VIRGINIA TECH WINS ACC CHAMPIONSHIP, DINWIDDIE FALLS

The Virginia Tech Hokies won the ACC Championship last night beating the Florida State Seminoles 44-33 in Charlotte and by doing so will be heading to the Orange Bowl where the like face either Stanford or UCONN. In high school football action yesterday Dinwiddie lost a tough won to Phoebus 21-13, the Generals were leading the game lat in in the 3rd quarter 13-0. The other team from the Central Region Hermitage advanced to the Championship game beating Bayside 42-27 and will play for title next Saturday in Charlottesville against Battlefield. In college basketball action yesterday the VCU Rams beat William & Mary 59-55, today Virginia will be in Blacksburg to face Virginia Tech in the ACC opener for both teams. In the NFL today the Redskins have another tough game when they travel to New York to face the Giants and the Packers are at home against the 49ers. In high school basketball action last night the CH girls team improved to 3-0 with 64-45 win over Trinity. We did get a little snow last night but it was barely a dusting, mostly on cars and rooftops. MICKEY

You didn't get enough sleep last night

Lack of rest stimulates two faux hunger triggers: energy deficiency, to which our natural reaction is to nourish our bodies, and appetite hormone confusion. "When our bodies are drained, levels of leptin—a hormone produced by our fat cells that controls our appetite—decrease, while levels of gherlin—a hormone produced by our stomach that stimulates our appetite—increase," explains American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Karen Ansel, RD. That's two hormones working against you. "Getting eight hours of sleep a night is the easiest thing you can do to prevent overeating." If you do fall short on zzz's, be sure to load up on nourishing, naturally energizing foods—such as fresh fruit, complex carbohydrates and lean proteins—throughout the day to help your body feel satisfied.

REDS SWEPT, PACKERS LOSE IN OT

Well the Cincinnati Reds season came to an end last night when the Phillies beat the Reds 2-0 and by doing so swept the series with the Reds 3-0. The Braves blew a 2-1 lead in the top of the 9th inning and lost to the Giants 3-2, the Giants now lead the series 2-1 with game for set for tonight in Atlanta. Also yesterday the Devil Rays beat the Rangers forcing a game 5 in Tampa tomorrow night. The Green Bay Packers lost to the Washington Redskins yesterday 16-13 OT, the Packers lost allot of good players in this game which will hurt them in upcoming weeks, also after the game QB Arron Rogers was diagnosed with a concussion which could keep him out of action for a few weeks. The Redskins are now tied for 1st place at 3-2 with the Eagles & Giants with the Cowboys 1 game behind them. Tony Stewart won yesterdays race at Fontana holding off Clint Bowyer for the win, Jimmie Johnson now leads Denny Hamlin by 36 points in the Race for the Chase. My left wrist is bothering me this morning, it feels like I might have bent it backwards but I don't remember doing it but it sore. Also today is Columbus Day no I am not off like all you government workers. MICKEY

Optophobia—Fear of Opening One’s Eyes
When a baby is born, one of the first things it will do is open its eyes. That’s also one of the first things people do every morning, which makes this phobia extremely debilitating for those who are afflicted with it.

The unfortunate thing about this world is that good habits are so much easier to give up than bad ones. -Somerset Maugham

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ME MA EVELYN, GREEN BAY AT WASHINGTON

Well today is Me Ma Evelyn's 90th birthday, HAPPY BIRTHDAY ME MA EVELYN. I have posted a nice picture of her with her favorite dog Mozart taking a few months ago. Today in the NFL the Green Bay Packers will be in Washington today to face the Redskins, I have to root for the Packers in this game but I will root for the Redskins the rest of the time as long as they are not playing the Packers. It was another tough afternoon on the football field for the Virginia Cavaliers yesterday when the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets ran all over the Cavaliers 33-21, the Cavs just could not stop Georgia Tech's triple option. The New York Yankees became the first team to move on to 2nd round of the 2010 MLB playoffs sweeping the Twins, the other 3 series wlll all be in in action today with Phillies and Rangers trying to close out there series while the Braves will be looking to take a series lead over the Giants. In the NHL last night the Rangers opened up the season with a 6-3 win over the Sabres, the Rangers looked very good last night will face the Islanders next on Monday afternoon in a Columbus Day Special. I will have the updated standings from Mickey's Place College Football Contest later this morning. MICKEY

Tell yourself, “Well, at least I…” Get some things accomplished. Yes, you had a horrible day, but at least you went to the gym, or played with your kids, or walked the dog, or read a magazine.

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

PACKERS & RESDKINS WIN, BRAVES MAKE PLAYOFFS

The Green Bay Packers didn't play very well yesterday but did beat Detroit 28-26, next week the Packers will be in Washington to face the Redskins. Speaking of the Redskins the Skins picked up a big 17-12 win over the Eagles, the Skins jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead and held on for the win. The Atlanta Braves had to wait to final day of the season to clinch the NL Wildcard and by doing so will face the San Francisco Giants in the best 5 series, the other NL series has the Cincinnati Reds Facing the heavily favored Philadelphia Phillies. Greg Biffle won yesterdays race at the Kansas Speedway and Jimmie Johnson is now your new points leader leading Denny Hamlin by 8 points and Kevin Harvick by 30. Well it is raining right now here in the Heights but it is suppose to stop later this morning but it is going be a very cool day. Well I am off to work. MCG

Broccoli
Why it’s good for you: A nutrient powerhouse, broccoli is an excellent source of vitamins C, K and A, as well as folate and fiber. Research suggests that broccoli (and the rest of the cruciferous family) may help prevent some types of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and high blood pressure. Plus, broccoli contains a certain pectin fiber called calcium pectate, which may help lower blood cholesterol.

Big egos have little ears. -Robert Schuller

BRAVES TIED IN WILD CARD RACE, VIRGINIA FALLS

The Atlanta Braves lost again yesterday to the Philadelphia Phillies and now are tied with Padres for the NL Wild Card, the Braves need to win today to guarantee them a chance to win the wild card with a play in game. The Braves could win today and not have to play a play in game depending on who win the Padres vs Giants game. In college football yesterday the Virginia Cavaliers were overwhelmed by the Florida State Seminoles 34-14, the Cavs were beaten in every aspect of the game and just to seem to have come out very flat. Just looking at the early number from our football contest it looks like the Chief will be in 1st place by himself, I will have the updated standing out later this morning along with net weeks games. Today in the NFL the Packers are back at home against the Lions while the Redskins travel Philadelphia to face the Eagles. It looks like we might pick up some more rain here in the Heights the next few days, todays high is only suppose to be 65 BRRRR. MCG

Squash
Why it’s good for you: One cup of cooked winter squash is high in both vitamin A (214 percent of the recommended daily value) and vitamin C (33 percent), as well as a good source of vitamins B6 and K, potassium and folate.

“Life lets everyone live lots of stories each in it’s own time.” ~ Gail E. Haley

VIRGINIA CRUSHES MARYLAND, CUBS ELIMINATED

Where in the world has that Virginia Cavalier football team been all year? I don't know how a team could look so bad the 1st 4 weeks of the season and come out there and look so good last night. The offense and the defense just totally dominated Maryland. Maybe Keith & Andrew new what there were doing when they picked the Cavs to win in this week pick em contest, I just might take the Cavs next week myself when the East Carolina comes to town. In the MLB playoffs yesterday the Brewers stayed alive with a 4-1 victory over the Phillies and the Dodgers finished off the Cubs with a 3-1 win and completed the sweep 3-0. It has now been 100 years since the Cubs have won a World Series. In the NFL today the Redskins have another tough game when they travel up I-95 to the city brotherly love to face the Eagles and Packers will try to get back on track when Falcons come to town. The big problem for the Packers today is who is going to play QB, Rogers is a game time decision and both the backups are rookies. The Packers wouldn't be in this mess if they wouldn't have let Brett Favere go. Travis Kvapil captured his 1st career pole for todays race at Talledega, Casey Mears will start along side of him on the front row. It looks like next Sunday I will be at the Virginia Motorsports Park in Dinwiddie parking cars at the NHRA drag racing event for the CHHS Sports Backers, I think my PAIN index will start rising by midweek just thinking about parking cars on Sunday. Let's just say yesterdays fall baseball games at Prince George just didn't go to well, in two games we scored 0 runs. MICKEY

Dreams come true; without that possibility, nature would not incite us to have them.
John Updike

TODAY IS
National Storytelling Festival
Spinach Lover's Day
World Teachers Day

Sliding Furniture
This is a tip for sliding furniture across floors that you don't wish to damage. Save cardboard milk cartons and cut the top of off four of them. Then slip a milk carton bottom under each leg of the furniture.

