Posts tagged with "New book"

DAVID PARKER – NEW BOOK

A San Francisco Conservative Challenges Conventional Political Beliefs

The ancient wisdom of Euclid, Plato and Aristotle still applies today, suggests entrepreneur, investor and lifelong educator David Parker.

“I am a San Francisco conservative — a classical liberal, a classical conservative,” Parker said. “I am Apollo. Reason. All my friends and my family are romantic liberals. Compassion — from the heart. There’s a place for both in the world.”

Parker discusses both ends of the political spectrum and everything in between in his thought-provoking new book, A San Francisco Conservative: David Parker Essays Volume Two.

In it, Parker reminds readers that the timeless principles of economics are essential to the preservation of American democracy.

Parker went back to school at age 50 to gain a deeper understanding of these enduring ideas — and the missteps of nations that deviated from them — to write A San Francisco Conservative. Just as his first book, Income and Wealth, provided readers with a thought-provoking examination of the foundations on which this nation’s freedom rests, his latest book also serves as a message of reassurance and challenge to the conventional political thinking of the day. He calls it “a letter to progressives.”

The issues Parker addresses are those he has focused on for more than half a century, throughout his 40-year career as a teacher in San Francisco public schools. In A San Francisco Conservative, he reminds readers that “crises” have affected the American economy numerous times over the nation’s history — but they pass.

Parker provides well-researched support for his belief that economic opportunities always exist. He cautions that government leaders — especially those who identify themselves as progressives — are jeopardizing the very democracy that has produced prosperity.

Themes covered in A San Francisco Conservative range from education to taxes and the political process itself. Parker challenges the widespread belief that a “conservative” (whether a resident of San Francisco or elsewhere) lacks empathy or a personal commitment to help those who are less fortunate. Government programs supported by many in today’s progressive movement to counter this misunderstanding merely increase the nation’s deficit in dangerous ways, Parker says.

Parker began his career in education at the age of 24 and served students at San Francisco’s inner-city public elementary schools for four decades as a music teacher, followed by 10 years as a volunteer. While pursuing his career in education, Parker became a successful real estate investor. It was success in business that focused his writing, teaching and career as a professional musician. Parker spent 20 years as a member of the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra, then 20 years as leader of the Dave Parker Sextet, which twice headlined the San Francisco Fillmore Jazz Festival. His essays have been featured in The Economist, The Financial Times and prestigious law journals.

Scheduled to coincide with the publication of David Parker’s playfully titled newest book, A San Francisco Conservative, a new podcast series sharing that title showcases Parker’s views on the proper role of government and how individuals can arrange for the principles of a free-market economy to work in their favor. As the podcast’s co-host, longtime journalist Tom Martin, has noted, “David Parker’s scholarly approach to the study of political economy provides much-needed historical context to important topics dominating the news, including the progressives’ call for dramatically increased government spending.”

For more information, please visit David Parker Essays ( HERE) and David Parker Sextet (HERE).

A San Francisco Conservative: David Parker Essays Volume Two

Publisher: Waterside Productions

ISBN-10: ‎1956503064

ISBN-13: ‎978-1956503067

Available from Amazon.com and anywhere books are sold

JLF ARCHITECTS

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JLF Architects Announces May 2022 Release of New Book “Foundations” Published by Rizzoli and Featuring 16 Stunning Legacy Houses

JLF Architects’ announces the publication of “Foundations: Houses by JLF Architects” (Rizzoli New York), debuting on May 3, 2022, and offering an in-depth look at 16 spectacular homes designed by the Bozeman, Montana-based firm in Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Idaho and New York. The 256-page coffee-table book, already receiving media acclaim, features 200 photographs of JLF-designed houses, thoughtfully sited amid breathtaking scenery and rooted in regional history, materials and methods.

JLF Architects announces the May 3, 2022, publication of the firm’s new book “Foundations: Houses by JLF Architects.” Published by Rizzoli New York, written by Seabring Davis with JLF Design Build and with some 200 photographs by Audrey Hall, “Foundations” highlights 16 stunning JLF-designed houses set amid remarkable scenery in the mountains, on the water, in the forest and the foothills of Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Idaho and New York.

