Vegetarian Athletes

Athletes are normally very particular about their bodies and what they put in them. After all, without healthy bodies, it is hard to do what they do. But, I realized there are quite a few athletes that eat a strictly vegetarian diet. Some people wonder if a no meat diet is good for you. It certainly hasn’t done these athletes any harm: Bill Pearl Pearl is a four-time Mr. Universe. He didn’t become a vegetarian until he was 39, but guess what? He won his final Mr. Universe two years later, at age 41. Bode Miller Skiier Miller not only … Continue reading

More Green Athletes

Yesterday I was blogging about green athletes and I realized there were way more than I knew about, so this turned into a two-part blog. Competitive swimmer Natalie Coughlin needs minerals and vitamins to give her energy, especially during the Olympics. How does she get it? By having her own chickens lay fresh eggs and growing vegetables in her own garden. It’s not only Olympic athletes who try to live green though. NFL linebacker Will Witherspoon, an animal lover, raises Animal Welfare Approved grass-fed cattle. He spoke before Congress against the practice of feeding farm animals antibiotics. NFL fullback Ovie … Continue reading

Olympians Turning Gold to Green

Now that the last of the fireworks has exploded over Beijing and the Olympic flame has been officially extinguished, the world class athletes that made the Summer Games such a huge success are moving onto their next mission: turning their gold medals into green. Cold hard cash—and a ton of it—will welcome golden boy Michael Phelps as he heads back to Baltimore in the coming days. The swimming super star raked in more gold medals than any athlete in Olympic history and if he plays his cards right he could be set for life. Can you say endorsements? Those eight … Continue reading

Travel Updates: Green Options, Controversial Museums, and More

GREEN OPTIONS These days going green while on vacation is getting easier and easier. Resorts are moving beyond just recycling newspapers and are now harnessing the power of the sun to transport visitors. A resort in St. Lucia just unveiled a solar-powered ferry—the first of its kind in the Caribbean. The Sunshine Express has photovoltaic panels mounted on the roof and carries up to 15 guests from the Discovery at Marigot Bay resort to waterfront bars and restaurants using the sun’s rays. CONTROVERSIAL MUSEUMS In a previous blog I detailed the controversy surrounding the opening of a northern Kentucky museum … Continue reading

Should You Be Raising Chickens?

My best friend’s niece raises chickens in her backyard.  Now, this may not seem too abnormal, but to me it is – she lives in the middle of Memphis.  But, even city folks are starting to appreciate raising their own chickens.  Having your own chickens helps not only feed your belly (and in a fresh way too!), but can reduce your impact on the environment.  Plus, the chicken manure is great for composting. Before you rush out and purchase all you need for chickens, you first need to make sure it is legal.  If you live in the city, there … Continue reading

NFL’s Biggest Blunder?

Now that Osama Bin Laden is dead, who is the most hated man in America? Another terrorist leader? A presidential candidate? The guy that made that terrible film that is creating such tension? Not even close. The most hated man in America is actually two men – two National League Football refs. That’s right. I went to sleep last night and left my husband downstairs watching the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks playing football. I am not really into football, but I couldn’t help but notice something odd had happened in last night’s game when I logged into … Continue reading

Game On!

The 2012 Summer Olympic Games are officially underway in London, England. After a night of pomp, circumstance, and psychedelic performances during the Opening Ceremony, the world’s top athletes are getting down to business. The Olympic Games are the ideal vehicle to teach kids about good sportsmanship, dedication and a host of other principles that will serve them well in life beyond the playing field. For example, as you and your kids tune in tonight to watch swimming superstar Michael Phelps face off against rival Ryan Lochte in the 400 individual medley, use the opportunity to discuss the power of dedication, … Continue reading

Catch the Olympic Spirit

Let the games begin! In just a few hours London will try to impress the world when it hosts the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics. From now through August 12th more than 10,500 athletes from 204 nations will compete in 26 sports, including swimming, diving, gymnastics, wrestling, track and field, boxing and tennis. Two weeks later, the Paralympic Games will turn the spotlight on 4,200 athletes with disabilities. To get your family into the spirit of the 2012 London Games, especially young children, who will likely be inspired by the pomp, circumstance and amazing athleticism, take some time … Continue reading

DIY Olympic Fun

The opening ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics get underway in just a few days. However, you don’t need to travel to London in order to get in on all the athletic fun. Kids, who are inspired by the mega-athletes they view on TV, can replicate the record-breaking moves at home. Here are a few ideas to get your children into the spirit of the 2012 Summer Games: Relay Races: Foot races are one of the oldest and most popular Olympic Games. What’s more, they are also one of the easiest for kids to participate in. Simply collect some small … Continue reading

Are You Going to the Winter Olympics?

T-minus 14 days until the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Vancouver, British Columbia, is getting ready to shine in the international spotlight, but I won’t be there. Will you? As a broadcast journalist, I had the incredible opportunity to cover the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. However, I’ve never attended the Winter Games. It’s a travel dream of mine that I don’t know when will come true. Still, the dream is alive for more than 500 athletes and coaches, almost 11,000 members of the media and nearly 350,000 visitors, who are expected to descend upon the stunning city on the … Continue reading