Author Carlos Moore will host an event in Atlanta this Sunday to celebrate the release of his new memoir "Pichón: Race and Revolution in Castro’s Cuba" (Lawrence Hill Books, an imprint of Chicago Review Press, November 2008).
Moore will give a joint presentation about race in Cuba with Afro-Cuban painter Tomás Esson. The event is free and open to the public, and takes place on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Hammonds House Gallery (503 Peeples Street, SW, Atlanta, GA 30310).
"Pichón" is a compelling autobiography that reveals Moore’s lifelong resistance to the official denial of the racial realities he perceived in Cuba. It’s particularly timely considering that President-elect Obama’s intended initiatives to loosen travel restrictions and consider direct talks with Cuba would be a significant change to U.S. foreign policy.

(Full article and comments)

This weekend is ICE 8, the best holiday shopping in Atlanta!

This year, ICE has over 100 vendors from all over the country selling amazing handcrafted items. (Full article and comments)

I’m a lesbian planning on marrying my partner in the spring of next year. When we wed, we (under current laws) will not be able to obtain a marriage certificate, nor will we qualify for the hundreds of tax benefits granted to straight married couples in this country. If one of us ends up in the ICU section of the hospital where only immediate family is allowed, we might be denied access to be there for our loved one. If a tragedy should occur and major medical decisions must be made for one of us, our marriage will not automatically grant us the right to have our pleas to keep the other one on life support recognized, should our families disagree. We will have to jump through ridiculous hoops to change my last name to hers, and when we have children, our family will have to be closely examined to determine if my wife can adopt the children I bore. Gay adoption isn't even allowed in Cobb County, where we were living, hence our recent move to Fulton.

This is the state of Georgia, where gays and lesbians are treated like second-class citizens and denied the basic right of marriage to the ones we love. It’s been my hope that we will evolve to be like California and grant gays and lesbians the rights to marry.

But with the recent overturning of Proposition 8, the proposed amendment to the California State Constitution that would eliminate same-sex couples’ right to marry, everything seems in jeopardy. On a historic day when America got its first black president and the civil rights movement for African-Americans advanced beyond many people’s wildest dreams, the basic rights for the GLBT community was snatched away from us. It sickens me, and I’m beyond sad.

The decisions made in California directly impact us in Georgia and everywhere else. Atlantans are gathering this weekend to support gay equality with organized events, and I encourage everyone who believes in civil rights to attend.

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community will be joined by friends, families and allies to support gay marriage equality at two events scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008. At 1:30 p.m, a protest will take place at the Georgia State Capitol. A candlelight vigil will follow at 5PM at the corner of 10th St. and Piedmont Ave.

The protest and vigil will be part of the nation-wide efforts coordinated by grassroots-organization Join the Impact. The events will show solidarity in support of LGBTQ equality and in opposition to Proposition 8.

For the LGBTQ community and its supporters, last week’s historic election was undercut by the disheartening reality that 52 percent of Californians voted to take away civil rights for same-sex couples. Currently in the United States, same-sex couples in long-term, committed relationships are denied over 1,000 benefits and protections granted to their married counterparts. For example, they are denied the right to visit a hospitalized partner, the right to Social Security survivor benefits, and the right to unpaid leave from work to take care of an ill spouse.

Vigil organizer Scott Touchstone stated, “It is fundamentally unfair and unconstitutional to deny to some citizens the rights and protections given to others.”

Organizers want both the protest and the vigil to be peaceful shows of support for California’s LGBTQ community and a step in the right direction for ensuring that all Americans are treated fairly.

Join the Impact invites all Atlantans who believe in justice for the LGBTQ community to bring a sign (less than 2”x2”) to the protest at the State Capitol at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 15 and a candle to the vigil at the corner of 10th St. and Piedmont Ave.

For more, visit www.jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/page/Georgia.

