Taking Home Wherever You Go

Posted on July 3, 2011 by admin

With all the back and forth of my bicoastal life, I’ve needed to cultivate more than an adaptable body clock and duel sets of toiletries and bedding. I’ve learned to take “home” with me wherever I go. We know the old expression “home is where the heart is,” but it’s also where your HEAD is. As much as I cherish the elbow room, agreeable weather and Spanish charm of my California bungalow, there’s great appeal in the compact hustle and bustle of a Gothamist pied a terre. Instead of being homesick for one place, I enjoy where I am and look forward to the next time I get to “swap” coasts. Rather than feel torn between two worlds, I strive to enjoy the best of both. In LA, I love to prepare and host elaborate meals but in NYC, it’s a different restaurant every night or slices of the world’s best pizza. Nothing beats crashing on the couch for a Dodgers game…except maybe a beer in a Midtown sports bar during a Yankees/Mets subway series.

Speaking of subways, I try not to be rattled by the crush of my work commute on the “2″ train…it’s not any worse than sitting in gridlock on Olympic Boulevard.  I find it impossible to choose which is more glorious: a long morning run along the Santa Monica bike path or a late day loop of Central Park.  How lucky I am that whether I’m flying to JFK or LAX, I’m always heading HOME.

I take this attitude on the road when I’m on assignment, too.  The first thing I’ll do when I check into a hotel room is “set up” house.  That can be as simple as putting on a pair of comfy sweats, finding some fresh flowers to stick in a glass of water or setting your screensaver to a photo of family/friends/beloved pet.  Keeping a journal or “Book of Blessings” is also a top way I remind myself to always: BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED!

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Mid-Year Running Report

Posted on June 22, 2011 by admin

If you’ve been following my recreational activities the last 10 years, you know that I publish an annual “Running Report” on my website: http://nelsonaspen.com/running_report2010.html

After a decade of giving up so much of my personal life to the demands of distance training, I usually find myself vowing that every marathon will “be my last!” But as I approach #17 (July 31 in San Francisco), I have to confess that I’m as smitten as I’ve ever been.

A lot of that is thanks to my coach, Blue, whom I happened to meet earlier this year. I do harbor a self-confessed case of “hero worship” when it comes to this fit and fanatical marathoner…and the fact that he is such an affable and motivating coach only endears him to me more. Our workouts make me wish I could hire him for DAILY sessions. Heck, he’s such an inspiration, I’d sign him on as my Life Coach, Nutritionist and BFF!

At a time in life where many experience diminishing performance, I’m actually improving in speed, flexibility and endurance. And when it comes to enthusiasm, I’m at an all time high. Mid-life crisis? Bah! I’m just hitting my stride/Prime! I may not be setting Personal Records statistically, but Age-Adjusted, I’m kicking ASS!

While I’ve previously pledged to run less and concentrate on “quality” over “quantity,” so far in 2011 I have discovered that I’m able to enjoy both. The half-way mark of the calendar, July 1, also happens to be my birthday…so I’m delighted that at the rate I’m going, I may surpass last year’s mileage (1105)…and maybe even my all-time record of 1300 in 2007.  My weight (145#) and body fat are significantly less than when I was an adolescent….running is truly my fountain of youth.  I may just have to get that “26.2″ tattoo after all!

I DO know that I’m excited for July 31…running San Francisco. Bonus…Blue is joining me. I’m counting on a big celebration at the Finish Line!


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The More Things Change, The More They Stay the Same…

Posted on May 25, 2011 by admin

Mary Stuart was the FIRST Queen of Daytime TV & reigned for 35 yrs!

I work in International TV news.  I don’t always get to choose the stories I report…  I take assignments and pitch others.  But over the course of the last two weeks, the dominant coverage has not been the tornadoes in the midwest nor President Obama’s declaration about MidEast borders.  It hasn’t even been Kim Kardashian’s engagement!  It has been, almost nonstop, the end of Oprah Winfrey’s 25 year run on Daytime.

Many don’t seem to realize that with OWN, her eponymous network, she’s not really saying goodbye at all.  In fact, she’s increasing her ominpotence from 1 hour in the afternoon to 24 hours a day.  Still, we can’t help but wax nostalgic becauase of the very real “end of an era.”

