Weekend Fun

I don't know about you, but this week has gone sooooo S-L-O-W. I'm so looking forward to the weekend. I'll be travelling again to the Midwest. But a couple of fun things to look forward to this weekend. What are your plans?

1. Akeelah and The Bee. Why am I so friggin excited about this movie? Maybe it's the childhood teacher's pet flashbacks. Maybe it's being called nerd because I cared more about books than kickball. Maybe it's because I did spelling bees in elementary school -- 1st runner up, never the winner, darnit!

But as with all films of substance, especially those that are not your mainstream black-focused movies -- i.e. guns, cussing, gut-wrenching poverty, and hookers or pimps as everyday black life -- it's important to support during the first weekend. So go support Akeelah and The Bee this weekend. Show Hollywood that YOU know there's more to the community than the stereotypes generally presented in film.

2. Feast of Fools. I discovered this podcast a few weeks ago, and now I'm so totally addicted. iPodless? Then listen to them online at the Feast of Fools website. It's fun. It's gay. It's gossipy. It's a party for your ears. And a FREE weekend party if you're a little short on cash. And I'm loving me some Miss Ronnie, one of the co-stars of the show. Yes, you've got some fans Miss R!

3. L.A. Times Festival of Books. OK. Back to the books yet again. But this festival brings thousands of book lovers together with their addiction of choice -- reading. Better than addictions that can kill you, you know? Anyway, if in L.A. this weekend, the UCLA campus will be the place to be... well, if you love books that is.

Anyhoo, I'll be on a plane to the midwest. Fun. Joy. Happiness. It's the weekend. Currently reading Ten Little Indians, a short story collection, by Sherman Alexie.

What are your plans?
fs

Tayari Makes Target

For those of you who haven't picked up Tayari Jones novel, The Untelling, you're missing a treat.

But for those of you who shop at Target, you have no excuse not to get it now. Her novel has been selected as Target's "breakout novel" and you 'll start to see it in stores soon. More info on Tayari Jones site.

To have your book sold and distributed at Target... that's such a HUGE thing for an author. Because you know how many times you go to the store for one thing... and end up with a huge basket of electronics, music, books, and other items.

Anyway, cool news for a very cool person.
fs

Idol and the Detroit Pistons

Yeah, there ARE bigger issues in the world that I'm in touch with. But I have a pop culture side, too.

Anyway, American Idol. Totally feeling Chris...'s singing. Totally feeling Paris' singing, too, but she's just not getting the verbal (or voter) love from judges and viewers. I can't put my finger on it why she's not really connecting. Either way, I'm hoping for a Chris and Paris showdown at the end. They're the best singers in this year's competition. Period. As for winner, I'm thinking Chris. That mmmph factor, heartthrob vibe that no other male winner or top 2 has ever had, and love from the judges... he'll definitely sell some units, concerts, and have boy and girl fans. You predict???

NBA. Totally feeling the Detroit Pistons. Always have... during their winning and not-so-winning seasons. Looks like they're on their way to an easy-breezy-beautiful NBA championship. Of course, there's still love for many of the other teams and players out there. I love basketball. Can't play a lick, but love to watch. Oh yeah, most definitely.

Yeah, there's gas prices, Iraq, tornadoes, and corrupt politicians to think about. But knowing that you're already in the loop on those things, and that you're not distracted by bigger issues, what pop culture things are you musing?
fs

Class.

While I see the connections between ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, etc..., there are many who say those are all separate issues that should be tackled in their own way and time... and by their own folks concerned about those issues.

Listening to Front Page this morning on KJLH (I am a total Dominique DiPrima fan... she's doing her part to really enlighten people!), I am reminded that there are many folks in our communities who think the fight for equality is one that should be fought in separate ways, by separate communities of people.

In L.A. now, the big discussion is about immigration and how this issue affects communities of color. With the KJLH Front Page listeners, many have turned it into a black vs brown argument. Logically, it doesn't make sense. Not all immigrants are brown. Not all immigrants are illegal. And definitely not all immigrants are of Mexican descent. Sounds like "divide and conquer" to me, but many say you have to take care of your own backyard before you can tackle the forest... so to speak. What do you think?

One thing that's totally overlooked in our national discussion is an entire geographic area of the U.S. that's basically ignored in the discussion of poverty, healthcare, jobs, and way-of-life. The Appalachian Mountain areas of the eastern U.S.

A couple writers I'm aware of have written fiction and non-fiction about the issue of class as it relates to the Appalachians -- Dorothy Allison (Bastard Out of Carolina and Trash) and Crystal Wilkinson (Blackberries, Blackberries and Water Street). Check them out.

