Check out Vida Afro-Latina

I had the pleasure of meeting the creator of Vida Afro-Latina today and realized I never introduced the site to all of you.

Black Latinos are woefully underrepresented in the general market, Latino and African-American media. VidaAfroLatina.com has been created to fill that gap.

When you have a moment (or a few hours), go check it out. As Mrs. Robinson says, I learn more about myself when I’m exploring other cultures. Sounds like a site I’ll be frequenting!

Contact them to submit revelant articles, news tips, links or events.

It’s All About the D - Join us!

For more information visit the website.

Bitch Magazine Hiring!

 

 Please note new deadline: Friday, August 15th.

———-
Here at Bitch, we’re in search of a perfect someone to join our tiny but dedicated staff as a program director (full-time) at our office in Portland, Oregon. Someone bright, with a deep talent and love for analyzing media/pop culture from a perspective rooted in social/economic justice, who’s passionate about both print publishing and newer (to us, at least) forms like online, audio, and video, someone excited about helping shape the future of the work we do at Bitch (and who recognizes Bitch’s potential), someone committed to DIY/grassroots operating, who understands Bitch’s role as both critiquing what’s crappy and praising what’s good, who’s as excited about Bitch as a multimedia organization as Bitch as a magazine…

All that and more. We’re asking for a lot, yes, but as the saying goes, You’ll never get what you don’t ask for.

As we mentioned, we are a tiny staff (hi, there are five of us!). We’re also at a critical moment. For the first time in our 12-year history, we’re not in financial crisis (if you’re familiar with the realities of independent publishing, you’ll know this is a huge accomplishment). We’re beginning the process of infusing our work with a set of core values and visions. And though we were originally created as just a magazine, our work is evolving into a movement. In many ways we have unlimited growth potential.

In other words, we have some exciting things happening, part of which is bringing a new organization into being. This is what “nonprofit gurus” call an organizational refounding – evolving, moving forward, asking questions, creating space for new visions and voices.

So what would your role at Bitch be?

Right now we’re calling it a program director position, but this could change depending on the outcomes of this search and our visioning process. In many ways our program director will be like the editorial/content director for the magazine (and may also be involved in our website, but we’re hoping to create an additional position soon for someone to oversee the site), but since we’re so much more than our editorial content, the program director will also be responsible for helping direct and maintain the vision of the organization, as well as things like fundraising, outreach, attending events, doing some public speaking, and just generally being a huge advocate for Bitch. In other words, we’re looking for someone who’s a highly skilled editor and is excited about helping us grow as an organization and reach our
potential.

Also, though we’ve grown tremendously since the magazine was originally founded (we currently print about 50,000 copies of each issue), we’re still very much a DIY operation and want to remain that way. Our grassroots publishing model is integral to our work, so we’re looking for someone who’s as committed to that as we are. We’re looking for someone who will actively seek out ways of publishing quality (critical, thoughtful, etc.) content while being mindful of our tight budget, and is excited about helping us evolve into a multimedia organization

Experience/skills that are essential to this position (*please note that this is not an entry level position*):
- At least three years features/developmental editing experience
- Strong familiarity with past and present trends in media and pop culture
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Excellent grasp of grammar and spelling
- Stellar proofreading and copyediting abilities; familiarity with Chicago style
- Proficiency with Excel, Word, and InDesign
- A strong capacity to multi-task, prioritize, and delegate
- Experience with web writing/editing
- Experience with video and podcasting technology a major plus

Some of the job duties associated with this position:
- Oversee the editorial and production process for the magazine
- Edit articles and help shape editorial tone and scope of magazine
- Manage writer’s agreements and payment for each issue
- Outreach, fundraising, and event planning
- Oversee editorial internship program

Personality traits/skill sets that are helpful in a small organization like ours:
- Clear and frequent communication
- Ability to collaborate and share decision-making in small groups
- Ability to think creatively even when resources are tight
- Strong initiative, drive, and self-direction, ability to work independently
- A sense of humor

As an effort to live out our commitment to systemic social change and grassroots organizing, we encourage politically radical folks from marginalized identities/backgrounds (people of color, people from poor and working class backgrounds, queer-identified folks, etc.) and others committed to anti-oppression, collective, grassroots organizing work to apply.

