Close...But No Cigar!

by Jay Cruz
"Close, but no cigar." I often wondered why exactly that became such a common saying for “not winning” or “not getting the job." The Cigar is actually in some circles considered a large reward for a job well done and is a tremendous commitment to celebrating.

Each week in the NFL some Kicker misses a kick that eventually costs the team a win or loss. Sometimes the kicks are easier that others, but one thing that seems to be universal is the expectations of success. One team , the New Orleans Saints , is coming off of their Super Bowl season and is shooting for the top again, while another team , the Oakland Raiders are trying to get back to a level of respectability and return to glory. The Saints are holding try outs this week for the Kicker position while the Raiders are going to stick with their guy. Both teams lost last week due to the kicking game.

Where are you closed in your life right now? What is the key to get to the next step, or close that gap from unease to ease. Do you focus on the small but important things or have you put too much focus elsewhere? The radio hosts on HealthyLife.net radio network can help you stay open and positive and may be able to help you determine your next step and how to get there.

I heard a few mentions of Vitamin D last week and found it ironic to be reminded to get some more Sunshine as Summer was coming to a close. Cloudy Summer in the Beach Cities too. Then we get a heat wave and endured the “Hottest Day Ever”? The Heatmeister is playing with our weather. Regardless I think moderate sun and stimulation is a good thing, but I’ll wait to get my fix until the temperature is back down.

As the season changed from Summer to Fall, I realized that I hadn’t enjoyed the Summer as I normally do. A lesson to take a moment and enjoy the moment. There is a time and place for everything.

Speaking of a time and place, how about family mealtime? An overlooked traditional value that brings families closer together. In most cases we’ve let this one go with our hectic lifestyles and take out habits. Many thanks to those who have reminded us about this. I have great memories of the family meal time and have a good feeling that your children will as well. As long as you make it an important habit in your family.

If mealtime is not a reality for your family try an alternative activity. Family game night. Talent Night. Spending time together and being active. Besides if you start or reintroduce this good family habit now, it won’t seem so unusual during the holidays!

Increase Your Football Passion (even if you don't have one)

by Jay Cruz

With September and Fall comes the back to school shuffle and one more very important thing. Football. A few weeks back Dr. Sheila Foreman shared some tips and insights for listeners of the Healthylife.net News@7 who may not have a passion for the game, yet may have passion for someone who does enjoy football. Here are some handy hints for you to try this season to make Sundays more fun for all.

-- Follow a team. If you don't already have a favorite team or have become a fan by default because of your friends or family, adopt a team. Why pick a team you may ask? Just try it and see how soon you become more interested in the developments and events during the year. Many fans started to show some love to the New Orleans Saints a few years ago after Hurrican Katrina, last year's Super Bowl win was shared by many casual fans who liked the underdog Saints and the rebuilding of New Orleans. This year a few popular teams up for adoption could be the Washington Redskins with new coach Mike Shanahan and new Quarterback Donovan McNabb. Coach Shanahan comes in with a resume that includes 2 Super Bowls while McNabb was traded after a number of quality years for the Eagles. In Los Angeles where we don't have a team, many local fans are following former USC Coach Pete Carroll and his new situation with the Seattle Seahawks. By following a team or watching only their games or only watch the Sunday Night National broadcast you can also keep a limit for how much is watched by yourself and others.

-- Menu planning. If the game of the week involves a team with a regional culinary dish there you go. Use teams colors or mascots for inspiration too. Playing the Eagles, try a green chicken salad, or just do something with Philly cream cheese or a cheesesteak. Southwestern dishes if you're game is being played in Texas, Arizona, or California. Chili anyone? Clam Chowder in Sourdough Bread for a 49'er game or for the Patriots, Citrus if Miami is playing and if Tennessee plays just select your favorite Elvis Presley snack.

I think you'll be good at this one...

-- Socialize. Football is more fun to watch with a group of friends. It can also be a good way to meet new people. It can also be a way for you to get yourself more involved with your buisness or by considering some of the many ways to actually earn extra money around the games. Many restraunts will offer deals or specials during games or a special rebate if you show a ticket stub to a local game. There was a recent news story about a need to find more qualified nutrition experts in the football industry to help better feed and train players. Innovative trainers are always needed too. Just because all players run with parachute drag in practice and not just the cutting edge doesn't mean there isn't something still to find.

-- Side Hobby. I often play guitar during games because I find it to be a good use of time, especially with all of the commercials. Sometimes I will do a little work out during the games or call, text or email friends and family who live in other areas to say hello or tell them how bad their team is. Plus if you miss some action there are a number of websites and highlight shows besides our mobile phones to stay in the loop and catch up.

Don't forget that the Major League Baseball is closing in on the play-offs. For tips and ways to enjoy the season don't forget to listen to our Sports Segment near the end of the Healthylife.net News@7 Monday through Friday 7am, 7pm PT and on-demand all day.

A Lesson in Geography and Football

By Daena Smoller

I was at a party this past Sunday to watch the football game; the New Orleans Saints vs the Washington Redskins. Now I have never been a football fan, ever, until this season. Since I'm currently hanging out in New Orleans and the city is going crazy over the Saints as they make it closer to the Super Bowl, it's hard not to get swept up in the Saints frenzy.

So before the game, there's the pre-game show (hey, it was new to me!). During this time, a female reporter (or is she a sportscaster?) was interviewing players. Following her interview, this guy sitting near me at the football party launched into a half-serious tirade about women being involved in sports broadcasting. Of course, he was completely against it and since he had caught my attention, he focused the remainder of his tirade to me.

Then he really blew me away when he asked me, "who are the Saints playing?" I immediately responded with "Redskins" then pulled the neck of my shirt out a bit, pretended to survey my own chest and continued with "gee, do you believe it was female that had to clue you in?"

But the guy continued with "oh, Redskins, D.C." and I responded, "no, there are no football teams in D.C. - it's Washington State!" He agreed.

After the Saints won in overtime making them 12 - 0, I called my dad. I ran down the list of events from the previous week that I wanted share and then told him about this guy at the football party who initially threw a chauvinistic tantrum and our exchange. Of course, I put more emphasis on what an idiot this guy was to think that Redskins were from D.C. My dad started laughing...really, really hard. And when he could finally catch his breath, my dad, the physicist with a genius I.Q. kindly clued me in to the fact that the Redskins were indeed, a Washington D.C. team. So without missing more than a couple beats, I responded, "well, what a super idiot this guy is for listening to a girl!" I endured my dad laughing non-stop for another twenty minutes.

So you're probably reading this and wondering WHY in the world am I sharing this story with you. Well, there is a point. Information is usually only as good as the source of announcement so you totally want to make sure that your source is reliable and trustworthy. And that's one of the key reasons why millions of people around the world listen to a wide array of programming on HealthyLife.net. Whether its for mind-body-spirit information, entertainment, green matters and of course, sports, you can count on HealthyLife.net covering it all, straight.

AND, beginning January 4, 2010, you can count on "7", exclusively at HealthyLife.net!

In the meantime...WHO DAT BELIEVE & GEAUX SAINTS!