Welcome to the February 2006 edition of StaceysNews, the electronic newsletter and events calendar of Stacey's Bookstore.

 

First some news:

 

We just received a new shipment of bargain books. Check out the Bargain Basement for hot new titles at very cool prices.

 

Check out the second floor for a display of Nolo Press titles on estate planning and taxes. Buy one book, and get a Nolo Press tote bag for free.

 

And speaking of taxes, Stacey’s carries a large selection of books to help you maximize your return and minimize your headache, including: The Ernst & Young Tax Guide 2006, J.K. Lasser’s Your Income Tax 2006, and Taxes 2006 for Dummies.

 

Arthur & George by Julian Barnes, The Story of General Dann and Mara’s Daughter, Griot and the Snow Dog by Doris Lessing, Cell by Stephen King, Small Steps by Louis Sachar, Johnny and the Dead by Terry Pratchet, and Dave Barry’s Money Secrets by Dave Barry have published in hardcover. Gilead by Marilynne Robinson, The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls, Letters to a Young Artist by Anna Devere Smith, Break, Blow, Burn by Camille Paglia have published in paperback.

 

Whether you’re interested in politics, science, religion, history, or just enjoy some great fiction, Stacey’s has a little something for everyone, so be sure to check out our complete in-store and affiliate events calendar. You can always check our most up-to-date schedule, as well as reviews and descriptions of new books every month online at:

 

http://www.staceys.com/

 

STACEY’S EVENTS –FEBRUARY 2006

581 Market Street

San Francisco, CA 94105

www.staceys.com

415.421.4687

 

Friday, February 3^rd @ 12:30

Ross King

The Judgment of Paris

 

Ross King, the critically acclaimed author of Brunelleschi's Dome and Michelangelo and the Pope’s Ceiling, chronicles the origins of Impressionism against the backdrop of the artistic and cultural events of the nineteenth century, as exemplified in the work of two artists—Ernest Meissonier, the most successful artist of his era, and Edouard Manet, reviled in his time but a herald of a radical change in the history of art.

 

Tuesday, February 7^th @ 12:30

Guy Lampard and Dr. Bob Rosenberg

Giving from Your Heart: A Guide to Volunteering

 

If you have ever thought about making a difference but simply don’t know how to get started, Giving from Your Heart is a must-read. Co-authors Dr. Bob Rosenberg and Guy Lampard share their expertise about numerous volunteer opportunities available today. From determining one’s desired level of involvement to establishing realistic expectations, Rosenberg and Lampard offer practical information to help make the connection.

 

Tuesday, February 14^th @ 12:30

Jennifer Ouellette

Black Bodies and Quantum Cats: Tales from the Annals of Physics

 

Jennifer Ouellette offers a valentine to physics. In Black Bodies and Quantum Cats, she traces key developments in physics, illustrating the fundamentals via films and literature, as in Back to the Future, which demonstrates some of the finer points of special relativity, and Edgar Allen Poe's The Purloined Letter, which serves to illuminate the mysterious nature of neutrinos.

 

Thursday, February 16^th @ 12:30

MODERN SPRIRITUALITY

Rabbi Michael Lerner

The Left Hand of God

 

Stacey’s kicks off our 2006 Modern Spirituality Series with a discussion of how spirituality should be a part of the political dialogue. Rabbi Michael Lerner, renowned spiritual leader, author, and former White House insider, offers a fervent critique of the ways in which the Democrats have ignored faith and values issues. In The Left Hand of God, Rabbi Lerner proposes a new course of action for taking back the White House.

 

Wednesday, February 22^nd @ 12:30

Kenji Yoshino

Covering: The Hidden Assault on Our Civil Rights

 

Bringing together a legal manifesto and memoir of his life as a gay Japanese American, legal scholar Kenji Yoshino creates a ground-breaking new paradigm of civil rights. He looks at society's emphasis on a need for conformity and calls for a return to authenticity that recognizes that this suppression of one's identity causes harm to all society.

 

Thursday, February 23^rd @ 12:30

Stephen Shapiro

Goal-Free Living

 

With the release of Goal-Free Living, author Stephen Shapiro reveals that the life we really want is already here. This insightful book teaches readers how to recognize and explore the exciting new possibilities and opportunities available to all of us each and every day. Goal-Free Living presents a new philosophy for life in a counter-intuitive and simple guide for creating a passion-filled goal-free life now, rather than allowing society and expectations to define one's aspirations.