In the interest of transparency, you should know:
- Regrettably, the only way to our office is up a set of about 15 stairs. We are not wheelchair-accessible.
- The job is based in Portland, Oregon, and unfortunately we’re unable
to cover moving expenses (unless you would like to start a fundraising
campaign for the cause).

Please include a cover letter that addresses these questions
(apologies if these seem like hoops, but we hope you’ll understand that we have a lot riding on these decisions):
* What would you like us to know about you, and what you’d bring to Bitch?
* How long have you been reading Bitch, and what has your perception
of it been through that time? (Please be honest; we’re not sensitive
and constructive criticism is always welcome.)
* In what ways do you identify (or not) with the word feminist?
* What do you think of both the title Bitch and the subtitle Feminist
Response to Pop Culture? (If you could change one/both of them, what
would you change them to?)

Salary and Benefits:
* $33,680/year, salary, exempt, paid medical/dental/vision

Closing date for applications: August 15th
Anticipated start date: late-August

Please email detailed cover letter (*answering all the questions,
please!*), resume and three references to publishing@b-word.org.
Please write “program director position” in the subject line.
Or mail to: B-Word, Debbie Rasmussen, 4930 NE 29th Ave, Portland, OR 97211
No phone calls, faxes, or drop-ins. No, no!

Study: Balance in Same-Gender Couples an Advantage

Study: Balance in Same-Gender Couples an Advantage (Conflicts Thought Biologically-Based May Be Learned)

WASHINGTON (June 12, 2008) — New Studies comparing straight and gay couples, as well as straight married couples are finding differences that shed light on the effects of gender roles and give hope for better adjusted relationships.

Estrogen Fest II (Commerce, MI)

 

Estrogen Fest II is a three day event, scheduled July 25-27 at the Proud Lake Recreation Area, in Commerce, Michigan.

The event is centered on women empowering women through music, the arts, workshops, networking, and a common cause. We are hoping to raise funds thought ticket sales, raffles, food service, sponsorship, donations, and keep the costs of the event low, with hopes of raising enough money to build a playground for kids that really need one.

The Godmothers are seeking support in a variety of ways. Sponsor the event; we are seeking sponsors that range from $500 - $5,000. Sponsorship is a great way to advertise. Donations for the event are also needed, such as dessert trays, baked goods to sell or raffle, or gift certificates, and donations. A donation, in any amount $$$ would be greatly appreciated, and in turn we will recognize you at this year’s event, in our literature, and on our web-site.

• Expected Number of Attendees for Estrogen II: Over 2000
• Demographics: Women 21 and up out to have fun and network, vendors, numerous volunteers and of course, the Godmothers!
• Event: This is a three-day festival event set in the beautiful, natural recreational area of northern Oakland County, Michigan, only a 35 minute drive from Detroit and surrounding suburbs.
• KICK-OFF PARTY: Friday Gates open at 5p.m.
  V.I.P MINGLER PARTY STARTING AT 7 P.M.
  in the Conference Center. WINE. FOOD. MUSIC.
  Everyone is welcome! The roster will be posted in the coming weeks! This event promises to have something for everyone! Music. Art. Workshops. Special Guest Appearances from top musicians and DJs. Comedians, poets, crafts, vendors, gourmet foods sure to please anyone’s pallet. This event you won’t want to miss, they will be talking about it for years to come!
• SATURDAY & SUNDAY: Musical performances will begin at noon and carry on into the evening with local and national headliners, recording artists and bands. Sunday will include leisure activities, “Old School” reunions, live D.J.’s from past and present, more contests wrapping up the weekend with an Afternoon Tea Dance.

Bio of Entertainers: By request as acts are signed.