Daytime TV viewers are (especially recently) veterans of experiencing LOSS.  In spite of DVRs and SoapNet, soap opera fans have had to watch the decline and demise of their stalwart programming.  Even if you’re a CBS fan or “SAFE” diehard, you can’t help but feel grief when all of Llanview and Pine Valley are euthanized.  If you’ve never watched a serial drama in your life, chances are the sight of an hourglass or lighthouse makes you think of “soaps” before anything else.

So in watching the round-the-clock, multi-network coverage of Oprah’s farewell, I can’t help but be reminded of my late mentor Mary Stuart…who starred as “Joanne” for all 35 years of SEARCH FOR TOMORROW’s run on daytime television (followed by a memorable run as “Meta” on GUIDING LIGHT).  Her final words in the last episode of SFT, as she stared down the barrel of the camera for the FIRST time ever to directly thank the fans for those “wonderful years”…remind me that Oprah’s farewell isn’t a new thing.  It’s only new to our generation.  The only thing new is that Oprah had a choice when to let the curtain fall.  Mary, Larry Haines, Don Hastings, Victoria Wyndham, Eileen Fulton, Erika Slezak, Robin Strasser, Jerry verDorn, Susan Lucci and many others logged more Daytime TV calendar time than Oprah but certainly/collectively leave a similar void in popular culture.

“Until we meet again,” Oprah uttered, as we all smiled back with misty eyes.  She’s honored her daytime (soap) peers throughout her career.  I hope she’ll remember them now with OWN….why not pick up where SoapNet dropped the ball and rerun some of those classic series???

Just a thought.

Mary Stuart, and other Daytime TV icons, are prominently featured in my books, DINNER AT NELSON’s…HOLLYWOOD INSIDER: EXPOSED…and LET’S DISH UP A DINNER PARTY.  Check ‘em out!

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Memorable Moments

Posted on May 2, 2011 by admin

The attacks on September 11, 2001, are forever in the minds of our generation and everyone has their own personal “Where Were You When You Heard the News” story. (I wrote a whole chapter about it in HOLLYWOOD INSIDER: EXPOSED, as I was working on location and my dressing room had the only functional television…scores of cast & crew were packing in to watch the horrible events unfold before our eyes. It still ranks as the most surreal experience of my life.) Now with the news that the so-called Mastermind behind the 9-11 attacks, Osama bin Laden, has been killed by US forces, all of us around the world suddenly have another “Where Were You…” moment. Obviously, a much more jubilant one.

One of my Twitter followers tweeted me that she was getting her hair done. I was crashed on the couch, watching the (New York) Mets versus (Philadelphia) Phillies baseball game. Ordinarily there is great rivalry between teams, but when the announcement was made in the stadium full of Phillies fans, the crowd went wild and everyone came together in celebration. Remember: One of the hijacked planes went down in a Pennsylvania field and two others brought down NYC’s World Trade Center towers. Comments from Mets players included:

“That’s certainly something bigger to celebrate than this [the Mets won the game after 14 innings], I can tell you that,” Terry Collins said. “That’s as big a night as we’ll have in a long time. We got bin Laden and we won [the game].”

“Obviously this is a big night for the United States. I wish we could have finished the game two hours ago and celebrated a little bit of it. This is a good win for us, and obviously a huge win for America tonight.”

“Mission accomplished!”

“It’s probably a night I’ll never forget,” Mets pitcher Chris Young said. “I came inside and heard the news. There’s some things in life bigger than the game and our jobs. I was inside and could hear the crowd chanting ‘USA’ and I got chills hearing that. It was a pretty neat atmosphere and place to be to get that kind of news.”

“One of the first things I thought about was coming from Walter Reed [Hospital in Washington, D.C.], the emotions that those guys must be going through hearing that same news,” Mets third baseman David Wright said. “As proud and as great a moment as it was for me being on a baseball field, you multiply that by a million. That’s probably what they’re feeling at the fire houses, at the police stations, at the places like Walter Reed.”

