This is a worthwhile documentary about the contraversial Micheal Moore speaking engagement at Utah Valley State College in Orem, UT. I feel it is my job as a librarian and my pleasure as a citizen to point out cool movies like this that highlight our first amendment free speech rights. Enjoy!
This is fabulous, hilarious, sad and totally original writing.
No, it isn’t for everyone- it certainly isn’t Jane Austen’s mannered family drama; but Eggers’ family tale and his commentary on the tragic deaths of his parents seems to sear right through all of our preconceptions and just as he mocks and satirizes aspects of life, he also possesses a hyper-sensitivity to human nature that makes all the clever tricks work somehow. In this book the tricks include: Rules for Enjoyment, a really long preface, obscure acknowlegments, and even some funky work on the cataloging-in-process page (Hi, catalogers, didn’t this just brighten your day!). But he makes it work and that is what matters. I also enjoyed You Shall Know Our Velocity-so if you have already read the memoir check it out instead. A quote from Heartbreaking
“Just as some police-particularly those they dramatize on television-might be familiar with death, and might expect it at any instant-not necessarily their own, but death generally-so does the author, possessing a naturally paranoid disposition, compounded by environmental factors that make it seem not only possible, but probable that whatever there might be out there that snuffs our life is probably sniffing around for him, that his number is perennially, eternally, up, that his draft number is low, that his bingo card is hot, that he has a bull’s-eye on his chest and a target on his back. It’s fun. You’ll see.”
I have been waiting for a novel like this. I just wanted a fun-to-read book that wasn’t mindless entertainment and this book exceeded all expectations. It is about a collection of characters and their families, who are challenged by their relationships, their love for their families and the tensions that develop between people with opposing viewpoints. The story centers around the fear that seizes the community after a convicted sex offender moves into the neighborhood. The book is ver clever and smart and the author writes both male and female points of view equally well. I got totally sucked into the story and couldn’t stop reading until the conclusion. No, this book doesn’t have a traditionally “happy ending”, but it is a book that contains truth and empathy and offers a narrative that is a joy to sink into.
The official beer of my move to Las Vegas.
Bad thing about the move: pretty much everthing about Vegas except for the natural features outside the city.
Good thing about the move: the availabilty of New Belgium Brewing Company beers. (And being 900 miles west of Denver instead of 900 miles east, a slight improvement, I admit.)
Try the beer though, it is light and refreshing and has a wonderful hint of lime making it my choice even when a Weiss beer is in the running…
This was honestly one of the most replusive and disturbing books I have ever read. But, having said that it was worth consuming in my mind because it was such a challenging piece of fiction. Plus, I read it over a year ago and not only has it stuck with me, it has provoked me to read many other novels set in South Africa and has started a mini-obesession with the history of the country. Not bad for a book I almost gave up on. It isn’t for the weak of heart, but yes-I recommend it.
On another note,this is why it is nice to have a blog…I just spent about an hour trying to remember the title and author and locate the NYT book review all to no avail.
This movie will probably really resonate with you. I wasn’t expecting much, but I ended up loving it. In fact I really want to get my sister a copy. The movie really captures the sister relationship dynamics and Toni Colette and Cameron Diaz are great. Highly recommended!
I hiked the Calico Tanks trail with my husband and a couple with a five-year-old boy. The weather was great, the dog loved scambling on the rocks and there was water in the tijana at the top. There is a great view from the ridge of the Vegas Valley and though the hike is short it is very scenic and a decent workout climbing up the canyon.
Date of trip: 9/10/06
Hiked with: friends, children, dog
Location: Nevada, Las Vegas, Red Rock National Recreation Area, Sandstone Quarry parking area
Route: Calico Tanks Trail
Weather: Sunny in the 80’s.
Trip duration: 2.5 miles/ 2 hours
Altitudes/elevations: Trailhead 4335 ft. Highest 4775 ft.
Sightings: Wild burros
Gear: day-hiking
Overall rating: Worth doing!
I love this recipe and whipped up a batch last night. It really hits the spot and lots of the ingredients are commonly found in the cupboard/freezer/veggie bin. It may be vegetarian but it is really satistfying. (I use HOT salsa for a little extra kick!)
Black Bean Chilaquile
From Moosewood Restaurant Low-Fat Favorites
Serves 4-6
1 cup chopped onions
1 Tablespoon canola oil
1 cup chopped tomatoes (canned is fine, but drain)
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
1 1/2 cups cooked black beans (15 ounce can)
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups rinsed, stemmed and chopped Swiss chard or spinach (
2 cups baked tortilla chips, crushed
8 oz. grated fat-free sharp Cheddar cheese (
2 cups prepared Mexican-style red salsa (I use hot)
Preheat oven to 350.
Sauté the onions in the oil for about 8 minutes, until translucent.
Stir in the tomatoes, corn, black beans, lime juice, salt and pepper and continue to sauté for another 5-10 minutes, until just heated through.
Meanwhile, in another saucepan, blanch the greens in boiling water to cover for 1-3 minutes, until just wilted but still bright green. Drain immediately and set aside.
Prepare an 8×8 inch casserole dish or baking pan with a very light coating of oil or cooking spray.
Spread half of the crushed tortillas chips on the bottom. Spoon the sautéed vegetables over the tortilla chips and sprinkle on about two-thirds of the grated Cheddar. Arrange the greens evenly over the cheese and spoon on half of the salsa. Finish with the rest of the tortilla chips and top with the remaining salsa and Cheddar.
Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown.
This movie is fabulous. The acting is great, the story is really moving and the speed scenes are really exciting. Anthony Hopkins does a great job in this film and the supporting cast really shines. I highly recommend this movie!
This book really exhausts you both emotionally and mentally. Violence is at the core and Jentz circles the event, plunges the reader into the event, deconstructs the event and then reinterprets the event. It isn’t an easy read. But, it is a profound look at a woman facing truth in the bravest way possible and then sharing that. I recommend it for those readers that like true crime and mystery but also for those who like history and documentary. I was drawn to the book because of a review on NPR that stopped me in my tracks. I had to hear more about the woman that had set out to bike across the USA and ended up the victim of an unimaginable attack.
