Today's Front Page

Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld visited Roanoke Thursday night, sharing his thoughts on the current state of Iraq and Afghanistan at the Jefferson Center.  He was invited to appear by the Roanoke City Republican Committee.   Rumsfeld served as Secretary of Defense under Presidents Gerald Ford and George W. Bush.

Donald Trump is endorsing Mitt Romney for President

OSHA is investigating Highland Park Elementary School for potential unsafe working conditions involving lead based paint.   The paint is located in the drop ceiling over classrooms at Highland Park.  The school is undergoing "industrial-style" cleaning that should be done by the end of the week.  RCS has hired an environmental firm to monitor the air quality and take surface samples in the meantime.   The heating/air conditioning project has been put on hold until the end of the school year.

Carilion Clinic will add third helicopter to its Lifeguard fleet in April.

Advance Auto to add 75 jobs with expansion.

Groundhog Day has come and gone.  6 more weeks of winter.  Yuck!!

Loved this from Sean Sublette, ABC 13, WSET, Chief Meteorologist.

HOOPS:  No. 5 Duke 75, Va. Tech 60.    Liberty 63, Gardner-Webb 58.  Old Dominion 80, JMU 71.   UNC-Asheville 89, VMI 86.

Lookin' Back

This is February 3rd is the 34th day of the year. There are 332 days remaining in 2012.  There are 46 Days left until Spring.  Today is National Carrot Cake Day and the Chinese New Year.

-- 1690, the first paper money was issued

-- 1837, the flush toilet was invented. **Had it not been for the flush toilet, where would you drop your smartphones?

-- 1870, the 15th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified giving all persons, regardless of race or color, the right to vote

-- 1913, the 10th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified giving Congress the power to tax income

-- 1959, was the day the music died.  Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and J.P. "Big Bopper" Richardson died in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa.

Cuttin' Cake Today

Nathan Lane 56,  Morgan Fairchild 62,  Dave Davies from The Kinks 65,  Bob Griese 67,  Blythe Danner 69,  Fran Tarkenton 72

Fun Fact

Only 1% of women want a treadmill for Valentine's.   8% lingerie. 

Joke of the Day

What’s a fish’s favorite game show?    Ans – Name that tuna

Entertainment Buzz

American Idol visit to St. Louis last night...highlights included - Michelle Lamb who's story involved her "ex" who had told her she couldn't sing.  Reis Kleockener who was bullied in high school.    Ethan Jones - who was in a band with his dad who entered rehab and - Simon Cowell would have loved this one - wedding singer Lauren Gray.

Here's something you don't see the first lady do every day... Michelle Obama - on The Ellen DeGeneres Show yesterday promoting her physical fitness initiative  - was challenged by Ellen to a pushup competition.    The first lady won with 25..

Madonna was on the Anderson Cooper Show yesterday morning.  She talked about being nervous performing at the Super Bowl.

Has the "war of words" started between American Idol and The Voice?   Randy Jackson said The Voice is a 'second-chance place'. "People that don't get in someplace else go to The Voice".    'Voice' judge Adam Levine says "shame on you" Randy.

It's reported that Beyonce and Mariah Carrey are the front runners to replace Nicole and Paula as judges on X-Factor.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band are confirmed to perform at the Grammy Awards show in Los Angeles.  He'll be joined with performances by Adele, Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, Paul McCartney, Jason Aldean, Katy Perry and others.

ABC wants Eagles QB Vince Young for Dancing With the Stars.

Danny Bonaduce, Barry Williams, Howard Hesseman and Sherilyn Fenn are to star in the TV movie "Bigfoot."

NEW MOVIES: Big Miracle; Chronicle; The Woman in Black

PRIMETIME TONIGHT

 CBS: A Gifted Man (NEW), CSI: NY (NEW), Blue Bloods (NEW)

NBC: Who Do You Think You Are? (Season Premiere/Martin Sheen traces his family roots), Grimm (NEW), Dateline (NEW)

ABC: Shark Tank (NEW), Primetime: What Would You Do? (NEW), 20/20

FOX: Kitchen Nightmares (NEW), Fringe (NEW)

CW: Nikita (NEW), Supernatural (NEW)

Super Bowl XLVI .. Sunday on NBC (New York Giants vs. New England Patriots from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.   Kelly Clarkson sings the National Anthem; Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert sing “America the Beautiful”;    Madonna performs at halftime) 6 pm Eastern.  **Note: The Giants won this game 4 years ago.

News from Nashville

Ellen DeGeneres today: Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton

Carrie Underwood will release a new album on May 1, although the title has not yet been revealed.  The first single - Good Girl - hits radio Feb 23.    Don't miss CMT Crossroads: Steven Tyler & Carrie Underwood From the Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam airing live Saturday (Feb. 4) at 11 p.m. on CMT.

Tim McGraw would like to thank the fans. They are the ones, he believes, who made his latest album Emotional Traffic debut at No. 1 on Billboard's country chart.

Rascal Flatts will travel across the U.S. with three more country groups this summer as they launch the American Band tour.   Little Big Town, the Eli Young Band and Edens Edge will open the series of shows, which begin June 15 in Hartford, Conn.   Rascal Flatts new CD "Changed" drops April 3.

Surprise, surprise, surprise.   Eric Church found out that his album, Chief, had been nominated for a Grammy for best country album on his iPhone.

Blake Shelton promises he'll perform with 'The Voice' star Dia Frampton on tour.    Keep your fingers crossed for the Roanoke concert on Feb 18.   Justin Moore is also on tour with them.  Lots of Blake to see this weekend.   He and Miranda will perform a duet of "America The Beautiful" then after the game,  Blake, Adam, Christina, and Cee Lo are BACK for Season 2 of 'The Voice' on NBC.

Lar's This & That

Wear Your Red

It's National Wear Red Day, to raise awareness for Go Red For Women, a national movement about women and cardiovascular disease.

Your Facebook Time Is Ticking

The average visit time on Facebook is 20 minutes.   If you have some Facebookers around the workplace,  they're checking the News Feed or posting a status update a couple of times  a day...which adds up to some serious lost productivity.  Oops, busted.

Super Numbers

The Giants brought a Christmas tree with them to Indianapolis. It's to remind them that they’ve been undefeated since Christmas Eve.

The Wilson Sporting Goods company says contrary to popular belief, footballs do not come from pigs, but rather free-range cattle. One cow yields 10 footballs. Wilson produces more than 700,000 footballs a year.

It takes Tiffany & Co. over four months to make one Lombardi trophy

Sales of La-Z-Boy recliners triple during the week leading up to the Super Bowl.

The Super Bowl will be broadcast in more than 230 countries with an estimated worldwide audience of 1 billion people.

Love Is A Wonderful Thing

Here'sa new survey from Sears that found out what women most want on Valentine's Day.

#1.)  Jewelry, 29%.

#2.)  Flowers and chocolate, 20%.

#3.)  Perfume, 9%.

#4.)  TIE:  A technology product, 8% . . . and LINGERIE, 8%.

#6.)  Kitchen or home item, 6%.

#7.)  TIE:  Shoes, handbag, or other accessory, 5% . . . and a clothing item, 5%.

#9.)  Fitness or exercise item, 1%.

May I add one that ALWAYS works?  Couple Time (Priceless... awwwwwe!)

Smartphone vs Super Bowl Sunday

Nearly half of Super Bowl 46 viewers will check their mobile device as many as 10 times during the game Sunday, and almost a third of viewers under age 45 will watch the game "with device in hand."   **Warning, careful near the dip.

What Makes A Happy Couple

A company called Headwater Holidays did a study to find the secret to a happy marriage.  According to them, here's what happy couples do:

They go on two vacations a year.  Happy couples also go on two more "short breaks," like a long weekend away.

They say "I love you" four and a half times a week.  And share a "lingering kiss" six times a week.

