My Two Moms with Zach Wahls

Meeting and working with Zach Wahls has made the last year a true blessing. Zach is incredibly intelligent, kind, and courageous… a 20-year-old who is a sterling example of a good human being. His speech before the Iowa Legislature became YouTube’s most watched political video of 2011, and for the right reasons: yes, he bravely stood up for his family, a family that deserves equal treatment under the law, but more, because he respectfully showed that love=love=love. In our new book My Two Moms: Lessons of Love, Strength, and What Makes a Family, he expands on the speech and discusses the virtues his parents helped instill in him, like “trustworthy,” “courteous,” “reverent,” and “loyal.” Please get yourself a copy of the book (from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookstore) and help us spread Zach’s message about good American values and help us create a constructive conversation about marriage equality and human rights for all. And if you missed his appearances on David Letterman the other night or CNN’s Piers Morgan, they are a MUST watch!

Share Button
Posted in American Icons, Dinner Party Talk, Gossip!, Life 101, Uncategorized, What I'm Doing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Travel – Secret Travel Tips

My Mexican adventure was filled with fun. My favorite thing was reserving a masseur on the beach for two days… Sounds expensive, right? Nah. It’s all in the negotiation. $150 a day for 4 people! I was loosey goosey until the flight back. DELAYS! Due to the tornadoes that barreled through the mid-west. But here’s a Life 101 secret to all you weary travelers: if you’re ever stuck in the airport, immediately ask where they’ll be giving out the cots and blankets. (They are in limited supply.) Spending a night in the airport is no fun, but with a cot it almost felt like camping. And all that matters is I’m back!!!

Share Button
Posted in Dinner Party Talk, Life 101, Quick Fixes, Travel, Uncategorized, What I'm Doing | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Travel – Gone Tanning

Perhaps the hat gives you an idea of where I’m spending the week. I’ll be sitting on the beach with a good book in one hand and a fun cocktail in the other, gearing up for what looks like to be a busy spring and summer. While I’m away, make sure YOU are planning something fun. I have always taken Barbara Corcoran’s Life 101 advice from our book Shark Tales. Barb says you must always have a vacation scheduled on the calendar. It not only gives you something to look forward to, but a very real something to prove to yourself that all that work is for an exciting reason. A planned vacation is like a dangling carrot. This is my week to finally take a bite!

Share Button
Posted in American Fun, Household Tips, Life 101, Quick Fixes, Travel, Uncategorized, What I'm Doing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Life 101 – Easter Fun

Somehow the Easter Bunny always finds me. Last night, while dining at La Cunard in Kingston with friends, including the lovely and dear Mary Niblock (at left), the Easter Bunny hops by the window, right in the door, and comes over to our table with hugs and fun for all. I love a good crazy tradition, especially when it causes a scene. Speaking of scenes, here’s some vintage Easter fun I had teaching legendary newsman Harry Smith the joys of a glue gun. Hope your Easter was HOPPY!

Share Button
Posted in American Fun, Dinner Party Talk, Gossip!, Holidays, Life 101, Parties, Travel, Uncategorized, What I'm Doing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Holidays – Happy Easter

Happy Easter! And Happy Passover! I went simple this year with my Easter eggs. I like the look of the one color in the vintage berry baskets (a garage sale find!) I was happy making them and I’ll be even happier hopping around town delivering them. How’d your adventure in egg dying go this year? Are you having a hunt?
Now, some Easter humor:
Q. What do you call a line of rabbits walking backwards? A. A receding hareline. Q. What is a rabbit’s favorite dance? A. The Bunny Hop! AND… Q. What do you call the Easter Bunny the Monday after Easter? A. Tired.

Share Button
Posted in American Fun, Decorating, Dinner Party Talk, Garage Sales, Household Tips, Life 101, Uncategorized, What I'm Doing | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Life 101 – Ann Osmond performs

If you’re in NYC and love cabaret, check out my friends Ann Osmond and Dennis Yerry’s new show “Skyscrapers and Mountaintops” at the Metropolitan Room. I went last night and, as a guy who has both a city and a country life, I loved the celebration of “city cacophony” and “country serenity.” (Ann and Dennis obviously haven’t heard about the skunk who moved in at my farm.) The songs are fun, and Ann’s voice is incredible. So, Sunday, April 15th mail your taxes, then catch the show and grab a much-needed tax day drink at the Metropolitan Room (34 W. 22nd St., bet. 5th and 6th Aves.) at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $15. Tickets: 212-206-0440

Share Button
Posted in American Fun, Dinner Party Talk, Life 101, Travel, Uncategorized, What I'm Doing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

American Pets – Food ALERT!

Westminster is concerned and wants you to know… If you have pets, three brands of dog treats may be tied to kidney failure in dogs. After mysterious illnesses in at least 600 U.S. dogs, the FDA has issued a warning about chicken jerky treats made in China. The three brands are Waggin’ Train or Canyon Creek Ranch jerky treats or tenders (Nestle Purina) and Milo’s Kitchen (Del Monte). Last week, when I watched this report and read this, I marched back to PetSmart where I had bought them. Without a receipt, the lady there gave me no problem returning them. I wanted to know why they were still on the shelves! Bottom line: If you have pets, DON’T BUY TREATS FROM CHINA!

Share Button
Posted in American Pets, Dinner Party Talk, Life 101, Quick Fixes, Uncategorized, What I'm Doing, What's Up WIth America? | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Life 101 – In 20 Years

Well, well, well… I had a computer glitch (trackpad gone bananas) and for the last five days have felt like a druggie without his fix! I’m back, but I’ll tell you being without my lifeline left me feeling anxious, agitated, and aged… like 20 years! Which brings me to today’s fun and games. If you want to see how you might look two decades from now go to In20years.com and upload a photo of yourself (or your love). It will either leave you laughing… or rushing to have a consultation with Dr. FixaFlat. From the looks of mine, I’m going to end up bloated with dental problems. Oh, and if you’re in to gossip… check out today’s Cindy Adams column in the NY Post. (Apparently, I was spotted against the wall in a “gender neutral” bathroom…)

Share Button
Posted in American Fun, Dinner Party Talk, Gossip!, Life 101, Quick Fixes, What I'm Doing, When I Grow Up | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Life 101 – Inspiration

Want to be inspired? Listen to Zach Wahls. This weekend he made an impressive (TWO standing ovations!) speech before a sold out crowd in NYC for the GLAAD Awards. His speech kicked off the night and was both funny and moving, and set a wonderful tone. I think Zach stole the show, but we sat with the stunning Dakota Fanning and Glee’s adorable Cory Monteith. And around Wendy Williams, Harvey Weinstein, Russell Simmons, John Stamos, Bernadette Peters, and more… Preorder a copy of Zach’s book today from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or YOUR local bookstore.

Share Button
Posted in American Fun, Dinner Party Talk, Gossip!, Life 101, Talented Kids, Uncategorized, What I'm Doing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Gossip! Zach Wahls book

So, last week while putting on a mask, I had a brainstorm about my new book MY TWO MOMS with Zach Wahls. I ran out to the dining room and sat down at the table with Zach and we discussed the idea for about an hour. (…Um, he never mentions that I have a mask on!) After our conversation, I went to the bathroom and “aaaaggghhh” realized it. Fortunately, Zach was a good sport and took a picture with me. (You can’t see it but I’m blushing.)
Today, it was announced Zach will be making a special presentation at the GLAAD Awards Saturday night. More on that later… In the meantime, watch this video trailer about the book and his moms… Oh, and spread the word: Love makes a family.

Share Button
Posted in American Fun, Dinner Party Talk, Gossip!, Life 101, Talented Kids, Uncategorized, What I'm Doing | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments