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President's Letter

Dana Rooks, TLA President

It's been almost 40 years since the TLA Annual Conference was convened in Austin. In the interim, much has changed. As a city, Austin has grown dramatically; its night life, its music, and its culture have been transformed. At our State Capital, the issues and demands confronting our legislators in the current session seem a far cry from those of the 1960s. Certainly in professional terms, these changes almost seem incomprehensible at times and certainly beyond prediction at the last Austin conference.

In my 25 years in TLA (the last Austin conference even pre-dates me!), one of the best means of finding out what was coming and how I and my library could adapt to those changes was to attend, participate, and learn from my colleagues at the Texas Library Association Annual Conference.

As librarians in Texas, we are incredibly fortunate to have the ability to attend a conference with such quality content, noted speakers, infamous parties, expansive vendor support and exhibits, and unlimited networking.

The 2005 Conference Program and Local Arrangements Committees are composed of talented and dedicated individuals who have worked together for 18 months to develop a conference you will talk about, benefit from, and remember for years.

With the theme, "New Realities ­ New Directions," the Program Committee, the divisions, round tables, interest groups, and committees have developed bold and innovative programs that will help us find new directions to address many of the daunting and complex new realities we all face in our libraries.

The first general session will feature the renowned and respected journalist, news commentator, and author Cokie Roberts. Bertice Berry ­ acerbic and humorous teacher, social commentator, and inspirational speaker ­ will highlight the second general session.

Over 200 programs will offer everything from the practical to the provocative, from the inspirational to the innovative. Outstanding speakers from diverse arenas will offer new directions, new approaches, and new solutions.

Then after a full day of acting professionally, we turn each evening to what we do best ­ HAVING FUN. The Local Arrangements Committee, also known as the Potentates of Partying, have arranged fabulous evenings of fun. The Welcome Party will see librarians taking over the beautiful new Bob Bullock Museum for the evening. I somehow think the Lt. Governor would be very proud.

The President's Party will re-create a 6th Street atmosphere in the new Hilton Hotel. I was told the inhabitants of 6th Street thought it better to contain the librarians in one place. My, how reputations do spread!

On Wednesday we're planning a Rally at the Capitol. We want legislators to see the force of the library community as they deliberate in the biennial session. We need you to join us as we rally for the future of our libraries and those we serve.

These highlights do not begin to address the pre-conferences, the luncheons, the social gatherings, the awards, and the diversity of the EVENT called the TLA Annual Conference.

Take a moment to look through the preliminary program. Register and recruit your colleagues to attend. Participate, learn, share, network, and party. It's important for you, it's important for your library, and it's important for our profession.

See you in Austin!

    p l a n n i n g   g u i d e
hotel & airline reservations

This year's conference hotel will be the Hilton Austin Hotel. In addition, TLA has contracted with 11 other hotels to accommodate conferees.  The housing deadline for the 2005 Texas Library Association conference is Friday, March 11. You can make your hotel and airline reservations through several channels:

  1. Online: www.ambassadorstechnology.com/tla05
  2. Email: txla@ambassadors.com; please include
    contact information
  3. Fax: Return the enclosed completed form to 404-584-0685
  4. Mail: Return the enclosed completed form to address indicated on the housing form
  5. Phone: 800-243-1205 (US & Canada) or 404-584-7458 (International)

Exclusive airfare discounts for Texas Library Association attendees and exhibitors are available through the following companies:

  • Navigant Travel: 800-486-2213.  Mention Texas Library Association. Airline reservations made through Navigant travel will incur a one-time $33 surcharge.
  • American Airlines: 800-433-1790. Refer to File #8345AI

conference registration

To preregister, go online or complete a preregistration form and send it with payment to TLA. The form must be submitted electronically or postmarked by Friday, March 11. After that date, all forms will be returned to sender. Attendees who have not preregistered by this deadline must register onsite at a higher rate. No meal tickets will be sold onsite.

roommate service

Do you need a roommate to help with housing expenses for TLA's conference? TLA's roommate program will allow individuals to post and read messages via TLA's conference webpage, as well as to subscribe your email address to send and receive postings via roommates@txla.org.

getting to & around Austin

To find directions to Austin, visit www.mapquest.com. A map of the conference hotels and convention center can be found on this site. Maps of Austin can be downloaded from the convention and visitors bureau at www.austintexas.org/visit_gethere.html.

