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Monday, July 30, 2012

Motivation for your Monday Fitness: Avocados

Monday Fitness Tip:
This morning wrapped up the segments Bob & Caroline Scott of the Louisville Athletic Club have been doing regarding their favorite foods.  This morning they shared about the health benefits of Avocados.  Below, I will also give some tips on how to choose an avocado for those, like me, who may have only recently come to love them.





Benefits of Eating Avocados that Bob & Caroline Shared:

  • Great for your heart.  They are full of folate, vitamin E, and monounsaturated fats (good fats).  Studies show that diets rich in these vitamins and nutrients have a much lower risk for heart disease.
  • Great for lowering cholesterol.  In one study, participants dropped their cholesterol levels by 17% after eating avocados for just one week.
  • Great for eye health.  They contain more of the carotenoid lutein than any other commonly eaten fruit.
  • Great for stroke prevention because of the high levels of folate found in the fruit.
  • Great for oral cancer defense.  Studies have shown that compounds found in avocados are able to seek out precancerous and cancerous oral cancer cells and destroy them without harming healthy cells.
  • Also great for breast cancer prevention.  Avocado, like olive oil, is high in oleic acid, which has been known to prevent breast cancer.
  • Great for better nutrient absorption.  Studies have shown that certain nutrients are absorbed better when eaten with avocado.
  • Great for prostate cancer prevention.  They have been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer.
  • Great for anti-aging.  They are an excellant source of glutathione, an important anti-aging antioxidant.
  • Great for adding lots of Vitamin E to your diet.  They are the best fruit source of vitamin E which is known to protect the body from disease and boost overall health.
For more great health and fitness tips from Caroline Scott of the Louisville Athletic Club, check out her fitness blog at carolinescott.org


Guide to Avocados:
Up until recently, I wasn't a fan of the taste of avocados.  Friends and family kept begging me to try guacamole, which I did.  I just didn't enjoy the flavor.  Until I tried a new restaurant with 

In Season: Avocados are available in the supermarket year-round.

What to Look For: It is covered with a pebbly, leathery skin, which changes from dark green to deep purple (almost black) as the fruit ripens.Choose heavy, undamaged fruit. An avocado that yields slightly to pressure is best for slicing and dicing; if pressure leaves a small indentation, the avocado is best mashed. Avoid very soft avocados, as they will be overripe and unusable.

How to Store:  Keep unripe avocados at room temperature. To speed ripening, place in a paper bag with an apple or banana; to stop ripening, refrigerate for up to two days.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Olympic Inspiration: Saturday's Show


Inspiration from the 2012 Summer Olympics:
The Summer Olympic Games officially kicked off yesterday with an exciting opening ceremony brilliantly organized by British film director Danny Boyle.  On this morning's show, I spoke about some of the inspirational stories of some of the Olympian athletes.  There are so many, I was only able to highlight a few.  I will list a few more below.


Legally Blind Archer, Im Dong-hyun
S. Korean Archer Sets Record: (Article)
Im Dong-hyun of South Korea set the first world records of the London Olympics hours before the official opening ceremony.  Quite impressive by any means, but did I mention that he is legally blind?  With only 10% vision in his left eye and 20% in his right eye, 26 year old Im Dong-hyun even broke his own record in the 72-arrow mark.  Im Dong-hyun does not wear glasses in the competition either.  Instead he relies on the colors of the target.  Im has been a successful part of South Korea's renowned archery team for nearly a decade.  His story is incredible as he continues to compete and defy impossible odds.  If you would like to learn more about Im Dong-hyun, click [here]


Olympians Best Advice:
In an article in Women's Health Magazine, some of the Olympians shared some of the best advice they had ever received.  I mentioned a few quotes this morning.  I thought I would share the two I mentioned along with a few more.  There are quite a few, if you would like to read the full article, click here.  Some Olympians also shared their favorite quotes and words that motivate them in this article also from Women's Health.

Christina Loukas, nine-time national diving champion and first time Olympian said, "My coach Kenny Armstrong keeps telling me that the outcome isn't what matters, but the journey to get there that does. He and I have been putting in so much time working towards the Olympics and sometimes you focus too much on what the outcome is going to be. What makes the outcome so meaningful though is how you got there—all of the hours of training, the emotions, and the injuries you had to overcome. So for me that really put things in perspective and has helped me enjoy the journey more so that I can look back on it and have no regrets no matter what happens. I just wish I had been told that a long time ago!"