“Breathtaking houses that are built lovingly with noble materials and heritage methods, always presented in profound conversation with nature,” writes Rizzoli about the book, which has already received accolades from “BigLife” magazine in a feature on the “Modern Artifact” Park City house from the book in its recent Spring 2022 issue. And “Big Sky Journal HOME” applauds JLF Architects as the “esteemed firm [that] brings decades of experience to bear on rustic and modern design solutions” in its review of the book.

From their first project some 40 years ago, challenged with creating a Montana cabin to match existing log structures on a century-old homestead property, JLF pioneered the idea of reusing old materials. “Reclaiming the wood and rebuilding it into a new form kindled a movement in American architecture,” they write in the introduction to “Foundations.” “The early work stirred a revival of craft that launched JLF’s time-honored design-build philosophy … The authenticity of materials with their natural blemishes worn by axes, adzes, boot heels, horse hooves, and the elements seemed to belong to the Montana landscape. The buildings appeared as if they had always been there, enduring and timeless.”

JLF has taken its history-rich designs in increasingly contemporary directions in recent years, continually pushing its own limits to lead the way in what has become known as Rustic Modern or Mountain Modern design. Bringing a fresh contemporary approach to Old-World materials and methods, these JLF legacy houses retain the connections to regional history and the land that resonate deeply with homeowners, combining the highest level of artisanal craftsmanship with up-to-the-minute sustainable technology. As “Foundations” states, “Building a legacy house – large or small – with purpose is the definitive reward … we build houses that weather time, traditions, trends, and generations with practical grace.”

“BigLife” spotlights a spectacular Park City, Utah, project by JLF in “Building Dreams.” Appropriately featured in the magazine’s PLACE section, it recognizes the firm’s commitment to designing in concert with specific history and landscape since that first cabin design in 1979, which it calls “an origin story of resourcefulness and a pitch-perfect sense of place.” “BigLife” writes, “JLF has become renowned for the way that their projects are at home in their environs,” adding that the Park City house “perfectly marries the authenticity of place with a modern sensibility” and that the new book “Foundations” “offers insight into the intentionality that goes into each JLF project.”

“Big Sky Journal” reviews “Foundations” in its just-out popular annual HOME issue, writing of JLF Architects “working to build in partnership with the land through environmentally responsible, artful design” and sharing a quote from the new book to summarize the philosophy of the firm that has become known for creating “brand-new 100-year-old houses”: “The most sustainable thing we can do is design a house that will still be here in a hundred years, a place where people can gather for generations to come.”

“Foundations: Houses by JLF Architects” includes a foreword by writer, filmmaker and conservationist John Heminway, who similarly captures the mystique of a JLF house: “A home should be right in every way. It should impress, not through grandeur but through simplicity, authority, and grace. Ideally, it is located, designed, and crafted so thoughtfully that it appears the only imaginable structure for the landscape. Let others erect castles, as long as JLF can build you a home where, inside and out, you will feel better, be better … the home of the heart.”

About JLF Architects:

With over 40 years of experience, JLF Architects, pioneers in building houses with reclaimed antique timber and indigenous stone, continue as leaders in creating sustainable legacy houses that contrast rustic materials with the best of contemporary design. The award-winning Bozeman, Montana-based firm with offices in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Park City, Utah, applies distinctive solutions and Old-World techniques to create place-based houses closely aligned with the natural world and honoring history, from the Rocky Mountains to the Eastern Seaboard. Winners of “Mountain Living” Home of the Year, the JLF Architects and Big-D Signature design-build team unites passionate architects with dedicated builders to enable the collective imagination of visionary artisans working with visionary clients. For more information go HERE and follow JLF on Instagram and Pinterest.

Dollyverse

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Leading up to the eagerly awaited releases of her original novel, Run, Rose, Run, co-written with best-selling author James Patterson, and its companion album, global superstar and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee Dolly Parton is partnering with FOX Entertainment’s Blockchain Creative Labs (BCL) to launch Dollyverse—an audience-centric Web3 experience, at the South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conference and Festivals starting next week.

