Blog2Print from SharedBook: Books From Blogs

Here is a blurb displayed by Blogger that caught my eye while making a post: "Turn your blog into a book! Blog2Print from SharedBook turns your blog into a soft cover or hard cover book. You pick the cover, add an optional dedication, then preview and you're done. Prices start at $14.95."

NEW BOOK: "Art for Obama: Designing Manifest Hope and the Campaign for Change"

ART FOR OBAMA
Designing Manifest Hope and the Campaign for Change
Edited by Shepard Fairey & Jennifer Gross

NOW AVAILABLE IN STORES

(Click Book Cover to be directed to Amazon.com)

In conjunction with the themes of hope and change,

all of the authors' profits from this book will be

donated to Americans for the Arts charity.

BORDERS: 40% Off Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol, Available Sep 15

SEP 12: Andrew Bush at M+B: Artist Opening Reception & Book Signing

Join M+B Saturday, September 12 from 7 to 9 pm for the artist's opening reception and book signing for ANDREW BUSH: VECTOR PORTRAITS at 612 N. Almont Drive in West Hollywood

M+B is proud to present an exhibition of color photographs by ANDREW BUSH titled VECTOR PORTRAITS, opening on September 12 and running through October 17, with a reception and book signing by the artist on Saturday, September 12 from 7 – 9pm. Vector Portraits is Andrew Bush’s series from 1989 to 1997, shot in and around Los Angeles using his car as a tripod and capturing Angelenos vis-à-vis their unique relationships with their automobiles.  The series began in 1989 after Bush graduated from Yale with an MFA in Photography and moved to Los Angeles. Struck by the city’s “great relationship between people and their car,” Bush attached a medium format camera to his passenger seat with a strobe light and a shutter release cable and drove the city streets and freeways. Either stopped in traffic or moving at speeds of 20 to 70 miles an hour, Bush’s method included “moving in parallel with the person next to [him], as a way of coming into their world” and then releasing the shutter. The essence of what makes these images appealing is that they are a prolonged version of the awkward eye contact frequently made while driving. It is undeniably voyeuristic and satisfying, and now one has the leisure to examine minutely while remaining anonymous. Bush offers up a slice of Los Angeles life at its most mundane and telling. The work has been exhibited in solo and group shows, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), Walker Art Center (Minneapolis), Davis Museum and Cultural Center at Wellesley College (Wellesley, Massachusetts) and Staatliche Kunsthalle (Baden-Baden, Germany).

ANDREW BUSH: VECTOR PORTRAITS runs from September 12  - October 15, 2009. http://www.mbfala.com (Press Release). The artist will be available to sign copies of his new book Andrew Bush: Vector Portraits published by Yale University Press.

WOODSTOCK EXPERIENCE: New Book Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Newly Discovered Pix & Much More

http://www.genesis-publications.com/books/woodstock_experience/index.html
Among the highlights of the new book Woodstock Experience are contributions from
Peter Max, Paul Krassner and newly discovered photos from Dan Garson,
who is currently being featured on USA TODAY's website along with 19 wonderful photos:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/l0908_garson_woodstock/flash.htm?gid=1141&aid=5188

Posted via email from thelareport's posterous

LA LEGENDS: ALLEN EDWARDS, A "SHEAR FORCE" IN HAIR DESIGN

by Don Rose

What does it take to become an LA legend? One part experience, one part charm and warmth, and then there's that magic "X Factor" talked about by George Plimpton and others. Add a long list of clients from the famous to the infamous. A passion for excellence. A strong reputation. All these characteristics and more fit beauty icon ALLEN EDWARDS.

Now is an exciting time for Edwards. He and his wife and business partner Lisa are celebrating their 35th Anniversary in business this year. And "SHEAR FORCE: An Image-maker’s Memoir" (written by Allen Edwards with Lorin Shields-Michel and published by Durban House Press) is now available at bookstores across the country. The book is an inspiring personal story of Allen Edward’s triumph over adversity. Edwards takes us behind-the-scenes into the glitzy Beverly Hills beauty industry during the ‘70s and ‘80s.

