Friday, November 27, 2009

Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month. In honor of this month, try a novel written by a Native American author:
Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie
Q Road by Bonnie Jo Campbell
The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich
Stone Heart by Diane Glancy
House Made of Dawn by N. Scott Momaday

Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko


Monday, November 23, 2009

Book Review:Why Our Health Matters by Dr. Andrew Weil

Why Our Health Matters is a timely text written by renowned healthcare expert Dr. Andrew Weil, who examines the national debate on universal health coverage. The doctor takes a political, as well as humane, stance on the need for a re-vamped medical system that cares for the sick and injured without the high costs associated with hospital stays, high tech medical procedures or overpriced prescription drugs. Weil also explores in great depth how the United States can reduce medical costs and focus on preventative care with nutritional, Chinese, and herbal medicine available in abundance in many countries currently. The World Health Report from 2000 ranks the United States 37th out of 50 other countries for “most effective health systems,” yet Americans pay one of the highest dollar amounts for that care. Supported with a wealth of statistics from research studies, and other worldwide findings, Weil puts together a cohesive argument on why it is vital the United States adopt a different attitude and model for our current healthcare system. However, the United States needs to enact a policy to pay for it. - Kathy (Sunset)

Visit the Chandler Farmer's Market

If you are looking for a way to shop locally, consider stopping by the Chandler Farmer's Market. It is conveniently held every Thursday* from 3 PM to 7 PM at the A.J. Chandler Park in downtown Chandler. It's not huge (25 - 30 vendors) but the market offers a nice variety of edible offerings ranging from Arizona-grown fresh vegetables to olive oil dipping sauces and balsamic vinegars, fresh baked breads, apple butter and barbeque sauces. Many of the vendors offer tastings of their products so you can try before you buy. With the holidays fast approaching, you can also find unique gifts and save yourself hours of wandering the malls. Hand-made beaded jewelry, soaps and lotions, framed art and other craft items are just some of the items made by people right here in Chandler and the surrounding communities. Live, local entertainment adds a festive touch. The Chandler Farmer's Market is easily accessible (flat and paved) with convenient parking available. Also, be sure to bring cash since most vendors are not set up to take debit or credit cards. If you're not ready to head home quite yet, take advantage of the shops and restaurants located directly adjacent to A.J. Chandler Park. Here's an opportunity to enjoy the cool weather, sip a beverage or have a great meal and support your local community all at the same time. What's not to love?!
*Note: The Chandler Farmer's market will not be held November 26 (Thanksgiving Day).

- Linda (Downtown)

Friday, November 13, 2009

DVD Review: State of Play

State of Play, released on DVD recently is the successful summer thriller starring Russell Crowe, Helen Mirren and Rachel McAdams. The film follows investigative journalist, Cal McAffery as he unravels a political mystery involving his best friend, Congressman Stephen Collins, portrayed by Ben Affleck. While relevant in today’s fierce political climate, the plot has twists and turns to delight even the most seasoned movie-lover, and Jason Bateman treats the audience to some scene-stealing character acting. McAdams, (who we have seen in the The Notebook and Redeye) never disappoints in her role as an inexperienced online journalist determined to prove her worth to Crowe’s brazen character. An interesting side note of the movie centers on Cal’s employer, the struggling Washington Globe newspaper, and the fascinating commentary on how internet news agencies are killing the more traditional news gathering and print journalism of days gone by. State of Play is rated PG-13 for intense violence, language including sexual references, and brief drug content. -Kathy (Sunset)

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

In Honor of Veterans' Day


In Flanders Fields by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae


In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Audiobook Review: The Way Home by George Pelecanos

The Way Home rings true as a family portrait, written by George Pelecanos and read by Dion Graham.

Some nice, hard-working middle-class parents don’t end up with the stereotypical kids who take the stereotypical road to adulthood. I didn’t, for instance. So I can identify with George Pelecanos’ latest. Although it’s set in the Washington, DC area, a Pelecanos trademark, the protag, Chris Flynn, son of the owner of a successful carpet installation company, is not African-American, a departure of sorts for this author, who has also written for THE WIRE on HBO.

The story opens on Chris in juvie—having tested and broken his parents’ hearts several times with stupid adolescent decisions. Now he’s inside the system and they are outside, confused, angry, and hurt. Chris drops his verbs, adopts some street intonations and casually informs his dad at one point that he “knows how to jail.” His Dad corrects him each time. Personally, I hate the expression “where it’s at” and correct it every time!

As their paths diverge, parents and son, they also braid back together when Chris gets out. The young man even goes to work with Dad’s company and his Dad hires some of Chris’s pals from juvie. But don’t bring out the pleasing pastels for the family portrait just yet.

One day, after installing a carpet in an empty house, Chris and a friend from jail, Ben, discover a compartment under the floor with $50,000 in it. Uh-oh.

Chris remembers some movies (“A Simple Plan” comes to mind, but was not mentioned) in which keeping found money like this comes to no good. He talks Ben into putting it back.

But fate has spun the Big Wheel. Click, click, where will it stop?

I leave it to you to read or better yet, listen to his story, one of Pelecanos’ most involving, at least for me.

Dion Graham reads it and does not overdo the street gab. His voice is quite hypnotic in fact, and like someone who speaks in low tones, draws you in and makes you listen carefully.

You are not going to want to miss a word.

Star Lawrence reviews more audiobooks on
http://chandlerazoo.blogspot.com. She can be reached at jkellaw@aol.com.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Thanksgiving Dinner

Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Are you looking for new recipes or ways to spice up old favorites? Try one of the items below for ideas: