November 7–8 >> Scottsdale Fashion Week, 7100 E. Camelback Rd.

Photography by Mark Susan

Fashion week has once again hit Scottsdale, and collections from Banana Republic, Marciano, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Dillard’s, and more hit the runways. scottsdalefashionweek.com

Rare Earth Coffee & Wine Bar
28190 N. Alma School Pkwy., Ste. 209
Scottsdale AZ 85262
Phone: (480) 513-6252
Rare Earth Coffee & Wine Bar serves up a warm atmosphere and friendly service to match its fine wine, gourmet pizza, crisp salads, decadent desserts, and soothing jazz music. The balcony deck provides a grand and peaceful view of the McDowell Mountains in the shadow of Pinnacle Peak.

Crust Pizza & Wine
6989 N. Hayden Rd., Ste. A9
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Phone: (480) 948-3099
crustscottsdale.com
Step into Crust Pizza & Wine for a little slice of Sicily. Their freshly made pizzas are cooked in stone ovens. Rustica-style pizzas, gourmet sandwiches, and salads served in a unique crust bowl pair well with their selection of wines. Try the one-of-a-kind “Crustini” or your favorite white or red wine.

Sauce Pizza & Wine
Sauce Norterra
2470 W. Happy Valley Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85085
Phone: (623) 414-4866
foxrc.com/sauce
Sauce Pizza & Wine is part of FOX Restaurant Concepts, a collection of original boutique restaurants throughout several states. A variety of thin-crust red and white pizzas adorn the menu, which also features fresh salads with house-made dressings, lasagna, and grilled paninis made with fresh baked bread. Their wine selection is accompanied by Italian and domestic beers, and the warm, inviting atmosphere makes the dining experience as enjoyable as the food. Several Arizona locations.

Two elegant, foodie-friendly recipes give life to simple winter vegetables

By Alison Malone

When cool weather prevails outdoors, nothing warms up the inside like the aromas of festive fare bubbling away in the kitchen. Whether part of a weeknight dinner or a holiday potluck, these elegant side dishes are welcome additions to any table.

In the recipe for winter squash, which pairs well with a lighter meat such as roasted lamb, pork loin, or Cornish game hens, the fennel flavor balances the sweetness of the squash. The sweet potato dish, meanwhile, pairs earthy sage with the rich nuttiness of brown butter.

The next challenge? Mastering the art of roasting a 20-pound turkey.

Recipes developed by Hilary Malone

Spiced Winter Squash
1 two-pound butternut squash, peeled, halved lengthwise, and cut into one-inch wedges
2 fennel bulbs cut into one-inch wedges
1 large red onion, root left on and cut into half-inch wedges
4 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ tsp cumin
1 ½ tsp cinnamon
1 ½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp turmeric
A pinch of sugar

Preheat oven to 450 F. Combine squash, fennel, and onion with olive oil and spices. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper and spread evenly in a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast vegetables until tender and golden, turning once, about 45 minutes. Serves six.

Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter and Sage
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into half-inch cubes
¼ cup unsalted butter
5 fresh sage leaves
¼ cup whole milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Cover sweet potatoes with water in a heavy pot and add one teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cook uncovered until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain potatoes in a colander and transfer back to pot. Mash potatoes with a masher or run through a food mill, then cover to keep warm.

Heat butter and sage leaves in a heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden, about five minutes. Remove sage leaves and add brown butter and milk to the sweet potatoes, season generously with salt and pepper, and garnish with the fried sage leaves. If not serving immediately, the potatoes can be kept warm in a bowl over simmering water or can be made the day ahead and reheated. Serves six.

By Rob Graham, CVT

Christmas is a popular time for people to get a new pet for the family. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen a Rockwell scene with a child getting a big wet kiss from his new sibling on Christmas morning. Before you run out and buy a pet, it’s important to take several things into consideration.

First of all, make sure that a pet is right for your family. Taking a new pet home to your family is like bringing in another child. There will be feeding, training, and veterinary bills to consider. Puppies need to go outside frequently, so your lunch break may turn into a puppy walk. Someone will need to be able to feed a new puppy or kitten several times a day. You should also be prepared for the damages a young animal can cause in your home—chewed-up shoes, clawed couches, and so on. You would not believe the number of unwanted pets that are dropped off at shelters just days after Christmas. Make sure that everyone in your family is willing and able to take on the added responsibilities of a new pet.

If everyone agrees that a new pet is right for your family, you now need to make sure you are adopting or purchasing a healthy pet. There is nothing worse than bringing in a new family member only to find out that it has a medical condition that can not only be costly but also deadly. It’s so easy to go to a shelter or rescue group and buy a puppy or kitten on impulse because they are soooo cute and fluffy! Even though shelters and reputable rescue groups and breeders are watchful about pet diseases, you need to be sure your new friend is also healthy.

