claire Bloom is 79. Author Susan Brownmiller is 75. Songwriter Brian Holland is 69. Jazz musician Henry Threadgill is 66. Actress Jane Seymour is 59. Singer Melissa Manchester is 59. Actress Lynn Whitfield is 57. "Simpsons" creator Matt Groening (GREE'-ning) is 56. Model Janice Dickinson is 55. Actor Christopher McDonald is 55. Reggae singer Ali Campbell is 51. Actor Joseph R. Gannascoli is 51. College and Pro Football Hall of Famer Darrell Green is 50. Country singer Michael Reynolds (Pinmonkey) is 46. Actor Michael Easton is 43. Rock musician Stevie Benton (Drowning Pool) is 39. Actress Renee O'Connor is 39. Actress Sarah Wynter is 37. Rock singer Brandon Boyd (Incubus) is 34. Actress Ashley Lyn Cafagna is 27.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY, VIRGINIA, VCU, & ANDREWS TEAM FALL

I just thought I would wish all you fellow bloggers a HAPPY VALENTINES DAY. The Virginia basketball team came up short for the 2nd time this year against Virginia Tech falling to the Hokies in Blacksburg 61-55, it was a close game throughout but the Hokies pulled it out in the end. The VCU Rams fell on the road last night at James Madison 76-71, the Rams appear to falling apart down the stretch. I do understand that fellow blogger Lee made the trip to Harrisonburg with a few other Rowdy Rams fans as well, I guess it was a long ride home. Andrews basketball team fell again yesterday as well, they are having a tough season they are now 0-3 and Coach Lamantia is still looking for his 1st WIN of the season. I have posted some photos below of yesterdays game. They will run the Daytona 500 this afternoon, after watching yesterdays two races it looks like there could be allot of crashes in this years 500, Tony Stewart won yesterdays Nationwide race. Well it looks like tomorrows weather system will now be rain which is good news to me, I don't think I can deal with anymore snow right now. MICKEY

ANDREW IN BASKETBALL ACTION
http://public.fotki.com/bp2/family_photos/andrew_sports_album/andrew-in-basketbal-4/

Putrid Sponges
How it happens: Even when it appears "like new," the sponge you use for wiping the table and washing dishes can harbor 10,000 bacteria per square inch. The Journal of Environmental Health recently suggested microwaving the sponges to kill the bacteria, but hundreds of people have found that dry sponges catch fire when zapped.

The fix: "A great way to disinfect dish sponges is to boil them or throw them in the dishwasher once a week," says Joseph Laquatra, Ph.D., a professor of family policy at Cornell University.

It's rich in antioxidants
Roasted peanuts contain about 22 percent more antioxidants than the uncooked variety and about the same amount of cell-protecting substances as strawberries, according to researchers at the University of Florida.

Today's Birthdays: TV personality Hugh Downs is 89. Actress-singer Florence Henderson is 76. Country singer Razzy Bailey is 71. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is 68. Jazz musician Maceo Parker is 67. Movie director Alan Parker is 66. Journalist Carl Bernstein is 66. Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) is 63. TV personality Pat O'Brien is 62. Magician Teller (Penn and Teller) is 62. Cajun singer-musician Michael Doucet (doo-SAY') (Beausoleil) is 59. Actor Ken Wahl is 53. Opera singer Renee Fleming is 51. Actress Meg Tilly is 50. Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Kelly is 50. Singer-producer Dwayne Wiggins is 49. Actor Enrico Colantoni is 47. Actor Zach Galligan is 46. Actor Valente Rodriguez is 46. Tennis player Manuela Maleeva is 43. Actor Simon Pegg is 40. Rock singer Rob Thomas (Matchbox Twenty) is 38. Actress Tiffany Thornton is 24. Actor Freddie Highmore is 18.

winter wonderland

here are some pics of the georgia snowfall.

IT SNOWED AGAIN LAST NIGHT

Well although we didn't get but about an inch of snow thats to much for me, I am sick of snow and they are calling for more on Monday. I checked out the cameras around the OBX this morning and it looks like they just got a dusting of snow, we got more than they did thats for sure. The CH boys basketball team lost Hopewell last night, the boys team will finish out there regular season today at Meadowbrook. Rain washed out yesterdays Nascar truck last night, the will run the Nationwide race this afternoon and the truck tonight Daytona. The Daytona 500 is tomorrow and I feel like there is going to be an upset winner tomorrow. In college basketball action today Virginia will travel over to Backsburg to face Virginia Teach and VCU will be at James Madison. MICKEY

Lethal Lightbulbs
How it happens: You replace your incandescent lightbulbs with more-energy-efficient compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL). But when these eco-friendly beacons break, they release mercury gas, a neurotoxin that attacks the nervous system and can cause chronic kidney problems.