A quite evening with friends is the best tonic for a long day.

New research from Brunel University in London reveals what many runners have known for years: Music can help you run longer. Reseacher Dr. Costas Karageorghis found that, when carefully selected according to scientific principles, music can enhance endurance by 15% and improve the "feeling states" of exercisers, helping them to derive much greater pleasure from exercise. The exercisers remained positive even when working out at a very high intensity and close to physical exhaustion.

Bil Keane Cartoonist ("Family Circus") 86
Glynis Johns Actress 85
Bill Dana Comedian 84
Diane Cilento Actress 75
Arlene Smith R&B singer (The Chantels) 67
Richard Street R&B singer (The Temptations) 66
Steve Miller Rock musician 65
Brian Johnson Rock singer (AC/DC) 61
Jeff Conaway Actor ("Taxi") 58
Karen Allen Actress 57
Clive Barker Writer, director 56
David Bryson Rock musician (Counting Crows) 54
Daniel Baldwin Actor 48
Michael Andretti Auto racer 46
Dave Dederer Rock musician 44
Mario Lemieux Hockey Hall of Famer 43
Patrick Roy Hockey Hall of Famer 43
Guy Pearce Actor 41
Josie Bissett Actress 38
Grant Hill Basketball player 36
Heather Headley R&B singer-actress 34
Parminder Nagra ("ER")Actress 33
Scott Weinger Actor 33
Kate Winslet Actress 33
James Valentine Rock musician (Maroon 5) 30
Nicky Hilton TV personality 25
Brooke Valentine R&B singer 23

REDSKINS STUN COWBOYS, PACKERS LOSE AGAIN

The Washington Redskins stunned the Dallas Cowboys in Dallas yesterday 26-24 and with the win knocked Dallas out of the ranks of the unbeaten in the NFL. It doesn't get any easier for the Redskins next week as the Skins will travel the Philadelphia to play the Eagles. The Green Bay Packers fell to Tampa Bay yesterday 30-21 and the Packer offense struggled most of the day and Aaron Rogers injured his shoulder in the 4th quarter as well. Hopefully he isn't injured to bad because the Packers have two rookies backing him up. Also yesterday former Packer Brett Favre threw 6 TD passes in the Jets win over Arizona. Jimmie Johnson won yesterday Sprint Cup race at the Kansas Speedway and with the win Johnson also leads the point standings as well, he leads Carl Edwards by 10 points and Greg Biffle by 30 points. I think the only pro or college team that I have a rooting interest in that won this weekend was the Washington Redskins. It looks like the weather is going to be pretty good this week with highs in the low 80's today and tomorrow and highs 70's the rest of the week. My PAIN index remains over 6 this morning just because I didn't have that great of a weekend. MICKEY

Winners are the ones who really listen to the truth of their hearts. ~ Sylvester Stallone

Anger - Feelings of extreme displeasure. Develop willpower to control negative emotional feelings. I NEED TO PRACTICE THIS SOMETIMES

Don't try to run faster than you have strength. Just work to be a little better and a little stronger each day.

DID YOU KNOW
It snows more in the Grand Canyon than it does in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Lizabeth Scott Actress 86
Steve Forrest Actor 84
Eddie Barth Actor 77
Anita Ekberg Actress 77
Robert Benton Director, writer 76
Jerry Lee Lewis Rock singer, musician 73
Ian McShane Actor ("Deadwood") 66
Jean-Luc Ponty Jazz violinist 66
Mike Post TV, film theme composer 64
Patricia Hodge Actress 62
Mark Farner Rock musician (Grand Funk Railroad) 60
Bryant Gumbel TV personality 60
Alvin Crow Country singer 58
Drake Hogestyn Actor ("Days of Our Lives") 55
Gwen Ifil Broadcast journalist 53
Suzzy Roche Singer (The Roches) 52
Andrew "Dice" Clay Comedian 51
Roger Bart Actor 46
Les Claypool Rock singer, musician (Primus) 45
Jill Whelan Actress ("The Love Boat") 42
Erika Eleniak Actress 39
Brad Cotter Country singer ("Nashville Star") 38
Emily Lloyd Actress 38
Natasha Gregson Wagner Actress 38
Rachel Cronin Actress ("Ed") 37
Danick Dupelle Country musician (Emerson Drive) 35
Zachary Levi ("Chuck") Actor 28
Katie McNeill Country singer (3 of Hearts) 26

