Teens, Enjoy Some Dragon Ball Food!

Teens, don't miss out on Dragon Ball Food, coming to several KDL branches this summer. Discover the fun and exciting food-based names of Dragon Ball, the world's most-recognized Japanese cartoon and comic. Dragon Ball scholar and local East Grand Rapids author Derek Padula, opens a new window will entertain with the silly and easy-to-understand names of Dragon Ball's main characters, places and things. Learn about Eastern and Western culture, food and language. Food samples provided, while supplies last.

Schedule:
Tuesday, June 7, 1:30 PM - Gaines Twp. Branch
Monday, June 13, 1:30 PM - Nelson Twp. Branch
Thursday, June 16, 6:30 PM - Plainfield Twp. Branch
Tuesday, June 21, 2:00 PM - Cascade Twp. Branch
Tuesday, August 9, 3:00 PM - Alpine Twp. Branch

Q&A with the Presenter:

1) What is your favorite thing about being a performer?

I think of myself as an educator, rather than a performer, but an educator is expected to also be a performer and entertainer. This is one reason why so many people fear public speaking. It's not enough to educate people, because they will get bored. You also have to entertain them, make them laugh, empathize with them, tell stories, speak at their level while also teaching something new, make them feel comfortable, have a positive and attractive image, proper poise, confidence, and diction. It's a tall order! My favorite thing about being an educator is that it pushes me to improve myself in these areas. Every time I deliver a speech I have to confront these issues, overcome them, and reach the next level. It's a win-win for everyone in the room.

2) What do you hope people learn or experience at your show?

Everyone eats. People who come to my presentation will gain a broader understanding of world cultures and the foods eaten within those cultures. They'll learn more about Eastern and Western culture, and the ways the author Akira Toriyama combined them to create the world's most-recognized Japanese cartoon and comic, Dragon Ball. They'll have a good time seeing and eating different foods, and hearing the silly names of characters. It will enhance their understanding of art, humor, writing, and how to be creative.

3) Why are libraries so valuable?

Libraries are invaluable. Libraries are the only place in our society where a person can walk in with nothing, walk out with something at no cost, and be trusted to bring back whatever they took. Libraries are the hub of our community. A place where the haves and have-nots interact, where children feel safe, where the uneducated receive a free education and get assistance for whatever problems they are facing, where artists, authors, and entertainers are celebrated, and where anyone can go for a comfortable place to escape, study or work. Every time a person dies, the library inside their head dies with them. Libraries allow us to share our knowledge, enable it to live beyond our time and move our civilization forward.