The fix: Hold the bulbs by the plastic base, not the glass, when inserting and unscrewing them. Put spent bulbs into the original boxes or in double plastic bags before recycling. No excuses: Ikea stores offer free drop-off.

It may reduce your risk of coronary death
People who eat nuts or peanuts four times a week may lower their risk of dying of coronary heart disease by 37 percent, compared with people who seldom or never eat nuts, according to a review in the British Journal of Nutrition. Eating peanut butter may lower bad LDL cholesterol while maintaining good HDL cholesterol, the authors say.

Anyone too busy to say thank you will get fewer and fewer chances to say it.

Today's Birthdays: Former test pilot Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager is 87. Actress Kim Novak is 77. Actor George Segal is 76. Actress Carol Lynley is 68. Singer-musician Peter Tork (The Monkees) is 68. Actress Stockard Channing is 66. Talk show host Jerry Springer is 66. Actor Bo Svenson is 66. Singer Peter Gabriel is 60. Actor David Naughton is 59. Rock musician Peter Hook is 54. Actor Matt Salinger is 50. Singer Henry Rollins is 49. Actor Neal McDonough is 44. Singer Freedom Williams is 44. Actress Kelly Hu is 42. Rock musician Todd Harrell (3 Doors Down) is 38. Singer Robbie Williams is 36. Rhythm-and-blues performer Natalie Stewart (Floetry) is 31. Actress Mena Suvari (MEE'-nuh soo-VAHR'-ee) is 31.

FINAL HOME GAME OF THE SEASON TONIGHT

The Colonial Heights girls and boys basketball teams will play there final home games of the season at home tonight against two different opponents. The CH girls will face Meadowbrook in the 1st game of the night and the boys team face Hopewell in the nightcap. Last night the CH girls team beat Hopewell 58-33, the girls team will play in the CD Tournament next week. The CH boys team played Thomas Dale but no score was reported. Jimmie Johnson and Kasey Kahne won yesterday's qualifying races at Daytona, the trucks will run today at Daytona. Down at the beach there is a Winter Storm Watch in effect, they say the OBX may get 3 inches of snow by the time the storm is over tomorrow. Speaking of snow there is a pretty good chance Knoxville, Georgia may get some snow today and we might get some more on Monday. MICKEY

Poisoned Produce
How it happens: You already know bird-borne salmonella can kill you. Even if you treat raw poultry like toxic waste when cooking it, you may not be in the clear. While cutlets defrost in the fridge, salmonella can drip onto porous produce.

The fix: When defrosting poultry, cover it with plastic wrap and place it on a plate away from other foods, says Stanley Maloy, Ph.D., associate director of the center for microbial sciences at San Diego State University.

Health Tip: Dealing With Dry Skin
The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology offers these suggestions to help prevent dry skin:
Bathe no more than once daily, sticking to short (no more than 15 minutes) baths or showers with lukewarm water.
Use a mild soap or gentle cleanser that won't dry the skin. Avoid deodorant soaps.
Don't scrub the skin while bathing or drying.
Apply a rich moisturizer as soon as you get out of the bath or shower.
Use sunscreen daily.
Use laundry detergent without fragrance, and avoid fabric softeners.
Run a humidifier at home during the winter months.

Anyone can steer a ship when the sea is calm.

Today's Birthdays: Movie director Franco Zeffirelli is 87. Actor Louis Zorich is 86. Baseball Hall-of-Fame sportscaster Joe Garagiola is 84. Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., is 80. Basketball Hall-of-Famer Bill Russell is 76. Actor Joe Don Baker is 74. Author Judy Blume is 72. Rock musician Ray Manzarek (The Doors) is 71. Country singer Moe Bandy is 66. Actress Maud Adams is 65. Actor Cliff DeYoung is 64. Actor Michael Ironside is 60. Rock musician Steve Hackett is 60. Actress Joanna Kerns is 57. Actor-former talk show host Arsenio Hall is 55. Actor John Michael Higgins is 47. Actress Christine Elise is 45. Actor Josh Brolin is 42. Singer Chynna Phillips is 42. Rock musician Jim Creeggan (Barenaked Ladies) is 40. Rhythm-and-blues musician Keri Lewis is 39. Actor Jesse Spencer ("House, M.D.") is 31. Actress Sarah Lancaster is 30. Actress Christina Ricci is 30. Actress Jennifer Stone ("Wizards of Waverly Place") is 17.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW, CAPS FALL IN OT

