NEWS

Amateur and professional athletics are both big business. According to Forbes, the Southeastern Conference, a collective of universities that includes the University of Alabama and the University of Georgia, generated $375 million in television money alone in 2015, collecting another $140 million from football and basketball postseason play. While that's a hefty chunk of change, and even more impressive when considering the SEC is just one of many conferences in college athletics, it pales considerably in comparison to the National Football League, which Forbes projected would surpass $13.3 billion in total revenues in 2016. Such figures highlight the popularity of…

Lighting displays are one of the many things that help make the holiday season a special time of year. Often awe-inspiring, holiday lighting displays present a perfect opportunity for communities and individuals to showcase their festive sides. Safety should always be a priority when stringing holiday lights both inside and outside a home. The National Fire Protection Association notes that, between 2009 and 2014, fire departments in the United States responded to an average of 210 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. Lighting displays strung on home exteriors also can pose safety risks if homeowners do not…

Furry, finned and feathered friends help make a house a home. These companions are more than just pets; they're often cherished family members. So it should come as no surprise that, come the holidays, people want to lavish extra attention on their animals by way of presents. The American Pet Products Association says pet owners spend billions of dollars on their pets each year. The majority of pet owners plan to gift their pets on holidays such as Valentine's Day, Halloween and Christmas. DogTime.com says that pet presents are not a North American phenomenon, either. Pet owners in the United…

Tradition is a hallmark of the holiday season. Religious services, family gatherings and trips to see Santa Claus are just a few of the many traditions people adhere to during the holiday season. Many holiday shoppers also adhere to the time-honored tradition of last-minute shopping. The perfect gift can sometimes prove elusive, especially as the sand in the holiday hour glass keeps dwindling. These last-minute gift ideas may be just what shoppers need to put smiles on the faces of their loved ones this holiday season. · Books: Books are often overlooked, especially now that so many readers use e-readers.…

Presents may get much of the glory during the holiday season, but there is much to be said about the foods found throughout this time of year as well. During the holiday season, people frequently find that dinner invites, cocktail parties, office happy hour gatherings, and other opportunities for socialization are easy to come by. At the heart of these events are foods and beverages. Whether one is hosting a holiday soiree or plans to bring something to a potluck party, it's helpful to have a list of fail-proof recipes at the ready. Tasting menus, bite-sized treats and finger foods…

Christmas morning is an exciting and joyous time for families. Children are anxious to rush downstairs and see what Santa has left under the tree, and parents are eager to see the looks on youngsters' happy faces. Having a fast and easy breakfast at the ready on Christmas morning allows families to jump right into the festivities rather than spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe for "Spiced Yogurt Muffins," courtesy of the National Dairy Council, Dannon and McCormick, can be made in advance and then enjoyed while peeking into Christmas stockings or watching holiday parades on television.…