A convention center parking map can be found at www.austinconventioncenter.com/Maps/ParkingMap.htm. Handicap parking is available at any parking meter within the downtown area as long as a handicap sticker is displayed.

TLA Shuttle Service

TLA provides complimentary shuttle service to and from conference hotels (with the exception of the Hilton, Four Seasons, and Hampton Inn), the convention center, and selected off-site conference events. Hours of operation are:

  • Tuesday, April 5 6:30 am ­ 10:00 pm
  • Wednesday, April 6 6:30 am ­ 10:30 pm
  • Thursday, April 7 6:30 am ­ 11:00 pm
  • Friday, April 8 6:30 am ­ 4:00 pm

additional information

The Texas Library Association wishes to take any steps required to ensure that no individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated, or otherwise treated differently due to the absence of auxiliary aids and services identified in the Americans with Disabilities Act. If any such services are necessary in order for you to participate in the TLA Conference, please communicate your needs in advance by contacting Catherine Lee, director of administration, at catherinel@txla.org or 512/328-1518 ext. 20 by Friday, March 11. Persons who need specially designed or equipped hotel rooms should indicate their requirements on the housing request form on page 63.

volunteers

Volunteers are needed to assist the Local Arrangements Committee in several areas during the 2005 annual conference. If you're interested, complete and return a volunteer form. Volunteers should be willing to serve at least two hours during the annual conference. While librarians must be registered for the conference, paraprofessionals and support staff who are not registered for the annual conference will receive a complimentary exhibits-only pass for four hours of volunteer service.

exhibit hall regulations

The use of luggage carts, wheeled bags, or unoccupied baby strollers is prohibited in the exhibit halls. No carts, including those provided by exhibitors, will be allowed.

helpful numbers

  • Austin Convention Center: 512/404-4000
  • Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau: 512/474-5171
  • Austin Public Library Tel-Reference: 512/974-7400
  • Austin/Bergstrom International Airport: 512/530-2242
  • Ambassadors Services Group: 800/243-1205
  • Texas Library Association: 800/580-2852 or 512/328-1518; fax 512/328-8852; tla@txla.org; www.txla.org
   a t   c o n f e r e n c e
exhibits

TLA offers conference attendees the world's third largest library tradeshow. Exhibits will be located in Exhibit Halls 1, 2, 3 and 4. Exhibits-only passes (good for all three days) will be sold onsite for $18.00. A preliminary list of exhibitors can be found on the exhibits site; a detailed exhibits directory will be included in the final program.

new members round table bag check

The New Members Round Table will sponsor a bag check located in the Fourth Street lobby. Cost is $1.00 per bag. All proceeds support the activities of the New Members Round Table.

internet room

Located in Exhibit Hall 1, the Internet Room offers Internet access for conferees.

placement center

The Placement Center will be located in Exhibit Hall 5 and is open to any conference registrant.

cpe credits

Continuing professional education (CPE) credit is available for school and public librarians needing to meet certification requirements from the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC). CPE hours meeting TLA criteria are noted in each appropriate conference program abstract as 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, etc. to denote the number of hours of training allowed for credit. CPE hours are written at the beginning of each program entry as "CPE#XXX: SBEC 1.0; TSLAC 1.0" to delineate between the two state agencies.

Conference attendees will be able to print their own certificates after conference by accessing the TLA website and recording the programs they attended. This feature will be available on April 18. As in past years, librarians can pick up a recording form in the registration area.

SBEC has approved TLA as a continuing education provider for educator certification. TLA's provider number is 500383.

all-conference meal function menus

Tickets for all-conference meal functions must be purchased in advance as part of the conference preregistration process. Tickets will not be available onsite. For some functions, conference preregistration is required, and a limited number of tickets may be available. (These are noted on the preregistration form.) Ticket prices are based on the cost of food served, service charges, room set-up charges, speaker fees, and other expenses.

The banquet hall doors will be open 30 minutes prior to the starting time of each meal function. Gallery seating will be available 30 minutes after the meal function begins for attendees without meal tickets who wish to hear the speaker (with the exception of the Texas Bluebonnet Award Luncheon). For full program details, see the daily schedule.

Menus are listed below. If you have special dietary needs or require a different meal option, please contact Kathy Pustejovsky, conference manager, at the TLA office in writing or by email (kathyp@txla.org) by Friday, March 11. (Please be specific as to your needs.)

Library Friends, Trustees, and Advocates
RT Luncheon

Wednesday, April 6
12:00 ­ 1:50 pm
Ticket price is $26.

