Yet another fulfilling week has passed. And no, there was no sarcasm in that.

Let’s review, my family decided to return from Mexico, I no longer have a Verizon family plan (don’t worry, I am aware that it’s odd that I had one to begin with), I saw some dudes pretending to be Johnny Utah, Bohdi and Pappas from Point Break (one of the greatest movies of all time), I had some free drinks at Azalea Boutique, I had volunteer orientation at 826 Valencia, I went snowboarding, I dealt with some heartbreak, convinced (with others) a friend that it is important to wash your ass when showering,  I read 3 books and lastly I rewrote the bible, learned to fly fighter jets, knit scarves and perform in a James Bond look-a-like troupe. Come on, admit your a little bit jealous.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot (no, no I didn’t) I booked a flight to Bogota, Colombia. It is going to be incredible!

San Francisco, here’s what I’ve got for you this week…

Tuesday, March 16th
@ 630
- Tim O’Brien, author, will be discussing his book The Things We Carried at the First Congregational Church of Berkley in conjunction with Berkley Arts & Letters. So, it’s been awhile (last August) since I read this book but immediately upon seeing that Tim O’Brien would be in Berkeley I got excited. Will I go? Probably not, but that’s irrelevant, it’s $15 and in Berkeley during the week, sometimes these things just are feasible. But, if you’re around and feel like hearing a great author discuss his work, get off your butt and get to this event.

Wednesday, March 17th
@ 6pm
- Laura Skandera Trombley, author, will be gossiping and also talking about her book Mark Twain’s Other Woman: The Hidden Story of His Final Years at The Mechanics Institute. I use “gossip” merely to jest, no one get offended please. Get it, “Other Woman,” “gossip,” I really hope that spelling it out for you wasn’t necessary. In the event that you have wondered what went on during Twain’s final years, oh lets say between 1900-1910, this book may be of interest to you. I think I’ll stick to Huck Finn. Oh, and a special piece of information cause I like you, Mark Twain was actually just a pen name, his real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens, fascinating.

Saturday, March 20th
@ 6pm
- Dolen Perkins-Valdez, author, will be signing copies of her book Wench: A Novel at Marcus Books on Fillmore. You know I can’t resist mentioning books with a title such as that. The book itself sounds pretty compelling too though. It’s about a resort in the South during the 1850′s where Southern slaveholders would take their slave mistresses. Obviously there’s a lot more to it than that but that’s just meant to be a tease. The other reason I wanted to mention this event is because I used to live right around the corner from this shop and have yet to mention it in my blog and feel bad for not having done so. If you’re ever on Fillmore (between Sutter and Post) during the weekend you’ll often times see a musician or two out front of the store which is pretty fun and always nice to listen to.

Los Angeles, your stock has risen thanks to a flub I may have made.

Just the other day I saw on facebook that my closest friends fiance had the opportunity to meet and speak with the one and only Michael Pollan. You may, or may not, recall that on various occasions I have stated that I am not his biggest fan or really not much of a fan at all. Well, while heading up to Tahoe this past Saturday I asked my friend why his fiance met with Michael Pollan. After providing the reason for the meeting, I inquired how it is that she came to meet with him. The response I received came as a shock to me and instilled a bit of fear. It turns out that Mr. Pollan is a permanent faculty member at UC Berkeley’s Journalism school. Now, why did that instill some fear? Well, as you know (if you’ve been reading the blog), in the past year I have changed directions many times. For awhile I thought about Urban/Environmental Planning (still do), getting back into the snowboarding industry and getting into the outdoor apparel industry. I have though once again shifted directions. I’ve actually been contemplating applying to graduate school to pursue a masters in Journalism. The idea is new, so no harm there but for obvious reasons Berkeley would be top choice. Alas, if per chance someone from the admissions were to view my review and other things I may have said about Mr. Pollan (really not that bad) I could have some immediate points against me. That’s where Los Angeles comes in, you could be runner up, perhaps I should consider schools in your region as well. I’ve decided that my integrity cannot be compromised and I will stick with my position regarding Mr. Pollan. If it hurts me, well, that would stink.  That was a rather long winded and boring story without much a climax and for that I am sorry. What’s done is done. Womp.

Here’s what you really came here for anyhow.

