Top 10 Films of 2009 (UPDATED!)

The Star Trek and the (500) Days of Summer casts have reason to celebrate as both movies make the Top 5 of Chris's Best Movies of 2009 (Courtesy Photo)

It's hard to believe the year has passed us by in a blur and we're already into a new decade. Yes, 2009 had a lot to offer, although the Summer season seemed a bit lacking compared to 2008 and the year of "The Dark Knight." Without further or do, here are my top 10 movies of 2009: (Keep in mind, I have not seen a few movies on every critics Top 10 list so bear with me.)

#10 - Paranormal Activity (R) Starring Kate Featherson and Micah Sloat

This indie movie horror hit made people think "Blair who?" After a young, middle class couple moves into a suburban 'starter' tract house, they become increasingly disturbed by a presence that may or may not be somehow demonic but is certainly most active in the middle of the night. Especially when they sleep. Or try to. With a budget of only $15,000 and a total box office gross of $108 million (not including rentals and sales), this film proves to Hollywood that a great concept and story are worth more than any visual effects you can splash on the screen. The only thing really to fear is a sequel is coming in 2012 that Hollywood is sure to screw up in some way.

#9 - Funny People (R) Starring Seth Rogan, Adam Sandler

Judd Apatow's third film after huge hits "The 40-Year Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up" was a disappointment in the box office but I thought it was a very well made film. George (Sandler) is a very successful stand up comedian who learns that he has an untreatable blood disorder and is given less than a year to live. Ira (Rogen) is a struggling up-and-coming stand up comedian who works at a deli and has yet to figure out his onstage persona. One night, these two perform at the same club and George takes notice of Ira. George hires Ira to be his semi-personal assistant as well as his friend with both learning what life really is about. Great performances by Sandler who has a fantastic version of The Beatles "Real Love" in the movie.

#8 - The Hurt Locker (R) Starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie and Brian Geraghty

Three members of the Army's elite Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) squad battle insurgents and one another as they search for and disarm a wave of roadside bombs on the streets of Baghdad—in order to try and make the city a safer place for Iraqis and Americans alike. Their mission is clear—protect and save—but it's anything but easy, as the margin of error when defusing a war-zone bomb is zero. Most people are saying this is the best movie of 2009. I have to disagree. It's top 10 and will get nomnated for sure. "The Hurt Locker" is a fantastic eye-opener about what bomb defusers go through in Iraq and how insane one must be to do it. But this movie really left me feeling that it doesn't deserve a Best Picture win. Kind of like "Crash" in 2004, it was a good movie but not great but went on to win. You never know with Hollywood.

#7 - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (PG-13) Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Gambon

The sixth movie in the Harry Potter franchise finds Harry (Radcliffe) inching ever so closer to Voldemort. In the sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and in both wizard and muggle worlds Lord Voldemort and his henchmen are increasingly active. With vacancies to fill at Hogwarts, Professor Dumbledore (Gambon) persuades Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent), back from retirement to become the potions teacher, while Professor Snape (Alan Rickman) receives long awaited news. Harry Potter, together with Dumbledore, must face treacherous tasks to defeat his evil nemesis. As the kids get older, the movies get better and darker. Here's hoping they keep most of the elements of the last book, seeing it's being split into two movies.

#6 - Watchmen (R) Starring Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Jackie Earle Haley

"The world will shout SAVE US! And I'll whisper...NO!" The greatest graphic novel of our time finally comes to the big screen in this very well done adaptation. "Watchmen" is set in an alternate 1985 America in which costumed superheroes are part of the fabric of everyday society, and the "Doomsday Clock" - which charts the USA's tension with the Soviet Union - is permanently set at five minutes to midnight. When one of his former colleagues is murdered, the washed up but no less determined masked vigilante Rorschach (Haley) sets out to uncover a plot to kill and discredit all past and present superheroes. As he reconnects with his former crime-fighting legion - a ragtag group of retired superheroes, only one of whom has true powers - Rorschach glimpses a wide-ranging and disturbing conspiracy with links to their shared past and catastrophic consequences for the future. Their mission is to watch over humanity... but who is watching the Watchmen? Brilliant suspense thriller where even if you didn't read the novel, you can still follow it.

