As a child, I was always fascinated by Chuck Norris. Every European kid wanted to be him—strong, brave, successful, and at the same time kind. Many of you don't know that he started the @KICKSTART_KIDS program, which helped countless children through martial arts. I was proud to serve as a judge in the early 2000s.
I introduced @HoustonRockets legend Rudy Tomjanovich to martial arts icon Chuck Norris during the @KICKSTART_KIDS event. Great time with both legends—interesting conversations.
I received the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition (PCSFN) Hero Award in Washington, D.C., in September 2024 for my nationwide contributions to health and fitness. What people don't know is that I never had a city or state budget and never received any grants.
Meeting Chuck Norris was an exceptional event for me. I said, “It’s great to meet one of the best martial artists in the world.” He said, “I hear you know fitness—let's work out.”
While waiting for an interview on Great Day Houston, @HoustonRockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon—the Dream—and I started working out—the best way to pass the time. He is truly a great human being as well.
It was great to meet NBA legend Charles Barkley. I'm glad he lost more than 80 pounds, and we talked about his fitness. We met at Moses Malone’s funeral, which many NBA players attended.
I really enjoyed spending time with Vlade Divac at Rudy Tomjanovich's Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Connecticut on May 16, 2021. Whenever people from the Balkans get together, politics is bound to come up—and our conversation was full of thoughtful, meaningful discussions.
Representing the University of Houston on the global stage, Professor of Architecture Dijana Handanovic Becic delivered a keynote address this week in Germany to nearly 100 mayors and city officials. She was the only American architect invited to the event.
Congratulations to Professor of Architecture Dijana Handanovic at @UHouston for delivering a keynote address in Chemnitz, Germany, alongside iconic Slovenian architect Saša Mächtig and Mayor Ralph Burghart, to a distinguished group of mayors and city officials on the role of architecture in fostering social cohesion in public spaces.
It’s an honor to be a keynote speaker alongside the iconic Slovenian and Yugoslav architect Saša Mächtig, who designed Kiosk K67. During his presentation, Saša read Dijana's poem, which she wrote to describe what K67 means to the people of the former Yugoslavia. He said the poem moved him and that he is glad someone is continuing his legacy.
Congratulations to Professor of Architecture Dijana Handanovic at @UHouston for delivering a keynote address in Chemnitz, Germany, alongside iconic Slovenian architect Saša Mächtig and Mayor Ralph Burghart, to a distinguished group of mayors and city officials on the role of architecture in fostering social cohesion in public spaces.
It’s an honor to be a keynote speaker alongside the iconic Slovenian and Yugoslav architect Saša Mächtig, who designed Kiosk K67. During his presentation, Saša read Dijana's poem, which she wrote to describe what K67 means to the people of the former Yugoslavia. He said the poem moved him and that he is glad someone is continuing his legacy.
I met Yao Ming at Tilman Fertitta’s home. We talked at length about our mutual friend, @HoustonRockets coach Rudy T, whom we both deeply respect. We also discussed fitness for basketball players, especially someone as tall as he is—7 feet 6 inches (229 cm). I'm 6 feet tall (182 cm) and weigh 225 lbs (102 kg). 😄
NBA and @HoustonRockets legend Rudy Tomjanovich is making incredible progress with his health. Just three months ago, he was at 1 mile on level 1 — today, he’s reached 5 miles on level 5.
"Never underestimate the heart of a champion! "
I'm honored to serve as a keynote speaker at the Futures Leaders Summit 2026 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, December 18-20.
Topic: Immortality, Reality, or an Ancient Myth.
Also, I will share my story, which BiH has not had a chance to hear.
💡 Shared Knowledge, Shared Future.
@SamirBecic@HoustonRockets Glad to hear it! He’s fought through health obstacles a lot in his life and Im glad he’s still pushing. No one ever had a bad word to say about Rudy T.