Primary Contact: Vicky Lewis
Email: vicky@thegodmothers.org
Phone 248-346-8960

WEBSITE

 

Women of Color Publishing

 

From Maegan la Mala at VivirLatino.com

I never buy the American Book Review, but I’m going to make an exception for their lastest issue and you should too! The current issue features Women of Color Publishing and contains the words of some blogger/writer hermanas!

Continue reading

BlackAmazon & Brownfemipower

From BlackAmazon

Congratulations.

I quit.

I’m done. My blog will go live again when I’m compiling stuff for  my time to apply to gradschool but  I am done for now.

I want to say that this is permaent or that this is just a small break but no , this is teh beginning of a death knell.

 Continue reading at Problem Chylde

 

I have to admit I’m not very active in the blogsphere, for a number of reasons. It takes me forever to write something, I get lost in what’s going on at home and work, and my debating skills are a work in progress. Plus I still feel like I don’t know enough, like I’m always trying to catch up. But there are women (people) who, unlike me, have spent long hours engaging with the community, speaking to issues most of us ignore and opening themselves up to critique and personal attacks for what they believe in. BlackAmazon and Brownfemipower have always been two of those people. While we’re on the subject of defending people’s character and careers, it deserves mentioning that besides being amazing bloggers, they are genuinely good people. This is important and it often gets lost in the debate raging around issues.

Whether you’ve disagreed with them in that past, taken issue with some of their ideas and opinions, or just outright refused to dialogue with them, doesn’t erase the fact that they always remained willing to give.

We’ve arrived at a point where two important, prominent leaders - not only of the women of color community, but the feminist community in general - feel they are better off shutting down. I’m not sure who wins from this, but certainly not us - not any of us (although I don’t begrudge them their right to do what they think is best).

So please don’t come to this blog looking for my resume, or to ask me what I’ve written and where you can find my contributions. I am merely one of many addessing these issues. Instead, ask me to help you find the women who taught and never asked for anything in return; the women who wrote/worked for me even when I couldn’t see it, and gave when it was easier to take.

BlackAmazon and BrownfemiPower, thank you - and thanks are not anywhere near enough!

Read:

Mamita Mala

Angry Black Woman

Thanks Elaine, for helping me retrieve this post.

Notes on teaching racism (teleconference)

Tonight Las Comardes held a teleconference to discuss “when and how children should be taught about racism.”

The conference featured the authors of the book That’s Not Fair!: Emma Tenayuca’s Struggle for Justice /¡No es Justo!:La Lucha de Emma Tenayuca por la Justicia
(Wings Press, 2008. Illustrated by Terry Ybañez) and focused on the issues it raised:

This is the first book ever published about the significant Latina civil rights leader (Emma Tenayuca) from the 1930s, who at the tender age of 22, organized twelve thousand pecan shellers in a strike that was to become the first successful action in the Mexican American struggle for political and economic justice. Aimed at readers 6 and up, That’s Not Fair is the April 2008 national Las Comadres Book Selection.

Notes

I came in on the call a little late, therefore my notes are 10 minutes into the conversation. Also, these are not direct quotes, but my best attempt at paraphrasing:

Author Carmen Tafolla/ Sharyll Tenayuca (not sure): When you ask children about the election, do they feel Latinos or women can be president, they are very attuned to what’s going on around them. You get answers like: no, because women are weaker, or it’s illegal for Latinos to be president.

Dr. Rebecca Bigler, UT Professor of Psychology, mentions how white parents are usually very reluctant to talk to their children about racism and racial injustice.

Interviewer Adriana Dominguez asks how we can best introduce the topic of racism and social inequalities to children?

Bigler: We don’t have quite enough research to know. What we do know is you start by introducing topics slowly, without violence, so they aren’t as troubling. Start with cases like Emma’s (good evidence of important change and good outcomes), in a fair and compassionate way, that teaches children about history and also gives them hope.