Natasha Hastings, four-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist in 4x400 relay said, "I used to work with Michael Johnson and he told me that every day is an opportunity. Every day at practice or in the weight room was an opportunity to get better. It's about not letting anything go to waste."

Carrie Johnson, two-time Olympic kayaker said, "Put your time and energy into the things you can control. Don't spend time worrying about the things out of your control."

Kellie Wells, 2011 USA indoor & outdoor 100m hurdles champion said, "'If you think you can't, you won't, and if you think you can, you will.' When I'm tired at practice, I tell myself that I'm not tired, and I can push through. If you tell yourself you're tired or if you tell yourself you're sick, your body is going to follow the mind."


Olympian has Louisville Ties:
Cyclist Dotsie Bausch is a native of Louisville, Kentucky.  She attended Southeast Christian Church as a teen; her parents still do.  In a video interview she states, "I'm from Louisville, KY so I'm a southern girl at heart...It (Louisville) was a fantastic place to grow up.  Really, really close tight-knit families. So I wouldn't have wanted to grow up anywhere else."  The Ballard High School graduate will compete in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London as a cyclist. She is in her 12th year as a bike racer and is a seven-time USA Cycling National Champion.  Dotsie's journey to the Olympics hasn't always been easy.  Dotsie has overcome Anorexia and Bulemia which nearly destroyed the 5'9 athletes body.  After college she modeled in NY, making her struggle with eating disorders grow worse until she weighed less than 100 lbs.  The pain her parents felt, led Dotsie to seek help from therapists.  “Knowing that I was hurting my parents so deeply initially made me seek help. I saw their pain and it was too much. I eventually wanted to heal for myself, but that took some time,” Dotsie said.  Dotsie found a therapist that she could trust.  As she recovered, her therapist wouldn't let her exercise since people with eating disorders often over-exercise.  After she had progressed she was allowed to begin to exercise if she chose something that she didn't do when she was battling her eating disorders.  So Dotsie began cycling at age 26.  Now at age 39 and a seven time U.S. National Champion and a two time Pan Am Championship gold medal winner, Dotsie Bausch will compete in her first Olympic race. Dotsie's parents credit prayer with saving Dotsie's life.  Dotsie is looking forward to the opportunity to share her faith and journey that the Olympic platform will provide. said this, “He has had His hand in (my life) the whole time,” she said. “It’s me who took way too much time to realize His strength, sovereignty, love and grace and the powerful effect He would have in my life. I turned away from Him in my 20s and started asking questions, which ultimately led me back to Him, so I do encourage those who are still searching to ask questions...  Multiple scenarios, hardships and windy roads led to this Games of the 30th Olympiad for me … God wants me here doing this right now,” Bausch said. “This is my calling right now. This is how I will shine my light for those suffering from eating disorders and hopefully for people who just need some light and I can share God with them. I believe that’s why God has made me a gifted cyclist. But you know what? If I have learned anything about God, it’s that the second I try and guess what He's up to, He surprises me every single time. So I will wait on Him and see what He has in store.” Dotsie will compete on Friday August 3.  For more about Dotsie Bausch, check out the Southeast Outlook where she was featured this week.  She has also been featured in NBC Video Interviews.

More Local Olympians:
We have other Olympic Athletes with local and regional ties to Kentucky that we are all equally proud of.  Below I've listed a few of the athlete's bios with ties specifically to Kentucky, but you can find complete bios about all of our regional athletes by clicking [here]

Clark Burckle is a member of the U.S. Olympic Swim Team. He grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and was a member of Lakeside swim club. Burckle attended St. Xavier High School. He will compete in the 200-meter breaststroke at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. He won the NCAA Championship in the 200 yard breaststroke for Arizona in 2010. Clark's sister, Caroline Burckle, competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and won a bronze medal in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay.

