COLONIAL HEIGHTS VS DINWIDDIE, VIRGINIA WINS

The Colonial Heights Colonials baseball team will be back in action tonight at home at 6pm against Dinwiddie. Who would have ever thought that we would be able to play on the field this soon after all the rain we had Sunday night into Monday, the strong wind really helped out in the drying process. The weather over the next 5 days looks like some Chamber of Commerce weather with temps in the mid 70's to low 80's over that period of time. The Virginia baseball team beat Towson yesterday 8-5, the Cavs will face Towson again today. The VCU basketball team looks to capture the CBI Championship with a win at St. Louis tonight, if the Rams lose tonight they will have another shot at St. Louis on Friday. If you don't have anything else to do tonight you should com on out to the ball game. MICKEY

Worn-out wipers or no fluid
Many accidents are a result of poor visibility. Often you don't realize your wipers are shot or the washer tank is empty until your visibility is limited, such as in a heavy rain or snowstorm or in the glaring sun with a dirty windshield. And a torn wiper blade can allow the wiper arm to rub against the glass, possibly ruining the windshield.

How to prevent it:
In our tests, we've found that wipers usually degrade in performance after only six months. Get new ones at least twice a year; the Valeo 600 Series, RainX Latitude, Anco 32 Series, and Michelin RainForce top our Ratings. Keep the windshield-washer reservoir full. Pack spare wiper blades and a gallon of nonfreezing washer fluid in the trunk.

When the eagles are silent the parrots begin to jabber. -Winston Churchill

Today's Birthdays: Actress Peggy Rea is 89. Actor William Daniels is 83. Hockey Hall-of-Famer Gordie Howe is 82. Actor Richard Chamberlain is 76. Actress Shirley Jones is 76. Country singer-songwriter John D. Loudermilk is 76. Musician Herb Alpert is 75. Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) is 70. House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) is 70. Actor Christopher Walken is 67. Comedian Gabe Kaplan is 65. Former Vice President Al Gore is 62. Author David Eisenhower is 62. Actress Rhea Perlman is 62. Actor Ed Marinaro is 60. Rock musician Angus Young (AC/DC) is 55. Actor Marc McClure is 53. Actor William McNamara is 45. Alt-country musician Bob Crawford (The Avett (AY'-veht) Brothers) is 39. Actor Ewan (YOO'-en) McGregor is 39. Jazz musician Christian Scott is 27.

DINWIDDIE GAME NOW TOMORROW

The Dinwiddie game will now be played tomorrow night at 6pm, not Friday. MICKEY

NO BASEBALL TODAY

Today's scheduled baseball game with Dinwiddie has been postponed until Friday at 6pm at Shepherd Stadium due to wet filed conditions. So starting on Friday will play 4 games in 6 days which is allot of baseball in a very short period. Denny Hamlin won yesterdays Sprint Cup race at Martinsville holding off Joey Logano for the victory. The VCU Rams won game 1 of the CBI basketball championship series 68-56, game 2 will be at St. Louis tomorrow night. I have to go back to the oral surgeon today for my final check up before he put my abutment in for my implant in a few weeks, I sure will be glad when this process is over. MICKEY

Flat tire or blowout
Flats and blowouts can be caused by a road hazard, a tire defect, or lack of care. At best they interrupt your trip and force you to change the tire or call for assistance; at worst they can cause you to lose control of the vehicle. If you experience either, take a firm grip on the wheel and gently guide the car off the road as soon as possible.

How to prevent it:
Many tire problems result from underinflated tires that overheat. Keep all tires, even the spare, properly inflated to the automaker's recommended pressure by checking them at least monthly. And pay attention to warnings from the car's tirepressure monitoring system, if there is one. Also inspect the tire sidewalls for bulges or cracks. If you see such warning signs, replace the tire immediately. Replacing all four tires at a time is best, and it's a must on all-wheeldrive vehicles.

“Few things are impossible to diligence and skill…
Great works are performed, not by strength,
but perseverance.”
~ Samuel Johnson

Today's Birthdays: Game show host Peter Marshall is 84. Actor Richard Dysart is 81. Actor John Astin is 80. Entertainer Rolf Harris (song: "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport") is 80. Actor-director Warren Beatty is 73. Rock musician Graeme Edge (The Moody Blues) is 69. Rock musician Eric Clapton is 65. Actor Justin Deas (TV: "Guiding Light") is 62. Actor Robbie Coltrane is 60. Actor Paul Reiser is 53. Singer Tracy Chapman is 46. Actor Ian Ziering is 46. Singer Celine Dion is 42. Actor Mark Consuelos is 39. Singer Norah Jones is 31. Country singer Justin Moore is 26.

ALLOT OF RAIN

We have had allot of rain here in Heights since Midnight, at the two rain gauges online we have had over 2 inches an it is still coming down pretty good. There is now way that we are going to be able to play baseball here tomorrow night, heck we may not be able to get on the field at the stadium all week. After the rain today and early tomorrow the rest of the week looks very good and very warm which is fine with me. The Final Four is now set with Duke and Michigan Sate joining Butler and West Virginia, I have to root for Butler to win it all. The rain also washed out yesterdays race at Martinsville, they are suppose to run it today at Noon but with all the rain they had yesterday the parking situation there could be a nightmare. I have posted a link below to the photos Al took at the CH vs Trinity baseball game on Thursday, try to stay dry. MICKEY

COLONIAL HEIGHTS VS TRINITY BASEBALL PHOTOS
http://public.fotki.com/bp2/chhs_athletics/1/chhs-baseball-2010/colonial-heights-vs-2/

Dead battery
This is often the culprit when your engine won't start. All batteries weaken over time. In addition, infrequent use, a lot of short trips, or multiple accessories being used when the headlights are on can leave the battery undercharged. If you forget to turn off a light or you listen to the radio with the engine off, the battery could be too weak to start the engine when you need it.

How to prevent it:
Although the effect of a drained battery often shows up on cold mornings, it's the high temperatures of summer that usually do the most damage. So a battery can go at any time. That's why you should have the battery and alternator tested as part of an annual safety inspection.

“The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win.”
Roger Bannister

Today's Birthdays: Political commentator John McLaughlin is 83. Author Judith Guest is 74. Former British Prime Minister Sir John Major is 67. Comedian Eric Idle is 67. Composer Vangelis is 67. Basketball Hall of Famer Walt Frazier is 65. Singer Bobby Kimball (Toto) is 63. Actor Brendan Gleeson is 55. Actor Christopher Lawford is 55. Pro and College Football Hall of Famer Earl Campbell is 55. Former world champion gymnast Kurt Thomas is 54. Actor Christopher Lambert is 53. Rock singer Perry Farrell (Porno for Pyros; Jane's Addiction) is 51. Comedian-actress Amy Sedaris is 49. Model Elle Macpherson is 47. Rock singer-musician John Popper (Blues Traveler) is 43. Actress Lucy Lawless is 42. Country singer Regina Leigh (Regina Regina) is 42. Country singer Brady Seals is 41. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs is 39. Tennis player Jennifer Capriati is 34. Pop singer Kelly Sweet is 22.

VIRGINIA SPLITS DH WITH CLEMSON, MORE RAIN ON THE WAY

The Virginia Cavalier baseball team split a DH with Clemson yesterday losing the first game 8-5 and winning the second game 3-1. With the win in the 2nd game the Cavs take 2 out of 3 from the Tigers and win the series however they are still 1 game behind Georgia Tech who pounded UNC 13-5 in the Coastal Division of the ACC. Well two of teams are now set in the NCAA basketball tournaments final four, yesterday Butler beat Kansas State and West Virginia beat Kentucky, the other two teams will be decided today. It looks like they will be able to get some of the race in from Martinsville today, the question is how much before the rains come. It looks like we might pick up about an inch rain tonight into Monday which could postpone Tuesdays baseball game, after tomorrow it looks like it is going to be dry pretty much the rest of the week with much warmer temps. MICKEY

Cranberries
Cranberries have more antioxidants than other common fruits and veggies. One serving has five times the amount in broccoli. Cranberries are a natural probiotic, enhancing good bacteria levels in the gut and protecting it from foodborne illnesses.

