Arts

In 16 months he wrote it down, transferred it to his computer, added a bit, and finished it. Three months later he had a published copy of “His Failed Mistakes” and gained the title of youngest published black author in Los Angeles. In 10 months, he plans for his second book to be in stores.

A famous yet struggling fashion designer, a high-profile movie producer, and an esteemed editor make up the cast of characters on NBC’s new show “Lipstick Jungle,” but the only thing that makes this show sizzle is the sex.

The show, which premiered Feb. 7 at 9 p.

I want to be honest here. Writing this isn’t easy for me. The Mountain Goats occupy a unique and very personal section in my convoluted, cognitive filing system. The tab reads this: “Music That I Force Down People’s Throats Against Their Will.”

I’d like to think that I perform said music-pushing for the enjoyment of the pushee, but maybe a larger part is for my own selfish peace of mind.

Pinback has made quite a name for itself over the last years. The success of the band’s third full-length album, and particularly the single “Fortress,” propelled the San Diego-based duo into the limelight of popular radio. Steered by guitarists and vocalists Rob Crow (12-string guitar) and Zach Smith (baritone guitar), Pinback is now promoting its September release of “Autumn of the Seraphs.

To describe a young adult novel (or any novel, I suppose) as “sensitive,” “sincere” and “insightful,” might very well risk sounding as if you’re damning it with faint praise, not unlike recommending someone go on a blind date because the date “has a pleasant personality.

Walking into what seems like an empty corridor from afar in the Kennedy Library turns out to be an exhibit that provides a glimpse into a time where some Americans struggled to gain their civil rights.

“Snapshots of Equality,” a special month-long exhibit hosted by the Kennedy Library, is an attempt to endorse the preservation of both local and regional manuscript collections that recognize black history and events in honor of Black History Month.

A reggae show seldomly sells out at Downtown Brewing Co. It’s not too often that a tribute show – and one without an opener at that – can achieve the status of a sell-out show. But this is just what Sonoma-based Groundation did with its Bob Marley tribute last Friday.

Palms sweaty and unsure, I was suddenly painfully aware that walking into the auditorium with a notebook might have seemed a little odd. Taking quick action, I attempted to use the program as camouflage before the usher wondered why a lone guy would be taking notes at this performance.

I got down with the vagina, the hoo-ha, the pee-pee, the lulu, the nona and the pink taco on Saturday evening, and I was in the most wonderful of moods for the remainder of my night. I would have called myself an empowered female prior to my viewing of Eve Ensler’s “The Vagina Monologues,” but after attending the show I’ll never think of “down there” the same, nor should any of the males who were in attendance.

You may think you got the phrase that pays, but check again homie cuz your ways are played. One of the fastest and constantly changing trends is saying catchy, hot things. We spout funny lines from popular movies until they’re released on DVD. We drop lyrics from our favorite pop songs until they’re off the radio.

“Movement” is the self-proclaimed cause of the B-Side Players, a Latin-roots band originally from San Diego. Although they hail from the Golden State’s southern sector, the diverse background of its members is reflected in the many influences it uses to form its own brand of “movement.