Tyson Gay is known as the second fastest man in the world. A native of Lexington, Kentucky, he broke track records at Lafayette High School. Gay will be competing in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London in both the 100 meter and the 4x100 meter relay.  A three-time class 3A 100m state champion out of Lafayette Kentucky High School, Tyson Gay's 10.46 state meet record is still standing from 2001. Tyson attended the University of Arkansas after his time at Barton Community College, and in 2004 became the first Razorback athlete in history to win an NCAA 100m title.  He is now an American record holder in the 100m, three-time USA Outdoor 100m champion and two-time USA Outdoor 200m champion. Gay is known as the second fastest man in history behind Jamaica's Usain Bolt. He looks to return to full strength in 2012 after running with a series of injuries for the past few years.

Claire Donahue graduated from Western Kentucky University and proudly waved the Hilltoppers flag after qualifying for the Olympics.  Originally from Texas, she is a member of the US Olympic Swim Team and came to WKU to major in social work.

Anthony Davis was born in Chicago, IL, but he played for the University of Kentucky and was the second freshman ever to win the Associated Press Player of the Year award. He  will be competing on the United States Men's basketball team.  He was also the 2012 NBA number one draft pick.

Reese Hoffa will be competing for the United States in the shot put competition. He was born in Louisville and raised in Augusta, Ga after being given up for adoption at age 4. He came in seventh place in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Reed Kessler will be competing in the individual show jumping in London. She grew up in Armonk, New York and currently lives in Lexington, Kentucky. She and her horse had only been working together eight months before Olympic qualifications began.

Lee Kiefer was raised in Lexington, Kentucky. While the primary sport of the city is basketball she focused on her dad’s passion of fencing. Kiefer will compete for the United States on the fencing team as the youngest member. She will compete in foil both individually and in the team competition.

Rich Lambourne is a U.S. Olympic Volleyball player. Although he grew up in California he was born in Louisville, Kentucky. Lambourne suffered a serious shoulder and face injury at the age of 6 when he fell off of his bike and skinned them both to the bone. He will be competing in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.    Rich Lambourne makes his second Olympic appearance in London after helping the U.S. men's team win gold at the 2008 Beijing Games. Born in Louisville, Ky., Lambourne played collegiate at Brigham Young University and majored in Japanese, where he also started at outside hitter on the 1999 NCAA National Championship team, the first national title in school history.   Originally a baseball player, Lambourne picked up the game of volleyball because he wanted to hang out with his friends. And he was tall, so the volleyball coach in high school loved having him. Lambourne has been a mainstay for the national team since 2005 and he made his world championships debut in 2006.

Angel McCoughtry is a professional basketball player who spent her college years playing for the University of Louisville. She is U of L's all-time leading scorer and rebounder, and led the Cards to the 2009 NCAA National Championship game. McCoughtry had her #35 retired by U of L in November of 2010 and was inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame in June. Before she became a WNBA sensation, Angel McCoughtry led the Big East Conference in scoring, rebounding and steals while breaking school records at the University of Louisville. During her junior year at UofL, McCoughtry broke her own records for points and steals and tied her own single-game scoring record. She played a key role in Louisville's upset of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the 2008 Big East conference tournament.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Olympic Opening Ceremonies: Morning Show Highlights



The 2012 Summer Olympics Begin:
As Jim and I mentioned, the Olympic Games will officially begin this afternoon at 4:00 pm EST, but they will be airing locally later this evening.  London is filled with anticipation as they prepare to host the nations of the worlds finest athletes.  London previously hosted the games in 1908 and again in 1948.  Tonight's celebration will include pagaentry, protocol, a parade of nations, some surprises, and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.  I'm really excited to watch the Summer games again, particularly the Lopez family in Tae Kwon Do and a few others.  There are a lot of great inspirational stories, and even a hometown competitor which I can't wait to watch compete.  I'll be sharing some about her story and more about the Olympics tomorrow on-air between 8:00 am - Noon.
Opening Ceremonies TV Schedule:NBC Affiliates (Wave 3) will air the Opening Ceremonies from 7:30 pm EST to midnight.
More information is available at nbcolympics.com


Step Up Revolution
Plugged-in Movie Review:
Each Friday on 88.5 WJIE we air the Plugged-in Movie Review at 7:20 am and 5:20 pm.  The Plugged-in Movie Review features information aboutthe most anticipated films being shown at the box office from a Christian Perspective. This morning's review was about Step Up Revolution.  It looks like a high energy film, but is it appropriate for your family?  You can find out by listening to the Plugged-in Movie Review.  Chris Crain will re-air the review this afternoon at 5:20 pm.