Your Dog
Rufus the dog or Fluffy the cat may be your loyal best friend, but pets are a source of stress, too. (Anyone who’s ever had to take their dog to the emergency animal hospital at 2 a.m. or has been awakened by their cat’s whining at 4 a.m. knows about that!) There is such a thing as pet-induced anxiety, says Rosemary Lichtman, PhD, a relationship and family expert in Marina Del Ray, California. If you find that your pet is interfering with your sleep, destroying your house and generally causing you anxiety—it’s time to take action, whether it’s hiring a dog trainer, speaking to your vet about your cat’s destructive habits or even finding your pooch a new home. Your pet should enhance your life, not make it worse. But Dr. Lichtman reminds us that, despite all the hard work, “the benefits do outweigh the costs.” She adds, “Studies have shown that people with pets are happier, have less stress and live longer. So keep that in mind during those midnight wakeup calls."

Today's Birthdays: Former White House national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski (ZBIG'-nyef breh-ZHIN'-skee) is 82. Country musician Charlie McCoy is 69. Movie director Mike Newell is 68. Actress Conchata Ferrell is 67. Actor Ken Howard is 66. Actress Dianne Wiest (weest) is 62. Country singer Reba McEntire is 55. Olympic gold-medal gymnast Bart Conner is 52. Rapper Salt (Salt-N-Pepa) is 44. Actress Tracey Needham is 43. Actor Max Perlich is 42. Movie director Brett Ratner is 41. Country singer Rodney Atkins is 41. Actor Vince Vaughn is 40. Actor Ken L. is 37. Rock musician Dave Keuning is 34. Actress Annie Wersching is 33. Actress Julia Stiles is 29. Singer Lady Gaga is 24.

VIRGINIA BEATS CLEMSON 4-3, RAIN WASHES OUT QUALIFYING

The Virginia Cavalier baseball team continued to play very well last night beating Clemson 4-3 in the bottom of the 9th inning. The Cavs had to rally to win this game as they trailed throughout but good times find a way to win. The Cavs will play Clemson twice today because of the threat of rain on Sunday. Rain washed out qualifying at Martinsville so the filled was set by the owner points which put Kevin Harvich and Matt Kenseth on the front row, it is suppose to rain at Martinsville as well on Sunday which could move the race to Monday. It sure doesn't feel like it is Spring here in the Heights this morning, it is a very cold 30 degrees here and the high is only suppose to be in the mid 40's, BRRR. The 7 day forecast hast the temps in the upper 70's to the low 80's by next Friday which is fine with me. HAVE A GOOD DAY. MICKEY

LACK OF VITAMIN D
The indoor life gives modern man protection from the elements. Unfortunately, roughly half of us are deficient in vitamin D which the sun is a major source. This crucial vitamin may aid in fighting cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. You should take a 1,000 IU supplement each morning if you don't get out in the sun enough.

“One of the secrets of life is to make stepping stones out of stumbling blocks.”
Jack Penn

Today's Birthdays: Former newspaper columnist Anthony Lewis is 83. Dance company director Arthur Mitchell is 76. Actor Julian Glover is 75. Actor Jerry Lacy is 74. Actor Austin Pendleton is 70. Actor Michael York is 68. Rock musician Tony Banks (Genesis) is 60. Actress Maria Schneider is 58. Rock musician Andrew Farriss (INXS) is 51. Jazz musician Dave Koz (kahz) is 47. Movie director Quentin Tarantino is 47. Rock musician Derrick McKenzie (Jamiroquai) is 46. Rock musician Johnny April (Staind) is 45. Actress Talisa Soto is 43. Actress Pauley Perrette is 41. Singer Mariah Carey is 40. Rock musician Brendan Hill (Blues Traveler) is 40. Actress Elizabeth Mitchell is 40. Actor Nathan Fillion is 39. Hip-hop singer Fergie (Black Eyed Peas) is 35. Actress Megan Hilty is 29. Actress Emily Ann Lloyd is 26. Actress Brenda Song (TV: "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody") is 22. Actress Taylor Atelian is 15.

IT WASN'T A GOOD DAY FOR THE COLONIALS

The Colonial Heights Colonials baseball team lost it's first game of the season yesterday falling to Trinity 8-4. We simply just didn't do the things we had to do to win, we had to man errors and to many walks. I sure didn't sleep very well because I no that was game we were capable of winning if we play the way the way we are capable off. The Virginia baseball team will be back in action today against Clemson weather permitting, it looks like most of the rain has moved out but they mat have gotten to much in the overnight hours to play. The Nascar Sprint Cup Series will be at Martinsville this weekend. Also I am getting a bit upset with Richmond Times Dispatch because the paper hasn't been here by 5:30am all week, if this continues I guess we will have to cut subscription off because its doing me no good. MICKEY

CD BASEBALL SCORES
TRINITY 8 COLONIAL HEIGHTS 4
HOPEWELL 3 HIGHLAND SPRINGS 0
BENEDICTINE 4 PRINCE GEORGE 3
AMELIA 11 MEADOWBROOK 1

Take baby steps. It probably took a long time to accumulate all your clutter, so give yourself time to clear it out. Break up the task into manageable chunks, starting with one room, one corner, one junk drawer, or one cupboard at a time.

“Happiness is an attitude.
We either make ourselves miserable,
or happy and strong.
The amount of work is the same.”
~ Francesca Reigler

Today's Birthdays: Jazz musician James Moody is 85. Conductor-composer Pierre Boulez is 85. Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor is 80. Actor-director Leonard Nimoy is 79. Actor Alan Arkin is 76. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (puh-LOH'-see) is 70. Actor James Caan is 70. Author Erica Jong is 68. Journalist Bob Woodward is 67. Singer Diana Ross is 66. Actor Johnny Crawford is 64. Rock singer Steven Tyler (Aerosmith) is 62. Singer and TV personality Vicki Lawrence is 61. Actor Ernest Thomas is 61. Comedian Martin Short is 60. Country singer Ronnie McDowell is 60. Movie composer Alan Silvestri is 60. Rock musician Monte Yoho is 58. Radio talk show host Curtis Sliwa is 56. Country singer Dean Dillon is 55. Country singer Charly McClain is 54. TV personality Leeza Gibbons is 53. Actress Jennifer Grey is 50. College and Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen is 50. Basketball Hall of Famer John Stockton is 48. Actor Michael Imperioli is 44. Rock musician James Iha (EE'-hah) is 42. Country singer Kenny Chesney is 42. Actor T.R. Knight is 37. Actress Amy Smart is 34. Actress Bianca Kajlich (KY'-lihk) is 33. Actress Keira Knightley is 25.

COLONIALS BACK IN ACTION TODAY

The Colonial Heights Colonials baseball team will be back in action today at 5pm when they Trinity Titans came to Shepherd Stadium for a 5pm contest. The Colonials will be looking to continue there offensive outburst that we have had in our first two games and get some good defense and pitching a come away with another victory. I understand that a couple of bloggers will be in attendance at todays game. It looks like it going to be another very nice day for baseball for baseball with temps in the low 70's before it turns cool for the weekend. The VCU basketball team beat Boston University 88-75 last night to advance to the finals CBI Tournament, the Rams will face St. Louis in a best of 3 series for the championship of the CBI. Well I am going to work early this morning so I can leave at 2pm for todays game. MICKEY

Find things off the beaten path. Rather than heading straight for the busiest area where all the tourists congregate, try asking locals for recommendations for entertainment, dining and other fun activities. Chances are you will find a more interesting and much cheaper alternative.

Don't be a clueless traveler. By taking the extra time to research the neighborhoods and events you want to experience, you will not be making potentially expensive mistakes--like being ripped off in public transportation, missing out on seasonal deals, or paying too much for services.

