BASEBALL PRACTICE STARTS 3 WEEKS FROM TODAY

It is hard to believe that baseball practice starts three weeks from today, for some reason it just doesn't feel it's time to start practice already.  To start getting ready for the 1st practice of the season I went out and threw for the 1st time since August and I have say my arm was a bit rusty, I was on a 75 limit and my arm is a bit sore this morning.  Today is last day of January and you talk about a month flying by January sure did and the shortest month of the year starts tomorrow.  It looks like we are going to have very strange week weather wise with the temperatures this week, todays high is only suppose to be in the upper 30's, tomorrow the upper 40's, Wednesday near 70 and then on Thursday around 40 and there is a pretty good chance of rain on Thursday.  Have a good day, MICKEY

Eat folate-rich foods: Leafy greens like kale, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, turnip greens, bok choy, legumes, sunflower seeds, oranges, melons, beets, and fortified whole grains


Why? Folate, also know as folic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is necessary for cell division, DNA synthesis, and healthy blood cell production. Research at the University of York and Hull York Medical School has found a link between depression and low levels of folate. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for men and women is 400 micrograms and 600 micrograms for pregnant women. To keep you smiling, increase your intake of folate-rich foods. A cup of cooked lentils provides 90% of the RDA of folic acid. Plus, the fiber and protein will satisfy you longer, stabilize blood sugar, and also promote a better mood. Additional bonuses: Folate can also decrease homocysteine, an amino acid that is linked to heart disease. Low levels of folate can cause anemia, while pregnant women must increase their folate levels to prevent fetal neural tube deficiencies.

Today's Birthdays: Actress Carol Channing is 90. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Ernie Banks is 80. Composer Philip Glass is 74. Former Interior Secretary James Watt is 73. Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands is 73. Actor Stuart Margolin is 71. Actress Jessica Walter is 70. Former U.S. Rep. Dick Gephardt, D-Mo., is 70. Blues singer-musician Charlie Musselwhite is 67. Actor Glynn Turman is 65. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Nolan Ryan is 64. Singer-musician Harry Wayne Casey (KC and the Sunshine Band) is 60. Rock singer Johnny Rotten is 55. Actress Kelly Lynch is 52. Actor Anthony LaPaglia is 52. Singer-musician Lloyd Cole is 50. Rock musician Jeff Hanneman (Slayer) is 47. Rock musician Al Jaworski (Jesus Jones) is 45. Actress Minnie Driver is 41. Actress Portia de Rossi is 38. Actor-comedian Bobby Moynihan is 34. Actress Kerry Washington is 34. Singer Justin Timberlake is 30.

VCU WINS, VIRGINIA LETS ON SLIP AWAY

The VCU Rams continued to play very good basketball last night knocking off UNC Wilmington 79-70 at the STU on Homecoming.  The Rams are still in 1st play by themselves in the CAA however George Mason is now in 2nd place by themselves after Hofstra lost again yesterday.  Next up for the Rams is a game on the road at Northeastern on Wednesday night.  The Virginia Cavaliers let one slip away yesterday on the road at Wake Forest, the Cavs led by 10 points in the second half before falling apart and losing to Wake Forest 76-71, this loss really could be a back braker for the Cavs.  Well we will have 1 more week of hype before the big game next Sunday between the Packers and Steelers in Dallas.  Well I didn't go out and throw any yesterday but I am going to try to do it today, I have to start throwing soon or my arm may never loosen up in all this cold weather.  MICKEY

COLONIAL HEIGHTS VS MATOACA BASKETBALL PHOTOS
http://public.fotki.com/bp2/chhs_athletics/colonial-heights-vs-11/

Today's Birthdays: Actress Dorothy Malone is 86. Producer-director Harold Prince is 83. Actor GeneHackman is 81. Actress Tammy Grimes is 77. Actress Vanessa Redgrave is 74. Chess grandmaster Boris Spassky is 74. Country singer Jeanne Pruett is 74. Country singer Norma Jean is 73. Former Vice President Dick Cheney is 70. Rock singer Marty Balin is 69. Rhythm-and-blues musician William King (The Commodores) is 62. Singer Phil Collins is 60. Actor Charles S. Dutton is 60. World Golf Hall of Famer Curtis Strange is 56. Actress-comedian Brett Butler is 53. Singer Jody Watley is 52. Actor-filmmaker Dexter Scott King is 50. The King of Jordan, Abdullah II, is 49. Actor Norbert Leo Butz is 44. Country singer Tammy Cochran is 39. Actor Christian Bale is 37. Pop-country singer-songwriter Josh Kelley is 31. Actor Wilmer Valderrama is 31. Actor Jake Thomas is 21.

COLONIALS WIN, IT'S HOMECOMING AT VCU

The Colonial Heights boys basketball came out shooting lights out last night en route 67-50 victory over Matoaca.  The game really was never really that close and the Colonials lead by more than 15 most of the game.  The CH girls team also knocked of Matoaca as well beating the Warriors 54-39, the Colonials girls team is in 3rd place in the Central District.  It is Homecoming tonight at VCU when the Rams host UNC Wilmington, since the Rams don't have a football team they have to have Homecoming during basketball season.  I think up until a few years ago they had there Homecoming game during soccer season.  The Virginia Cavaliers will be on the road at Wake Forest today and if the Cavs don't win this game they are going to have a tough time winning any other ACC games this year.  Also fellow blogger Keith will heading back home today from another tough week of government work.  MICKEY

Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny. -Unknown

Today's Birthdays: Actor Noel Harrison is 77. Author Germaine Greer is 72. Actress Katharine Ross is 71. Actor Tom Selleck is 66. Rhythm-and-blues singer Bettye LaVette is 65. Actor Marc Singer is 63. Actress Ann Jillian is 61. Rock musician Tommy Ramone (Ramones) is 59. Rock musician Louie Perez (Los Lobos) is 58. Rhythm-and-blues/funk singer Charlie Wilson is 58. Talk show host Oprah Winfrey is 57. Country singer Irlene Mandrell is 55. Actress Diane Delano is 54. Actress Judy Norton Taylor ("The Waltons") is 53. Rock musician Johnny Spampinato (NRBQ) is 52. Olympic gold-medal diver Greg Louganis is 51. Rock musician David Baynton-Power (James) is 50. Rock musician Eddie Jackson (Queensryche) is 50. Actor Nicholas Turturro is 49. Rock singer-musician Roddy Frame (Aztec Camera) is 47. Actor-director Edward Burns is 43. Actress Heather Graham is 41. Actor Sharif Atkins is 36. Actress Sara Gilbert is 36. Actor Sam Jaeger (TV: "Parenthood") is 34. Actor Andrew Keegan is 32. Actor Jason James Richter is 31. Blues musician Jonny Lang is 30. Pop-rock singer Adam Lambert ("American Idol") is 29.