Follow 88.5 WJIE on Pinterest!
88.5 WJIE Pinterest Contest:
WJIE now has a Pinterest page!  Follow us today and you could win!  If you have a page or are planning to have one, follow us on Pinterest by August 13th to be automatically registered to win VIP seats and backstage passes to meet the Newsboys at the Kentucky State Fair on August 20th.  You can link to the Pinterest page now at wjie.org!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Hot Fudge Sundae Day: Morning Show Highlights


Fact or Fiction:
Today's Fact or Fiction was about Hot Fudge Sundaes!  Here are a couple of the facts we learned; I'll skip the one with the calories.  The Hot Fudge Sundae was supposedly created in 1906 at C.C. Browns, a new ice cream parlor on HollywoodBoulevard in Los Angeles.   The largest Ice Cream Sunday was made by Palm Dairies LTD at Alberta, Canada on July 24 1988, and had 20.27 tons of ice cream, 4.39 tons of syrup and 2.37 kg of topping!  We have a heat advisory until 9:00 pm, and today's high will be 101.  Play Fact or Fiction with us weekdays at 7:20 am for your chance to win!
Jim Dandy from Friendly's




The Jim Dandy:
Here's a pic of the Sundae Jim said was his favorite ever!  It's appropriately named the Jim Dandy!  What do you think?  Would this be in your top 10?
My favorite toppings would be to mix hot fudge with caramel and nuts over vanilla ice cream!









Hot Fudge Recipe:
Want to try your hand at making homemade Hot Fudge?  Here is an incredible recipe that I found this morning.  Homemade Hot Fudge would also be perfect packaged up as a Summertime Hostess Gift!

Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce


Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Blueberry Hand Pies: Blueberry Tuesday

The Kentucky State Fair is just around the corner, so here is a fair-approved recipe for your Blueberry Tuesday.  Enjoy some delicious Blueberry Hand Pies!  Don't forget to join us for the 88.5 WJIE Day at the Kentucky State Fair on August 20th!

Blueberry Hand Pies


Monday, July 23, 2012

Motivation for Monday Fitness: Nuts

Over the last several weeks Bob and Caroline Scott have been sharing some of their favorite health foods.  Today they told us about another health food that they eat on a regular basis - Nuts.
"Bob and I eat nuts on a daily basis, including almonds and pistachios as well as walnuts and the reason for this is because of all the amazing health benefits they have.  So here are a few of the reasons you need to add nuts to your daily diet.

  • They are great for your cholesterol levels: The important plant sterols and other good fats found in nuts have been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise your HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
  • Reduce the risk of blood clots: Eating nuts has also been shown to improve the health of your arteries and decrease the risks for developing the blood clots that can cause a fatal heart attack.
  • Prevent erratic heart rhythms: The unsaturated fatty acids found in nuts, especially the high level of omega-3 in walnuts, have been shown to help prevent the development of erratic heart rhythms." - Caroline Scott of the Louisville Athletic Club
More Health Benefits from Bob Scott of LAC:
  • Improve the health of artery walls: Nuts are rich in the natural amino acids, which also helps reduce blood clots and improve artery walls making them more flexible and easing blood flow.
  • Lower death risk from heart attacks:  Most nuts contain Vitamin E, potassium, fiber, protein, and essential fatty acids, including omega-3s all of which reduce your risk of having a heart attack.
  • Convenient: Nuts are also great because they are convenient and filling.  Try to consume them in their raw condition whenever possible (Not cooked and covered with sugar or salt).
For more great health and fitness tips: visit Caroline's Blog at carolinescott.org


Recent Topics:
Motivation for Mon Fitness: Berries (7/16)
Motivation for Mon Fitness: Eggs (7/9)

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Summer Savings and a bit about Zucchini: Saturday's Show

Summer Savings:
There are so many great apps and websites that are perfect for saving money this summer.  Here are a few that you may enjoy.