They play the piano twice a week . . . and cuddle five and a half times.

They go out to dinner three times a month . . . and go out for drinks together just as often.  They go out with friends WITHOUT their spouse twice a month.

They have two deep, meaningful conversations, and one healthy argument each week.  And they also surprise each other with a romantic gesture three times a month.

Would You Share A Photo of How You Look First Thing in the Morning

A women's website called XO Jane started a new trend online where women post photos of themselves FIRST THING IN THE MORNING.  No makeup.  Hair is a mess.  And of course, no Photoshopping or airbrushing.

XO Jane says they wanted to do it as a celebration of "the way people look . . . the natural look.  [Not] something you used a lot of time and products to achieve." 

Being A Momma's Boy Is Good

Interesting:  If a kid has a supportive mom, the kid has a bigger brain! Scientists conducted an experiment placing moms and their small children in a room with a gift wrapped box. The kids couldn't open the box for 5-minutes. Some moms were supportive - helping their children through the long 5-minute wait, others just ignored their kids. After scanning the kid's brains and then waiting four years, researchers discovered the hippocampus was 9.2% SMALLER in those who go the least support from their moms! Holy cow! Conclusion: A mother's love physically affects the volume of her child's hippcampus.   Source

The Trust Train Stops Here

A new survey by Scrubbing Bubbles found that 38% of women say they won't let their boyfriend or husband clean the house . . . because they can't be trusted to do a good enough job.

The survey also found 58% of women believe it's their "job" to clean.  75% of men said they do try to clean the house, mainly to make their partner happy.  **Note: I’d do toilets anyday over scrubbing shower stalls.

Your Partner Has A Secret

According to a new survey, 27.25% of people say they don't know how much their partner earns.

And the remaining three-quarters who DO say they know their partners' income . . . well, they might ACTUALLY be in the dark, too.  Because the survey also found a decent number of people keep SECRET BANK ACCOUNTS.

8% of women and 4% of men say they have a secret account their significant other doesn't know about.

The survey also found that women are more likely to buy something, then lie about how much something cost . . . 43% of women do that, versus 17% of men.

Weird, But True News

Back on January 20th, 49-year-old Evelyn Marie Fuller of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania robbed a bank.  She said she had a gun, the teller gave her some cash, and she got away.

The bank employees described her to police as a woman who appeared NOT TO HAVE TEETH.

On Tuesday, the police spotted her, noticed her lack of teeth . . . and linked her to the robbery.   She eventually admitted to robbing the bank because she wanted money for . . . DENTURES.  Which, ya know, DOES make sense.

The woman now faces two counts of robbery, one count of theft, and one count of making terroristic threats.  No word on where things stand on the teeth.

Staying Healthy Today 

The Super Bowl is about to put you at risk for a BLADDER INFECTION.    According to Dr. Jeff Kalina of Methodist Hospital in Houston,  we're at more risk of getting bladder infections during the Super Bowl than any other sporting event.  And it's all because of the SUPER BOWL COMMERCIALS.

"During most sporting events, people will get up and use the restroom during the commercials and not have any problem.   However, most of the time, the commercials are the best part of the Super Bowl" . . . so people refuse to miss them.    By holding it in too long, you put yourself at a higher risk of a bladder infection.  Two words for Sunday - PACE YOURSELF!

Good News Story 

Last Friday, an elderly woman in Glendale, Arizona named Bethe Bennett fell on her tile floor and broke her leg.   She was in excruciating pain, couldn't move, and knew no visitors were coming until Tuesday.   But Bethe has a miniature schnauzer named Danny who's a trained service dog . . . and he WAS there.  And Danny put his training to work.

Bethe asked him to get her phone.  And amazingly, he knew what that was . . . and how to get it to her.  He saw it on a table, jumped up, knocked it to the ground, and pushed it over to her with his nose.

She called the paramedics, they took her to the hospital for surgery, and now she's recovering.  And Danny hangs out on her hospital bed.

  Lar’s Thought of the Day

When words are both true and kind, they can change our world. 

Our fund raising cruise last September to Bermuda was one for the history books.  Royal Caribbean made our 5th station cruise the ABSOLUTE BEST aboard Enchantment of the Seas.   

The BEST part of it all was the fact that this was a fundraiser for Family Alliance.    Last October, I had a chance to meet the fabulous folks at Presbyterian Homes and Family Services and Family Alliance  during their  monthly meeting.

I presented Mayor Joan Foster and Tom Rush with PHFS and FA fundrasing, a check for $1320 to help with their Thanksgiving dinner program to put food on tables of needy families.  Hopefully, we can help them out even more this year.

We're planning now for our 6th cruise on Enchantment of the Seas.  The sea is calling!  If you want to see what's waiting on our Royal Caribbean ship - headed to Canada and New England - Sept 6 - 14 - scroll down the page and enjoy.

Great pictures below and interviews with the Captain, Sr. Chef, and Cruise Dir. on my podcast.

Once we boarded the Enchantment of the Seas, it was off to the Sailaway Party... nothing like the "Cupid Shuffle" to get you moving on the Pool Deck.

Onboard the Enchantment of the Seas, the gorgeous 6 story Centrum atrium welcomes you to the ship.  Plus, it has lots of shops. 

Everywhere you look, there are fun things to do and see.   This is what you see - in the floor - walking into the casino.  Cool.   Would that be floor art?

Yep, there's plenty to do on the ship.  Last year, I caught this dance class one morning in the Centrum. 

There was always quite the crowd in the My Fair Lady dining room.  There are two dinner seatings.   The main dining room holds 1365 guests.  There's also the Windjammer Marketplace (their huge buffet), Royal Caribbean's specialty restaurant Chops Steakhouse and The Solarium Grill (great pizza and burgers there).   Let's not leave out the Latte-tudes Coffee bar and Ben and Jerry's. 

And this is Enchantment of the Seas docked in King's Wharf Bermuda. 

Let me add, Enchantment of the Seas is gorgeous at night. Truly, a floating hotel with everything you need for a memorable vacation. 

One of the best places to REALLY relax on Enchantment of the Seas is the Solarium.  We were there every morning at 7a.  It was so nice because its a covered area for adults - away from the kids - who are having fun in their area and at the main pool.  Back in September,  we met our new friend - Eddie from Connecticut  - who grew up in Richmond.  The folks you meet on a cruise.  Wow!   It is a small world.

Think about how much fun we'll have on an 8 night cruise to New England and Canada.   Ports-of-call include: Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine, St. John, New Brunswick and Halifax, Nova Scotia. 

I promise you, Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas will make it an unforgetable week, while you're enjoying your vacation and helping Presbyterian Homes and Family Services and the Family Alliance. 

Plus, I know you'll catch an incredble sunrise and sunset or two to always remember.    The sea IS calling.  Captain Larry

Today's Front Page

Shadow or No Shadow?  Punxatawney Phil see's many SHADOWS.  Sorry, no   EARLY SPRING.   6 more weeks of  WINTER.  Enjoy!

Defense Secretary, Leon Panetta says U.S. combat in Afghanistan to end in 2013.  BTW: Donald Rumsfeld will speak at the Jefferson Center this evening.

The U.S. debt is now 15,356,140,000,000

A portion of an old Civil War hospital collapsed in Lynchburg yesterday.  The vacant building on Dunbar Street is now set to be demolished.

Roanoke Valley home sales on the rise.

Hoops: N. C. State 56, Boston College 51.  Miami 90, Maryland 86 in 2OT.

Lookin' Back

Today is the 33rd day of the year.  There are 333 days remaining in 2012.   There are 47 Days left until Spring.    Today is Groundhog Day and National Girls and Women In Sports Day

1653 New Amsterdam, now known as New York City, is incorporated.

1876, Baseball's National League was formed

1887 The first trek to Gobbler’s Knob for Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, takes place.

1964 G.I. Joe debuts.

Cuttin' Cake Today

Pebbles Flintstone 49 (Bam Bam)    Tom Smothers (Comedian)-75    Graham Nash-70    Christie Brinkley-58    Shakira-35

Fun Fact

88% of people will serve bottled water at their Super Bowl party. **Wonder how many folks will dump Gatorade on their guests? 