Monday, March 15th
@ 7pm
- Mark Gluth, James Greer and Dennis Cooper, authors, will be at Book Soup representing Little House on the Bowery. Each of these esteemed authors will talk about their works. To write out what each of these “badass” dudes have written would be a difficult task for me at the moment so if you’re interested in learning more click the Book Soup link above to find out. I will tell you that James Greer was at one time the bassist for the band Guided by Voices (one of my favorites).

Tuesday, March 16th
@ 7pm
- Jodi Picoult, author, will be at Vroman’s signing and talking about her latest book House Rules. So I don’t actually know anything about Ms. Picoult other than the fact that I’ve heard her name a lot and I believe her to be the author of the book turned movie My Sisters Keeper which I think made a lot of women cry (not that there’s anything wrong with that). I guess I mention her appearance because I am sure she has a loyal following of readers and fans that would like to be close enough to touch her or just get her to a sign a copy of their book. This of course is a ticketed event and those bad boys will cost $28

Tuesday, March 16th
@ 7pm
- Jeff Garlin, actor and author, is going to be discussing his book, My Footprint: Carrying the Weight of the World, at Book Soup. You’re probably more familiar with Mr. Garlin from his role in Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm in which he plays Larry’s best friend. The book is about Jeff’s attempt to live healthier while filming the seventh season of Curb. In a side note, not having anything to do with Mr. Garlin, I somehow came to be watching the Marriage Ref last night on television (sympathy and disgust welcome). Larry David, Madonna and Ricky Gervais were on it and I almost thought that Madonna was going to beat up Larry David, she could too. That’s it.

Wednesday, March 17th
@ 730pm
- Lisa Lutz, author, will be at Skylight Books reading from and signing copies of her book The Spellmans Strike Again, the fourth book in her Spellman series. I think Ms. Lutz is kind of like Ms. Picoult. That’s all I really know. Oh and I think that a movie for the Spellman Files in the works. Either you know her and her work or you don’t.

I’ve already mentioned it once, but because my brother, his wife and my parents are vacationing in Mexico right now and my sister and her fiance will be going there tomorrow, I’m going to talk more about the newest member of our family. Even though I have not yet met the feller he looks pretty cute. I’ve stolen a couple of my sister-in-laws pictures from facebook so you can get a better look at him.

What will my name be????

Nameless puppy

So… San Francisco definitely wins this week. You’ll see what I’m talking about when you read about the only event I’ve decided to post about this week. Seriously.

Monday, March 8th
@ 8pm
- Alexander “Sandy” Marshall, author, will be reading from his book Beating a Dead Horse The Life and Times of Jay Marshall at the Magic Castle. Now, I know nothing about magic nor Mr. Marshall or his father Jay Marshall. Jay is the dean of American Magicians, yes, there is such a thing and his son has written a book about his “maverick” father.

Nerves. I’m running out of them. It’s not good, I shouldn’t be.

What, pray tell, would lead me to divulge this to you? Well, it has recently come to my attention that as of March 31st I will no longer have a job. Some would say “that’s great,” others “oh no” (with fake concern) and then there’s the realists that just say “shit.” Right about now I’m one of those people saying “shit.” The last period of time when I didn’t have a job I ended up living with my parents and driving a fork lift. I am confident enough to believe that that will not happen again but it’s always scarred in the back of my mind.

The others reasons my nerves have been at their end recently is because I had found a job I knew I could kick ass at and would be perfect for me. About two weeks ago I had a short, get to know you type, phone interview for that position and have not heard anything since. It really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, these things happen all the time. And honestly, I didn’t let myself get too emotionally attached to the position, it’s just at the back of my mind I knew this was the position for me. I’m still crossing my fingers that they’ll actually want to get to know me and not just my nervous voice on the telephone. At the very least, be a decent company and let me know either way. I am a little envious of those people that didn’t pick up the phone when they saw a number they didn’t recognize, listened to the message and had time to prepare themselves prior to returning the call regarding this position. Oh well, not a whole lot I can do.

As it goes in Monty Python’s The Life of Brian, “Always look on the bright side of life, (whistle whistle whistle).” I guess as an alternative I can, in due time, book my ticket to do some traveling in April. I think most people would think that’s a better alternative, but honestly, I want to work, I want to have some sense of security. My rent won’t pay itself!

Yes, another diversion, road block, whatever you want to call it. I came across this article last Friday and found it really interesting. It’s an interview with Michael Chabon, who lives in the bay area, with a journalist from the Wall Street Journal discussing the literary scene in San Francisco. It’s short and pretty entertaining.

