Keith Urban: Back Again!

While on a recent visit to the Today Show for my segment on how women are finding it increasingly difficult to make other mom friends, I was able to glimpse another guest: Keith Urban! The hunky country music star  was there to perform and interview about his recent battle with alcoholism. While in between concert sets I was able to view Keith from a not so far point, and he is even cuter in person!

Keith most recent album, Love, Pain, and The Whole Crazy Thing, appears to be fast becoming his best record yet. With his single, Stupid Boy, riding the airwaves, Keith has opened up with his fans about his stunt in rehab and his relationship with new wife Nicole Kidman. Keith even recently went live to talk to his fans about his recent problems. It seems that he is one celebrity that is taking his battle with alcoholism seriously. Instead of go on shopping sprees, like Lindsey Lohan, he has instead been dedicating his time to his work. Keith has just announced a new world tour for his album and has been making the TV rounds with not only appearances on the Today Show, but also Saturday Night Live and specials on CMT.

My only regret...I didn't get to shake his hand and cheer him on!

Pirate at Heart: Pat Croce

At my recent visit to the Today Show I met a larger-than-life guy, Pat Croce who was on about a pirate book he just wrote Pirate Soul: The Golden Age of Pirates (and was clearly living the life with his earring and goatee pirate’s beard), not to mention a Pirate’s Museum he just opened in Key West, Florida. Oh, and he did happen to mention that until recently he owned the 76’ers. A small point!

So Google and the Philadelphia Inquirer informs me about Pat: “'They said I was nuts when I was creating the sports-medicine center, when there was no such thing,' he says of his 40-unit empire whose sale made him a multimillionaire at age 38. 'They thought I was nuts when I was going after the Sixers and I said we could resurrect that team from last place to first.'" Croce did just that, buying into the franchise and filling seats with happy fans before leaving in 2001 after nearly five years. There are also the three motivational books; hundreds of $50,000 corporate speeches; sports-commentator jobs for NBC; a TV game called SlamBall; and his current syndicated TV show, in which he moves into your rotten world and tries to fix it."

Croce opened a pirate museum in Key West, a $10 million project he paid for himself. He dressed as a pirate cutting the ribbon at opening ceremonies with a 17th-century sword. Croce has apparently been a pirate fan since he saw the 1935 Errol Flynn classic Captain Blood as a kid.

Oh... and did I mention learning that he has a ship tattooed on his left forearm, a Jolly Roger on his left hand, a parrot on his upper back, and an itty-bitty pirate head imprinted on one of his dental caps.

Guess I will have to take seriously the Mom-internet site he has helped found and emailed me about from his Blackberry wireless. Or maybe I should just go for a couple free Pirate museum tickets and walk off the plank?! To be continued!

The SnakeMan Himself: Samuel L. Jackson

After meeting Samuel L. Jackson at my most recent appearance on the Today Show, I walked away feeling like this guy is truly THE MAN! And I want to share some cool background facts that I find truly inspirational about this fabulous celebrity.

Born in 1948 in Chattanooga, TN, Samuel (Leroy) Jackson was raised by his mother and his maternal grandparents as his parents separated early in his childhood. An only child, Jackson remembers seeing his grandparents as his closest friends, giving him motivation to sucessfully survive Tennessee during segregation in America. Jackson had a stutter while growing up and a speech therapist's suggestion to audition for a play truly changed his life.

Married in 1980, Jackson fell in love with his wife, LaTanya Richardson, during a student rehearsal at Spelman and he insists that it was love at first sight.  Two years after they were married, Jackson's daughter Zoe was born in 1982.

Staying involved in his daughter's life, Jackson appeared as the commencement speaker for  Zoe's 2004 graduation from Vassar College. Jackson keeps much of his family life out of the spotlight because he has learned firsthand how media so thirstily creates negative buzz around celebs' personal lives. While seen out with a much younger woman at a night club in Milan, Jackson was accused of cheating on his wife LaTanya. He found it humorous since that young beautiful woman was, in fact, his daughter Zoe, just out for a good time with Dad!

