2009 Winter Arts Preview – Books & Lectures

Cork Millner

This versatile S.B. author is releasing a new novel this winter, and will appear to discuss and sign the work. Fri., Jan. 16, 4pm. Tecolote Book Shop, 1470 E. Valley Rd. Call 969-4977 or visit corkmillner.com.

Keith Harmon Snow

In this lecture, The Political Economy of Genocide: Conflicts in Contemporary Africa, Keith Harmon Snow will discuss his experiences in Africa and provide an eyewitness perspective on genocide and war crimes. Tue., Jan. 27, 7:30pm. UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Call 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

The Second Half of Life

This Mind and Supermind event features Angeles Arrien, acclaimed expert on cross-cultural approaches to aging. Her newest book, The Second Half of Life, is the ultimate guide to transforming a potential midlife crisis into a moment of enlightenment. Mon., Feb. 2, 7:30pm. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Call 963-0761 or visit lobero.com.

Whisper in the Dark

Robert Gregory Browne will discuss and sign his newest book, Whisper in the Dark, a psychological thriller about a mysterious woman connected to a series of gruesome murders. Sat., Feb. 7, 2pm. Borders Books & Music, 900 State St. Call 899-3668.

The Sacred Marriage of the Masculine & Feminine

Think feminism is just for women? See Matthew Fox, author and social activist, discuss his perspective on how both men and women can improve their relations and the world, simultaneously. Mon., Feb. 9, 7:30pm. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Call 963-0761 or visit lobero.com.

Playwright Edward Albee

Just in time for Rubicon Theatre Company’s production of his play Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, world-renowned playwright Edward Albee will discuss theater’s contemporary trends. Thu., Feb. 12, 8pm. UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Call 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

Judicial Independence: Exploring the Dover Trial

Judge John Jones-in whose Dover, Pennsylvania, courtroom the famous “intelligent design” trial took place in 2005-will appear with author Edward Humes to discuss the court case. Sat., Feb. 14, 2pm. Fleischmann Auditorium, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta del Sol. Call 682-4711 x170 or visit artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

The Gamble

Washington Post journalist Tom Ricks has released his second book about the Iraq War, The Gamble: General David Petraeus and the American Military Adventure in Iraq, 2006-2008. He’ll discuss his perspective on the conflict. Sun., Feb. 22, 4pm. UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Call 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

Anthony Bourdain

Chef and TV star and personality Anthony Bourdain will appear to discuss his book, Kitchen Confidential. His biting wit is sure to hold the audience enthralled. Fri., Feb. 27, 8pm. Arlington Theatre. Call 963-4408.

Critic’s Pick: Sarah Vowell

This charismatic radio personality and bestselling author of five books will read aloud from her recently published historical work The Wordy Shipmates. The book, an exploration of how the early Puritan history of the United States continues to inform our present, is a fascinating mix of pop culture references and hard fact. Sun., Mar. 1, 7pm. UCSB’s Campbell Hall. Call 893-3535 or visit artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

The Second Book of the Tao

This discussion between author Stephen Mitchell and Scott London, a journalist and NPR radio host, will focus on Mitchell’s newest release, The Second Book of the Tao. Mon., Mar. 2, 7:30pm. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Call 963-0761 or visit lobero.com.

The How of Happiness

UC Riverside psychology professor, author, and multiple award winner Sonja Lyubomirsky will discuss her new book, The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want, which lays out her scientifically calculated method for achieving happiness. Mon., Mar. 9, 7:30pm. Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Call 963-0761 or visit lobero.com.