Katherine Chloé Cahoon

Last week, I took a break from film meetings and book events to learn stand-up paddle surfing, or SUP. If you haven’t heard of SUP, it’s a hot new sport that combines aerobic and strength training, and has taken off around the world. You can do this type of surfing anyplace with water—no wave is needed. I’ve even seen people SUP in a lagoon and on yoga boards…so you can find your center of balance while soaking up the sun!

Dave taught me SUP. He is excellent! I didn’t know it when I met him on the beach while watching Hawaii’s Battle of the Paddle, but he works for Naish International, one of the world’s premiere developers of boarding technology. Dave has even appeared in surfing magazines and videos.

Entering the big ocean… I wore my Indian Princess bathing suit with fake buckskin fringe because I had visions of padding off to an exotic island!

On my first try, I lasted 30 seconds max before falling. But it sure was a FUN 30 seconds!

I’m standing AND paddling!!! Now where is that exotic island???

So I’m planning on competing next year in Battle of the Paddle…just kidding!

You may be wondering how this ties into The Single Girl’s Guide to Meeting European Men. Well, if you’re planning a trip to Europe, you can learn this trendy sport there. I just heard of an Ibiza resort that offers a seven-night SUP package including breakfast. 

Today, I heard a question that I know too well. It came from an American man. I’ve heard it several times, and it goes like this: “You wrote a book about meeting European men. Don’t you like us American men?” I don’t just like American men…I LOVE them! The circle of love is not exclusive:) I enjoy people from a vast array of countries and cultures. My book arose from experiences during my Vanderbilt summer semesters abroad.

As unofficial ambassadors from the USA, the appealing men pictured have designed messages to entice single girls to meet them and their countrymen. Which quote do you think matches which guy? To help you out, I made up code names and descriptions for them. The answers are below.

HUNK OF BURNING LOVE. “Romance is said to be the language of love. What better way to find love than to meet someone who can speak your language;)” Whether or not a girl speaks English, she would find this guy romantic. He’s an expert at communicating the language of love. He’s even a professional at singing it. Looks like we have an Elvis for the new millennium!

MR. ASSETS. “American men…where amazing happens!!” The bottom line on this accountant is that you would have an amazing time with him. He has MANY ASSETS…and I’m not just talking about the financial types:)

THE STALLION. “We may not have the accents, but we have the moves!” Hint: This jet expert was in my first Elle Woods-esque travel host video. He said the line, “I may not be Italian, but I’m a stallion.” He was fabulous! No wonder the video was named one of the best for 2010.

THE LOVE DOCTOR. “Hollywood invented the romantic comedy. Any man can wine and dine a beautiful woman, but American men are schooled from a young age on what the ladies really want. We know how to make you laugh everyday, and how to surprise our ladies with romantic gestures to keep the love alive.” Looks like this MD got his residency in romance;),/p>

MR. BIZ. “It’s simple…we can relate with American women on a deep level due to our similar roots.” This businessman loves women of all nationalities, but he wants American girls to know they do not have to cross the ocean to find romance. Any girl from any country who is lucky enough to be with him will find her personal stock appreciate!

SMOOTH OPERATOR. “I am a calm, c’est la vie kind of guy.” This is true. No matter what curve balls life throws him, this manager remains upbeat. But just because he’s calm doesn’t mean he’s not a total character! Clue: He is one of the two robust men with a smoldering stare.

BLUE CRUSH. “It isn’t just about big trucks, fast cars and freedom. All good things come from American men.” So I realize that good things come from men and women alike who are from every country around the world. After all, I wrote The Single Girl’s Guide to Meeting European Men. But this surf aficionado sure wants to win your heart! And I know many girls who are CRUSHING on him.

7. Hunk of Burning Love 6. Smooth Operator 5. Mr. Assets 4. Mr. Biz 3. The Stallion 2. Blue Crush 1. The Love Doctor

This spring has proven the borderless and limitless qualities of human compassion and resilience. Immediately following unprecedented natural destruction in Japan, the United States was hit with historic extremes in tornadoes, rains, and floods mixed with scorching wildfires. This had not subsided when, today, southeast Spain suffered death and destruction from two earthquakes. Americans swiftly responded to Japan’s misfortune with generous donations of their means, time, and talents. Then, without hesitation, they again helped unfortunate disaster victims in their own country. As US floodwaters were cresting, Americans reached out to Spain─and those suffering in all three countries exhibited courage and grace amid crisis.