To promote the debut of Run, Rose, Run, Parton will make her first-ever appearance at SXSW on March 18, when she and Patterson will speak about the project at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater. Emmy and Golden Globe Award nominee Connie Britton (The White Lotus, Nashville, Friday Night Lights) will moderate the conversation with Parton and Patterson. Immediately afterwards, she will give a live performance featuring songs from Run, Rose, Run, along with a few of her hits. Scheduled to open for Parton and Patterson are Kovic, Callie Twisselman, Electra Mustaine, and The Brothers Moore. The entire event will be streamed live for free on “Dollyverse” by Eluvio, which also will power the “Dollyverse’s” NFT sales.

The “Dollyverse” will release an exclusive selection of official and certified Dolly NFT collectibles, including limited-edition NFTs of the Run, Rose, Run music album and a limited series of Dolly-inspired NFT artwork, for purchase during and after SXSW. In-person attendees at Parton’s performance will be able to claim a free NFT, while fans streaming the event will be able to receive tokens authenticating their participation.

“There’s almost nothing more important to me than connecting with my fans. And I’m almost always up for trying something new and different,” said Parton. “I’d say releasing NFTs at my first-ever appearance at SXSW, with James Patterson by my side, definitely counts as new and different!”

“Yet again Dolly is at the top of her craft,” said Danny Nozell, Parton’s manager. “Her goal with new music has always been to use her gifts to connect with people. This partnership with BCL at SXSW, and the launch of ‘Dollyverse,’ provide her a totally new way to do that.”

“I am a huge Dolly Parton fan. Who isn’t? She is a national treasure, whose important contributions to the world transcend her incredible work as an entertainer,” said Scott Greenberg, CEO of BCL. “Dolly is a true pioneer who brings the highest level of quality, heart and authenticity to everything she touches, which is why she’s the perfect person to introduce to the mainstream audience an easy-to-use, Web3 experience that will live stream her SXSW event and provide them the opportunity own and enjoy her music — not just a right to stream it – all designed to bring Dolly even closer to her fans.”

“Dolly Parton’s participation in SXSW 2022 fulfills one of our longtime goals and we’re absolutely ecstatic to have her involved in this year’s event in such a unique way,” said Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer for SXSW. “Beyond her legendary status in the music industry, Dolly embodies the SXSW spirit as she extends her unique brand of creativity across many verticals. Most importantly, Dolly serves as an inspirational and unifying role model for millions of fans—spanning different ages, occupations, and viewpoints–-from all over the world.”

Kel Mitchell × Blessed Mode

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Emmy-nominated actor, comedian, pastor and author Kel Mitchell released his new book Blessed Mode on December 14, 2021. Blessed Mode currently is the #1 new release and #1 best seller in youth Christian ministry. The book follows Kel’s moving 90-day challenge where he believes that when you place focus your faith and trust in God, blessings will follow.

Starring in Nickelodeons’ Kenan & Kel, All That and feature film Good Burger, Kel has had a vast career in the entertainment industry. Now, in his new book, Kel shares his spiritual side with the world. Kel personally knows the battles of depression and addiction, but aims to communicate that power he found through God’s presence. Kel trusts in the freedom and blessings that he believes comes from his relationship with his faith in God. Kel aims to share his testimony of hope with the next generation, and even serves as a youth pastor at Spirit Food Christian Center.

In Blessed Mode, Kel offers 90 strong devotions to support his audience, including:

Find freedom in God’s life-changing presence.
Experience God’s power through prayer.
Recognize God’s many gifts in your life.
Share the blessings you’ve received with others.

Kel speaks on the book, stating, “As you read through the pages of Blessed Mode, you will learn that in every emotional wall there is a blessed way out! You will be breaking through these walls widening that crack of light a little bit, day by day, so you can discover God’s blessings on you. I hope this book can inspire others to embrace their blessings and find strength spiritually, mentally and physically! Life is a beautiful blessing giving to us by God! I cannot wait to show the world this side of me and how to activate BLESSED MODE!!”

You can order Blessed Mode on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Target, Christian Book and Cokesbury.