MARYLAND CRUSHES VIRGINIA, VCU IN 1ST PLACE BY THEMSELVES

The Maryland Terrapins crushed the Virginia Cavaliers last night at the JPJ 66-42, the Cavalier offense was pretty much as iced cold in last nights defeat.  Yes this the same team that Virginia Tech beat last week by 20 at Maryland.  The VCU Rams are now in 1st place by themselves in the CAA after beating Hofstra 82-67 last night, the Rams pretty much lead by 10 or more the whole game.  The Rams will be back at home tomorrow against UNC Wilmington before starting a 3 game road trip.  The Colonial Heights boys and girls basketball teams return to action tonight against Matoaca, the boys team will be at home and girls team will be on the road at Matoaca.  It look like we are going to have another very mild day tomorrow with temps rising into the mid 50's, hopefully I will be able to get outside and loosen up my arm a little bit.  I sure am glad that is Friday.  MICKEY

Eat for Immunity
It takes calories to form antibodies and dispatch them to the front lines when germs invade. When your calorie intake dwindles, your body's priorities become keeping your heart beating and your lungs pumping—the functions needed to survive at that instant—while your immune system is left to operate at a deficit. Even if your consumption of fruits and vegetables is limited, you can boost the health benefits.

Today's Birthdays: Musician-composer Acker Bilk is 82. Actor Nicholas Pryor is 76. Actor Alan Alda is 75. Actress Susan Howard is 69. Actress Marthe (cq) Keller is 66. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., is 64. Actress-singer Barbi Benton is 61. Evangelical pastor Rick Warren is 57. French President Nicolas Sarkozy (sahr-koh-ZEE') is 56. Actress Harley Jane Kozak is 54. Movie director Frank Darabont is 52. Rock musician Dave Sharp is 52. Rock singer Sam Phillips is 49. Rock musician Dan Spitz is 48. Country musician Greg Cook (Ricochet) is 46. Gospel singer Marvin Sapp is 44. Singer Sarah McLachlan is 43. Rapper Rakim is 43. DJ Muggs (Cypress Hill) is 43. Actress Kathryn Morris ("Cold Case") is 42. Rhythm-and-blues singer Anthony Hamilton is 40. Rock musician Brandon Bush is 38. MLB player Jermaine Dye is 37. Singer Joey Fatone Jr. ('N Sync) is 34. Rapper Rick Ross is 34. Actress Rosamund Pike is 32. Singer Nick Carter (Backstreet Boys) is 31. Actor Elijah Wood is 30. Actress Ariel Winter (TV: "Modern Family") is 13.

NASCAR CHANGES POINTS SYSTEM

After floating the idea of changing the points system for about the last two weeks Nascar pulled the trigger yesterday and made the change.  The new simple points goes as follows: the winner gets 43 points for coming in 1st place plus an additional 3 points for winning and additional 1 point for leading the race and if you lead the most laps you get another point.  The driver who finishes last just gets 1 point and the maximum # of points a driver can collect in 1 race is 48 and if they went by the new system last year Jimmie Johnson still would have won the championship.  Tonight in the CAA the VCU Rams have 1st place showdown with Hofstra with the winner being in 1st place by themselves atop the CAA, GO RAMS.  Also in college basketball action tonight the Virginia Cavaliers will be at home against the Maryland Terrapins and I think the Cavs will come away with another ACC win tonight.  I liked the snow we got last night, it looked pretty falling and there wasn't any on the ground when I got up this morning however the National Weather Service is already talking about a couple of systems that could bring us snow next week.  Although he is not a member of the blog today is Scottie's birthday Scottie.  MICKEY

Carbs curb your hunger
According to researchers, when dieters are taken off a low-carb diet and shifted them to an approach that includes generous amounts of fiber and Resistant Starch foods, something wonderful happens: Within two days, the dieters' cravings go away.
The fiber and Resistant Starch fills them up and satisfies them while allowing them to eat the foods they crave. These good-news carbs also raise levels of satiety hormones that tell the brain to flip a switch that stifles hunger and turns up metabolism.

Today's Birthdays: Singer Bobby "Blue" Bland is 81. Actor James Cromwell is 71. Actor John Witherspoon is 69. Rock musician Nick Mason (Pink Floyd) is 66. Rhythm-and-blues singer Nedra Talley (The Ronettes) is 65. Ballet star Mikhail Baryshnikov is 63. Chief U.S. Justice John Roberts is 56. Country singer Cheryl White is 56. Country singer-musician Richard Young (The Kentucky Headhunters) is 56. Actress Mimi Rogers is 55. Rock musician Janick Gers (Iron Maiden) is 54. Commentator Keith Olbermann is 52. Rock singer Margo Timmins (Cowboy Junkies) is 50. Rock musician Gillian Gilbert is 50. Actress Bridget Fonda is 47. Actor Alan Cumming is 46. Country singer Tracy Lawrence is 43. Rock singer Mike Patton is 43. Rapper Tricky is 43. Rock musician Michael Kulas (James) is 42. Actor-comedian Patton Oswalt is 42. Actor Josh Randall is 39. Country singer Kevin Denney is 35. Tennis player Marat Safin is 31.