I realize that those of other nationalities also helped, but I know the American response best because I am an American and I was here. For Japan, several US celebrities donated millions of dollars, corporations gave goods and cash, organizations held benefits, and citizens of modest incomes donated what they could. Now they are doing the same for their country and Spain while continuing to help Japan. In the US, without being asked, volunteers appeared at disaster sites, pitched in, and helped. When they had to leave, they manned their smart phones to Facebook and tweet the need for help. Others then came to take their place. Memphis exhibited calm as the Mississippi River reached its highest levels in decades. While over 1,000 people evacuated their homes, the NBA playoff games went forward, and instead of calling off a barbeque contest, they moved it to higher ground!

Even if you do not live in an affected area, you can help by donating as little as $10. Phone the American Red Cross 800-733-2767 log onto redcross.org/donate, or text “redcross” to 90999; contact World Vision at 866-562-4453 or worldvision.org; or reach Save the Children at 800-728-3843 …or you can choose another organization. I donated my April book sales to the Red Cross for Japan, and I am a member of a worldwide rapid response welfare organization.

Family Emerges from a Safe Room in Athens Alabama (AP)

Destruction in Tuscaloosa Alabama

Mississippi River Reaches Record Levels in Memphis

Destruction in Smithville Mississippi

Tornado and Lighting in Mississippi

I was organizing my book reviews for a film exec and saw this one. It made me smile:

“I went to France after reading this book. The guys were sooooo HOTTTT!!!! I used every piece of advice this book gave me:) soooo much FUN!!!:D I don’t think I’ll ever have a week like that again if you know what I mean;)… Seriously girls if you go to Europe READ THIS BOOK.”

I always love seeing a complimentary review, especially one with an exclamation mark. But one with several and smiley faces…now that makes my day! Or should I say, MAKES MY DAY?!!!:) I love this girl. Here’s a picture of the French hottie soccer player Yoann Miguel Gourcuff. Undoubtedly, she met her fair share of guys like him!

Thank you for your insightful comments on Friday’s Royal Wedding! I’m going on the air early in the morning to discuss it and my book! Here are my impressions about those regal festivities… I loved how the bride and groom didn’t just include royalty, the rich, and the famous on their most important day. Among the honored guests were people like the greengrocer from the rural village where Princess Catherine grew up, her yoga instructor, and staff from charities that William supports. I was touched to see that William inherited his mother’s famous compassion as he personally greeted well-wishers camped out at the palace gates the night before the big event. I was impressed at the care William took to involve Diana everywhere. She was there throughout the engagement as Catherine wore her ring. The wedding ceremony was performed in Westminster Abbey where Diana’s memorial service was held. The couple’s kisses on the Buckingham Palace balcony were reminiscent of Diana on her wedding day, and the hope she undoubtedly would have expressed if she had been alive that their love would last forever.

Are you experiencing Royal Wedding fever? Since my book covers British culture, radio hosts have invited me to discuss this historic occasion. As it approaches and events unfold, I’d love to hear your insights.

To me, this wedding is a living fairytale and Kate Middleton is a Cinderella. She didn’t have a mean stepmother, but she had to endure many hard times before her “Happily Ever After.” If you look at her today, you see an attractive, poised young lady with a sterling education, an interesting career, a stylish wardrobe, and perhaps the world’s most enviable fiancé. On Friday, she will become Princess Catherine, wife of the handsome Prince William, the likely future King of England. What you don’t see is a girl who descended from coalminers, who had to switch schools when she was young because girls were so mean to her, who boys at her new school ranked as only a #2 on a scale of one to ten in looks and personality, and who was the first in her family to attend college. Kate is living proof that no one should be underestimated. Many of my friends who now have the most successful jobs and relationships were those who struggled most on the way up.

What I also admire about this royal love story is the report that William wasn’t initially drawn to Kate’s beauty. They first became supportive friends and confidants. This is a firm foundation for any successful relationship.

What do you think of this couple and the commitment they are about to make? How do you think it will affect their country? When I discuss this on the air, I would like to know your opinion.