Bigler: Research shows children do have an awareness for justice at an early age, and you need to be encouraging them to develop attitudes towards social justice. Encourage love of reading, writing and courageousness.

Dominguez: How is the book received among Latino/a families as well as non -Latino/a families?

Tafolla: Very well, with Latino/a children there is a little extra excitement. They ask, “she (Emma Tenayuca) really existed, this is really her picture on the back of the book?”

Bigler: White children who heard the story about racial discrimination often demonstrated a level of guilt; they felt bad about their privileged status. Because of this, I have received hate mail asking, “how dare you make children feel bad about their privilege”

But feeling racial guilt wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. What we found was the initial guilt lead to them feeling connected (to some degree), and toward caring about social justice. Some of the stories might be sad and troubling for children, but what we need to learn is how can we tell these stories in a way where we have good outcomes, and make them feel like there is hope.

Dominquez: What would you like Emma’s legacy to be?

Tafolla: Everyone can make a difference in this world. That’s very reflective of Emma’s voice. Make use of everyone who wants to help. “You can make a difference in your world”

Bigler: Emma’s story shows that heroes are people who see, acknowledge and fight social justice, and those heroes come in all shapes and sizes and genders. It shows that children can be on the look-out for social injustice, and when they see it, they can name it and fight it.

Announcement: The full teleconference will be available on the website in a couple of weeks.

Las Comadres is also starting a book club, which should begin sometime in May. Learning through reading, and practicing what we learn. Hasta luego!

Side Note from Las Comadres:

We ask that you purchase a book and give it to an elementary school of your choice.

In Austin you may purchase the book at the Resistancia Book Store. If you purchase at Resistancia you can give the book in memory of Raul Salinas, our activist compadre who recently passed, and whose life was devoted to issues of justice and fairness.

Resistancia Book Store
1801-A South First St.
Austin, TX 78704
Phone: (512) 416-8885
Email: revolu@swbell.net 

Please support La Casa Azul Bookstore

 

Attention book lovers:
Join us on Thursday April 24th in El Barrio for the launch of La Casa Azul Bookstore’s website.

Event information:
Website Launch Party

Thursday April 24th
6pm - 8pm

Net Plaza
206 E. 116th St.
(near 3rd Ave)
El Barrio, NY 10029

The online store will be set up to allow for national orders and shipping within the continental Unites States.

La Casa Azul Bookstore - Mission:
Inspired by Frida Kahlo’s house, La Casa Azul Bookstore is a place of knowledge, art, creativity and culture. Our mission is to provide the community with contemporary bilingual literature, featuring works by Latino authors.

–
La Casa Azul Bookstore
El Barrio, NY

MYSPACE
lacasaazulbookstore@gmail.com 

Teleconference on teaching racism

Queridas comadres…it’s TELECONFERENCE TIME!

We ask that you consider purchasing the children’s book we selected for April and donating it to an elementary school in your area. In celebration of El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day)on April 30, we are combining an interview with authors of a children’s bilingual book on activism with a university professor studying when and how children should be taught about racism. This is a different format just for the month of April. In May we’ll be starting our partnership with the American Association of Publishers and Borders, Inc. Reading With Las Comadres where we interview Latina authors about their newly published book and their work.

*

TELECONFERENCE DATE AND TIMES:
DATE: April 24, 2008 / duration approximately 1 hour
TIME: 5:00 PM PST
6:00 PM MST
7:00 PM CST
8:00 PM EST

*

Call in number (long distance charges will apply)
1-712-432-2323 / Access Code: 162718#

That’s Not Fair! / ¡No Es Justo!
by Carmen Tafolla and Sharyll Teneyuca

Illustrated by Terry Ybáñez, Spanish translation by
Carmen Tafolla, Translation editors: Celina Marroquín and Amalia Mondríguez, Ph.D.

http://www.wingspress.com/book.cfm?book_ID=26

*

THE STORY
In the 1920s and 1930s, the pecan shellers of San Antonio, Texas, were some of the lowest-paid workers in the nation. They were all Mexican-Americans, who had fled the revolution in their home country. Pecan shellers worked twelve hours a day, seven days a week, for as little as six cents a pound. In addition, they had to work in dusty, closed rooms. This made many of them ill. And then, in 1938, their wages were cut in half. They needed someone to be a voice for them, someone both brave and caring. They needed a hero. A young woman, barely twenty-one, answered their call. Her name was Emma.

