Motivational speakers are everyone’s favorite target. Just don’t put down 33-year-old Austin-based dynamo Kimberlie Dykeman, because she’s likely to think about kicking your ass — and probably could. Some time ago, the motivator/personal trainer/TV correspondent created a weekly e-mail blast for clients and friends called “The Monday Soapbox” in which she took a quote from a famous person — be it President John Quincy Adams or Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler — and expounded on its meaning and wisdom in small, humorous jolts, discussing how it could apply to your miserable life. Her musings are collected in her first book, Pure Soapbox…a cleansing jolt of perspective, motivation, and humor. She’ll sign and read from Pure Soapbox at 1 p.m. Barnes & Noble, 12850 Memorial Drive. For information, call 713-465-5616 or visit www.barnesandnoble.com. Free.

Sun., Jan. 11, 1 p.m., 2009

This article appears in Jan 8-14, 2009.

Bob Ruggiero has been writing about music, books, visual arts and entertainment for the Houston Press since 1997, with an emphasis on Classic Rock. He used to have an incredible and luxurious mullet in...