Well today is part time Andrew Goulder's 12th birthday, I think he reads the blog from time to time but I think he forgot his password so he doesn't post anything anymore. HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDREW. With the surprising amount of snow we got yesterday I thought I was working for the government, we closed up yesterday morning at about 9am due to the road conditions. The Washington Capitals win streak is over after the Caps lost to the Canadians last night 6-5 in OT, the Caps rallied form a 5-2 deficit in regulation but lost nit in the final minute of OT. Well they will set the rest of the field for Sundays Daytona 500 today when they run the Gatorade Duals, there are several big teams trying to race there way in to this 500. The CH boys basketball team will be in action at home tonight against Thomas Dale. I cant believe they are calling for more snow on Monday, at this rate we may never get on the baseball field for practice. MICKEY

Walk instead of drive
"Fit" people--defined as those who walk for about 30 minutes a day--are more likely to live longer than those who walk less, regardless of how much body fat they have, according to a recent study of 2,603 men and women. Similarly, overweight women can improve their heart health by adding just 10 minutes of activity to their daily routine, says recent research. So take a walk on your lunch hour, do laps around the field while your kid is at soccer practice--find ways to move a little more, every day.

Say yes to your next invite
Outgoing people are 50% less likely to develop dementia, according to a recent study of more than 500 men and women ages 78 and older from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden. Participants also described themselves as not easily stressed. Researchers speculate that their more resilient brains may be due to lower levels of cortisol--studies show that oversecretion of this "stress hormone" can inhibit brain cells' communication.

"What we respect we always do, but what we do not respect we ignore." — Plato, Greek philosopher

Today's Birthdays: Actor Leslie Nielsen is 84. Actor Conrad Janis is 82. Actress Tina Louise is 76. Actor Burt Reynolds is 74. Songwriter Gerry Goffin is 71. Actor Sonny Landham is 69. Bandleader Sergio Mendes is 69. Rhythm-and-blues singer Otis Clay is 68. Actor Philip Anglim is 58. Actress Catherine Hickland is 54. Actress Carey Lowell is 49. Singer Sheryl Crow is 48. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is 46. Actress Jennifer Aniston is 41. Actor Damian Lewis is 39. Actress Marisa Petroro is 38. Singer D'Angelo is 36. Actor Brice Beckham is 34. Singer-actress Brandy is 31. Actor Matthew Lawrence is 30. Rhythm-and-blues singer Kelly Rowland is 29. Actress Q'orianka (kohr-ee-AHN'-kuh) Kilcher is 20. Actor Taylor Lautner is 18. Student Andrew Goulder is 12.

VCU FALLS IN OT, CAPS GO FOR 15TH STRAIGHT WIN

The VCU Rams blew a 15 point lead to George Mason and fell to the George Mason Patriots in OT 82-77. The Rams simply just fell apart in the 2nd half and once big MO got on George Mason's side there was no stopping the Patriots. The Washington Capitals will go for there 15th straight win tonight in Montreal against the Canadians, right now the Caps are the best team in the NHL. The Colonial Heights girls basketball team fell to Petersburg at home last night 58-55 in OT, the Colonial Height boys team fell at Petersburg last night as well. Tonight the CH girls will be at home against Meadowbrook while the CH boys team travels to Meadowbrook. It's going to be very windy this afternoon so try to keep your hat on, hopefully the wind will help dry out the ground some. MICKEY

Swap seltzer for soda
Scientists in Boston found that drinking one or more regular or diet colas every day doubles your risk of metabolic syndrome--a cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, elevated insulin levels, and excess fat around the waist—that increase your chance of heart disease and diabetes. Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, preventing diabetes, and not smoking can add 6 to 9 1/2 healthy years to your life.

One culprit could be the additive that gives cola its caramel color, which upped the risk of metabolic syndrome in animal studies. Scientists also speculate that soda drinkers regularly expose their tastebuds to natural or artificial sweeteners, conditioning themselves to prefer and crave sweeter foods, which may lead to weight gain, says Vasan S. Ramachandran, MD, a professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine and the study's lead researcher.

Better choices: Switch to tea if you need a caffeine hit. If it's fizz you're after, try sparkling water with a splash of juice.

“See It Through“.
When you’re up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and take a brace.
When it’s vain to try to dodge it,
Do the best that you can do;
You may fail, but you may conquer,
See it through!
Black may be the clouds about you
And your future may seem grim,
But don’t let your nerve desert you;
Keep yourself in fighting trim.
If the worst is bound to happen,
Spite of all that you can do,
Running from it will not save you,
See it through!

Edgar A. Guest

Today's Birthdays: Opera singer Leontyne Price is 83. Actor Robert Wagner is 80. Rock musician Don Wilson (The Ventures) is 77. Singer Roberta Flack is 73. Singer Jimmy Merchant (Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers) is 70. Rock musician Bob Spalding (The Ventures) is 63. Olympic gold-medal swimmer Mark Spitz is 60. Walt Disney Co. president and chief executive Robert Iger is 59. World Golf Hall of Famer Greg Norman is 55. Country singer Lionel Cartwright is 50. Movie director Alexander Payne ("Sideways") is 49. ABC News correspondent George Stephanopoulos is 49. Political commentator Glenn Beck is 46. Actress Laura Dern is 43. Country singer Dude Mowrey is 38. Actress Elizabeth Banks is 36. Pop singer Rosanna Taverez (Eden's Crush) is 33. Country musician Jeremy Baxter (Carolina Rain) is 30. Rock singer Eric Dill is 28. Rock musician Ben Romans (The Click Five) is 28. Actress Emma Roberts is 19. Actress Makenzie Vega is 16. Actress Chloe Moretz is 13.