Entertainment: There are a lot of great sites and apps for saving in entertainment.  I've listed a few, but I'd love to hear your ideas too.
  • AAA Member: If so, don't forget that your membership includes discounts on movie tickets, theme parks, travel/hotels, luggage, restaurants, retail stores, and so much more.  AAA.com has all the info.
  • Plastic Jungle: PlasticJungle.com is a site where you can buy or sell new or partially used gift cards for almost everything from restaurants, retail stores, pet stores, and other entertainment.  The site sells gift cards that it has purchased from individuals who didn't use them or barely used them.  The only downfalls I saw were that the savings do vary.  In my opinion, some weren't that great of a deal.  However, if you are planning to buy a gift card any getting a percentage off the card value is always a plus.
  • Groupon: I'm sure that you have heard about Groupon.com and LivingSocial.com by now, but you may be forgetting to take advantage on some great savings.  Both offer great discounts on everything from clothing and gadgets to travel, entertainment, and restaurants.
  • Actors Theater:  Actors Theater offers a lot of great discounts from $10 "Try Us" tickets, group discounts and more.  Check out actorstheatre.org for more info.
Eat Well: Eating fresh and/or organic foods may cost a bit more, but in the long run if you fuel your body with better food you will save money on medical expenses, etc. Farmers markets are a great way to 1) get fresh food that is in season and 2) sustain the local farming community.
  • Farmers Market Directory:  Check out  kyagr.com for a list of local farmer's markets.  Every year they put out an updated list.  Many of the farmer's markets will continue into the Fall Season.
  • KY Proud:  KyProud.com will give you a list of local restaurants and stores that sell food from local farms.
  • Local Harvest: LocalHarvest.org is a site which will direct your to local farmer's markets in any area of the United States that sale fresh local produce, baked goods, cheese, and meats at  competitive prices.
  • Coupons from Red Plum: Snag some great coupons for groceries, restaurants, and more at RedPlum.com and don’t forget to check manufacturer’s sites. You may have to sign up to get coupons and offers, but it can save you a bundle. 
  • Coupon Cabin: Another website that you could use for some great coupons is couponcabin.com
Sell Stuff: If you plan to have a yard sale or sale any used stuff online you may have some trouble pricing your items.  There's a free site called Pricenomics.com which will give you a suggested asking price and also and acceptable price range based upon the items current value.

Fuel Savings: Gas prices are outrageous so don't forget about GasBuddy.com which will show you where the best gas prices are.  Also, don't forget that using "Avoid Tolls" on your GPS or Maps program will save you money on your next road trip.

Airline Tickets: Visit Kayak.com/explore.  It let’s you enter your flying budget, preferred locations (worldwide) and flight times, then shows you just where you can go on what dates for your money. If you’re flexible on travel days, take advantage of Google’s Itasoftware.com where you enter your desired airports to see what days on the calendar are cheapest to fly; twenty-four hours can mean the difference of some serious savings!  Travelocity.com is also a good site to check for discounts.  Also, check out your local airports website, sometimes they will have discounts of their own.

Airline Baggage Fees: Your airline ticket might be cheap but if you’re paying for each bag, flying a family can double your ticket prices. Don’t be surprised by new baggage fees. Know before you book your ticket who charges what for checked bags or even carry-ons. AirfareWatchDog.com has a chart for the top 10 airlines. Pack lightly and make this expense a part of your budget. If you’re sensible with credit cards (never carry a balance) and fly often, you can save with an airline-branded card, such as the Delta SkyMiles American Express, which always allows for first bag checked, free. Compare credit cards at NerdWallet.com.


Back to School Savings:
A lot of people have already been back to school shopping, but for those who haven't started or aren't finished.  I found some tips on Woman's Day that may help save you some money.