RAIN, THEN A LITTLE SNOW

Well is looks like it is going to be a very rainy day here in the Heights before it all turns to a little bit of snow before it ends later tonight.  There are some areas in the western part of the state that will pick 5-8 inches of snow but for around here it just looks like a dusting up to an inch before it ends.  Since exams are going on at the high school there are no sporting events until Friday night when the boys basketball team is back in action at home against Matoaca and the girls team travels to Matoaca.  Well since it is raining I guess I am going to head into work a little earlier today just in case there any accidents on I-95 because of the rain.  MICKEY

Eating carbs makes you thin for life
A recent multi-center study found that the slimmest people also ate the most carbs, and the chubbiest ate the least. The researchers concluded that your odds of getting and staying slim are best when carbs make up to 64% of your total daily caloric intake.

Today's Birthdays: Actress Anne Jeffreys is 88. Actress Joan Leslie is 86. Cartoonist Jules Feiffer is 82. Sportscaster-actor Bob Uecker is 76. Actor Scott Glenn is 72. Singer Jean Knight is 68. Activist Angela Davis is 67. Rock musician Corky Laing (Mountain) is 63. Actor David Strathairn (streh-THEHRN') is 62. Alt-country singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams is 58. Rock singer-musician Eddie Van Halen is 56. Reggae musician Norman Hassan (UB40) is 53. Actress-comedian-talk show host Ellen DeGeneres is 53. Hockey Hall-of-Famer Wayne Gretzky is 50. Musician Andrew Ridgeley is 48. Rhythm-and-blues singer Jazzie B. (Soul II Soul) is 48. Actor Paul Johansson is 47. Gospel singer Kirk Franklin is 41. Actress Jennifer Crystal is 38. Rock musician Chris Hesse (Hoobastank) is 37. Actor Gilles Marini (ZHEEL ma-REE'-nee) is 35. NBA player Vince Carter is 34. Actress Sarah Rue is 33. Country musician Michael Martin (Marshall Dyllon) is 28.

VCU WINS

The VCU Rams held for an 80-76 win last night at Towson in what many people thought may have been a trap game for the Rams and that they may not have been ready to play.  However it may have been a a little closer than most Rams would have like they did come away with the W setting up Thursday's 1st place showdown with Hofstra who just barely escaped themselves last night against James Madison.  Fellow blogger Keith is on the road this week doing a little bit of government work in Kansas at For Leavenworth.  It looks like tomorrow is going to be a very rainy day here in Heights which could end as a little snow tomorrow night into Thursday morning with a dusting up to a couple of inches, however there is chance that we don't get any snow at all.  Also this morning I have a wisdom tooth that seems to be flaring up a bit.  MICKEY

A throbbing tooth
It's likely that the tooth's nerve has become damaged, probably because the surrounding pearly white enamel is cracked or rotting away. Unless you get it patched up quickly, bacteria in your mouth can invade the nerve. And you definitely don't want that breeding colony to spread throughout your body, says Kimberly Harms, DDS, a dentist outside St. Paul, Minnesota. If your tooth is already infected, you'll require a root canal, in which the tooth's bacteria-laden pulp is removed and replaced with plastic caulking material.

Today's Birthdays: Actor Gregg Palmer is 84. The former president of Georgia, Eduard Shevardnadze, is 83. Actor Dean Jones is 80. Country singer Claude Gray is 79. Blues singer Etta James is 73. Movie director Tobe Hooper is 68. Actress Leigh Taylor-Young is 66. Actress Jenifer (cq) Lewis is 54. Actress Dinah Manoff is 53. Country musician Mike Burch (River Road) is 45. Iowa Gov. Chet Culver is 45. Rhythm-and-blues singer Kina is 42. Actress China Kantner is 40. Actress Ana Ortiz is 40. Musician Matt Odmark (OHD'-mark) (Jars of Clay) is 37. Actress Mia Kirshner is 36. Actress is 32. Rhythm-and-blues singer Alicia (ah-LEE'-sha) Keys is 30. Actor Michael Trevino (TV: "The Vampire Diaries") is 26.

IT WILL BE THE PACKERS AGAINST THE STEELERS IN THE SUPER BOWL

The Green Bay Packers didn't play extremely well at least on the offensive side of the ball yesterday but the defense bailed out the Packers in yesterdays 21-14 win over the Bears.  The Packers offense looked like it was the 1st game of the year at times on offense yesterday while the defense continues to play extremely well and the Packers are heading back to the Super Bowl.  On the AFC Championship game the Steelers jumped out to a quick 24-0 lead and then had to hold on to beat the Jets 24-19.  I am sure both the Packers and Steelers coaches are saying if we play like we did yesterday especially in the 2nd half we won't win the Super Bowl.  Well we have 2 weeks to think about it since the game is not until February 6.  The VCU Rams will be back in action tonight at Towson, the Rams just need and not stomp there foot before the face Hofstra later in the week. It looks like we are going to get some rain here in the Heights tomorrow which could end as a little light snow Wednesday morning.  MICKEY

Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.
- William James

Today's Birthdays: Actor Ernest Borgnine is 94. Actor Jerry Maren ("The Wizard of Oz") is 92. Actor Marvin Kaplan ("Top Cat") is 84. Cajun musician Doug Kershaw is 75. Singer-songwriter Ray Stevens is 72. Singer-songwriter Neil Diamond is 70. Singer Aaron Neville is 70. Actor Michael Ontkean is 65. Actor Daniel Auteuil is 61. Country singer-songwriter Becky Hobbs is 61. Comedian Yakov Smirnoff is 60. Bandleader-musician Jools Holland is 53. Actress Nastassja Kinski is 52. Rhythm-and-blues singer Theo Peoples is 50. Country musician Keech Rainwater (Lonestar) is 48. HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan is 45. Comedian Phil LaMarr is 44. Olympic gold medal gymnast Mary Lou Retton is 43. Rhythm-and-blues singer Sleepy Brown (Society of Soul) is 41. Actor Matthew Lillard is 41. Actress Merrilee McCommas is 40. Actor Ed Helms is 37. Actress Tatyana Ali is 32. Rock musician Mitchell Marlow (Filter) is 32. Actress Mischa Barton is 25