SOME MORE WINTER WEATHER POSSIBLE, VCU AT GEORGE MASON

Well it looks like we will get a little light snow this afternoon before it changes to sleet, rain and freezing rain later tonight. It also looks like we may pick up a little light snow tomorrow as well along with some very strong winds as well. I am sick of cold weather period. The VCU Rams have another big game in the CAA tonight when they travel up to Fairfax to play the George Mason Patriots, I as sure there will be some Rowdy Rams fans who make the trip up there for the game. Lee are you going up there or are you going to watch it on TV. The Colonial Heights boys and girls basketball teams are scheduled to play Petersburg weather permitting, the girls team will be at home while the boys team travels over to Petersburg to face the #1 team in the state in AAA undefeated Petersburg. MICKEY

Show your allegiance and save: Signing up for a store's loyalty program can amount to cash back in your wallet. (Or, rather, keeping more cash in your wallet.) Cardholders get not only better deals on their current purchases, but also coupons worth cash off future trips.

Don't over-buy: Leftovers are great (personally, I like day-two pizza), but waste isn't cool. One U.S. Department of Agriculture study found that Americans discard more than one pound of food a day. There are many tricks to keeping track of leftovers (with labels, for example, or a list on the front of the fridge), but you have to remember to actually consume the food before it spoils. On the front end, buying less (even if it means paying a little more per unit) may be financially worthwhile. So keep track of the waste and adjust your meals and shopping plans accordingly.

“He that is good for making excuses
is seldom good for anything else.”
~ Benjamin Franklin

Today's Birthdays: Actress Kathryn Grayson is 88. Television journalist Roger Mudd is 82. Actress Janet Suzman is 71. Actress-politician Sheila James Kuehl (kyool) ("The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis") is 69. Singer-songwriter Carole King is 68. Actor Joe Pesci is 67. Singer Barbara Lewis is 67. Author Alice Walker is 66. Actress Mia Farrow is 65. Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.) is 64. Singer Joe Ely is 63. Actress Judith Light is 61. Rhythm-and-blues musician Dennis "DT" Thomas (Kool & the Gang) is 59. Actor Charles Shaughnessy is 55. Former Democratic National Chairman Terry McAuliffe is 53. Jazz musician Steve Wilson is 49. Country singer Travis Tritt is 47. Actress Julie Warner is 45. Country singer Danni Leigh is 40. Actor Jason George is 38. Actor-producer Charlie Day is 34. Actor A.J. Buckley (TV: "CSI: NY") is 33. Actress Ziyi Zhang is 31. Actor David Gallagher is 25. Actress Marina Malota is 22. Actress Camille Winbush ("The Bernie Mac Show") is 20.

SAINTS WIN SUPER BOWL, CAPITALS WIN 14TH STRAIGHT GAME

The New Orleans Saints erased a 10-0 Colts lead last night and beat the Colts 31-17 in the Super Bowl at Miami. The win gives the Saints the first Super Bowl win, the game really changed when the Saints surprised the Colts with a onside kick to start the 2nd half and went on to score a TD on that drive. I think Mardi Gras has started a little early this year. In the NHL yesterday the Washington Capitals won there 14th straight game defeating the Pittsburgh Penguin 5-4 in OT, the Caps actually trailed in this game at on e time 4-1. The Caps will go for the 15th straight win at Montreal on Wednesday night. I know its hard to believe but baseball practice starts 2 weeks from today, I am hoping that there will be a change in the weather pattern before then. The Colonial Heights boys basketball team was scheduled to play Thomas Dale tonight at home but Chesterfield school are closed today so I guess they will have to reschedule tonights game. MICKEY

Stop being busy. Being busy and being productive are not necessarily the same. Many people keep busy to avoid taking action on things they’re afraid to pursue. Identify your priorities and allocate your time and energy to achieving the goals to which you aspire.

Start something. Procrastination is a common reaction to feeling overwhelmed or fear of failure. Instead of taking on too much at once and overwhelming yourself, break things down and take one small action step at a time.

