Pop-o-Matic

For several years in the late eighties/early nineties, my favorite one-hour block of television had to be Thursday nights at 8 p.m.—The Cosby Show followed by its spin-off, A Different World. For those who need a refresher, A Different World chronicled the lives of college students at historically black (and fictional) Hillman College.

Though an alumna of Washington, D.C.’s Howard Univesity, ADW’s producer, famed actress/choreographer/director Debbie Allen, brought her writers here every year to cull story ideas from the students and faculty of two of Atlanta’s historically black colleges, Spelman and Morehouse.

Another Atlanta connection? Lead actress Jasmine Guy—who portrayed snooty Southern belle Whitley, both foil and love of the bi-bespectacled Dwayne Wayne (both right)—was raised here (her father, William, is pastor emeritus of historic Friendship Baptist Church).

Though she has continued to act over the years, Guy is now trying her hand at directing. Beginning this Friday, August 22 (and running through August 31), Guy will helm the production of For Colored Girls Who Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf at the 14th Street Playhouse.

Here is a clip of an interview with Guy that 11Alive News ran this past Sunday. (Sorry, I can’t get the video to imbed here for some reason.) In the interview she describes the play as “the voice of black American women—the stories, the pain, the passion, the celebration of sisterhood.”

You can purchase tickets here.

Atlanta magazine senior staff writer (and Regator co-founder) Kimberly Turner

To be honest, I wasn't going to blog today—too dazed from too many nights up late reading (more on why in a blog post to come). But then an apropos-of-nothing press release flitted to my inbox that lifted my spirits in the most unintentional of ways, and I couldn't resist sharing.

I'm going to post the release below, without comment other than to say that WOW is right. If anyone needs me, I'll be walking "from the knees" and acting as if I "have a secret."

Thanks, Eve!!!!! (Pictured—"Eve at age 53"—at right for your benefit.)

The best parts of the release:

"This summer, whether it's shorts, mini-skirts, jeans, or dresses the go-to-shoe is the sexy high heel but Inspirational Beauty Coach, Eve Michaels has noticed that not every woman knows how to walk the walk in the go-to-shoe of the summer.

'The goal is to walk like a feminine, sexy woman. Sexy shoes won't do a thing for a woman if she stomps around town like a man,' states Eve Michaels. 'We need to celebrate being women and viva la difference!'

Eve Michaels

"WOW" Woman's Way To Walk In Sexy Shoes

1. Walk from the knees. Let your knees lead each leg, not the heel of the foot. This forces a woman to walk as if she's floating instead of stomping around the city.

2. Sway your hips! Nothing is more attractive to a man that (sic) seeing a woman gently sway her hips as she glides down the street in her diva heels.

3. Stand up straight, breasts held high, and smile! It helps to act as if you have a secret. A mischievous grin is drop dead sexy!

4. When you stop walking, bring you (sic) ankles together!! It's not pretty to stand with your legs so wide apart so a car could drive through like the Holland Tunnel!

5. Practice, practice, practice. The goal is to be light on your feet and enjoy being a sexy feminine woman in the city!!

If you haven’t heard already, Decatur’s Wordsmiths Books, which moved into the old SunTrust building earlier this year, is having financial problems. In addition to the current economic climate in general, the store is struggling with debt incurred from its old location and a recent, unprofitable event.

Through August 17 (and afterward, I’m sure, as well), Wordsmiths owner Zach Steele will be accepting donations via the bookstore’s website to help save the struggling shop. Benefactors may also mail a donation to the store (545 North McDonough Street, Decatur, Georgia, 30030) or—hey, here’s an idea!—stop by to buy a book instead of heading to the big box competitors (something I’m guilty of doing far too often). You can even become a “Friend of Wordsmiths” by making a $10, $50, $100, or $500 donation here (and you’ll also get some cool coupons, gifts, and discounts).

To help with the drive, Decatur-based Paste magazine and BabyGotBooks.com are sponsoring a “Saving Bookstores Is Awesome!!! Night of Awesome!!!!” fundraising event Friday, August 15 at the store (info at right). Writer Jack Pendarvis will read from his new robot-riddled book, Awesome; Atlanta indie rock band Sealions will perform; and a Silent Robot Auction will be held, “in which artisan robots of varying shapes, materials, and forms, handcrafted by local businesses, entities, celebrities, and individuals” will be auctioned (silently) to benefit Wordsmiths.

Wordsmiths, in fact, has gained a lot of attention for their in-store events, including author readings, musical performances, and launch parties, including one recently highlighted in this New York Times article.

You can follow along with their progress on the store’s blog here. Good luck, Wordsmiths!

Ready for a flashback? Check out Monica's video for “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)” below. It's still awesome ... I think an iTunes purchase is in order!