GO PACKERS BEAT DA BEARS

The Green Bay Packer will face the Chicago Bears this afternoon for the NFC Championship game in frigid Chicago.  The temp is is only suppose to get to 17 and there is a pretty good chance of light snow with up 2 inches possible.  I have say that I am glad that I will be watching the game from my my 70 degrees den than outside in that cold weather.  Its hard for me to believe that the Pack is actually favored in this game in Chicago. In the AFC Championship game today the New York Jets will be in Pittsburgh to face the Steelers, it as actually going be colder in Pittsburgh than it is going to be in Chicago with a high of 14 but they are not calling for any snow but by the end of the game it will be in the mid single digits.  Either way after we will no who will be in this years Super Bowl in 2 weeks.  In college basketball action yesterday the Virginia Cavaliers beat the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 72-64 at the JPJ, the Cavs pretty much lead from start to finish in this one.  Down in Norfolk yesterday afternoon the VCU Rams beat the Old Dominion Monarchs 59-50 to remain in a 1st place with Hofstra atop the CAA standings, next up for the Rams is a game at Towson tomorrow night.  Well after having my iPhone for about week I have two sore wrists, this phone weights about 4 times as much as my old one and I still haven't gotten use to it yet.  There is good possibility that I will be texting in the few weeks,  stay tuned and I will left everybody know when that happens.  GO PACKERS, MICKEY

Severe head pain
Chances are, it's a migraine. But if it isn't accompanied by other migraine symptoms (such as a visual aura), sudden, severe head pain can signal a brain aneurysm. "A burst aneurysm can cause brain damage within minutes, so you need to call 911 immediately," advises Elsa-Grace Giardina, MD, a cardiologist and director of the Center for Women's Health at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center.

“The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.” Vince Lombardi

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK, COLONIALS FALL

Well today is former blogger Mark Carsley's birthday, Happy Birthday Mark and all of your fellow bloggers want to know where the heck have you been.  The Colonial Heights Colonials lost another tough one at home last night 64-59, it was 2 point game at the half before Prince George went on a 22-8 run in the 3rd quarter.  The Colonials will be off now until next Friday night because of exams.  The VCU Rams have a big tilt in the CAA today when the travel down to Norfolk to face the Old Dominion Monarchs, I wonder if fellow blogger Lee will be making the trip down to Norfolk today.  In the ACC today the Virginia Cavaliers will be at home to face the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, I think the Cavaliers are going to win today.  It looks like Tuesdays fore-casted snow storm is now just going to be another cold rainy day for central Virginia with allot of snow in the Shenandoah Valley, the less snow around here is just fine with me.  MICKEY

ON THIS DAY IN
1889 - The Columbia Phonograph Company was formed in Washington, DC
1946 - The Central Intelligence Group, which later became the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), was established by U.S. President Harry S Truman’s directive issued this day.
1984 - Super Bowl XVIII (at Tampa): Los Angeles Raiders 38, Washington Redsking 9. The Redskins were slight favorites going into the game. Raiders’ QB Jim Plunkett and LB Matt Millen called their own plays. Plus lots of big plays and that ’83 defense, did the Redskins in. MVP: Raiders’ RB Marcus Allen. Tickets: $60.00.

COLONIALS GIRLS WIN ON LAST SECOND SHOT

The Colonial Heights girls basketball team upset Prince George last night on a 3 pointer with 2 seconds left in the game and cam away with a 50-47 win on the road at Prince George.  Tonight the Colonial Heights boys team will be looking to pull an upset of there own at home against Prince George.  It is going to be very cold here in the Heights the next 5 days with temps unlikely to make it to 40 degrees, it looks like today will be the bet shot to make it to the 40 degree mark and tonight an tomorrow night it is going to go down to about 15 degrees.  Also some of the weather forecasters are predicting another snowstorm early next week, haven't the learned this year from there prior mistakes about predicting storm that far out, they haven't gotten a storm right all year.  Well I am off to work and I sure am glad that it is Friday.  MICKEY

VIRGINIA LOSES AT BC, VCU WINS

The Virginia basketball team put up a good fight at Boston College but in the end the Eagles held off the Cavaliers 70-67, the Cavs are a very young team and seem to be getting better but they just need something to get them over the hump.  The VCU Rams avenged and earlier loss to Georgia State earlier in the season last night with a 71-54 win over the Panthers and with the win remain in a 1st place tie in the CAA with Hofstra.  The Rams have a very tough game Saturday when they travel down to Norfolk to face the Old Dominion Monarchs.  The CH boys basketball fell last night to St. Christopher 72-50 last night, the boys team will be back at home tomorrow night against Prince George.  The girls team will be on the road at Prince George tonight.  I understand Scottie picked up 4 more wins last night and he pinned all 4 of his opponents.  Well I am heading back to see the oral surgeon this afternoon for a checkup on my dental implant, my regular Dr. is on medical leave so I will be seeing another Dr. at the office.  Well since I am leaving work early I am heading in a bit earlier.  MICKEY

Stretching can be a great stress reliever. We can take a time-out from stress by stretching, which is a great way to relax. Easy stretches can be done in a chair at our desk when the tension mounts. Add in a little deep breathing to increase our oxygen supply to the brain and may we find ourselves feeling and thinking better.

“Happiness is a by product of an effort to make someone else happy.” ~ Gretta Brooker Palmer

COLONIALS FALL IN OT

The Colonial Heights boys basketball team lost 90-81 in OT against Dinwiddie.  It was a game that went pretty much back and forth all night with Colonials tying it at the end of regulation only to fall in OT.  The CH bots will be back at home tonight against St. Christopher.  The CH girls picked up another win last night beating Dinwiddie on the 49-45.  Tonight in college basketball action the Virginia Cavaliers will be on the road at Boston College and the VCU Rams will be at home looking to beat Georgia State, the Panthers knocked off the Rams earlier in the year.  You had better get out and enjoy todays temperature in the mid 50's because it is going to go down hill the rest of the week with highs only in the low 30's for Saturday.  I sure am hoping that groundhog doesn't see his shadow this year it has already been cold enough.  MICKEY

“Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey!” ~ Fitzhugh Millan

ME MA RUTH

It was 1 year ago today that Me Ma Ruth passed away on her birthday at the age of 89, it sure doesn't seem like it has been a year since she passed away.  The Colonial Heights boys basketball team will be at home tonight against Dinwiddie while the girls team travels to Dinwiddie, I might try to catch some of the boys game tonight after baseball conditioning.  Well I got a new phone on Sunday and after using it for a couple of days my left hand is very sore from holding the phone because the phone ways a whole lot heavier than my old phone, I guess I will get use to it eventually.  I see in the news Nascar is talking about overhauling the points system, the way it would work is that you would get 43 points for winning the race and you would get 1 point for finishing last, the system that they are currently using has been used since 1975.  It sounds like to me that they are trying to get certain drivers who haven't been making the chase into the field, also they might expand the number of drivers who make the chase as well.  MICKEY


Stretching can help us find muscle imbalances. When I first meet a client I assess their flexibility because I can find the muscle imbalances which we all create in daily life or sport activities. Regular stretching can help us to find and lessen these imbalances which can ultimately lead to injury.

It is impossible to win the race unless you venture to run, impossible to win the victory unless you dare to battle. -Richard M. DeVos

PACKERS TO FACE BEARS FOR NFC CHAMPIONSHIP

A pair of old rivals will face off in the NFC Championship game next Sunday in Chicago.  The Bears beat the Seattle Seahawks yesterday 35-24 in a game that was now where near as close as the final score indicated.  During the regular season the Packers and Bears split there 2 game series in two very close games so I think next weekends match up will pretty much be the same.  In the AFC yesterday the New York Jets stunned the New England Patriots 28-21 and will face the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday night in Pittsburgh.  I am glad that I am not a betting man because I would not want to have to pick a winner in either one of these games next Sunday.  Well since I don't work for the government or the school system I am off to work.  MICKEY

Stretching can ease repetitive stress syndrome. This is also called overuse syndrome. Do we sit at a computer? Ever hear of carpal tunnel syndrome, or have we developed poor posture? Stretching the muscles and tendons that become tight from repetitive movements combined with a strengthening program can prevent or help heal these chronic conditions that all of us are susceptible to. Stretching slows/stops our nerves from firing. Wonder what causes a muscle spasm? Over-firing of our nerves causes the muscle to over-contract. Stretching sends a signal to our nerves to stop firing. This in turn helps our muscles to relax.

“Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all.” Sam Ewing

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOZART, PACKERS WIN

Well it's hard to believe that Mozart is 1 year old today, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOZART, maybe somebody will give him a big bone for his birthday.  The Green Bay Packers dismantled the Atlanta Falcons last night 48-21 at the Georgia Dome sending the Falcons fans home in early in the 4th quarter and about midway through the 4th quarter the Packer fans were making so much noise that the QB asked the to be quite when they were on offense, the Packers will be either in Chicago or Seattle next for the NFC Championship game.  Also yesterday the Pittsburgh Steelers won a very close game beating the Baltimore Ravens 31-24, the Steelers will play either the Jets or the Patriots in next weeks AFC Championship game.  The Duke Blue Devils beat the Virginia Cavaliers yesterday 76-60, the Cavs blew a 10 point lead again yesterday just as they did against UNC last Saturday but they are a very young team and will continue to get better.  The VCU Rams are now in a 3 way tie atop the CAA standings after beating the Northeastern yesterday 73-64, the Rams are tied with James Madison & Hofstra.  In high school swimming action yesterday the Colonial Heights girls team beat Lee-Davis while the boys team lost to Lee-Davis.  MICKEY


“Dreams have only one owner at a time. That's why dreamers are lonely.” Erma Bombeck

PACKERS BACK IN ACTION IN ATLANTA

The Green Bay Packers will be in Atlanta tonight in the 2nd round of the NFL Playoffs looking to move on to the NFC Championship Game next weekend.  The Packers seem to be playing well as they have played all year the last few weeks so I am hoping for Packer victory tonight.  In the AFC today Baltimore will be at Pittsburgh a game that I think will be low scoring affair.  It was a very tough night for the Colonials as Hopewell beat the Colonials 95-72, Hopewell just had to much size & quickness for the Colonials.  In college basketball action today the Virginia will be at Duke where I don't think things are going to go very well for the Cavaliers and VCU will be at home against Northeastern.  Somebody has a birthday tomorrow so tuned to see whose birthday it is.  MICKEY


The average American eats 22.2 teaspoons of added sugar a day.
That’s 355 calories daily! What we should be aiming for: No more than 100 calories (about 6 tsp) for women, and 150 calories (9 tsp) for men. So what are “added” sugars, anyway? They’re sugars and syrups that are added to foods during processing or preparation, versus the naturally occurring sugars in fruits, veggies and milk products. Soft drinks and other sweetened beverages are the biggest source of added sugars in Americans’ diet, according to a statement published in the journal Circulation by the American Heart Association: one 12-ounce cola packs 8 tsp—enough to exceed your recommended daily intake by 25 percent! Other top offenders: desserts (candy, cake, cookies, pie), fruit drinks and sweetened yogurt.

IT IS FRIDAY

Well there is not a whole lot of things going on around but it is FRIDAY.  The CH girls basketball team picked up a 46-36 win over Hopewell last night and they also beat Petersburg the night before as well.  Tonight the CH boys team will be back in action at home against Hopewell.  The 2nd round of the NFL playoffs start tomorrow with a pair of games in the 1st game it will be the Ravens visiting the  Steelers and in the nightcap the Green Bay will be in Atlanta to face the Falcons.  I just heard on the news this morning that the stomach flu is going around the area right now so remember to wash your hand often.  For some reason over the last couple of weeks we have had allot of visitors from allot of different countries and Canada has overtaken South Korea in the country that has visited Mickey's Place the most behind the United States.  MICKEY

Keep your bedroom dark. Studies show that even the tiny light from a digital alarm clock can disrupt a sleep cycle. We have about six devices in our room that glow bright green; it’s like sleeping in a mad scientist’s lab.