The innovative Edwards was the first to start exposing hairdressers on TV back in 1975, and personally has over 1,000 television appearances including OPRAH, REGIS and LIFESTYLES OF THE RICH & FAMOUS. Recent media coverage includes Discovery Channel's “THE SINGING OFFICE”, NBC’s “1ST LOOK LA”, “FAMILY JEWELS” on A & E and “SPLIT ENDS” and “HOW DO I LOOK” on The Style Network. Edwards and his team styled 5 female Hosts from E! Entertainment for the cover of the September issue of HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY Magazine. And SALON CITY MAGAZINE voted Allen Edwards Salon + Spa #4 on their list of “HOT 100 Salons In America”.

What is the Allen Edwards secret for being an industry leader for over 3 decades in the competitive world of beauty? He customizes each hair style and color to work for each client and emphasizes constant change with his styling team. “When a client says that they love the way they look and feel, I know my team and I have done our job. This has always been my goal," explains Edwards.

Allen and his team of personally trained stylists have coiffed some of the world’s most recognizable celebrities including Brooke Shields, Ted Dansen, Goldie Hawn, Dustin Hoffman, Kirsten Dunst and Donna Mills. Edwards is the original creator of the Farrah Fawcett layered cut which started a trend that still exists today.

Allen has been doing book signings of "Shear Force" here in the LA area, and more are sure to follow. Whether you are a fan of Allen's or simply curious, make a point to attend one of these signings as it is a great time to meet a wonderful man whose incessant passion and energy has created generations of new hair styles.

I had the pleasure of meeting Allen Edwards recently at the W Hotel. He is very friendly and looks every bit like the legendary hair stylist that he is, with perfectly coiffed mane and cool goatee. I couldn't help but wonder: can my hair ever look as cool as his? Well, stay tuned for Part 2 of this feature on Allen, as I will talk about my visit to his salon to get a style from the man himself!

ALLEN EDWARDS Salon + Spa is located in Brentwood and Woodland Hills, California -- and coming soon is a new product line: ALLEN EDWARDS GREEN. For more information go to: www.allenedwards.com.

MAR 22: RAY BRADBURY RETURNS TO MYSTERY BOOKSTORE TO SIGN "WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS" AT NOON

Sunday, March 22 at 12:00 noon RAY BRADBURY signs
WE'LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS
William Morrow, $24.99

This is another reason we love living in LA: because we get to see the master of science fiction and fantasy LIVE and in person! The Mystery Bookstore on Broxton in Westwood Village says:

We are thrilled to welcome the legendary Ray Bradbury to The Mystery Bookstore to sign this new collection of stories – 21 stories, never before published, and a poem for good measure. There's something here to delight every Bradbury fan, from science fiction ("Fly Away Home," about Mars exploration) to surreal slices of small-town life ("Ma Perkins Comes to Stay," in which a radio star simply materializes in Joe's living room). Mr. Bradbury will be with us for an hour, and will sign only books purchased at The Mystery Bookstore. We ask that each trip through the signing line be limited to one book per person. Thanks for your cooperation!

SEP 17: BRIAN ZOOZOO BOOK SIGNING EVENT FOR "HOW TO WOO A BI'AAATCH" AT BARNES & NOBLE IN THE GROVE

You are cordially invited to attend a BOOK SIGNING with author BRIAN ZOOZOO in honor of his new book "HOW TO WOO A BI'AAATCH" - a guy's guide to help you get the girl you want

Want to read a fun, witty, and irreverent look at the dating world? Then this is a book that's surely worth a look. Not only will this be a fun event, but the buzz factor is high, as many celebrities are scheduled to attend, including Zoozoo's pals from television, modeling and motion pictures. So join Brian, fresh from his interview on Playboy Radio, on September 17th, 2008 at 7:30pm (don't be late!). The location: Barnes & Noble, 2nd Floor in The Grove (you know, the newer hipper wing of the fabulous and famous Farmer's Market), 6301 W. 3rd Street (at Fairfax), Los Angeles, CA 90036. Come and congregate with the cool crowd for this very special evening, which will feature a live musical performance from singer/songwriter Drew Rouse and standup from comedian Torrei Hart.

