Cowboys & Aliens and Chunky Bracelets

Headed out on horseback or in your UFO to see Cowboys & Aliens? Consider this movie review as you plot your wardrobe.

'Cowboys & Aliens' and Chunky Bracelets
by Carrie Keyes
http://patch.com/A-kDTq

John Burnham Schwartz's 'Northwest Corner' a Literary Land You Must Visit

I recently reviewed John Burnham Schwartz's poignant novel 'Northwest Corner.' You may remember Schwartz for his former work Reservation Road starring Jennifer Connelly.

Visit Quench Book Blog or click on the link below to read why 'Northwest Corner' is a literary land you must visit.

'Northwest Corner' a Startling Exploration of American Misery
by Carrie Keyes

'Captain America' Will Grow on You

Headed to Coronado's gorgeous Village Theater this weekend? Holy mother of muscles. Captain America's ripped!

'Captain America' Will Grow on You
Likeable wimp becomes mega-soldier with surprising motivation.
by Carrie Keyes
http://patch.com/A-k2j0

Root 75 Design Shop Plants Itself on Orange Avenue

I had a great time talking with local women Kristy Pierre and Katherine Farley, owners of Root 75, a new design shop "taking root" in Coronado. Root 75 offers unique home accents and modern vintage floral arrangements.

The women are also planning to hold flower arranging classes for both children and adults, and will provide a slight discount for customers who pre-pay for regularly scheduled deliveries.

Root 75 Design Shop Plants Itself on Orange

The new floral and home décor specialist is the brainchild of Coronadans who have been friends since grade school.

by Carrie Keyes

http://coronado.patch.com/articles/root-75-design-shop-plants-itself-on-orange

Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2

Hello there, Muggles. I'm published over at Coronado Patch today about the 10 reasons why I believe 'Deathly Hallows, Part 2' is a wicked good time. You might not be able to teleport yourself there, so break out your wand and give it a click on the link below.

Why 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2' is a Wicked Good Time
by Carrie Keyes
http://patch.com/A-ktDn

Shopping Local in Coronado

As many of you already know, I cover arts related news and reviews for AOL owned Coronado Patch. Now, I'm collaborating with Patch to support local business. Patch has asked me to canvass the neighborhood in search of the hottest new merchandise, services, and more. Therefore, I'm starting a brief tri-weekly "shop local" column concept called Patch Picks, intended to promote Coronado's eclectic businesses. This gig provides me a fabulous excuse to swipe my smoking hot credit card around town. I'm spending more that I'm earning writing the articles, but it's so fun.

This week, a new twist on snail mail at Fuzziwigs, a healthy chip that's poppin' up at Boney's, and a bright idea for sunscreen at our local Rite-Aid.

Break out the greenbacks!

http://coronado.patch.com/articles/patch-picks-shop-local-at-boneys
http://coronado.patch.com/articles/patch-picks-aloe-gator
http://coronado.patch.com/articles/patch-picks-ani-mails#photo-6887959

Marilyn Monroe's "Hot" Influence at the Hotel del Coronado

I'm channeling my inner blonde today, reporting for AOL owned Patch about Marilyn Monroe and her connection to the Hotel del Coronado. Click the link below to read ten key facts about Monroe and the time she spent filming Some Like it Hot at the world class resort.

Ten Facts About Marilyn Monroe, the Hotel del Coronado and the 'Some Like it Hot' Shoot
by Carrie Keyes
http://patch.com/A-kglj

Book Review: The Man in the Rockefeller Suit

Looking for a summer book club read? Please visit my book blog to read why The Man in the Rockefeller Suit is a terrific selection.

'The Man in the Rockefeller Suit': Big Work of Art About Fascinating Con-Man
by Carrie Keyes
http://www.quenchbookblog.com/2011/07/man-in-rockefeller-suit-big-work-of-art.html

Save the Date: 'To Be Sung Underwater' Author Tom McNeal Book Signing

You may remember my interview of Coronado author Tom McNeal and accompanying review of his acclaimed novel To Be Sung Underwater, a poignant story that follows one woman's reevaluation of her life path. Now you can meet the author at an exclusive book signing.


'Underwater' an Absorbing Read



Please come learn more about Tom and his moving novel at Bay Books on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. 

Tom is an excellent writer, and meeting him gives rich context to his story. I hope to see you there.

* To read my interview with Tom McNeal, click here.

*To read my review of To Be Sung Underwater, click here.

*Like hearing about the latest good reads? Visit my book blog Quench and subscribe by email.

Coronado's Junior Sailors and SEALs: Independence Day, Part One

While many youth sailing classes teach youngsters to sail, none offer a sense of independence like the Coronado Yacht Club Junior Sailing Program. Why? Besides their nationally acclaimed reputation and their journeys underneath the bridge to the ferry landing for pizza, the juniors learn to maneuver their vessels around SEALs, the super-human amphibious frogmen who secure our freedom. Both the SEALs and the juniors share a watery training ground in Glorietta Bay.

Junior Sailor Contemplates Independence
(Awesomely amateur iPhone photo: Carrie Keyes)

As the 4th of July approaches, I can't help but enjoy the way both the junior sailors and the SEALS practice independence on the bay, navigating their wind-swept freedom.

I'll be back next week with Independence Day, Part Two: a few photos of an island swathed in stars and stripes. Until then, celebrate!

'Transformers' Too Long, Too Weird

I recently reviewed 'Transformers' for AOL/Time Warner owned Patch. Click on the link below to read ten reasons why spot-on special effects can't transform the film's overarching problems.

'Transformers' Too Long, Too Weird
by Carrie Keyes
http://patch.com/A-jRxm