“It’s just an incredible moment and for a split second, for more than a split second, you kind of come together. You’ve got the New Yorkers, you’ve got the Philadelphians, the city, you kind of come together for a common cause. It put a smile on my face before I even knew what was going on, and then made me feel a lot better after I found out.”

“You almost want to stop the game,” Mets manager Terry Collins said. “You almost want to just stop the game and have that girl come and sing another beautiful rendition of ‘God Bless America.’ The first thing I thought of was, ‘Well it’s about time.’”

So, where were YOU? Let’s share the moment. Jump on to my Twitter page and let me know!     www.twitter.com/nelsonaspen

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“Mocktail” Recipe

Posted on April 27, 2011 by admin

Now that Prom season and warmer weather have arrived, I concocted this festive, non-alcoholic drink to help cool off.

Actually, it was more a case of “necessity being the mother of invention” after I received scant notice before a live TV appearance on the PIX Morning News that they wanted me to whip up a recipe.

Fortunately, the Props Department was able to quickly assemble the ingredients and find two matching glasses in which to serve them.

Even on the fly, they turned out deliciously!

Here’s how to make them:

In a frosted glass filled with ice, mix two parts Cherry Soda and one part Ginger Ale.  Add a healthy splash of lemon juice and stir with a straw. Float about a tablespoon of cherry grenadine on top and garnish with a slice of lemon and a maraschino cherry.

A refreshing & sparkling drink that will allow you to be the Designated Driver!

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Darling Dame!

Posted on April 21, 2011 by admin

As most of you know, Dame Julie Andrews has a very special place in my heart. Not only for her wonderful work on stage and screen (Everyone loves The Sound of Music, of course, but I’m also a huge fan of Victor/Victoria as well as her Broadway recordings of The Boy Friend and My Fair Lady), but for the generosity she always shows me in person. She impresses me so much that I devoted a chapter to her in HOLLYWOOD INSIDER: EXPOSED and included her among my “Dream Dinner Party Guests” in DINNER AT NELSON’S.

I first met her 7 years ago on location at Disneyland, but since then I’ve gotten to interview her six (!) times…so we really have established a wonderful kinship, which I think really shows when you see our chats. Not only is there an innate trust & respect between us, but simpatico on so many different subjects.  That is a rare thing in broadcast journalism and I can only count the stars with whom I share that special “something” on one hand.

Julie is the real deal.  A lady, a friend, a professional…as wise as she is talented and as down to earth as she is graceful.  I’m so lucky to know her, but even if you never get the chance to meet her, rest assured that the person she presents in our interviews is the person she is.

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A Snail’s Pace

Posted on April 2, 2011 by admin

Even if you don't have a trainer (this is my awesome coach, Blue), you can learn from the most unexpected sources!

I’m an inadvertent globe trotter, so as an avid runner I make the most of it by fighting off jet lag with sight-seeing adventures on foot. It has provided me with an amazing scrapbook of “rave runs.” Through the cobblestone streets of Firenze…beside the sandy shores of East Hampton, Bondi Beach and Bermuda…the tricky terrains of Catalina Island and the Santa Monica or Catskill Mountains…even scenic promenades along the mighty Mississippi & Hudson Rivers and Wellington Bay in New Zealand.

But one run that stands out–and comes to mind whenever I’m doing tempo drills and speedwork–is a run I enjoyed on my first visit to Dublin, Ireland. I checked into my hotel and laced up for a jog over to the neighboring University campus. I came upon their track. Nothing conspicuous or special about it: just the standard quarter-mile oval, with four lanes marked by white lines. I started going in circles, opting for the inside loop. Yawn.

As I finished up an uninspired first lap, I noticed the shiny trail behind a plump brown snail making his way determinedly across the track. Ordinarily, if I saw snails in my yard, I’d sound the death knell lest they devour all my flowerbeds. But, like his fabled counterpart “the Tortoise,” that little guy was just plowing forward…not in any particular rush, but with his goal in sight: the lawn at the distant edge of the track. I thought of him as a tiny champion and was careful to avoid crunching down on him for at least another two minutes before I came back around.