Lemon Chicken served with Market Fresh Vegetables and Potatoes

Caesar Salad
Rolls and Butter
White Chocolate Mousse
Iced Tea and Coffee

Texas Bluebonnet Award Luncheon

Thursday, April 7
12:00 ­ 1:50 pm
Ticket price is $30.

Roasted Chicken Breast layered atop Spiral Pasta
served with a Creamy Parmesan Peppercorn Dressing and garnished with roasted Plum Tomatoes and Olives

Rolls and Butter
Lemon Bar
Iced Tea and Coffee

 

Evening with
the Authors

Thursday, April 7
6:30 ­ 9:00 pm
Ticket price is $75.

Butternut Squash Bisque
with Candied Black Mission Figs

Pan-roasted Beef Shoulder with
Spinach-Roquefort Stuffing

Yukon Gold Potato Puree;
Pan Gravy

Pistachio Crunch Cake ­
Raspberry, Red Currant, and Layers of Chiffon
Iced Tea and Coffee

Adult Services Breakfast

Friday, April 8, 8:00 ­ 8:50 am
Ticket price is $25.

Texas Style French Toast Dusted with Powdered Sugar

Crisp Bacon and Grilled Pineapple

Freshly Squeezed
Orange Juice
Breakfast Breads
Coffee and Hot Tea

 

Children's Round Table Breakfast

Friday, April 8, 8:00 ­ 9:50 am
Ticket price is $25.

Scrambled eggs with Fresh Chives and Shredded Cheddar

Hickory Smoked Bacon or Country Sausage

Breakfast Potatoes

Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
Breakfast Breads
Coffee and Hot Tea

 

Closing Luncheon

Friday, April 8, 12:00 ­ 12:50 pm
Ticket price is $28.

Assorted Greens with Sliced Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Shredded Carrot and Alfalfa Sprouts with Italian Vinaigrette

Pot Roast - Braised Beef on Mashed Potatoes smothered in a Pan Gravy with Celery, Carrots and Pearl Onions

New York Cheesecake served with Strawberries, Pineapple, Mango sauce and Chantilly Cream
Rolls and Butter
Iced Tea and Coffee

 
special functions
  • All-Conference Welcome Party, Tuesday, April 5, 6:00 ­ 8:00 pm
    Bob Bullock Museum, 1800 North Congress Avenue:
    No ticket is necessary. Shuttle service will be provided.
  • Downtown Austin Walking Tour , Wednesday, 7:30 ­ 8:20 am
    Guided walking tour of historic downtown Austin.
    No ticket or advance registration necessary.
  • TLA RALLY AT THE CAPITOL, Wednesday, 4:00 ­ 5:00 pm
  • The President's All-Conference Party, Wednesday, April 6, 8:00 ­ 10:00 pm
    Hilton Austin Hotel, 500 East 4th Street
    No ticket is necessary
  • Yoga, Wednesday and Friday, 7:00 ­ 8:00 am
    Hilton Austin Hotel, 500 East 4th Street
  • 18th Annual Hetherington Fun Run/Walk, Thursday, April 7, 7:00 ­ 8:30 am
    Registration for the Fun Run is included on the preregistration form; participants should also order
    T-shirts via the form.
  • Library School Dinners, Thursday, April 7, 6:30 ­ 9:30 pm
    Tickets are required.

ONE BOOK
ONE CONFERENCE

This second annual conference-wide reading and discussion series will feature Audrey Niffenegger's The Time Traveler's Wife. All conference attendees are invited to read The Time Traveler's Wife before attending conference and then to participate in a group discussion of the book. Come prepared for a lively session in which participants share their perspectives on this very provocative novel.

    a r o u n d   a u s t i n

The Capital of Texas has plenty to keep you and your family entertained. The Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau booth, which will be located near the Trinity Street entrance of the convention center, has restaurant and entertainment information. Get a head start in planning your trip to Austin by visiting their website at www.austintexas.org.

Downtown Austin

See downtown Austin by hopping on the Dillo. The Dillo runs through downtown Austin, the Capitol Complex, The University of Texas campus, Austin High School Park & Ride lot, and from the free Park & Ride lot at Bouldin and Barton Springs. FREE.

