American Hype – Apple Tablet

Apple always manages to create an enormous amount of suspense and buzz surrounding a new product. Gadget fans have long predicted that Apple would eventually produce a “tablet” computer, and yesterday Apple sent out media invites for a press event on January 27th. Will this be the thing that revolutionizes publishing? Changes the way do things??? One thing’s certain – whatever gets unveiled on the 27th will certainly cause a splash. Get those credit cards ready, folks. You know you already want IT, even though you don’t know what IT is. That’s American hype.

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American Icon – I Have a Dream

Hats off on this January day to the peaceful principles and progressive messages of Martin Luther King, Jr. Today is a holiday perhaps to ponder what we might do to help others and spread Dr. King’s message of peace. In that tradition, if you’d like to donate to help our brothers and sisters of Haiti, here’s something you can do to help the #RedCross help those in need.

Let freedom ring. And when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring – when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children – black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics – will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: “Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!

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Pop Culture Pop-Up – The Fonz

Aaaayyyyy!

Happy Days is a monolithic icon in American television and gave birth to Arthur Fonzarelli, aka “The Fonz”- poster boy for Aaaaymerican “cool.” Fonzie, played by actor Henry Winkler (hilarious today as attorney Barry Zuckerkorn on Arrested Development) was a dancer, a lover, a fighter, and could fix any malfunctioning machinery with a well-placed punch. Fonzie was at first a peripheral character, but quickly became an American icon. What’s your favorite Fonzie moment?

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American Fun – Play-Doh

Did you know Play-Doh, the classic toy beloved (and tasted – yuck!) by kids everywhere originally came in only one color – white – because it was originally patented as a wallpaper cleaning material by an inventor named Noah McVicker. It wasn’t a huge success – until McVicker realized that the pliable, non-toxic putty would make a perfect modeling clay for kids. He experimented with schools in the local Cincinnati area, shipping out cases of his “wallpaper cleaner” to a few classrooms to try. The material was an instant fun hit, and McVicker quickly switched gears and began a toy company dubbed “Rainbow Crafts.” The squishy stuff was officially named “Play-Doh,” and McVicker began introducing colors to appeal to kids. To date, over two billion cans of the stuff have been sold, not to mention the countless grade school masterpieces it was used to create. What’s your most memorable Play-Doh creation?

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Pop Culture Pop Up – Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah

Wishing you a blue bird on your shoulder!


Here’s an uplifting childhood memory:
Put a little Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah in your day! Make it the kind of day you can’t open your mouth without a song zipping out. This is from Song of the South. And here’s Michael Jackson fronting the Jackson 5 in a rare must-see version. it was the first movie I ever saw and the first book Walt Disney ever read. James Baskett, who played the part of Uncle Remus, remains a legendary happy figure from my childhood. Thought it would be a fun start to a holiday week.

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Dinner Party Talk – Charo vs. Snooki


Here’s what I’ve decided: Snooki, the former Nicole Polizzi, and her “poof” are filling a need we Americans have. She’s the overdone, overtly kooky, but loveable ditz in a long line of overdone, overtly kooky, but loveable ditzes. Reigning Queen and my personal favorite: the legendary Charo, the former María Rosario Pilar Martínez Molina Moquiere de les Esperades Santa Ana Romanguera y de la Najosa Rasten. There is one difference in the two: Charo is really talented. Do your day a favor and check out her 1976 version of “Love Will Keep Us Together” Besides the coochie-coochie jiggle, have you ever heard her play the flamenco guitar? I saw her live at the Dutchess County Fair. And girl can strum. (I’d go Charo in a dance off, but I do wonder if she was really born in 1951 as she claims?)

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American Fun – Pants on the Ground

Low hanging pants...not just for plumbers.


American Idol’s biggest hit in its debut week was definitely the original song by 62-year-old “General” Larry Platt titled “Pants on the Ground.” I’ve been singing the lyrics – “Pants on the ground, pants on the ground. Looking like a fool with your #pantsontheground” – all morning. And I expect #RealHousewives of Atlanta Kim Zolciak knocked on the General’s door this morning and offered him some of Big Papa’s money for the rights. She needs a sexy follow-up to her Tardy for the Party!

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GIVEAWAY! Win a copy of Airstream Living

#airstream-living-cover.jpgSeveral people have suggested I do a giveaway contest, so let’s do it! On February 1st I’ll give a signed copy of my book Airstream Living, the book People magazine calls “perfect for daydreamers,” to the commenter with the best Airstream daydream. Where would you park your Airstream?

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American icons – A Fight for Tonight!

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Talented kids – American Idol

Tonight, the quest begins anew for the next American Idol.
Before we begin, can you name the last 3?
How about:
Him
Him
Her
Check out this talented toddler singing Hey Jude. While we’re waiting for this one to grow up, we’ll go through a few more incarnations of Simon.

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