‘Community Submitted News’ Articles
Written by tgrJams on 29 October 2010
“SH*T MY DAD SAYS” NYTIMES’ BEST-SELLING AUTHOR
JUSTIN HALPERN TO VISIT RUSSO’S!
By Thomas G. Robinson
In the book world, unless there’s a major book release happening like the good old days when J.K. Rowling was pumping out those Harry Potter books once every two years; or Stephenie Meyer was creating goth, sulken, sexy vampires; or Stephen King would occasionally get hit by a car - there’s not a lot to be excited about. On occasion, we’ll be invoved in community efforts that encourage kids to read, write, etc… or we’re tied to a big event, and we get a major author to sign at our store every now and then. This is one of those times!
When a new book came out earlier this year called, Sh*t My Dad Says, the title alone let you know this was no ordinary book. The book was an instant smash hit! And now, amazingly, he has Captain Kirk himself, playing his father on the show inspired by the book. And that’s all it took, and that’s how easy it was.
In May, 2009, Justin Halpern was 28 years old and for reasons beyond his control, had to move back in with his parents in San Diego, CA. Justin works from home, on his computer, for Maxim.com. His dad, Sam Halpern, 74, a retired doctor, was now home all day with Justin – quite the switch from when Justin lived there during college and he had the house to himself during the day. Now, his father is there and whenever he wants, or feels it necessary, spews his knowledge to Justin about all things, in all topics.
His dad is never too shy to talk about current topics of the day, The only difference is that when his dad brings forth his rap, it’s usually riddled with four-letter words, ‘F’ bombs, and other unprintable content for a family article. It is with this in mind that, at his friend’s urging, Justin posted some of his dad’s words of wisdom to his Twitter page (http://twitter.com/shitmydadsays).
Justin watched as his twitter following went from a few friends to hundreds of thousands followers. He says in his book, “When one of my friends suggested I create a Twitter page to keep a record of all the crazy things that come out of his mouth, I started “Shit My Dad Says.” For about a week , I had only a handful of followers –a couple friends who knew my dad and thought he was a character. Then one day I woke up to find that a thousand people were following me. The next day, ten thousand. Then fifty thousand. Then one hundred, two hundred, three hundred thousand, and suddenly a picture of my dad’s face and his quotes were popping up everywhere. Literary agents were calling, wanting to represent me; TV producers were inviting me onto their shows; and reporters were asking for interviews.”
I’ve had a chance to review it over and over again… it’s like that. You’ll keep flipping through it long after you read it! The book is quite good. Humorous, witty, and rash – it’s funny from cover to cover. You almost wish you had a dad like his just for the laughs… Almost. But don’t take my word for it, check out some of the “sh*t” this dad says that I could print!
“Pressure? Get married when you want. Your wedding’s just one more day in my life I can’t wear sweat pants.”
“You look just like Stephen Hawking…Relax, I meant like a non-paralyzed version of him. Feel better?… Fine. Forget I said it.”
“I hate paying bills… Son, don’t say “me too.” I didn’t say that looking to relate to you. I said it instead of “go away.”
“Just pay the parking ticket. Don’t be so outraged. You’re not a freedom fighter in the civil rights movement. You double parked.”
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
The next thing you know, Justin has a best-selling book on his hands. Instantly, it became the ‘must have’ book for those who just want to laugh. The book debuted at #8, August 2010. At the time of this writing, the book is still secure in the top twenty, posted at #11. A drop from last week’s #8. It has become a phenomenon. His father’s take on this new found fame? You’ll have to read the book – I can’t print it here!
Oh, but wait, there’s more! At this particular signing, not only will we have Justin Halpern, we’ll have actors from The Empty Space Theatre reading excerpts from the book, as well. Live comedic readings… Don’t miss this event!
Justin Halpern, author of Sh*t My Dad Says, will be at Russo’s Books at The Marketplace, Saturday, November 6th at 1:00 PM., at 9000 Ming Avenue, Bakersfield, CA., 93311. For more information, please call 665.4686.