Zoozoo's book is a surefire way to help any guy to hit all the right notes, and for girls who are curious to know how guys think. "Woo" is a funny, light-hearted, no-nonsense book that teaches the "Key" to attracting the right girl. In case you were wondering, Bi'aaatch (noun, pronounced bē-äch) is defined by Brian as: a hot girl that gives you goose bumps.

PR CONTACT: Roz Wolf 818.522.7948.
For more information about the book, please visit these sites:
www.myspace.com/howtowooabiaaatch
www.howtowooabiaaatch.com.

JUL 18: BEATLES INSIDER KEN MANSFIELD DISCUSSES HIS LIFE WITH THE FAB FOUR; FREE EVENT INCLUDES "THE BACKBEATS" TRIBUTE BAND, BOOK SIGNING, VIDEO DOC

Former Beatles Label Manager Ken Mansfield will speak and sign his book at Rolling Hills Covenant Church after "The Backbeats" band opens the event with live Beatles tunes

It sure is shaping up to be one of the biggest weeks ever for SoCal Beatle activities. There was Sir George Martin taking part in a look back at the making of Sgt. Pepper last Friday at USC, and the Grammy Foundation's Starry Night gala in his honor on Saturday. The Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad currently has an exhibit focusing on Beatles recordings. Now, The LA Report has learned (via KRTH 101.1 FM) that on Friday, July 18 at 7 p.m., Rolling Hills Covenant Church (RHCC) will host a special event in their Worship Center, entitled “The Beatles, the Bible and Beyond: A Long and Winding Road,” featuring Ken Mansfield, Apple Records label manager for the world-renowned rock band. Mansfield will speak authoritatively about the music business of the sixties and his life touring with the Fab Four.

Mansfield became the Beatles’ personal liaison between the U.K. and the U.S. – an association that thrust him into a world that changed his life forever. Mansfield will share his personal journey of being the record executive for the Beatles and working side by side with them in their rise to stratospheric stardom.

This free event will consist of a beautifully produced 20-minute video documentary on the Beatles and Mansfield's life, his personal testimony of his experience, and a Q&A session. A Beatles tribute band, “The BackBeats,” will open the evening by playing some Beatles crowd-pleasing favorites. Following the event, Mansfield will sign copies of his book, The Beatles, The Bible and Bodega Bay (Broadman & Holman), which will be available for purchase. Dessert will be served at the conclusion.

Download promotional flyer
Listen to K-Earth 101 radio spot here

The Beatles, the Bible and Beyond. July 18, 7-9:30 pm, Rolling Hills Covenant Church, Worship Center, Main Campus, 2222 Palos Verdes Drive North, Rolling Hills Estates CA 90274. Email: webmail@rhcc.net. Telephone: 310.519.9406. Organizer: Andy Noch (anoch@rhcc.net).

JUN 16: SCOTT MCCLELLAN EXPLAINS "WHAT HAPPENED" AT BOOK TALK/SIGNING, BARNES & NOBLE SANTA MONICA

June featured author addition: Scott McClellan, author of "What Happened: Inside the Bush White House and Washington's Culture of Deception" - arguably the hottest book on the market right now. The former Bush Press Secretary will be speaking/signing his buzz book on Monday, June 16 at 7:00 pm. Location: Barnes & Noble, 1201 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401. (Personally, I think the title "Dubya Trubya" woulda been betta, but whatta I know.) ---D.R.

For more info contact:
John Schatzel
Community Relations Manager
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
1201 Third Street Promenade
Santa Monica, CA 90401
tel: (310) 260-0158
fax: (310) 485-7829
crm2575@bn.com
www.bn.com
www.barnesandnobleinc.com

CHARLIE SCOLA THROWS BOFFO BORDERS BOOKSTORE BASH FOR HIS NEW BOOK "PARTY PLANNING SECRETS;" NET PROCEEDS BENEFIT MAKE A WISH

Event Report by Don Rose, Los Angeles, CA : May 8, 2008

Wow. For a book signing, it was quite a party. Best Borders Books bash, bar none.