Joke of the Day

What do you call a crate of ducks?     A box of quackers!

Entertainment Buzz

OBITS: Don Cornelius, creator of the TV dance show "Soul Train," fatally shot himself in his Sherman Oaks, Calif., home. Also, singer Leslie Carter, the 25-year-old sister of recording artists Nick and Aaron Carter, has died in upstate New York.  The cause of her death is unknown.

Tim Tebow was on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon last night... he talked about the 'Tebowing' craze, his team and the Tim Tebow Foundation.

TMZ is reporting former "Home Improvement" co-star Taran Noah Smith was arrested in Los Angeles for alleged driving under the influence and possession of marijuana.  He played the youngest Taylor, Mark, on the show. The 27 year old gave up acting in 2005.  He's out onf $10,000 bail.  He has a court date of March 1.

American Idol auditions headed to Portland, Oregon last night.  Some standouts: Jermain Jones...he's 6'8" and from a family of church singers. He did a great job on Superstar by Luther Vandross.  Britnee Kellogg did Linda Ronstadt's "You're No Good"...but she really was good.  Brit shared the story that her former husband tried to hold her back. He was in basketball - living his dream and other women - NOW she's a mom of two doing what she wants to do.  If you're looking for the 'touching story of the night', Jessica Phillips may have it.  She sang "Again"...her boyfriend had a stroke and suffered amnesia.

Tom Cruise will present at the Oscars

(Photo: People.com) 

People Magazine is reporting Will and Kate have a new royal addition...its a Cocker Spaniel Puppy. 

It looks like actress Scarlett Johansson has moved on from her ex husband Ryan Reynolds and ex boyfriend Sean Penn.  This week, she was spotted arm in arm with a mystery man in New York. It seems the mystery is over.  According to reports the mystery man is New York City advertising executive Nate Naylor!  They've reportedly been dating five months now.

Live with Kelly!  Still looking for a co-host! At this point, Seth Meyers, Dana Carvey, and Jerry O’Connell are among those who received call backs. 

American Idol on Fox (Hopeful vocalists in St. Louis audition for the judges; the world premiere of Madonna's new music video)

Primetime Tonight

CBS: The Big Bang Theory (NEW), Rob (NEW), Person of Interest (NEW), The Mentalist (NEW)

ABC: Wipeout (NEW), Grey's Anatomy (NEW), Private Practice (NEW)

NBC: 30 Rock (NEW), Parks and Rec (NEW), The Office (NEW), Up All Night (NEW), The Firm (NEW)

FOX: American Idol (NEW), THe Finder (NEW)

CW: The Vampire Diaries (NEW), The Secret Circle (NEW)

News from Nashville

Sugarland, Lady Antebellum and Trace Adkins are among the artists joining Keith Urban on the soundtrack for Act of Valor, an action film about an elite team of Navy SEALs and a mission to rescue a kidnapped CIA operative.

Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert and Country Strong star Gwyneth Paltrow will be presenters at the Grammy Awards later this month.

Keith Urban is going to be taping the Australian version of The Voice, and he'll be back and forth between Sydney and America over the next few months.

Taylor Swift may be out of the Les Mis the movie, but she's making headlines again.  Taylor has donated 14,000 Scholastic books to the Nashville Public Library.  Each book will have a donation plate on the inside cover that will read: "A Gift to the Children of Nashville from Taylor Swift and Scholastic Inc."

Darius Rucker plans to start recording his next album next week.

Grammy Promo's for CBS area Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat!  Check out Taylor Swift and L.L. Cool J.

There are some new titles at the top of the Billboard Country Albums chart this week.  Tim McGraw's Emotional Traffic is #1 with more than 67,000 copies sold, and Kellie Pickler's third album, 100 Proof, debuts in second place on the chart.

Lookin who's on the cover of The Rolling Stone?   Blake Shelton and his little friends from NBC's "The Voice".

Before he worked the bar and country club circuit, Luke Bryan worked the grocery store circuit.   When he was 15 he got a job as a cashier at K-Mart.

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are headed Down Under for an Australian tour together. Though they still have seven dates scheduled for their Aussie audience, they have reportedly canceled their concert in Perth.  The couple’s promoters are crediting the cancelation to “travel and logistical issues related to their performance.

BTW: If you loved Blake Shelton's version of Footloose, it'll be out on DVD on March 6.

Lar's This & That

Phils Forecasting

According to groundhog.org, for 125 years Phil “comes out of his hole after a long winter sleep to look for his shadow. If he sees it, he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his hole. If the day is cloudy and, hence, shadowless, he takes it as a sign of spring and stays above ground.”   Perhaps it’s an inexact science.

According to LiveScience, Groundhog Day originated “in the Old World with an ancient celebration of the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring Equinox.” As of 2011, biology professor Stam Zervanos told the news organization that Punxsutawney Phil had about a 39 percent accuracy of predicting the weather.

The Telegraph writes that crowds of up to 40,000 people turn out to watch the groundhog — the number increased following the Bill Murray film “Groundhog Day.”

Facebook is so 2011

Teenagers are now starting to migrate from Facebook to Twitter. Reason? Because we followed them to Facebook and now they want some privacy. Last July, 16% of teens report using Twitter, that's up from 8% the year before. "I love Twitter, it's the only thing I have to myself...cause my parents don't have one," reported one 17-year old.   Source   

Why Can't We Be Friends

There's a new browser add-on, called Unfriend Finder, that instantly alerts Facebook users when someone on their friends list 'unfriends' them. It also alerts users when someone rejects or ignores a friend request. Unfriend Finder is free and has been downloaded 44 million times. Users see a red counter in their menu bar which comes up '-1' the second someone unfriends them. The script works in browsers such as Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer. **It looks like the truth is going to hurt.

Super Numbers

$118.80: What the average American iwll spend hosting a Super Bowl party on Sunday. Interesting that though both teams are from the Northeast, fans in the South will spend the most on parties -- an average of $128.    source  

91% of single women say being taken to the Super Bowl in Indianapolis would be a dream date.  **I don't think throwing a Super Bowl party at home in front of your TV is the same thing for your first date.  Sorry.

The Price of FREE

How far would you go for a month without having to pay bills? A survey discovered a quarter of us would turn off their TV for an entire month, and one in five women would give up sex for 6 months. (the sex thing -- we've seen that before. But no TV for month in return for no bills, and 75% of us can't do it? Wow!)

read 

Breakup Myths and Facts

A survey discovered some pretty interesting things about the way women deal with break-ups, and it has nothing to do with diving into a carton of Haagen Daz. Here are 5 breakup myths and facts:

Comfort Food

It's not ice cream, but wine women turn to for post-dumping indulgence. Chocolate came in second, with healthy food, salty food and ice cream following behind.

Speaking of food...

Only 7% surveyed admitted to gaining weight after a breakup. Rather, 35% say they were motivated to hit the gym and start a new diet.

Let's Still Be Friends

55% say it typically takes months to get over him, so going from lovers to friends soon after the breakup is NOT a good idea.

more

Should You Be the Funny Guy At Work?

It looks like having a sense of humor at work could help you climb the corporate ladder. 79% of CFO's, in a recent survey, said an employee's sense of humor is important to fitting into the company's corporate culture.

"How important is an employee's sense of humor in him or her fitting into your company's corporate culture?" Their responses:

Very important 22%

Somewhat important 57%

Not at all important 20%

Don't know/no answer 1%

Of course, there's a difference from being Ms. Funny and Ms. Crazy Clown Everyone Thinks Is Unstable -- don't cross that line (translation: don't try so hard; just be you.).

story

Best Paying Cities for Women

This Forbes list was compiled from the 2010 American Community Survey using the average earnings for full-time, year-round female workers in the largest metro areas.