Jackson has his share of problems including an extended personal battle with drugs and alcohol, which only make his movie accomplishments more impressive. In the early 80s, he was a mess as his addictions took over. In a final attempt to get clean, he entered a New York rehab clinic and promptly broke through onto the Hollywood scene in his forties.

In his earliest movies, Jackson was known for his roles as the bad guy and the druggie, but quickly launched himself into a leading man action hero with hit roles in: Die Hard With A Vengeance, The Long Kiss Goodnight, Pulp Fiction, and Jurassic Park. He has acted in an average of 4 films a year and his to-do list of movie roles seems to just keep growing.

Check Jackson out soon in his most recent film, Snakes on a Plane where he, no doubt, is sticking to  his intense action hero roles.

Amazing considering the problems Jackson has encountered and overcome throughout his life. A salute to his real-life heroism.

Photo from yahoo.com and google.com

Today Show: Take Two!!

Wow! I am finally recovering from the whirlwind of events leading up to my most recent Today Show segment on Monday, August 14th. I had been sent home Thursday due to the breaking newcasts of terrorist threats in Britain, but everything ran just so smoothly on set this time around. I want to give you another inside look into my exciting NYC excursions and crazy goings-on at NBC Studios including guest appearances by Samuel L Jackson and new Sesame Street character Abby Cadabby. 

I sat down with Ann Curry and chatted about birth order and its effect on personality. I dove into how this creates sibling rivalries and the infamous "middle child syndrome." I had no idea how huge this topic is presently and I have never  in all my time at Today received as many responses to a segment!  Thank you all for your kind words and questions - I hope to shed some more light on what appears to be a hugely popular subject!

Next I found out first hand that Samuel L. Jackson really is The Coolest Guy Around. In between segments, cameras followed  as he approached the crowd with a large snake around his neck. As he walked by the green room, we greeted each other briefly. His hand came out of his pocket for an enthusiastic high five, and I was just happy to see that it was snake free.

Samuel wasn't the only celebrity I got the chance to meet... Abby Cadabby, Sesame Street's new girl on
the block, was also present to talk about her new role as a muppet fairy on the hit PBS children's
show and the honor of being the show's first leading female character! How great is that? Sesame Street will surely increase its popularity with viewers by  designing more strong role models for young girls!

As if this wasn't enough excitement for the day,
I later was surprised to overhear what I thought was a full-out brawl in a meeting with a Mom-focused company after the Today Show! Apparently, just a few doors down from their 23rd floor offices was a casting call for a TV show in another studio! The actor auditioning seemed to be so believably angry - and until I learned he was just acting, I was sure someone was about to crash through the wall in rage! At least I know my new buddy Sam Jackson would be sure  to have my back!

As usual, my latest stint on Today was an intensely exciting experience!  Here's hoping the next visit is as memorable and... snake-free!!

Click here to view the segment: Today Show Segment on Birth Order and Middle Children Syndrome

Terrorist Attack Derails Today Show segment

Last Thursday morning I woke up after a restful night at my hotel, energized and feeling prepared for another great Today Show segment with Matt. But unfortunately, the world had other plans for me! I arrived at the NBC studio raring to go, but instead I found the Green Room strangely empty and interns rushing madly to inform guests of cancelled segments. More pressing international news about the foiled terrorist plot in Britain dominated the morning shows. It was sombering and intense to be in the midst of breaking news, with reporters joining in for segments around the globe. We watched both horrified and mesmerized at the Britain and Pakistani government coup that interceded before the terrorists could strike.

The trivial news in comparison: I learned that I too would not be on the show that morning. Guests streamed out of the building to catch planes and trains home. My two interns and I, who I had brought along to see the show for the first time, toured the Saturday Night Live set before being shooed out by security. We had a delicious pity-party breakfast, mourning the lost opportunity to meet other guests, including celebrity mother Courtney Cox. We talked about the huge impact that terrorism now had in the world, and how mundane all of this seemed in comparison.

