Amanda Moss

YummyEarth Organic Gummy Bears

admin — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:03:00 +0000

Looking for the perfect lunchbox treat? Look no further than YummyEarth Organic Gummy Bears. These cute little critters are USDA Certified Organic, made with real fruit juice, and provide 100% of daily vitamin C.

The first thing you might notice about YummyEarth’s bears is their color. They are vibrant and appealing, but they colors are markedly more natural (no bright green or screaming orange). This is because of (hooray!) the lack of artificial dyes in the product. While we’re on the topic of what’s not in these bears, I’ll mention that they are free of corn syrup, tree nuts, gluten, peanuts, soy, dairy, GMOs, and MSG.

Inside the bag is a crowd of adorable, squeezable, classically-shaped little bears in an unusual lineup of flavors: Pomegranate Pucker, Strawberry Smash, and Sour Apple Tart. What a refreshing deviation from cherry, grape, and lime! The taste is sweet, tangy, and pure. No thick, syrupy texture here; just chewy, fruity goodness. Of the three flavors, my personal favorite is Strawberry Smash. It’s difficult to find a strawberry-flavored candy that doesn’t taste artificial. Any berry lover will appreciate the deep, authentic flavor of these bears. The pomegranate and sour apple flavors are delicious as well.

Nutritionally speaking, the good news is that this treat is free of fat, cholesterol, and sodium. While it might be tempting to eat the whole bag in one sitting, be aware that the five-ounce bag holds five servings of bears. But don’t worry; you won’t have any trouble finding someone to share this treat with you! Visit YummyEarth’s website for more treats, including one-serving gummy bear snack packs, gummy worms, and lollipops in distinct flavors (Hot Chili Pop, anyone?). Conveniently, orders can be placed directly through the website, so your treats will come straight to your home!

Written by: Amanda Moss, December 31st 2009

Blood Sistas: The Chronicals of Black Uptown Girlz Growing Up in the Hood

admin — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:59:00 +0000

By Munesta Faulkner

Unique Expressions

As a White girl growing up in rural Wisconsin, I had no idea what city life was like. Post-college, I traveled, hoping to broaden my horizons and learn a bit about urban living. After that, I thought I had some pretty good ideas about what growing up in the city was like: living in an apartment, going to the laundromat, shopping at the small supermarket down the street, and hearing traffic and sirens twenty-four hours a day. After reading this book, I can tell you I know absolutely nothing about the intricacies of inner-city life.

Author Munesta Faulkner tells the story of best friends Sabrina, Rochelle, Gabriele, and Dominique. Personally, when I call someone a best friend, I mean that I trust, love, and share with that person. This is not the case in Blood Sistas. The four girls have turbulent relationships with one another, often involving hatred, betrayal, and revenge. Their friendship is put to the test again and again, forcing them to determine whether they are true friends (“blood sistas”) or not. Told from the point of view of Gabrielle, this extremely graphic story takes the reader on a journey complete with drugs, sex, swearing, mental illness, and violence.

If you are looking for an eye-opening fictional account of inner-city life, this book doesn’t leave anything out or cut any corners. From the front cover, featuring a gun, cash, and scantily-clad women, to the author’s heartfelt note on the final page, the story is intriguing and complex. However, if you are looking for a book with correct (or even consistent) spelling, punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure, this book cannot be recommended. For many readers, looking past technical mistakes is very difficult; few will push through the swamp of mistakes in this book to get to the story underneath. A good editor would have a great impact on this book.

Written by: Amanda Moss, November 8th 2009

Emmylou Harris (10/27/2009)

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:34:00 +0000

Overture Hall

Madison, Wisconsin

No matter how many songs Emmylou Harris sings or how many chords she strums, this legendary artist consistently sounds fresh and vibrant. At the Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, Wisconsin, I had the pleasure of seeing Emmylou and her Red Dirt Boys, along with special guest and opener Buddy Miller. The outstanding opening set included standbys and original songs written by the artist and his wife, Julie Miller. To the audience’s delight, Emmylou took the stage with Miller to join him on two songs.

Emmylou was every bit her unmistakable self. Cowboy boots, which she told the audience she purchased at Zappo’s; fishnet stockings; and signature swingy white-silver hair rounded out her country glam look. Her show included several songs from the recent release All I Intended to Be, including Merle Haggard’s “Kern River” and Tracy Chapman’s “All That You Have is Your Soul.” The playlist also featured “Red Dirt Girl,” “Michelangelo,” “Blackhawk and the White-Winged Dove,” and “Lost Unto This World.”

