It's that moment when Dr. Seuss-inspired sneetches - with and without stars on their bellies - are running around.

They're popping in and out of the machine so fast that you can't tell which fashion is the mark of the elite. Nerd is the new cool. Everyone, across cultures and generations, is clamoring to be the king or queen of geek. Having been once-bullied as a clutzy, bookwormy dork-child myself, I find it all quite refreshing.

On Friday at 6 p.m., it's time for the Fifth Annual Oakland Indie Awards. We love Oakland, don't we? I know a lot of Oakland-till-I-die types and I encourage you to celebrate the raw talent that lives here. I'll see you at 300 Lakeside Drive in Oakland.

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Noon on Saturday looks like an All Tribes Universal Zulu Nation workshop, Casual from Hieroglyphics, Zion I and teen education on healthy lifestyle. There's the justification for me telling you to leave the East Bay. Look, I'll never do it again - but seriously. Not that you needed one, but here's another reason. The name of this event in San Jose is Hip Hop Chess Federation Spring Classic. Here's that peaceful fusion of cool intersecting with nerd. Are you a star-bellied sneetch or no? Body knows anymore. Hip Hop Chess Federation Spring Classic will be held at 137 N. White Road in San Jose.

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On Sunday, it's another name/phrase pic. At 1 p.m., Manifesto Bicycles is having a celebration. I read the description and it included live music, gourmet food and bike church. Need I say more. Bike church will be held at 421 40th St., Oakland.