Week #9 2/26/12-3/4/12

The capital of Pennsylvania is Harrisburg.

Many people would probably guess Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, but it's Harrisburg. Located on the banks of the Susquehanna River, it was founded by John Harris, Sr. in 1719.

Physical: 25 Shoulder Presses each day

Personal: Download an old CD and listen to it everyday. This should be fun. I've got to think of a good CD. I'm thinking something 80's...maybe Michael Jackson, Wham, Guns n Roses, etc. I'll reveal what I pick in the results.

Results: After much thought, I decided to download something I hadn't listened to in roughly 20 years. When I was young (I think 10) I had a gift certificate to the Record Depot. I went in the store and got Metallica's "And Justice For All." This was right when the Parental Advisory stickers came out. My mom made me return the tape and select something else. My selection was The Boys "Message From the Boys." I downloaded from iTunes and listened to at least three songs every morning.

Week #8 02/19/12 - 02/26/12

The capital of Louisiana is Baton Rouge.

Most people may guess New Orleans, but it is not. Baton Rouge is French for "the red stick." French explorers who found the area first noticed a wooden stick festooned with dead animals from the natives.

Physical: 25 jumping jacks each morning

Personal: Lay on my back and look at the stars for 10 minutes each night. This is going to be challenging, since it is cloudy and stormy on this first night.

Result: I found a web site to look at last Sunday since it was stormy out. The rest of the week was good. I went down to the beach to do my sky gazing. It always strikes me how beautiful the heavens are.

Week #7 2/12/12 - 2/19/12

The Capital of Montana is Helena.

Originally named "Last Chance" in 1864 gold rush. Being viewed as too crass, Last Chance became Helena as the city grew. It is located in Lewis and Clark County.ant

Physical: 20 shoulder presses

Personal: I have to plant something. (This should be interesting as today is the coldest day of the year so far)

Result: I used a little known loophole for this one. I made the challenge, so ultimately, I make the rules!!! I was given a "magic egg" plant by one of my students for Christmas. It was really cool, simply an egg in a clear cup like container. All I had to do was open the container and add water. Eventually the egg broke and a plant emereged. The plant was growing at such a rapid rate, I "planted" it in a pot. :0)

Week #6 2/5/12-2/12/12

The capital of Nevada is Carson City

Most people will tell you it's Las Vegas or Reno, but it's Carson City. Named for famous frontiersman Kit Carson.

Physical: 10 pop-ups each day

Personal: I have to donate $25 dollars to charity

Result: I had to replace the 10-pop ups with 20 sit-ups daily, because I tweaked an ankle. I donated $25 dollars to the "Jimmy V Foundation." I lost a grandmother to cancer and have an aunt battling it right now. I have always been moved every time I hear Jim Valvano's "Don't Ever Give Up" speech. Nick Valvano sent me a Thank You email.