VIRGINIA HITS ROCK BOTTOM, ECU & GEORGIA BOTH FALL

It sure wasn't a good day for the college football teams that I root for yesterday. First off if Virginia could get any lower I don't know how, they lost to a team that hadn't won a game in the ACC since 2004 and they loss 31-3 no less. This game was actually tied at 3-3 at halftime and UVA gave up 28 unanswered points in the 2nd half to Duke and the UVA offense may be the worst in country, I don't see them winning another game this year. They just look like a team that is playing with no heart in my opinion. I went to the East Carolina game yesterday and the Pirate defense gives up 621 yards total offense to Houston and the Pirates lose 41-24 and I have to tell you this game was totally dominated by Houston. The ECU play calling yesterday left a lot to be desired thats for sure and the Pirate faithful sure were letting the coaches no there opinion about it. The ECU offense sure didn't to the ECU defense any favors either, the defense was on the field way to much yesterday. Then I figure that Georgia will beat Alabama for sure last night and we turn the XM radio on and at the half Georgia is losing 31-0 to Alabama in Athens no less. The Bulldogs tried to make a 2nd half comeback but came up short in falling to Alabama 41-30. Then to top it all off Virginia Tech beats Nebraska 35-30 to end my day, it also was a very tough day for Clemson, Wake Forest and Florida. Today in the NFL the Green Bay Packers will be in Tampa to face the Buccaneers and the Redskins will will be in Dallas to face the undefeated Dallas Cowboys. In a high school football game of note yesterday Petersburg improved to 4-0 with a 42-7 win over Hopewell. The Nascar Sprint Cup Series will be at the Kansas Speedway this afternoon for race 3 in the chase, Denny Hamlin won yesterdays Nationwide Race. Just in case anybody wants to know my PAIN index is up this morning just because of what my college football teams did yesterday. The Mickey's Place college football pick em contest will be updated soon. MICKEY

I always like to look on the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter. Walt Disney

Dwell in thought upon the grandest, and the grandest you shall see; Fix your mind upon the highest, and the highest you shall be.

Citrus fruits are loaded with soluble fiber which lowers cholesterol, maintains healthy blood sugar levels, and helps you to manage your weight.

AN AMAZING FACT
Pain travels through the body at 350 feet per second.

William Windom Actor 85
Arnold Stang Actor 83
Koko Taylor Blues singer 80
Brigitte Bardot Actress 74
Ben E. King R&B singer 70
Joel Higgins Actor 65
Jeffrey Jones Actor ("Deadwood") 62
Helen Shapiro Singer 62
John Sayles Writer, director 58
Sylvia Kristel Actress 56
Steve Largent Football Hall of Famer 54
C.J. Chenier Zydeco singer, musician 51
Grant Fuhr Hockey Hall of Famer 46
Janeane Garofalo Actress, comedian 44
Matt King Country singer 42
Mira Sorvino Actress 41
Moon Zappa TV personality 41
Naomi Watts Actress 40
Carre Otis Actress, model 40
Chuck Crawford Country musician (Heartland) 35
Mandy Barnett Country singer 33
Se Ri Pak Golfer 31
Hilary Duff ("Lizzie McGuire") Actress-singer 21
Skye McCole Bartusiak Actress 16

