Image courtesy of examiner.com

It was a pretty wild day for team USA at the Olympics yesterday, as two hotshot US athletes made good (or should we say gold?) on their hype. Shaun White outpaced the competition in the half pipe by whipping out his signature double twist trick on the second run. And Lindsay Vonn won gold in women’s downhill, despite near-disastrous conditions on the mountain that prevented the athletes from practicing on the actual runs they’d be competing on (remember when we said they were going to have to chopper in snow? Well, yeah.)

Unsurprisingly, American speed skaters Shani Davis and Apolo Anton Ohno skated easily (ho ho) to the next stage in their heats. And round robins continue for curling and hockey, so stay tuned for some powerhouse match-ups. Canadian pride is on the line when it comes to hockey, so Canada’s matches with Russia and the US promise to be explosive.

If you’re not watching the games…don’t miss out!

The 2010 Vancouver Winter Games begin tonight! Whether you like sports or not, I think everyone can get behind the idea of opening ceremonies–there are costumes for the fashionistas, choreography for the dance fans, and great design for creative, artsy types. And if you’re not into any of that, there’s usually some pretty cool gymnastics and fireworks.

Host cities usually pour millions of dollars into designing an opening ceremony that reflects their nation’s history and culture. In anticipation of the Vancouver opening ceremonies (what will those Canadians come up with??) we wanted to look at some of the opening ceremonies of the past.

The parade of nations in Athens brought the centuries-old Games full circle back to the land where they originated.

Beijing had one of the more exciting–and expensive–opening ceremonies in recent memory.

Atlanta went with a “Traditions of the South”, which many found controversial.

The uber-theatrical Salt Lake City opener:

And just for a throwback, here are the Helsinki Games from 1952:

After the Saints went home with Super Bowl rings last night, Michelle asked you guys on Facebook and Twitter - did you indulge in junk food during the game?

Some of you were like me and did:
@FFSCOLUMBIA — ugh!…my little nephew and I went thru a movie theatere style box of sour gummies in 15 minutes!
@PamperMeFab — I had this pumpkin bread (cake) from Trader Joe’s with cream cheese frosting. It was so delicious and worth every calorie!
@diahnee — hawt dawgs
@S_Tenuta — cake and panda express… YIKES! Thank god for tomorrows boxing class! Lol!
@rampea2 — Chips!! (lots of them)

And then a couple of you were unmoved by party treats:
Winona Patterson — Honestly, I behaved pretty well. My hubby made some awesome chili, and I didn’t gorge myself… but well, there was that cheese dip that I just couldn’t walk away from.
@thejenlevin — I was very good at the party today! Only ate some veggies and fruit! And no beer! Don’t need a slip up day right now!

Whether you overate or overdrank during the game, or you just need a little healthy detox, might I recommend the following Spa Deals? 

• Cellulite and Body Flow Detox with Presso Therapy at Vida Emanuel European Day Spa in Beverly Hills, CA Chateau
• Antioxidant Winery Facial at The Spa at Chateau Elan in Braselton, GA
• 90 Min Immune Booster Massage at Graceful Massage in New York, NY
• 60 Min Private Yoga Lesson at Skintelligence in Vienna, VA

Welcome to the Zit List, where we tell you exactly what to think about the week that was.

Link: Groundhog D-Day
Puxsutawny Phil, our beloved national groundhog, saw his shadow and we’re in for 6 more weeks of winter weather here in the cold states…but our Twitter feed pointed out the bright side: 6 more weeks of frolicking on the slopes for those who ski, snowboard, build igloos, and all that other good, clean, wintry fun. We’ll call it a wash, zit-wise.
Rating: 2.5 zits

Link: Stop! In the Name of Love
Toyota is recalling thousands of their crazily popular hybrid vehicle, the Prius, after the corporation announced on Tuesday that there was a design flaw with the brakes that might result in…well, not being able to stop. No big, right? It’s just the brakes! Ugh. A recall of the 2010 model may be coming soon so buckle your seatbelt and, just maybe, dust off the bike.
Rating: 5 zits

Link: The Most Super Bowl
All of America is geared up for the Superbowl this Sunday. Will the Colts sprint away with the ring, or will the Saints have a last-minute divine intervention? If you don’t care about the game, might we direct your attention to this week’s guide to spa-ing during the Superbowl…and if you do like it, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be up on your feet doing couch potato superbowl exercises! Any way you slice it, the only zit on the Superbowl is that it’s just once a year.
Rating: 1 zit

As the Saints-Colts match up draws nearer, there’s just one question on everyone’s mind: are you in shape for the Superbowl?

OK, OK, so maybe you’re not quite ready to be put on a roster. That’s okay! The American Physical Therapy Association, tongue planted firmly in cheek, has outlined 6 exercises that will fit right in with your game viewing. What better way to get a workout without even realizing it?

1. Watch warm-ups while lying on your side and lifting your top leg up, keeping the knee extended. Hold for 5 or 10 seconds and wish for many touchdowns. Repeat on the other side.
2. When your team makes a completed pass, hold your arms out at shoulder length with palms up to the sky. Move your shoulder blades toward one another until the next snap!
3. During commercial breaks, make like a player in the locker room and do some quick wall sits. Press your back flat against the wall. Slightly bend your knees to slide down the wall and hold. Repeat until the game comes back.
4. Grab a couple cans of soda (or, you know, your game watching beverage of choice) and hold one in each hand. Stand with your feet about 6 inches apart. Bent at the waist towards one side and bring the can up under your opposing arm.
5. When the ref makes a bad call against your team, shake your head in disbelief, making sure to tuck your chin to your chest. You’ll stretch and exercise muscles on the back and sides of your neck.
6. If the game comes down to the last few minutes, relieve the tension by lying on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Bend one knee toward your chest, grab the back of your thigh with both hands, and stretch your leg from the knee.

For more detailed instructions and diagrams, check out the “Couch Potato” pamphlet here!