#1 San Jose, CA (average: $67,052)

#2 San Francisco, CA (average $65,526)

#3 Washington, DC ($64,779)

#4 Bridgeport, CT ($63,553)

#5 Boston, MA ($58,689)

#6 New York, NY ($57,627)

#7 Hartford, CT ($55,777)

#8 Oxnard/Thousand Oaks/Ventura, CA ($54,800)

#9 Baltimore, MD ($54,370)

#10 Seattle, WA ($53,039)

See the rest here

Weird, But True News

Washington State authorities said Dalton Pierson, 21, left a friend's apartment early Sunday after consuming alcohol.  When he returned, he walked into the wrong apartment.  John Jaeger - who lives at the apartment with his mom - heard his mother cry out as he was calling 911.

80 year old - Evelyn Whitney - was awakened by Pierson climbing into bed with her.  Deputies said they arrived and awoke Pierson to find he was "visibly intoxicated" and didn't realize he was in the wrong apartment. 

Deputies said Whitney's apartment is nearly identical in layout to that of Pierson's friend and the door had been left unlocked.

Whitney said Pierson's supervising officer "made him sit down and listen while she scolded him.  After that, she felt much better."  No charges were filed.  **That's one lucky sailor.

Staying Healthy Today 

Hands and lips are likely to become dry and chapped in winter weather, but a U.S. expert suggests there are ways to avoid uncomfortable, dry skin.  According to dermatologist - Dr. Kent Aftergut - from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas,  there are two main reasons hands get particularly dry in the winter.

The cold weather means drier air and lower humidity, which dries skin.  Plus, it's cold and flu season, so we tend to wash their hands more often and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers....which may be going overboard.  The good doctor says we can protect our skin by using a gentle soap and using hand lotion regularly.

If you want to avoid dry skin, use hand lotion at the beginning of winter before dryness appears.  Protect lips by using lip balm, especially when going outdoors. If redness develops, or there is itching, cracking or blisters on your skin, see a dermatologist.

Good News Story 

Donating blood is regarded as a noble and highly respected way to help another with the gift of life -- especially if you can win Super Bowl tickets in the process.  50 year old - Carol Sikler -  won two tickets to Sunday's big game in Indianapolis after Indiana Blood Center officials said she donated blood or blood products a minimum of four times in a three-month period to qualify for their giveaway contest.  But wait, it gets better.

Since 2003, Carol has donated 143 unites of either whole blood or platelets. She says she's spent several hours each month making blood donations in an effort to slowly replace the units of blood that were made available to her husband, Chuck, during several hospital visits before his death in 2003. Sikler says this is her way of doing something for someone that can't ever thank her or pay her back personally. It's giving without expectation.  Now that's a special person with a lot of heart.

 Ms. Sikler, she's not used to winning things, but is excited about the game -- despite being an Indianapolis Colts fan.   It's unclear which team she will be rooting for.

 Lar’s Thought of the Day

"Ability will never catch up for the demand for it."    -- Malcolm S. Forbes

Today's Front Page

Got spring fever?  Another day of low to mid 60 degree temps returns with possible record highs. Back to the low 50s by Friday, bringing with it a chance of scattered showers for the weekend.

RECORDS TO BEAT

Roanoke 74 (1989)

Lynchburg 74 (2002)

Blacksburg 73 (2002)

What's to come for this year's Festival in the Park?   It's not 1964 The Beatles Tribute Band.  The group that got away is in the Entertainment Buzz today.   Scroll down.

Romney sweeps Florida primary win, just 10 days after loosing in South Carolina.

Equipment failure is blamed for the two-and-a-half hour outage Tuesday morning for Ntelos Wireless customers in the Waynesboro-based provider's Western Virginia service area. The affected ranged from Charlottesville and Lynchburg to the Shenandoah Valley and west to Covington, from the Roanoke and New River valleys to the area of Wythe County.

Lookin' Back

The word "February" comes from the Latin word februare, meaning "to purify." The ancient Romans had their annual purification ceremony during this time each year.

Happy February! This month we celebrate Hearts, Black History, Children's Dental Health, Cherries, Pet Owners, Grapefruits, and Returned Shopping Carts to the Supermarket.

1887: Harvey Wilcox of Kansas started selling off 120 acres he owned in Southern California as a real estate development. His wife, Daeida, named it Hollywood.

1920: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Mounties, were created.

1949: RCA Victor introduced the 45, a smaller record with a larger hole than the long-play 33-and-a-third disc introduced earlier by Columbia Records.

Cuttin' Cake Today

actress Sherilyn Fenn 46,  comedian Pauly Shore 44,  Princess Stephanie of Monaco 47,   Lisa Marie Presley 44

Fun Fact

According to early American folklore, you must not carry furniture into the house before the salt and pepper are on the shelf

Joke of the Day

"I thought I told you to keep an eye on your cousin," the Mother said. "Where is he?"

"Well," her son replied thoughtfully, "if he knows as much about canoeing as he thinks he does, he's out canoeing.

But mom replies back to her son, “If he knows as little as I think he does, he's out swimming."

Entertainment Buzz

We had her, then she got away.  It was first announced yesterday that Grace Potter and the Nocturnals would play Festival in the Park, but then that changed.  So they're still looking for a crossover artist.  Festival in the Park says Gin Blossoms will perform May 25 (a Friday) and country music star Craig Morgan for May 27 (a Sunday).  Stay tuned for more.

Paula Abdul confirmed Tuesday she has been fired from the American version of the British talent competition series "The X Factor."  TMZ claims Paula Abdul was fired by an X Factor lawyer and not Simon Cowell.

Sofia Vergara, one of the stars of  "Modern Family," topped AskMen's 11th annual Most Desirable Woman poll.   Coming in at No. 2 on the Most Desirable list is Kate Upton, followed by Rooney Mara at No. 3, Miranda Kerr at No. 4, Nicki Minaj at No. 5.

According to reports Lindsay Lohan’s recent run in with a trespasser at her Venice Beach, California home has convinced to move.  A moving van showed up at Lindsay’s house yesterday. According to TMZ all her stuff is being moved into a storage facility until she figures out where she is going to move to!  And sources close to Lindsay have said that she’s interested in moving to New York, but can’t until her probation is finished at the end of March.

It was Michael Jackson night on 'Glee' and Rachel said 'yes' to Finn.

American Idol on Fox (Hopefuls in Portland, Ore., perform for the judges)

Primetime Tonight

CBS: Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials, Criminal Minds, CSI

ABC: Everything is repeats starting with The Middle at 8pm

NBC: Whitney (NEW SG: John Cleese), Are You There, Chelsea (NEW), Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order: SVU FOX: American Idol (Portland auditions)

CW: One Tree Hill (NEW), Remodeled (NEW)

TV Land: Hot In Cleveland (10p with SG: Susan Lucci as herself)

News from Nashville

It appears Taylor Swift is no longer in the cast of Les Miserables the movie.  According to BroadwayWorld.com, Samantha Barks will reclaim the the role of Eponine that she performed at the 25th anniversary concert for the film.

Sorry, for getting you all excited...but Carrie Underwood will not be doing her new song "Good Girl" when she appears on the episode of ‘Crossroads,’ with Steven Tyler this Saturday night.  It'll air at 111p on CMT.  The single is set to hit radio Feb 23.

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert have been confirmed to sing a duet version of "America the Beautiful" prior to Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday.  Their newest BFF - Kelly Clarkson - will sing the National Anthem.  Congrats to Blake Shelton, his song "God Gave Me You" has sold over a million copies. 

