Thought C-SPAN had nothing for you aside from subbing in when you're out of Ambien? Try C-SPAN2 for book tv on Sunday evenings (number 58 on Insight). In January's series, you could've caught Mark Bowden (Black Hawk Down). His new book is Road Work, a collection of his work from Philadelphia Inquirer and Atlantic Monthly. Molly Ivins is a semi-regular (though much of her writing seems to have burned itself out, she's still pretty sharp in a live forum).


This week's Google is White House "reporter" Jeff Gannon (who managed a secret service clearance for White House press coverage under a pseudonym)—but you won't find anything better than Jon Stewart's Daily Show description. He characterized "Gannon's" press corps performance as "holding the president's feet to the fire so that he could more effectively give him a reach-around." (Better if you saw Stewart's accompanying gesture—but solid, even without a visual.)


Always take along protection. Here's a Public Service Announcement from us to you: If you order butter (or its slippery gold-like liquified substitute) on your popcorn at a Cinemark theater, and it comes in a bag, you will need to take along some sort of bib, or tarp, to protect your clothing. It turns out that the substance oozes right through the bottom of the bags and will deposit an Exxon-size slick on whatever you're wearing if you go unprotected. We originally thought the stains were due to all the popcorn clumsily dropped during the show—but after a couple painful episodes of wardrobe destruction, we discovered the culprit is actually seepage.

---

Letters Policy: Ace LOVES to publish our mail (250 words or less please); please include name and daytime phone. No photocopies. No bulk mail. First come, first served. We may edit for space and grammar; we will limit frequency; and, on popular issues, we may print one or two letters to represent a segment of public opinion. Private correspondence should be labeled “NOT FOR PUBLICATION.”

Mail: 486 West Second St , Lexington, Ky 40507
e-mail: editor@aceweekly.com

---

More than one million eligible Kentucky taxpayers can now prepare and file their taxes online at no cost thanks to an alliance between the Department of Revenue (DOR), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the tax software industry.

This public-private partnership calls for Free File Alliance to provide free tax preparation and filing capabilities to at least 60 percent of all taxpayers or approximately 78 million nationwide who file an individual tax return. Each participating software company sets its own eligibility requirements. To see if you are eligible for this free service, and to learn more about the Free File Alliance, visit www.revenue.ky.gov and click on the Free File Alliance logo. Those taxpayers without Internet access can visit the local public library to go online. Tax forms and instructions are also available in paper form at most library locations.

Governor Ernie Fletcher has appointed Sena Jeter Naslund as Kentucky Poet Laureate. Naslund will be responsible for promoting the literary arts in Kentucky through readings of her work at meetings, seminars, and conferences across the state.

"The purpose of the Kentucky Poet Laureate Program is to honor outstanding Kentucky writers and promote the literary arts of the state," said Governor Ernie Fletcher.

The Kentucky General Assembly established the Kentucky Poet Laureate position in 1991. The Governor appoints the Poet Laureate for a two-year term. The word poet in the position's title is interpreted in its broadest sense to include persons whose accomplishments are in any of the recognized literary forms, including poetry, fiction, biographical work, creative non-fiction, playwriting, etc.

Lexington 101

Offered by the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning and LFUCG, this weekly program will give citizens a behind the scenes look at their government. Topics include the budgeting process, public safety, solid waste, public works, planning and zoning, traffic engineering, social services, emergency management, the judicial system and much more. The course will include several tours of local facilities. Elected and appointed officials as well as department directors will present at the sessions. The class begins on March 1st and meets Tuesdays from 5:30pm - 7pm through April 26th. $10 registration and materials fee covers all nine sessions. Info, 254.4175.

Black History Month

The 2nd Annual Musical Heritage Celebration in Commemoration of Black History Month will be held Friday, February 25th, at 7pm at Church of the Good Shepherd, 533 East Main St.

Valentine Massacres

Preliminary statistics indicate that 14 people died in 11 separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, February 14 through Sunday, February 20. Of the 11 fatal crashes, preliminary data indicates alcohol was a suspected factor in three of the crashes and 10 of the victims were not wearing seat belts.

If you're wondering how you can help (besides sobering up and putting on your seat belt, which you already KNOW): YOU can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic, impaired, and/or visibly drunk drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1.800.222.5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible. (But don't cause an accident trying to get all this info—do the best you can.) These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.

To submit an advocacy/activism activity or event for Quickies, email rkirkland@aceweekly.com, or editor@aceweekly.com.