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Written by tgrJams on 17 September 2010
This weekend, Russo’s Books at The Marketplace will celebrate two “hometown hero” authors. Congressman Kevin McCarthy will sign his new book, “Young Guns: A New Generation of Conservative Leaders” at 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19. The day before, the bookstore will honor an award-winning children’s author. Read on for her story.
By Thomas G. Robinson, Russo’s Books Business Development Representative
It is not often that we get to take part in a proclamation. In this case, a “day” will be set aside to honor a local celebrity who is one of the biggest children’s and young adult authors in the nation. This national best-selling, multi-award winning and internationally recognized author will be honored by both Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall and Assemblywoman Jean Fuller on Saturday, Sept. 18.
Oh, and she happens to be a Bakersfield native, too – born and raised!
Author Pam Muñoz Ryan (“Esperanza Rising,” “Becoming Naomi León”) is a member of Bakersfield City School District’s Hall of Fame (having attended McKinley and Longfellow Elementary and Washington Junior High). After graduating from Bakersfield High School, she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from San Diego State University. She currently resides in the San Diego area.
“Esperanza Rising” by Pam Muñoz Ryan has won several awards, including the Pura Belpré Award which honors Latino authors whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in a children’s book.
Her 30+ books for young people range from children’s picture books to young adult novels. A two-time winner of the Willa Cather Award for Writing, her novels have garnered some of the nation’s most prestigious accolades for children’s writings. Most recently, she received the 2010 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award for her book “The Dreamer.”
Pam Muñoz Ryan has been invited to the White House on three occasions for the National Book Festival and other literary events. She is the National Education Association Author recipient of the Civil and Human Rights Award. Next month, she will travel as the American author representative to South Korea, where she and others from 26 countries will collaborate on an international book on peace for the International Board on Books for Young People.
Saturday, Sept. 18, will be proclaimed Pam Muñoz Ryan Day in Bakersfield. The celebration will take place at 2 p.m. at The Marketplace fountain, 9000 Ming Ave., with a reception to follow at Russo’s Books at The Marketplace.
In attendance will be the author’s family, “Esperanza Rising” cover artist Joe Cepeda, Nick Olmos and the College Heights Elementary Mariachi Band (who will perform), actors Bob Kempf, Michelle Weingarden, Kristina Saldaña and Jason Monroe from The Empty Space Theatre (who will perform a play based on her children’s book “When Mirian Sang”), her cousin (and local journalist) Lisa Kimble who will speak on growing up with Pam, and Sandra Yoon, BCSD Coordinator of Library Media Services who will speak on the importance of the author’s literary efforts. Finally, Pam Muñoz Ryan herself will speak.
The event will conclude with refreshments served at Russo’s Books, where Pam will meet and greet her friends and fans, and sign copies of her books.
The event is part of a long line-up of programs being held from September to November in conjunction with National Hispanic Heritage Month and the latest One Book, One Bakersfield, One Kern community read of “Burro Genius” by California author Victor Villaseñor. Learn more about the read and the events surrounding it by visiting the Kern County Library’s website.
Posted in Activities For Kids, Arts & Entertainment, Assemblymember Jean Fuller, Bakersfield City Goverment, Book Reviews, Community Submitted News, Local News, Out and About | Comments Off
Written by tgrJams on 25 August 2010
A Murderous Ghost at The Empty Space Theatre?
By Thomas G. Robinson
The Empty Space Theatre has a new show currently on the main stage. The Killing Ghost opened last weekend and runs for two more weekends, closing on Saturday, September 4th.
Written by James Kopp with some new material added by Matt Christensen, The Killing Ghost is a new show that’s not so new.
Matt Christensen says, “Having done the first run of The Killing Ghost, I decided to use that as the basis for the first show I have ever directed, but I knew it needed some work as it was written based around the All the King’s Players humor back in 1999 and 2000. I got the first two scripts from James and went to work at the beginning of 2009 combining the two and cleaning up the narrative to make everything added to it work with what already existed”.