Recently, The Band Perry performed for President Obama with the Naval Academy glee club. After the performance, a midshipman asked lead singer Kimberly to a formal in Annapolis. She said yes if her schedule permits!

On The View today...Kellie Pickler. Catch it at 11A on ABC 13, WSET.

Dierks Bentley will be hitting the road for a 20 city tour with his "Country and Cold Cans" tour.  It'll kick off in L.A. in April.  Eli Young Band will be on the road with him.

Look for Trisha Yearwood to be cooking up something good on the Food Network.  The Hollywood Reporter says she'll do six cooking episodes on the show.   It will air in April.

Reba McEntire is "alive and well" after becoming the latest celebrity to fall victim to a death hoax that spread via the Internet.  She took to her Twitter page to explain what happened to fans.

Lauren Alaina - the ‘American Idol’ Season 10 runner-up - returned to her former job slinging pizza at CiCi’s Pizza in Fort Oglethorpe, Ga.  She did it for an episode of ‘Day Jobs,’ the Great American Country show that looks at what country artists did to pay the bills and make ends meet before they were famous.  No airdate has been set.

Martina McBride and George Strait grace the cover of Country Weekly "Two for the Road".

Dierks Bentley will be one of the last people to perform on the current stage.  He's got a show there Thursday night, and the current oak stage that has been in place since 1951 will be replaced with a more durable, Brazilian teak stage starting this weekend. The current stage has seen performances by everyone from Hank Williams, Sr. to Aretha Franklin and Dolly Parton to Coldplay.  The stage will be removed under 24-hour-security, and an 18-inch strip of the original stage will be incorporated into the new stage. Keith Urban will be among the last performers on the new stage at the Grand Ole Opry performance at the Ryman this Friday night.

LeAnn Rimes was devastated to learn about a six-year-old, who suffers from septo-optic dysplasia and was told a week before Christmas she will lose her vision.  The girls parents launched a fundraising website to help send their daughter to meet Mickey Mouse in California, and LeAnn contacted airline bosses to help make the girl's wish come true.  Guess who's going to Disneyland?

Catch Miranda Lambert - the actress - on Law and Order SVU on February 8.   She'll play an actress who's in danger of being attacked by a TV producer.

Lar's This & That

Super Numbers

On Super Bowl Sunday Americans will eat an average of 30 million pound of snacks which is double the daily average and 30 million slices of pizza are eaten which is 350 slices per second. When it comes to snack preference 64% of adults prefer sweet snacks, while 54% like their snack foods salty. 80% of fans like their snacks crunchy.   So far, the big attraction at the Super Bowl is the 8 story ZipLine that stretches 800 feet. And 120 footballs will be made for Super Bowl 46.  They're made in Ohio.

New England Patriots offensive lineman Donald Thomas is bringing part of his rubber duck collection to the Super Bowl. The 50-duck collection sits in his locker at Gillette Stadium. On game days, the former college walk-on lines them up before taking the field. Donald says the ducks bring the Pats good luck.

Scoreboard

A new survey by Yahoo reveals that men check NFL scores more than women (82% vs. 65%), and are more likely to check scores at inappropriate locations. Out-of line locations where men have checked NFL game scores include:

•Class (22%)

•Date (18%)

•Wedding (12%)

•Child's school event (12%)

•Church service (8%)

9 Things You Should Never Say to Your Best Friend

Jill Melton is a communication expert who says we've insulted our BFF's without even realizing it! So even though they're your closest bud, there are a few things you should stay away from, including:

"Don't You Want Children?"

"You've lost weight!"

"That guy you're dating? Not marriage material."

"You bought what?"

"Congrats on a well-deserved promotion! You've been in that position for so long!"

"How dare you not tell me [you bought a new car/got a new job/met a new guy]!"

"I wish my husband were as great as yours!"

"Your wedding was so tiny! or "You're so much bigger than I was when I was pregnant!"

"Don't worry. It'll be fine."

more

Watch What You Post

A new survey by Magdalen College reveals that 25% of people have regretted posting something on a social media site, mainly because it was inappropriate or upset someone. Other findings:

40% of people have used Twitter and Facebook to speak on an issue they felt passionate about. Almost half believed that what they said made a difference.

33% of people have witnessed or been a victim of online bullying.

Do NOT touch your friend's iPhone.

According to a huge new survey, as smartphones get more and more popular . . . taking them into the bathroom is becoming more and more popular too.  Check this out . . .

75% of Americans now take their phones with them to the toilet.

For people ages 28 to 35, that jumps to 91%.

63% have answered a call on the toilet.  41% have made a call.  20% of men and 13% of women have joined in on a CONFERENCE CALL on the toilet.

10% of people have made an online purchase on the toilet.

Only 14% claim they clean their phone after using it in the bathroom.   24% of people, or one in four, say they REFUSE to go to the bathroom without their phone.

Chalk One Up For The Women

According to a new study, women are actually better at PARKING than men. 

For the study, researchers went undercover and took notes on more than 2,500 people parking in lots and garages.  They rated people on criteria like finding a space, accuracy in lining up to pull in, speed pulling in, and staying in the lines.

They found that women had better overall scores than men.  The only place where men outperformed women was the speed in parking . . . the average man took 16 seconds to park, the average woman took 21.

But men were worse at seeing open spots, less accurate lining up to pull into those spots, and more likely to park over the lines

Advantages of Bubblewrap

Monday was Bubblewrap Appreciation Day...maybe we need more than one day to observe it.  A survey by Sealed Air Corporation, found that one minute spent popping Bubble Wrap relieves as much stress as a 33-minute massage.

People who pop Bubble Wrap are 7% less likely to be stressed out by missing a flight, 4% less likely to be bothered by a hotel losing their reservation, and 6% less likely to worry about their health.

Supposedly, the benefit of popping Bubble Wrap is that unlike yoga or meditation, it's instant gratification.  And 44% of men and 35% of women say quicker is better when it comes to relieving stress.

4 Money Talks Every Couple Needs to Have

There's no bigger buzzkill than having a talk about money with your sweetie. According to Yahoo.com, here are four you're forced to have if you want to stay together:

1. Let's talk about financial baggage

This is where you come clean about any debt and what you're bringing to the relationship. If you survive #1, then move to #2

2. Let's talk about spending limits

Decide together what qualifies as a "big ticket purchase" requiring approval by both partners.

3. Let's talk to a pro

If you can't agree, bring in a financial counselor who can help.

 4. Let's review our money plan

After coming up with your plan, sit down and review how it's going after 30 days

Weird, But True News

Officers busted an Oregon man for allegedly carrying $1 million in meth at a bus terminal. Martin Chavez, 49, had 12 duct-tape-wrapped packages of the drug in a suitcase, police said.

Let's just call this wrong city, wrong drug. Why? Martin was busted in Weed, California.

Staying Healthy Today 

Healthy Risks For Women Who Wear Heels

Australian Scientist Neil Cronin’s research concluded that women who have worn heels for 40 hours a week for 2 years are more likely to severely damage their calf and foot muscles. This can cause women who wear heels to walk less efficiently as women who wear flats. As women who wear heels age as well they become susceptible to muscle and joint injuries as well as foot ailments as well.

10 Often Overlooked Signs of Heart Attack in Women

The National Institutes of Health spoke to women who'd had heart attacks to recall their health and symptoms. What they found out was very interesting and informative... here are the 10 often-missed symptoms women experience when having a heart attack:

1. Sweating or Feeling Overheated.

2. Indigestion or Nausea.

3. Ear, Jaw, Neck, or Shoulder Pain.

4. Exhaustion or Fatigue.

5. Sleeplessness or Insomnia.

6. Stress and Anxiety.

7. Shortness of Breath

8. Dizziness or Lightheaded-ness.

9. Memory Loss and Inability to Concentrate.

10. Pressure in the Chest.

Good News Story 

Fat Smitty's is a burger joint on the northeast peninsula of Washington state.  And for years, customers had a tradition of writing on dollar bills and stapling them to the walls and ceiling.