Few things can help an individual more than to place responsibility on him, and to let him know that you trust him. -Booker T. Washington

Today's Birthdays: Composer-conductor John Williams is 78. Former ABC News anchor Ted Koppel is 70. Actor Nick Nolte is 69. Comedian Robert Klein is 68. Actor-rock musician Creed Bratton is 67. Singer Ron Tyson is 62. Actress Brooke Adams is 61. Actress Mary Steenburgen is 57. Author John Grisham is 55. Actor Henry Czerny is 51. Rock singer Vince Neil (Motley Crue) is 49. Rock singer-musician Sammy Llanas (YAH'-nus) (The BoDeans) is 49. Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lisa P. Jackson is 48. Actor Gary Coleman is 42. Actress Mary McCormack is 41. Retired NBA player Alonzo Mourning is 40. Actor Seth Green is 36. Actor Josh Morrow is 36. Actor Ryan Pinkston is 22. Actress Karle Warren ("Judging Amy") is 18.

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, VIRGINIA LOSE

Well the NFL season comes to an end today with the playing of the Super Bowl in Miami with Saints facing the Colts. I have no rooting interest in the game so I think I will go with the underdog New Orleans Saints, all the experts think it will be a very high scoring game so it will probably be a very low scoring game. The Virginia Cavaliers played well for about half yesterday against Wake Forest but in the 2nd half the Deacs played better and sent the game to OT and won it on OT 64-61, the Cavs just didn't play well in the 2nd half. The VCU Rams picked up a big win over Old Dominion yesterday 70-58, the Rams really played well in the 2nd half behind a very rowdy crowd at the Stu. Kevin Harvick won last nights Bud Shootout at Daytona holding off Kasey Kahne before the caution came out to end the race. Mark Martin won the pole for this years Daytona 500 edging out his teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the top spot next Sundays race, the rest of the starting lineup will be determined by Thursdays qualifying races. I don't see any reason that CH shouldn't go to school tomorrow, there might be a 2 hour delay but they should be able to go. MICKEY

Stop taking it all so damn seriously. Our time on earth is short, and as someone once said, “No one gets out of this alive.” Instead of ruminating about how bad things are, bring laughter into your world and focus on what’s good about your self and your life.

Start getting rid of the crap. Being bogged down by possessions you don’t need can be an energy-drain. Many people go into debt because they buy things to fill the voids in their lives. Clear out clutter that distracts you, and you’ll free up energy to create a life you enjoy.

“It is difficult to say what is impossible,
for the dream of yesterday
is the hope of today and the reality of tomorrow.”
~ Robert H. Goddard

Today's Birthdays: Country singer Wilma Lee Cooper is 89. Author Gay Talese is 78. Sen. Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) is 75. Actor Miguel Ferrer is 55. Reggae musician Brian Travers (UB40) is 51. Comedy writer Robert Smigel (SMY'-guhl) is 50. Actor James Spader is 50. Country singer Garth Brooks is 48. Rock musician David Bryan (Bon Jovi) is 48. Actor-comedian Eddie Izzard is 48. Actor-comedian Chris Rock is 45. Actor Jason Gedrick is 43. Actress Essence Atkins is 38. Rock singer-musician Wes Borland is 35. Actor Ashton Kutcher is 32. Actress Tina Majorino is 25.

NO DONUTS, VIRGINIA LOOKS ANOTHER WIN

Well to my dismay this morning I went over to Dunkin Donuts in Hopewell only to find out they were closed because of the anticipation of bad weather. Needless to say I wasn't very happy about it, I haven't had any donuts now in two weeks. I did go to Wal-Mart this morning as well and they were restocking the shelves, they didn't look like they were out of anything but they did have more pallets on the floor than usual. Well Nascar Sprint Cup Series will run the Bud Shootout tonight at Daytona which will be the unofficial start to Speedweeks which will end next Sunday with the running of the Daytona 500. Also today Danica Patrick will make her stock card debut in the ARCA Series at Daytona, she will start 12th. The Virginia Cavaliers will be back in action this afternoon against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at the JPJ, it could be very tough getting there today because of all the snow that they have had. The VCU Rams will be at home this afternoon against the arch rival Old Dominion, the game is sold out so if you don't have a ticket don't bother making the trip to the Stu. I hope we don't get anymore snow today. MICKEY

Stop following the rules. While some rules are necessary and good for us, living a life based on others’ rules, needs, and expectations can stifle your self-expression and creativity, and keep a lid on your potential.

Start scaring yourself. People avoid expanding their comfort zones out of fear, missing out on people and experiences that can enrich their lives. Know that fear is a normal reaction to taking risks and learn how to override them.

“My wife made me join a bridge club.
I jump off next Tuesday.”
~ Rodney Dangerfield.