But Emma Tenayuca was not born a hero of the poor. That’s Not Fair! / ¡No Es Justo! tells how the seeds of Emma’s awareness and activism were sown when she was very young. This story of courage and compassion shows how each of us, no matter how young, can help to make the world more fair for everyone.

*

SOME PERTINENT RESEARCH ON THE TOPIC

White Children More Positive Toward Blacks After Learning About Racism, Study Shows

Challenging the idea that racism education could be harmful to students, a new study from The University of Texas at Austin found the results of learning about historical racism are primarily positive. The study appears in the November/December issue of the journal Child Development.

“There is considerable debate about when and how children should be taught about racism,” says Bigler, director of the university’s Gender and Racial Attitudes Lab. “But little research has examined
elementary-school-aged children’s cognitive and emotional reactions to such lessons.”

TELECONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS

Carmen Tafolla is one of the most anthologized of all Latina writers with work for both adults and children appearing in more than two hundred anthologies. With work translated into Spanish, German, and Bengali, Tafolla has been published in a great variety of genres. Carmen Tafolla has also published five adult poetry books, seven children’s television screenplays, and numerous short stories and articles.

Sharyll Tenayuca is an attorney in San Antonio and the niece of Emma Tenayuca.

UT Professor of Psychology Dr. Rebecca Bigler, director of the University of Texas at Austin , Gender and Racial Attitudes Lab

Interviewed by: Adriana Dominguez is the Executive Editor who manages the children’s division of HarperCollins’ Latino imprint, Rayo. Before joining Harper, she was Críticas magazine’s Children’s Review Editor. She has many years of publishing experience in the children’s market, and has worked for most major publishers: WEBSITE

Weekend Break

 I’m taking a weekend break to get some work done.

I want to concentrate on writing a recap on the Sex Trafficking Conference, which was a full weekend with many important lessons and painful realities.

I will be attending Race Sex Power: New Movements in Black and Latina/o Sexualities and Labor Notes: Rebuilding Labor’s Power and I want to be fully present for them.

I also want to read the two Hermana, Resist zines Noemi gifted me and take them in silently.

Lastly, I’m planning a nice long conversation with my brilliant niece. And there’s nothing I anticipate more!

Have a great weekend!

Women, girls and feminism - support!

MICHIGAN

 Iron Ladies of Liberia - A Documentary by Henry Ansbacher, Jonathan Stack, and Daniel Junge.

When: Friday, March 14, 2008

Time: 7 - 9 p.m.

Where: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit, MI

Follow Ellen Johnson Sirleaf through her first year in office as she faces angry mobs, ambitious political rivals, and high-ranking members of the international community. Her story is inspiring a new generation of leaders in Africa and around the world.

ACTIVE ART

Hosted By: Sicily McRaven

When: Friday, March 21, 2008 (one-day show)

Where: Wayne State Undergraduate Gallery, Detroit, MI

Active Art is a show dedicated to all forms of political art. It’s a one night art show, the day after the fifth anniversary of the Iraq war.

Open call for all political art in any media. Submissions due March 18th. Send descriptions of work to sis_artistry@yahoo.com or call Sicily at 313. 544-8317.

“Art is activism because it is a powerful tool to cause reflection upon the world we live in.”

__________________________________________________

NEW YORK CITY

Writers Rising: Women Authors Talk Feminism & Activism

When: Thursday, March 20, 2008

Time: 6:30pm

Where: Revolution Books, 9 West 19th St. (bet. 5th & 6th), 212-627-9895

The National Organization for Women - NYC Service Fund hosts an exciting group of women writers to discuss their unique contributions of fiction, poetry and non-fiction work and the ways in which it inspires, mobilizes and sparks debate on feminist issues.