Anyways, enough about me and on to talking about books. You know, those things which smell so nice when you turn their page, have little words and sometimes a few pictures in them. Yes, books.

Monday, March 8th
@ 7pm
- The March Monthly Rumpus at The Makeout Room. Ok, before I tell you what this is all about I just want to say that I have been trying to include this in my events posts for the past two months but always find out about it too late. Oh no no, not this time. I wasn’t going to let the Rumpus get away from me again. So, the Rumpus. Rather than spell out for you what the Rumpus is (an online magazine) I’ll direct you here to learn more about it. The Monthly Rumpus though is a gathering of writers, sometimes performers, sometimes musicians and their supporters/fans that takes place at the Makeout Room in the Mission. It’s a chance to meet, listen and talk to like minded people in the bay area. This month’s Rumpus is being put on in conjunction with McSweeney’s and will feature authors Jesse Nathan, Jami Attenberg, Mark Morford, Gerard Jones, performances by Chicken John and comedian Nato Green and the sounds of K. Flay. The Girl From Emapanada will be there with food and there will be a raffle for prizes. Geeesh, that was a lot. Get tickets here in advance or show up at the door. I’ll be there if I can!!

Monday, March 8th
@ 730pm
- Camille Rose Garcia, author, will be talking about and signing copies of her book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at the Booksmith. With last Friday’s release of the Alice in Wonderland movie it really doesn’t come as much of a surprise to see an author presenting their book that relates to the movie. Ms. Garcia however has reinterpreted the story and has given much darker undertones (from what I understand) than the original which in turn has won her a cultish like following. If you like Alice but always wished she and the story were a little more dark, creepy and perhaps gothic, check out Ms. Garcia and her book.

Wednesday, March 10th
@ 6pm
- Max Watman, author and I’m guessing a purveyor of fine alcohol, will be signing and talking talking about his book Chasing the White Dog at Space Gallery as a part of Slow Food Writers Night. Yeehaw! In his book Watman talks about the history and contemporary tales surrounding hooch (moonshine, for those not in the know). Sounds pretty fascinating, not going to lie.

Thursday, March 11th
@ 8pm
- Dave Eggers, author, will speaking with Abdulrahman and Kathy Zeitoun at the Herbst theater in conjunction with City Arts and Lectures. I think this event pretty much speaks for itself. Unfortunately the event is sold out, trust me, I tried to get tickets. I did see one or two on craigslist so that may be an option. If that doesn’t pan out for you, I recommend reading my review of Zeitoun.

Friday, March 12th
@ 1pm
- Chelsea Handler, author, comedian and talk show personality, will be speaking at Books, Inc. at Opera Plaza. I’m not going to lie, I actually think she’s pretty funny. Would I be willing to read one of her books, probably not, then again I did read that trash by Elizabeth Gilbert. Her latest book, Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang, talks about her life, just as I’m assuming she does in her other books.

Saturday, March 13th & Sunday, March 14th
@ 630pm & 5pm
- Gordon Edgar, author, will be talking about his book Cheesemonger: A Life on the Wedge at Amnesia in the Mission on Saturday and Book Passage in Corte Madera on Sunday. In case you were wondering TheFreeDicitionary.com defines “Cheesemonger” as “a person dealing in cheese, butter, etc.” More than guide book apparently Mr. Edgar goes in depth into the field of cheese. Mr. Edgar is the “cheesemonger” for San Francisco’s pretty awesome Rainbow Grocery and in his book tells tales of cheese and his interesting industry. If you’re a cheese fan this may be kind of interesting for you.

Look at that, nearly something for every day of the week. Finally some excitement in San Francisco.

I got a nice surprise last week. I realized that people actually read my blog and heed my advice. Last week, for the first time, I heard from a couple people that not only do they actually read my book reviews but they actually listen to what I have to say! Of course I loan out a lot of my books to friends but to hear that someone went out and bought a book thanks to what I do here, well, that’s just a wee bit of satisfaction.

In unrelated book news all together, today (Sunday) I indulged myself by having a Maple Glazed Bacon Apple donut from Dynamo Donuts. Oh ho ho, don’t think I stopped there I also had to try their Lemon Pistachio donut (after all I was there) and a cup of Four Barrel Coffee. Where would I be if I didn’t feel a little bit of guilt for having two donuts? Well, it wasn’t actually the fact that I had two, it was more the fact that after I left I was tempted to have a gob from Gobba Gobba Hey, Bacon Potato Chips from Who’s Your Daddy and the big one, Peanut Butter Curry ice cream from Humphrey Slocombe. Although it all sounded good, and despite the absurd amount of cash it all would have set me back it was more the fact that I was full that prevented from indulging. Certainly my health and body are grateful, but I tell ya, my taste buds are pretty bummed.