Concentrate, play your game, and don’t be afraid to win. -Amy Alcott

VCU WINS, COLONIALS FALL

The VCU Rams picked up another CAA win last night knocking off William & Mary 70-52 at William & Mary, with the win the Rams improve 12-5 overall and 4-1 in CAA.  The Rams will return home on Saturday afternoon when they face Northeastern.  The Colonial Heights boys basketball team fell on the road last night at Petersburg 82-69, the Colonials boys team will return home tomorrow night against Hopewell.  The CH girls team will be on the road tonight at Hopewell.  It looks like the NWS has taken to the 50 degree temps out of the 5 day forecast now, they are now predicting it to be in the upper 40' on Sunday & Monday.  Also just quick another college basketball not the #1 team in the country Duke lost last night at Florida State 66-61.  MICKEY

Relaxing while you're running seems incongruous to most runners, but it's easily accomplished. Here's what to do when you begin feeling tight and tense.

• Let your jaw slacken and your eyes soften and droop. Facial muscles control the degree of tension in the entire body. Relax the face and you'll relax the body.
• Keep your upper body perpendicular to the running surface--shoulders back, buttocks forward.
• Make sure your hands are not clenched but closed softly, as if you are holding eggs.
• Focus on a smooth stride. Avoid over- and understriding, as they waste energy.
• Shake out your arms, relax your shoulders, and carry your arms low with elbows firm but not locked.
• Try this: As you run, repeat the word "calm" or "relax."

BEFORE YOU KNOW IT THEY WILL BE CLOSING SCHOOL FOR RAIN

I can't believe that all the schools in the area were closed yesterday for a little freezing rain and snow and that today they are all on a 2 hour delay.  We never got out for such a little event like that back when I was still going to school, we use to school when there was still snow on the road but not anymore.  The next thing tou know they will be closing school for rain.  The VCU basketball team will return to action tonight on the road at William & Mary, the Tribe has not won a game in the CAA this year.  The CH girls and boys basketball teams will make  up there games with Petersburg tonight, the girls will be at home whole the boys team will travel over to Petersburg.  It looks like the temperature will moderate into the low 50's bu Sunday & Monday, maybe I will be able to start to throw a little bit then.  MICKEY

SOME MORE SLEEPING TIPS
**Adjust your bedroom temperature to be slightly chilly.
**Keep your bedroom dark. Studies show that even the tiny light from a digital alarm clock can disrupt a sleep cycle. We have about six devices in our room that glow bright green; it’s like sleeping in a mad scientist’s lab. The Big Man has a new pet, a Roomba (yes, he loves his robot vacuum) that gives out so much light that I have to cover it with a pillow before bed.
**Keep the bedroom as tidy as possible. It’s not restful to fight through chaos into bed.

Success is simply a matter of luck. Ask any failure. ~Earl Wilson

WE NOW HAVE CO-CHAMPIONS

After a public outcry from several members of the contest the committee has decided to have co-champions in this years contest.  With the Chief & Les finishing with a record of 200-100 they have been named CO-CHAMPS for 2010.  Since there was no official tiebreaker in place the committee felt this was the right thing to do.  Next year the person who wins the most weeks during the regular will hold the tiebreaker.  Dusty did the best with the bowl picks going 23-14 while Lee did the worst going 14-23 and the 2nd straight year Scottie finished in the rear but did show much improvement over last years picks.  Well I have posted the full results below and I hope everybody returns next year as well and there will be at least 20 people in the contest next year which will be the limit.  If you know anybody who would like to play just let me know.  MICKEY

FINAL RESULTS 
 1. THE CHIEF      200-100
 2. LES                   200-100
 3. KEITH              192-108  -8
 4. BIFF                 188-112  -12
 5. SCOTT             188-112  -12
 6. JULIANNE       187-113  -13
 7. PHILLIPS         185-115  -15
 8. BOBBY            185-115  -15
 9. MICKEY          184-116  -16
10. ANDREW       181-119  -19
11. LEE                 175-125  -25
12. DUSTY           172-128  -28
13. JOY                167-133  -33
14. JOHN             166-134  -34
15. GEORGE        166-134  -34
16. MURPH          164-136  -36
17. SCOTTIE        155-145  -45

THE CHIEF WINS IN A TIEBREAKER

Well mathematically the Chief & Les both ended the contest with a 200-100 record but by virtue of the tiebreaker the Chief will officially win the contest.  The Chief was leading the contest when the bowls started and all season if there was a tie for any position the person who had it the week before was always listed first and therefore the Chief is this winner joining Mickey & Keith at past champions of the contest.  The complete results of the contest will be released in the next day or so.  The final score of last nights game was Auburn 22 Oregon 19.  The Colonial Heights boys basketball team picked up another win last night beating Atlee 87-81 in OT, the girls team lost another close one last night falling to Collegiate 48-43.  Tonight the boys team will travel to Petersburg while the girls team will be at home against Petersburg weather permitting.  Well we got a little bit of light snow last night and we might get a little more later in the day but lit it looks like we may have dodged another winter storm which is fine with me.  Well have a nice day.  MICKEY

A few good habits for good sleep:
1. Exercise most days, even if it’s just to take a walk.


2. No caffeine after 7:00 p.m.


3. An hour before bedtime, avoid doing any kind of work that takes alert thinking. Addressing envelopes—okay. Analyzing an article—nope.

If you have time to whine and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it. -Anthony J. D’Angelo

THE PACKERS ARE ON THAT MIDNIGHT TRAIN TO GEORGIA

The Green Bay Packers are on that midnight train to Georgia to face the Atlanta Falcons next Saturday night.  The Packers held on to beat the Philadelphia Eagles last night with a 21-16 win over the Eagles, the games was very much in doubt until the final 30 seconds of the game when the Packers got an INT to win the game.  In the AFC yesterday the Ravens crushed the Chiefs 30-7.  Tonight in college football they will play the BCS Championship game with Auburn facing Oregon in Scottsdale, Arizona.  Also the winner of tonights game will also decide who wins this years Mickeys Place contest.  Tonight in high school basketball action the CH boys team will be at home against Atlee while the CH girls team will be on the road at Collegiate.  Well it doesn't look like we are going to get to much out of this latest winter storm after-all, they have issued a Winter Wither Advisory for the potential of up to 3 inches of snow but appears that there is going to be allot of sleet that mixes in with this system.  MICKEY

Eggs raise your cholesterol
In the 1960s and 1970s, scientists linked blood cholesterol with heart disease—and eggs (high in cholesterol) were banished to the chicken house.