#5 - District 9 (R) Starring Sharlto Copley

This is where my list gets tough. All these movies in the Top 5 could easily be number one. In 1982, a massive star ship bearing a bedraggled alien population, nicknamed "The Prawns," appeared over Johannesburg, South Africa. Twenty-eight years later, the initial welcome by the human population has faded. The refugee camp where the aliens were located has deteriorated into a militarized ghetto called District 9, where they are confined and exploited in squalor. In 2010, the munitions corporation, Multi-National United, is contracted to forcibly evict the population with operative Wikus van der Merwe (Copley) in charge. In this operation, Wikus is exposed to a strange alien chemical and must rely on the help of his only two new 'Prawn' friends Chris Johnson and his son. The most original movie of 2009. The story behind this is nothing I have seen and flows really well. The unknown actor, Sharlto Copley, shines as Wikus, trying to save himself from transformation and get back home to his wife. Highly recommend this film that was produced by Peter Jackson.

#4 - Sherlock Holmes (PG-13) Starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law

Guy Ritchie's best to date brings Sherlock Holmes back to the big screen for the first time in the U.S. since 1985's "The Young Sherlock Holmes." After finally catching serial killer and occult "sorcerer" Lord Blackwood, legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes (Downey, Jr.) and his assistant Dr. Watson (Law) can close yet another successful case. But when Blackwood mysteriously returns from the grave and resumes his killing spree, Holmes must take up the hunt once again. Contending with his partner's new fiancée and the dimwitted head of Scotland Yard, the dauntless detective must unravel the clues that will lead him into a twisted web of murder, deceit, and black magic - and the deadly embrace of temptress Irene Adler. Very well done and just an enjoyable film. Holmes is back and a sequel is in the works with Brad Pitt set to star as Holmes nemisis Professor Morriarty.

#3 - (500) Days of Summer (PG-13) Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel

"This is not a love story," the narrator says before plunging you into this 1 1/2 hour masterpiece. He's Tom, from New Jersey, working in L.A. writing greeting cards even through he's an architect by training. She's Summer, in from Michigan. Day one is her first day as an AA in Tom's office. We jump back and forth in time: by day 67, they've become an item when she decides to put aside the lovemaking and just be friends. Tom, a romantic who's sure Summer is the one for him, wallows in self pity. We go back to the early days and see the relationship begin. Summer tells him right away that she doesn't believe in love. He mopes well past day 100. Then, as day 500 approaches, they find themselves at a wedding together. Does the old flame rekindle? Is Tom right that destiny controls love?

What a fresh, original comedy. Guys, we've all been in this situation at one time or another. Boy meets girl. Girl says she doesn't believe in love or wants a relationship. It turns into one. Someone gets hurt along the line. After watching this film, it took me a while to ponder what I thought. I think it brought back some painful memories at first. But the movie shines and Gordon-Levitt should get an Oscar© nod for his well placed performance.

#2 - Avatar (PG-13) Starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana and Sigourney Weaver

James Cameron does it again. When his brother is killed in battle, paraplegic Marine Jake Sully (Worthington) decides to take his place in a mission on the distant world of Pandora. There he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge's intentions of driving off the native humanoid "Na'vi" in order to mine for the precious material scattered throughout their rich woodland. In exchange for the spinal surgery that will fix his legs, Jake gathers intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch, while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na'vi people with the use of an "avatar" identity. While Jake begins to bond with the native tribe and quickly falls in love with the beautiful alien Neytiri (Saldana), the restless Colonel moves forward with his ruthless extermination tactics, forcing the soldier to take a stand - and fight back in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora.

Visually stunning with a wonderful cast and pretty decent storyline. The front runner (according to all industry experts) for the Best Picture Oscar with nothing coming close, Cameron is on pace to break his unbreakable record of nearly $2 billion dollars gross for a film. Currently, "Titanic" is at the top with $1.8 billion.

and the #1 Movie of 2009 is: Star Trek (PG-13) Starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto

Yes folks, my number one film is Star Trek. Why? Because J.J. Abrams has rebooted the nearly dead franchise and brought it back to the land of living. Critics universally adored this film and it will surely get a Best Picture Oscar nod now that the field has been expanded to 10. On the day of James Kirk's birth, his father dies on his ship in a last stand against a mysterious alien vessel. He was looking for Ambassador Spock, who is a child on Vulcan at that time, disdained by his neighbors for his half-human nature. Twenty years later, Kirk (Pine) has grown into a young troublemaker inspired by Capt. Christopher Pike to fulfill his potential in Starfleet even as he annoys his instructors like young Lt. Spock (Quinto). Suddenly, there is an emergency at Vulcan and the newly commissioned USS Enterprise is crewed with promising cadets like Nyota Uhura, Hikaru Sulu, Pavel Chekov and even Kirk himself thanks to Leonard McCoy's medical trickery. Together, this crew will have an adventure in the final frontier where the old legend is altered forever even as the new version of it is just beginning. The cast was pitch perfect. The characters we knew and loved in the original show had the same mannerisms and zing that has made Star Trek stand tall for 40 years. I for one thought this was the best movie of the summer season as well.

Now before people berate my list, I have not seen the following: "Inglorious Basterds," "Up in the Air" and "Up." When I do, I might update my list if they deem to change the list in anyway. What is your top 10? Thoughts on mine? Comment below!

At the Movies: Avatar (PG-13)

James Cameron's first film in 12 years is as grand as "Titanic" was
(Photo Courtesy 20th Century Fox)

In 1997, James Cameron made his imprint in Hollywood History as "Titanic" soared to a record box office run no movie will ever repeat. Besides winning 11 Oscars© including Best Picture and Director and having a streak of 15 weeks at #1 in the box office, the film grossed over $1 billion dollars (world and domestic gross total) to become the most successful film of all time. Looks like Cameron is up for a sequel.

His latest opus is "Avatar," a movie that took him well over 20 years to realize and create into a 3D epic adventure. When his brother is killed in battle, paraplegic Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) decides to take his place in a mission on the distant world of Pandora. There he learns of greedy corporate figurehead Parker Selfridge's (Giovanni Ribisi) intentions of driving off the native humanoid "Na'vi" in order to mine for the precious material scattered throughout their rich woodland.

In exchange for the spinal surgery that will fix his legs, Jake gathers intel for the cooperating military unit spearheaded by gung-ho Colonel Quaritch (Stephen Lang), while simultaneously attempting to infiltrate the Na'vi people with the use of an "avatar" identity. While Jake begins to bond with the native tribe and quickly falls in love with the beautiful alien Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), the restless Colonel moves forward with his ruthless extermination tactics, forcing the soldier to take a stand - and fight back in an epic battle for the fate of Pandora.

If you go see this movie, see it in 3D. Sure it costs more but it is so worth it to see the visual colors and 3D imagery of the planet. The visuals alone make this a must see. The story is "OK" as it mixes a lot of movies like "Dances With Wolves" and "Fern Gully" together with a central story that the humans are wrong to want to strip this place of its resources and the Na'vi people need to fight to save their world. A bit environmental true, but a well pieced story that flowed really well.

Great performances by Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver and Stephen Lang who stole the show as the Colonel. This movie is sure to be up for Best Picture when the Oscar© nominations roll around.

Chris's Rating: 3 1/2 out of 4 Stars -- Would have given it 4 but the story seemed a little lacking. Other than that, Cameron cements his status as the "Gamble that always pays off."