Nikki Sixx – The First 21

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Mötley Crüe and Sixx:A.M. founder Nikki Sixx is now a four-time New York Times best-selling author with his new book, THE FIRST 21: How I Became Nikki Sixx entering the coveted list at #8 on the Hardcover chart and #11 on the Combined Print And Ebook List. THE FIRST 21 joins Nikki Sixx’s other three bestsellers, The Heroin Diaries, This Is Gonna Hurt, and the Mötley Crüe biography, The Dirt: Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band. In addition, THE FIRST 21 also quickly rose to Amazon’s bestsellers list since its release on October 19, occupying the top spot on Amazon’s rock music books chart and in the Top 40 overall biographies and memoirs chart. THE FIRST 21 is also #22 on the USA Today’s best-selling books top 150 list, as well as #9 on Canada’s The Globe and Mail bestsellers list, evident of the book’s global appeal.

“I am such a fan of books and storytelling,” said Nikki Sixx. “The whole process is extremely creative from the beginning to the end, which allowed me to open up candidly in the memoir about addiction, sobriety and reflect about the formative years of my life, while unpacking the complicated childhood that had some twists and turns along the way. I am really happy THE FIRST 21 connected with people in such a deep way.”

THE FIRST 21: How I Became Nikki Sixx is available at book sellers everywhere including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, INDIEBOUND, BOOKSHOP, HUDSON BOOKSELLERS, Powell’s, Target, and Walmart, among others. Fans can also listen to the latest release of his band Sixx:A.M, SIXX:A.M. HITS via Better Noise Music. The album serves as a companion piece to the book. The album debuted at #2 on the iTunes Metal in the US (#2 Rock), UK, Canada and Australia, as well as top 10 in numerous other countries. For more information, please visit: www.hachettebooks.com, or www.TheFirst21Book.com for the book and www.betternoise.com for the album.

About THE FIRST 21: How I Became Nikki Sixx:

Rock-and-roll icon and three-time bestselling author Nikki Sixx tells his origin story: how Frank Feranna became Nikki Sixx, chronicling his fascinating journey from irrepressible Idaho farm boy to the man who formed the revolutionary rock group Mötley Crüe.

Nikki Sixx is one of the most respected, recognizable, and entrepreneurial icons in the music industry. As the founder of Mötley Crüe, who is now in his twenty-first year of sobriety, Sixx is incredibly passionate about his craft and wonderfully open about his life in rock and roll, and as a person of the world. Born Franklin Carlton Feranna on December 11, 1958, young Frankie was abandoned by his father and partly raised by his mother, a woman who was ahead of her time but deeply troubled. Frankie ended up living with his grandparents, bouncing from farm to farm and state to state. He was an all-American kid—hunting, fishing, chasing girls, and playing football—but underneath it all, there was a burning desire for more, and that more was music. He eventually took a Greyhound bound for Hollywood.

In Los Angeles, Frank lived with his aunt and his uncle—the president of Capitol Records—for a short time. But there was no easy path to the top. He was soon on his own. There were dead-end jobs: dipping circuit boards, clerking at liquor and record stores, selling used light bulbs, and hustling to survive. But at night, Frank honed his craft, joining Sister, a band formed by fellow hard-rock veteran Blackie Lawless, and formed a group of his own: London, the precursor of Mötley Crüe. Turning down an offer to join Randy Rhoads’s band, Frank changed his name to Nikki London, Nikki Nine, and, finally, Nikki Sixx. Like Huck Finn with a stolen guitar, he had a vision: a group that combined punk, glam, and hard rock into the biggest, most theatrical, and irresistible package the world had ever seen. With hard work, passion, and some luck, the vision manifested in reality—and this is a profound true story of finding identity, of how Frank Feranna became Nikki Sixx. It’s also a road map to the ways you can overcome anything, and achieve all your goals, if only you put your mind to it.

A Little Spark

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By: Merilee Kern

Whether gifting for the holidays, a birthday, Valentine’s Day or “just because,” children’s literature is a timeless gift that can impact the recipient, families and society at-large in meaningful ways. This truth is exemplified with “A Little Spark ” children’s book authored by Chris Parsons—a truly unique title that was recently awarded the prestigious Mom’s Choice Award Gold Medal for best in family-friendly media. Fittingly so, as this distinctive interactive, read-along chapter book is centered around the noble theme of finding, and doing, good in the world.

