American Fun – Trailer Chic

On top of the Grand Daddy Hotel in Cape Town, there are seven shiny, custom designed Airstream Trailers that hotel guests can reserve for an evening in lace-covered or fairy tale or blue polka-dotted bliss. I probably won’t be making the trek from New York City to South Africa anytime soon, but I’m totally content to check out the Airstreams on the hotel’s website. It features stunning, 360 degree views of the seven trailers. Airstream and Americana fans everywhere should check out the Grand Daddy Hotel and if you want to get a little Airstream history and design tips, read Airstream Living (the book by yours truly that People Magazine calls “perfect for daydreamers.”) I also really enjoyed this video clip about remodeling a 1970’s Airstream. Very “This Old Silver Trailer House.”

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American Fun – The Ugly Dance

Before you accomplish anything else worthwhile today, you have to turn yourself into the ultimate Ugly Dancer. I love to dance (a little better than my Ugly Dancer twin), and nothing makes you feel better than a little good music. So turn it up, give your shoulders a shake and smile! Happy Wednesday! To make your life even better, I assure you that this song will be stuck in your head all day LONG.

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Dinner Party Talk – Super Mario Proposal

Hopefully it didn't take her too many tries to get to this level.

There are a thousand ways to say, “Will you marry me?” Especially if you’re a computer genius. Adam tells his girlfriend he’s created a “spin” on the classic Super Mario, and when she gets to a certain level, a little box pops up. Will you marry me? Sickeningly adorable, right? I also came across this video of Super Mario through the last 25 years. I used to have a N64, and my favorite Super Mario 64 moment was when Mario is finally reunited with the princess. How’s that for nerdy romance?

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Pet Fun – Ok Go’s “White Knuckles”

I’m definitely loving Ok Go’s new music video for “White Knuckles“, which features everybody’s fave four-legged friends. Really, it’s a dog wow! How did all those dogs hit their barks…I mean marks, so perfectly? The band is known for using unusual props in their videos, remember the treadmills? Most of the dogs in White Knuckles are rescues and the band notes: “These dogs were lucky to find loving homes, but many others are still waiting. Help us support animal rescue efforts at the ASPCA.” My dog Westminster agrees with a bark and says support the ASPCA here.

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Life – Remembering 9/11

Image via Ghetty


“Peace is not something you wish for;
It’s something you make,
Something you do,
Something you are,
And something you give away.”
–Robert Fulghum

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Dinner Party Talk – For your weekend

What are Americans talking about?!

September 11 The event that changed the way we live. How do we commemorate, but not use it for political gain? Sarah P and Glenn B have a plan. If you’re headed to Alaska, tickets for their mysterious “event” range from $73.75 to $129.50.
Rosh Hashanah It’s the High Holidays. Rosh Hashanah begins the Jewish year and is the birthday of mankind, the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve. The holiday highlights the relationship between God and humanity. God, please give us more humanity.
Record spending What recession? In the high-stakes war for control of Congress, candidates have $1.2 billion ready to spend. In her run for California governor, billionaire Meg Whitman has given her campaign $104 million of her own money. How about donating some of that to charity and sparing us the attack ads!
Boardwalk Empire Forget Jersey Shore. My Catskill’s neighbor Steve Buscemi will be all the buzz as political boss Nucky Thompson for HBO’s series about crime-ridden Atlantic City at the dawn of Prohibition. This is the new Sopranos. Trust me.
Fall Fashion Black lace, thigh boots, and curves. Lots of curves. Big butts are the must have fashion accessory for fall. Except for men… who must now keep guts in with Spanx. Sing it Bob, the times they are a-changin.
Wearing the pants Single, young women are now out earning their male peers. And, Sonya Thomas just ate 181 chicken wings in 12 minutes, plucking the title Buffalo Chicken Wing eating champion from professional eater Joey Chestnut. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Christmas Um. Attention shoppers. We need to jumpstart the economy! And your chance approaches. Christmas is only 100 days away.

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American Pets – Courthouse Dogs

For your Friday, here’s just another bit of proof that dogs really do make our lives better. In a courtroom in Seattle, there’s a special counselor brought in to help crime victims testify. She’s no PhD., Ellie is an eight-year-old labrador retriver. According to this USA Today article, holding Ellie’s leash makes witnesses on the stand much calmer. The practice of bringing dogs into courtrooms is spreading all over the country, and Courthouse Dogs is just one organization that trains these pups. I guess it’s safe to say that our justice system is really going to the dogs now! And you’re not getting away without the prerequisite adorable dog video. How has having a dog made YOUR life better?

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American Fun – Internet Cuteness

The sheer cute factor of these otters might make everyone want to run out and start saving oceans or join PETA. Huffington Post has a slideshow of angry otters that is guaranteed to make you smile today. Trapped in your cubicle? At least you’re not this little guy. In other news, pitbulls are also surprisingly cute. I promise this video doesn’t end in mealtime.

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Dinner Party Talk – Joey Chestnut Burrito Champ

Joey Chestnut and his pile o' hot dogs

He’s famous for his hot dog eating skills, but apparently Joey Chestnut isn’t a picky eater. He broke the world record for burrito-eating on Saturday at the New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque after chowing down on 47 burritos in ten minutes. (Yes, you must watch the video.) His last victory was at Nathan’s Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island, where he ate 54 hot dogs in ten minutes (way shy of his last record, which was 68). Pepto Bismol, in a stroke of brilliance, sponsored both the hot dog and burrito eating contests. Only in America, friends. Only in America.

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Life 101 – Operation Beautiful

Once upon a time, a girl who was having a not-so-pretty day left a note on the mirror in a public bathroom: “You’re beautiful.” She took a picture, posted the photo on her blog and Operation Beautiful was born. Since then blogger Caitlin Boyle has gotten tons of press (even a spot in Glamour magazine and a book deal) for her incredibly simple, yet innovative idea. It’s becoming a national body-confidence-inspiring phenomenon, and Post-its with simple, feel good messages are cropping up everywhere. I’ve been leaving funny messages on my friends’ bathroom mirrors for years, like: “darn, my hair looks good” and “don’t forget to reorder Xanax.” Nothing makes you more beautiful than a big smile!

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