At the Movies: "Sherlock Holmes" (PG-13)

The newest incarnation of "Sherlock Holmes" is one of the best films of 2009
(Photo Courtesy of Warner Bros.)

Ah the Holiday season. Hollywood saves the best for last as the bulk of the great and high-budgeted movies are released around this time. "Avatar," "Alvin and the Chipmunks," and now "Sherlock Holmes."

One of the most cherished detectives of our time, "Holmes" has appeared in over 122 films with the last being "The Young Sherlock Holmes" in 1985 (grossing around $20 million after opening in 5th place.) After the demise of the last Sherlock movie, would Guy Ritchie and his all-star cast reboot this franchise much like J.J. Abrams rebooted "Star Trek"?

After finally catching serial killer and occult "sorcerer" Lord Blackwood, legendary sleuth Sherlock Holmes (Downey Jr.) and his assistant Dr. Watson (Law) can close yet another successful case. But when Blackwood mysteriously returns from the grave and resumes his killing spree, Holmes must take up the hunt once again. Contending with his partner's new fiancée and the dimwitted head of Scotland Yard, the dauntless detective must unravel the clues that will lead him into a twisted web of murder, deceit, and black magic - and the deadly embrace of temptress Irene Adler (McAdams).

What I really liked about this film was how it jumped right into the action. No need to bore the audience with a background on Holmes and Watson. Everyone should know by now the story of how they came to be and how they are best friends and colleagues. Downey Jr. was fantastic as Holmes and brought a rugged quality not seen in previous films. Holmes has always been seen as clean cut and in fancy clothing. Law was spot on as Watson.

Chris's Rating: 4 out of 4 stars - One of the best films of 2009. As close to perfection as you can get with Sherlock Holmes. Sure to be Guy Ritchie's greatest film and was set up perfectly for a sequel.

DVD Movie Review: "The Hangover" (R)

Most overrated movie of 2009: "The Hangover"

When you see the trailer to "The Hangover," you see four guys (2 best friends, a groom and his future brother-in-law) living it up in Vegas. A typical storyline that has been done since the dawn of time, the hype that built around this movie was so huge, it cast itself in the light of all-time best comedies. This $35 million dollar comedy grossed $277 million dollars in the U.S. alone, so I thought to myself "This must be a great comedy to have grossed this much!" How wrong I was.

Angelenos Doug Billings (Justin Bartha) and Tracy Garner (Sasha Barrece) are about to get married. Two days before the wedding, the four men in the wedding party - Doug, Doug's two best buddies Phil Wenneck (Bradley Cooper) and Stu Price (Ed Helms), and Tracy's brother Alan Garner (Zach Galifianakis) - hop into Tracy's father's beloved Mercedes convertible for a 24-hour stag party to Las Vegas. After a night of partying with no memory of the previous nights events, they try and piece together what happened hoping they can find their friend Doug. As they find clues to his disappearance, things seem to get weirder and weirder leading them all over Vegas trying to get back in time for Doug's wedding day.

The first 20 minutes of this film are grueling. You have all the characters getting setup as to who they are, what their homelives are about, etc. Once they get to Vegas, the tempo picks up only to come back to a hault as they try to piece together the events of the previous night and find the groom Doug. Throughout the film, the jokes are flying but I really only laughed at a few of them. The gross-out humor just isn't funny in an adult comedy. It might work in "American Pie" but not on this level.

I think the breakout acting in this movie has to go to Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms. Galifianakis made the role of the strange, isolated person named Alan shine and had more laughs than anyone else. Helms was good as "whipped" Stu who refused to dump his controlling girlfriend who cheated on him with a cruise ship worker. Bradley Cooper's performance was ok but the typical "mid-life crisis" guy trying to hang on to his youth.

Chris's Rating: 2 Stars out of 4 - Overrated comedy that had a very lame ending. Has a sequel on the way next May. Hope it's not as overhyped as this one was.

