CHABON, WALDMAN TO SPEAK AT JEWISH WRITER CONFERENCE
Wednesday, November 30, 2005, 7:18 AM ET
Source: Exclusive

The Senai Temple Blumenthal Temple in Los Angeles will be hosting a day of discussions with Jewish writers, including Michael Chabon and Ayelet Waldman, on Jan. 15.

Chabon and Waldman will appear in dialouge with Rabbi David Wolpe from 10-11:45 am.

Other writers appearing later in the day include Dara Horn, Josh Braff, Adam Langer and Jonathan Rosen.

The conference costs $45 for members and $55 for non-members to attend the full day. To make reservations, call Barbara Goelman at (310) 481-3217.

RENT WRITER TRIED TO ADAPT MYSTERIES OF PITTSBURGH
Tuesday, November 22, 2005, 5:32 AM ET
Source: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Looks like Rawson Thurber of Dodgeball-fame isn't the only director that's wanted to adapt Michael Chabon's Mysteries of Pittsburgh for the big screen. According to The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Stephen Chbosky, screenwriter for the movie adaptation of Rent, co-wrote an adaptation with director Jon Sherman (I'm With Lucy).

According to Chabon, the script was written between 1996 and 1997, but the movie fell through for reasons he no longer remembers.

Chabon has previously indicated that Thurber's script is complete, saying it was "top notch."

AYELET ARGUES FOR JUVIE REFORM
Wednesday, November 15, 2005, 8:40 AM ET
Source: Salon

In her newest Salon column, Ayelet Waldman takes on the Californina juvenile hall system:

The thing about youthful offenders is that no one seems to care about them. Most people don't like adolescents -- even the good ones can be snarky and unpleasant. Combine the antipathy we feel toward the average teenager with the fear inspired by youth violence, and you have a population that no one wants to deal with.

But we cannot afford not to think about these children. Despite the fact that in America we incarcerate more juveniles for life terms than in any other country in the world, the truth is that the vast majority of youth offenders will one day be released. The question is simple and stark. Do we want to help them change or do we want to help them become even more violent and dangerous?

ESCAPIST GOES TRICK OR TREATING
Wednesday, November 2, 2005, 7:45 AM ET
Source: Exclusive

Lisa Brown, a fan of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, took her love of the book to new extremes this Halloween with a homemade Escapist costume.

Brown made the costume for her annual Halloween party after reading Michael Chabon's novel in her book club. The book has a profound impact on her, she said.

"Making the costume was loads of fun but reading the book was the real treat," Brown said.

"As a reader I couldn't wait until night to settle in and find out what happened next," she continued. "As an artist I felt so thrilled to read the wonderful descriptions of artists mastering their craft."