(Full article and comments)

Best Buy is looking for consumers in 25 cities to share how Black Friday shopping is an important holiday tradition for them and their family, and what kinds of rituals they have to make the morning after Thanksgiving an enjoyable kick off to the holiday season. (Full article and comments)

There are many theories about the famous red sole of the shoes created by Parisian designer Christian Louboutin. Most say the red soles of the luxury shoes came about after Louboutin grabbed a bottle of red nail polish from an assistant who was doing her nails nearby and painted the soles. But sources close to the designer say he originally got his inspiration at a much younger age, before he even began designing shoes. Find out for yourself this Friday from 1-4 p.m. at Jeffrey in Phipps Plaza where M. Louboutin makes his first visit to the ATL to meet, greet and sign red soles for the shoe-enviable. Recession? Yes. Great Depression No. 2? Maybe, but Jeffrey manager Don Purcell is anticipating a footwear-feeding frenzy, even at price points hovering around $1,000 a pair. Ooh la la!
Jeffrey is located inside Phipps Plaza at 3500 Peachtree Road NE, 404-237-9000. (Full article and comments)

If you're heading to Atlantic Station this week for Taste of Atlanta (and why wouldn't you be?), don't forget to stop by The Sunday Paper booth to say hello and perhaps walk away with gift certificates courtesy of Half-Off Depot. See you there! (Full article and comments)

Facing the music is hard. With the sinking economy and the price of eggs skyrocketing, life is no walk in the park these days. But getting down and out won't help anyone, especially not you. It's time to pull yourself up by the bootstraps and laugh, dammit. And you can do it on the cheap, too. The Village Theatre, the hotly anticipated new improv comedy destination, premieres this Friday, Oct. 3, with another performance Saturday, Oct. 4. The shows are just 10 bucks. A totally affordable, hilarious night out for friends, couples and first dates, too.
When: Fridays and Saturdays, 8:30 p.m. (The company will add Thursdays to its repertoire beginning Oct. 9.)
Where: The Village Theatre, 486 Decatur St., Atlanta, GA 30312 (next to Lenny's Bar, between Inman Park and Cabbagetown)
How: Tickets are $10. Purchase via phone (404-688-8858), e-mail (villagecomedy@gmail.com) or at the door.
Why: It takes a village. (Full article and comments)

Head to Phipps Plaza Thursday, October 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. for the 80th anniversary celebration for Cole Haan, a premier luxury lifestyle brand offering men’s and women’s footwear, accessories and outerwear. Meet acclaimed jewelry designer Anna Sheffield, who recently designed two limited edition jewelry collections for Cole Haan, and Cole Haan’s CEO Jim Seuss, while enjoying cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a 20 percent discount off all merchandise.  (Full article and comments)

One of my favorite Southwestern dining destinations, Agave Restaurant, is having a fantastic Partida tequila tasting dinner tonight, Sept. 30, at 7 p.m. $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For reservations call Agave Restaurant at 404-588-0006 (242 Boulevard SE, www.agaverestaurant.com)

The menu:
The Elegante Tequila Dinner Featuring Partida Super Premium Tequilas & The Cuisine Of Chefs Jack Sobel & Richard Silvey

Seared Lamb Shank Taco with Hatch Chili with Sweet Yellow Corn Puree, Lobster & Poblano Sauce and a Smoked Jalepeno & Red Pepper Drizzle
served with Partida Blanco Traditional Margarita

Seared Gulf Shrimp in a Ginger, Butter & Cilantro Sauce over Arugula and Homemade Flatbread topped with Red Chili Oil & Citrus Crema
served with Fresh Fruit Mango & Partida Blanco Margarita with Partida Agave Nectar

Spicy Fall Chicken Soup with Pasta, Basil & Tortilla Strips
served with Partida Reposado Top Shelf Margarita

Chile Seared Wild Salmon over Fire Roasted & Crushed Local Heirloom Tomatoes & Baby Spinach topped with Fresh Lemon and Poblano Crema

served with Partida Perfecto Anejo

A Rich Chocolate Ganache and Caramel Torte with Belgian Chocolate Chips & Fresh Cream
served with a shot of the Exquisite Elegante

(Full article and comments)

The Melting Pot in Atlanta invites you to the 2nd annual Paint the Town charity event at Vinings Gallery to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  On September 19 and 20, 2008 from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m., guests will take part in an exquisite evening while experiencing the artistic innovations of Eric Waugh and Thomas Arvid, while sampling carefully selected wines, perfectly paired with tasty gourmet fare. 

Tickets are $50 per person for one evening and $125 per person for the VIP weekend. The VIP weekend is the premiere ticket to Paint the Town as it allows guests to have all access to each evening at 6 p.m. instead of 7 p.m., presenting the opportunity for intimate conversation with the artists. VIP ticket holders are also offered special cellar selection wines to reward the palate. In addition to the wine and the artist meet and greet, Paint the Town’s VIPs are invited to a private silent auction offering the most premiere items, while, of course, benefiting the patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Tickets are going fast! To purchase tickets online, please visit www.stjude.org/paintthetown.

(Full article and comments)