University of Florida: Land of the Wimps

Florida Men's Basketball Coach Billy Donovan (Top) and Football Coach Urban Meyer (Bottom) have a lot in common after crawling back to Florida less than 24 hours after vacating those jobs [Courtesy Photos]

What a crazy weekend in the world of college sports. News Saturday night that Florida Football Coach Urban Meyer was resigning due to health concerns and wanting to be with his family. Then the next day Meyer recants his press release to the media and says he is taking an "indefinite leave of absence" but hopes to be back before the 2010 season. WHA???

Let's give a little background as to what happened. After the Southeastern Conference championship game three weeks ago, Meyer spent several hours in a Gainesville, Fla., hospital because of chest pains. Meyer said Sunday he had experienced similar problems at times this season but had not had a heart attack. Meyer also told Sports Illustrated last month that he suffered from persistent headaches caused by an arachnoid cyst that becomes inflamed by stress, rage and excitement.

Pat Forde describes the situation..."After handing in his resignation Saturday night, Meyer's mind was made up. Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley said when he went to sleep Saturday night he did not think there was any chance Meyer would change his mind.

Meyer then apparently went out to practice and decided that burnout is for losers, and his family may or may not come before his players. They had a spirited practice in unseasonably cold weather and, shazam, Urban's not resigning after all!

Meyer also said family and health come first but clearly, he has put neither first during his intensely successful run as a coach. On Saturday night, Meyer told The New York Times that oldest daughter Nicki rejoiced at the news of his impending resignation, saying, "I've got my daddy back." Now it appears daddy is only back on temporary loan."

Forde sums it up best by stating that Meyer's judgement is a bit cloudy. When he made a sincere resignation from the heart on Saturday, that was the right thing to do. But to go behind your families back and change your mind is a pretty harsh and selfish thing to do.

I hope he takes time to heal from his medical issues and takes time to heal his family where he seems to be non-existant. Whatever the case may be, Meyer must air on the side of caution and not risk his life for a game.

Top 10 Christmas Movies

"It's a Wonderful Life" tops my list of Best Christmas Movies

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Merry Christmas to one and all. After hearing all these entertainment reporters compile their list of Best Christmas Movies, I decided to put in my two cents. Here are my Top 10 Christmas Movies:

#1 - "It's a Wonderful Life" (G) starring James Stewart, Donna Reed

Frank Capra’s "It’s a Wonderful Life" was a box-office flop in 1946 even though it went on to garner 5 Academy Award Nods including Best Picture. James "Jimmy" Stewart was returning from war when he did this movie and you can tell how changed a man he was. The raw emotion of George Bailey, the yearning for a better life and the suicide attempt because he thought of himself as unimportant. All the elements that make a movie a classic and make us all realize we are all put on this earth for a reason.

#2 - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (PG-13) - starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo

A holiday classic from the 1980's, a decade with a slew of holiday classics. Clark Griswold just wants his family to have the perfect old fashioned family christmas. Add him putting up hundreds of thousands of lights on his house, him awaiting a bonus check he really needed and you got the best movie of the "Vacation" series. Classic lines, classic comedy, this is a great holiday movie.

#3 - A Christmas Story (PG) - starring Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin and Peter Billingsley

"Sons of Bitches...Bumpus's!" An all-time classic from 1983, "A Christmas Story" presents the story of a little boy named Ralphie and what he goes through to get a Red Rider BB Gun for Christmas in the circa 1940's fictional northern Indiana town of Hohman. Funny and just plain genius, it was also considered a flop in Nov. 1983, only making $19 million. FUN FACT: There are two sequels to this film: "Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss" (1988) and "It Runs in the Family" (1994).

#4 - Scrooged (PG) - starring Bill Murray

Another classic 80's christmas movie, Bill Murray plays IBC TV Executive Frank Cross whose only goal in life is to make himself and everyone around him miserable. Only caring about money and the bottom line, Cross is visited by three ghosts to try and get him to change his ways and also rekindle a lost love. Murray is brilliant in this contemporary retelling of Charles Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol."

