Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
To television viewers, Andrew Zimmern of “Bizarre Foods” fame is known as that guy who’ll eat anything. And he’d like Americans to give it a shot, too. “Open up and expand your horizons, people!” says the James Beard Award-winning chef and author. “My favorite mixed metaphor is, ‘Put on your big girl pants and man up!’ I am unable to comprehend a place on the planet where the food is ‘too different.’”
Henry Winkler is an actor, author, director and photographer, but if he were to pursue a new career, he says he’d become a professional fly fisherman. “There’s no way I’d compare myself to any of the great fishermen out there,” says Winkler, 66, “but what a perfect way to spend your life.” Best known for playing Fonzie on the hit TV series “Happy Days,” Winkler currently has roles on the series “Royal Pains” and “Childrens Hospital.” His latest book — “I’ve Never Met an Idiot on the River: Reflections on Family, Fishing, and Photography” (Insight Editions, $21.95) — is a collection of photographs and anecdotes about his life.
In her debut novel, “Bunheads,” Sophie Flack writes with an insider’s knowledge about the world of ballet. A former ballerina with the New York City Ballet, the 28-year-old artist, author and college student writes of an environment where surreal beauty comes at the expense of personal freedom. Flack, who retired from dance in 2009, resides in Manhattan with her puppy, Zeus, and boyfriend Josh Charles (“The Good Wife”).
Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs has always had a love for comic books, and creating his own has been a dream come true for the 31-year-old football player. “Seraph” — created by Briggs and co-written with Phil Hester — is one of eight titles in the Top Cow and Image Comics Pilot Season Competition. Throughout December, fans may vote for their favorite title at Topcow.com. “Vote as often as you like,” says Briggs, who resides in Scottsdale, Ariz., when he’s not in Chicago with the Bears. “Just like when you vote for the Pro Bowl.”