Before you bring home a new pet, ask the shelter official, the rescue caregiver or the breeder (and make sure that you take time to research a reputable and responsible one) to see medical records, and make sure that they’re legitimate. Puppies and kittens should receive their first set of vaccines between the ages of six and eight weeks. Make sure that you’ll be allowed to return the pet if a veterinary exam reveals any abnormalities. After you have adopted a pet, you need to have them examined by a veterinarian ASAP. Your veterinarian will make sure the pet is healthy, up to date on vaccines, and free from parasites. Internal parasites are not only dangerous for your pet but can also be dangerous for you and your children.

If you are considering a new pet for Christmas, please take these things into consideration so that a joyful moment doesn’t turn into a nightmare. If you have specific questions about adopting a pet or legitimate rescuers—either breed-specific or not—contact your local veterinarian for advice.

Contact Rob Graham at askthevet@northvalleymagazine.com.

By Alana Stroud

Miracle on Main Street
Kierland Commons
Greenway Pkwy. and Scottsdale Rd.
Nov. 29, 2008
Join the festivities at Kierland Commons on the Saturday after Thanksgiving for some holiday cheer! Bring the kids for complimentary horse-and-carriage rides, pictures with Santa, storytelling with Mrs. Claus, and shopping for Mom and Dad! Enjoy this and much more, including a tree lighting at sunset, without having to travel all the way to the North Pole. (480) 348-1577 or kierlandcommons.com

Volunteering
Join in the fun during this holiday season—volunteer! There’s no better way to give back to the community and share your life’s blessings than to give to those less fortunate. There are many centers around the Valley where you can go to wrap presents, serve food, provide home deliveries for various needs, and so many other ways of expressing generosity.

Azlimo.com
Got a big date? Prom night? Ladies’ night out? Whatever your special occasion may be, azlimo.com has you covered. With several limos and packages to choose from, they’re sure to have something that caters to your needs. Fully stocked minibars, satellite TV, and fun interiors are bound to keep you and your guests entertained during your night on the town. (480) 635-8887 or azlimo.com

Westgate Rocks New Year’s Eve Party
Westgate City Center
9400 W Maryland Ave.
Glendale, AZ 85305
5 p.m.–2 a.m.
Ring in the New Year in style at the bustling Westgate City Center. You’ll enjoy performances by nationally recognized entertainers, dining, dancing, DJs, and two large-scale LED video monitors to watch New Year’s countdowns and other programming. 21 and older only. (623) 772-4000 or westgateaz.com

Cesar Chavez: Autobiography of La Causa
By Jacques E. Levy, Barbara Moulton, Jr., Fred Ross, and Jacqueline M. Levy
When you read this intimate look into the Mexican-American activist’s life and work, you will truly understand what it means to fight for your rights and enjoy the freedom that can only be found in America. Cesar Chavez is one of the pillars of Arizona’s history.

Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
Though we’ve been told gas prices will go down, there’s no better time to purchase a fuel-efficient vehicle than now. How lucky we are that automakers of every brand have caught on to this fad! No matter who your favorite automaker is, with a little research you’ll most likely find they have a new model vehicle that will get you up to (and possibly beyond!) 35–40 mpg.

Acai Berry
This up-and-coming superfood is becoming widely known for its powerful antioxidants and help in losing weight. Similar to a blueberry yet resembling a grape, this fruit has been said to boost energy levels, help alleviate diabetes, improve circulation, and provide many important vitamins. As always, you should consult a doctor before taking any supplements.

By Shannon Willoby

Photography of Kauai courtesy of Kauai Visitors Bureau
Photography courtesy of Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club
Photography courtesy of the National Tropical Botanical Garden
Photography of the Sheraton courtesy of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii
Photography courtesy of Ho’opulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill
Photography courtesy of Hanalei Colony Resort
Photo by Shannon Willoby
As the setting for over sixty movies, from Elvis Presley’s Blue Hawaii to the more recent Tropic Thunder , first-time visitors to Kauai might be surprised to discover that they’ve already seen some of its beauty through the magic of film. And because Kauai is filled with ecological delights that make for stunning big-screen backdrops, it’s an ideal vacation destination.

Kauai, often called the Garden Island, is a popular tourist spot thanks to its perfect year-round weather of 70–80 degrees, 50 miles of white sandy beaches, the majestic Na Pali coast, Waimea Canyon (nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Pacific), laid-back atmosphere, and endless outdoor activities, but the island’s ancient myths and culture are also fascinating draws. And with only 3 percent of Kauai developed for commercial and agricultural use, plenty of the island’s natural state is there to see and discover in many ways—hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, sailing, zip-lining, surfing, all-terrain vehicle adventures, horseback riding, nature walks, world-class golf, helicopter tours, and more.

Whether you’re looking for a little family fun or a romantic getaway, read on for tips on where to stay and what to do while you enjoy Hawaii’s oldest and most unspoiled island, Kauai.

