Go Away With … Andrew Zimmern

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.’”

Go Away With … Henry Winkler

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.

Go Away With … Sophie Flack

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”).

Go Away With … Lance Briggs

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.”

Go Away With … Richard Marx

With more than 30 million records sold worldwide, Richard Marx’s first seven singles, including “Don’t Mean Nothing,” “Right Here Waiting” and “Should’ve Known Better,” hit the Top Five on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart. A savvy businessman, Marx, 48, has made a second career as a songwriter and producer for other artists.

Go Away With … Shannon Lee

As a little girl, Shannon Lee grew up in Hong Kong and Los Angeles. The only surviving child of Bruce Lee — who would’ve celebrated his 71st birthday this year — Shannon is the CEO of Bruce Lee Enterprises and president of the board of directors for the Bruce Lee Foundation. Based out of L.A., the 42-year-old actress/singer/entrepreneur may be seen next in “I Am Bruce Lee,” a feature-length documentary that will soon air on Spike TV.

Go Away With … Dionne Warwick

“I love being exposed to different cultures,” says singer Dionne Warwick. “And traveling is a learning experience. It’s something we should all do more of. And as Americans we’re very fortunate because the entire world speaks English.” Warwick received her first Grammy in 1968 for “Do You Know the Way to San Jose?” Her hit singles include “Walk on By,” “Anyone Who Had a Heart” and “Alfie.”

Go Away With … Eric Van Lustbader

Born and raised in Greenwich Village, N.Y., author Eric Van Lustbader once lived in the same building as Lauren Bacall. Two years after Robert Ludlum died in 2001, Lustbader was chosen by Ludlum’s estate to continue the popular Jason Bourne series. The latest is “The Bourne Dominion” (Grand Central Publishing, $27.99). Lustbader counts Paris, Venice and New York — where he resides with his wife — amongst his favorite cities.

“Jae-Ha Kim is livin’ on phat beach”

I never met Aaron Hawkins, but I knew that he occasionally mentioned me on his blog, Uppity-Negro.com. Once, the fansite title on his blog was my name. Granted, this was during a period when he was doing this to be cheeky more than anything else. Hawkins was one of the first African-American bloggers. He was smart, thought-provoking and funny. I used to pop over to his blog every so often to see what he was up to.

Go Away With … Benjamin Utecht

“I’m the nonfiction answer to ‘Glee’ and ‘High School Musical,’” says Benjamin Utecht. “I was the star athlete and homecoming king in high school. But I was also in choir and a thespian, and I really got a kick out of all that.” Utecht is currently on tour promoting his album “Christmas Hope.” Keep tabs on his latest concert dates at benjaminutecht.com.

Go Away With … Robin Meade

As the lead anchor on HLN’s “Morning Express with Robin Meade,” Meade is known for her reporting and interviewing skills. What may surprise some viewers is that she’s a singer, too. Her debut country CD “Brand New Day” is available at Target and on iTunes. “I spent a lot of weekends and vacation days driving from Atlanta to Nashville to write and record my album,” says Meade.

My father’s death — and life

Our father’s goal in bringing his family from South Korea to the United States was to ensure that his children would receive a good education. He and our mother instilled in us the idea that studying hard would be our ticket to having a better life than they had. And they were right. But while the three of us are well educated, we lack our father’s endless thirst for knowledge.

Go Away With … Yo-Yo Ma

Born in Paris and raised in New York, cellist Yo-Yo Ma is one of the world’s most famous classical musicians. But with his latest CD “The Goat Rodeo Sessions,” Ma tackles a different genre: Americana. The record is a collaborative effort with fiddler Stuart Duncan, bassist Edgar Meyer and mandolinist Chris Thile. Ma, 56, has won several Grammy Awards. He has also been honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Ma resides with his wife in Cambridge, Mass.