WHY NOT THINK?
It’s a little thing to do,
Just to think,
Anyone, no matter who,
Ought to think,
Take a little Time each day
From the minutes thrown away,
Spare it from your work or play,
Stop and think.
You will find that those who fail
Do not think.
Half the trouble that we see,
Trouble brewed for you and me
Probably would never be
If we’d think!
-unknown

Today's Birthdays: Modeling agency founder Eileen Ford is 88. Movie reviewer Gene Shalit is 84. Former astronaut James Lovell is 82. Feminist activist and author Gloria Steinem is 76. Singer Anita Bryant is 70. Singer Aretha Franklin is 68. Actor Paul Michael Glaser is 67. Singer Elton John is 63. Actress Bonnie Bedelia is 62. Actress-comedian Mary Gross is 57. Actor James McDaniel is 52. Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) is 52. Rock musician Steve Norman (Spandau Ballet) is 50. Actress Brenda Strong is 50. Actor Fred Goss is 49. Actor-writer-director John Stockwell is 49. Actress Marcia Cross is 48. Author Kate DiCamillo (Book: "Because of Winn-Dixie") is 46. Actress Lisa Gay Hamilton is 46. Actress Sarah Jessica Parker is 45. Former MLB All-Star pitcher Tom Glavine is 44. Olympic bronze medal figure skater Dr. Debi Thomas is 43. Singer Melanie Blatt (All Saints) is 35. Actor Lee Pace is 31. Actor Sean Faris is 28. Auto racer Danica Patrick is 28. Singer Katharine McPhee ("American Idol") is 26. Singer Jason Castro ("American Idol") is 23. Actress-singer Aly (AKA Alyson) Michalka (mish-AL'-kah) is 21.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AL, COLONIALS PICK UP ANOTHER WIN

Well today is fellow blogger Al Goulder's 48 birthday HAPPY BIRTHDAY AL. I think Al might be taking a day off since his birthday, wait a minute he doesn't work for the government. The Colonial Heights baseball team picked up another win yesterday beating L.C. Bird 7-6, the Colonial rallied from a 5-2 deficit to pick up the win. Offensively the Colonials racked up 15 hits and HR's from Mack Krupp and Greg Tyler. Mack also picked up the win pithing in relief of Aaron Nelson. The Colonials will be back in action tomorrow night against Trinity. The Thomas Dale baseball team won its opener yesterday 6-0. The Virginia baseball continued it's winning ways yesterday beating Marshall 6-3, the Cavs are now off until Friday when they start a 3 games series at home against Clemson. I have a posted a link below to the photos Al took at yesterdays game. MICKEY

CD BASEBALL SCORES
COLONIAL HEIGHTS 7 L.C. BIRD 6
THOMAS DALE 6 VARINA 0
PRINCE GEORGE 10 BRUNSWICK 3

COLONIAL HEIGHTS VS L.C. BIRD BASEBALL PHOTOS
http://public.fotki.com/bp2/chhs_athletics/1/chhs-baseball-2010/colonial-heights-vs-1/page13.html

Doorknobs, handles and light switches. Again, anything that's highly trafficked in terms of touching is a major germ zone. Don't forget to disinfect all the knobs and light switches, and all the handles too—from faucets to drawer pulls to toilet flushers to the ones on your refrigerator and microwave. Your telephone receiver and the mouthpiece (especially since your mouth might come into direct contact with the phone) also need regular wipe downs.

Today's Birthdays: Poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti is 91. Fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie is 71. Actor R. Lee Ermey is 66. Movie director Curtis Hanson is 65. Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire is 63. Rock musician Lee Oskar is 62. Singer Nick Lowe is 61. Rock musician Dougie Thomson (Supertramp) is 59. Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger is 59. Comedian Louie Anderson is 57. Actress Donna Pescow is 56. Actor Robert Carradine is 56. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is 54. Actress Kelly LeBrock is 50. Rhythm-and-blues DJ Rodney "Kool Kollie" Terry (Ghostown DJs) is 49. TV personality Star Jones is 48. Asst. Store Mgr and photographer Al Goulder is 48. Country-rock musician Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers) is 46. Rock singer-musician Sharon Corr (The Corrs) is 40. Actress Lara Flynn Boyle is 40. Actor Jim Parsons is 37. Actress Alyson Hannigan is 36. NFL quarterback Peyton Manning is 34. Rock musician Benj Gershman (O.A.R.) is 30. Actress Keisha Castle-Hughes is 20.

TODAYS BASEBALL GAME IS NOW AT HOME

Due to wet field conditions at L.C. Bird todays baseball game against Bird will now be played at Shepherd Stadium at 5pm as long as it doesn't rain anymore. The stadium field was very soft yesterday but if doesn't rain anymore we should be ok. We are going to play at Bird next year since they are coming here this year. Also today the Thomas Dale Knight baseball team will open there season up at home against Varina. The Virginia baseball team will be back in action today as well against Marshall looking to extend there winning streak to 6 games. The VCU Rams won there CBI game last night against the College of Charleston extending there season another game. Have a nice day, MICKEY

The remote control. The remote controls are one of the most oft-touched items in your home, and beyond that it's not at all uncommon for them to get coughed or sneezed on, sandwiched between couch cushions, and dropped on the floor. Cold viruses abound on those devices as a result. Use a bleach or alcohol wipe to wipe them down regularly, and try to remember to wash your hands before reaching for it. When you're traveling, you may also want to bring an extra Ziploc to use as a cover for the remote in the hotel.

Don't force the tissue
"Overly aggressive stretching can actually increase your injury risk." —Tim Noakes

“Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.”
Harriett Beecher Stowe

Today's Birthdays: Comedian Marty Allen is 88. Sir Roger Bannister, who broke the 4-minute mile in 1954, is 81. Movie director Mark Rydell is 76. Motorsports Hall of Famer Craig Breedlove is 73. Singer-producer Ric Ocasek is 61. Singer Chaka Khan is 57. Actress Amanda Plummer is 53. Actress Catherine Keener is 51. Actress Hope Davis is 46. Comedian John Pinette is 46. Actor Richard Grieco is 45. Country musician Kevin Griffin (Yankee Grey) is 45. Actress Marin Hinkle is 44. Rock singer-musician Damon Albarn (Blur) is 42. Actress-singer Melissa Errico is 40. Rock musician John Humphrey (The Nixons) is 40. Actress Michelle Monaghan is 34. Actress Keri Russell is 34. Actress Nicholle Tom is 32. Country singer Paul Martin (Marshall Dyllon) is 32.

VIRGINIA SWEEPS BOSTON COLLEGE, JOHNSON WINS AGAIN

The Virginia Cavalier baseball finished out there sweep of Boston College yesterday with a 11-1 win yesterday, the Cavs only allowed 5 runs over the 3 gamer series. Next up for the Cavaliers is a Tuesday match up at home against Marshall. I went down to East Carolina yesterday to watch ECU pound Monmouth 16-2, the Pirated dominated every aspect of the game. Jimmie Johnson won yesterdays Sprint Cup race at Bristol, Johnson has been dominating the series so far this year. I will be rooting for St. Marys, Northern Iowa, and Cornell in the next round of the NCAA basketball tournament, hopefully 1 ore more of these teams will advance to the next round. Our next baseball game is tomorrow on the road at L.C. Bird at 5pm, hopefully it won't rain to much today. MICKEY

The kitchen sink. While most people think to disinfect their toilets with regularity, kitchen sinks are often a neglected. All those little bits of food stuck that land in the sink as your rinse your dishes are breeding grounds for icky bacterias—the same kinds that cause things like E. coli and salmonella. To keep your sink sanitary, wash it daily with a mixture of bleach and water. Be careful not to let fruits and veggies touch the sink before you eat them. Don't forget to clean the drain too.

Chili Peppers
"Chilis stimulate the metabolism, act as a natural blood thinner, and help release endorphins," says Petersen. Plus, they're a great way to add flavor to food without increasing fat or calorie content. Chilis are also rich in beta-carotene, which turns into vitamin A in the blood and fights infections, as well as capsaicin, which inhibits neuropeptides (chemicals that cause inflammation). A recent study in the journal Cancer Research found that hot peppers even have anti-prostate-cancer properties. All this from half a chili pepper (or one tablespoon of chili flakes) every day.

“It's never crowded along the extra mile.”
Wayne Dyer

Today's Birthdays: USA Today founder Allen H. Neuharth is 86. Composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim is 80. Evangelist broadcaster Pat Robertson is 80. Actor William Shatner is 79. Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) is 76. Actor M. Emmet Walsh is 75. Actor-singer Jeremy Clyde is 69. Singer-guitarist George Benson is 67. Writer James Patterson is 63. CNN newscaster Wolf Blitzer is 62. Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is 62. Actress Fanny Ardant is 61. Sportscaster Bob Costas is 58. Country singer James House is 55. Actress Lena Olin is 55. Singer-actress Stephanie Mills is 53. Actor Matthew Modine is 51. Country musician Tim Beeler (Flynnville Train) is 42. Actress Anne Dudek is 35. Actor Cole Hauser is 35. Actress Kellie Williams is 34. Actress Reese Witherspoon is 34. Rock musician John Otto (Limp Bizkit) is 33.