State Capitol

  • The Capitol Visitors Center is located at 112 E. 11th St. (southeast corner of the Capitol grounds) in the restored 1856-57 General Land Office building. The three-story castle-like structure is the oldest state office building in Texas. The Capitol Visitors Center offers a variety of exhibits on Texas history and the Capitol.
  • Taller than the US Capitol, the Texas State Capitol and Capitol Grounds are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the capital of Texas. The State Capitol was recently refurbished and returned to its turn-of-the-century appearance. Other nearby sights within easy walking distance of the Capitol building include the Governor's Mansion, directly across from the Capitol grounds on Colorado St., and the new Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum on Congress and MLK.

Cultural Attractions

  • Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, 1800 N. Congress Ave., features three floors of exhibits, special effects theatres, museum store and café, and an IMAX theatre.
  • Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, 2313 Red River St. (on The University of Texas campus), is the most visited Presidential library in the nation.
  • Austin Museum of Art, 823 Congress Ave., features displays from the permanent collection of works along with traveling exhibitions.
  • The Texas Memorial Museum is located at 2400 Trinity St. (on The University of Texas campus).
  • Texas State Library and Archives, 1201 Brazos St., houses the genealogy collection, Texas State archives, and reference documents collection.
  • Harry Ransom Center, 21st and Guadalupe (on The University ofTexas campus), contains more than 100,000 works of art, including the Gutenberg Bible and the world's first photograph.
  • Blanton Museum, 23rd and San Jacinto (on The University of Texas campus), contains both permanent and traveling collections of Latin American, contemporary, and European art.
  • Mexic-Arte Museum, 419 Congress Ave., presents traditional and contemporary Mexican and Latin American art and culture.

Historic Walking Tours

The Visitor Information Center, 201 E. 2nd Street, offers free guided walking tours of the Capitol grounds, Congress Ave., E. Sixth Street, and the Bremond Block. For information, call (800) 926-2282.

Coffee Houses (near the convention center)

  • Java Coast, Hilton Hotel, 504 E. 4th St.
  • Halcyon, 218 W. 4th St.
  • The Hideout, 617 Congress Ave.
  • Little City Espresso, 916 Congress Ave.
  • Starbuck's, 907 W. 5th St., 1001 Congress Ave.
  • Driskill Hotel Bar & Grill, 604 Brazos St.

Live Music Capital of the World

  • Sixth Street Entertainment District ­ Live music seven days a week. For a schedule of events pick up a copy of the free Austin Chronicle or the "XLent" section of the Austin American Statesman on Thursday.
  • Warehouse District ­ The Warehouse district, just west of the central business district, is another Austin hot spot that caters to the live music scene.
  • Broken Spoke ­ 3201 S. Lamar Blvd. (beyond the downtown area), Texas' most definitive dance hall, features the best in Texas honky-tonk music.
  • Continental Club ­ 1315 S. Congress Ave. (beyond the downtown area), since 1957; a live music venue known coast to coast.

Shopping

"Best little shopping boutique-virtual-tour" of Austin offers a variety of unique shopping opportunities. We offer these for suggestions for pre- and post- conference shopping; but remember, the best shopping during conference is still in the TLA exhibit hall!

Downtown area

  • Anthony Nak, 800 Brazos St., (512) 454-7029. We look but can't touch. International jewelry sensation with expensive jewelry in a New York setting. Fascinating.
  • Austin Museum of Art Gift Shop, N. 823 Congress Ave., (512) 477-0766. One of the best gift shops around. Incredible gifts for self or family. Greeting cards, accessories, jewelry, and extraordinary glassware. Wonderful stationery.
  • Mexic-Arte Museum Store, 419 N. Congress Ave., (512)480-9373. The best of Mexico in Austin! Jewelry, folk art, accessories for men and women, some books.
  • Tesoros Trading Company, 209 N. Congress Ave., (512) 479-8377. Unique ethnic folk arts & crafts. Packed to the ceiling with jewelry, artwork, and items imported from Latin America, Asia, etc.

