To try: Juice from Crazy Neighbor's Aronia ("Chokeberry")

Image by Fluffymuppet via FlickrSupposedly a superfood. And this one single bush is absolutely LOADED with berries -- so we'll see how much juice we can get. I'm planning to mix it with blueberry juice rather than apple, in part because I like blueberries plenty but also because we've got so many blueberries planted here that, if it goes well, it's possible to imagine making a super-local juice every year. My idea is to make the juice, freeze it in icecube trays, and then use it in smoothies. We'll let you know.

The One Picture that every American should see before voting this year

Crucial.

Or, as the saying goes, "We all do better when we ALL do better."

Vote carefully this November. I yield to no one in my disappointment with Democratic timidity and spinelessness, but at least they ooze in the direction of progress when they are able to move at all. The gangsters that have risen to the top of the dungpile that is the 21st Century GOP are all-too-eager to prove that "Government is the Problem" --- by making sure of it.

UPDATE: Helen says it so well.

Urban Farming Expo - Portland, 9/18

Image via WikipediaCool. How-To information on Chick Basics (12:30), Life with Chickens (1:20), Fall & Winter Vegetable Gardening (3:00), Beekeeping (all day), Homestead Cheesemaking (2:45), Worm Composting (10:10), Whole Grain Breadmaking (10:10), Magic of Sweet Spreads (jams, preserves, conserves, marmalades; 1:30). Check it out!

Maybe the most important post of 2010 so far

Grist's David Roberts provides some context to why the Right has become so anti-science. Very much worth a read.

See, this is why we can't have nice things (the good news/bad news version)

A capital city without an independent general interest bookstore might as well be a bunch of mud shacks. Image via WikipediaOK, the good news is that we get a reminder of how important it is to support our local businesses like Salem Cinema, Cascade Baking Company, Saffron Hardware (so old school that they don't even have a website), Cooke Stationery, etc.

The bad news is that we get this reminder the hard way, through the exit of one of those key building blocks of community, the local independent bookstore:

Tigress Books is on the Move!

Big news! The shop will be moving to Monmouth by the end of the month!

I have accepted a great offer to relocate the shop, and to work with some really fabulous people, right in the heart of Monmouth, between the university and the downtown. The Monmouth business community has been very welcoming, and I feel confident that this will be a good move. I will continue to be a general interest bookstore, with new and selected used books, plus an eclectic array of gifts.

The shop will be located in the carriage house adjacent to MaMere's Bed & Breakfast , one of the most charming places to stay in the Willamette Valley. I'll also be partnering with Marissa Mayer, an acupuncurist and healer, with the intention of developing a healing center, having an active schedule of workshops and retreats. This was part of my original vision for the shop here in Salem, and it looks like that dream will come true - just shifted 16 miles west.

I have had a great time in Salem, but the local and national economies have not been kind. I would love to maintain a presence here in Salem, but the current finances do not allow that. However, I am open to miracles and creative problem solving, so if anyone wishes to offer help or ideas, contact me privately.

On a practical note, yes there WILL be a Moving Sale, starting this weekend, and running through the last day here, which is most likely going to be September 25th. Everything will be 20% off, with a good number of items either marked down or at a deeper discount. It's an excellent time to do a little early Christmas shopping!

Thank you to everyone who has supported me in the past, and who supports me in the present. Everyone is invited to visit and shop in Monmouth - we would LOVE to see you!

Namaste,

JoAnne Kohler
Tigress Books

Move Date:
We will be out of the Salem location by 9/25, and in our new location on or around October 1st. More info as it becomes available!
New Address: Tigress Books, 220 Knox St, Monmouth, OR 97361
Until the move: 420 Ferry St SE, Salem, OR 97301, 503-990-6471
Also see us at Merchant Works Public Market, 170 Main St W, Monmouth

LOVESalem's Shameless Commerce Division momentarily seizes blog

The cute little hot tub that formerly resided at LOVESalem HQ has gone to a better place -- but it left a big box full of chemical potions and accessories. LOVESalem's Shameless Commerce Division urges you to let anyone you know who has a hot tub or spa about this Craigslist ad.

Understanding your audience

Cover via AmazonA LOVESalem foreign (upstate NY) correspondent, a former public HS math and science teacher, read this cheerful item that I sent out. His comment speaks volumes about both his sly wit and the deep understanding of our national priorities that teachers perforce acquire these days:

I guess it's nice that someone stepped in to help, but I am shocked and depressed that it was necessary.

I mean, if we don't fund education, who's going to design the bombs of tomorrow?

If there was ever a phrase that should go on a bumper sticker, it's that one.

By the way

Try this: Make a point to give blood on your birthday, to commemorate the gift of life by sharing and expanding it with others, and then just repeat that six times before your next birthday. You'll feel great, and tuck into your birthday supper feeling grateful for yet another reminder that, if you've got health, you're pretty darn well off. And remembering that is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Acting on it and sharing that gift with people with acute trauma or battling serious illness is one of the best gifts you can give everyone else.

(P.S. We're in a blood shortage now. So don't wait until your birthday if it's been more than 56 days since you last gave.)

Good reminder: Library Card Sign Up Month -- don't be left out

Image via Wikipedia

The humble library, a valuable resource

When Ben Franklin founded the first public lending library in America in 1731, he probably had no idea what he would inspire. There is no better bargain than a library card, and what better time to sign up for one than September, library card sign-up month.

Studies show that children who use the library tend to perform better in school. They are also more likely to continue learning and exploring throughout their lives. . . . "Your library is an incredible source of business content," says Sam Richter, award-winning author and founder of the "Know More" business improvement program. "Even better, you can access most of these databases at no charge via your home or office computer, as long as you have a library card." . . .

And as you know, a library card is still great for checking out books! Haven't read any good books lately? There's no time like the present to start. I love the convenience of my Kindle, but the feel of a real book in my hands is unmatched. You can even check out an audio book for your commute.

Book-club guidance, computer classes, periodicals, story time for the kids -- all through the doors of your library. And one of the most amazing features I like best: live technical help when I need it. Your library card is your ticket to the past and to the future.

Mackay's Moral: The library is a truly amazing resource -- check it out.

A must-read for Salem residents

Image via Wikipedia

From: Rachel Dixon <rdixon@cityofsalem.net>
Date: Thu, Sep 2, 2010 at 12:31 PM
Subject: New Land Use and Board Member Guides
To: Rachel Dixon

I am pleased to announce that the Guide to Salem Land Use Procedures has been completely overhauled to reflect the changes brought about by the new Procedures Ordinance (SRC Chapter 300), and to make it more user-friendly. The electronic version of this guide is in an [Adobe PDF] document with links (underlined in blue) that allow you to navigate easily around the document as well as visit related websites. The Guide is online HERE.

If you would like a paper copy of the Guide, those are also available. Just let me know!