MOZART IS IN THE HOUSE, VIRGINIA WINS AGAIN

Well our new dog Mozart is in the house and he seems to be adapting pretty well to his new surroundings. He is full of energy thats for sure and like to follow everybody around the house. Al came by and took some photos of him last night and I will post a link to all of them later today. I am heading down to East Carolina today with Ricky to see the Pirates face Monmouth in baseball, it should be a very nice day for baseball. The Virginia baseball team held on to beat Boston College yesterday 4-3, the Cavs look to sweep the Eagles with another win this afternoon. The ODU Monarchs were eliminated yesterday by the Baylor Bears in the NCAA basketball tournament, also Northern Iowa beat one of the #1 seeds Kansas which pretty muck eliminated me form this years bracket. The only bad thing about going to ECU today is that I won't be able to watch the race today at Bristol. I have posted a link below to the photos Al took at Fridays game with Varina. MICKEY

BASEBALL PHOTOS
http://public.fotki.com/bp2/chhs_athletics/1/chhs-baseball-2010/colonial-heights-at/

TRAVEL TIP
Bring your own snacks. Tourist vendors love to spike the snack prices at popular locations. Stock up on the munchies you know you will be craving on the long flight or drive before you leave the house. That way, your cravings won't fool you into paying five dollars for a small bag of pretzels or three dollars for a bottle of water.

The greatest use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.
James, William

Today's Birthdays: Actor Al Freeman Jr. is 79. Violinist-conductor Joseph Silverstein is 78. Actress Kathleen Widdoes is 71. Singer Solomon Burke is 70. Actress Marie-Christine Barrault is 66. Singer-musician Rose Stone (Sly and the Family Stone) is 65. Actor Timothy Dalton is 64. Singer Eddie Money is 61. Rock singer-musician Roger Hodgson (Supertramp) is 60. Rock musician Conrad Lozano (Los Lobos) is 59. Rhythm-and-blues singer Russell Thompkins Jr. (The Stylistics) is 59. Comedy writer-performer Brad Hall is 52. Actress Sabrina LeBeauf is 52. Actor Gary Oldman is 52. Actor Matthew Broderick is 48. Comedian-talk show host Rosie O'Donnell is 48. Rock musician Jonas "Joker" Berggren (Ace of Base) is 43. Rock MC Maxim (Prodigy) is 43. Rock musician Andrew Copeland (Sister Hazel) is 42. Actress Laura Allen is 36.

COLONIALS WIN 10-8, VIRGINIA ALSO WINS

The Colonial Heights Colonials baseball team opened up the season with a 10-8 win over Varina last night. It wasn't pretty at times bit in the end every win is a good win. Offensively the Colonial were lead by Daniel Falls who went 3-5, Greg Tyler who went 2-3 with 2 RBI'S and Derek Mears who went 2-3. On the mound Mack Krupp went 4 strong innings and then was followed by Josh Markins and then Aaron Nelson cam in to shut the door. There was one very bad call in the game when Varina was awarded a HR on a ball that never left the park, I have enclosed a couple of photos of the evidence. The next game for us will be on Tuesday at L.C. Bird at 5pm. The Virginia baseball team picked up another win in ACC action last night beating Boston College 7-1, the Cavs will face the Eagles again today and tomorrow. Joy Logano captured his first career pole at Bristol yesterday edging out Kurt Busch for the top spot in Sundays race, I am sure that some tempers will be flaring tomorrow. Well we will be heading up to pick up Mozart in a few hours, I think he has allot of toys already and yes he does have a piano. MICKEY

CD BASEBALL SCORES
COLONIAL HEIGHTS 10 VARINA 8
HOPEWELL 16 SUSSEX 0

Tea/Green Tea
Studies show that green tea—infused with the antioxidant EGCG—reduces the risk of most types of cancer. "The phytonutrients in tea also support the growth of intestinal bacteria," says Bowerman. "Specifically, they inhibit the growth of bad bacteria—E. coli, Clostridium, Salmonella—and leave the beneficial bacteria untouched." Why is this important? "Because up to 70 percent of your immune system is located in your digestive tract," says Bowerman. "Four cups a day will keep it functioning at its peak."

Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits. Thomas Jefferson

Today's Birthdays: British songstress Dame Vera Lynn is 93. Producer-director-comedian Carl Reiner is 88. Actor Hal Linden is 79. Former Canadian prime minister Brian Mulroney is 71. Country singer Don Edwards is 71. TV producer Paul Junger Witt is 67. Country singer-musician Ranger Doug (Riders in the Sky) is 64. Hockey Hall-of-Famer Bobby Orr is 62. Blues singer Marva Wright is 62. Blues singer-musician Marcia Ball is 61. Actor William Hurt is 60. Rock musician Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake and Palmer) is 60. Rock musician Jimmie Vaughan is 59. Country musician Jimmy Seales (Shenandoah) is 56. Actress Amy Aquino 53. Movie director Spike Lee is 53. Actress Theresa Russell is 53. Actress Vanessa Bell Calloway is 53. Actress Holly Hunter is 52. Rock musician Slim Jim Phantom (The Stray Cats) is 49. Actress-model-lifestyle designer Kathy Ireland is 47. Actor David Thewlis is 47. Rock musician Adrian Oxaal (James) is 45. Actress Liza Snyder is 42. Actor Michael Rapaport is 40. Actor Alexander Chaplin is 39. Rock singer Chester Bennington (Linkin Park) is 34. Actor Michael Genadry is 32. Actress Bianca Lawson is 31.

IT'S OPENING DAY, NEW PUPPY ARRIVES TOMOOROW

The Colonial Heights Colonial baseball team will open up it's season tonight at 6pm on the road at Varina. After three weeks of practice and a couple of scrimmages it's time to play for real, the weather looks like it is going to be pretty nice so you should come on out to the ballgame. The Virginia baseball team will be at home this weekend against Boston College, BC is 1-2 in ACC action. In NCAA basketball tournament action yesterday Old Dominion upset Notre Dame 51-50 while Richmond was upset by St. Mary's 80-71. Well our new puppy Mozart will arrive tomorrow, Mozart is about 9 weeks old. The internet service here at the has been very poor the last 4 days which has made it very hard to post a blog entry, some of the normal features on Mickey's Place may be missing until the situation is corrected. MICKEY

CD BASEBALL SCORES
Lee-Davis 10 Prince George 9
Dinwiddie 7 J.R. Tucker 1

Pomegranates
The juice from the biblical fruit of many seeds can reduce your risk of most cancers, thanks to polyphenols called ellagitannins, which give the fruit its color. In fact, a recent study at UCLA found that pomegranate juice slows the growth of prostate cancer cells by a factor of six. "Drink a cup a day."

“Running away will never make you free.”
~ Kenny Loggins

Today's Birthdays: Former White House national security adviser Brent Scowcroft is 85. Theologian Hans Kung is 82. Jazz musician Ornette Coleman is 80. Author Philip Roth is 77. Actress Renee Taylor is 77. Actress-singer Phyllis Newman is 77. Actress Ursula Andress is 74. Singer Clarence "Frogman" Henry is 73. Singer Ruth Pointer (The Pointer Sisters) is 64. Actress Glenn Close is 63. Film producer Harvey Weinstein is 58. Actor Bruce Willis is 55. Playwright Neil LaBute is 47. Actress Abby Brammell is 31. Actor Craig Lamar Traylor is 21. Actor Philip Bolden is 15.

VIRGINIA WINS AGAIN, OPENING DAY TOMORROW

The Virginia Cavalier baseball picked up another win on the road yesterday beating James Madison 6-3, the Cavs will now return to ACC action starting tomorrow at home when the Cavaliers open up a 3 game series with Boston College. The NCAA basketball tournament starts this afternoon and both schools form Virginia will be in action. The Richmond Spiders will face St Marys and Old Dominion will face Notre Dame. The Colonial Heights girls softball team opened there season with a 2-0 win over Deep Run while both the girls and boys soccer teams both lost to Patrick Henry. Well we have one more day of practice before opening up the season tomorrow at Varina, the weather looks like it is going to be very nice so you should come on out to the ballgame. AS you can tell by my pain index I am quite sore. MICKEY

Central District Baseball Scores
Varina 12 Meadowbrook 2
Prince George 2 Collegiate 0

Artichokes
Lauded for centuries as an aphrodisiac, this fiber-rich plant contains more bone-building magnesium and potassium than any other vegetable. Its leaves are also rich in flavonoids and polyphenols—antioxidants that can cut the risk of stroke—and vitamin C, which helps maintain the immune system.

