American Fun – Rollercoasters!

Today is Tax Day, so let’s think of something also scary, but FUN!!! How about rollercoaster season! This kid’s ride is the definition of an emotional roller coaster ride. Watch his face at the first drop! (It’s how we all feel many days, excited but thinking what the heck am I doing?!) This summer take a ride on the Kingda Ka. It’s officially the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world, traveling 456 feet up into the air and coming down at 128 miles per hour. Now that’s a wild ride! Just make sure not to ride with a full stomach. Which is your favorite roller coaster?

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Pets – We ALL just want to be loved

If this video doesn’t make you feel something, you should go to the doctor and check your Grinch heart. Edie the dog was scheduled to be euthanized, but she was rescued from the shelter at the last possible moment. This is how she was let know that she was indeed loved.
Take the time today to love something. Most likely, you’ll be loved back. And my rescue pal Westminster and I encourage everyone who wants a pet to adopt a dog. They’ll love you forever. If you’d like to help, consider making a small donation so more dogs like Edie can be saved. Edie’s organization is Hope for Paws, but your neighborhood probably has one too.

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American Fun – The Trampoline

When I was a kid, jumping on a trampoline was both exhilarating and a little scary. (My mother always thought I was going to break my neck.) The New York Times announced today the death of 96-year-old George Nissen, the father of the trampoline. While in high school, gymnast George rigged a sheet of nylon in his parent’s garage such that he could bounce and flip. Later, he made a more flexible contraption and he and two friends formed the Three Leonardos, a traveling acrobatics act that performed throughout the Midwest and Texas and then in Mexico (where he heard the Spanish word for diving board: el trampolin.) According to the Times, he added an “e” and trademarked “Trampoline” for what has become a joy-inducing device in backyards, circuses and, since 2000, the Olympics. The photo above was taken in 1977 by Ron Munn after George scaled a pyramid in Egypt — one with a flattened top — set up a trampoline and did some flips. George, thanks for leaving behind some fun. I’m sure they’re flipping for you in heaven.

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American Fun – Glee returns

If you haven’t caught Glee, this week is your chance to get in “Vogue.” Glee returns, and according to TV Guide, the season will include a Madonna-themed episode on April 20. ‘nough said!

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Life 101 – Earthworms

Rocks, clumps of stubborn grass, broken glass, and an endless supply of gooey earthworms were in the patch of fertile ground we’re calling Edgewater Farm’s “vineyard.” 75 vines arrive in early May and, oh, the prep work. Scott was excited to see each worm since the grape vine catalog said “earthworms mean great soil.” Every time I see an earthworm, I have a flashback to the one and only time I ever baited a hook. I squealed like a girl, but my dad forced me. I may of cried. I vividly remember wailing: “it knows to be afraid!” My dad thought I had a head full of worms. Come to find out: Scientists have just discovered that worms make “group decisions” and travel in herds! “Our results modify the current view that earthworms are animals lacking in social behaviour,” says Ms Lara Zirbes, a PhD student at the University of Liege in Belgium. Dad, I told you so! (Oh, and don’t even get Scott started on the benefits of earthworm poop.)

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Gossip – O Kitty!

Kitty Kelly, Queen of the Unauthorized Biography, has done it again. Out this week is her 525 page-turning biography of Oprah. Plan for brouhaha. According to the publisher, “readers will come away with a greater appreciation of who Oprah really is beyond her public persona and a fuller understanding of her important place in American cultural history.” Huffington Post has excerpts from the book in which Vernon Winfrey, Oprah’s barber dad, is quoted as trashing Gayle, Stedman, and Oprah. USA TODAY writer Craig Wilson (who did a great piece on me garage saling) has an interesting look at Kitty, including his observation that Kitty’s favorite cartoon in her Georgetown mansion’s powder room shows Saddam Hussein in a Baghdad bunker, Kelley parachuting from the sky. “Run for your lives!” he’s yelling. “It’s Kitty Kelley!” Run, Oprah, run! Kitty drops in tomorrow… and she’s already approaching #1 on Amazon.

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In Memory – Julia Sugarbaker

The incredible Dixie Carter died over the weekend. Recognized by most for her long run as the feisty Julia Sugarbaker on “Designing Women,” she was a talented actress and singer. Her monologues on Designing Women were both hilarious and often apropos to social situations and good causes. In tribute: if you’ve ever served on jury duty, you’ll appreciate one of my favorites from jury forewoman, Julia Sugarbaker. Condolence to husband Hal Holbrook and her family. Dixie’s talents will be remembered.

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Life 101 – Easy Easter from Bruce & CBS

Had the pleasure of meeting the talented (and really sweet and stunningly beautiful) Carrie Underwood today on set after our appearances on the CBS Early Show. Carrie shows what a true talent is–grateful for her success and kind to those who cheer her on. Many of her fans camped out all night in the rainy cold to get an autograph from her and she obliged graciously. Now that’s an American Idol!
For my segment, Maggie Rodriguez (whose baby boy is kickin’ to greet the world) and I had fun showing off some of my eeeeeasy Easter ideas and she dared to wear my Easter-inspired Lady Gaga Easter headpiece and even sang a little Bad Romance. Watch the clip here. Oh, and have a hoppy Easter!

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Life 101 – Belly Fat

After our run today, my dog Westminster talked me into going by the pet store, where the staff was discussing “belly fat.” They asked me how I kept a flat tummy. I said, “one word: ‘cardio.'” Chubby guy said he “hates cardio.” I asked if he likes to boogie? He nodded. I said, “then put on your dancing shoes, dude!” I’m not suggesting he take off his shirt and make like the chubby belly brothers dance. But for a real routine he might try the Belly Dance Workout. As Vina and Nina explain, belly dancing is “the best workout for people with a hectic schedule!” In fact, they say, “the belly dance workout raises your heart rate to the optimum level for burning fat and you will enjoy the effort!” Seeing is believing. Let me know how it shakes out…I’ll be running in Riverside Park.

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American Fun – Real Glee!

Check out the John Burroughs Powerhouse Show Choir on Oprah doing their smash-up rendition of Vogue/4 Minutes. So clever and fun… it almost makes me want to go back to high school. Glee returns for it’s highly anticipated second season this month (DVR set for April 13), but these kids live “Glee” all year long. Production numbers. Costumes. Lighting. Choreography. This warms my little drama club heart.

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