  • Use what you have: According to Christine Koh, founder and editor of Boston Mamas, you probably already have all the school supplies you need right in your house. "It's just a matter of finding them and assessing." This year she gave her daughter a list of everything she needed for school and turned it into a scavenger hunt. "She went through the house and pulled out folders, pencils, pens, etc.—and she had everything on the list!"  So take inventory before you begin shopping; it could save you tons.  Do this with school clothes too to save even more.  If you don't have friends to swap with, the Internet can be another great source for no-cost clothing. "ThredUP is really fantastic," says Christine Koh. "It's a site where you can swap clothing with other parents; just stuff a flat-rate USPS box full of clothing and list it on the site. Then you get credit to pick a box for yourself. It's super-easy, convenient and practically free!" 
  • Back-to-School Swap: Get fellow moms or if you are the student get together with your peers and have a Back-to-School Swap.  After taking inventory of your supplies, have everyone bring extra items that they don't need including uniforms their kids have outgrown, etc and swap.  There is even an online option, Emily Roemmich, editor of Busy Mom, likes SwapMamas.com, a swapping website that includes a section for school and office supplies. Connect with other moms to trade items you no longer need for supplies you can use, so you won't have to spend any money.
  • Know when to Splurge: Backpacks are an item where it doesn't pay to get the cheapest product on the market.  Make sure that it has excellent shoulder support, etc. Plus, a higher quality backpack will last for more than one year.
  • Shop Out of Season: Instead of paying premium prices for the latest styles, supplies, backpacks and more stock up during clearance and sales events.  Try purchasing winter items in the summer and vice versa. "You'd be amazed at how many things you can get for rock-bottom prices that way. If your child is still growing, you can 'guesstimate' what his or her size would be or buy a size or two larger so there’s something to grow into."
  • Change your Mindset: Try to remember that you don't need to buy anything.  You can save money by not buying into the need for new things every school year. Since it's usually still summer weather when school starts again, you may not need to start the first day of school in a brand-new outfit. This will give you time to scout for sales, and once the rush dies down you will find some great bargains.  Try reusing backpacks, lunchboxes, etc for several years. 
  • Save on Lunches: Try to utilize as many reusable items as you can to save at lunchtime such as cloth napkins, real flatware, reusable containers and drink bottles. Stefania Pomponi Butler of City Mama loves using LunchSkins, which are BPA- and phthalate-free reusable snack and sandwich bags that can go in the dishwasher. "It's a small investment, but they last forever."  Also, don't buy snack-size. Instead try buying full-size bags and then make your own snack sizes with reusable containers.  You will save a lot of money.  For creative out-of-the-packaging lunch ideas, check out the photos of the daily lunches Catherine McCord of Weelicious packs for her son.


A bit about Zucchini: 
For those of you who were listening today, you heard me mention that zucchini is one of my favorite vegetables.  I did plant some in my small garden this year, but I've not harvested any yet.  The plants don't even have any blooms just yet.  Thankfully, a friend gave me three huge zucchinis, which means I've been experimenting with new recipes all week.  First for those of you who aren't familiar with zucchini, here's some tips.  I'm still working on posting the recipes.

Zucchini and Summer Squash Basics
Zucchini is simply an elongated, cylindrical, usually green variety of summer squash.  Zucchini and other summer squash are in season during the summer, peaking at the end.

What to Look For: Look for zucchini and summer squash that are firm and heavy for their size; the skin should be brightly colored and blemish-free. Because they are harvested earlier, smaller squash are more tender than larger ones and have thinner skins; choose squash that are less than eight inches long.  The larger the zucchini the larger the seeds; seeds tend to be harder to eat when the zucchini is large.  Personally, I use medium size zucchinis for grilling, baking dishes where I will be using thinly sliced rounds.  I use the large zucchinis for recipes that I will be dicing or grating and avoid the large seeds.

How to Store: Do not wash until ready to use.  If the zucchini has been uncut, it will be fine sitting on the counter.  If you have cut the zucchini, refrigerate in a plastic bag for up to four days.  

Zucchini Recipes: This afternoon I pulled out my mom's Zucchini Bread Recipe.  The kitchen still smells so good.  Even better that that, the bread turned out super delicious!  