Today's Birthdays: Actress Zsa Zsa Gabor is 93. Actor Patrick Macnee is 88. Actor Rip Torn is 79. Actress Mamie Van Doren is 79. Actor Mike Farrell is 71. Former NBC News anchorman Tom Brokaw is 70. Singer Fabian is 67. Actress Gayle Hunnicutt is 67. Actor Michael Tucker is 66. Producer-director-writer Jim Sheridan is 61. Singer Natalie Cole is 60. Actor Jon Walmsley is 54. Actress Kathy Najimy is 53. Rock musician Simon Phillips (Toto) is 53. Actor-director Robert Townsend is 53. Actor Barry Miller is 52. Actress Megan Gallagher is 50. Rock singer Axl Rose (Guns N' Roses) is 48. Country singer Richie McDonald is 48. Singer Rick Astley is 44. Rock musician Tim Brown (Boo Radleys) is 41. Actor Brandon Hammond is 26.

WINTER STORM WARNING

Well the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Colonial Heights through 6pm on Saturday. It appears that most of our snow will come tomorrow morning and afternoon and that that today we will see a mixture snow then sleet before it changes all to rain. Allot of schools in the area have already closed because because of the storm, right now Colonial Heights is still open though. I sure am glad that it is Friday because I need a couple of days off and I am hoping that it stays all rain because I am sick of snow. Where is Spring and where Summer, I am ready for it already. MICKEY

Eating healthy is difficult and complicated. Eating a healthy diet is not rocket science. It never has been and it never will be. Don’t tell the experts this, but you don’t need a degree in nutrition, a PhD or an MD to eat well. All you need is a basic, easy-to-implement framework that will demystify the realm of healthy eating and provide simple, common sense rules that are easy to remember and easy to put into action.

Start being intensely selfish. Many people believe that making themselves the key person in their lives is a bad thing. It’s simply good common sense. After all, you’re the only person who’s with you 24/7 until you draw your last breath.

In all Things Do Your Best: The man who done his best has done everything. The man who has done less than his best has done nothing.
-Charles M. Schwab

Today's Birthdays: Country singer Claude King is 87. The Reverend Andrew M. Greeley is 82. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Hank Aaron is 76. Actor Stuart Damon is 73. Playwright John Guare is 72. Financial writer Jane Bryant Quinn is 71. Television producer-writer Stephen J. Cannell is 69. Actor David Selby is 69. Singer-songwriter Barrett Strong is 69. Football Hall-of-Famer Roger Staubach is 68. Singer Cory Wells (Three Dog Night) is 68. Movie director Michael Mann is 67. Rock singer Al Kooper is 66. Actress Charlotte Rampling is 64. Race car driver Darrell Waltrip is 63. Actress Barbara Hershey is 62. Actor Christopher Guest is 62. Actor Tom Wilkinson is 62. Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm is 51. Actor-comedian Tim Meadows is 49. Actress Jennifer Jason Leigh is 48. Actress Laura Linney is 46. Rock musician Duff McKagan (Velvet Revolver) is 46. Golfer Jose Maria Olazabal is 44. Rock singer Chris Barron (Spin Doctors) is 42. Baseball player Roberto Alomar is 42. Singer Bobby Brown is 41. Actor Michael Sheen is 41. Country singer Sara Evans is 39. Actor Jeremy Sumpter is 21.

SCHOOL IS BACK OPEN TODAY, UVA WINS AGAIN

Well after taking most of the week off most of the schools in the area will be back open today on a two hour delay. I was starting to get concerned that they weren't going to get any education this week. The Virginia basketball team picked up another win last night at home with a 59-47 win over the N.C. State, fellow blogger Keith was in attendance rooting the Cavaliers on to victory. Who would have ever thought that the Virginia Cavalier basketball team would be tied for first place in the ACC on Feb 4, I don't think many people thats for sure. The VCU Rams picked up another win on the road last night knocking off UNC-Wilmington 72-60, the CAA is starting to get pretty tight at the top with 1st place George Mason losing last night. It looks like we might pick up a few inches of snow tomorrow before it changes over to rain in CH and then it looks like we may get 1-2 inches of rain before it changes back to snow briefly on Saturday. Whatever it does around here it sounds like it is going to be a very messy day. MICKEY

You need to count calories to be successful. Although food journaling is advisable, it isn’t necessary. For the most part, calorie counting is a must for those people who don’t eat REAL food that is REALLY healthy. It’s when we eat unhealthy foods that we need to count and track what we ingest because we’re consuming a lot of empty calories that provide very little, if any, nutrition.

Why do we pick at scabs?
For the same reason we might mindlessly pick at some dried glue on our hand—our subconscious mind sees it as something foreign that doesn't belong on our body. Of course, scabs are part of us (at least temporarily), and they're critical for wound healing, which is why the picking stops when our conscious mind kicks in. But it isn't entirely in our heads: The presence of histamines in scabs can make them feel itchy. If the urge to scratch becomes unbearable, Dirk Elston, M.D., a dermatologist at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania, recommends gently massaging an intact scab with Sarna anti-itch lotion, which contains camphor and menthol that will cool and soothe the irritation.