While disappointed in the cancelled segment, I was thrilled to be asked to return this Monday at 8:10 instead. Even though I did not appear on the show, being around the studio during such breaking news really opened my eyes to how quickly the news can change depending on pressing coverage. It also made me recognize how much world news, specifically terrorist threats, do really affect the everyday lives of everyone. When packing my bags to go home, I found myself scrambling to take out any liquid or gel from my carry-on. Even my lipstick was considered questionable! Luckily, because I had been at NBC I was prepared ahead of time, unlike the many individuals I saw in the security line, forced to throw away everything from toothpaste to their expensive perfumes. Just another day at Today?!

My Day at Today!

On July 24th I had the chance to appear on the Today show to talk about Mom-fidence: having confidence when making parenting choices. As usual, it was a whirlwind experience and an incredibly exciting and rewarding one at that. And, of course, there were celebrities there to meet.

Academy-Award winning actor Jamie Foxx was there to promote his upcoming film "Miami Vice." Alas, he was in and out of the studio in what seemed like five minutes and it was impossible to get near him due to his entourage of assistants, stylists and press. Also on set (and in makeup and hair next to me) was fashion guru Bobbie Thomas (of InTouch magazine and the Style network). She was there to talk about "What's Hot for Summer" including the latest neon, slip-on footwear, Crocs. Crocs are basically a cross between brightly colored Jelly sandals and wide-set orthopedic shoes. Bobbie wasn't sure if she could don the garish footwear herself ("maybe on a rainy day with cute capri sweats and an umbrella?") but nonetheless dashed out to promote the questionable fashion statement to the national audience watching.

After having my own hair and makeup done (a transformation of sorts, to say the least!), It was time to talk to Today anchor Natalie Morales about Mom-fidence, having confidence in yourself and your parenting choices. We all know that when it comes to self-esteem as a Mom, sometimes the smallest things can throw you. You take it personally if your child throws a wild temper tantrum in the midst of playgroup or fails to turn in homework and you get a warning call from the teacher. As Moms, we often blame ourselves for shortcomings in our kids, and particularly take personally any criticisms flung our way from other Moms. Here are some tips on how to avoid Mom insecurity traps:

1. DECIDE WHAT YOU CARE ABOUT MOST
Whether it is deciding to do swimming lessons or joining a stroller jogging group - you need to do what ultimately works for you AND your child. Every child is different. My daughter found a toddler tumbling class to be torture - it just wasn't right for her. Meanwhile, all the other Moms came over to inquire why I could not get her to participate! The class became torture for me too, and ultimately we opted to go back to the sandbox where my daughter played away to her heart’s content.

2. FORGET THE MOMS WHO ARE TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL
Mothers can often act like teenagers. But parenting isn't junior high and belly button piercing, so don't feel pressured to follow the crowd. Stay away from catty women and trends if they are not something you want to do. It's okay to feel moments of angst but get through it and stick with values that resonate with you.

3. EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR CHOICES FOR REASSURANCE.
If you've made an educated parenting decision, you'll automatically be more confident. Research it or try it. Every kid is different, and there is no single right way of doing things as a parent.

4. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SUPPORTIVE MOMS
Not confidence vampires. Those who criticize have their own problems and usually an underlying lack of confidence themselves. They're just stepping on others to feel better about themselves. Trust your gut - if you feel awful after hanging out with them, don't.

5. BE STRONG AND CONFIDENT IN YOUR DECISIONS
Lastly, as a Mom you often have to stand tall inside yourself and listen to your inner voice. Feel confident to do what you decide works best for you and your child.

Do you have any other ideas of how to keep the confidence vampires at bay and feel good about yourself and your role as Mom? Let me know!

Catch me this coming Thursday for a segment about Sibling Rivalry: any tips or stories to share that I could incoporate into my segment? Let me know!

What's Left of Nick Lachey is Good Enough for Me!

This past Monday as a mom expert on The Today Show, I spoke about the new trend of larger families and "3 kids being the new 2." For the first time, I brought my 13- year-old daughter along with me. Nick Lachey was also appearing on the show to perform and talk about his now final divorce from former Newlyweds co-star and fellow singer Jessica Simpson.  Thus her unmitigated delight (we are talking jumping up and down with fists clenched, whispering, YES! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT MOM?!!), was rewarded with a meeting with the star himself.

While I was in the make-up room, my daughter was busy hovering outside of Nick's dressing room, hoping desperately for just a peek. Luckily for her, the bodyguard standing outside offered my daughter more than just a peek and before she knew it she was chatting and taking pictures with the superstar hunk. It was so cute! When I went to take a picture of the two of them, Nick warned that he was sweating from his on-stage performance to which my daughter demurred that she had a mouth full of muffin from breakfast. I know she was impressed and so was I. Nick is a remarkably kind, down-to-earth guy.

I was also impressed by Nick's candid interview on VH1's rockumentary style show, Behind the Music. In the hour long episode, which focused on Nick's rise from lowly ex-boy bander (98 Degrees) to reality show breakout (MTV's Newlyweds) and now chart-topping success (the single "What's Left of Me" is a top ten Billboard hit), Nick talked about his divorce and the pain he has had to endure in the public eye. Nick is nothing but genuine; he says that if he could do it all over, knowing now how the strain of success would wreak havoc on his marriage to Jessica Simpson, he would never have done it. Nick cries (briefly) in the interview and it becomes clear that he really cares.

After all the tabloid speculation about he and Jessica Simpson, Nick, who's divorce became final this week, is still grounded, sweet, warm, and intent on connecting with his (young) fans. I was completely, unexpectedly (who knew!?) impressed.

Image from my own collection!

Olsen Twins who? Welcome Dylan and Cole!

Do the names Dylan and Cole Sprouse mean anything to you? How about Zack and Cody Martin?

If you have a child who watches the Disney Channel's The Suite Life with Zack and Cody, then you understand who I'm talking about. These about-to-be fourteen year old twins are the breakout television stars of their own children's show, having first stepped onto the movie scene in Adam Sandler's Big Daddy in which the identical twins played the character of Julian, the forgotten son. Later they appeared on Friends as Ben, the growing son of Ross.

Today Dylan and Cole's careers are on full blast, having turned their Disney show into a bonafide hit (which is said to have generated a larger audience faster than Lizzie McGuire) as well as started a magazine called Code that discusses everything boys ages 8-14 (like themselves) are into.

I had the chance to meet and talk to the adorable and incredibly articulate boys when they appeared on the Today Show on Monday. I was on the show myself to talk about 3 kids being the new 2 and the resurgence of larger families. Pictured here is my daughter along with them in the Today's Show green room. To keep things in perspective my daughter is their same age! Dylan and Cole were down to earth, funny and hilarious. They tried to convince my daughter that the best way to keep her younger brother from bugging her was to sneak into his room at midnight, call out "Truck coming" and as he wakes up shine two flashlights in his eyes and bonk him with a pillow. Quite the advice, but reassuringly they have yet to try this on each other. They told us how they had been "normal kids" in middle school until 6th grade, when their Disney hit took off and they have to be private tutored on the set. On the weekends, they just want to play video games and hang with their friends. Now that sounds normal! I was impressed with how grounded they both are.

Just recently, Dylan and Cole were featured in the New York Sunday Times as the next Olsens pair. In fact, Dualstar, the Olsen twins' company, has taken on Dylan and Cole as their new tween twin stars, seeing as the Olsens seem to be moving on to bigger, er, more mature ventures (think Badgley Mischka ads and club hopping in NYC). The Sprouse brothers have signed on with Dualstar as the "Sprouse Bros." (fitting, right?) to create a new commercial brand that will endorse everything from DVDs, CDs, clothing, sports gear, and video games, as well as their magazine, all targeting preteen and teen audiences.

So, not only are they cute and kind young boys but they are also a soon-to-be popular tween brand!

I wish them the best of luck with everything - hey, now I can say I knew them when!

Image from starpulse