BIG GAME FOR THE PACKERS TONIGHT, EAST CAROLINA FALLS

The Green Bay Packers have a big game in the spotlight tonight when the Dallas Cowboys make a visit to Lambeau Field. Both teams enter the game at 2-0 and most NFL experts think the Cowboys are the best team in the NFL, it will be big test for the Packer defense. The Washington Redskins will be at home again today against the Arizona Cardinals, the Skins need to win all there home games because of there very tough schedule. The East Carolina Pirates suffered there 1st loss of the season yesterday falling to N.C. State 30-24 in OT, the Pirates just couldn't get the big play on offense when they needed too, the Pirates will be back at home next weekend against Houston. The Tampa Bay Rays clinched there 1st playoff spot in franchise history yesterday beating the Minnesota Twins, they lead American League East by 2 1/2 games with a week to go in the season but can to no worst than a wild card. The Nascar Sprint Cup Series will be in Dover, Delaware this afternoon for race 2 of the chase, Jeff Gordon will start from the pole with Mark Martin joining him on the front row. Kyle Busch won yesterdays Nationwide race. In fall ball baseball action yesterday we won one and tied won, it was a very nice day to play baseball here in Colonial Heights. Today fellow bloggers Andrew & Keith along with Maureen are going to see the Washington Nationals play the San Diego Padres. I will be updating the Mickey's Place college football pickem contest very shortly, there will be some changes in the standings for sure, I didn't have a very good week. Also today is the last day of Summer. MICKEY

As soon as you start to feel differently about what you already have, you will start to attract more of the good things, more of the things you can be grateful for.
Joe Vitale

Living in the Present
I have realized that the past and future are real illusions, that they exist in the present, which is what there is and all there is.

Eating After Exercise
It is also important to consume carbohydrate, such as fruit or juice) within 15 minutes post-exercise to help restore glycogen.

Research has shown that eating 100-200 grams of carbohydrate within two hours of endurance exercise is essential to building adequate glycogen stores for continued training. Waiting longer than two hours to eat results in 50 percent less glycogen stored in the muscle. The reason for this is that carbohydrate consumption stimulates insulin production, which aids the production of muscle glycogen. However, the effect of carbohydrate on glycogen storage reaches a plateau.

Karl Slover Actor ("The Wizard of Oz") 90
Larry Hagman Actor ("I Dream of Jeannie," "Dallas") 77
Henry Gibson Actor, comedian 73
Fannie Flagg Author, comedian 64
Jerry Bruckheimer Producer ("CSI") 61
Don Felder Rock musician (The Eagles) 61
Stephen King Author 61
Bill Murray Actor 58
Dave Coulier Actor, comedian ("Full House") 49
David James Elliott Actor ("JAG") 48
Nancy Travis Actress 47
Rob Morrow Actor ("Numb3rs," "Northern Exposure") 46
Cheryl Hines Actress ("Curb Your Enthusiasm") 43
Mike Richter Hockey player 42
Tyler Stewart Rock musician (Barenaked Ladies) 41
Faith Hill Country singer 41
Ricki Lake Actress, talk show host 40
Ronna Reeves Country singer 40
James Lesure Actor 37
Alfonso Ribeiro Actor 37
Luke Wilson Actor 37
Virginia Ruano Pascual Tennis player 35
Paulo Costanzo Actor ("Joey") 30
Brian Westbrook Football player 29
Nicole Richie TV personality ("The Simple Life") 27
Maggie Grace Actress ("Lost") 25
Joseph Mazzello Actor 25
Lorenzo Brino Actor ("7th Heaven") 10
Nikolas Brino Actor ("7th Heaven") 10

PACKERS & REDSKINS WIN, BIFFLE TAKES 1ST RACE IN THE CHASE

The Green Bay Packers are now 2-0 after yesterdays 48-25 win over the Detroit Lions and believe it or not the Packers were lucky to win this game. The Packers actually trailed the Lions 25-24 with 5:18 left in the game before the Packers scored 24 unanswered to end the game. The Washington Redskins picked up there 1st win of the season yesterday beating the New Orleans Saints 29-24, the Skins dominated the Saints in th 1st half offensively but had to settle for three 3 field goals an actually trailed at the half 10-9 before pilling out a victory in the 2nd half. Greg Biffle ended his 33 race winless streak at the right time and won the 1st race in the chase yesterday at New Hampshire and with the win he is now 3rd in the point standings 30 points behind leaders Carl Edwards and Jimmie Johnson. Kyle Busch the points leader going into yesterdays race had all kinds of trouble yesterday and now is 8th in the standings. Here in Colonial Heights yesterday Sheetz was out of gas all day, I saw in the paper that there are gas stations all across the state that are out of gas and gas has gone up about .40 a gallon since Hurricane Ike hit Texas on Saturday morning. My PAIN index is way done this morning after a good nights sleep. MICKEY

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend. Albert Camus

WHAT IS TODAY
Anniversary of premiere of The Lone Ranger (1949)
Big Whopper Liar Day
America's Day for Kids
International Sing-Out Day
International Eat and Apple Day
Wife Appreciation Day

SOMETHING TO PONDER
Do toilet seats really protect us from anything?