Today's Birthdays: Actor William Phipps is 88. Actor Conrad Bain is 87. Former Argentinian President Isabel Peron is 79. Actor Gary Conway is 74. Movie director George A. Romero is 70. Rock musician John Steel (The Animals) is 69. Singer Florence LaRue (The Fifth Dimension) is 66. Former Vice President Dan Quayle is 63. Rock singer Alice Cooper is 62. Actor Michael Beck is 61. Actress Lisa Eichhorn is 58. Football Hall-of-Famer Lawrence Taylor is 51. Rock singer Tim Booth is 50. Rock musician Henry Bogdan is 49. Country singer Clint Black is 48. Country musician Dave Buchanan (Yankee Grey) is 44. Actress Gabrielle Anwar is 40. Actor Rob Corddry is 39. Singer David (dah-VEED') Garza is 39. Actor Michael Goorjian is 39. Boxer Oscar De La Hoya is 37. Singer Natalie Imbruglia (em-BROO'-lee-ah) is 35. Rock singer Gavin DeGraw is 33. Olympic gold medal gymnast-turned-singer Carly Patterson is 22.

WEEKEND STORM SHOULD BRING MOSTLY RAIN

Well it appears that the weekend storm which will effect our area will mostly be a rain event instead of big snow storm. We still could get some snow but it appears at this time it will only be a brief turn over to snow for a few hours. As far as I am concerned it wouldn't bother me if it was rain the entire storm, however I am sick of rain as well but it is better than snow thats for sure. The schools in our area still closed, I am pretty sure that they will go back tomorrow. The Virginia basketball team looks to pick up another win tonight when the N.C. State Wolfpack pays a visit to the JPJ, the Cavs will have to play like they did against UNC and not like they did against Va. Tech to pick up the W tonight. The VCU Rams will also be in action tonight on the road at UNC-Wilmington, this is a mus win game for the Rams if they want a bye in the first round of the CAA Tournament. I wish Spring would hurry up and get here. MICKEY

Ignore the lure of name brands and go generic
We all know that generic, no-name brands typically cost less than their brand-name peer products. But how much less? Consumer Reports was able to cut its supermarket tab by at least one-third by sticking to store-brand items. In the magazine’s shopping experiment, it stuck to a store-brand shopping list and picked up chocolate-chip cookies, orange juice, frozen lasagna, raisin bran cereal, coffee, and peanut butter for about $24 -- nearly $10 less than what it would cost to buy name-brand fare.

Remember, the waiter is a salesperson
A 2005 study published in the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services found that you’re more likely to order a side dish when the server verbally prompts you. (“Do you want fries with that?”) Restaurants know this, and now you know it, too. When the waiter makes a suggestion, remember his job is not to make you happy. His job is to extract money from your wallet and insert fat in its place.

“Education’s purpose is to replace
an empty mind with an open one.”
~ Malcolm Forbes

Today's Birthdays: Comedian Shelley Berman is 84. Former Sen. Paul Sarbanes (D-Md.) is 77. Football Hall-of-Famer Fran Tarkenton is 70. Actress Bridget Hanley is 69. Actress Blythe Danner is 67. Singer Dennis Edwards is 67. Football Hall-of-Famer Bob Griese is 65. Singer-guitarist Dave Davies (The Kinks) is 63. Singer Melanie is 63. Actress Morgan Fairchild is 60. Actor Nathan Lane is 54. Rock musician Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth) is 54. Actor Thomas Calabro is 51. Actor-director Keith Gordon is 49. Actress Michele Greene is 48. Country singer Matraca (muh-TRAY'-suh) Berg is 46. Actress Maura Tierney is 45. Actor Warwick Davis is 40. Reggaeton singer Daddy Yankee is 34. Musician Grant Barry is 33. Singer-songwriter Jessica Harp is 28.

I SURE HOPE HE DOESN'T SEE HIS SHADOW

I sure hope that Punxsutawney Phil doesn't see his shadow later this morning giving us 6 more weeks of winter, I am already tired of all the snow we have had along with the cold temperatures. Speaking of snow we could get a little bit of light snow later tonight and there is chance that another big storm could hit the area by the weekend. I sure hope its all rain, I don' need anymore snow right now. Well because of the snow this past weekend all the schools around here remained closed for another day, hopefully they will be able to get back tomorrow because I think that both the students and teachers are ready to go back. Just in case you forgot the Nascar season kicks off this weekend with the Bud Shootout and qualifying for Daytona 500 which will be run on Feb 14. MICKEY

Don’t get “supersized”
Sure, it feels like you’re getting a bargain because you’re getting proportionately more food for proportionately less money. But a “value meal” is only a value for two sets of people: the corporations that make the food and the corporations that make liposuction machines and heart stents. Because food is so inexpensive for manufacturers to produce on a large scale, your average fast-food emporium makes a hefty profit whenever you supersize your meal—even though you’re getting an average of 73 percent more calories for only 17 percent more money. But you’re not actually buying more food. You’re buying more calories. And that’s not something you want more of.