A Little Spark is redefining children’s literature by driving its overarching message home by combining a compelling narrative and cast of identifiable characters with full color illustrations; a custom-scored musical soundtrack of original songs like this accessible through QR Codes while reading the book; an audiobook featuring delightful performances; fun on-and-offline activities; and invaluable life lessons that are highlighted throughout each chapter. It’s a heartening activity to enjoy with young children, grandchildren and students.

To complement the beautifully illustrated 160-page chapter book, Parsons collaborated with renowned music producer Bruce Faulconer to develop the full album with an original soundtrack and accompanying audiobook. “Lyrics range from playful to heartwarming and, in one instance, even a bit ominous,” noted Faulconer. “The music keeps the reader poised and, at times, thrillingly on the edge of their seat. We worked with an amazing group of performers and have created something truly special that’s resonating with kids and adults, alike.”

Enhancing the read-along story and the various audio components, A Little Spark also comes complete with a free companion online Resource Library available at BeThatSpark.com, which boasts over 50 book-related family activities like coloring pages, character puppets, word searches, mazes, dance videos, character drawing video tutorials and more. A “Parent’s Guide” is also available to help plan and optimize the overall experience.

“Parents, grandparents, caregivers and educators are indelibly seeking great content to engage with kids, and A Little Spark is written with purpose and intention toward that end,” said Parsons. “The storyline, and the various lessons embedded throughout, underscore that even the smallest creature can make the biggest difference. This takeaway message is especially important for young, impressionable children to hear because they so badly want to be seen and heard…in today’s culture more than ever.”

“Children’s literature is a powerful force that can shape and nurture the minds of kids,” continued Parsons. “In the case of A Little Spark, the combination of a great story, captivating illustrations and rich characters—in combination with mood-inducing music—can truly engage young minds in an impactful and immediate way. It’s one that not only entertains and inspires young audiences, but also helps them develop critical thinking skills and encourages a sense of adventure and the confidence to take that first step.”

As per the Mom’s Choice Award, “A Little Spark is an innovative, inspiring, and entertaining tale about unlikely comrades who join forces on a quest to defeat a threatening enemy. A little Spark reminds us that, to awaken our passion and spirit, we all need something in life to make the world be a warmer place, and to always look for ways to ‘Be That Spark.’”

Working in partnership with a teacher advisory group, the “Be That Spark” elementary education pilot program launched this October in multiple first grade classrooms. This one-of-a-kind scholastic program combines the book, music and all of the related material into a formal academic lesson plan designed to provide a fun, inspiring experience for educators and their students. The Be That Spark program includes a focus on helping students develop positive character traits based on the characters and lessons from the book. It aligns with U.S. standards by creating meaningful and challenging lessons for students intended to increase their reading, listening and comprehension skills.

“Our panel of judges really felt this book merited a place on our list of the best in family-friendly media products that parents and educators can feel confident in using,” said Dawn Matheson, CEO, Mom’s Choice Awards. Other accolades include A Little Spark earning its place as an Amazon new release best-seller in a number of categories, including #1 in Children’s Music Books.

Moving – The Atlantic

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In this first volume of Remember the Internet, a series that tells a complete history of the Internet, one book at a time, journalist Ana Valens introduces us to the erotic gifs, hashtag fetish fan art, and sex worker resource blogs that combined to transform Tumblr into the vanguard of a user-generated sexual revolution. As she tells the story of her own online sexual and political awakening, Valens investigates how Tumblr’s technical architecture made it a convenient laboratory for social justice and sexual freedom, one that would ultimately clash with the government’s crackdown on sexuality online. 2021.

In the second Volume, Not just anyone can join the most elite Tori Amos tape trading webring of 1998. In a world before “search” and “social media,” teenage Megan Milks has what it takes, negotiating two-to-one trades of rare concert audio with some of the most intense “ears with feet” in the Toriverse, using their living room computer to navigate fandom friendships haunted with nascent queer meaning. In this new volume of Remember the Internet, Milks leads us through a world of bootleg concert recording on DATs and USEnet meetups, a world still inventing the rules for being with one another online: bring references, bring blanks.

