Okay...the man has a Mullet. Or....at least he USED TO. Caught site of him on the E! special on BILLY JACK....and he had cut his dark tresses. Well, we'd like to take credit for that, but maybe it was something else!

We talked about Mullets last time because of Paul McCartney. If you need reminding, visit the Mulletheads of the World Unite and the Mullet Research Expedition 1997. 'Nuf Said! Remember, friends don't let friends wear mullets! AAAAAAAAAY!

The Diva first read "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven" back in 1993 after reading a book review in the L.A. Times. "What a joy," she squealed! "I can't believe there are Indians that I recognize in print! They laugh! They say "Ennit!" Cool!"

The Diva was hooked.

She anxiously awaited the next book, "Reservation Blues." Journeyed to Seattle to buy all of the poetry books of Sherman's she could find. Then, "Indian Killer"! Oh my! Yet, the big moment was still at hand.

While working the NCAI convention in October of 1996 in Phoenix, Arizona (Serendipity? Coincidence? I think not!), the Diva attended a Youth luncheon was treated to a Sherman Alexie "talk." "You know the biggest problem Indian women have? Indian men!" Sherman brought down the house. The Diva actually got to yak with Sherman, got her "Indian Killer" hardback autographed and discreetly passed him a copy of the demo of MEET THE DIVA.

Can you imagine!? A Demo copy of MEET THE DIVA! You collectors out there are chomping at the bit. "Hey -- how does he rate!?!"

The next Sherman sighting happened in Los Angeles at the cool Book Soup on Sunset Blvd. (The Diva actually saw Morrissey shopping there once! You never know when you'll meet your heroes in LA!) The Diva got her Sherman picture autographed and teased him BAD when he dribbled the gold marking ink all over the blasted 8 x 10. Hey -- suave is nice if you're 007, but the Diva always cuts Indian guys slack....aaaaaaay!

Well, it seems the story might end there. However, the Diva gets around...you know, she "knows" people. If you're a regular visitor, you've heard the story about meeting Sherman at the Indian filmmakers luncheon at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival. The famous "reach-over" at a crowded booth. The exclamation from Sherman -- "Hey, is that the CD? I only got the demo!"

Smoke Signals" is such a wonderful movie and stands up nicely to repeat viewings. To give you an idea how Sherman's creation has affected Indian country -- you only have to check out this custom-made Thomas Builds-The-Fire pinata. Created especially for Mike Smith's young daughter, Mytia -- the little guy gathered a lot of fans at the recent Silver Star Cultural Festival in Oakland at Jack London Square. If you aren't familiar with Pinatas -- they're made of papier-mâché and filled with candy. It's a birthday party staple! The birthday girl or guy is blind-folded and gets a chance to whack the pinata open with a stick....or some kinda of blunt object. Can't you just imagine Thomas trying to figure that out on the Rez? "Hey, Victor -- remember that time they made me into a pinata and I broke into a million pieces?"

Let's just say this story isn't finished just yet. However, there's more to tell -- do yourself a favor and find out more about the self-confessed sports geek, Sherman Alexie.