Game Change: Obama and the Clintons, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin (2010)

Over this lovely Memorial Day weekend, I am finishing up the bestselling controversial book Game Change by John Heilemann and Mark Halperin, the behind-the-scenes peek into the 2008 presidential election. Surprisingly, I came across a Scranton reference; even more surprisingly is that the Scranton reference is attributed not to Scranton native and Vice President Joe Biden, but to Republican Vice President nominee Sarah Palin.

On page 372 of Game Change (in the chapter "Sarahcuda"), the book discusses Palin's speech at the Republican National Convention after accepting the nomination of Vice President from Republican presidential candidate John McCain.

"'I guess a small town mayor is sort of like a community organizer, except that you have actual responsibilities,' she quipped. She said, 'We tend to prefer candidates who don't talk about us one way in Scranton and another way in San Francisco.'"

Game Change is available to borrow from the Lackawanna County Library System. To place a hold on the book, click here; to place a hold on the unabridged CD audiobook, click here.

Brian Baumgartner, The Office's Kevin, To Attend "Swingin' On Vine" Block Party to Benefit Albright Memorial Library Friday, May 28th, 5-8 PM

There really ain't no party like a Scranton party!

Actor Brian Baumgartner, Kevin from NBC's hit sitcom The Office (set in Scranton, PA) will be a very special guest at "Swingin' On Vine," a block party that will benefit Albright Memorial Library on Friday, May 28th from 5 PM to 8 PM at Scranton Public Library.

Admission to the event (21 and over) is $15 in advance and $20 at the door.

For more information, call (570) 348-3000.

Wilkes-Barre native Santo Loquasto Nominated for TWO 2010 Tony Awards

UPDATED 5/14/2010

Congratulations to Wilkes-Barre native Santo Loquasto for his TWO (count 'em, TWO) 2010 Tony Award nominations, one for Best Costume Design for a Musical for the revival of Ragtime on Broadway, and the other for Best Scenic Design for a Play for the revival of Fences.

For more information on Santo Loquasto, click here.

We'll be rooting for you, Santo, when the 2010 Tony Awards air Sunday, June 13th on CBS!

UPDATED 5/14/10 It has been announced that Mr. Loquasto's nomination for Best Costume Design for Ragtime has unfortunately been withdrawn. According to sources, Loquasto's designs for the revival were deemed too similar to the original Broadway production of Ragtime, which were also designed by Loquasto. For more information, click here.