Was it hard working at The Empty Space? “The Empty Space best resembles the first location where the play was performed back in 1999, Stone Soup. Namely it’s being done in a 3/4 thrust”, Matt continues, “With the amount of people on stage on average during the show, it is a little daunting for the audience to try and see everything that’s going on. So the 3/4 set up allows focus to be given to certain people at certain times and if they like the show, they can come back and sit in another location to see something else.”
Thor Reese is the male lead in the play. This is his first time as the male lead. When I asked him about that, he responded, “This is my first time as the lead in the show, and I’m sure it will be the best thing you have ever seen, if not my name is Billie Joe Fox”, he added, “I have worked really hard to give a great performance, and I hope everyone enjoys it. If they don’t they can feel free to meet me out in the parking lot after the show and we will have a Street Fighter 4 throw down and I’ll show them who the man is then!”
One of the female leads is actually played by man! Theatre veteran Norm Colwell is the very funny Mrs. Pierce. I asked him about this role and how he prepared to play a woman. Norm replied, “It’s challenging. I just wonder if I have any consistency doing it. I watch the other female actors on stage, Jennie and Lindsey to see what they do and try to copy some of those things. I then try to incorporate my own things and improvs to the character. I have to use my diaphragm to get the voice down and it’s been a challenge there too as I’m trying to make sure that I’m loud enough while doing it. Overall, it’s fun. I haven’t done anything like this (dressing up as a woman) since I was 7 or 8.”
The Killing Ghost, an original comedy mystery, is at The Empty Space Theatre at 706 Oak Street in Bakersfield, CA. Performances are August 27th, 28th and September 3rd and 4th starting at 8:00 PM. While this is a donation based theatre, meaning all primetime shows are free, there is a suggested donation of $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. For reservations or more information, please call 327-PLAY
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Written by tgrJams on 06 August 2010
It’s the C-L-O-S-I-N-G W-E-E-K-E-N-D of SPELLING BEE!
By Thomas G. Robinson
THE 26TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Amy Hall’s smash hit musical comedy direction of The 26th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee closes this weekend with performances tonight and Saturday both beginning at 8:00 PM.
The show ran for four weeks at almost capacity crowds for every performance. On some nights the theatre actually sold out of seats! This show has been one of the theatre’s biggest hits of the year, and there’s still time to catch what everyone’s been talking about! You will definitely want to make reservations for this one (327-PLAY), as the lines grow long at performance times, and only those who have made reservations are guaranteed a seat!
THE NIGHTTIME SHOW WITH MICHAEL ARMENDARIZ
While the actors of Spelling Bee are basking in the glory of their much ballyhooed performances, and deservedly so, The Empty Space is promoting another show that will follow in the late night category. Michael Pawloski, Late Night Artistic Director, has added to the schedule an original show by Michael Armendariz. The show debuts tonight at 11:00 PM.
The Nighttime Show with Michael Armendariz is just that; a talk show that you would normally have to go to either Los Angeles or New York City to see, but right here in Bakersfield! Michael Armendariz hosts two nights of late-night discussion, comedy, and Jay-Walking (just kidding) in front of a live audience. The guest line-up is as follows:
Friday – Jason Monroe, Adam McCabe and Comedian Brian Ross
Saturday – KRAB Radio’s Danny Spanks, James Kopp and Comedian Dave Forst
As with all late-night shows at The Empty Space, there is a $5 charge at the door. Doors open at 10:30PM.
A NIGHT AT THE THEATRE – PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAYLEIGH PEAKER
Our art gallery will showcase the photography of Kayleigh Peaker. She has been taking pictures since her father gave her a camera when she was 6 years old. He told her to take as many pictures as she can to help her remember the special moments in her life. She has been an avid photographer ever since.
Over a year ago she started taking pictures of all the shows in rehearsal. Starting tonight, you can see these pictures on the gallery walls in the theatre’s lobby. The art is available to view when doors open for any show, during intermissions and after a show. You can also make a reservation for a private viewing by contacting Thomas G. Robinson, Gallery Director at 327-PLAY.
Meet the artist, Kayleigh Peaker at her reception on Saturday, August 14th at 3:30 to 5:30 PM.
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