 

Monday, February 27^th @ 12:30
John Nielsen

Condor: From the Brink and Back – The Life and Times of One Giant Bird

 

After covering environmental issues for NPR for 15 years, journalist John Nielsen has poured all of his passion and knowledge into Condor. He traces the efforts to save the endangered California condor, describes the giant bird's long-ranging history, the factors that have influenced the environmental movement, and the rescue methods that have increased the condor's numbers from twenty-seven in 1987 to several hundred today.

 

Tuesday, February 28^th @ 12:30

MYSTERY CIRCLE

Robert Crais

The Two-Minute Rule

 

Stacey’s kicks off our 2006 Mystery Circle Series with a Stacey’s favorite, Robert Crais. Devastated by the murder of his estranged police-officer son on the day of his own release from prison, former bank robber Max Holman launches a renegade investigation and discovers that the chief suspect, a gang kingpin, is being deliberately and wrongfully targeted by the LAPD.

 

AFFILIATE EVENTS

 

Wednesday, February 1^st @ 6:30 pm

WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL

Ambassador Paul Bremer

My Year in Iraq

 

What happened in Iraq during the U.S. Coalition’s first year after military victory over Saddam Hussein? In 2003, Paul Bremer, a retired diplomat and counter terrorism expert, was sent to post-war Baghdad as “pro-consul” to restore Iraq’s economy, build an open democratic political system, and deal with mounting security threats. In his new book, My Year in Iraq, Ambassador Bremer describes the devastation, the chaos, and the violence that he encountered in Iraq. He also discusses how he pushed for additional funds for Iraq’s reconstruction, warned of the dangers of prematurely turning security over to untrained Iraqi security forces and argued against turning governance over to exiles with no plan for a constitution or elections. For this talk, Ambassador Bremer will address the challenges of rebuilding Iraq and discuss the immense stakes involved in this war and this troubled region. Please note: This event will take place at The Argent Hotel, Metropolitan Ballroom, 50 Third Street, San Francisco. Check in is at 6:00 pm. Admission is $10 for members and $20 for non-members. For reservations and more information, please call 415-293-4600.

 

Monday, February 6^th @ 6:00 pm

WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL

Lester Brown

Plan B 2.0

 

Convincing new evidence from China shows that the existing economic model—the fossil-fuel-based, automobile-centered, throwaway economy—cannot sustain progress much longer. Lester Brown, who has been hailed as “one of the world's most influential thinkers,” will look at China's current consumption of basic resources, which now exceeds that of the United States, and at China's projected consumption in 2031 when its income is expected to reach that of the United States today. Dr. Brown will discuss ways to restructure the global economy so that it can sustain economic progress through renewable energy, comprehensive reuse and recycling of materials, a diverse transport system, and energy and materials economies. Please note: This event will take place at the World Affairs Council, located at 312 Sutter Street, 2^nd Floor. Check in is at 5:30 pm. Admission is free for members, $5 for students, and $15 for non-members. For reservations and more information, please call 415-293-4600.

 

Tuesday, February 7^th @ 6:00 pm

ASIA SOCIETY

Nic Dunlop

The Lost Executioner

 

In a real-life detective story, journalist Nic Dunlop sets out to track down Comrade Duch, the man responsible for some of the worst atrocities of Cambodia's killing fields. Comrade Duch has never been held accountable for his part in the crimes of the Khmer Rouge. Please note: This event will take place at the Asia Society, 500 Washington Street, San Francisco. For reservations and more information, please call 415-421-8707.

 

Wednesday, February 8^th @ 6:00 pm

COMMONWEALTH CLUB

Todd Gitlin

The Intellectuals and the Flag

 

Recent Republican miscues may spell trouble for the Right, but can the Left capitalize to reclaim political clout? An intellectual and social critic whose resume includes organizing the first national demonstration against the Vietnam War, Todd Gitlin charts the course for those on the Left to unite in a spirit of patriotism, and re-imagine themselves defending ideals that originally defined the American republic. Please note: This event will take place at the Commonwealth Club, next door to Stacey’s at 595 Market Street, 2^nd Floor. Admission is free for members, $18 for non-members and includes a wine and cheese reception at 5:30 pm. For reservations and more information, please call 415-597-6705.