Uses for Old Jeans
When jeans are past their prime and not suitable for wearing, you can recycle the fabric to use in craft projects. Denim is durable and great for making quilt blocks, purses, patches or sleeves to hold tools.

Don't banish anything.
If you have a favorite food that is high in fat or calories, don't deprive yourself. Keep a modest amount of that food in your meal plan.

Jackie Cooper Actor 86
Forrest Compton Actor 83
Norm Crosby Comedian 81
Henry Darrow Actor 75
Gaylord Perry Baseball Hall of Famer 70
Merlin Olsen Football Hall of Famer, actor 68
Jessye Norman Opera singer 63
Tommy Lee Actor 62
Oliver Stone Director 62
Dan Marino Football Hall of Famer 47
Danny Nucci Actor 40
Josh Charles ("Sports Night," "In Treatment")Actor 37
Amy Davidson Actress 29
Mike Dunleavy Basketball player 28
Prince Harry Youngest son of Britain's Prince Charles and Princess Diana 24

FAVRE LESS PACKERS OPEN SEASON TONIGHT

Well the Brett Favre less Green Bay Packers open there season at home tonight against the Minnesota Vikings. I hope that the Packers play as well as Favre played for the Jets leading them to a 20-14 win over the Dolphins and throwing 2 TD passes, if the Packers don't play well this year I think it could end very badly for the GM and coach who had the power struggle with Favre. The ECU Pirates are now #14 in one poll and #20 in another, they will travel to play Tulane this weekend weather permitting, however it does look like Hurricane Ike will miss New Orleans. Jimmie Johnson won yesterdays Sprint Cup race holding off Tony Stewart for the win and the nightcap Carl Edwards won the Nationwide race. I sounds to me that fellow blogger Al had a very long day over at RIR having to be over there at 7am and then having to take photos of two races which didn't end to around 9pm. Also Keith is out of town again at tank school, that just sounds dangerous. I wonder if Les has dried out yet from directing traffic in the rain Friday night on the BLVD. MICKEY

Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future - Paul Boese

TODAY IS
Bald is Beautiful Day
National Literacy Day
Potoato Day
Prairie Day

You do not have to run to get your cardio workout in. You can replace it with cycling or swimming or even dancing.

Beware Coupons and Buy-One-Get-One-Half-Price
Retailers often put stipulations on coupons, such as requiring you to buy a certain amount before they take a discount (e.g. $10 off $50 or more). It sounds like a deal, but that example only amounts to a measly 20% discount. Select shoppers know they only save about 25% when they buy-one-get-one-half-price (ex: you pay $50 for one item, $25 for the next: Total of $75 on what would have been $100 purchase, thereby only saving 25%).

Sid Caesar Comedian ("Your Show of Shows") 86
Sam Nunn Former U.S. senator, D-Ga. 70
Willie Tyler Ventriloquist ("Laugh-In") 68
Alan Feinstein Actor 67
Sal Valentino Singer (The Beau Brummels) 66
Zachary Richard Singer 58
Will Lee Rock musician ("Late Show with David Letterman") 56
Heather Thomas Actress 51
Aimee Mann Singer 48
Thomas Kretschmann Actor 46
Marc Gordon R&B singer (Levert) 44
Darlene Zschech Gospel singer 43
Neko Case Singer 38
Latrell Sprewell Basketball player 38
Martin Freeman Actor ("The Office") 37
David Arquette Actor 37
Henry Thomas Actor 37
Amani Toomer Football player 34
Larenz Tate Actor 33
Nathan Corddry Actor 31
Jonathan Taylor Thomas Actor ("Home Improvement") 27