The Oscar Results are at the bottom of this mornings blog . . .

The Upstate New York "5-Day Local Weather Forecast"


TODAY – we’ll have rain with a high today rising to the lower 40’s falling into the upper 30’s later this afternoon.

TONIGHT – we could have some more rain this evening but turning partly cloudy overnight with an overnight low tonight around 20.

TOMORROW – is going to be mostly sunny with a daytime high tomorrow in the mid to upper 30’s.

WEDNESDAY – is expected to be mostly cloudy with a slight chance for some early snow turning to rain later on Wednesday. Wednesday’s high will once again be in the upper 30’s to low 40’s.

THURSDAY – is calling for mostly sunny skies and a daytime Thursday high in th upper 20’s.

FRIDAY – the advance forecast is calling for cloudy skies with a 50% chance of rain and snow and a high Friday in the upper 30’s and possibly the low 40’s.



The Amerks Win All Weekend
Keaton Ellerby netted an overtime beauty just a minute into the extra session that lifted the Rochester Americans over the Syracuse Crunch 2-1 this afternoon at The Blue Cross Arena. The win is the Amerks’ third straight in three days and they have collected a point in nine of their last 10 games, tying them for fifth place in the American Hockey League’s North Division with the Abbotsford Heat. Rochester is now 28-27-3-3 overall, while Syracuse slips to 20-32-3-4 in the loss.

Friday night they hosted and beat the Manitoba Moose 5-3, Saturday night on the road they defeated the Binghamton Senators 3-2.

The next Moose action is on the road this coming Friday and Saturday as they head for Grand Rapids, Michigan to take on the Griffins. The Amerks won’t play at home again until Friday night March 11th when they host the Toronto Marlies.

Syracuse Wins on the Weekend
In Washington, #17 ranked S.U. defeated #11 Georgetown 58-51.
Syracuse takes on Depaul this coming Saturday



No Girl Scout Cookies Allowed to be Sold Outside Girl Scout Founders Home
SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) - Girl Scouts are no longer able to sell their famous cookies outside the historic Savannah home of the woman who founded the organization almost a century ago.

A complaint last year ended the longtime practice of selling the cookies on the public sidewalk outside the home of Juliette Gordon Low at the busy intersection of Bull Street and Oglethorpe Avenue. Peddling on a public sidewalk is a violation of city ordinance. One city alderman said he thinks the city should consider a temporary exception for cookie season.

The city's zoning administrator, Randolph Scott, said he investigated the matter and tried to find a solution. He said he called for a survey, hoping there would be some private space between the home and the sidewalk. He said there wasn't any.

Scott said they also looked at allowing the Scouts to sell from a small courtyard on the side of the house, but fire marshals told the Scouts they would block an exit route. The home is a National Historic Landmark open for tours.



THINGS THAT YOU NOW KNOW

• "Two and a Half Men" was supposed to start shooting this season’s four remaining episodes today. But instead, CBS has pulled the plug on the show... for this year. What happens next year, no one knows.

• ABC says it will broadcast an interview with Charlie Sheen that was recorded after the incendiary rant that led CBS and Warner Bros. Television to halt production of "Two and a Half Men" for the season. The interview with Sheen will be broadcast during a special one-hour edition of "20/20" at 10 p.m. on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Brooke Mueller -- Charlie's latest ex -- and her two boys have moved in with him, until the new home he bought for them down the street is finished.

• The next Mrs. Hugh Hefner, Crystal Harris, and Hugh, have set their wedding date for June 18th at the Playboy mansion.

• Justin Bieber's big plans for his upcoming 17th birthday? Have cheesecake with his grandma.

• Country singer Kellie Pickler used video footage from her wedding for the music video of her latest song.

• Janet Jackson says she once banged her head on walls because she felt so ugly. The singer told Meredith Viera on the "Today" show that while she now feels more comfortable with her appearance than she did in her 20s, she has always struggled with her self-confidence.

• "American Idol" viewers will be able to cast votes through Facebook, along with the previous options of phone and text message, when the show shifts from judges' to audience's choice next Tuesday.

• Simon Cowell's "X-Factor" auditions will kickoff in Los Angeles March 27th. Miami, Newark, Seattle, Chicago and Dallas will be the other cities.
. . .
The Fan’s Say Football Outranks Baseball
It's the on-going debate among sports fans: football or baseball? While most die-hard fans will always say both, if they are forced to choose, football wins.

31% of those who follow at least one sport, say professional football is their favorite, compared with 17% who say baseball and 12% who prefer college football, according to an annual Harris Poll.

The top favorite sports are:

1. Professional football: 31%
2. Professional baseball: 17%
3. College football: 12%
4. Auto racing, including NASCAR: 7%
5. Men's professional basketball: 6%
6. Hockey: 5%
7. Men's soccer and men's college basketball: 4% (tie)
8. Men's golf, track and field, bowling and men's tennis: 3% (tie)
9. Coming in at 2% women's tennis and swimming.
10. Coming in at 1% boxing and horse racing
. . .
If You’ve Heard This Before, This Can Drive You Crazy
(Netscape) No doubt this has happened to you. You're sitting in a restaurant, on a park bench, on a bus or any public place when you overhear a cell phone conversation.
Why is that so annoying? Cornell University researchers have figured out the answer: It is very difficult, if not impossible, to concentrate on anything else.