Featuring: Felice Belle, poet, playwright, and the former curator and host of the Friday Night Slam series at Nuyorican Poets Cafe. She recently created original poetry for the play History of the Word; Courtney Martin, Reporter, Professor of Gender Issues, and Author of Perfect Girls and Starving Daughters; and Sofia Quintero, Screenwriter, Activist and Author of Divas Don’t Yield.

$10 suggested donation for non-members.

Your Voice Can Stop Sexual Harassment

Dear Teens in NYC Schools-

Sexual harrassment is a very serious issue and many people do not take the time or effort to acknowledge this matter. Maybe it is because they’re afraid, there’s no one to talk to about it, or perhaps no one knows what sexual harassment is. The Sisters in Strengthy Youth Organizers are working on the issue of sexual harassment in schools, and we need the help of students (of all genders!) who attend schook in NYC. We are asking you to fill out your opinions and ideas in our Survey and Slam Book by March 7th, so we can make a difference together.

Email it to other students, post it on your website, put the link on your Myspace and Facebook pages, just get it out there! We are interested in hearing from as many students as possible.

The NYC Sexual Harassment Survey is available online here.

The NYC Sexual Harassment SlamBook is available here.

Please email us at sisters@ggenyc.org with questions or to request a paper copy of the Survey. Thank you for being a part of the School Safety Collaboration!

Youth Organziang Interns

Girls for Gender Equity

E: sisters@ggenyc.org

P: 718-857-1393

Website

Free Playwriting Workshops for Teens

Attention: Young Writers, Parents, Teachers!

Open ot All Area High School Students

When: Saturday, March 15, 2008

Time: 1 - 5 p.m.

Location: Barnes & Noble Lincoln Triangle (Broadway at 66th Street, across from Lincoln Center)

Free Admission - Limited Space!  To get on the list call: 212. 594. 5440 or email latinochallenge@youngplaywrights.org

WRITE A PLAY TODAY and submit it to the YOUNG PLAYWRIGTS LATION CHALLENGE — a city wide competition! YOU COULD WIND $500!

Help us spread the word by forwarding this email to other folks who care about young people!

TeatroStageFest, a production of the Lation International Theater Festival of New York, Inc.

TeatroStageFest, New York, NY 10016, 212-695-4010

To register for the March 15, 2008 Workshop email latinochallenge@youngplaywrights.org

Website: TeatroStageFest

Website: Young Playwrights

__________________________________________________

GENERAL

Girls Rock!: The Movie

If y’all are in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Franciso, East Bay, Portland or Seattle, this week may be your last chance to see Girls Rock! If you’ve been thinking how cool this movie is, or if you’ve seen it and you love it and want all your friends to see it, now is the time!

By March 13 it may be a very long time before you have a chance to see it again. Go here for screening locations, links and showtimes.

You CAN use Hip Hop to Promote Social Change

Concious Women Rock the Page: Activists Team Up to Publish Curriculum that uses Hip Hop Fiction to Explore Social Issues and Promote Political Action.

Visit them here.

Vagina Monologues come to Detroit

 Detroit Feminist, Adele Nieves will be performing in this year’s Vagina Monologues, hosted by ThinkGirl.  You don’t want to miss it!

Are you available to help?

ThinkGirl needs volunteers for the weekend of Feb.1-3, to sell tickets and concessions, run the ThinkGirl table and handle the raffle.

The events will be held at 1515 Broadway in downtown Detroit. You can see the entire schedule here: link.
 

Book Contest & Book Fundraiser

 There is a contest for a free, signed copy of Hijas Americanas going on now (until January 11) on their website. Check it out! 

 Book Signing Fundraiser: for R.E.A.C.H Youth Programs Inc.

