September 2008

  • Oliver Sacks walked my dog this morning

    Oliver Sacks has been hanging out on my iPod for a few months. I actually forgot he was there until this morning when I was looking through my podcasts and found his presentation at the Central Library. At one hour and one minute, that’s about the right length for a walk with my hound, Owen.… Continue reading

  • Chinese Herbal Medicine

    If you walk into a Chinese herb shop usually there is a Chinese Herbalist available. They usually don’t charge you a fee if you purchase your herbs there for your illness. Herbs are very important in the Asian community.  Chinese people use herbs to strengthen and balance their body’s Qi. They believe Qi is a… Continue reading

  • Neil Gaiman fans vote for ‘Neverwhere’

    The last time HarperCollins posted a free Gaiman book, American Gods was the people’s choice and it was a hands-down success. This time they’ve made Neverwhere the 30-days or bust book! The novel will be available to read for 30 days, then expires. Until then, though, freeeeee! (You just need Adobe Digital Editions, which you… Continue reading

  • Spending the afternoon in a Japanese Garden

    Seattle is a city of garden aficionados, so it is fitting that we have one of the best Japanese gardens outside of Japan. With sweeping vistas and decades-old plantings tended with exquisite care, the Seattle Japanese Garden is a spot of meditative beauty. It is also host to a variety of festive events. If you… Continue reading

  • Science Books for the Non-Scientist

    I am not a scientist, but I’m married to one.  I was an English major and for most of my life have been a loyal fiction reader.  A few years ago, though, I began dipping into nonfiction and discovered that there is a rich realm of science books for the non-scientist.  Many are elegantly written… Continue reading

  • Opening new worlds: Mysteries in translation

    For those of us who love mystery novels, the quest for the next exciting detective or, better yet, the next series, is endlessly diverting. As it happens, this is a wonderful age for us, with the advent of many new absolutely top-notch works and series from abroad, best-sellers in their own countries, being released here… Continue reading