"HealthDay News" reports that when we hear just one side of the conversation, it is far more distracting than when we hear both sides. It's annoying because it erodes our ability to pay attention to other tasks, according to Cornell University. It's as if the one-way cell phone conversation hijacks our brain!

Why? Your brain has an innate ability to ignore things that are predictable, but pays close attention to unpredictable situations.
. . .
A Woman’s Two Cents On Men
According to Men's Health:

• A third of women say men don't wear enough color.
• 64% of women think square-toed shoes ruin a man's look.
• 4 in 5 women prefer flat-front to pleated pants on a man.
• 25% of women say an overdose of cologne on a man is their top turnoff.
. . .
The Dog’s Future Is Better than Ever
The future of man's best friend is brighter than ever, thanks to new technology that turns trained dogs into computerized canine heroes.

A harness developed by researchers at Auburn University uses GPS technology, spatial sensors and wireless communication to link work dogs to their trainers even when the human beings are miles away. The special vests can steer the dogs by vibrating on the left or right sides. Guide dogs can access computerized maps and lead blind owners on the safest route to their destination. Or, sniffer dogs can locate drugs or explosives in situations that would be dangerous for humans.

"I don't necessarily want the cartel to know that I'm snooping around," explains team leader Dr. David M. Bevly. "Maybe the dog is a little less noticeable." (Sun)
. . .
Have You Heard About “Frozen Smoke”?
A new breakthrough has made "frozen smoke" the lightest solid on Earth able to reshape our future like never before. NASA has already used aerogel, as frozen smoke is technically known, on spacecraft where every ounce counts.

The newest form of aerogel made by using microscopic fibers called "carbon nanotubes" is even lighter and more flexible. And because carbon nanotubes conduct electricity, it can be used to create a new generation of bizarre electronic devices.

"With this amazing material, we'll be able to create chemical sensors or medical monitors that you can slip on like rubber gloves," says materials engineer Clive Gill. "Eventually, we'll be able to create machines that weigh nearly nothing and are thin enough to see through.

"Imagine robotic legs that you can wear under your jeans or Spider-Man gloves that allow you to climb walls, while at the same time giving you a thermal image of what's on the other side. "The applications are nearly limitless." (Sun)
. . .
We Get Screwed When it Comes To Our Vacation/Holiday Time
The USA and Canada is much different than the rest of the civilized world in regards to vacation days. In the United States and Canada it's not required, but 7-21 days is standard for most employers.

Here is the number of days of vacation mandated by law in some other countries.

• Australia - 4 weeks is standard.
• Czech Republic - 4 weeks
• Finland - 5 weeks
• Spain - 30 calendar days
• Switzerland - 4 week

. . .
Hidden Cash?
Do you hide cash?

A recent survey has found that married couples are hiding away some cash. The number of couples who have secret stashed cash has risen 68% over the last decade! Seems we are trusting our so a little less nowadays.


• 18 percent of married couples have some of their money in separate accounts.
• 35 percent of women and men admit to having secret money.
• $500 is the average amount that women have hidden away.
• The average man has between $2500 and $5000 hidden away! The average woman has more.
. . .
WHAT'S YOUR EXCUSE?
There's an excuse for everything, but in case you don't have one, here are a few you can use the next time you need one. Perhaps your listeners can add to this list.

• Somebody else must have been in here before me.
• I did exactly what the directions said to do.
• I was out that day.
• I was set up.
• I wasn't thinking straight.
• I thought we were just kidding around.
• Nobody gave me any warning.
• I'm allergic.
• The alarm didn't go off.
• Everybody does it this way.
• It seemed like a good idea at the time.
• The salesman said this wouldn't happen.
• I was just following orders.
• It was here a minute ago.
• I never said I was an expert.
• You can't win 'em all.
• It wasn't my idea.
. . .
Do you Know any Size 14 Women
Size 14 women are the happiest with their life and looks, a recent study reveals. A quarter of gals who wear that dress size are as thrilled as can be with their situations, while 43% of size 14s were pleased as punch with their careers and almost 33% are content with their love life.

Second happiest are size 12s, followed by size 8, size 16, size 10, size 6 and size 18. Women who wear size 24 or higher did not fare as well, with 18% admitting they are extremely unhappy with their love lives and less than 4% are happy with their careers.

The poll, conducted by Special K cereal, reveals that a staggering 48% of all gals are unhappy with their weight. More than two-thirds say they're not at their ideal dress size, while the average woman longs to be a perfect size 10, the researchers add. "It's great to discover that being a size 0 doesn't necessarily bring you happiness," says a Special K spokeswoman. "Our research shows that the curvier size 14 woman is much more comfortable with her shape and has a happier outlook on life."
. . .
Asleep at the Wheel
Nearly half of the men Men's Health surveyed said they've fallen asleep at the wheel. And that number may be even higher in the most sleep deprived cities. While there are lost of ways to try to stay awake en route, Swedish researchers found that most of us rely on these strategies.

