It's a snack. And a soothing salve

Behold the power of cheese: U.S. women's downhill skier Lindsey Vonn, gutting through a painfully bruised shin at the Winter Olympics, has won at least one gold medal thanks in part to cheese curd that she slathered on her shin. The cheese is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties.

We just wonder how long it will be before the International Olympic Committee starts busting athletes for use of performance-enhancing dairy products.

Pitchers, catchers and Junior report: Three days before position players are required to report to the Seattle Mariner's spring training camp, Ken Griffey Jr. was in the Peoria, Ariz., clubhouse holding court and cracking wise on Friday. The M's coaching staff has raised some concern about Griffey's weight and conditioning.

M's head trainer Rick Griffin has specifically told Griffey: The cheese is for external use only.

Java jive-talking: The Yakima City Council has voted down proposed restrictions for the Eastern Washington city's bikini barista coffee stands.

Sorry, guys, but your wives and girlfriends now know what's up when you tell them you're going to Yakima for a cup of coffee.