The owner, Carl "Fat Smitty" Schmidt, recently decided the walls were full, and asked the local Boy Scouts to help him take down all the bills. 

It turns out there were 10,316 one-dollar bills papering the restaurant.  Carl took 3,000 of them to donate to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital . . . and told the scouts to KEEP the rest.

The scouts are using it to build a new kitchen at a nearby camp site . . . and Carl's customers are already stapling bills to the empty walls again.

  Lar's Thought Of The Day

“ The greatest obstacle to your success is probably you. ”    - Frank Tyger

Today's Front Page

A roller coaster wreck at the Salem Fair last summer has resulted in separate $1 million lawsuits.

It's Florida Primary Day.

The Roanoke Fire Department is asking people to make sure their house number is visible from the road.  House numbers should be visible from the street and each number should be at least four inches tall.

Virginia legislation targets Amazon.com. A Senate bill would require the online retailer to collect sales tax on Virginia purchases.   The Virginia Alliance for Main Street Fairness, says the legislation will level the playing field between online operations and traditional bricks and mortar businesses.  An Amazon spokesman says the company supports a national approach to sales tax.  BTW: Amazon recently announced plans to open two distribution centers in the Richmond area that will employ more than 1300 people.

Tomorrow at 7:50, details about this weekends TONS OF FUN at Tanglewood Mall.  Catch Community Corner at 7:50.

Lookin' Back

The 31st is the 31st day of the year. There are 335 days left in 2012. 2012 is a leap year.

Today is National Popcorn Day and Child Labor Day

1893, "Coca-Cola" was trademarked for the first time.

1928, Scotch Tape was invented

1940, The first Social Security check was issued by the U.S. Government.

1949, the first TV daytime soap opera, These Are My Children, aired

Cuttin' Cake Today

Justin Timberlake (31)   Portia deRossi (39)  Minnie Driver (42)   KC of the Sunshine Band (61)   Nolan Ryan (65)   Carol Channing (91)

Fun Fact

The average person spends nine hours a day tapping away on various keyboards

Joke of the Day

I don't care what the commercial says, the best cure for the flu is chicken soup. Why?  Have you ever see a chicken with a runny nose?

Entertainment Buzz

(FOX)

Season 2 of X-Factor may look a bit different.  Judge Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones are out.  There's talk Paula Abdul may be out as well.

Sarah Jessica Parker will replace Demi Moore in "Lovelace" the movie.

Jennifer Lopez will be a presenter at the 84th Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Feb 26. The telecast will air on ABC.

Donald Trump says he’s still not ruling out a run for the presidency

Celine Dion had a wardrobe malfunction while performing at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival on Friday night. She was wearing a short dress when she flashed those sitting in the front row. E! claims Dion laughed about the flash.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have recently banned their kids from Googling them! Yes the pair who have 6 kids in total recently revealed that when their children are on the internet they actually can’t look them up! **That's probably a pretty good idea since they're in the media so much.

Last night on The Bachelor: Alyse goes on a one on one date and doesn't get a rose. She is sent home. Courtney once again is ahead of all the other girls. She surprises Ben and they go skinny dipping. Jennifer is sent packing

A sneak peek of the video for "Give Me All Your Luvin,'" the first single from pop star Madonna's next album, is to make its debut this week on "American Idol."  It'll be on Thursday's Idol.

Glee on Fox: The rivalry intensifies between the Warblers and New Directions on the way to Regionals.  Plus, it's Michael Jackson week.

Tim Tebow will be on Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday.

The Spice Girls are set to reunite for the Queen's Jubilee concert June 4th in the U.K. Mel B let the news slip during an Australian TV interview

Kelly Clarkson, will sing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl.  Blake Shelton and wife Miranda Lambert will sing "America The Beautiful" together, while Madonna entertains at halftime.  As you know, they've become pretty tight.  In fact, Kelly and Miranda will be guest mentors on "The Voice" in Blake's corner the season.  BTW: Season 2 of The Voice starts after the Super Bowl.

Simon Cowell is undergoing hypnosis to try and quit smoking.

There have been lots of reports about the possibilities of new cast members on the next season of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Apparently executives have approached Sylvester Stallone’s wife Jennifer Flavin.

News from Nashville

Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles has recorded Hank Williams' "Your Cheatin' Heart" for a 30-second TV ad for Pepsi MAX to debut Sunday during Super Bowl XLVI.

Lionel Richie's album of duets with country artists, Tuskegee, has been scheduled for a March 27 release.

Dierks Bently, performed at the Superbowl Village yesterday in Indianapolis.  Dierks new CD drops next week.

Chris Young maybe owes the success of his latest hit “You” to his Dad.  His dad use to work on his Camaro with help from Chris.  Pretty special.

Blake Shelton and Cee Lo Green are planning to record together.  Look for the two to be "extra chummy" when Season 2 of The Voice debuts after the Super Bowl Sunday night.

Rascal Flatts wants to get busier...yesterday we told you about their new album in April and Summer tour.  Now they plan a documentary, restaurant and fragrance.  Oh yeah, and Jay is getting ready to be a dad for the second time.  The band’s about to break ground on their first restaurant in Columbus, Ohio, by Ohio State University.

Taylor Swift was spotted in London dining with Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow.  Wait, there's more. Alice's Antiques in London recently shut down so Taylor Swift could shop in private. Three fans were eventually let in for pictures.

Lady A's Hillary Scott has no plans to go blonde again. She says, “I’m naturally brunette and it really damaged my hair. I’ll stay brunette.”

David Nail's number one hit "Let It Rain" was inspired by Zack Braff's movie, "The Last Kiss."

This week (Feb. 3), Keith Urban will take the stage at the Grand Ole Opry at the historic Ryman Auditorium.  Keith isn't sure of the first song he will sing when he hits the Opry stage,  but chances are he will sing his current Top 5 hit, ‘You Gonna Fly.’

Lar's This & That

GOING UP!

According to a survey by Match.com, a single person spends an average of $1,741 per year on dating . . . or going out looking for people to date.   Take a look at these other numbers.

Entertainment, restaurants and bars cost $650 per year.

New clothes cost $431 per year.

Cabs and other transportation to dates cost $210 per year.

Haircuts, hair styles, and hair products cost $162 per year.

Other grooming and cosmetic products cost $188 per year.

And gifts cost $100 per year.

And after ALL that spending . . . the average single person only goes on 24 dates per year, or two per month.

I'VE GOT A SECRET

Word has it, Apple is so obsessed with secrecy, it sometimes puts new hires on fake products until they have proven themselves. Adam Lashinsky reports this in his new book Inside Apple, and a former Apple employee confirms it.  *Wait, the shoe phone was just a prop on Get Smart?

SUPER NUMBERS

The Giants and Patriots have arrived in Indianapolis for Sunday Super Bowl.   Chad Ochocinco dropped $28,000 on Beats by Dre Headphones for every member of the New England Patriots.  $299 per person.  Impressive.  Americans will eat more than 30 million pounds of snacks on Super Bowl Sunday. This is double their average daily snack consumption.   During Super Bowl Sunday, Americans will eat 30 million slices of pizza, or 350 slices per second.

MEET SUPER WOMAN

Kendall Stewardson gave birth to a 13 pound, 13 ounce baby boy last week in Des Moines, Iowa. Asher Stewardson measured 23 1/2 inches long. Fifteen months ago, his brother, Judah, arrived weighing 12 pounds and an ounce at birth. Kendall endured six hours of labor without an epidural injection.

JUST FOR LAFFS

One in every four Americans now owns a tablet computer or an e-reader.  Finally, I'm part of the majority!

F-Y-I

Ever wonder how some of your favorite brands got their names? Watch this video to find out!