Saturday, January 19, 2008: 10am to 2:00pm, ACC Youth Center 62 W. 7 Mile Road, Detroit, MI 48203

R.E.A.C.H Youth Programs Inc. is a Non-Profit After School Program that has been serving youth and families in Detroit for over 20 years. The acronym, R.E.A.C.H, stands for Religion, Education (and) Athletics (builds) Character, and Hope. This is exactly what this program has done for me, not only as because I was a youth participant, but because I had the opportunity to come back as and adult and serve as a program director. As a result the important of giving back to the community was instilled in me at a young age and continues to inform and guide all that I do.

100% of the proceeds of this book signing will go toward continuing the impact that R.E.A.C.H continues to make on our community. I hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Monica Marie Jones, Author of The Ups and Downs of Being Round

 

My own stuff!

 Check out the compelling, anonymous interview, conducted by Adele Nieves, with a woman who has been in and out of the prison system since she was 14 years old. Available in the Tainted Mirror Anthology.

Details:

Title: If You Find an Open Door, Walk Through it

Preorders are being accepted: ($9.95, plus $3.00s/h) at Pen of the Writer.

AND 

My “spotlight” interview, at Detroit Women in Film and Television.

Great Stuff happening in Michigan

Christopher Onstott / The Portland Tribune

When I first moved to Michigan from New York City, my three biggest concerns were: finding a reputable literary community, still being able to engage in the types of activities I was used to in a big city, and getting involved with a feminist group that emphazied women of color, and drew from their wisdom.

Within three months each concern was put to rest. So, for transplants like me, or for those of you who have been in Michigan too long and can no longer see its beauty, here is a small list of amazing, inexpensive events, as well as ways to get involved, taking place this month and next in our fine state.

Theater:

Real Women Have Curves by Josefina Lopez, is a funny story of five full-figured Mexican-American women who are racing to meet a nearly impossible production deadline in order to keep their tiny dress-making factory from going under.

Price Range: $10 - $20

Escanaba In Love: In the new comedy by Jeff Daniels, audiences will visit the Soady deer camp in the midst of World War II, forty original “Escanaba in da Moonlight.”

Meet the love of young Albert Soady Jr.’s life, Big Betty Baloo - the woman destined to become the mother of Reuben and Remnar Soady - along with a whole new cast of wacky and good-hearted Yoopers.

This production is recommended for mature audiences. Price range: $20 - $35

Creative: Visual Arts, Film, Museums, History, Science, Life, Outdoors, Attractions:

The Kreft Center Gallery of Concordia University-Ann Arbor will host John Issac: The Odyssey of a Photojournalist, an exhibition of photographs and reportage by photojournalist John Issac.

Throughout his 20-year career as a UN photographer, John Issac has traveled to more than 100 countries capturing the tragedies and triumphs of our changing world. His worldwide coverage includes the Israeli/Lebanon conflict in 1978, the boat people in 1979, and US/Iranian hostage crisis in 1980. In the 1980’s he worked throughout the African nations covering drought and famine. Besides his work with the UN, Issac provided coverage for UNICEF, working closely with the late actress Audrey Hepburn, Harry Belafonte, and Liv Ullman.

You can discover what animals and plants may look like in 5 to 200 million years when the Cranbook Institute of Science presents The Future is Wild.

Based on science and educated imaginations, the new planetarium show offers an exciting picture of the possible future of planet earth and the living things that call it home.

The exhibit is geared to ages 5 and up only. Tickets are required in addition to museum admission.

Muskegon Museum of Arts major fall exhibition, “Women Only? In Their Studios.”  This eclectic assemblage of works seeks to acquaint the general public with the accomplishments of 2o exceptional contemporary women artists…

From abstract expressionism to conceptualism and photography, to appropriationism and everything in between, each of these artists has added distinct markings along the path of modern art. 

Hester Street tells the story of Jewish immigrants who came to the Lower East Side of New York City in 1896 from Europe and who lived on the famous Hester Street.