There is a secret to weight loss. There is absolutely no secret, no magic pill and no trick to losing weight. You are an individual with individual needs. As a result, fad diets and “secret weight-loss programs” may work for some, but not necessarily for others. Even still, those that find that these fad diets work…only do in the short term. Anything that seems too good to be true, often is.

The ‘how’ thinker get problems solved effectively because he wastes no time with futile ‘ifs’. -Norman Vincent Peale

Today's Birthdays: Actress Elaine Stritch is 85. Actor Robert Mandan is 78. Comedian Tom Smothers is 73. Rock singer-guitarist Graham Nash is 68. Actor Bo Hopkins is 68. Television executive Barry Diller is 68. Country singer Howard Bellamy (The Bellamy Brothers) is 64. Actor Jack McGee is 61. Actor Brent Spiner (SPY'-nur) is 61. Rock musician Ross Valory (Journey) is 61. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) is 58. Model Christie Brinkley is 56. Actor Michael Talbott is 55. Actress Kim Zimmer is 55. Rock musician Robert DeLeo (Army of Anyone; Stone Temple Pilots) is 44. Actress Jennifer Westfeldt is 40. Rock musician Ben Mize is 39. Actress Marissa Jaret Winokur is 37. Actress Lori Beth Denberg is 34. Singer Shakira is 33. Country singer Blaine Larsen is 24

VIRGINIA STUN UNC, HAPP ANNIVERSARY JOY & SCOTT

The Virginia Cavaliers stunned the North Carolina Tar Heels last night 75-60 in Chapel Hill last sending the Heel fans home in disbelief. The Cavs lead by 2 at the half before building there lead to 20 points in the 2nd half, its hard to believe how the Cavs have controlled the game. Well today is Joy & Scott's wedding anniversary, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY JOY & SCOTT. It's hard to believe that baseball practice starts 3 weeks from today, I sure hope the weather is better then. After shoveling snow the last few days I need to go back to work to get some rest, my back is a bit sore. All schools in the area are closed today, however CH was already closed for a teacher work day. MICKEY

Can cracking your knuckles cause arthritis?
Nope. If you're suffering from osteoarthritis in your hands, it certainly has nothing to do with this nervous tic. One study at the former Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital in Detroit compared 74 people (ages 45 and older) who had been chronic knuckle crackers for decades with 226 who always left their hands alone; researchers found no difference in the incidence of osteoarthritis between the two groups. But there are reasons to stop this annoying habit: The same study found knuckle crackers to be far more likely to have weaker grip strength and greater hand swelling, both of which can limit dexterity. As for osteoarthritis, that's more likely due to genetics and increasing age.

Eating healthy is boring, tastes awful and is never satisfying. Truth be told, eating healthy can taste better…can be wonderfully varied…and can fill you up for longer periods of time than food that is unhealthy. Many individuals who make a long-term switch to a healthier diet swear that they don’t miss the unhealthy foods they once ate. Some actually find them distasteful and unsatisfying! As you eat higher quality foods, your cravings for those that are bad for you and lack nutritional value will diminish.

It takes a lot of spectacular preparation to produce spectacular results.
Harvey MacKay

Today's Birthdays: America's last surviving World War I veteran, Frank Buckles, is 109. Gospel singer George Beverly Shea is 101. Actor Stuart Whitman is 82. Singer Don Everly is 73. Actor Garrett Morris is 73. Singer Ray Sawyer (Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show) is 73. Actor Sherman Hemsley is 72. Bluegrass singer Del McCoury is 71. Jazz musician Joe Sample is 71. TV personality-singer Joy Philbin is 69. Comedian Terry Jones is 68. Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) is 66. Opera singer Carol Neblett is 64. Rock musician Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers) is 60. Blues singer-musician Sonny Landreth is 59. Actor-writer-producer Bill Mumy (MOO'-mee) is 56. Rock singer Exene Cervenka is 54. Actor Linus Roache is 46. Princess Stephanie of Monaco is 45. Country musician Dwayne Dupuy (Ricochet) is 45. Actress Sherilyn Fenn is 45. Lisa Marie Presley is 42. Comedian-actor Pauly Shore is 42. Actor Brian Krause is 41. Jazz musician Joshua Redman is 41. Rock musician Patrick Wilson (Weezer) is 41. Actor Michael C. Hall is 39. Country singer Julie Roberts is 31. Actor Jarrett Lennon is 28. TV personality Lauren Conrad is 24.