February 2007 Senior News Column

A HECKUVA JOB: MORE OF THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION IN RHYME
By Calvin Trillin
Random House
ISBN# 1-4000-6556-9

In the sequel to his 2004 bestseller “Obliviously On He Sails” Author Calvin Trillin once again turns his sights onto the Bush Administration. Following an introduction where the author makes it abundantly clear how much he liked and respected his father, there are eleven short chapters of poetry and prose primarily covering the war in Iraq and the various anti terror programs. Combining cutting poetry as well as equally cutting commentary, the author delightfully skewers various areas while putting it all into his perspective. At 116 pages, this small hardback is a very quick read that will please many readers and annoy just as many with few in the middle ground.

RED HAT SOCIETY PLAYFUL PAPER PROJECTS & PARTY IDEAS
By Ruby Redhat
Sterling Publishing Co.
ISBN# 1-4027-3204-X

Entertaining certainly does not have to be hard and this book offers many different ideas for those times when the same old thing just will not do anymore. After a quick and colorful introduction, there are eight chapters detailing all sorts of various invitations, placemats, gift tags, and other items sure to please any hostess as well as any recipients. These chapters are about setting the mood for the party before, during and after and each chapter features clear and concise instructions as well as large pictures of the finished products. A glossary of terms, an index as well as several pages of templates used in the numerous designs bring this colorful 143 page book to a close. While not a cookbook, it is a party guide filled with easy to use ideas to make your next gathering a very special one.

Kevin R. Tipple © 2007