There is no charge for this program. For more information, call (24 967-4030

Patriot Day Ceremony will be held at the Walter E. Sundquist Farmington Pavilion in Riley Park. The American Legion Post #346 of Farmington will present the annual 9-11 ceremony to honor those who served our country in the past and also to honor the men and women who currently serve in the American armed forces throughout the world.

Local officials will take part in the ceremony along with police, fire, clergy, and active and reserve military units, veterans and youth groups. For more information, cal (24 474-8554

Advanced screening of Trade, a film about sex trafficking in the United States.

It will be held at the Main Art Theatre in Royal Oak, Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 7:30pm. (Courtesy of ThinkGirl.net)

Wayne State University’s Women’s Studies Dept. is showing Beyond Beats and Rhymes, September 13 at noon in the Undergraduate Library and will discuss the film afterwards. (Courtesy of ThinkGirl.net)

Warren Farmer’s Market, The Farmer’s Market is new this year to the city of Warren. Come and check out the Sunday Market.

Vendors will be available from 9am to 2pm at the City Square Park in Warren. The park is located west of Van Dyke, north of 12 mile Road in the City Hall area.

The market runs every Sunday until October 28, 2007. Call (586) 268-8400 for more information.

 At the library, Education/Hands-on, Book signings:

Investor Education: The State of Michigan Office of Finance and Insurance Services is offering a workshop at the Rochester Hills Public Library which will provide independent, objective financial advice to help make you make informed investment decisions.

During this free workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of stocks, bonds & mutual funds, understanding diversification, understand compund vs. average rates of return, how to select a financial services provider, common investment terms, and where wealth comes from. There will also be one-on-one counseling immediately following the workshop.

Please pre-register by phone at (24 650-7122

Poetry Open Mic is a platform for poets, storytellers and musicians to share their works and the inspiration behind them in an intimate setting. Additionally, each evening will feature a local or international talent, welcoming poet & author Diamond Dancer in August and poet & visual artist Travis in September. Hosted by Ber-Henda Williams.

The event takes place in the Meeting Room of the Southfield Library.

Detroit’s largest on-line literary community, Motown Writers Network

Kimberlee Auerbach, Author of: The Devil, the Lovers & Me: My Life in Tarot, book signing.

Sunday, November 18, 2007, 1:00pm. Free of charge. For more details visit ThinkGirl.net.

Concert:

Bjork: Best known for her expressive range and an interest in many kinds of music. Bjork will  be performing at the Fox Theatre.

Tickets are on sale now, and may be purchased at the Fox Theatre and Joe Louis Arena box offices. To charge tickets by phone, call (24 433 -1515.

Community/Get Involved:

In partnership with Panera Bread Company, United Way for Southeastern Michigan is encouraging everyone to volunteer in local communities, and build stronger, healther neighborhoods through the “Impact Your Neighborhood” program.

Volunteers must register before participating in a program.

Detroit Scavenger Hunt: Scavenger hunt by car! This event offers you and your friends the perfect opportunity for grassroots involvement…with a Motor City Spin! You’ll have the added satisfaction of knowing your efforts will have a direct and meaningful impact on someone’s life.

How to Get Involved

The maximun number who can be on one scavenger hunt is five (5). Our goal is for each team to raise a minimum of $300 for Alternatives for Girls; however, there are extra incentives for teams that raise more.

Sunday, September 16, 2007, starts at noon.

Most links/events can be found at Great Stuff.

 

If you would like to add an event to the list, drop me a line, I’d be happy to include another great Michigan experience.

Life must be lived!

The next thing on your reading list!

Queen of the Scottish Fairies

An illustrated tale about a little boy who likes to wear skirts. Link

How many books have you read?

One In Four Americans Read No Books Last Year…

 

One in four adults read no books at all in the past year, according to an Associated Press-Ipsos poll released Tuesday. Of those who did read, women and older people were most avid, and religious works and popular fiction were the top choices. Full Story

“I’m old-fashioned and think that reading books is the most glorious past time humankind has yet devised.” - Wislawa Szymborska (courtesy of killerfemme)