FACEBOOK CH-CH-CH-CHANGES

Facebook’s Timeline — the long-anticipated overhaul of the site — is rolling out across the world this week.

Timeline allows friends to surf through all your posts going back to the beginning of Facbeook time. Graphically it can be a beautiful thing. Mark Zuckerberg calls it a chance for users to tell the stories of their lives. And over the next few weeks, users across the world will get it on their profile.

GADGET FEVER

A new study finds that women are more likely to buy three out of the four top consumer electronics. Females are also a growing video game demographic. Parks Associates asked 2,000 consumers ages 18 and older about their buying habits in the consumer tech space. Women expressed more interest in tablets (18%), laptops (20%) and smartphones (20%), while only 15% of men planned to buy a tablet, 14% sought a laptop, and 17% intended to buy a smartphone. The only category in which men surpassed female interest was flat screen LCD TVs.

HOUSEHOLD DISINFECTANT

In the early days, many felt vinegar could ward off disease. In some ways, they're right. Vinegar is effective bacteria killer, and you can use it for household cleaning purposes. From scrubbing the tub to cleaning mirrors or stainless steel.  Keep these ideas in mind.

Windshield De-Icer. If the forecast calls for frost, ensure a morning free of scraping with a coat of this preventative solution: 3 parts vinegar to 1 part water. Simply spritz over your windshield for a few weeks’ worth of protection.

Drain Unclogger. Remember the science experiments you would do as a kid with the volcano made of vinegar and baking soda? Try putting a little bit of baking soda into a clogged drain and then pour vinegar into it. Your volcano, or drain, will erupt and the reaction helps break down down. The best part about this method is that is much safer than industrial chemical drain cleaners, which are toxic to your pets and children.

Laundry. Do you have some stinky laundry? We all do, and you can use vinegar to help deodorize your garments or laundry. Just pour a cup of vinegar into the washer and it helps take care of your odor problems. Not only that, but the vinegar also helps keep your fabric soft and fluffy. Just add the vinegar when you start the laundry cycle with your regular detergent. (And no, it won’t make your clothes smell like a salad.)

Clear The Air. When painting the walls, even low-VOC formulas can put out a bit of an odor. A dish of vinegar placed in the room will reduce the smell, making this task (a little) easier.

more 

Weird, But True News

A Philadelphia school has banned Ugg boots because students have been using them to hide banned cell phones inside. The ban at Pottstown Middle School in suburban Philadelphia is underway. 

School District superintendent Reed Lindley said the school principal asked for the boot ban “because of the classroom disruptions that are resulting from ringing cell phones.”

Students at the school can avoid trouble with school officials by wearing boots that lace up and usually have a more snug fit. First-time offenders will get detention, and subsequent violations include two detentions, followed by confiscation of the phone.

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A student at Amherst-Pelham Regional Middle School recently got her arm stuck in a vending machine. She was trying to retrieve a bottle of water that she had paid for, when she got stuck. Massachusetts firefighters spent 20 minutes freeing her.

Staying Healthy Today 

WHO'S GOT THE WINTER BLUES

When winter rolls around 15 million people suffer from a condition called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). To help beat those winter blues away you can use fluorescent light bulbs in your home, try doing yoga in your home or increase your vitamin D intake

SCRATCH HERE

A team of scientists at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center just published a study on which body part feels BEST TO SCRATCH when you have an itch.  And the answer is . . . your ANKLE.  The study found that people experienced more pleasure when they scratched an itch on their ankles than on their forearms, or even on their backs.

Scientists are now working on ways to relieve itches for people with skin diseases like eczema.  They feel by figuring out the body part that feels the best to scratch, they can try to replicate that feeling as they develop treatments. 

Good News Story 

UPS is celebrating a first for one of its drivers – 50 years behind the wheel without an accident. Company officials said Ohio driver Ron Sowder showed what Brown can do. The Navy veteran figures over the last 50 years he’s driven more than four million miles and delivered more than 35 million packages. 
 

  Lar's Thought of the Day

 If you always tell the truth, you do not need a good memory.   - Gwendolyn Wilson

Today's Front Page

USA TODAY/Gallup Swing States survey finds Mitt Romney essentially ties President Obama in the nation's key battlegrounds, while Newt Gingrich trails by 14 percentage points.

The wreck of the cruise ship Costa Concordia could remain where it lies near the Italian island of Giglio until the end of the year or longer before it can be broken up or salvaged.  Bad weather had already delayed plans to begin removing the 2,300 tons of diesel fuel in the ship's tanks, an operation expected to take from three weeks to a month.

Grand Home Furnishings at Valley View Mall unveiled a new Michael Jackson exhibit Saturday morning.  The store is now home to a chair and an armoire that came from the King of Pop's bedroom.  Both pieces will be on display at the Valley View store until at least April.

Pro-Bowl: AFC 59, NFC 41.

Lookin' Back

January 30th is the 30th day of the year. There are 336 days left in 2012. 2012 is a leap year.

Today is National Flirt A Little Bit Day, Inane Answering Machine Message Day, Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, National Croissant Day and National Yodel at Your Neighbors Day.

1933, The Lone Ranger first aired

1933, Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany

1948, Mahatma Gandhi was murdered by a Hindu extremist

1956 - Elvis Presley recorded "Blue Suede Shoes."

1968 - Bobby Goldsboro recorded "Honey."

1969, The Beatles' last public performance, on the roof of Apple Records in London, was broken up by the police

1977, The final episode of Roots was watched by 80 million viewers

Cuttin' Cake Today

country star Josh Kelley (32)   Christian Bale (38)  Jody Watley (53)  Brett Butler (54)   Charles Dutton (61)   Phil Collins (61)   Dick Cheney (71)  Vanessa Redgrave (75)  Gene Hackman (82)

Fun Fact

According to Synovate.com, half of all American hotel guests take the toiletry samples from the bathroom without giving it a second thought. Women do it more than men.

Joke of the Day

Why did the book join the police department? ans - So he could work undercover.

Entertainment Buzz

Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award winners last night...The Help wins BEST PICTURE.   'The Help' also grabbed honors for lead actress Viola Davis and supporting actress Octavia Spencer.  Christopher Plummer took home Best Supporting Actor.   French comedian Jean Dujardian went home with the Best Actor statuette for his work in the  "The Artist."  "Modern Family" won the prize for Best Comedy Series.   Alec Baldwin took home the statuette for Actor in a Comedy Series.    Betty White received the SAG award for Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on "Hot in Cleveland."

BOX OFFICE

"The Grey," starring Liam Neeson, led the weekend U.S. box office with $20 million over the weekend. "Underworld Awakening," with the yummy Kate Beckinsale, was second with $12.5 million.   "One For the Money" was third with $11.75 million;   "Red Tails" fourth with $10.4 million;    "Man on a Ledge" fifth with $8.3 million.

Brad Pitt says he and his longtime partner, actress Angelina Jolie, would like to wed.  The couple, who have been together seven years and are the parents of six children.  **My grandmother called that "putting the cart before the horse."

David Arquette will appear on season finale of Courteney Cox's 'Cougar Town'.

The next round of celebrity hoofers for "Dancing with the Stars" will be announced first on "Good Morning America" next month.   The Season 14 cast will be revealed Feb. 28 on the morning program.  "Dancing" is to kick off the new season March 19

The President's small serenade to Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" at a fundraiser at New York City's legendary Apollo Theater the other week surprised us all.  But now Idol honcho Nigel Lythgoe, has invited the Prez via Twitter to appear on American Idol and sing a duet with Al Green.  Still waiting to hear back from the Crooner-in-chief.

The band America is set to honored with the 2,459th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. John Stamos and Billy Bob Thornton will induct the duo next month during the act’s 40th anniversary celebrations. The star will be located outside Hollywood’s Musician’s Institute

News from Nashville

Carrie Underwood, is likely to perform her new single “Good Girl” when she joins rocker Steven Tyler for CMT Crossroads this Saturday from the Superbowl Fan Jam in Indy.