Harris’ fans know that, while songs like this are lovely, the lyrics can sometimes become heavy and depressing. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who was glad to have a few upbeat tunes in the mix, such as “Born to Run,” “If I Could Only Win Your Love,” and “Two More Bottles of Wine.” Harris and her band are fun to watch; passion for their art and appreciation for one another radiate from the stage. An intimate vocal collaboration on “Calling My Children Home” highlighted the group’s synergy and complementary talents. Bill Monroe’s “Get Up John (the Baptist)” ended the show. A standing ovation brought Emmylou and the band back on stage for a lilting, swingy rendition of “Save the Last Dance for Me.”

Two full hours of Emmylou Harris and her Red Dirt Boys was enough to send the audience home humming happily, hopeful that Emmylou’s next tour will bring her back to Madison.

Written by: Amanda Moss, October 30th 2009

Creating Myself: How I Learned That Beauty Comes in All Shapes, Sizes, and Packages, Including Me

admin — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:04:00 +0000

By Mia Tyler

Atria Books

Imagine growing up with these parents: Steven Tyler from Aerosmith and Cyrinda Foxe, a popular actress and model from the 1970s. At first glance, it might seem luxurious, glamorous, exciting, and fun to be part of this family, but Mia Tyler tells the real story of her experiences with her rock 'n roll mom and dad in Creating Myself.

From the first lines of the book, which reveal Tyler's intention to commit suicide in 2001, readers will find riveting details, shocking stories, and jaw-dropping secrets. For example, as an eight-year-old, Tyler had to pour her mother's vial of cocaine into the toilet, and later in life she struggled with her own drug addictions and self-mutilation.

But this book is much more than an exposé of a celebrity family; it is Mia's story of coping, growing, forgiving, moving on, and finding herself amidst the chaos and confusion of a rollercoaster home life. Stories and memories are shared, along with descriptions of birthdays, romances, family tension, crazy social sprees, and her work as a plus-size model. Tyler recounts her trials with using men, drugs, and food, and working to overcome these addictions. She even provides a detailed examination of her own sanity at different points in her life, and how her psychological well-being impacted her choices and the way she encountered the world.

Tyler's candid stories and honest self-evaluations reflect a woman who has been through a lot, has taken a good hard look at herself and the world around her, and has chosen to take the best approach possible by forgiving herself and her family, moving on, and deciding to take care of herself. She comes out stronger in the end, with seemingly endless love and wisdom to share.

Creating Myself will hit home with all readers, even those who don't share Tyler's celebrity status or her extreme past. Those who choose this book will find out that it is possible to take on—and overcome—all that the world has in store for us.

Written by: Amanda Moss, August 30th 2009

Hey Mr. Green: Sierra Magazine's Answer Guy Tackles Your Toughest Green Living Questions

admin — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:23:00 +0000

By Bob Schildgen

Sierra Club

Readers of Sierra magazine will recognize Bob Schlidgen as "Mr. Green," the writer of an advice column about living ecologically. In Hey Mr. Green, Schlidgen offers a compact volume of the best of his column from over the years. The book's five chapters each focus on one area of green living: home, food, recreation, waste management, and "The Big Picture," which tackles often controversial but overlapping issues such as politics and religion, and how they relate to green living. Within these areas, the author covers a broad range of topics, written in an advice column format using actual questions from readers of the magazine.

Some questions seek actual information, others seek Mr. Green's opinion, and still others are purely commentary, but Schildgen always responds with frank, down-to-earth, often hilarious (but consistently well-researched) answers. For example, he responds to a question about space tourism by first stating that he believes that this activity is justifiable only if the trips are one-way. He then goes on to give a scientific answer about the actual chemicals involved in space travel and why they have a negative impact on the environment.

One of the most impressive aspects of this book is the lack of snobbery in the author's tone. Yes, Schildgen sometimes mocks or gets a little sarcastic, but he never holds his knowledge over the reader's head. Anyone could pick up this book, read a page or two, and have learned something that he or she could put into practice today, without buying fancy equipment or making a huge lifestyle change. At the same time, Mr. Green does present challenges to readers. In response to a question about manhood and SUVs, he states, "Real men ride bikes."

Fun and substantial, this green guide is a valuable read for men and women alike. Written clearly enough for everyday people, but detailed and far-reaching enough for hardcore environmentalists, Hey Mr. Green will find a welcome home on many different shelves.