Lap Two, he’d barely made any progress…though he had inched closer into the next lane. I decided to pace myself off him. After all, “not going out too fast” is the plague of marathoners and maybe I could learn something from his slow and steady approach. I would keep running laps, moving slowly into the outer lanes as he progressed…and keep at it until he eventually cleared the field. Suddenly, running in circles wasn’t so monotonous when I had my new Pace Coach to check in with, every rotation.

Nearly an hour passed before the Snail and I made it to the outer-most loop of the track…his slimy course dotting a straighter line than my own gait!  By the time I completed my final loop, he had disappeared into the grass and I smiled with satisfaction and headed off onto the greener course of the campus, back to the hotel.

I returned to Dublin a couple years later and made a visit to that track my first destination run.  While there was no sign of snails, I fondly remembered the little slug who helped me turn what would have otherwise been a ho-hum run into a fond memory and a lesson in pacing.

Why not go out for a run, or a walk…or even just a picnic in the park?  Have a look at Nature with open eyes and see what YOU can learn!

PS-Incidentally, my yard is now rife with snails…and my garden is just fine.  Now when I go outside at dawn, I see all those silver trails and imagine that there was an overnight snail marathon!

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An Aussie Adventure…with a Difference

Posted on March 27, 2011 by admin

No sooner did the ink on my New Zealand passport stamp dry than I had to fly to Australia, where I launched my new book, “Dinner at Nelson’s, A Collection of Cuisine & Conversation.” Sales there will determine the subsequent US distribution later this year, so I was eager to get out and “spruik!”

My first time on Richard Branson’s new “V Australia” was a happy surprise. Affordable, comfortable business class seats combined with excellent service from an attentive staff made the long journey an easy one. Watch a movie, read a book, enjoy some good Aussie food and wine…and wake up bright and early (planes can’t land before 6 a.m. lest they disturb Sydney-siders), ready to clear Customs and start the day with a Harbour-side brunch. The avian wildlife is always the first thing to strike me: lorikeets, cockatoos and kookaburras abound.  But, beware of aggressive magpies! Some cyclists even wear spiked helmets to fend off the squawking divebombers when they’re protecting their nests. You don’t have to venture far out of the city limits to encounter native wildlife…you might see an Ibis scavenging for discarded fast food, a wombat dashing across the street, or a kangaroo sunbathing on a golf course. Of course, a trip to the magnificent Toranga Zoo will ensure that you see everything from koalas to emus in a safe environment.

On past visits, I’ve done most of the activities on the “Aussie Oprah Itinerary”…the Harbour Bridge climb, a visit to Luna Park, the Rocks, the famed Opera House and Botanical Gardens. As with most of my travels, I most enjoy seeing the sights from a local’s perspective. Enjoying a latte at SOUS LE SOLEIL, shopping in the funky little galleries of Darlinghurst or having a lamb barbeque with friends is my idea of fun.

A sunny Sunday brunch at Whale Beach will help anyone recover from jet lag, so from there I braced myself for the rigors of the book tour.  Flying to Melbourne on Jet Star was a snap…domestic flights are no-frills and not always punctual, but the skies are definitely friendly and reminiscent of the “good old days” when air travel was easier.  From check in to baggage claim…even renting a car with GPS (remember, they drive on the left side of the road and there are hidden speed cameras EVERYWHERE!) is simple stuff.

In Melbourne, I stayed at the trendy new boutique hotel, The Olsen.  Its popular restaurant, Blue Bottle (named after the menacing sea nettle) is a comfortable place to hang out or meet friends.  In fact, anything’s better than being stuck in that city’s terrible traffic!  If you can get around by any other form of transportation than automobile, do so!  Then you can drink in their beautiful architecture, botanical gardens, the view of the Yarra River and the workouts of the impressive specimens who comprise Melbourne’s Storm Rugby League.  Shop at Myer Department store then visit Red Spice Road restaurant for a Thai feast.

Next stop was balmy Brisbane, an area still recovering from recent flood damage.  Oddly enough, you’d never know it.  Everything I saw was lush and beautiful.  Magnificent landscapes and small neighborhoods connected by charming bistros, bookstores and shoppes abound.  The best coffee I enjoyed during my stay was discovered at Belle Epoque, adjacent to my hotel, The Emporium.  The locals, too, are noteworthy: especially warm and welcoming to Yankee tourists.