“I shall not waste my days
in trying to prolong them.”
~ Ian Fleming

Today's Birthdays: Composer John Kander ("Chicago") is 83. Nobel peace laureate and former South African president F.W. de Klerk is 74. Country singer Charley Pride is 72. Actor Kevin Dobson is 67. Actor Brad Dourif is 60. Jazz musician Bill Frisell is 59. Singer Irene Cara is 51. Movie writer-director Luc Besson is 51. Actor Thomas Ian Griffith is 48. Singer-songwriter James McMurtry is 48. Singer-actress Vanessa L. Williams is 47. Olympic gold medal speedskater Bonnie Blair is 46. Country musician Scott Saunders (Sons of the Desert) is 46. Rock musician Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains) is 44. Rock singer-musician Miki Berenyi is 43. Actor-comedian Dane Cook is 38. Rock musician Stuart Zender is 36. Singer Devin Lima (LFO) is 33. Rock singer Adam Levine (Maroon 5) is 31.

VIRGINIA BASEBALL TEAM WINS, VCU WINS IN THE CBI

The Virginia baseball team beat William & Mary yesterday 9-1 in Charlottesville, today the Cavs will make the trip over to Harrisonburg to face James Madison. The VCU Rams basketball team won it's game last night in the College Basketball Invitational over George Washington 79-73, the Rams will be at home in the 2nd round of the CBI against a yet to be determined opponent. I have to say my arm is a bit sore this morning, I have thrown allot of pitches in the cage the last two days. I am hoping that the warm temps today will allow my arm to feel better and I will be able to throw again today. There was one Central District baseball team in action yesterday, Dinwiddie knocked off Monacan 5-2. The weather continues to look good for out opening game Friday at Varina, the high Friday will be in the low 70's. MICKEY

Thought for Today: "Television is a device that permits people who haven't anything to do to watch people who can't do anything." — Fred Allen, American comedian (1894-1956).

Goodness is easier to recognize than to define.
- Wystan Hugh Auden

Today's Birthdays: Jazz/New Age musician Paul Horn is 80. The former national chairwoman of the NAACP, Myrlie Evers-Williams, is 77. Rock musician Paul Kantner is 69. Singer-songwriter Jim Weatherly is 67. Singer-songwriter John Sebastian (The Lovin' Spoonful) is 66. Rock musician Harold Brown (War; Lowrider Band) is 64. Actor Patrick Duffy is 61. Actor Kurt Russell is 59. Country singer Susie Allanson is 58. Actress Lesley-Anne Down is 56. Country singer Paul Overstreet is 55. Actor Gary Sinise is 55. Former basketball and baseball player Danny Ainge is 51. Actress Vicki Lewis is 50. Actor Casey Siemaszko (sheh-MA'-zshko) is 49. Writer-director Rob Sitch is 48. Actor Rob Lowe is 46. Rock singer Billy Corgan is 43. Rock musician Van Conner (Screaming Trees) is 43. Actor Mathew St. Patrick is 42. Actor Yanic (YAH'-neek) Truesdale is 41. Rock musician Melissa Auf der Maur is 38. Soccer player Mia Hamm is 38. Rock musician Caroline Corr (The Corrs) is 37. Actress Marisa Coughlan is 36. Actress Natalie Zea (zee) is 35. Actress Brittany Daniel is 34. Actress Eliza Hope Bennett is 18.

NOT MUCH GOING ON HERE

I have to say there is not to much going on here in the Heights. We couldn't get on the field yesterday at the stadium yesterday but were able to get in cage to take some batting practice getting ready for Fridays season opener at Varina. It was a bit on the cool side yesterday with temps in the low 50's but is suppose to be in the 70's on Friday, however with the game starting at 6pm the temp will be falling pretty fast throughout the game. The Virginia baseball team will be back in action today against William & Mary at home before hitting the road to James Madison tomorrow. My sinuses are really bothering this morning, I did take something for it so I am hoping that it will clear up some soon. MICKEY

“Happiness is an attitude.
We either make ourselves miserable,
or happy and strong.
The amount of work is the same.”
~ Francesca Reigler

Leeks
These scallionlike cousins of garlic and onions are packed with bone-bolstering thiamine, riboflavin, calcium, and potassium. Leeks are also rich in folic acid, a B vitamin that studies have shown to lower levels of the artery-damaging amino acid homocystein in the blood. What's more, "Leeks can support sexual functioning and reduce the risk of prostate cancer," says Michael Dansinger, MD, an assistant professor of medicine and an obesity researcher at Tufts–New England Medical Center, in Boston. "Chop the green part of a medium leek into thin ribbons and add it to soups, sautés, and salads as often as possible."

Today's Birthdays: Comedian-director Jerry Lewis is 84. Country singer Ray Walker (The Jordanaires) is 76. Movie director Bernardo Bertolucci is 69. Game show host Chuck Woolery is 69. Singer-songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker is 68. Country singer Robin Williams is 63. Actor Erik Estrada is 61. Actor Victor Garber is 61. Actress Kate Nelligan is 59. Country singer Ray Benson (Asleep at the Wheel) is 59. Rock singer-musician Nancy Wilson (Heart) is 56. Golfer Hollis Stacy is 56. Actress Isabelle Huppert is 55. Actor Clifton Powell is 54. Rapper-actor Flavor Flav (Public Enemy) is 51. Rock musician Jimmy DeGrasso is 47. Folk singer Patty Griffin is 46. Actress Lauren Graham is 43. Actor Judah Friedlander (TV: "30 Rock") is 41. Actor Alan Tudyk (TOO'-dihk) is 39. Actor Tim Kang (TV: "The Mentalist") is 37. Rhythm-and-blues singer Blu Cantrell is 34. Actress Brooke Burns is 32. Rock musician Wolfgang Van Halen is 19.

very nice shot bye donna taken from 3-13-10

this is the one and only picture either me or donna shot at donnie's funeral but it was great one so i figured i should share it. donna shot this as we came down the hill in colonial heights into petersburg. i'm sure donnie appreciated it!! we did!!

VIRGINIA FALLS TO FLORIDA STATE, ODU & RICHMOND IN NCAA TOURNEY

The Virginia baseball team lost to Florida State in game 3 of there weekend series 9-8. The Cavs lead 8-7 in the bottom of the 8th before Florida State scored 2 runs on a HR and couldn't rally in 9th to win it. Next up for the Cavaliers are a couple of mid week games between William & Mary and JMU before returning back to ACC play at home next weekend against Boston College. Since Virginia & VCU didn't make they NCAA basketball tournament this I guess I will have to root for the Richmond Spiders & the Old Dominion Monarchs. It's not looking to could to get on the field at Shepherd Stadium today however we may be able to hit in the cage. Well the countdown had begun until our new dog Mozart arrives on Saturday, by looking at all the toys and other materials I think we are ready for the little fellow to get here. MICKEY

Broccoli
One cup of broccoli contains a hearty dose of calcium, as well as manganese, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. And that's in addition to its high concentration of vitamins—including A, C, and K—and the phytonutrient sulforaphane, which studies at Johns Hopkins University suggest has powerful anticancer properties. "One cup a day will do the trick," says Bowerman. Try cauliflower, kale, brussels sprouts, or cabbage for variation, as all possess many of the same nutritional qualities. "Broccoli may also help reduce excess estrogen levels in the body, thanks to its indole 3-carbinol content," says celebrity trainer Gunnar Petersen.

SPINACH has been shown to contain at least 13 cancer-fighting compounds. It's rich in vitamin K, which helps maintain healthy bones.

Today's Birthdays: Musician DJ Fontana is 79. Former astronaut Alan L. Bean is 78. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is 77. Actor Judd Hirsch is 75. Rock musician Phil Lesh is 70. Singer Mike Love (The Beach Boys) is 69. Rock singer-musician Sly Stone is 67. Rock singer-musician Howard Scott (War; Lowrider Band) is 64. Rock singer Ry Cooder is 63. Actor Craig Wasson is 56. Rock singer Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) is 55. Actress Park Overall is 53. Movie director Renny Harlin is 51. Model Fabio is 49. Singer Terence Trent D'Arby (AKA Sananda Maitreya) is 48. Rock singer Bret Michaels (Poison) is 47. Rhythm-and-blues singer Rockwell is 46. Rock singer Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray) is 42. Actress Kim Raver is 41. Rock musician Mark Hoppus is 38. Actress Eva Longoria Parker is 35. Rock DJ Joseph Hahn (Linkin Park) is 33. Actor Sean Biggerstaff is 27. Rock musician Ethan Mentzer is 27. Actress Caitlin Wachs is 21.

VIRGINIA STUNS FLORIDA STATE, I HOPE EVERYBODY SET THERE CLOCKS FORWARD

It looked like the Virginia baseball team was going to suffer there 1st ACC loss of the season last night at Florida State before rallying to stun the Seminoles. The Cavs trailed the Noles 8-2 going into the top of the 9th inning before scoring 6 runs in the inning to take a 9-8 lead going into the bottom of the inning and the Virginia closer came in and shut the door on the FSU. The Cavs will go for the sweep today at 1pm and if you have Direct TV you can watch the game on channel 653. I hope everybody set there clocks up an hour before they went to bed last night, if not you are 1 hour behind when you are reading this. Fellow blogger Keith will be heading out of town again later today for another tough week of government work, this time he will be heading to San Antonio, Texas. Well we got some pretty steady rain last night which will likely cause us to have to practice inside tomorrow, it looks like the weather will be pretty nice for season opener on Friday night. MICKEY

Kiwis
Like bananas, this fuzzy fruit is high in bone-protecting potassium. "They're also rich in vitamin C and lutein, a carotenoid that can help reduce the risk of heart disease," says Bowerman. "I try to eat at least one or two a week after exercising." Freeze them for a refreshing energy kick, but don't peel the skin: It's edible and packed with nutrients.

“Too often we underestimate the power of
a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear,
an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring,
all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
~ Leo Buscaglia

Today's Birthdays: Former astronaut Frank Borman is 82. Singer Phil Phillips is 79. Actor Michael Caine is 77. Composer-conductor Quincy Jones is 77. Former astronaut Eugene Cernan is 76. Actor Raymond J. Barry is 71. Movie director Wolfgang Petersen is 69. Country singer Michael Martin Murphey is 65. Rock musician Walt Parazaider (Chicago) is 65. Actor Steve Kanaly is 64. Comedian Billy Crystal is 62. Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) is 62. Country singer Jann Browne is 56. Actor Adrian Zmed is 56. Prince Albert II, the ruler of Monaco, is 52. Actress Laila Robins is 51. Actress Tamara Tunie is 51. Actress Penny Johnson Jerald is 49. Producer-director-writer Kevin Williamson is 45. Actor Gary Anthony Williams is 44. Actress Megan Follows is 42. Rock musician Michael Bland is 41. Country singer Kristian Bush is 40. Rock musician Derrick (Jimmie's Chicken Shack) is 38. Actress Grace Park is 36. Actor Jake Fogelnest is 31. Actor Chris Klein is 31. Actress Kate Maberly is 28. Singer-musician Taylor Hanson (Hanson) is 27. Actor Jamie Bell is 24.

DON'T FORGET TO SPRING FORWARD TONIGHT, UVA BASEBALL TEAM WINS

Don't forget to set you clocks up an hour before you go to bed tonight, if not you are going to be 1 hour late for everything tomorrow. I wish we had daylight savings time all year, I like having more sunlight everyday. The Virginia baseball team opened ACC play yesterday with a 5-0 win over Florida State, the Cavs and Noles will play game 2 of there series tonight in Tallahassee. The Virginia basketball team didn't fair as well yesterday in the ACC Tournament falling to Duke 57-46. In high school basketball action last night Petersburg lost to I.C. Norcom 55-54 in the AAA basketball championship game. I did make my weekly trip down to Wal-Mart this morning and then over to Hopewell to Dunkin Donuts and yes they were very good. It looks like it is going to be another rainy day here in the Heights. MICKEY

Bananas
Athletes and performers are familiar with the calming effect of bananas—a result of the fruit's high concentration of tryptophan, a building block of serotonin. But their real benefit comes from potassium, an electrolyte that helps prevent the loss of calcium from the body. "Bananas also bolster the nervous system, boost immune function, and help the body metabolize protein," says Bass. "One banana packs a day's worth of potassium, and its carbohydrate content speeds recovery after strenuous exercise."

The human body is the only machine that wears out faster if it is not used.

“Luck is not something you can mention
in the presence of self-made men.”
~ E. B. White

Today's Birthdays: Jazz musician Roy Haynes is 85. Country singer Jan Howard is 80. Songwriter Mike Stoller is 77. Singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka is 71. Actor William H. Macy is 60. Actress Deborah Raffin is 57. Comedian Robin Duke is 56. Actress Glenne Headly is 55. Actress Dana Delany is 54. Rock musician Adam Clayton (U2) is 50. Jazz musician Terence Blanchard is 48. Actor Christopher Collet is 42. Rock musician Matt McDonough (Mudvayne) is 41. Actress Annabeth Gish is 39. Actress Tracy Wells is 39. Rapper-actor Common is 38. Singer Glenn Lewis is 35. Actor Danny Masterson is 34. Actor Emile Hirsch is 25. Singers Nicole and Natalie Albino (Nina Sky) are 24.

VIRGINIA UPSETS BOSTON COLLEGE, VIRGINIA BASEBALL TEAM AT FLORIDA STATE

The Virginia basketball team upset Boston College yesterday in the 1st round of the ACC basketball tournament in Greensboro, NC 68-62. The Cavs will face Duke today at Noon in the 2nd round, this will be an extremely tall task for the Cavs. The Virginia baseball team opens up ACC play today at Florida State, the Seminoles are 4th in the country while the Cavs are ranked 2nd in the land. I am hoping that they can take at least 2 out of 3 from the Seminoles. The Nascar Sprint Cup Series is of this weekend before returning to action next weekend at Bristol. Also tonight Petersburg will play for the sate AAA basketball championship against I.C. Norcom at the STU. I sure am glad that it is Friday. MICKEY

Bok Choy
This crunchy cruciferous vegetable is more than the filler that goes with shrimp in brown sauce. "Bok choy is rich in bone-building calcium, as well as vitamins A and C, folic acid, iron, beta-carotene, and potassium," says celebrity trainer Teddy Bass. Potassium keeps your muscles and nerves in check while lowering your blood pressure, and research suggests that beta-carotene can reduce the risk of both lung and bladder cancers, as well as macular degeneration. Shoot for a cup a day.

“Ability is of little account
without opportunity.”
~ Napoleon

Today's Birthdays: Playwright Edward Albee is 82. Former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young is 78. Actress Barbara Feldon is 77. Broadcast journalist Lloyd Dobyns is 74. Singer Al Jarreau is 70. Actress-singer Liza Minnelli is 64. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney is 63. Singer-songwriter James Taylor is 62. Sen. Kent Conrad (D-N.D.) is 62. Rock singer-musician Bill Payne (Little Feat) is 61. Actor Jon Provost ("Lassie") is 60. Author Carl Hiaasen (HY'-ah-sihn) is 57. Rock musician Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) is 54. Actor Jerry Levine is 53. Singer Marlon Jackson (The Jackson Five) is 53. Actor Courtney B. Vance is 50. Actor Titus Welliver is 49. Former MLB All-Star Darryl Strawberry is 48. Actress Julia Campbell is 47. Actor Aaron Eckhart is 42. ABC News reporter Jake Tapper is 41. Rock musician Graham Coxon is 41. Country musician Tommy Bales (Flynnville Train) is 37. Country singer Holly Williams is 29. Actor Samm (cq) Levine is 28. Actor Tyler Patrick Jones is 16. Actress Kendall Applegate (TV: "Desperate Housewives") is 11.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM & IT'S MARY'S BIRTHDAY ALSO

Well it's not often that we have two birthdays on one day but today we do. It is a fellow blogger's and my mom's birthday HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM and I am not going to say how old mom is but if she wants to tell you she can, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM. It is also Mary's birthday, Mary checks out the blog often but doesn't always post anything, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY. The Virginia baseball team picked up another victory yesterday this time on the road beating William & Mary 12-6, next up for the Cavaliers is a weekend series at Florida State. The Virginia basketball team play Boston College at Noon today in the 1st round of the ACC basketball tournament, I have to say I don't think UVA will win this game, they are simply just undermanned. Also in high school basketball Petersburg will play for the AAA state championship in basketball, the Crimson Wave will face Norcom for the stat championship Friday night. If the Wave win it will be another state title for the Central District. MICKEY

MEAT CUTS FAT
When you eat, your body has to expend calories to digest the food. Protein causes this inner fire to burn the hottest, followed by carbohydrates, followed by fat. Animal proteins increase thermogenesis more than vegetable proteins, so the best calorie-burning foods are lean meats. So eat some protein at each meal—build your dinner around lean chicken, beef, or pork. That way, you're burning the most calories through digestion at the end of the day, when your metabolism is slower.

Potatoes
The bad rep: Potatoes rank high on the glycemic index, which measures how quickly different foods raise your blood sugar. Foods with a high GI value tend to cause a higher spike in blood sugar—and in insulin, the hormone that helps glucose get into cells—which can be a problem for some people, particularly those with diabetes.

The good news: Potatoes are a good source of fiber, potassium and vitamin C. And unless you’re eating an absolutely plain potato all by itself, its GI value doesn’t matter. (It’s also worth noting that the glycemic index is an imperfect and controversial scale.) A high-GI potato becomes a low-GI meal if you simply add a little olive oil, because the added fat helps slow the absorption of the potato’s carbohydrates.

“Have confidence that if you have done a little thing well,
you can do a bigger thing well too.”
~ David Storey

Today's Birthdays: Actor Terence Alexander is 87. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch is 79. ABC News correspondent Sam Donaldson is 76. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia is 74. Musician Flaco Jimenez (FLAH'-koh hee-MEH'-nez) is 71. Retired Computer teacher Claire Goulder is ??. Actress Tricia O'Neil is 65. Actor Mark Metcalf is 64. Rock singer-musician Mark Stein (Vanilla Fudge) is 63. Singer Bobby McFerrin is 60. Movie director Jerry Zucker is 60. Actress Susan Richardson is 58. Recording executive Jimmy Iovine is 57. Singer Nina Hagen is 55. Country singer Jimmy Fortune (The Statler Brothers) is 55. Singer Cheryl Lynn is 53. Actor Jeffrey Nordling is 48. Actress Alex Kingston is 47. Country musician David Talbot is 47. Actor Wallace Langham is 45. Actor John Barrowman is 43. Singer Lisa Loeb is 42. Mary A. Villeponteaux is ?? Singer Pete Droge is 41. Actor Terrence Howard is 41. Actor Johnny Knoxville is 39. Rock singer-musicians Benji and Joel Madden (Good Charlotte) are 31. Actor David Anders is 29. Singer LeToya is 29. Actress Thora Birch is 28. Actor Rob Brown is 26. Actor Anton Yelchin is 21.

WE PLAYED OK IN OUR FINAL SCRIMMAGE

I have to say we played ok in our final scrimmage of the year. We did some things ok while out pitchers are still walking way to many batters to be effective. We played nine innings last night and we did score more runs than they did but we still have quite a few things to work on before our season opener at Varina next Friday. The Virginia baseball team returns to action today against a very pesky William & Mary team who beat North Carolina yesterday 3-0. Also for those of you who don't know Louise's husband who is also Donna's father passed away last night, so keep there family in you prayers. MICKEY

Think big...but carry a small eraser
"Brainstorm your training goals first, then write them down. Do this in pencil, so you can change some specifics when reality sets in." —Jeff Galloway, Olympic runner/author/coach

Beef
The bad rep: Beef is full of saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, so people who care about their hearts should avoid it.

The good truth: Lean cuts of beef are a low-fat source of protein and iron, a mineral essential for getting oxygen from the lungs to cells throughout the body—and one many women (of childbearing age) are deficient in. There are many lean cuts of steaks: filet mignon, sirloin, strip steak, flank steak. If you can’t remember the names, pick steaks that are deep red with a relatively small amount of marbling—a fancy name for fat—to find lean cuts.

“Who you are is a necessary step
to being who you will be.”
~ Emmanuel

Today's Birthdays: Talk show host Ralph Emery is 77. Bluegrass/country singer-musician Norman Blake is 72. Actor Chuck Norris is 70. Playwright David Rabe is 70. Singer Dean Torrence (Jan and Dean) is 70. Actress Katharine Houghton is 65. Rock musician Tom Scholz (Boston) is 63. Former Canadian Prime Minister Kim Campbell is 63. Producer-director-writer Paul Haggis is 57. Alt-country/rock musician Gary Louris is 55. Actress Shannon Tweed is 53. Pop/jazz singer Jeanie Bryson is 52. Actress Sharon Stone is 52. Rock musician Gail Greenwood is 50. Magician Lance Burton is 50. Actress Jasmine Guy is 48. Rock musician Jeff Ament (Pearl Jam) is 47. Music producer Rick Rubin is 47. Britain's Prince Edward is 46. Actor Stephen Mailer is 44. Actress Paget Brewster is 41. Actor Jon Hamm (TV: "Mad Men") is 39. Country singer Daryle Singletary is 39. Actor Cristian (kris-tee-AHN') de la Fuente is 36. Rock musician Jerry Horton (Papa Roach) is 35. Actor Jeff Branson is 33. Singer Robin Thicke is 33. Actress Bree Turner is 33. Olympic gold-medal gymnast Shannon Miller is 33. Contemporary Christian singer Michael Barnes (Red) is 31. Country singer Carrie Underwood is 27. Actress Emily Osment is 18.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCOTT, FINAL SCRIMMAGE TODAY

Well today is fellow blogger Scott Woodfin's 43rd birthday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCOTT. I think Scott is going to go to work to celebrate his birthday because he doesn't work for the government. Well we will have our final baseball scrimmage of the year today at home against Park View South Hill, the weather looks like it is going to be nice so there is no reason not to come out to the ballpark. We will open up our regular season schedule next Friday at Varina at 6pm. In the CAA basketball championship game last night Old Dominion beat William & Mary, I think Keith & Maureen might be bit tired of basketball. Well I am heading to work a bit early this morning so I can leave early for our game. MICKEY

If It's Fryin', You're Dyin'
One thing that every weight-loss researcher and diet-plan author can agree on: Highly refined carbohydrates, such as fructose-sweetened beverages and low-fiber breads, are a terrible idea. Among the many sins of Mountain Dew and Twinkies is the way they cause your blood sugar to spike soon after eating. What goes up fast comes down fast, and you end up feeling tired and hungry much sooner than you should.

Goodbye diet, hello diabetes.

Now we know of a way to make refined carbohydrates even worse: Fry them. Researchers have found a suspected carcinogen called acrylamide in such products as potato chips and french fries.

A "suspected" carcinogen isn't the same as a proven carcinogen, such as tobacco smoke. But anytime I get a chance to talk you out of eating worthless snack foods, I do it.

“A strong positive mental attitude
will create more miracles
than any wonder drug.”
~ Patricia Neal

Today's Birthdays: Former Sen. James L. Buckley (Conservative-N.Y.) is 87. Singer-actress Keely Smith is 78. Singer Lloyd Price is 77. Actress Joyce Van Patten is 76. Actor-comedian Marty Ingels is 74. Country singer Mickey Gilley is 74. Actress Trish Van Devere is 69. Singer Mark Lindsay (Paul Revere and the Raiders) is 68. Former ABC anchorman Charles Gibson is 67. Rock musician Robin Trower is 65. Singer Jeffrey Osborne is 62. Country musician Jimmie Fadden (The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) is 62. Actress Jaime Lyn Bauer is 61. Magazine editor Michael Kinsley is 59. TV newscaster Faith Daniels is 53. Actor-director Lonny Price is 51. Actress Linda Fiorentino is 50. Country musician Rusty Hendrix (Confederate Railroad) is 50. Actress Juliette Binoche is 46. Truck Driver Scott Woodfin is 43. Rock musician Robert Sledge (Ben Folds Five) is 42. Actor Emmanuel Lewis is 39. Actress Jean Louisa Kelly is 38. Actor Kerr Smith is 38. Actor Matthew Gray Gubler is 30. Actress Brittany Snow is 24. Actor Luis Armand Garcia is 18.

signing day

DERRELLE SIGNED A LETTER OF INTENT THURSDAY TO PLAY FOOTBALL FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS, IN KENTUCKY. GOOD LUCK BIFF.

VIRGINIA BASEBALL TEAM WINS 2, VCU FALLS

The Virginia Cavalier baseball team picked up two wins yesterday against Dartmouth and Wright State. The Cavs won the 1st game against Dartmouth 11-5 and they won the 2nd game of the day 13-5 against Wright State, the Cavs will face William & Mary next before opening ACC play next weekend at Florida State. The VCU Rams blew a 12 point 2nd half lead yesterday and fell to the ODU Monarchs 73-69 in OT, the Monarchs will face William & Mary in tonights championship game who upset Northeastern last night. We will have our final scrimmage of the season tomorrow at home against Park View South Hill, it looks like the weather will be nice so come on out to the ball game. Speaking of weather it looks like it is going to be warm most of the week but it looks like some rain is going to move in later in the week. MICKEY

Dare to be different (but not dumb)
"In training, don't be afraid to be an oddball, eccentric, or extremist. Only by daring to go against tradition can new ways of training be learned. The trick is recognizing quickly when a new approach is counterproductive." —Benji Durden

Count on Calium
Recently, nutrition researchers discovered that dairy and other calcium-rich foods help you stay lean, prevent osteoporosis, and possibly prevent colon cancer. The recommendation is to take in 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium a day. (A cup of milk contains 300.)

