Life 101 – Cool Charity

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield

Did you know it costs just $80 to send a girl in Malawi to school for an entire year? And by helping a girl get an education, you can help change not only her life, but the lives of her siblings, family and community. The creators of She’s the First connects organizations in the States with sponsorship programs in developing countries. My friends there work tirelessly to educate underprivileged girls across the world because they believe with an education any girl can be given the chance to shine. Check out their Facebook page and tune in June 10 for a livestreamed concert featuring Kat Deluna, Shontelle and Lenka. 8- midnight ET, right here!

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American Fun – Bring Back Clippy!

Posted on June 3, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield

He sat quietly in the bottom right corner of your document. He made a comforting little snapping noise whenever you successfully saved. He even twisted himself into question mark whenever you needed help. Microsoft Word is undoubtedly faster and more high-tech and better now, but something is missing. Where is Clippy? Apparently, Clippy’s suffered the Great Recession with the rest of us, and he got the ax in 2001. Depressing? Yes. What was Bill Gates thinking? “Most people using Office are pretty high-end users, and they don’t need an animated thing to help them do that,” a PC date analyst said in this article. Disagree! Don’t we all need an animated paper clip to help us through the day? Bring back Clippy, Mr. Gates! Maybe that’s why Apple has taken the lead?

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Talented Kids – National Spelling Bee

Posted on June 2, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield

Today, brilliant kids from across the country have gathered in Washington, D.C. to battle their nerves, work their brains, and kick off of the first rounds of the 83rd Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee. All I remember from school spelling bee’s is the sweat dripping out of my armpits like rain from a water spout. Watch these spelling bee freak-outs! And if you’ve never seen, Spellbound, it’s a must rent! In the meantime, check out this kid’s fainting spell. Had I been asked to spell alopecoid, I’d have fainted too! FYI, it means fox-like. So, maybe his faint was dumb like a fox because he stood back up and spelled it correctly!

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Pet fun – Orangutan and the Hound

Posted on June 2, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield


This will make you smile. Once upon a time, Bhagavan “Doc” Antle of The Institute of the Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (with the clever acronym T.I.G.E.R.S.) was taking Surya the orangutan on their daily elephant ride, when they happened upon a hound dog by the river. And so started one of the unlikeliest friendships ever. Check out what happened next in this National Geographic Channel clip. All I ask is: if these two can be friends, why can’t we all?

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American Fun – Dishwasher Pete

Posted on June 2, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield

When Pete Jordan’s mother told him to do the dishes, he took it to heart. Dishwasher Pete (as he calls himself) paid for his love of traveling by washing dishes in restaurants, fast food joints and cafes across the United States, and he documented his adventures in this zine. His squeaky clean goal? To wash dishes in all 50 states. His book “Dishwasher” is a hoot, and he’s been featured on Ira Glass’ This American Life several times. My favorite quote? “I hate work, but I like writing about it.” Great attitude, Dishwasher Pete! I’m considering a job as a motel maid.

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Dinner Party Talk – Quiet Hero

Posted on June 1, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield


Rita Cosby’s father had always refused to speak about his past. He grew up in Poland during the period before World War II, but after Rita found some of her father’s old belongings in a suitcase, she convinced him to tell his story and discovered her family’s history.
I helped her with the book and I can tell you it is a terrific story, both her dad’s heroic participation in the Polish Resistance and her daring to connect with him after a lifetime of resentment. Getting to know her 84-year-old father, Richard, has inspired my life.
Please take a few minutes and watch Rita’s emotional appearance on Good Morning America and read the book excerpt. You can also catch Rita live tomorrow (June 2) on Fox & Friends. And buy the book! It’s a great Father’s Day gift! Ten percent of the book’s book proceeds go to Operation Enduring Care, a USO program to help injured veterans.

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Life 101 – Graduation

Posted on June 1, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield


Flip that tassel and play some “Pomp and Circumstance”, because June means graduation!
Whether you graduated ten years ago or you’re walking across the stage next weekend, take a moment to appreciate commencement with these classic blooper videos: the Totally-Fake-Trip-and-Fall Guy and the legitimate
Wow-I-Feel-Sorry-For-Him guy. Wondering what to get your proud grad? Lots of computer stores like Best Buy and the Apple stores offer pretty good deals in honor of
commencement.
Throwing a grad party? Whip up some quick and easy party munchies from my friends at Good Housekeeping. Now, enough partying! Get out there and find a job!

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Happy Memorial Day

Posted on May 31, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield


Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. Did you know it was first enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War and was later expanded after World War I? Take a moment today to remember those who have served as well as those who stayed back and kept the home fires burning while their loved ones served. Both are great sacrifices.

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Dinner Party Talk – Gary Coleman Dies

Posted on May 28, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield


Whatchoo talkin’ about Willis?! Sadly, Gary Coleman passed away today after suffering an intercranial hemorrhage. He was 42. I hope he’s at peace. The last few years haven’t been so good. Here’s his appearance on Divorce Court. His wife said that when he didn’t get his way, he would throw stuff around and bash his head in the wall. I hope that didn’t set off this incident. In his memory, let’s make the catchphrase of the weekend: “Whatchoo talkin’ about Willis?!”

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American Pets – Claude the Bear

Posted on May 28, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield


Granted, a huge black bear isn’t really somebody’s pet, but this animal is a talented twirler! I came across this totally cute video of a bear doing tricks, and it got me wondering, if this bear could have been a prominent member of my high school’s color guard, what new tricks can I teach my dog Westminster?
What kind of tricks does your pet know?

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