The Truth: Newer studies have found that saturated and trans fats in a person’s diet, not dietary cholesterol, are more likely to raise heart disease risk. And, at 213 milligrams of cholesterol, one egg slips under the American Heart Association’s recommendation of no more than 300 milligrams a day. “Eggs offer lean protein and vitamins A and D, and they’re inexpensive and convenient,” Beeson says.

GO PACKERS

The Green Bay Packers look to knock of the Philadelphia Eagles this afternoon in Philadelphia in the 1st round of the NFL Playoffs.  After a day where both the underdogs in Saturdays games won the Packers look to pull off an upset of there own.  In yesterdays action the Seahawks stunned the Saints 41-36 and last night the Jets kicked a field goal as time expired to upset the Colts 17-16.  In the AFC today Baltimore will be at Kansas City.  The Virginia basketball team blew a 10 point lead yesterday afternoon falling to the North Carolina Tar Heels 62-56 at the JPJ, the Cavs stayed in the game because the Heels didn't shoot very well either.  Last night the VCU Rams picked up a road win at UNC Wilmington 82-64, the Rams are currently in a 4 way tie for 2nd place in the CAA behind 4-0 Hofstra.  The National Weather Service know seems to think that we are going to see snow and sleet on Tuesday which will cut down on accumulations, how much is still a big mystery because of the track of the low pressure offshore.  All I know is that they all seem to be covering all there bases of would could happen but they don't seem to want to make a prediction.  I need some warm weather so I can start loosening up my arm some.  MICKEY

Get cold, and you’ll catch a cold
It must be true because your mother always said so. Right?
The Truth: Mom was wrong. “Chilling doesn’t hurt your immunity, unless you’re so cold that your body defenses are destroyed—and that only occurs during hypothermia,” Vreeman says. “And you can’t get a cold unless you’re exposed to a virus that causes a cold.” The reason people get more colds in the winter isn’t because of the temperature, but it may be a result of being cooped up in closed spaces and exposed to the spray of cold viruses.

NFL PLAYOFFS START

Well the NFL Playoffs start today with a pair of games, in the NFC New Orleans will be at Seattle and in the AFC the New York Jets will be at Indianapolis.  The Packers will play at Philadelphia tomorrow.  In college basketball action today the Virginia Cavaliers will be at home again today against the North Carolina Tar Heels, the Cavs are 1-0 in ACC so far this year.  The VCU Rams will on the road at UNC Wilmington tonight.  The Colonial Heights Colonials boys basketball team lead for 3 quarters last night before Thomas Dale came back in the 4th quarter and knocked off the Colonials 76-63.  Well we got a little bit of light snow last night here in the Heights but they are calling for a much bigger snow event on Tuesday but no one seems to want to make prediction on how much snow we are going to get, after the last big mix up with the last snow I think they are going to be a bit slower on pulling the trigger on there predictions.  MICKEY

Feed a cold, starve a fever
The old wives’ tale has been a staple since the 1500s when a dictionary master wrote, “Fasting is a great remedie of feuer.”

The Truth: “Colds and fevers are generally caused by viruses that tend to last seven to 10 days, no matter what you do,” says Rachel Vreeman, MD, a fellow in Children’s Health Services Research at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. “And there is no good evidence that diet has any effect on a cold or fever. Even if you don’t feel like eating, you still need fluids, so put a priority on those.” If you’re congested, the fluids will keep mucus thinner and help loosen chest and nasal congestion.

CONTEST TO COME DOWN TO FINAL GAME

Well with Miami of Ohio beating Middle Tennessee last night 35-21 the Mickey's Place College Football Pick-Em Contest will come down the final game of the season with Auburn facing Oregon.  If Oregon wins the game Les will win the contest outright however if Auburn wins the game the Chief will be tied with Les and by virtue of leading the contest when the bowls season started will be the official champ.  Regardless  of who wins they have a good race the last 2 months to decide who the champ will be.  The Colonial Heights boys basketball team will be at home tonight against Thomas Dale, the CH girls team fell to the Knights last night 53-28.  I have been having some pain in my right side of my body in my rib cage area, the pain isn't know where near as bad my kidney stone pain but it is sore.  The weather folks seem to be very concerned about another snowstorm that could develop for us on Tuesday, however as usual that are not sure of the track and cannot guarantee that we will get any snow at all.  They will probably change there mind about 10 times by Tuesday on there snow estimates, as far as I am concerned I don't want any snow.  MICKEY

Coffee’s really bad for you
Surely something 108 million Americans crave so much each morning couldn’t possibly be good for you? Wrong.


The Truth: Too much may give you the jitters, but your daily habit has a lot of positives. “Coffee comes from plants, which have helpful phytochemicals that act as antioxidants,” says Stacy Beeson, RD, a wellness dietitian at St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center in Boise, Idaho. Drinking joe gives your brain a boost, too. And, despite the jolt of energy it provides, coffee has no effect on heart disease.

Lots of folks confuse bad management with destiny. - Kin Hubbard

COLONIALS WIN

The Colonial Heights boys basketball team picked up a 67-57 win over the Maggie Walker Governors School last night, the Colonials will be at home against the Thomas Dale Knights.  The CH girls team didn't fair as well last night falling to the MWGS  46-40, the girls will be back in action tonight at Thomas Dale.  Well it looks like it is going to continue to be cold for at least the next 5 or 6 days after today with highs on only in the mid to upper 30's and lows in the 20's to upper teens at night and there is a chance that there could be another big storm coming Tuesday.  Well my sleep rut continued last night, the problem last night was water main break a couple of houses down and they had to tear the street up which caused allot of noise to say the least.  If Les can win tonights game in our pick-em contest it looks like he win the contest, if he looses tonights game the Chief will still be alive.  Also last night down Georgia Scottie picked up 2 more wins on the wrestling mat and is now 31-2 on the season.  MICKEY

Stress will turn your hair gray
The carpool, the spilled milk, the deadlines. Who doesn’t believe that stress can shock her (or his) locks?