Unfortunately, too much calcium may increase the risk of prostate cancer. The tragic number seems to be 600 mg a day from dairy products. And what's the point of having a V-shaped torso if your prostate has a spare tire?

Here's how to reap the benefits of calcium without the risks:

• Avoid taking high-dose calcium supplements unless you really need them (under doctor's orders, or if you never eat foods naturally rich in calcium). The fat-fighting properties of calcium are activated only if you obtain it from real food.

• Look for low-fat dairy products fortified with vitamin D, such as fat-free milk and yogurt. Vitamin D offers prostate protection.

• Triple your home-gland security by occasionally eating a tomato salad (rich in prostate-protecting lycopene), mozzarella cheese (rich in calcium), and olive oil (which contains a cancer-fighting fat called beta-sitosterol).

Thought for Today
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

Today's Birthdays: Actress Sue Ane (correct) Langdon is 74. Baseball player-turned-author Jim Bouton is 71. Actress Lynn Redgrave is 67. Actor-director Micky Dolenz is 65. Singer-musician Randy Meisner is 64. Pop singer Peggy March is 62. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Jim Rice is 57. Singer Gary Numan is 52. NBC News anchor Lester Holt is 51. Actor Aidan Quinn is 51. Country musician Jimmy Dormire is 50. Actress Camryn Manheim is 49. Actor Leon (no last name) is 47. Rock singer Shawn Mullins (The Thorns) is 42. Actress Andrea Parker is 40. Actor Boris Kodjoe is 37. Actor Freddie Prinze Jr. is 34. Actor James Van Der Beek is 33. Rhythm-and-blues singer Kameelah Williams (702) is 32. Rock singer Tom Chaplin (Keane) is 31. Rock musician Andy Ross (OK Go) is 31. Rhythm-and-blues singer Kristinia (kris-teh-NEE'-ah) DeBarge is 20.

VCU ADVANCES, VIRGINIA FALLS AGAIN

The VCU Rams knocked of the George Mason Patriots 75-60 in CAA Tournament action yesterday at the Richmond Coliseum, with the win the Rams advance to todays semifinals where they will face Old Dominion. After watching portions of yesterdays game on TV I think the Rmas have a good shot of beating Old Dominion today. The Virginia basketball team woes continued yesterday falling to Maryland 74-68, the Cavs have just run out of steam. The Virginia baseball team bounced back from Fridays loss to Wright State by pounding Dartmouth 14-3, the Cavs will face Dartmouth & Wright Sate again today. The Nascar Sprint Cup Series will be down in Scott's neck of the woods today at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, I am going out on a limb and say that Jimmie Johnson will win again today. I am hoping that the temp will warm up fast this morning so I can run outside this morning, it is suppose to get into the lower 60's today but it is 27 as a type todays entry. MICKEY

Alpha Males Use Omega-3 Fats
Each year, we learn more about the health benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fats, which are found in fish, nuts, seeds, and flaxseed and fish oils. (And also in the cool, orange-flavored supplement Coromega, available at iherb.com.)

These health benefits—less risk of heart disease and diabetes, for example—are great on their own. But omega-3 fats contribute to a better physique as well. For example, omega-3s reduce inflammation throughout your body. That not only prevents heart attacks (inflammation in the tissues surrounding blood vessels is a major cause) but also helps your muscles recover faster from workouts.

Bigger, less-inflamed muscles mean a faster metabolism, and speeding up your metabolism is crucial when you're trying to get lean. If you don't eat fish twice a week and can't stomach fish-oil supplements, try eggs high in omega-3s, which are found in the dairy case, next to the regular eggs. You can eat four of them a day without any negative effect on your cholesterol levels.

The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Today's Birthdays: Comedian Alan Sues is 84. Photographer Lord Snowdon is 80. TV personality Willard Scott is 76. Auto racer Janet Guthrie is 72. Actor Daniel J. Travanti is 70. Former Walt Disney Co. chief executive officer Michael Eisner is 68. Rock musician Chris White (The Zombies) is 67. Actor John Heard is 64. Rock singer Peter Wolf is 64. Rock musician Matthew Fisher (Procol Harum) is 64. Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Franco Harris is 60. Pro and College Football Hall-of-Famer Lynn Swann is 58. Rhythm-and-blues singer-musician Ernie Isley (The Isley Brothers) is 58. Actor Bryan Cranston is 54. Actress Donna Murphy is 51. Actor Nick Searcy is 51. Golfer Tom Lehman is 51. Tennis Hall-of-Famer Ivan Lendl is 50. Actress Mary Beth Evans is 49. Actor Bill Brochtrup is 47. Opera singer Denyce Graves is 46. Comedian Wanda Sykes is 46. Singer-actress Taylor Dayne is 45. Rock musician Randy Guss (Toad the Wet Sprocket) is 43. Actor Peter Sarsgaard is 39. Actress Rachel Weisz (wys) is 39. Classical singer Sebastien Izambard (Il Divo) is 37. Actress Jenna Fischer is 36. Actress Audrey Marie Anderson is 35. Actress Laura Prepon is 30.

JR CAPTURES THE POLE, VIRGINIA FALLS

Dale Earnhardt Jr. captured the pole for this weeks Sprint Cup race in Atlanta edging out Kyle Busch for the top spot. Could this be sign that Jr is ready to come out of his racing slump, I guess we will just have to wait and see. The Virginia baseball suffered a tough loss at the hands of Wright State yesterday, the Cavs fell 2-1 to the Raiders. The Cavs will look to rebound today when they face Dartmouth. The VCU Rams won there opening game in the CAA Tournament yesterday beating Delaware 66-49, the Rams will face George Mason this afternoon and I think there CAA season will come to end today and they will be getting ready to play in the NIT. Andrews basketball team will be play this morning at 9:15am and if they win they may play another game today, Coach Lamantia will be looking for his 3rd straight win this morning. It looks like some Spring like temperatures will arrive tomorrow when the temp climbs into lower 60's. My PAIN index is up this morning after throwing BP again yesterday, I sure am glad that it is the weekend because my sure needs 2 days rest thats for sure. MICKEY

Take what you can get
"So-called 'junk miles'—those slow miles done on easy days or during warmups—do count. They burn calories as effectively as fast miles; it just takes longer. Regardless of pace, each mile you run burns about 100 calories." —Hal Higdon, runner/writer/coach

Exercise: Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Exercise can result in weight loss, better cholesterol levels and a more stabilized blood sugar. There is no such thing as bad exercise (unless you are over exercising). Some common cardio exercises include brisk walking, bicycling, and hiking. Take on hills for an extra challenge. Swimming is another ideal choice if you want a non-impact workout.

“The privilege of a lifetime
is being who you are.”
~ Joseph Campbell

Today's Birthdays: Orchestra conductor Julius Rudel is 89. Former FBI and CIA director William Webster is 86. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan is 84. Author Gabriel Garcia Marquez is 83. Orchestra conductor Lorin Maazel is 80. Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova is 73. Country singer Doug Dillard is 73. Sen. Christopher Bond, R-Mo., is 71. Actress-writer Joanna Miles is 70. Actor Ben Murphy is 68. Opera singer Dame Kiri Te Kanawa is 66. Singer Mary Wilson (The Supremes) is 66. Rock musician Hugh Grundy (The Zombies) is 65. Rock singer-musician David Gilmour (Pink Floyd) is 64. Actor-director Rob Reiner is 63. Singer Kiki Dee is 63. Actor Tom Arnold is 51. Former child actress Suzanne Crough (kroh) is 47. Actor D.L. Hughley is 46. Country songwriter Skip Ewing is 46. Actress Yvette Wilson is 46. Actor Shuler Hensley is 43. Actress Connie Britton is 42. Actress Moira Kelly is 42. Actress Amy Pietz is 41. Rock musician Chris Broderick (Megadeth) is 40. NBA player Shaquille O'Neal is 38. Country singer Trent Willmon is 37. Country musician Shan Farmer (Ricochet) is 36. Rapper Beanie Sigel is 36. Actor Eli Marienthal is 24. Actor Jimmy Galeota is 24. Actor Dillon Freasier (Film: "There Will Be Blood") is 14. Actress Savannah Stehlin is 14.