Near downtown

  • Blackmail, 1202 S. Congress Ave., (512) 326-7670. Located on the S. Congress Ave. strip where any shopping is good. All good, all black, all day what could be better? ­ clothing, shoes, and jewelry. Fun place.
  • Book People, 603 N. Lamar Blvd., (512) 472-5050. Books are great but also wonderful gifts with some jewelry assortments throughout the store. Terrific greeting cards and stationery.
  • The Cadeau, 2316 Guadalupe St., (512) 477-7276. High-end trendy boutique. Gifts, cards, kitchen ware, clothing, bath products, and shoes.
  • Eclectic, 700 N. Lamar Blvd., (512) 477-1816. An Austin tradition, Eclectic offers jewelry, furniture, and folk art at a range of prices
  • El Interior, 1009 West Lynn St., (512) 474-8680. Folk art, clothing, accessories, and jewelry. High moderate to expensive.
  • Emeralds, 624 N. Lamar Blvd., (512) 476-4496. Trendy clothing, accessories, gifts, unusual, great shoes. Very boutique.
  • Fetish, 1112 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. E, (512) 457-1007. Expensive to high, unusual shoes, some jewelry, some clothing.
  • Nomadic Notions, 2426 Guadalupe St., (512) 478-6200. Beads for jewelry making but also great jewelry. Very ethnic.
  • Turquoise Door, 1208 S Congress Ave., (512) 480-0618. Near Blackmail but good enough to have its own entry. Wonderful native American and ethnic jewelry and gift items. A wide variety of prices.

A little farther out south

  • Olive, 2310 S. Lamar #103, (512) 444-5050. Small store but a lot in it. Wonderfully priced jewelry, some clothing and purses, great stuff.
  • Earth Art, 1707 S. Lamar Blvd., (512) 693-9400. Very different, widely varied art for those decorating walls with art work, kites, statuary, and other unique folk art. A little clothing and wonderful jewelry ­ some imported, some local/Texas designers.

A little farther out north

  • Breed & Co, 712 W. 29th St., (512) 474-6679. Advertised as a hardware store but really a gift emporium for all seasons; unique gifts for men and women.
  • Celebration, 108 W. 43rd St., (512) 453-6207. Gift shop with natural stone jewelry; great candles.
  • Pangaea Trading Company, 2712-B Guadalupe St., (512) 472-3533. A quaint old house next to MoJo's Daily Grind coffee shop. Affordable imported clothing, accessories, and gifts from Bali, Thailand, Nepal, Africa, and India with VERY unique jewelry and a wide variety of gifts.
  • Silk Road, 3910 N. Lamar Blvd., (512) 302-0844. Incredible cloth and textiles from all over the world;
    you've never seen this many wonderful buttons.
  • Wardrobe, 1206 W. 38th St., Ste. 1101, (512) 458-3846. Many all-cotton natural fiber elegant clothes, jewelry, and accessories.

A little farther out southwest

  • Cupidz Clozet, 3663 Bee Cave Rd. #4C, (512) 328-6446. Incredible charity-run organization with well-priced vintage and new jewelry, clothing, boutique gifts.
    Jam-packed; don't miss.
  • Francesca's Collection, 3300 Bee Cave Rd., (512) 347-7508. Ceiling to floor; inexpensive to moderately-priced accessories, handbags, jewelry and clothing. Great stuff.

Outdoor Recreation

  • Hike and Bike Trail ­ 10.1 miles of trails border Town Lake in downtown Austin.
  • Barton Springs Pool ­ A constant 68 degrees, Barton Springs Pool is in Zilker Park off Barton Springs Road. Admission charged.

And if you still need more, go to: http://www.keepaustinweird.com!

    f e a t u r e d   s p e a k e r s
 

Cokie Roberts

Cokie Roberts offers a nationally-recognized voice on political affairs and is one of the most respected journalists in American news today. For over 30 years, she has covered politics, Congress, and public policy for various news organizations, including National Public Radio, ABC News programs (where she serves as chief congressional analyst), and PBS-TV's MacNeil/Lehrer Newshour. She is the author of the national bestsellers, We Are Our Mothers' Daughters and From This Day Forward, as well as Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation, which examines the lives of the women behind the Founding Fathers. Roberts is a regular contributor to major newspapers around the country, including The New York Times and The Washington Post. Roberts has won numerous awards, including the Edward R. Murrow Award and the Weintal Award in 1987 for her coverage of the Iran/Contra affair. She was also the first broadcast journalist to win the highly prestigious Everett McKinley Dirksen Award for coverage of Congress and a 1991 Emmy for her contribution to the ABC News special, Who is Ross Perot?