Written by: Amanda Moss, August 29th 2009

My Mom is My Hero

admin — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:11:00 +0000

Edited by Susan Reynolds

Adams Media

If you're searching for a warm, soothing bowl of soup for the soul, look no further. This collection of lovely essays on the importance of mothers is sure to strike a chord with every reader. Each of the fifty authors of My Mom is My Hero has contributed a very personal piece, describing key events, special memories, or extraordinary displays of love from Mom. Universal motherly themes emerge, such as nurturing, encouraging, giving, and forging life paths.

The contributors are diverse, including men and women of a variety of ages, representing a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Each story is unique, enhancing the reader's understanding and appreciation of mothers. Some essays are uplifting, such as Kathryn Godsiff's "The Care Package Queen," which chronicles the author's mother's undying efforts to send goodies, no matter the distance. Others are inspirational, like "The Writing Desk," Charles W. Sasser's story of his family's lifestyle as cotton pickers and how his mother's sacrifices paved the way for him to become a writer. Still others are humorously bittersweet, including "There is No Such Thing as a Perfect Vacuum" by Chavawn Kelley, which will have readers smiling with nostalgia at the images of Sunbeam mixers and Electrolux vacuum cleaners.

What surprised me most about My Mom is My Hero was the variety of points of view and experiences it provides. I expected a collection of feel-good stories about the love of mothers, and I thought that was where it would end. But this book is so much more than that. Mothers are undoubtedly in the spotlight, but others receive standing ovations as well, including grandmothers, fathers, other relatives, and neighbors. In addition, we get candid looks at the life inside the writers' minds and families. Reading about how the writers and their mothers coped with tough situations and individuals is enough to get us on our feet, ready to take on the world. A great gift for Mom, or for yourself!

Written by: Amanda Moss, August 28th 2009

Girls Rock!

admin — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 08:52:00 +0000

Directed by Shane King, Arne Johnson

Liberation Entertainment

Move over campfires and nature hikes, there’s a new Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls in town! In Portland, Oregon, campers ages 8-18 discover a fresh summer adventure. During the one-week session, the girls must form bands, choose instruments (which may or may not be familiar to them), and write songs. Helping them in this undertaking are female rockers from bands such as Sleater-Kinney and The Gossip.

Many campers begin their camp experience shy and withdrawn, but find themselves loudly banging on drums and belting out rebellious lyrics by the end of the experience. This is, in part, due to the empowering non-musical instruction the girls receive at camp, such as anger management and self-defense. Wishing you could see this phenomenon for yourself? Thanks to a new documentary, you can!

Girls Rock! follows a group of campers through the entire camp experience: the first day’s meet-and-greet; the drama surrounding choosing band-mates and names; and the fights, friendships, and indescribable bonds and breakthroughs that happen throughout the week. Viewers get to know specific campers through in depth footage of their home lives and candid interviews. We get to see all facets of these girls lives. They are simultaneously charming, annoying, demanding, and lovable, which is to say that they are real girls who are still growing into themselves.

Emotional, funny, challenging, and eye-opening, Girls Rock! will make anyone want to pick up an electric guitar and tell the world a thing or two, especially after you read the shocking statistics dealing with gender disparity that are juxtaposed with the camp’s stereotype-defying backdrop. And if the film's not enough for you, there are fabulous extras included on the DVD that are entertaining and interactive: commentary by the director, camp skits, a follow-up with the campers featured, and DIY rock and roll tips to try at home.

Written by: Amanda Moss, August 2nd 2009

From the Heart

admin — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:15:00 +0000

By Dolly Parton

Legacy Recordings

Imagine all of your favorite Dolly Parton songs, packaged together on one CD for instant listening pleasure. Wouldn’t it be nice to just pop that CD in and hear all of her best songs, spanning her entire career? Well, imagine no longer; Legacy Recordings has created precisely this album! Just another Best Of? No; this is more like an Ultimate Dolly Parton Playlist, for country music diehards and occasional listeners as well.

From the rocking beat of “Islands in the Stream” to the lilt of “You Are,” the variety of songs on this album will keep listeners interested and entertained. As is true for so many of Parton’s songs, the overarching theme of this album is love and relationships. “Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You” celebrates staying true and honoring commitments, “Here You Come Again” focuses on lust and attraction, and “Love is Like a Butterfly” describes the emotional experience of being in love. Any love-themed collection by Dolly Parton wouldn’t be complete without “I Will Always Love You,” which proudly occupies a spot on From The Heart’s playlist.

