Yesterday evening, I attended a book signing at the L Street Borders featuring acclaimed actor Don Cheadle and renown activist John Prendergast. Their book, “Not On Our Watch” is about the crisis in Darfur and what everyone can do to stop it. I attended the event for three reasons:
1.) I am not as knowledgeable about the genocide as I probably should be. This would be a great way to inspire me to learn more, and possibly do something to help.
2.) Don Cheadle is one of the greatest actors of our time. I have nothing but respect for his talent. Plus, my sister has been a fan of his since the day before forever. I figured if I got him to autograph the book for her, I can give it to her after I finish reading it. I was going to suprise her with it, but I guess it’s too late for that now. Leigh, I’ll probably get it to you this weekend.
3.) I was already in that part of town, so it was pretty convenient for me. If I had to head across town and risk getting there late I would not have gone. To Hell with standing all the way in the back pressed up against other people, trying to look over shoulders, talking about “Is that Don Cheadle, or Ernesto, the guy served my smoothie in the cafe section? I can’t tell from back here?”
Upon my arrival, I see that there is an empty seat near to these two older ladies and directly next to a very pretty young one. Of course, I made my way over, greeted them, and sat down. It had nothing to do with sitting directly next to the pretty lady at all. It was all about the seat. I swear it was.
The ladies talked about book signings they had attended, and it did not take long for me to realize that they were regulars on the book signing circuit. They broke out professional quality digital cameras, with photos of them next to everyone from Russell Simmons to B.B. King. The oldest and loudest one(who talked just like Dolly Parton) dropped more names than a Hollywood socialite. It was funny because every topic that arose, from praise to complaints, all came back to name-dropping people whom she met at book signings. The lady who sat of the other side of me(who was actually sane) had a good time laughing at Faux Dolly the Name-Dropper. I even tried to figure out which name she’d drop next. It was like being at the roulette table! “Gimme $10 on Donald Trump! Come on, Trump..Come on, Trump…DAMN IT! SHE SAID TOM CLANCY!”
Despite my bookstore groupie distractions, I will say that the event inspired me to use what little influence I wield with this blog to help. The problem is, I haven’t figured out how just yet. In the meantime, I am going to put up the number to the White House Comment Line. It’s a direct line to the White House, where you can leave your opinion and voice your concerns. If enough people complain about the same thing, maybe our voices will be heard.
The number is (202)456-1414. Please do not abuse it by leaving messages like “George Bush is a motherf*cker!” While this may be true, it is not the reason that I gave you all the number. If you are going to call, think about what you’re going to say, and what type of actions you would like to see from our government.
Oh yeah, I got to meet Don for a brief second, but I didn’t get to talk to him long enough to plug the website. I asked him about the release date for the Petey Greene movie he filmed, and he asked me if my name was Leigh, because I didn’t look like a Leigh. I said “That’s my sister’s name. Mine is Leon. I have an ex-con sounding name.”
That was it. No new celebrity reading the blog…but it was still cool to talk to him for a quick second.
I’m first! It’s a celebration, bitches! Grab a drink, grab a glass..
About that White House number, who do you think checks the voicemail box? Some intern perhaps ***message deleted***
Wash yo azz crack.
Yeah! I’m first. Hey Leon. I think I’ve turned at least 5 people on to your blog, including my boss, they’re loving it. I’ve been reading your top posts and they are crazy. Anyway, I’m so surprised you didn’t somehow include a lascivious, male chauvinistic thought within this post. I look forward to the dirty language. I would have loved to see Don Cheadle. He’s the shit in Ocean’s 11,12,13.
Damn it! Just cause I put a wrong letter in the stupid verification I missed my 1st place. “Next Time Gadget, Next Time”!
@ Vanity, not a Dr. Claw quote! That made me smile. Thanks for spreading the word, and I’ll put a male chauvinist pig entry up today on the King Magazine blog, just for you ;)
@ Anonymous, probably so..but if he/she has to delete 50 million messages, eventually the word will spread. That, or he’ll quit his job or stop paying the phone bill so it gets cut off.
my book club def. tried to get all our books signed. but we didn’t particularly care to hear the author talk. it was more like “hey sign this, thanks!”, take picture and leave.
i’m tooooooootally going to tell that white house intern (def. not anyone of importance listening to those messages BUT you know interns often have an ear at the white house) we need an exit strategy in iraq and not one formed by w.
Good business, slidin’ by.
e.
eclectik-relaxation.com
why did my nosey ass call the number out of curiosity and someone answered the phone and said “White House?”
I’m gonna have secret service people after me arent I?
Leon Harris doesn’t read your page??
@ Jameil, they were actually entertaining as well as informative, so I didn’t mind hearing them talk. I agree with you on the exit strategy.
@ Eclectik, thanks for stopping through. I’ll be back over to your spot soon to see what folks are talking about on your board.
@ Peach, all you had to do was be like “My bad…I dialed the wrong number.” In this era of cell phones, lying your way out of awkward situations is easier than ever!
@ Hostess, I’m not sure if he still does. I still have his contact info, so I might have to holler at him one day and get him to come back on here and comment. I’ll tell him folks are askign about him LOL
Thanks for the book, although I heard it may be tainted by some spilled curry or something like that. Hurry up and finish reading it! Thanks again!
I caught an episode of Fresh Prince when his friend Ice Tray came to visit and for the first time I realized it was Don Cheadle.
@ Leigh, LESLIE SNITCHED!!! I was going to try to clean off that little curry chicken stain I got on it, but now that you know about it, I’m going to give it to you as-is! But for real, it’s barely noticable at all.
@ Amadeo, I forgot all about that! See…that was back in his “blacktor” days!
Hey Leon! It’s Butta. You were on L Street? You shoulda called me! I work on L and Border’s is on the corner. I’m down at the other end of the block by Corner Bakery. Anywho, did you slip Don my number??
First time stoppin thru…funny as hell…I had no idea that there was a such thing as “book groupies” HA!