History of Fun – The Chicken Dance!

Posted on March 10, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield

It’s a favorite of fun lovers of all ages, performed at weddings and barn dances alike all over the country – it’s the Chicken Dance! In case you’re going to a highfalutin shindig soon, The Lawrence Welk show will teach you how! The song was brought to America by a German band who went to Tulsa, Oklahoma for Oktoberfest. They planned to perform the legendary “Duck Dance” in costume, but there were no duck suits to be found! They plucked a few chicken costumes, and “The Chicken Dance” was hatched. Admit it, you’ve been caught shaking your tail feathers!

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American Icons – Happy Birthday, Barbie!

Posted on March 10, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield

This week is the official 51st birthday of Mattel‘s world-famous Barbie doll. The dolls have changed a lot since their creation in 1959, and have served as a (sometimes controversial) social barometer ever since. It can’t be denied that Barbie is a style icon! As a way of celebrating, Mattel is selling the “2010 SuperStar Barbie,” an update of the 1977 version of the doll, but with a “fresh glam look” for just $3 this week. (The retail price from 1977!) My mother still remembers the day she cut her original Barbie’s hair, diminishing HER retail value from a possible $10,000 to, well, a worthless hunk of plastic with a not so fresh glam look.

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Dinner Party Talk – Miss America is Homeless!

Posted on March 9, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield

No, the title is not some kind of commentary on the state of the recession. The Miss America Pageant, an institution since 1921, has lost its network partner. TLC broadcast the pageant for the last three years, but has elected not to renew the contract this year. It remains to be seen what (if any) network will bring Miss America to the masses this year. Where will I get my annual baton twirling fix?! The question is: do you think the idea of a “Miss America” is antiquated, sexist, or American fabulous?

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Dinner Party Talk – Furries

Posted on March 8, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield

A furry fetish.

One of Manhattan’s top psychiatrists, who specializes in fetishes, asked me at dinner if I knew about “Furries.” At first I thought he said, Furbies, Hasbro’s electronic pet that talks and listens to what you say. But he had in fact said “Furries”… people who dress up in animal costumes and cavort. There are online communities, meet-ups, and, of course, conventions. My friend diagnosed a furry’s fetish fancy as a “fictional anthropomorphic animal character” with human characteristics and personality. Oh, and “they are very inclusive.” I asked if skunks were allowed. He said “yes.” I asked if snakes were allowed. He said “yes.” I asked if Dora the Explorer was allowed. He said “That’s a whole other fetish.” Proof positive that in America there’s someone for everyone. Enjoy your dinner, while I find my tail!

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American Icons – Oscar snub

Posted on March 8, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield

Farrah and Bea nothing to sneeze at! Okay, okay. They can’t include everybody who died. But the Oscars left out two memorable American icons in its yearly tribute to the departed: Farrah Fawcett and Bea Arthur. The legends of both Farrah and Bea are not to be forgotten and nothing to sneeze at. Morgan Freeman, voice-over king, had no comment, but issued this clip from his star turn on Electric Company!

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American Fun – This Too Shall Pass

Posted on March 6, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield

When I was in middle school, I tried to construct a Rube Goldberg type machine to win the science fair. Alas, my entry was a Rector Set-domino-Lincoln Log disaster. And…I didn’t win. But the band OK Go would have! Remember, the genius treadmill dance routine for Here It Goes Again a few years back? Well, the band has gone and topped themselves. You have to watch OK Go’s “This Too Shall Pass.” And for those thinking of crafting similar brilliance in your basement, Wired.com and CNN tell how they did it!

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GIVEAWAY! – Garage Sale America

Posted on March 5, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield

Today, I’ve spotted some daffodils peeking their green heads from the ground, emerging from their winter sleep. Those little things are a sign: GARAGE SALE SEASON approaches. Here’s my Today Show appearance to help you early birds plan ahead to get the best worm$. And in the meantime, a new giveaway!!!…I’ll give a signed copy of Garage Sale America to the commenter who ‘fesses up the best something they finally have to let go. What in your house that needs to go garage sale. Me first: I’ve got an old Victrola that I’ve been harboring… I’m never going to do it justice, so I’ll be dragging it to the lawn during high season.

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Dinner Party Talk – Glee Live!

Posted on March 4, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield

Have you seen Glee??? If not, click the picture and don’t stop believing that you must do whatever you have to do to watch Season 1 before Season 2 begins in April. It’s downright adorable. The cast from the hit show is going on tour. Now that’s FUN! Touring to four cities, including Radio City Music Hall here in New York on May 28th and 29th. They will bust a window out yo’ car!

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Use What You’ve Got Giveaway Winner!

Posted on March 4, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield

Congratulations to Jinny, winner of the Use What You’ve Got giveaway! She commented:

My favorite product is something that just about everyone is familiar with — ziploc bags. But beyond the standard household uses, they’re my go-to travel accessory. Ziploc bags are perfect for anything that can come up when traveling with kids: wet clothes, seashell souvenirs, upset tummies, you name it. When we’re on a plane, they serve as trash receptacles that we can seal. Worth their weight in gold (if only they came in opaque!)

There were a lot of great suggestions (including cocktails!), but the humble Ziploc bag is endlessly useful – and I’m all for easy organization! Congratulations, and enjoy the signed copy of Use What You’ve Got! You’ll love the lessons Barbara Corcoran used to turn a $1000 loan into a billion dollar business. And don’t forget to watch her on… ABC’s Shark Tank! New contest announced tomorrow!

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Pop Culture Pop-Up: Parlate Inglese?

Posted on March 3, 2010 by Bruce Littlefield

I’ve been taking improv with the inimitable Denny Dillon. One of my favorite improv acting exercises involves having a conversation in gibberish, a foreign language that you don’t speak. Have you ever thought what English sounds like to people who don’t speak it? That’s exactly the idea behind the amazing “Prisencolinensinainciusol,” a song written in 1972 by Italian actor, singer, and comedian Adriano Celentano. The song sounds like English, until you listen closely and realize that the lyrics of Celentano are complete gibberish. Fascinating, hilarious, and fun – with a great funky music video, too. Watch it! Trust me, you’ll like it.

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