At today's creative colorful colossal circus-like event at Borders Books in the Westfield Century City mall, Charlie Scola proved he not only knows how to throw a party for celebrities and VIPs, but also for himself. "Party Charlie" was the man of the hour, center of attention, signing his new book "Party Planning Secrets."

Never had I seen a booksigning event totally take over a bookstore, with activities in every corner. For example, there was the closeup magic of Paul "Fig" Fegen; speaking of parties, Fig's New Years shindigs were legendary - his being the last place I saw Wilt the Stilt Chamberlain (as well as the only place). Speaking of tall, Charlie's party also featured stiltwalkers. Then there were the fortune tellers foretelling people's futures under a mini tent, plus old style upright videogames being played by happy kids, a spinning prize wheel for winning Party Charlie mugs, two bubbly blonde babes from Charlie's "Naked Catering" company passing out giftbags (yes, wearing clothes), excellent food (featuring Chinese Chicken Salad and other tasty bites), a couple of open bars featuring Absolut Vodka, a raffle of cool prizes... and, of course, a line of folks waiting for the chance to get Charlie's John Hancock on their books (all net proceeds being donated to the charity Make A Wish).

Judging by all the celebs in the video montage playing on TVs throughout the store, Charlie is a very well connected guy, but he is also the nicest and humblest person to talk with, as I had the privilege of doing a few days ago. We recommend you buy Mr. Scola's book, which will not only help you throw killer parties but will be sending money to a great cause, too. I just hope Charlie will pen his autobiography next, because the brief highlights of his life that he relayed to me (full of peaks and valleys that ultimately led to great success) sounds like it would make a great read.

Special thanks to publicist Teri Danz for her assistance, and to Charlie for being such a gracious guy. Kudos to both for throwing a very cool affair.

MAY 8: CELEBRITY PARTY PLANNER AND CATERER, CHARLIE SCOLA, PREMIERES NEW BOOK AT BORDERS BOOK SIGNING AND BENEFIT EVENT

Charlie Scola, Party Planner and Caterer To The Stars, Turns Author with New Book Release

Charlie Scola (aka “PartyCharlie”), Celebrity Party Planner, Caterer, and Columnist, premieres his new book “Party Planning Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To A Successful Party” at a book signing event on Thursday, May 8 at Border’s Westfield Century City Mall from 5:30-8pm. All net proceeds from the book sales benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Los Angeles. The exciting event will feature food, drinks, entertainment, and offer partygoers the opportunity to purchase the book for a good cause.

A leading innovator in party planning and catering for the last 30 years, Mr. Scola shares his secrets to creating successful parties and celebrations that have a life of their own. “Charlie’s Five Steps make it clear how to create the energy for any party or celebration and make it a success, “says Steven McPherson, President, ABC Entertainment. Notes Will & Grace star, Eric McCormack, “it’s about time the world learned the secret of those little burgers.” A labor of love, “the book is my way of sharing my experience,” says Mr. Scola, “and being a guide through the world of great entertaining.”

Affectionately known as “PartyCharlie”, Mr. Scola has catered events and planned parties with, for, and in honor of, a large roster of famous celebrities including: Jennifer Aniston (two events honoring her with Brad Pitt attending), Elton John, Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Jon Lovitz, Bill Maher, Dana Carvey, Bob Saget, and more. His credits include the grand opening of Universal Hollywood’s Citywalk for 7,000 guests, Hugh Hefner’s Millennium Christmas Party at the Playboy Mansion, Rod Stewart’s birthday party, and many more. He is an award winning Toastmaster, speaker, and columnist on party planning and catering, and also, the Chair of The Sherry Lansing Humanitarian of the Year Award, and on the Board of the Century City Rotary. A dedicated philanthropist, Mr. Scola has appeared live on the Jerry Telethon and donates to countless charities.