The most effective solution, however, is to simply take a nap:

• Take a short walk. Yes, it works. In a U.S. Army study, 10 minutes of exercise helped sleep deprived pilots stay awake for up to 30 minutes.
• Open the window. No, it does not work. When drivers in a British study were blasted with cool air, they didn't report feeling any more alert.
• Drink coffee. Yes, it works. British researchers found that drowsy drivers who consumed 200 milligrams of caffeine felt less sleepy.
• Take a passenger. No, it does not work. In a Miami University of Ohio study, chatty drivers took 16% longer to hit the breaks when stopping.
• Turn on the radio. No, it does not work. A study published in the journal Sleep found that cruisin' to tunes failed to energize sleepy drivers.
. . .
The Facts on the New and Improved Toy “Mr. Potato Head”
Hasbro has introduced a new Mr. Potato Head whose slimmer and wears pants for the very first time.

Here are the reasons that Mr. Potato Head is looking better:


• Mr. Potato Head started working out after he caught Mrs. Potato Head baking cookies in the Easy Bake Oven for G.I. Joe.

• Mr. Potato Head took off the weight by not eating anything with a face except Mrs. Potato Head.

• He's on an all fruit and vegetable diet. You eat a Cabbage Patch Kid for breakfast, any two of the Fruit of the Loom guys for lunch, and that hot, Latin Chiquita Banana lady for dinner.

• If you still like naked potatoes, you can have the skinless fries at Wendy's.
. . .
Top Five “Dick Reeves” Modern Versions Of Old Slogans


1. A stitch in time... wait, who sews anymore?
2. The early bird is the first one the cat gets
3. Where there's a Will, there's a Harry (too British?)
4. We'll cross that bridge when I find enough money under the back seat for the toll
5. A penny saved cost two cents




. . .

BIRTHDAYS

In 1824 French acrobat, Charles Blondin (crossed Niagra Falls on tightrope)
In 1906 Gangster, Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel [d: 6-20-47]

In 1928 Smokey the Bear ("You can prevent forest fires") (83)

In 1940 Auto racer, Mario Andretti (52 IndyCar wins) (71)

In 1948 Actress, Bernadette Peters (The Jerk, Pennies From Heaven) (63)
In 1960 Actress/playmate, Dorothy Stratten (August-1979) [d: 8-14-80]

In 1972 Actor, Rory Cochrane (Timothy Speedle-CSI Miami) (39)

In 1974 Actress, Tangi Miller (Elena Tyler-Felicity) (37)



IT WAS ON THIS DAY

In 1854 Some 50 opponents to slavery meet at a schoolhouse in Ripon, Wisconsin, to call for a new political group. The organization would later become known as the Republican Party.

In 1940 The British ship "Queen Elizabeth" is launched.

In 1940 The first college basketball game is televised on W2XBS/New York, as Pittsburgh defeated Fordham, 57-37, and New York University beat Georgetown, 50-27, at Madison Square Garden.

In 1950 Cadillac introduces the first one-piece automobile windshield.

In 1983 The final episode of "M*A*S*H" airs after 11 seasons on CBS, with a special 2 1/2 hour finale that was watched by an estimated 121.6 million people.

In 1993 A gun battle erupts at a compound near Waco, Texas, when Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms agents tried to serve warrants on the Branch Davidians. Four agents and six Davidians were killed as a 51-day standoff began.

In 1994 Lorena Bobbitt is released from a state mental hospital in Virginia, five weeks after she was acquitted by reason of insanity of mutilating her husband, John, by cutting of his penis.

In 1996 Princess Diana agrees to a divorce from Prince Charles.


THE OSCARS
The King's Speech was the big winner at Sunday night's Academy Awards. The period piece won best picture and best original screenplay, as well as best actor honors for Colin Firth and best director for Tom Hooper.

Here are the winners in the major categories at the 83rd Annual Academy Awards, held at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood:

Best Picture
The King's Speech

Best Actor
Colin Firth, The King's Speech

Best Actress
Natalie Portman, Black Swan

Best Supporting Actor
Christian Bale, The Fighter

Best Supporting Actress
Melissa Leo, The Fighter

Best Director
Tom Hooper, The King's Speech
Best Adapted Screenplay
The Social Network

Best Original Screenplay
The King's Speech

Best Animated Feature Film
Toy Story 3

Best Foreign Language Film
In a Better World

Best Original Score
The Social Network

Best Original Song
"We Belong Together," from Toy Story 3

Best Sound Mixing
Inception

Best Sound Editing
Inception

Best Art Direction
Alice in Wonderland

Best Cinematography
Inception

Best Visual Effects
Inception

Best Film Editing
The Social Network

Best Costumes
Alice in Wonderland

Best Makeup
The Wolfman

Best Documentary Feature
Inside Job

Best Documentary (Short Subject)
Strangers No More

Best Animated Short Film
The Lost Thing

Best Live Action Short Film
God of Love