Dolly Parton’s distinct voice is beautiful and strong on its own, but as fans know, she has worked with Kenny Rogers on two unforgettable chart-topping duets (“Islands in the Stream” and “Real Love”). Both of these songs are on From The Heart, further rounding out its representation of Parton’s style.

Couples looking for a great date album to set a romantic mood will definitely want to check out this album; Parton’s playful personality shines through while reflecting on the importance of love and its different stages. Parton seems to sing directly to each individual, touching on universal themes and real-world situations. As the last track plays, listeners will find themselves glowing with hope and love.

Written by: Amanda Moss, March 10th 2009

This Crazy Vegan Life: A Prescription for an Endangered Species

admin — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:37:00 +0000

By Christina Pirello

Penguin

I love meat. I love cheese. I love all things animal, and I've always believed that these foods are part of a healthy, balanced diet. I couldn't imagine becoming vegan, giving up all animal products completely. Veganism seemed like a quick road to malnutrition (how could you possibly get enough protein and calcium?), boredom (spinach again?), and overall weirdness. ("I'll have the soyburger with soy ketchup on a soy bun with soy fries.") Fortunately, Christina Pirello's This Crazy Vegan Life challenges all of these perceptions and shows how choosing a vegan lifestyle can improve health, energy, and wellness.

The author begins by briefly sharing her powerful personal testimony; adopting a vegan lifestyle led to her recovery from a terminal form of leukemia. In addition, veganism has helped her to lose weight and feel better about her impact on the planet. Her energetic, passionate voice and real-life stories and advice make this book practical and engaging from cover to cover.

The initial chapters are devoted to educating the reader, providing information on food and culture throughout history. The author presents startling statistics about the origin of foods we eat and the impact of these foods on our health, and shows how choosing healthy non-animal foods will benefit the reader and the planet. Veganism begins to sound not only appealing, but also intelligent, practical, and delicious.

Common misperceptions about veganism are dispelled clearly and simply. For example, many people believe that eating a vegan diet is too expensive. The author points out that a pound of veal costs $7.99-$8.99, while a pound of tofu is just $1.49 and a pound of carrots is about $.89. It's hard to argue with that!

After reading the first chapters, most people will be ready to give veganism a try. Fortunately, the author anticipated this, and included several very complete chapters about how to make the transition to the vegan lifestyle. She explains basic nutritional principles, such as different types of carbohydrates and fats, and how these work with a vegan diet. Readers learn how to make sure they're getting proper nutrition, and why seeking this nutrition through non-animal foods is healthier and safer than what most Americans are exposing themselves to through conventional foods.

Lists of foods to stock in your pantry and refrigerator are included, along with a twenty-one-day menu plan. Over 100 recipes for delicious dishes (even desserts!) will help the new vegan approach meal preparation with confidence and know-how. A chapter on exercise provides an illustrated resistance band workout and ideas for other forms of healthy movement.

By the end of This Crazy Vegan Life, I was chomping at the bit to try some new recipes and give up animal products in my diet. Thanks to Christina Pirello, I'm on my way to a healthier, more natural, more energetic life.

Written by: Amanda Moss, February 20th 2009

Lake Bottom LP

admin — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 23:44:00 +0000

By The Chapin Sisters

Plain Recordings

The strong and lovely voices of the Chapin Sisters offer a raw, deep-down quality to Lake Bottom LP. Listeners who have ever found themselves betrayed by a lover will relate; a theme of troubled love runs through all eleven tracks. The sisters sing about temptation, jealousy, promises kept and broken, loneliness, and longing. Of course, the approach is not feeble or helpless. Rather, honesty and courage abound as needs are identified and communicated, and true feelings and desires are brought to the surface and proudly declared.

The main message is not anti-man or anti-lover; it’s actually very pro-self. The variety of music styles makes this album especially fun to listen to. Lilting harmonies and heartfelt lyrics result in an ear-catching mix of songs. The desperate, begging pleas of “Kill Me Now” complement selections like the catchy (but still melancholy) “Shady River" - the chorus of which stayed with me for days. While this is a perfect post-breakup album, it will be equally appreciated by those not in the midst of heartbreak drama. If you haven’t had a chance to give the Chapin Sisters a listen yet, be sure to check out Lake Bottom LP for a thorough taste of their style.