RESTAURANT RECOMMENDATIONS BY LA NOVELIST STEVE ERICKSON (FROM INTERVIEW ON LA TIMES "JACKET COPY" BLOG)

Carolyn Kellogg (Lead Blogger for "Jacket Copy" -- a Los Angeles Times blog focusing on book news and information) asked novelist Steve Erickson (head of the writing program at CalArts and a native of Los Angeles) for his thoughts on good places to eat lunch in LA. His recommendations:

Musso & Frank [Grill] is a great place to lunch because it's Old Hollywood and you can get a martini and steak and think about all the writers from Fitzgerald to Chandler who used to get sloshed there. Haven't been in a long time, but Yuca's out in Silver Lake used to serve the best pork tacos in the city and I'm assuming that hasn't changed. I like the Border Grill in Santa Monica because they're the only people in L.A. who make a better margarita than I do ... and Serenata across the street has even better food for those who are actually into the eating thing. Actually, for those who are actually into the eating thing, there's also Angelini on Beverly Boulevard. If you go with Michael Silverblatt, they have a table in the corner for him, the way Ma Maison used to for Orson Welles.

These eatery suggestions came at the end of Kellogg's interview with Erickson; to read the entire exchange, please go to: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2008/04/festival-of-b-2.html.

BOOK PRIZES, ANNUAL KICKOFF FOR LA TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS, BRINGS TOP LITERATI TO UCLA'S ROYCE HALL, HONORING BEST 2007 BOOKS WITH AWARD SHOW & PARTY

Event Report by Don Rose

If you have never attended the LA Times Book Prizes awards show and afterparty, you really owe it to yourself to get a ticket, starting with next year. It is simply a great event, one of The LA Report's Top Ten of the year. Why? Because, as Patt Morrison told me at the gala reception after the awards, it is like the high school reunion you always wish you had, with all the smartest coolest people in one place. I agree! By the way, it was a delight meeting Ms. Morrison, who wore one of her beautiful signature hats, and is just as sweet and charming in person as she is on the radio show she hosts on KPCC FM; Patt said she is bringing her show to the GOP convention in Minnesota and hopes to get author/comedian and Minnesotan Al Franken to appear on the Comedy Congress segment of her show.

I also talked with the Book Prize winner in the Science and Technology category, Douglas Hofstadter, who won for his book "I Am a Strange Loop." Hofstadter was only 35 when he received the Pulitzer Prize in 1980 for his most famous work -- "Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid" -- and I couldn't resist asking the professor and author what inspired him to write that book almost 30 years ago. He took several silent seconds to mull over his answer, then explained that it began when he was thinking about Godel and his theories regarding incompleteness in mathematics as he drove across the country. When he got to Colorado, he sat down to write a letter to someone to talk about all these ideas brewing in his mind. The letter became 30 pages. The rest is history. (I told him that his story is similar to one told by Tom Wolfe, who had severe writers block on his first writing assignment and so wrote to his editor to tell him why he could not write the story, including his notes in the process. The editor published that letter, with only minor edits!)

Moral of the story: even if you think you can't write, write anyway. Then write some more. You might be surprised at what comes out. It might even be brilliant. And a good way to get started is to write a real (or imagined) letter to someone. A letter feels so informal and low pressure, and hence is a great way to shut off the inner critic and let the pure ideas flow.

A final note about the Book Prizes afterparty: this year it again featured open bar and simply amazing food, ranging from sushi to ribs to eggrolls, farfalle pasta, rice, salads, a dessert bar and much more. In short, the annual Book Prizes is a feast for the mind as well as the palate, and I highly recommend you attend next year if you have a love for the written word and writers.

And now, a final summary of this weekend's Festival of Books:

Who: The 13th Annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (latimesfestivalofbooks.com) - one of the nation’s premier public literary festivals created to promote literacy and unite those who create books with the people who love to read them.

What: The Festival of Books is the largest of its kind on the west coast, comprised of more than 100 author panels, readings, writing seminars and discussion sessions, along with six outdoor stages including The Target Children’s Stage and more than 60 children’s oriented exhibitors. Debuting at this year’s festival is “The Comix Strip,” an entirely new comic book, graphic novel and Manga-devoted event area offering attendees access to the genres’ exhibitors, retailers and newest issues.