#5 - The Santa Clause (PG) - starring Tim Allen

What started peoples mispelling of "Claus,"Disney and Tim Allen bring Santa to the big screen in a whole new light. When Scott Kalvin finds Santa fallen off his roof, he dawns Santa's clothing (to the urging of his son Charlie) and helps finish delivering the presents to all the children around the world. Not realizing that he was now the new Santa Claus under a binding law known as the "Santa Clause," Kalvin must come to the realization that he is now Santa and accept his new job at the North Pole. Funny, original and very clever, this is definitely one of my favorite holiday classics that the entire family will enjoy.

#6 - Santa Claus: The Movie (G) - starring Dudley Moore, John Lithgow

The most expensive Christmas movie ever made, "Santa Claus: The Movie" came out in 1985. The story is about an evil toy company executive of BZ Toys using a special candy cane, created by one of Santa's Elves (Moore fresh off his "Arthur" fame) that made people fly, to create record profits and start a new holiday called "Christmas II." An orphan and little girl help Santa save the day in this fun, endearing tale. A dud at the box office (only made $23 million of its $50 million back), this holiday classic is endearing to me. I remember going to the ol' Fair Oaks Movie Theater when this came out. I was 5 years old at the time and remember how magical the movie was. It's a fun movie that is sure to bring out the kid in us all.

#7 - Home Alone 1 & 2 (PG) - starring Macaulay Culkin

I decided to group both movies together because they both merit a spot on this list. "Home Alone" starred a virtual unknown Macaulay Culkin as Kevin, a 10-year old boy who gets left at home while his family goes on Christmas Vacation. Unbeknownst to Kevin and his family, thieves (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) are casing the neighborhood looking for an easy score while people are out of town. It's up to Kevin to protect his families house from them while his mother tries to get home as quick as she can. In "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," Kevin gets on the plane this time but it's the wrong one! Instead of getting on a plane to Florida, he's on the plane to New York City. Once there, Kevin checks into The Plaza and gets settled. Lerking in the city are the two thieves from the first movie wanting to strike revenge on unsuspecting Kevin. Once he realizes they are there, it's onto an abandoned building where Kevin must defeat them again and get back to his family. Very funny and great holiday classics.

#8 - Holiday Inn (G) - starring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire

A classic holiday film, this movie introduces the world to a little song called "White Christmas" which also won the Academy Award in 1942. Crosby and Astaire star as a popular nightclub song-and-dance team. When his heart is broken by his girlfriend, Crosby decides to retire from the hustle-bustle of big city showbiz. He purchases a rustic New England farm and converts it to an inn, which he opens to the public (floor show and all) only on holidays. Great songs by Irving Berlin make this a true classic amongst christmas films.

#9 - Silent Night, Deadly Night (R) - starring Robert Brian Wilson, Gilmer McCormick

I know this isn't your typical holiday film, but I had to include it in this list. A Christmas Tradition my friends and I started last year was to watch "Silent Night, Deadly Night" every Christmas season. This 1984 horror movie classic is about a young boy who watches his parents killed by a thief in a Santa suit. He spends his youth in an orphanage, staying quietly to his self, but his mind is further bent by an ironhanded Mother Superior. When he turns 18, he finally gets a job at a local store, where he finally snaps when he is required to wear a Santa suit, and goes on a killing spree that leads him slowly back to the orphanage. Some classic scenes and is definitely NOT FOR CHILDREN!

#10 - Bad Santa (R) - starring Billy Bob Thornton

Another crude holiday classic, this is Thornton at his comedic best. Two conmen, disguised as Santa (Billy Bob Thornton) and an Elf (Tony Cox), have been traveling across the country for the last seven years during the Christmas season getting jobs at shopping malls, and then robbing them on Christmas Eve. They use the trusting nature of people during this happy time just to rob them blind. Just when all is going according to plan, Willie meets an 8-year old boy, (Brett Kelly) who has this trusting nature, and who shows him the meaning of friendship and Christmas. To complicate matters further, he meets Sue, a sexy bartender who starts to really care for him. Rude, Crass and plain raunchy, this movie is a holiday classic for the adults.