But I'm wondering what you think... Are there connections between issues and opressions? Is class the category that should unite people in the fight for equality? Does a critical look at class issues take away from discussions of discrimination around ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation? I think they're all linked and interconnected, but many disagree.

What about LGBT people living in Appalachia, rural America, or chronically impoverished and unemployed in our large cities? We tend to think all of us are SINKS (single income, no kids) or DINKS (doube income, no kids) with tons of disposable income. Maybe that's another commentary. Maybe that's a novel or short story idea...

What's the discussion in your part of the world?
fs

Drama Queen Alert.

California (right, also in Pageant entry) placed 1st runner up to Kentucky (left). Miss USA drama. Okay!?!?

Anyway, another big drama queen event is taking place this week. Two in a week? How can we handle it?

The Daytime Emmy Awards, recognizing the best and brightest in daytime television, are taking place in Los Angeles this Friday, and again, I'll be in the air heading to the Midwest to take care of some personal business. So again, I'll miss the main event, but hear the results before I see them on Tivo/DVR.

But my allegiance in the Daytime Emmy Awards is always to the Channel 2 soaps -- Young and Restless, and Bold and Beautiful especially. Thanks to my dearly departed grand-folks, aunts, uncles, etc... I have been hooked since a young drama queen boy in training. Oh well! I could be addicted to other things that actually kill ya, you know?

Anyway, one of my dream DREAM jobs has always been to join the writing team of a daytime drama. Preferably my fave, Y&R. It's been pretty good lately. If not Y&R, maybe my own. Maybe Down For Whatever, the nighttime drama for hmmm... some network. That'd be a riot. There's still some story possibilities for Keith, Marco, Rafael, and Tommie. Ya think?

Anyway... here's hoping your day is drama free, except for what you read in a book or watch on a screen. That's the only place drama belongs anyway... everything else is just water rolling off your back and something you are definitely equipped to handle.

fs

Pageants.

I love pageants. Always watched them since a kid. I probably have TOO much trivia stored in my brain from winners to runners-up to state contestants.

For reals.

Tonight, I'd be glued to the television for Miss USA pageant. But... I'll be in the air, flying to the midwest to take care of some family business. Thank goodness for Tivo/DVR service.

Anyway, I'm rooting for Miss California naturally. Tamiko Nash. Pictured on the left. Though sometimes I root for states I've lived in: Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, or Indiana. Whatever. Silly, huh? Yeah, I know I'm into social justice and equality and feminism... but despite all that I think the pageantry and SHOW is just fun.

My friends and I usually do a contest after the initial walk-on. We have to pick the winner based on the initial walk and introduction. Fold it up. Put in hat. And whoever predicted the winner... gets something good.

Anyway, I'll probably know the results long before I get to see the show. But this is my Public Service Announcement for all you pageant fans out there!

Have a nice weekend!
fs

Denise Hamilton. Prisoner of Memory.

My friend Denise Hamilton has a new novel out this month. It's call Prisoner of Memory. It's her fifth novel in the past four or five years. She's a fast and good writer. And I've enjoyed all her books.

If you're not familiar with Denise's work, let me fill you in. She writes mysteries set in L.A. But not the sunshine/beaches/palm trees/size zero L.A. you might think about. Her novels reflect the true ethnic and class diversity of our City of Angels, with her previous novels focusing on Asian Pacific, Chicano/Latino, Middle Eastern, and African American characters. They're very contemporary and current.The current novel focuses on the city's Russian population.

The mysteries are solved by Eve Diamond, a newspaper reporter, who comes across cases and works to solve them in her reporting. Eve Diamond is the constant character who holds the novels together.

On another note, Denise Hamilton is one of my guardian angels in L.A.

When I was getting started, Denise took me under her wing and provided a lot of writing, publishing, and networking advice. The advice and connections were rewarded. Denise happened to mention me to the man who is now my editor at Kensington, John Scognamiglio. The rest is history. And while I'm not turning out novels at the one-a-year pace like Denise, I'm holding my own.

If you get a chance, check out Denise Hamilton's current or previous novels. If you've read any already, drop a line here and tell us what you think. And send her a quick congratulatory note... and a thank you for discovering me!
fs

Two Quickies.

I love graduation season. Full of so much emotion and thanks and family celebrations. My friend Brown Braided Thoughts is celebrating her completion of a college degree. I've known her for a couple years. Great writer. Lots of fun. Check out her site and congratulate her!


Later.
fs