Author Alice Walker has been quoted as saying, "I'm always amazed that people will actually choose to sit in front of the television and just be savaged by stuff that belittles their intelligence." But what does she think about radio programs? We think she would approve of intellectual shows such as The Writers Garret's Inside the Writer's Studio. The program hosts two hours with Walker, the mastermind behind The Color Purple, a Pulitzer Prize-winning literary masterpiece that tackles race relations, gender relations and human existence. The series at The Writer's Garret features Walker in a combination interview and reading from her latest novel, Now is the Time to Open Your Heart, about a middle-aged woman who changes her life after a white-water rafting trip. Walker speaks at The Writer's Studio from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. May 16 at Theatre Three, 2800 Routh St., Suite 168. Admission is $28 to $32. Call 214-871-3300. Ron and Matrice Kirk will host a reception honoring Walker after her reading. Call 214-828-1715. The show will be broadcast on KERA-FM 90.1. --Stephanie Durham
Diet Riot
5/16
In the ongoing war on flab, combatants derive their intelligence from conflicting sources: high carb, low carb, no carb. The dietary soldier's life is full of difficult choices. But Dr. Fred Pescatore, creator of The Hamptons Diet, will share his solution and sign it for anyone who comes to Better Health Market, 4780 Little Road, Arlington, at 3 p.m. May 16. Visit www.betterhealthmarket.com. --Mary Monigold
Badu to the Bone
5/14
There are few things we respect more than the triple threat of commitment to family, the arts and the management of giant hair. And those are three traits Erykah Badu exemplifies. Women Empowering Women, a local group whose mission is to provide support for victims of domestic violence, also identified her merit and will honor her as Woman of the Year at its kickoff luncheon May 14 at the Renaissance Hotel, 2222 Stemmons Freeway, starting at noon. Call 817-966-0937. --Mary Monigold
Zero Intolerance
5/13
I hate Brad Meltzer. His four books, including this year's twisty, turny The Zero Game, have been translated into enough languages to keep a United Nations interpreter on his toes. Wait, there's more: Meltzer has a law degree from Columbia Law School, played himself in Woody Allen's Celebrity and wrote speeches for President Bill Clinton. Oh, and last year, he took the reins from director Kevin Smith for a well-received story arc on the resurrected comic book Green Arrow. He's married to his high school sweetheart and probably discovered oil in his back yard. At least he's bald. Meltzer closes the Richardson Library's IN PERSON Author/Lecture Series at 8 p.m. May 13 at the Charles W. Eisemann Center. Tickets are $15. Call 972-744-4350. --Zac Crain