 

Thursday, February 9^th @ 6:00 pm

WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL

Shlomo Ben-Ami

Scars of War, Wounds of Peace: The Israeli-Arab Tragedy

 

As a distinguished historian and a vital participant in peace negotiations, Shlomo Ben-Ami combines a scholar’s balanced perspective with his own experience in describing the historical, social, and cultural reasons why peace in the Middle East is so heartbreakingly elusive. In his new book, Scars of War, Wounds of Peace, Ben-Ami tells the story of the powerful trends and movements in Israel both before and after the 1967 war, and traces the many missteps of the Israeli and Palestinian political systems. He believes that the best hope for the region is to create an international mandate in the Palestinian territories that would lead to the implementation of Clinton's two-state peace parameters. Please note: This event will take place at the World Affairs Council, located at 312 Sutter Street, 2^nd Floor. Check in is at 5:30 pm. Admission is free for members, $5 for students, and $15 for non-members. For reservations and more information, please call 415-293-4600.

 

Thursday, February 9^th @ 7:00 pm

COMMONWEALTH CLUB/INFORUM

Franz and Kurt Wisner

Honeymoon with My Brother: Sixty Countries, Two Years, No Bride

 

Franz Wisner was dumped on the way to the altar—ouch. He decided to go on his honeymoon to Costa Rica anyway, with his recently divorced brother Kurt. They canceled the flower petals on the beds, swapped champagne for beer and promised not to carry each other over any thresholds. Their next move was unprecedented. They quit their jobs, sold their homes, gave away their furniture and discarded their cell phones. Since then they’ve “honeymooned” through nearly 60 countries in Eastern Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa. Join Franz and Kurt as they share their adventures and photos from around the globe. Their story has been featured on Oprah, The Today Show, CNN and Vanity Fair, and will soon be made into a movie by Sony Pictures. Please note: This event will take place at the Commonwealth Club, next door to Stacey’s at 595 Market Street, 2^nd Floor. Admission is $12 for members, $20 for non-members, and includes reception at 8:00 pm. For reservations and more information, please call 415-597-6705.

 

Wednesday, February 15^th @ Noon

COMMONWEALTH CLUB

Bert Patenaude

A Wealth of Ideas

 

Bert Patenaude will introduce the rare historical documents and artifacts found at the Hoover Library and Archives. In A Wealth of Ideas: Revelations from the Hoover Archives, Patenaude includes many illustrations, including political posters, photographs, film stills, original artwork, public and private manuscripts, letters and diaries. Please note: This event will take place at the Commonwealth Club, next door to Stacey’s at 595 Market Street, 2^nd Floor. Admission is free for members, $15 for non-members. Check-in is at 11:30 am. For reservations and more information, please call 415-597-6705.

 

Wednesday, February 15^th @ 5:30 pm

COMMONWEALTH CLUB

Deborah Tannen

You’re Wearing That?

 

The best of conversations, the worst of conversations—talk between mothers and grown daughters can be both. A remark coming from your daughter or mother is more healing or hurtful than the same remark coming from someone else. Deborah Tannen's practical advice promises to improve communication between mothers and daughters, helping them in turn to build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. Please note: This event will take place at the Commonwealth Club, next door to Stacey’s at 595 Market Street, 2^nd Floor. Admission is free for members, $15 for non-members, and includes a reception at 5:15 pm. For reservations and more information, please call 415-597-6705.

 

Thursday, February 16^th @ Noon

COMMONWEALTH CLUB

Richard Harwood

Hope Unraveled: The People's Retreat and Our Way Back

 

In Hope Unraveled, Richard Harwood, founder of Harwood Institute for Public Innovation, asks whether we are hopelessly split along lines of red and blue, left and right, religious and secular? Harwood contends that Americans’ realities are routinely distorted, pushing us farther from constructive dialogue. Identifying the culprits in government, the media and consumerism, Harwood will present an approach to reengagement by tapping into the retreating public’s basic hopes and faith in the American project. Please note: This event will take place at the Commonwealth Club, next door to Stacey’s at 595 Market Street, 2^nd Floor. Admission is $8 for members, $15 for non-members. Check-in is at 11:30 am. For reservations and more information, please call 415-597-6705.

 

Wednesday, February 22^nd @ Noon

COMMONWEALTH CLUB

Torie Clarke

Lipstick on a Pig

 

Torie Clarke has been at the forefront of the war on terror from briefing the press in the chaotic initial moments of 9/11 to her leadership during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Arguing that America is paying a high cost for government-perpetuated distortion, Clarke will discuss America’s growing disillusionment with spin—and suggest why simply telling the truth might be the perfect approach. Please note: This event will take place at the Commonwealth Club, next door to Stacey’s at 595 Market Street, 2^nd Floor. Admission is free for members, $15 for non-members. Check-in is at 11:30 am. For reservations and more information, please call 415-597-6705.