Available September 21, 2021

In the third volume, Google Glass was supposed to replace phones and PCs, becoming the peripheral that turned the internet itself into a bodily function, making the instant overlay of real-time information into a new organic language. Where did everything go wrong? Was it the unchecked hubris of Big Tech, which had become addicted to solving problems that didn’t exist using grandiose solutions with prohibitive price tags? Was it a tone deaf marketing campaign that failed to take into account the secret loathing of Silicon Valley’s haughty elites? Or was it simply too early, a product before its time like the Palm Pilot or disco? Journalist Quinn Myers gets the inventors, users, developers, detractors, lovers, haters, models, and members all on the record in this slim new entry in the Remember the Internet series. NOT AVAILABLE FOR GOOGLE GLASS.

Available November 16, 2021

In the fourth volume, On Myspace, Noor al-Sibai is a scene queen: artfully curated and presented to rise to the top of the top 8. Off of it, she’s a teenager: dealing with trauma both personal and political, bad relationships, and understanding the ways in which the new world of social media is changing her relationship to each of these. In this new installment of Remember the Internet, Noor al-Sibai tells the story of growing up on Myspace as part of the first generation to come of age online.

Available Spring 2022

KO Média – ELLE DECORATION CANADA

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KO Média is excited to unveil the fall issue of ELLE Decoration Canada featuring a new way of imagining your dream home by designer Nicholas Ancerl. Crestwood, described as “a dramatic home among the treetops” of Barrie, Ontario, has yet to be built. Instead, it has been brought to life with 23 photo-realistic renders. “The contemporary interiors will have a rustic touch and a neutral colour palette,” Ancerl explains. “We want the colours of nature, seen through the expansive windows, to dominate the interiors.” When asked about setting expectations too high for homeowners with such stunning renders, the designer assures: “Nothing can take away from the experience of actually stepping into a real space.”

This edition is imbued with a desire to create bright, airy living spaces that are both functional and serene. Included are Toronto-based architect Anya Moryoussef’s transformation of a single-car garage into a modern workspace inspired by traditional Italian studiolos; a prefabricated house reimagined by architect Alain Carle to capture the natural play of light and shade throughout the day; an architectural firm’s ingenious use of every nook and cranny in a tiny Vancouver home brimming with joie de vivre; and wood-and-glass containers fashioned by a Montreal couple to give their Old Port loft structure without sacrificing any natural light.

In the spirit of the season, Athena Calderone, author of Cook Beautiful, shares recipes that capture the tones, textures and tastes of fall and tips for creating the ultimate autumn table settings. Readers will also find a curated list of outdoor armchairs, loungers and swings from which to soak up the sun, and patio heaters in all shapes and sizes for the chilly months to come.

We caught up with Quebec native Philippe Malouin, creator of the Hanger chair, to find out how he continues to keep things simple after being listed among the world’s 100 top designers by Architectural Digest. Designer Montana Labelle offers advice for combining elegance and simplicity from her newly opened Lifestyle Studio in Toronto; and Quebecer Danielle Carignan, a pioneer in the personal organizer profession, shares tips to declutter your space and your life.

And for those seeking an escape, this issue has everything from top coffee makers for a meditative morning routine; to a seaside hospitality complex in Iran that blends seamlessly into the blazing red, yellow and orange rock formations of Hormuz Island.

The fall issue of ELLE Decoration Canada will hit stands and Apple News+ today.

The Town Hall × The Boys

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The Town Hall has announced a special evening with brothers Ron Howard and Clint Howard as they reflect on their new book The Boys. The live evening, moderated by Malcolm Gladwell will take place on October 12 at 7PM at The Town Hall the same day The Boys is released.

What was it like to grow up on TV? is not a question most of us know the answer to, but Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard and fan-favorite actor Clint Howard do. The brothers rose to fame on popular shows of the 1960s and 70s like Happy Days, The Andy Griffith Show, and Gentle Ben. At The Town Hall, they chat about their new dual memoir The Boys, in which they reflect on the importance of family and share memories of their extraordinary childhood spent on sound stages, hanging out with Hollywood legends like Andy Griffith, and working with trained bears. Theyߣll also dig deeper, examining the industry with the perspective of life experience behind them.

Tickets prices, which include a copy of The Boys are $47-$52 and are available at

The evening is presented in partnership with Strand Bookstore and is also providing copies of The Boys.

After the last year and a half of working on this book, I am really looking forward to sitting with Clint and Malcolm at Town Hall to dive into our life experiences, as well as share all that we have learned throughout this process, said Ron Howard.