Did I leave any out? Post comments below! Merry Christmas to all!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

(UPDATED WEATHER MAP AS OF 1:30 PM 12/18)

Courtesy of Weather.com, here are the projections for snowfall.
Chantilly/Fairfax, VA can expect 12-24 inches Friday evening through Sunday

I should have known something was afoot when, while shopping at Giant to avoid the crazy people today, I heard "Let It Snow" on the stores loudspeaker. Not since the likes of the Blizzards of 1993, 1996 or 2006 have we seen snow totals of 1-2 feet predicted. As the bullseye keeps growing, let's take a walk down memory lane and see what those snowstorms impact had on our area:

• 1993: The "Storm of the Century," also known as the ’93 Superstorm, No-Name Hurricane, the White Hurricane, or the "Great Blizzard of 1993," was a large cyclonic storm that occurred on March 12–March 13, 1993, on the East Coast of North America. It is unique for its intensity, massive size and wide-reaching effect. The D.C. area saw 2-3 feet of snow from this classic storm that crippled the area for 2-3 weeks as plows and residents tried to dig out. (I remember missing over a week of school because of this storm!)
  
  


• 1996: The "Blizzard of 1996" was a nor'easter (much like the one that will hit this weekend) that paralyzed the U.S. East Coast with up to 4 feet of wind-driven snow over a three-day period from January 6 to January 8, 1996.
  
  
  Also known as the MLK Storm, Snow began falling in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore during the late evening of January 6 and continued at a consistent rate until mid-afternoon the next day. At that time, the metro area received 13 to 17 inches, and after a few hours of sleet and then a complete stop for several hours, it seemed the worst was over. But overnight, as the storm slowly crawled northward, extremely heavy bands of snow came in from the east. These bands created whiteout conditions as winds gusted past 40 miles per hour, along with thunder and lightning.
  
  
  By the morning of January 8, the bands tapered off, and the metro area was left with a blanket of 15 to 25 inches of snow. Baltimore received 22.5 inches and Washington Dulles International Airport received 24.6 inches. Many areas north and west in Maryland and West Virginia received well over 2 feet with a few locations in the mountains of West Virginia and Virginia receiving up to 4 feet.
  
  
• 2006: The "Blizzard of 2006" was a nor'easter that began on the evening of February 11, 2006. It dumped heavy snow across the Northeast United States from Virginia to Maine through the early evening of February 12 and ended in Atlantic Canada on February 13. The major northeast cities from Baltimore to Boston received at least a foot of snow, with an all-time largest amount of 26.9 inches in New York City, the most since at least 1869, the start of record keeping.
  
  
  According to Dominion Power, over 64,000 people in Northern Virginia lost power in the storm, primarily in the suburban areas adjacent to Washington, D.C. Many locations in the extreme Northeastern portion of the state recorded 10-15 inches of snow, with Falls Church and Fairfax coming in at 13.5 inches and 14.0 inches respectively. Fairfax County and eastern Loudoun County were generally the start of the 12+ inches accumulations, which spread north towards Massachusetts.

Will we be adding 2009 to the list? I am sure with the predictions of 12-24 inches of snow. Be prepared if you live from North Carolina up to Pennsylvania.

Here are a few tips to keep you safe during this storm:

1) Listen to your radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for weather reports and emergency information.

2) Eat regularly and drink ample fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.

3) Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.

4) Cover your mouth. Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors. Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary.

5) Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.

6) Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

7) Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.

8) Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, consider the following:
Travel in the day, don’t travel alone and keep others informed of your schedule.
Stay on main roads; avoid back road shortcuts.

SNOW UPDATE AS OF SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20: 26 inches fell in Chantilly, Va.!!!! Roads are terrible with schools closing for the rest of the week and most of DC offices closed Monday.