It’s my Easter tradition to make decorated cookies or cupcakes for my neighbors. Our neighborhood has Christians, atheists, agnostics, Buddhists, Muslims, and just about everything in between. It’s a happy mix. My neighbors like my traditions and I like theirs. That is the essence of Meeting European Men. At its heart, this book is about getting to know and appreciate people from different cultures.

On my university book tour, girls often tell me that before parties they have fun getting together and practicing “flip that hair” from my clubbing video. Then they show me, and they’re so cute doing it, but some of them are getting this dance move confused with “the hair flip” in my book. If a girl did “flip that hair” while hiking up a steep hill with a heavy backpack, she could lose her balance and fall backwards, tumbling into the hikers behind her. That would make an impression alright, but not the kind she would want:)

“The hair flip” is much more subtle, but very successful at attracting desirable male attention. It’s like the effect of blondes. None of the stunning ladies pictured are sporting their natural color but, as Kate Hudson explained, some women want it because in any crowd the eye is naturally drawn to the blonde. I first witnessed the eye-catching effect of “the hair flip” as a teen. A group of eight gorgeous ballerinas entered a crowded bus. Every seat was taken. One of the ballerinas casually tossed her hair, catching the eye of an attractive, charming guy who gave her his seat. On his second or third read, I have no doubt that a desirable guy could be smitten by the raven-haired beauty instead of the blonde, or a ballerina who wasn’t flipping her hair. But Kate’s right―certain traits attract attention. The hair flip is definitely one of them!

Megan Snider (pictured here), whose work was nominated for “Best Written Book Blog,” said of The Single Girl’s Guide to Meeting European Men, “For women taking a college semester to study abroad, I can see how this would be the perfect companion to your travels.”

I already announced my April Earthquake/Tsunami Relief Benefit, but several people have asked me to make a video on this issue to help spread the word about the needs of the Japanese people. I have a hard time doing serious videos. I think that in a world filled with challenges it’s important to be able to laugh, which is why I incorporate humor in my work whenever appropriate…but you probably guessed that from seeing my other videos. There are times, however, when it is necessary to be serious, and this is one of them.

In her blog, All Roads Lead to Pacetto, a lady who moved to Italy for love wrote, “KCC is still making ‘gems’ and I’m loving her more and more with each new video.” Hope you enjoy this one.

Here are pictures from Wednesday’s University of Washington book event benefiting Japanese Earthquake/Tsunami Relief. I have a deep-seeded belief in the importance of philanthropy. Since my book came out, I’ve regularly done events on behalf of children’s charities. The recent devastation in Japan is so great that I added this cause. I appreciate everyone who participated last night, but I realize that only a limited number of girls had the opportunity and there is much that needs to be done. In addition to the destruction we have all witnessed, tap water is contaminated, energy is critically low, buildings are unheated, factories are closed, garbage trucks are without gasoline, and radioactive water has come within a yard of an outlet spilling to the sea. As a result, I’ve decided to donate my proceeds from all my book sales during the month of April to the Red Cross. That way anyone anywhere can contribute. There are many wonderful organizations helping Japan. I chose this one because what is needed most now is the flexibility of cash donations to a charity with a well-organized network already in place within this country. They know the priorities firsthand and have the capability of receiving and putting the funds to good use right away.

What: Earthquake/Tsunami Relief Book Event

University of Washington’s Alpha Chi Omega chapter has invited me to speak to their members about study abroad. Each girl who makes a $10 donation to The Salvation Army Earthquake/Tsunami Relief will receive a free signed copy of my book. When I was five, I was concerned when I heard about disasters like the tragic Bangladesh cyclone. At that age, whenever something bad happened in my life, eating cookies helped. So I made a batch with my mom and asked her to send them off. I wanted to send milk, too, but she explained that it wouldn’t survive the trip. Whether we’re five or 24, like I am now, we can help others in times of crises.

When: Wednesday, March 30 at 6:15PM

Where: Alpha Chi Omega, 4545 17th Ave NE, Seattle 98105

We lost an icon today when Elizabeth Taylor died. She was internationally revered for her extraordinary beauty and acting talent, but what I will always remember her for is her philosophy on life. She had beautiful violet-colored eyes. I knew her hair-and-makeup artist when I was young and he said that it was true. When people commented on her eye color, she would relate that when she was young, her mother advised her that what mattered most in life was what was behind those eyes. We’ll miss the best of Elizabeth, inside and out.

Check out my latest date;) Isn’t he a charmer?!