Making my way back to Sydney, I opted to forego a hotel and stay with friends.  Not only was it a “homey” way to catch up with them, it’s the idea way to experience the Aussie lifestyle as a local.  Hanging my hat in the comfortable suburb of Roseville provided me a quick commute into the city, easily accessible by public transportation, as well as a relaxing environment.  Hit Manly or Balmoral Beach swimming, sunning (wear sunscreen), shopping and dining.  I highly recommend the gourmet pizzas at Hugo’s Restaurant!  If you’re looking for nightlife, the crowd at the Victoria Room will stimulate you as much as their delicious menu…and it’s right in the thick of all the packed nightclubs and bars.

I stuck mostly to cozier pursuits like taking in a cricket match…sampling the meat pies at Harry’s Pie Stand along the wharf at Woolloomooloo (where Russell Crowe has a waterfront pad)…and taking a sunrise run along world-famous Bondi Beach, as all the surfers caught the morning waves.  But the real highlight, in spite of all the other festivities, was a visit to St. Lucy’s school for special needs children.  They have a creative approach to the care and education of their challenged students and spending a bit of time there getting to know the kids was simultaneously humbling and inspiring.  Check ‘em out: http://stlucys.nsw.edu.au Designating some “good deed doing” may not be on one’s standard business or holiday itinerary, but it can dramatically improve the experience!  The next time you’re planning a trip, why not Google some local charitable organizations along with hotels and sightseeing destinations?  You may just be in store for something unexpectedly wonderful!

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The Art of Conversation

Posted on January 17, 2011 by admin

Nothing is more awkward than being trapped in a bad interview.  Whether you’re an applicant seeking employment, a teacher trying to determine if a student should receive a scholarship or –as in my case from time to time–a journalist trying to draw out some interesting, orginal tidbits from a tempermental celebrity.  It has long been my pet peeve that so many of today’s stars are unprepared to shine!

In the glory days of the silver screen, celebrities were as trained in Public Relations duties as they were in elocution, dancing or stage fighting.  While it’s nice to live in a more spontaneous age, it’s disheartening to encounter a star who can win Oscars and rule the box office, but can’t carry on a few minutes of stimulating chat.  I believe that the best raconteurs enjoy far more than “15 minutes of fame” thanks to the fact that they are popular, sought-after conversationalists.  (In my experience, some of the best include: Anthony Hopkins, Julie Andrews, Viggo Mortensen, Anna Faris, John Travolta, Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz and Meryl Streep.  The worst?  I’m not sayin’!)

One of my many sidelines is Media Training for actors, athletes, authors and other professionals.  Sooner or later, almost everyone lands on a TV talk show, news programme or some other arena of public speaking.  It’s smart to be prepared!  I’m going to be conducting intensive seminars next month in Manhattan and am looking forward to helping folks improve the way they present themselves.  If you know anyone in the NYC area, by all means invite them to check out this opportunity:https://www.thenetworknyc.com/product/show/pid/2724 https://www.thenetworknyc.com/product/show/pid/2725

Of course not everyone has access to a Media Coach,  but we can all hone our verbal communication simply by sitting down to a meal with friends and family.  Turn off the TV, games and gadgets…eliminate those distractions and engage in face-to-face discourse.  Remember, it’s important to LISTEN as well as TALK (you want repartee, not a monologue!)…and ASK QUESTIONS!  Even if it’s your Grandma or the little old man next door: make their day and ask them to share some stories or observations.  You’ll not only make their day by showing them some attention, you might learn something fascinating.  Next thing you know, you’ll probably be bantering back and forth–finding a level of kinship you never expected.