Toby Keith's Clancy's Tavern and Luke Bryan's "I Don't Want This Night to End" are this week's top album and song, according to Billboard.

Keith Urban snagged two CMAA (Country Music Association of Australia) awards on Saturday.

Miranda Lambert has postponed a concert in Tallahassee, Fla., to attend the funeral of Mark "Tex" Adams, a childhood friend and practice mechanic for motocross racer James Stewart.  Adams was killed early Thursday morning (Jan. 26) in Florida after he was struck by an SUV while helping a driver who had run out of gas, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.   Her concert, originally scheduled for Friday (Feb. 3), has been rescheduled for May 17.

Glen Campbell will perform with Blake Shelton & The Band Perry at Grammys on February 12.  He's currently on a farewell tour following his recent announcement that he is suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

  Kellie Pickler was on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Friday.  Since Thursday was Ellen's birthday, Kellie brought her a little "clear liquid" - with a kick in it - (Moonshine in a Mason Jar) from Tennessee.  Kellie's Grandpa swears by it.   Ellen liked it.

Kellie performed 'Where's Tammy Wynette'?

The Eli Young Band will venture out on their own headlining tour in 2012. In addition to their Keep on Dreamin' Tour,  EYB will also spend some time in Australia opening for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

 Josh Thompson is about to kick off his 2012 Change Is Comin' Tour, which launches Feb. 3 in Charlotte, N.C.

If you thought Rascall Flatts "Thaw Out" tour with Sara Evans and Hunter Hayes was something...they drop their eighth studio album 'Changed" on April 3, before embarking on their "Spectacular 2012" summer tour.

Miranda Lambert's guest appearance on NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit airs Feb. 8.

Reba McEntire will appear on NBC's ancestry searching show 'Who Do You Think You Are?,' which will unmask McEntire's family past.

Lar's This & That

Want to make someone you don't even know feel instantly lonely? Do NOT look at them. A study found  those who received a glance and a smile from a passing stranger felt less disconnected from others. Conclusion - stop staring at your phone while walking.   STORY

A survey found 9 out of 10 women over the age of 35 snack between meals, and the heaviest snacking happens in the late evening hours.  Source

Women are making more shopping decisions for friends and family, according to a new study. 54% of American women think they're responsible for helping family and friends make a smart buying decision. That's up from only 31% in 2008. Source     

Big Games Numbers

According to Ashley Madison.com, more females say they’d rather have a fling with Giants QB Eli Manning over Patriots QB Tom Brady.

(Photo: Kelley Ford Powell)

Having about 200 people over for Super Bowl? Put this spread out?

Really Smart Move

According to a new survey, 60% of men say they consult with their wife or girlfriend on what to wear before they go to work.

20% don't even TRY to pick anything for themselves, and have their partner prepare an outfit for them daily.

When men DO pick out clothes for themselves, the most common items are SOCKS and UNDERWEAR.  They trust themselves there . . . just not with anything that, ya know, people see.

The survey also found 58% of guys have their partner tie their tie . . . 43% have her straighten their collar . . . and 29% even have her BUTTON THEIR SHIRT

How About The Rest of You

You won’t be able to get a 9-cent cup of coffee in L.A. anymore. Philippe’s restaurant is raising the price of a cup of Joe to 45 cents. The coffee’s been 9 cents since 1977. But Philippe’s owners say their coffee costs have risen too high to keep the bargain price. The new price goes into effect next week. Philippe’s opened in 1908 and is also known for its French dip sandwiches.

Truth Hurts

David Xu is a business professor who led the study.  He found that people are most honest over video because that video could be RECORDED and EXAMINED . . . which, subconsciously, we know could EXPOSE us in a lie.

The communication method where people were most likely to lie was TEXTING. 

Texting gives people a chance to plan out exactly what they're going to say . . . unlike a phone call or face-to-face conversation . . . and that gives them a chance to perfectly craft a lie.

(Source: University of British Columbia in Vancouver)

Can you guess what this is?

I'll give you a hint, it's half a year of your life, if you were to stand in one place the whole time. Get the amazing story here.     

Nagging -- the Relationship Killer!

Relation experts agree that constant nagging can spell doom for a relationship. Experts also add, and you may want to sit down for this, that women are more likely to nag than men. Why? Because women feel more responsible for managing the home and are therefore more sensitive to early signs of problems.

There is good news -- a nagging relationship can be saved before it is too late. Here are a few helpful tips to avoid "death by a thousand reminders:"

•Calm down—both of you. Recognize the pattern you are in and talk about how to address it as a team. You will both need to change your behavior, and ground rules can help.

•Look at it from the other person's perspective. 'Honey, when you ignore me I feel that you don't love me.' 'I feel that you don't appreciate what I am already doing when you nag me.'

•If you are the nagger, realize you are asking for something. Use an 'I' not a 'you' statement. Say 'I would really like you to pay the Visa bill on time,' instead of 'You never pay the bill on time.'

•Explain why your request is important to you. 'I worry about our finances when you pay the bill late. We can't afford to pay late fees.'

•Manage your expectations. Make sure you are asking for something that is realistic and appropriate. Does the light bulb need to be changed immediately?

•Set a timeframe. Ask when your partner can expect to finish the task. ('Can you change the car oil this weekend?') Let him tell you when it works best for him to do it.

•If you are the naggee, give a clear response to your partner's request. Tell her honestly if you can do what she asks and when. Then follow through. Do what you say you will do.

•Consider alternative solutions. Maybe it's worth it to hire a handyman, rather than harm your relationship with arguing.

[WSJ]

Weird, But True News

Last week, a guy in Brooklyn posted in the "For sale/wanted" section of Craigslist with the title, "Please teach me about football." Apparently, the guy's girlfriend once dated a college football player.  So the guy LIED to impress his girlfriend, and said HE was a college football player too.  Only he wasn't.  He knows NOTHING about football. So now, he's got to go with her to a Super Bowl party . . . at her ex's apartment.  So he's offering $500 for someone to tutor him about football every evening between now and the Super Bowl.

The ad has some really funny lines like, "Her ex played 'linebacker.'  Should I know a lot about playing 'linebacker' too?  Do quarterbacks normally know about that? . . . It might help for me to learn something from a 'linebacker' if you know one."

He's also willing to throw in an extra $100 if his tutor can give him some good comments to say during the game.

Staying Healthy Today 

A new Harvard study says people who use tablet computers should place their device on the table and tilt its screen, rather than have it flat on their lap, to avoid potentially painful hunching of the neck. “Tablet users may be at high risk to develop neck discomfort based on current behaviors and tablet designs,” it warned. The researchers found that people are more inclined to move around and shift positions when they use a tablet compared with people who are sitting at a desktop computer. However, tablet users that hold the device almost at their lap, or rest the tablet in a case on their lap, are putting a lot of strain on the neck muscles – much more than someone using a desktop computer. “If you think about your position when you are hunched over looking down, your head is hanging out over space, so you are using your neck muscles to support the weight,” said Jack Dennerlein, director of the Harvard Occupational Biomechanics Laboratory and lead author of the paper.

Good News Story 

The “Find My iPhone” app works – even in a garbage dump. Iowa resident Allison Peterson figured she had mistakenly dropped her iPhone in a recycling bin. She used the Find My iPhone app to follow a garbage truck online all the way to the dump. Her husband and several workers at the landfill sorted through the trash until they found the missing smartphone. Mark Peterson says he’s scored some brownie points with his wife. He also saved a lot of money by not having to replace the iPhone.

Peterson sent a two-page letter thanking the landfill workers for their help.

  Lar's Thought of the Day

"Every one of us gets through the tough times because somebody is there, standing in the gap to close it for us."    -- Oprah Winfrey