Ps. I’m at home typing this right now and I am contemplating throwing my dishes in the trash rather than cleaning them right now.

It doesn’t appear that there is much going on this week. And of the few events happening, two of them are at bars. So few people realize that books and bars go well together, honestly, this should be a recurring thing. Sure it happens from time to time but authors would be able to reach out to a whole different demographic (I Imagine) if they promoted at a bar.

Monday, March 1st
@ 645pm
- D.W. Lichtenberg, author & student, will be at the Elbo Room signing and discussing his book The Ancient Book of Hip. His book is a bunch of poems he wrote while living in New York. Think of something that’s “hip” and he probably wrote about it. What’s most interesting to me is that this man is actually a young man, being only 24. I gotta admit, his age kind of makes me want to question his street cred. Has he really been around long enough to know what’s “hip?” I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, but I thought it important that you not go to the Elbo Room expecting an aged gentleman.

Friday, March 5th & Saturday 6th
@ 730pm & 3pm
- Max Watman, author and I’m guessing a purveyor of fine alcohol, will be signing and talking talking about his book Chasing the White Dog at Elixir on Friday and Omnivore Books on Saturday. Yeehaw! In his book Watman talks about the history and contemporary tales surrounding hooch (moonshine, for those not in the know). Sounds pretty fascinating, not going to lie.

PPs. Michael Pollan will be speaking on Tuesday as part of City Arts & Lectures. I’m tired of writing about this guy so he only get’s a “PPs.” Sorry!

Ok, I’m off to continue thinking about the gob, chips and ice cream I missed out on today, and probably shed a few tears about it too.

Son of a gun! I had all these things I was going to talk about in this post but I had to go and forget what I was going to say. Perhaps I was distracted by my brother and the puppy he and his wife picked up today. I mean he’s pretty distracting right?

Charlie (front), stealin' the limelight from unnamed pup (that little guy in the back)

As I booked a ticket yesterday to go home at the end of March to watch my brother compete in a half Ironman (weak sauce), visit my grandfather and spend the first seder with him and my family and hopefully meet the new puppy (who doesn’t have a name yet) I realized that I have spent more nights in Southern California in 2010 than I probably did in all of 2009. Now, I don’t want to say that this trend will continue but I’m guessing this trip at the end of March won’t be the last (actually, I know it won’t since Lor is getting married in October). Moral of the story… I’m kind of tired of traveling 450 miles by plane and vow to travel a lot further by plane before the year is out. Oh, and by further I’m not talking New York or Hawaii (that’s child’s play) I’m talking South America, Asia who knows. Ok, this information really has nothing to do with nothing. But seeing as I forgot what I was going to write about, this is going to have to suffice.

Tuesday, March 2nd
@ 7pm
- Seth Grahame-Smith, author, will be at Book Soup talking about and signing copies of his book Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. This event will actually be the book release party for it seeing as it is being released on the 2nd. You know may know Mr. Grahame-Smith as he’s actually the author of the highly popular Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Rather than try and tell you what this book is about I thought it would be a lot more fun to entertain you by showing you the book trailer for the book (yes, book trailers actually exist). Seriously, it’s fun and funny and worth watching

Friday, March 5th
@ 6pm
- Cathleen Falsani, author, will be talking about her book The Dude Abides: The Gospel According to the Coen Brothers at Laguna Beach Books. If your unfamiliar with the Coen Brothers, I don’t know what to tell you. I guess I would suggest that you immediately stop reading this and go rent The Big Lebowski and Fargo. The book itself checks out the existential elements that are present in the movies created by the brothers. Umm, don’t really know what to say about this one, I suppose if you’re into white Russians and bowling, I think you’d like this book.

Saturday, March 6th
@ 7pm
- Ed Ruscha, artisit, will be at Book Soup where he’ll be signing a book titled Fifty Years of Painting. Ruscha is a pretty big name in the world of art and more specifically pop art. The book’s about the guy and his work, what more need be said? If you’re into his work check him out, if you’re unfamiliar with who he is, check him out. Just a suggestion.