 

Wednesday, February 22^nd @ 6:00 pm

COMMONWEALTH CLUB

Robert Sutton

Hard Facts

 

Some of the popular axioms that seem to drive organizations' everyday actions are dangerous half-truths (“the best organizations have the best talent,” “incentives drive performance,” “change or die”). Too many management beliefs are built on flimsy information, miracle-cure hype, and flawed thinking about best practices, says Robert Sutton. When leaders make choices based on dubious knowledge, they put their organizations at risk. Sutton argues that it doesn't have to be this way. He will highlight the links between managerial knowledge and organizational action, and innovation and performance, showing how managers can use evidence-based management to create vibrant, competitive organizations. Please note: This event will take place at the Commonwealth Club, next door to Stacey’s at 595 Market Street, 2^nd Floor. Admission is free for members, $15 for non-members, with a reception at 5:30 pm. For reservations and more information, please call 415-597-6705.

 

Thursday, February 23^rd @ Noon

COMMONWEALTH CLUB

Sister Helen Prejean

The Death of Innocents

 

The controversy swirling around the recent execution of Stanley Tookie Williams is a vivid reminder that the death penalty continues to provoke vigorous debate. Since the publication of her memoir Dead Man Walking and the film it inspired, Sister Helen Prejean has become a powerful and articulate presence in the fight against the death penalty in the United States. Her new book, The Death of Innocents, draws on her experience advocating for two men condemned to death row. Please note: This event will take place at the Commonwealth Club, next door to Stacey’s at 595 Market Street, 2^nd Floor. Admission is $8 for members, $15 for non-members. Check-in is at 11:30 am. For reservations and more information, please call 415-597-6705.

 

Thursday, February 23^rd @ 6:00 pm

MECHANICS’ INSTITUTE

Jane Ganahl

Single Woman of a Certain Age

 

San Francisco Chronicle staff writer Jane Ganahl, Director of Litquake Literary Festival, has collected a fine array of stories by women writers who reflect on the rites of passage after age 40.  The stories address the challenges and rewards of growing older as a single woman: sex, loneliness, motherhood, living alone, financial struggles, changing careers, menopause, and more. Contributors include April Sinclair, Cameron Tuttle, Spike Gillespie, Laura Fraser, Susan Griffin, Jane Juska, Joyce Maynard, Sunny Singh to name a few. Please note: This event will take place at the Mechanics’ Institute, 57 Post Street. Admission is free for members, $7 for non-members. For reservations and information, please call 415-393-0100 or email rsvp@milibrary.org.

Thursday, February 23^rd @ 6:00 pm

COMMONWEALTH CLUB

Gary Hart

The Shield and the Cloak

 

Is national-security reform the answer to a stubborn insurgency and swelling criticism of America’s role in Iraq? Co-chair of the U.S. Commission on National Security/21st Century, Gary Hart helped shape a trio of reports forecasting the age of terrorism. Hart made a bid for the Dem’s nomination for president in ’84 and managed McGovern’s presidential campaign. He will outline a new approach to national defense. MEMBERS ONLY plus 1 paying guest. Please note: This event will take place at the Commonwealth Club, next door to Stacey’s at 595 Market Street, 2^nd Floor. Admission is $12 for members, $18 for non-members and includes a wine and cheese reception at 5:30 pm. For reservations and more information, please call 415-597-6705.

 

Friday, February 24^th @ Noon

COMMONWEALTH CLUB

Taylor Branch

At Canaan’s Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-1968

 

Gain an unparalleled look into the brilliant final years of a life dedicated to one of the greatest moral campaigns in American history. Having written the final installment of his trilogy on Martin Luther King, Taylor Branch presents MLK at the height of his influence over the civil rights movement and provides a look into the final tragic years of one of America’s most influential figures. Learn of King’s efforts to direct his non-violent movement as momentum grew. Please note: This event will take place at the Commonwealth Club, next door to Stacey’s at 595 Market Street, 2^nd Floor. Admission is $8 for members, $15 for non-members. Check-in is at 11:30 am. For reservations and more information, please call 415-597-6705.