The Truth: “Too much stress does age us inside and out,” says Nancy L. Snyderman, MD, chief medical editor for NBC News and author of Medical Myths That Can Kill You. It ups the number of free radicals, scavenger molecules that attack healthy cells, and increases the spill of stress hormones in your body. So far, though, no scientific evidence proves a bad day turns your locks silver.

Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves. Carl Jung

WELL I DIDN'T WIN THE LOTTERY, VIRGINIA WINS

Well I will be heading back to work today because I din't win the $355 million dollars that was available in last night Mega Millions Lottery, there were two tickets that did win and I think they were in Idaho and Washington of all places.  The Virginia basketball team picked up another win last night night knocking off the Howard Bison 84-63 at the JPJ, next up for the Cavaliers are the North Carolina Tar Heels at the JPJ Saturday.  It was a tough night for both the CH girls and boys basketball teams against Meadowbrook, both the boys and girls will play on the road tonight at the Maggie Walker Governors School.  In college football action last night Ohio State held on to beat Arkansas 31-26.  Down at the beach dad has been having some work done on the house, they have been weather proofing all the wood and you can see what it looks like at the following link http://outerbanksdeckprotech.smugmug.com/Professional/106-Park-Dr/13996455_DrZnw#1122839337_wnmVD .  Have a nice day.  MICKEY

Drink eight glasses of water a day
In 1945, the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board told people to consume eight glasses of fluid daily. Before long, most of us believed we needed eight glasses of water, in addition to what we eat and drink, every day.


The Truth: Water’s great, but you can also whet your whistle with juice, tea, milk, fruits, and vegetables—quite enough to keep you hydrated. Even coffee quenches thirst, despite its reputation as a diuretic; the caffeine makes you lose some liquid, but you’re still getting plenty.

Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are. ~Malcolm S. Forbes

VIRGINIA TECH & VCU LOSE

The Stanford Cardinal blew open a very close game at the half en route to a 40-12 win over the Hokies.  The Cardinal only lead 13-12 at the half before the exploding  in the 2nd half to score 27 unanswered points, the Cardinal just couldn't do anything wrong in the 2md half.  The VCU Rams lost to Georgia State on the road last night 76-66.  The CH girls & boys basketball teams will be back in action tonight against Meadowbrook, the girls will be at home and the boys will be on the road again.  Well I have my lottery ticket for tonights $330 million dollar drawing and I know Al & Dad have there ticket as well but do you, remember you cant win if you don't play.  Just in case there is tie in the Mickey's Place College Football Pick-Em Contest the contest committee will vote to break the tie, the committee consists of the Honorable Robert Goulder and you blog-master.  Les has a 2 game lead heading into the final 6 games of the contest.  MICKEY

Make One Change at a Time
Once you understand that you have only a limited amount of willpower, it's easy to understand why multiple resolutions aren't likely to work, says Ian Newby-Clark, Ph.D., a psychologist at the University of Guelph in Canada. Most resolutions actually require many behavior changes. Sure, some are straightforward, like remembering to take a calcium pill every day — but a successful weight-loss program, for example, calls for more than just a decision to eat less. You have to shop and cook differently, start or ramp up an exercise routine, maybe even ditch certain social or family events. "Thinking through these substrategies boosts success rates," says Newby-Clark. "But it would take too much attention and vigilance to do all that and also decide it's time to brush your teeth for the full two minutes and become better informed about world events."

Success is not measured by the heights one attains, but by the obstacles one overcomes in its attainment. ~Booker T. Washington

PACKERS BEAT BEARS AND ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS

The Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears yesterday 10-3 and with the win get into the playoffs as a wild card team will face Philadelphia in Philly next Sunday at 4:30pm.  The Packers trailed most of the game 3-0 before scoring the final 10 points of the game and coming away with the win.  The Redskins lost another tough one yesterday falling to the New York Giants 17-14, I think the Skins are glad that the season is over.  In college basketball action yesterday the Virginia Cavaliers picked up a much needed victory beating the LSU Tigers 64-50 at the JPJ.  The VCU Rams will be at Georgia State tonight in CAA action.  Well after being out of school for the last 2 weeks both the students and teachers are ready to get back to the classroom and some of you government workers will also be heading back today however I think there are a some who are of for a few more days.  MICKEY

Grocery carts
The handles of almost two-thirds of the shopping carts tested in a 2007 study at the University of Arizona were contaminated with fecal bacteria. In fact, the bacterial counts of the carts exceeded those of the average public restroom. Swab the handle with a disinfectant wipe before grabbing hold (stores are starting to provide them, so look around for a dispenser). And while you're wheeling around the supermarket, skip the free food samples, which are nothing more than communal hand-to-germ-to-mouth zones.

Don’t wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you’ve got to make yourself. –Alice Walker

WELL I AM BACK FROM THE BEACH, LES TAKES 1 GAME LEAD

Well I back from the beach and I am ready to watch to watch the Packers beat the Bears and get into the NFL playoffs. If the Packers win today they are in the playoffs and will have to play in Philadelphia next weekend and if they lose they can still get in but allot things have to happen. In the Mickey's Place college football pick-em contest Les leads the Chief by 1 game, everybody else is pretty much out of it. The Virginia Cavaliers basketball team will be back in action tonight at home against the LSU Tigers, the Cavs had better shoot better than they did the other night or it's going to be another long night. Here is a link all the sunrise photos I took yesterday morning at the beach http://public.fotki.com/bp2/outer_banks_photos/outer-banks-sunrise/ .  Well I am going to run on the treadmill.  MICKEY

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Well I want to wish all you fellow bloggers out there a very HAPPY NEW YEAR.  I am at the beach and no I wasn't up last night when the New Year came in.  I did go down to the beach this morning and took a few sunrise photos, I have say they weren't the best because it was a bit cold outside.  Well I am going to down to Wal-Mart.  MICKEY