When: Saturday, April 26th, 2008 10am – 6pm
Sunday, April 27th, 2008 10am – 5pm

Where: UCLA Main Campus http://www.ucla.edu/map/

Admission: Admission to the festival and the panel discussions are free, tickets must be purchased to attend the writing seminars and The Book Prizes.
http://www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks/ticketing.html

Parking: Parking on the UCLA campus is $8.
http://www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks/directions.html

More event information, including a complete list of authors is available at http://www.latimes.com/extras/festivalofbooks/
Information is also available by calling 1-800-LA TIMES, ext. 7BOOK.

APR.25-27: LOS ANGELES TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS RETURNS TO UCLA; OVER 140,000 BOOK LOVERS EXPECTED FOR CELEB SIGNINGS/READINGS, 300+ EXHIBITORS & MORE

Annual LA Times Book Prizes Kickoff the Grand LA Book Festival on Friday, April 25

posted by Don Rose

This weekend, the 13th Annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books returns to UCLA, the festival with the distinction of being the country’s largest celebration of the written word. For one weekend at the end of every April, people who love books gather with people who love to write, publish and sell books. There’s nothing like it anywhere.

Some numbers for you: 140,000 attendees! 450+ authors! 300+ exhibitors! 100+ author panels! 6 outdoor stages! 2 children’s areas! (This year, there is also a new feature, the Comix Zone, for people who love comic books and graphic novels.)

For even more literary fun and surprises, you can kick things off on Friday, April 25 for the 28th Annual Los Angeles Times Book Prizes. This special evening will honor some of the finest books of 2007 and their writers, and kicks off the Festival of Books on Friday, April 25. The 28th annual presentation of the Book Prizes will carry forward a tradition that has honored A. Scott Berg, Ray Bradbury, Robert Caro, Joan Didion, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Gabriel García Márquez, Allen Ginsberg, Mark Haddon, Anthony Hecht, Seymour Hersh, Tony Hillerman, Christopher Isherwood, Ken Kesey, Milan Kundera, Ursula Le Guin, Doris Lessing, Robert Littell, Frank McCourt, David McCullough, Ian McEwan, Larry McMurtry, Tillie Olsen, Walker Percy, Ishmael Reed, Carl Sagan and W.G. Sebald, among many other authors. Click here to visit the Book Prizes web site.

Don’t miss the next exciting chapters of two extraordinary 2008 literary events — the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books and the Los Angeles Times Book Prizes. Book Prizes: Friday April 25 at Royce Hall, 8pm. Festival: Saturday, April 26 • 10 am to 6 pm, Sunday, April 27 • 10 am to 5 pm, on UCLA's Main Campus. Admission to the Festival of Books is free. Parking is $8. Free shuttles to/from the festival from Lot 32 and 36; shuttle pickup near the intersection of Veteran and Kinross, just North of Wilshire Blvd.

CANADIAN AUTHOR CALVIN HELIN OFFERS SOLUTIONS FOR GETTING U.S. OFF WELFARE & PRODUCTIVE AGAIN; "DANCES WITH DEPENDENCY" HITS U.S. BOOKSTORES IN APRIL

Neal Public Relations is representing #1 Bestselling Canadian Author Calvin Helin, whose book "DANCES WITH DEPENDENCY" makes its U.S. debut in April 2008. Helin is a former member of the Canadian Parliament and a native Indian -- and just might have key answers our nation needs as the United States financial system continues to be rocked by a severe crisis.

In "Dances with Dependency," Calvin Helin, a leading North American Native lawyer, offers ways to eliminate welfare dependency and get out of poverty. Helin helps us understand, how formerly colonized populations have been forced into welfare and a dependency mindset. His message is a call to action to change our thinking so that we can break that cycle of dependency and actively steer our lives. And yes, he is 'politically incorrect' at times as he offers his key solutions including doing away with typical welfare systems and government assisted programs. Instead he would like to create more interactive programs that could generate business opportunities and jobs. His unique approach would be of interest to any taxpaying American, especially as heated debates continue in this election year. Plus, Helin's welfare reforms might just jumpstart our economy, freeing up billions to enable more of our citizens, perhaps even all, to enjoy the benefits of healthcare.

