Summer Lovin’: New York and Las Vegas

Still looking for the perfect place to spend part of your summer vacation? Take a look at why these famous cities should be at the top of your list: NEW YORK So you didn’t make it there in time to see Pope Benedict XVI preside over Sunday Mass, but that’s no reason to by pass the chance to sit in a seat at New York City’s Yankee Stadium, especially since time is running out for you to do so. This season marks the last that sports fans will be gathering in the House that Ruth Built. The 85-year-old Bronx ballpark … Continue reading

Pop Culture Potpourri: Gisele’s Bold Move and Jerry’s New Record

GISELE’S BOLD MOVE The jokes keep flying at the expense of NFL super star Tom Brady… The beefy quarterback for the New England Patriots has been making headlines for two straight weeks—-ever since his ex-girlfriend Bridget Moynahan gave birth to a baby boy who shares his DNA, but not his last name. Now word comes that while Brady may not be physically present in his new son’s life at least he sent a present to him… as did the football star’s current flame Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen (whom Brady hooked up with shortly after he dumped Moynahan). In a move … Continue reading

Ways to Save on Labor Day Getaways

Unless you plan to sit on your couch waiting to see if Jerry Lewis raises that “ONE MORE DOLL-AH” than he did last Labor Day weekend, then you’re likely looking to save on a last-minute summer getaway. If you are a procrastinator, then more power to you. Feet draggers can score big when hunting for last-minute Labor Day travel deals. Here are some of the best bargains out there right now: Expedia: The popular travel website is advertising 40 percent off select hotel stays through September 6th and offering a $50 pre-paid MasterCard rebate for three-night bookings at some hotels. … Continue reading

How to Make Memorial Day a Teachable Moment

We buried my beloved grandmother last week. My five-year-old daughter and I along with hundreds of other relatives and friends gathered at Veteran’s Cemetery in Hilo, Hawaii, to pay tribute to an unbelievably remarkable woman whose life will never be forgotten. It had been almost 11 years to the day since I attended a burial at Veteran’s Cemetery. The last time we gathered en masse was to say good-bye to my grandfather. My fiercely proud Japanese-American grandfather, who risked his life to serve the United States in World War II, while some of his family members were forced to reside … Continue reading

Star Updates: Gisele Bundchen and Farrah Fawcett

It looks as though Gisele Bundchen may finally be getting her ultimate wish. Reports say that the supermodel is expecting her first child with husband Tom Brady. In other news, Bridget Moynahan is hoping that once Bundchen gives birth she will leave her 18-month-old son with Brady alone. I know a few people who’ll drink to that. You’ll recall that Brady dumped Moynahan right before she discovered she was pregnant with his child. The football star then hooked up with Bundchen, and the two recently got hitched twice-—once in California, and again, last month in Costa Rica. The Victoria’s Secret … Continue reading

Gisele Bundchen–Loving Stepmother or Insensitive Troublemaker

She’s a drop dead gorgeous multi-millionaire with a super star new husband, and now women of the world have one more reason to hate supermodel Gisele Bundchen. Apparently, marriage has made the rich (rhymes with witch) more arrogant than ever. If you missed the headlines (and the thousands of subsequent Internet posts), Bundchen is speaking out for the first time about being more than just a stepmom to John Edward Thomas Moynahan, the 18-month-old love child of her new hubby New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his ex-girlfriend model-actress Bridget Moynahan. In the latest Vanity Fair issue, Bundchen let … Continue reading

Tom Brady Ties the Knot with Supermodel Gal Pal

After denying, denying, denying, their plans to make their relationship official, Gisele Bundchen and Tom Brady made the trip down the aisle last night. According to reports, the couple wed Thursday just before 6 p.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church in front of a handful of close family members and friends. The intimate ceremony was capped off by an appearance by Brady’s 18-month-old son John Edward Thomas Moynahan. The boy’s mom, Bridget Moynahan, who was famously dumped by Brady while pregnant, was a no show. As for the bride’s dress, Bundchen reportedly donned a Dolce & Gabbana form-fitting ivory lace … Continue reading

Jennifer Hudson Returns to the Spotlight and Tom Brady Says So Long to Single Life

Three months after her mother, brother and young nephew were brutally murdered in her hometown of Chicago, singer/actress Jennifer Hudson is returning to the spotlight. The NFL just announced that the “American Idol” star will be singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl in Tampa, Florida next month. Hudson hasn’t appeared in public since her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew were killed in a horrific murder spree last October. The Oscar-winner’s estranged brother-in-law has been charged in the killings. Hudson is also reportedly scheduled to sing at the Grammys’ MusiCares event a few days after the February 1st Super … Continue reading

Celebrities and Hurricane Gustav

While the major networks were watching Hurricane Gustav unleash its fury on Louisiana entertainment publications were keeping a close eye on celebrities watching what New Orleans mayor described as “the mother of all storms.” (Today Mayor Ray Nagin amended his description calling Gustav “the mother-in-law or the ugly sister of all storms.”) Which just goes to show that the media can spin practically any current events story into one that involves Hollywood’s biggest names. Yesterday I saw video of men working to board up Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s New Orleans home. The couple, which bought a home and lived … Continue reading

More Ways to Save Money on Vacation

Growing up my family took two vacations per year. My generous grandparents always sponsored one of our trips; otherwise there would have been no way our family of six could have gone very far twice a year. Vacations are a huge expense regardless of the size of your family. Think about it; in addition to the cost of transportation and lodging, you have to factor in the price of meals, snacks, beverages, souvenirs, tips, admission fees to attractions, etc. Luckily there are ways to save on a family trip provided you plan in advance. In my previous blog I listed … Continue reading