I Wrote a Justin Bieber Book!

Justin Bieber book written by me!

It's not exactly a secret that growing up, I was a big time fan of teen idols. I loved Jason Bateman, Corey Feldman, Corey Haim, Sean Astin and more. So you can imagine how excited I was to write THREE celebrity biographies for children. Check 'em out. 

Justin Bieber - is like, either you LOVE him or LOATHE him. Regardless, you cannot deny Justin Bieber is truly living the dream. To go from a regular small town kid from Canada to a HUGE star -- seriously! Unlike most celebs, Justin Bieber didn't have famous parents. He didn't come from big bucks. He's a true rags to riches story and I admire that about the kid. He's also incredibly talented (he plays several instruments) and beyond generous. He's involved in so many charities and causes, the list is endless... I won't lie, after writing this Justin Bieber book, I myself became a Belieber. I thought this was kinda cool, I once blogged about his nice-looking dad, Jeremy Bieber and his GRANDMA commented. Her name is Kate and her comment is the very last one.

Selena Gomez book written by me!

Selena Gomez - an awesome role model for young girls. Selena Gomez happened upon a Barney audition in her home state of Texas and basically the work trickled in from there. Today she's a successful singer and actress both in movies and TV. Obviously, in addition to being mega talented, she's made headlines as Justin Bieber's girlfriend. Selena has her own clothing line, is an ambassador for UNICEF and is involved in dozens of charities and causes, much like Justin Bieber.

Twilight star, Taylor Lautner book, yup by me!

Taylor Lautner - Twilight fans know him as Jacob, Taylor Lautner hails from Michigan and I have to say, he's another kid any parent would be proud of. Focused, smart and grounded, Taylor stays away from celeb parties and gossip. At press time, he wasn't tweeting, didn't have a Facebook page or even an official website. Talk about a low-key hot young star workin' it to remain under the radar. 

Zima - Clear College Drink of the '90s

Zima, my drink of choice in 1993.

Back in the early 1990s I enjoyed knocking back a few cold ones every weekend. Today, I rarely drink (weird, I know) ... I turned 21 in 1993 and thought I was all big and bad suckin' on a Zima that year. Barely of drinking age, Zima did me right.

Yup, I thought Zima was the coolest. The packaging. The logo - zomething about the ZIMA logo reminded me of ESPRIT - one of my favorite brands back in high school. The Zima TV commercials showing young folks sportin' flannel shirts, having the time of their lives at a bar, party or bar & grill - I could relate!

There was something special about a crisp, cold, CLEAR Zima. It wasn't beer. It wasn't a wine color. It wasn't hard liquor. Zima was like, its own entity. Yes, I realize today, Zima is looked upon as a big joke, but back in 1993 it was cool for a hot second. Trust me.

Five Fun Facts About Zima

1. Zima was born in 1993 and died in 2008.
2. Zima, produced and distributed by Coors Brewing Company, sold 1.2 million barrels in 1994 - best Zima year ever!
3. Zima means "winter" in Slavic languages. 
4. Coors blew $50 million in marketing this cool, clear wine cooler alternative. 
5. For some reason, teens believed Zima's alcohol content wouldn't appear in breathalyzer tests. Weird. Wiki says it was 10 proof.

Check out this typical Zima TV commercial from 1994. Note the clothing and hair styles. 

Nickelodeon's Out of Control - Cut it Out!

Nickelodeon's Out of Control stared Dave Coulier.

Before we knew him as Joey Gladstone from the 1987 hit family sitcom Full House and as the subject of fellow '80s Nickelodeon star, Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know" song in 1995, Dave Coulier hosted a kid's "late night" or news-style sketch comedy show on Nickelodeon called Out of Control.

Out of Control was recorded between 1983-1984 and originally aired between October, 1984 and May, 1985.

The kid's show featured a cast of zany regulars such as Diz Aster (Diz McNally) and Angela "Scoop" Quickly (Jill Wakewood) with the occasional special guest such as The Incredible Hulk's Bill Bixby.

I don't remember much about this show other than Dave Coulier acting wacky and always including his "Cut it -- OUT" catch phrase in every episode. Obviously he later brought "CUT IT -- OUT" to Full House. 

Watch this episode of Out of Control to refresh your memory.