Clint Howard agreed. Writing a memoir with my brother has been an awesome experience and kicking off our book tour in New York City is a dream come true.

We are excited to welcome Ron and Clint Howard to The Town Hall to discuss their book The Boys, said Artistic Director Melay Araya. This is an exciting opportunity for audiences to get a peek behind the scenes of Hollywood from two these two prolific men and to see that while their family’s circumstances may have been different, they have gone through some of the same struggles and triumphs that many families do. Our goal at The Town Hall is to welcome important voices commenting on the American experience, and we know this evening will be fun and enlightening.

With the perspective of time and success Ron as a filmmaker, producer, and Hollywood A-lister, Clint as a busy character actor the Howard brothers delve deep into an upbringing that seemed normal to them yet was anything but. Their Midwestern parents, Rance and Jean, moved to California to pursue their own showbiz dreams. But it was their young sons who found steady employment as actors. Rance put aside his ego and ambition to become Ron and Clint’s teacher, sage, and moral compass. Jean became their loving protector sometimes over-protector from the snares and traps of Hollywood.

By turns confessional, nostalgic, heartwarming, and harrowing, The Boys is a dual narrative that lifts the lid on the Howard brothers’ closely held lives. It’s the journey of a tight four-person family unit that held fast in an unforgiving business and of two brothers who survived child-actor syndrome to become fulfilled adults.

Interview with Dean Karnazes

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Dean Carnazes is a marathon runner known for serious feats of endurance. He recently wrote a book, Runner’s High: A Life in Motion, about running and his experience as a marathon runner. I got the chance to speak with Dean about his marathon career and Runner’s High.

What was your favorite experience while running?

While I was running across the country—from LA to NYC—I got a call from the White House saying that Michelle Obama wanted me to stop in to say hi. Prank call was my first reaction. But it was real. I’ll never forget running down the hallway of the White House and out to the South Lawn to meet with the first lady. She welcomed me with a hug and said, “It’s such an honor to meet you.” I’m not making this up.

What is your favorite part of the marathon experience?

The pain and the struggle. You remember the joyful moments, but the tough moments leave a more indelible imprint.

Do you have a marathon that you particularly liked?

How long is the interview? (laughter) I’ve run hundreds of marathons and each is memorable in it’s own way. I once ran 50 marathons, in all 50 states, in 50 consecutive days. That experience in its totality was quite extraordinary.

Do you have a favorite place to run?

Greece. I’m 100% Greek and Greece is the birthplace of the marathon. It doesn’t get more real than that.

What athletes do you particularly admire?

The back of the packers struggling to reach the finish line before the cutoff. Sure, I admire the elite, but watching the last place finisher is more inspiring.

I’ve been in a 2-week quarantine in a hotel in Sydney in preparation for this crazy 1,000-mile run across Australia, so I’ve been watching a lot of the Tokyo Olympics. In fact, I’ve probably watched more television in the past two weeks than I’ve watched in the past two years!

Are there any Olympic athletes, in the most recent Tokyo Olympics, that you were particularly impressed by?

So many of the athletes impress me. But I think what impressed me the most this Olympics’ was Simone Biles withdrawal because of mental health concerns. She is such a dominant force but she became very human in showing her vulnerability.

How do you feel about energy drinks and other products that may change/enhance athletes’ performance?

Athletes will always seek anything that can provide an edge. So long as it is not a banned substance, I’m okay with it.

What, in your opinion, is your biggest accomplishment as a runner?

The fact that I am still just as passionate about running as I was when I first started. The stoke is still there after all these years.

What was it like to write a book about something you’re so passionate about like running?

To capture my authentic running voice, I do a lot of writing while I run (by dictating into my phone). People say I truthfully capture the essence of running in my writing, and that’s because at a time when I’m experiencing the thoughts, feelings and emotions of a runner I’m taking note. To put that passion into words makes compelling reading.

Are you happy with the way people have spoken about your book thus far?

I got an email from a gentleman this morning who said he had intended to read a couple chapters of my book last night before going to bed. Five hours later he finished the book, he told me. Then, he said, he got up. He just had to go on a run.

Yes, I’m happy with the way people have spoken about my book. That message says it all.