Written by: Amanda Moss, July 26th 2008

Ecocrafts: Dream Bedroom

admin — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 11:01:00 +0000

By Rebecca Craig

Kingfisher

Are you looking for craft projects to fill the summer months? Do you love rescuing discarded items from the trash or recycling bin and creating useful artwork with them? Look no further than Ecocrafts! Chock full of twelve project ideas ranging from a ketchup-bottle piggybank to a stool made of old magazines, this book is a sure winner with kids and adults alike. While the pink and purple cover may seem feminine, the projects themselves will appeal to any artistically minded or environmentally conscious reader.

Lively, step-by-step photographs accompany easy-to-follow instructions. The author has included plenty of great suggestions for modifications and optional add-ons. Materials are easy to find, and reusing the bottles, boxes and bags that would otherwise be trashed or recycled will give readers a fun way to be kind to the environment. Interesting Ecofacts throughout the book educate and inspire; readers learn about the environment while taking steps to impact it in a positive way!

My personal favorite is the photo display cube made of CD cases, which I was shocked to find out cannot be recycled! A bunch of friends came over with their photos and old cases for a craft night; we had a blast and saved some space in a landfill! Best of all, we made a practical product. After seeing the other projects I had made from the book, my friends were anxious to get their own copies. Many of them intend to give it as a gift to young crafters in their lives, while others will simply enjoy creating and conserving. Happy crafting!

Written by: Amanda Moss, July 2nd 2007

Sesame Street Dad: Evolution of an Actor

admin — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 20:42:00 +0000

By Roscoe Orman

Inkwater Press

Ever since I can remember, I have loved Sesame Street. The muppet characters entertained and educated me as a young child, and the human characters became trustworthy friends and role models. Growing up in a small Midwestern town, the only non-white people I regularly encountered were on television, and fortunately for myself and others of my generation, the residents of Sesame Street were strong, positive, gentle, and ethnically diverse.

One of these residents, Gordon Robinson, has been expertly played by Roscoe Orman for over thirty years. As Susan’s husband and Miles’s adoptive father, Gordon is a model of a caring, confident family man. Before reading Sesame Street Dad, I knew that I loved Gordon. What I didn’t know was the incredible breadth and depth of the career of Roscoe Orman beyond Sesame Street.

Orman starts his memoirs at the beginning of his life, explaining significant events and people who led him to discover an interest in acting. This interest grew into a passion, and this passion grew into a long, varied, celebrated career. Orman’s career has included an amazing array of theater, film and television performances. Beyond his contributions to the overall world of acting, his triumphs and talents have opened doors for black Americans and have contributed to equal treatment and respect for performers of all races.

Readers will enjoy getting to know Roscoe Orman intimately, and having an up-close look at the realities of being a black actor starting out in the 1960s. Candid accounts of auditions and life and work as part of a performance company opens up a world unknown to most people. Orman honestly shares his feelings, thoughts, struggles and motivation throughout the shifting and growth of his career. Plenty of photos accompany the text, allowing us to see Roscoe Orman in babyhood, childhood and all stages of his career.

I am truly amazed by Roscoe Orman’s robust and diverse performance career. My eyes have been opened to his life beyond Sesame Street, leading me to question the limits I put on others based on the capacities in which I see them, as well as the limits I put on myself. Orman’s success, achieved by following passions and developing talents, will inspire readers to reach for their own stars and become more than they imagined they could.

Written by: Amanda Moss, June 30th 2007

Let's Get Primitive: The Urban Girl’s Guide to Camping

admin — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 17:04:00 +0000

By Heather Menicucci

Ten Speed Press

If you’ve always wanted to go camping, but have been overwhelmed by the prospect of choosing a sleeping bag, securing permits, packing supplies and keeping clean in the wild then you’re in luck! This little book is all you’ll need to get out of the city and into the great outdoors. Heather Menicucci explores all aspects of camping, from gear and games to toilets and tents. Her detailed instructions and personal insights will help you to build the confidence and know-how you need in order to have an enjoyable outdoor experience.

This book contains something for everyone; even seasoned campers will find new tips and tricks. Try the pattern for a daypack made of old jeans, or sample the Hot Sweet Whiskey Beans recipe. A significant emphasis is placed on getting along with pals while camping; the author provides tips on how to deal with cranky camp-mates and gives plenty of suggestions on how to keep busy together, such as games like competitive comics or (depending on who you’re with) getting frisky in the tent! Menicucci’s writing is readable and smart, making this book fun and very informative. In addition, it’s the perfect size to stash in your backpack when you do go camping. Whether you choose to head out for a day hike or a week-long backcountry adventure, you’ll be glad you read this book!

Written by: Amanda Moss, June 11th 2007