Momma's Zucchini Bread
Zucchini Lasagna
Zucchini Lasagna (w/ Noodles)
Zucchini Casserole
Penne with Zucchini Pistou
Good Morning Muffins



Thursday, July 19, 2012

Beautiful Bardstown & Hot Dog Etiquette

Bardstown the Beautiful:
88.5 WJIE would like to say 'Congratulations' to Bardstown, KY!  They were declared the "Most Beautiful Small Town in America" out of 650 small towns nominated.  It's so exciting to see one of my favorite towns get honored.  In addition to it's beauty, Bardstown offers a variety of great restaurants, shops, and fun things to do.  Bardstown will be featured in a special "Best of the Road" program on the Travel Channel which will air at 8:00 pm on Wednesday, July 25, 2012.  The program will feature the communities that were finalists in the contest.  For more information on the television program, visit the Nelson County Gazette Article.


Fact or Fiction:
This week on Fact or Fiction we are giving away a Family 4-pack of tickets to see a Louisville Bats Baseball game and a copy of the Rhett Walker Band CD "Come to the River."  Play Fact or Fiction on 88.5 WJIE weekday mornings at 7:20 am for your chance to win!

Article Link
Hot Dog Etiquette:
I will be the first to admit that today's topic list is random, as always.  It's National Grilling Month so today's Fact or Fiction was about Hot Dog Etiquette.  Apparently, I've been eating hot dogs wrong my entire life.  Who knew there was a 14-Point Etiquette List for Hot Dogs?


Hot Dog Etiquette 
from the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council

  1. Don't put hot dog toppings between the hot dog and the bun. Always "dress the dog," not the bun.
  2. Condiments should be applied in the following order: wet condiments like mustard and chili are applied first, followed by chunky condiments like relish, onions and sauerkraut, followed by shredded cheese, followed by spices, like celery salt or pepper.
  3. Do serve sesame seed, poppy seed and plain buns with hot dogs. Sun-dried tomato buns or basil flavored buns are considered gauche with franks.
  4. Don't use a cloth napkin to wipe your mouth when eating a hot dog. Paper is always preferable.
  5. Do eat hot dogs on buns with your hands. Utensils should not touch hot dogs on buns.
  6. Do use paper plates to serve hot dogs. Every day dishes are acceptable; china is a no-no.
  7. Don't take more than five bites to finish a hot dog. For foot-long wiener, seven bites are acceptable.
  8. Don't leave bits of bun on your plate. Eat it all.
  9. Don't fresh herbs on the same plate with hot dogs over-do the presentation 
  10. Don't use ketchup on your hot dog after the age of 18. Mustard, relish, onions, cheese and chili are acceptable.
  11. Do...Condiments remaining on the fingers after eating a hot dog should be licked away, not washed.
  12. Do use multi-colored toothpicks to serve cocktail size hot dogs. Cocktail forks are in poor taste.
  13. Don't send a thank you note following a hot dog barbecue. It would not be in keeping with the unpretentious nature of hot dogs.
  14. Don't ever think there is a wrong time to serve hot dogs.


Monday, July 16, 2012

Motivation for Monday Fitness: Berries



Motivation for Monday Fitness:
The last couple of weeks we have talked about some of Bob and Caroline Scott's favorite health foods and their many benefits.  Another health food that they would recommend is berries.





"So, as you can probably guess, we are talking about fruit, and specifically berries which have numerous benefits.  Not only are they delicious, but they pack a powerful nutritional punch and are full of vitamins and minerals.  Some studies even show that the regular consumption of berries can prevent cancer, enhance your immune system, improve your memory, and slow-down the aging process.  Berries are full of fiber, low in fat, calories and carbohydrates.  They can help with your digestive health by reducing bloating.  There are so many different types of berries and each has its own unique benefits.  Strawberries are high in Vitamins C& E and also contain significant amounts of calcium, magnesium, and folic acid.  Blueberries are full of antioxidants, can help reduce levels of bad cholesterol, and promote good heart health.  Their high levels of lutein have been linked to improved vision." - Caroline Scott, Louisville Athletic Club
More Berry Benefits from Bob Scott:

  • Raspberries can help prevent the growth of cancer cells.  They are also full of fiber and manganese.  Fiber helps slow the digestive process so you feel full longer.  Manganese is a trace mineral that helps keep your metabolic rate high, which in turn burns fat.
  • Blackberries have some of the highest levels of antioxidants and are very helpful in preventing many times of cancer.  They are known to prevent inflammation, increase collagen production (which leads to younger looking skin), and improve circulation.  Blackberries contain folate, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin C & K.  
  • It's best to consume berries in their pure form.  When you are buying berries, you should consider the organic variety to reduce the chances of pesticides.  
  • It's best to eat fruits in the early hours of the day since they do contain natural sugars.
  • Try adding them to oatmeal, smoothies, or yogurt.


Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Breakfast Casserole: Blueberry Tuesday

Blueberry Breakfast Casserole:
I posted this week's recipe on the Recipe Blog, but I completely forgot to tell you about it.  Oops.

Breakfast Casseroles are super easy to make, yet so delicious.  For this week's Blueberry Tuesday, I thought this lovely breakfast casserole recipe would be perfect for any lazy day breakfast.

Blueberry Breakfast Casserole

Monday, July 9, 2012

Motivation for your Monday Fitness: Eggs



Monday Fitness Tip:
Continuing with the series on Bob and Caroline Scott's favorite healthy foods, another food that they eat daily and recommend for good health is eggs.





"So today we want to talk about eggs, and as we all know, eggs come from 'living, moving' creatures created by God so they are indeed intended to be food for us.  Eggs are known as a perfect food or perfect protein and contain a huge number of benefits.  They make a great convenience food by simply boiling them, and they are low in cost.  Some of the wonderful benefits of eggs are:

  • Eggs are great for your eyes and can prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.
  • Eggs can help prevent blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks.
  • The yolks are an excellent source of choline which helps regulate the nervous and cardiovascular systems."  - Caroline Scott, Louisville Athletic Club

More Egg Benefits from Bob Scott

  • They contain very important and essential fatty acids (the good fats.)
  • New research shows that, contrary to previous belief, eggs do not have a negative impact on cholesterol.  In fact recent studies have shown that regular consumption of two eggs per day does not affect a person's lipid profile and may, in fact, improve it.  Research suggests that it is saturated fat that raises cholesterol rather than dietary cholesterol.
  • Eggs are one of the ONLY foods that contain naturally occurring Vitamin D.
  • Eggs help prevent breast cancer.
  • Eggs promote healthy hair and nails.
  • We recommend eating the yolks and eating 1-2 whole eggs daily.  Boiling them is the best way to prepare and eat them.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Blueberry Frozen Yogurt Sandwiches: Blueberry Tuesday

I'm not at the station today, but it's Blueberry Tuesday and I couldn't pass up an opportunity to share another recipe with you!  If you are working today, here's a little something for your not quite to the mid-week blues.

Since we are still in the middle of a crazy heatwave, I thought I'd share something to keep you cool.  The recipe is one of those "make everything from scratch" recipes.  You don't necessarily have to make your own sandwich cookies.  Your favorite store bought cookie would work just fine.  Personally, I think some nice sized chocolate chip cookies would be a delicious substitute.  Enjoy!

Monday, July 2, 2012

Motivation for your Monday Fitness: Olive Oil

Today's Favorite Food: Olive Oil
Olive Oil: Motivation for Monday Fitness
Over the next few weeks Bob & Caroline Scott of the Louisville Athletic Club will be telling us about their favorite foods that they eat on a regular basis.  This week's Fitness Tip is about Olive Oil.  Here's why it is super good for you:



"Most of the questions we get do involve food, and specifically what Bob and I eat on a daily basis.  The reason we get so many food centered questions is mainly because about 80% of the 'good health' equation is in fact nutrition.  So, over the next several weeks we want to dedicate this segment to highlighting and sharing some of our favorite healthy foods and their benefits... Bob and I use olive oil daily for recipes, cooking, and pretty much everything we make in our kitchen.  It is so good for you and has so many wonderful benefits." - Caroline Scott


The Benefits of Olive Oil that Bob Scott Mentioned were:

  • It greatly reduces your risk of cardiovascular diseases
  • Helps maintain good digestive health
  • Helps reduce your blood pressure
  • Lessens the severity of asthma, allergies, and arthritis
  • Helps in the prevention of colon cancer
  • Moisturizes your skin and slows the aging process
  • Helps prevent Diabetes

For more great health and fitness tips, visit Caroline's Blog