HERO OF THE DAY
A breast cancer sufferer doesn't let it stop her--check out the story, it's inspiring.  Her motto--"You just gotta stay positive."  Amen...

MEANWHILE, YET MORE REASONS TO EXERCISE ETC

"A surprising jump in the number of Americans hobbled by arthritis may be due to obesity, health experts said Thursday.  About 22 percent of U.S. adults have been told by a doctor that they have arthritis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported. The statistic comes from national telephone polling of tens of thousands of adults in 2007 through 2009.  That translates to nearly 50 million people with the joint disease. It's also roughly the same percentage with arthritis as reported in a 2003-2005 study.  But there was a significant jump in adults who said their joint pain or other arthritis symptoms limited their usual activities, to 9.4 percent from 8.3 percent. That means more than 21 million adults have trouble climbing stairs, dressing, gardening or doing other things, up from less than 19 million only a few years before, the CDC researchers estimated.  Klippel said the increase probably was due mainly to baby boomers, who are at an age when they are more likely to suffer osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. It breaks down cartilage and causes pain and joint stiffness.  He added that a complicating factor is high rates of baby boomers who are overweight and obese. Extra weight puts more pressure on arthritic joints, making the problem worse, he said."

COLLEGE AND PRO FOOTBALL PICKS

I need to improve.  I was only 4-5 last week.  Here we go!

COLLEGE PICKS:

Alabama vs South Carolina.  My pick:  CRIMSON TIDE.  They've looked so good; how can one pick against them?  And I doubt that South Carolina's players are used to this kind of challenge.

Texas A&M vs Arkansas at Cowboys' Stadium.  My pick:  AGGIES.  Just a hunch.  I suspect the Razorbacks will still be feeling the after-effects of the tough loss to 'Bama, and won't be fully focused.  A&M's offense can score.

Michigan vs Michigan State.  My pick:  WOLVERINES.  It's simple.  He's convinced me.  Denard Robinson can simply outscore lots of teams by himself...

NFL PICKS

Atlanta 3 over Cleveland.  My pick:  FALCONS.  Yes, Cleveland is at home.  But the Falcons have more talent...

Detroit 3 over St. Louis.  My pick:  LIONS.  They're at home; they're slowly getting healthier; rookie QBs like Sam Bradford often struggle on the road; and the Lions have gotten so close, they are bound to break through.  This week they will.

Chicago 3 over Carolina.  My pick:  BEARS.  The Bears' defense will set up the offense for at least two scores...

Baltimore 7 over Denver.  My pick:  RAVENS.  This is Denver's 2nd straight tough road game.  And the Ravens' defense is tough.

New Orleans 7 over Arizona.  My pick:  SAINTS.  The Cardinals appear to be in disarray.  Meanwhile it's time for Drew Brees and those receivers to break out.

NY Jets 4 over Minnesota.  My pick:  JETS.  The Jets are playing real well; meanwhile, I don't get the feeling Favre and the Vikings have found that rhythm yet.