Helin is a straight shooter, unafraid to say it as he sees it, even if it means pointing the finger at his own people. His "Did our ancestors sit around eating potato chips?" continues to raise eyebrows, as does his "Every welfare check eats a bit at a man's soul!" The author is on a crusade to help the poor understand that the key to a brighter future is when policy reform meets individual responsibility and self-reliance.

Colleges and universities are starting to use "Dances With Dependency" as a way to explain fundamental Native issues and how social stigmas sometimes perpetuate a problem instead of solving it. Perhaps Helin's refreshing perspective and constructive solutions can bring hope to some desperate situations.

Helin is joining a new generation of Native leaders who are looking to put an end to government dependency and replace it with a return to self-reliance. He reminds us at every corner that we're headed into a "Demographic tsunami" as our poor population continues to explode while our economy implodes -- unless we reframe our mindsets and empower our children to seek and make their own opportunities instead of expecting them and waiting for them.

Calvin Helin will be coming to the U.S. in April/May to promote this book, and is available for Interviews by calling Roger Neal of Neal Public Relations at 714-883-0231 or by emailing Mr. Neal at prstarus2000@yahoo.com. To View an interview with Calvin Helin, see: http://www.nealpublicrelations.com.

MAR. 7: EVERY MONDAY MATTERS PRESENTS BOOKSIGNING AND PARTY WITH A PURPOSE AT THE GROVE

March 7 is the date for a booksigning and "Party with a Purpose" hosted by the local authors of “Every Monday Matters” -- their first LA booksigning event

The two-part event, which benefits two families with children inflicted with leukemia, takes place at The Grove. First there will be a booksigning at Barnes & Noble at 730pm. (A portion of all book sales will benefit the families of Hunter Todd and Brittany Cooper.) Then folks will go next door to the Whisper Lounge at around 8pm for hosted appetizers, vodka, beer and a wine bar. Also, an amazing silent auction and live music are planned for the afterparty.

The booksigning is free to attend; a donation of $20, or purchase of the book at the booksigning, is requested for entrance to the party. A great evening is planned; more information available by going to their website invite at everymondaymatters.com.

FEB. 12: BOOK READING/SIGNING FOR NEW NOVEL "IMMORTAL"

Come to downtown LA on Feb. 12 to celebrate the novel IMMORTAL. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. Metropolis Books LA will present its author, Traci L. Slatton, who will read from and sign her new book, which was just released nationwide by Bantam/Random House.

Location: Metropolis Books, 440 Main Street, Los Angeles. For more information please contact PPMG at (310) 860-7774 or email: media@ppmg.info.

HAVE A VERY HARRY NEW SHEARER

All bad puns aside, LA's own Harry Shearer has a CD out that has garnered much attention, called Songs Pointed and Pointless. Shearer has been performing a great deal all over LA in recent months, and signing (at House of Blues and Book Soup, for example) -- and not too long ago he also put out a novel novel, NOT ENOUGH INDIANS (the premise being: What do you do if your town needs money? Why, pretend you're an Indian tribe and get a casino, of course!). We heard a rumor that Shearer pal Christopher Guest may want to direct a film version. Duh!

JAN. 26: ART ACTION AT LAxART & MANDRAKE, CULVER CITY

The big happening hang tonight: the art scene in Culver City, centered around the 2600 block of South La Cienega. In particular, a book launch from 8 to 10pm at LAxART (2640) and an informal party/gathering at nearby hot spot Mandrake (2692).

According to the cheeky LA Weekly, "Mandrake has become a sort of Cheers-like home base for local artists, gallery owners, art tarts, collectors and those who are looking to score with one of those types of people. See, there’s also an intellectual singles-bar feel to the Mandrake, a Regal- Beagle-meets-LACMA vibe, but it offers a different setting for the pickup artists you usually spot in galleries. Here, it’s possible to hook up without stalking your prey and summoning the nerve to try some clever line. Plus, the lighting, the wine and the music are a helluva lot better. The witty remarks are still up to you."

Laxart
2640 S La Cienega Blvd, Culver City, CA, (310) 559-0166 - more info »

Mandrake
2692 S. La Cienega Blvd., Culver City, (310) 837-3297.