Bruce Littlefield's Life 101

American Fun – International Festival of Owls

In 2007 a baby owl fell from a tree in Wisconsin and became famous. Her name was Alice, and once she was rescued and rehabilitated by The Raptor Education Group she became part of a movement, run by Marge Gibson, executive director of the Raptor Education Group. Together they started the International Festival of Owls, an annual event to raise awareness about owls of all species. During high garage sale season, owl treasures are aplenty. My favorite though are the real birds I hear sometimes outside my window. If you’re interested in a feathery good time, the festival runs from March 5-7 in beautiful Houston, Minnesota. Whooo!

American Icons – Tina Turner

When I was in college, I camped out for Tina Turner tickets and then, at the concert, got backstage because my date was a South Carolina beauty queen. There are few figures in the history of rock ‘n roll as important as Tina. Born Anna Mae Bullock in a small town in Tennessee, Turner got her start performing in jazz nightclubs in St. Louis, survived a violent relationship with Ike Turner, triumphed. Her electrifying stage performances raise the roof. Here’s to you, Tina – you’re an American icon because you’ve still got it, girl, even when Beyonce steps on your foot! You’re simply the best.
Who are your nominations for American Icon?

Dinner Party Talk – Snow my goodness!

Snow day! Photo by Cal Crary

I’m originally from South Carolina, where snow is as rare as a smile on Simon Cowell’s face, so every time I see snow it’s a WOW. Out in the park today with Westminster and his Rubber Chicken. According to the Weather Underground, this makes a SNOW RECORD for February in New York City: the total snowfall for the month is 36.9 inches. This breaks the old record of 27.9 inches set in 1934! That makes me want a snow cone, real bad.

American Fun – Sisters on the Fly

Giddy up!

Met a lot of fun people in Palm Springs at #Modernism Week. For five hours (!), I modeled vintage swimsuits and signed my book, Airstream Living. Several people asked about cool trailer groups and I mentioned Sisters on the Fly, a group of women who know how to find fun. Started in 1999 by best friends Becky and Maurrie, the rolling sisterhood (now with more than 1,000 members) brings women together in a trailer caravan to fish, boat, camp, and generally become honest-to-goodness cowgirls. Check them out for an estrogen wheelin’, country-western feelin’ good time.

American Fun – The Voice of the Subway

Riding the subway is a fact of life here in New York City. It’s HUGE – the subway covers 842(!) miles of track, stretching between 468 stations. If you’ve ridden the subway, you can probably recite the automated announcements by heart (“Please stand clear of the closing doors!“) But who are those automated voices? They’re radio announcers from Bloomberg Radio and they loaned their voices free. On the psychological track: female voices are for announcements and male voices give orders. Here’s a great video of the Muppets from Sesame Street singing about their love/hate relationship with the famous trains. Enjoy your ride!

Pet Fun – Law & Order Drives Dogs Crazy!

There’s a hilarious article in the New York Post today about a strange canine condition that’s sweeping the nation. Dogs across America apparently go crazy for the Law & Order theme! Something about the tone and spacing of the notes makes dogs want to join in, and they howl along with the tune. And it’s not just a few of them – tons of dogs, big and small, seem to be fans. My Westminster doesn’t seem to be affected, but is very interested by the dog’s who are. Does your dog become an amateur singer every time Law & Order comes on?

Dinner Party Talk – Alice In Wonderland

Avatar finally brought movies in 3D to the masses, and became a monster hit in the process. On March 5th Disney will release its own 3D extravaganza, Tim Burton‘s wonderfully weird adaptation of Alice In Wonderland. The “Sexiest Man Alive” as the Mad Hatter, hmmm, now that’s a tea party Alice will love.

Dinner party talk – kids

At the pool in Palm Springs at the Hideaway, couple says they are teaching their four-year-old son to whistle. Son forms mouth in an ‘O’ while Dad whistles. Son is thrilled he’s “whistling!” Oh, the joyful innocence of youth. Teach someone something fun this weekend and report back.

History of Fun – Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots

At #moderism week been out shopping. Bought some treasure, including some 1960s toys. Memba the battle of the century? I enjoyed countless bouts between eternal heavyweight rivals Red (my brother) and Blue (me), but what’s the history behind the famous plastic pugilists? The toy was designed by Marvin Glass and Associates, a Chicago toy design firm that was also responsible for such classics as Mouse Trap and SIMON. The toy was originally released in 1964 and almost immediately became a massive hit. The Red Rocker and the Blue Bomber have gotten a few makeovers in the years since, but the fun remains the same. Airstream show at the Ace Hotel tomorrow! Get ready to rumble!

Dinner Party Talk – I Swear!

Did you know that in ancient Rome, when a man testified in court, he would swear on his testicles? (Pre-Bible) It’s apparently how we got the word “testimony.” Enjoy your dinner.