Gloria Estefan

Gloria Estefan, who has just completed her first children’s book to be published in both English and Spanish-language editions later this Fall, has inspired millions of people around the world with her humanitarianism and inner strength in times of adversity.  Estefan has enjoyed international success in the music industry for 20 years. This singing sensation and her musical group, the Miami Sound Machine, were among the first pioneering Hispanic groups to break into the mainstream Pop market.  Having lifelong experience with issues of fitting in, finding her own voice, maintaining her creative integrity, and thriving, Estefan speaks on the fundamental power of self-respect and pride in ourselves. She takes this passion for living and learning and merges these elements with her love of books, launching a literacy campaign aimed at incorporating the millions of Hispanics who live in the United States into the literary fold. Backed by the American Association of Publisher's Initiative to bring books into the hands of the largest minority in the U.S., Gloria Estefan hopes to create a culture of reading within the Hispanic community.

Joe Raiola

MAD Magazine Senior Editor Joe Raiola uses his humor to examine politics and culture. His keen satire is fully explored in his one-man show, Almost Obscene. A writer, performer, and former stand up comic, Raoila's commentary on the state of affairs is insightful, thought-provoking, and humorous. Recently, he has become involved in the issues of intellectual freedom and censorship. He writes and speaks about his ongoing concern over the right of individuals to pursue their intellectual activities without government intervention or monitoring.

Carmen Lomas Garza

The art of Carmen Lomas Garza depicts childhood memories of family and friends. From making tamales to dancing to Tejano music, Garza's works capture the essence of place and people. A native of Texas, her one-person shows have been featured nationally in museums, including the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, the Smith College Museum in Northampton (Massachusetts), and the Mexican Museum in San Francisco. In 1991, she had a major one-person exhibition, Pedacito de mi Corazón/ A Piece of My Heart, at Laguna Gloria Art Museum in Austin, Texas. In 1990, she published a bilingual book, Family Pictures/Cuadros de Familia, of her paintings and short stories. Her other books include In My Family/En Mi Familia and Magic Windows/Ventanas Magicas.

Gail Johnson

Gail Johnson founded Face to Face Communications and Training in 1997 to fill the need for customized training in the increasingly competitive workforce. "Strengthening communication skills between workers and managers, workers and peers, and especially workers and customers is the key to success in this Communications Century." Johnson has designed and delivered hundreds of communication-related workshops throughout the United States. She also taught college-level speech communication courses prior to founding her company. She holds degrees in journalism and communication studies from Northern Illinois University. She has consulted with a diverse array of industries, including telecommunications, banking, travel, architecture, legal, health-care, as well as local governments, and school and park districts.

Peggy E. Hoon

Attorney and librarian Peggy E. Hoon focuses on ensuring that scholars, students, and libraries in the digital environment retain the full benefits of legal protection under copyright and fair use. She represents the interests of the research library community in shaping national policies relating to scholarly communication. She serves as the primary resource on fair use and other copyright issues as they relate to library collections and services at North Carolina State University. She previously worked as the copyright specialist for Washington State University (Pullman), where she developed and implemented a copyright awareness program, wrote policies and guidelines, and provided workshops to branch campuses, learning centers, and cooperative extension offices throughout the state of Washington. Today, Hoon continues her education and outreach efforts through frequent presentations and by redeveloping and maintaining the Scholarly Communication Center website (www.lib.ncsu.edu/scc/).

Kinky Friedman

Kinky Friedman is running for governor of Texas. His slogan for the 2006 campaign is: "How Hard Can It Be?" Friedman's platform includes outlawing cat declawing. In addition, "we'll have the Texas peace corps, which is not an oxymoron," he says. "And remember, I'm a Jew. I'll hire good people." This philosophy and humor characterize the creative works of one of most unique personalities in Texas. In addition to his musical work with the band, Texas Jewboys, Friedman is also the author of numerous mysteries and other works, including Kinky Friedman's Guide to Texas Etiquette and the novel, Kill Two Birds & Get Stoned. He lives with a ranch full of animals and a used Smith Corona typewriter in the Texas Hill Country.

Bertice Berry

Bertice Berry, a former professor of sociology at Kent State University, combines her keen insight on such difficult subjects as sexism and racism with her cutting humor. At Kent, she was such a popular teacher that larger lecture halls had to be found to accommodate the ever-increasing number of students. She went on to become an award-winning entertainer, lecturer, and comedian. She won the coveted national Comedian of the Year Award from 1991 to 1994. Berry hosted her own nationally syndicated talk show and has been featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She is also the best-selling author of an inspirational memoir, I'm On My Way, But Your Foot Is On My Head, and the hilarious bestsellers, Straight From the Ghetto, You Might Be Ghetto If, and Jim & Louella.


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