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Nelson’s Running Report 2010

Posted on December 21, 2010 by admin

Exhausted after finishing the Hamptons Marathon, but smiling nonetheless with the Race Director, Diane

My overall fitness goal in 2010 was to continue running, injury free…with a nod to the marathon as an annual event.  Thanks to my trainers Jacob and David, that has been the happy case.  I certainly strive to follow the “Run Less, Run Stronger” rule, but I’ve actually managed to increase my mileage over last year’s total and improve my marathon time by nearly five minutes over 2009. . .so perhaps age is agreeing with this runner.  :)

2010 saw me running in my usual haunts along Los Angeles’ thoroughfares & beach paths and my Manhattan ”back yard,” Central Park.  But I also had some unforgettable discoveries on foot with my best friend on East Hampton beach, in glorious New Zealand and down the scenic Hudson River, along the breathtaking path from the George Washington Bridge all the way through Riverside Park to the Boat Basin.  There is no better way to sightsee than on foot.

I continue to count your encouragement as one of my biggest blessings!  THANK YOU!  I hope whether you’re a runner or not, that 2011 brings you many miles of health and happiness…  Maybe I’ll see you in July for the San Francisco Marathon!

April 3 – Scottish 10k (Central Park, NYC) 52:22  Place: 2758/7790  Division: 198/368  The second year in a row for this spirited, fun event…with considerably better weather than 2009.  Bagpipes, face painting and fun for the throngs of participants and spectators (which to my delighted surprise included my nephew and his family).

October 2 – Hamptons Marathon, 26.2 miles (East Hampton, NY) 4:19:48  Place: 196/344  Division: 17/23  My 16th Marathon saw a significant improvement over my course times for this race and, most importantly, I discovered a key element to the success in my training.  I felt fabulous up until Mile 24, when I “hit the wall.”  I’d been on track for a significantly fast time close to my 2007 Marathon PR, but ended up slowly shuffling the last mile.  I have some ideas for tweaks to my training that could make the difference if I decide to try this one again in 2011.  (Why not make it FOUR years in a row, eh!?)  I was also tickled WPIX Channel 11 in NYC allowed me to share the experience with the viewers of their morning news program.

October 17 – Jog for Justice 5k (Century City, Los Angeles) 23:46 Place: 46/297  Division 4/12  A cool drizzly morning running through the “corporate canyons” of what used to be the backlot of 20th Century Fox Studios.  My goal was to come in somewhere between my 5k PR (21:58) and the time projected by my recent marathon performance (27:070, so I was most pleased with the result!  A bonus to raise money for the great cause “Shoes That Fit,” which provides footwear for kids in need.

October 31 – LA Cancer Challenge 10k (West Los Angeles) 51:44  Place: 200/873  Division: 23/42  A fun, family-friendly Halloween event held on the undulating grounds of the VA Hospital, benefitting Pancreatic Cancer research and treatment.  Got to meet talented soap actor Michael Muhney (Adam – Y&R) and ran into (not literally!) my dentist, who’s also a running fanatic.  A great way to celebrate my 20th Anniversary of living in LA.

November 7 - ING NYC Marathon.  I didn’t run this event, but I enjoyed being a cheerleader for my friends Pam Hubbard and returning Wheelchair champion Kurt Fearnley.  Unfortunately, Kurt came in Third this year, but continued to impress and inspire millions of people…myself included.  Post-race, I got to catch up over a long brunch with my friends, running legends Kathrine Switzer & Roger Robinson (see below).

November 10 – Bank of America Tower Stair Climb.  Not a run, but a climb of NYC’s second tallest skyscraper led by tennis legend Martina Navritolova, to benefit Laureus: a sports-oriented charitable organization.  It was a training prep for her climb of Mt. Kilamanjaro and a fun way to get to know Martina (who called me “Maria,” when I started singing “Climb Every Mountain.”)  55 Flights up, we had a spectacular rooftop view of the city.

November 20-27 - Wellington Harbour, New Zealand.  On the advice of Kathrine & Roger, I made sure to include some time for running while visiting the beautiful Kiwi capital (which is also their home, half the year).  With my colleague, Brendon Pongia, I enjoyed the brisk, morning beauty of this exquisite venue…teeming with other likeminded–and very polite–runners!

December 19 – Tedd Corbitt 15km, Central Park NYC.  1:32:21.  Place: 2517/3541.  Division: 150/191. A sub-freezing morning to enjoy some loops around the park with my mate, Chris.  We took it slow and steady to enjoy this fun run and still managed to cross the line together in a respectable time before heading over to celebrate Christmas in the Catskills.

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