Sheraton Kauai Resort
(866) 716-8109
sheraton-kauai.com

If you’re looking for a tropical oceanfront property with an intimate feel, the Sheraton Kauai Resort on Poipu beach is it. Opt for the beach or ocean wing if you want to face the sea or choose the garden wing to overlook a pretty garden and waterfall area. Head to the Sheraton’s Activity Center for snorkeling and scuba equipment, boogie boards, and beach cabana rentals, or take a relaxing walk along Poipu beach. Guests will enjoy a variety of on-site delicious dining options, from Shells Steak and Seafood Restaurant to the more casual al fresco dining choice, Oasis Bar and Grill. For an eco-friendly twist, guests can attend the Sheraton’s Monk Seal Program on Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. This free presentation put on by the Kauai Monk Seal Watch Program teaches about one of the most endangered species on the planet. With only about 1,300 Monk Seals in Hawaii—around 25 in Kauai alone—the Monk Seal Program shows why protecting this species is so important.

Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club
(800)-220-2925
marriotthawaii.com

For a luxury property with all the amenities, try the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club. And while the lavish bedding, on-site koi pond, tropical garden, and talkative parrots just outside the lobby are sure to hit big with you, the main attraction just might be the hotel’s pool. With 1.8 million black and light blue mosaic tiles, swim-up hot tubs, and 26,000 square feet of water, it’s the largest single-level pool in the state. But if it’s the beach you’re after, miles and miles of soft sand and swimmable ocean lie just steps behind the pool, which means that much of your time at the Marriott will probably be spent outdoors enjoying the natural beauty of Kauai either from a provided lounge chair with a tropical drink or by taking advantage of the nearby snorkeling, water skiing, hiking, and horseback riding. When you’re ready for a fantastic meal, you’ll get to choose from five open-air restaurants, including the resort’s Aupaka Terrace, where 100 percent biodegradable flatware and to-go containers are used, and the famous beachfront restaurant Duke’s Barefoot Bar and Grill.

Hanalei Colony Resort and Day Spa
(800) 628-3004
hcr.com

Built in 1969, Hanalei Colony Resort just might be Hawaii’s original eco-friendly resort. To its credit, the Hanalei Colony Resort has never offered any in-room distractions, and that includes televisions, phones, and radios. If you absolutely must, Internet access is available, but don’t let anything divert your attention from the beauty of this oceanfront condominium property. Each charming condo is equipped with a full kitchen, perfect for those looking to save some cash by preparing their own meals. For a delicious meal at the resort, head to the Hanalei Gourmet for Mediterranean-inspired fare. Named one of Kauai’s three best restaurants by Honolulu Magazine , the food is accented by the restaurant’s prime beachfront location. Shopping and coffee breaks coexist perfectly at the on-site NaPali Art Gallery and Coffee Shop. But if it’s ultimate indulgence you’re after, treat yourself to the Hanalei Day Spa. A variety of services is offered daily, from luxurious facials to invigorating body wraps. Guests can opt for their massages to be done by a talented therapist either beachside or in the spa.

Holo Holo Charters
(800) 848-6130
holoholocharters.com

Choose the morning Na Pali Snorkel Sail by Holo Holo Charters and you’ll spend five hours out on the ocean admiring the natural beauty of Kauai. You’ll see cascading waterfalls and mysterious sea caves along the cloud-capped Na Pali coast, and possibly even sea turtles, dolphins, or whales may prove the highlight of any trip. Breakfast, lunch, and alcoholic beverages are served on the boat—the latter after snorkeling, of course. Sunset and sightseeing cruises are also available.

Outfitters Kauai
(888) 742-9887
outfitterskauai.com

For an exciting outdoor adventure and a tropical trek down a once-royal river, try the Wailua River Kayak offered by Outfitters Kauai. As you paddle down Wailua River, the vibrant green plants and moss-covered cliffs surround you, making it easy to understand why Hawaiian royalty used to call it home. Once you arrive at your destination, it’s time for an easy to moderate hike (be advised that if it’s recently rained, a muddy trail makes this hike very slippery and a lot harder) led by a friendly guide. The payoff is a breathtaking 100-foot waterfall, swimming hole, and provided lunch—well worth any slips in the mud.

Ho’opulapula Haraguchi Rice Mill
(808) 651-3399
haraguchiricemill.org

Get a taste of Hawaii’s past and present with a tour of historic Haraguchi Rice Mill and Taro farm. As Hawaii’s last standing rice mill, the Haraguchi Rice Mill tour is an entertaining and informative lesson on Hawaii’s agricultural and cultural past. Family-owned, the 1880s rice mill and working taro farm are located in a wildlife refuge filled with nene goose, Koloa duck, and endangered water birds. Try a tasty taro smoothie and a full picnic lunch that includes farm-grown items such as poi, a local Hawaiian favorite made from taro.

Princeville Ranch Adventures
(888) 955-7669
adventureskauai.com

True adventure seekers will love the Jungle Valley Adventure by Princeville Ranch Adventures. Kayak, hike, and zip-line deep into Kauai’s rainforest interior led by knowledgeable and entertaining guides. Two zip-lines await the daring, but if you’re afraid to give it a try, don’t worry. The guides are reassuring and patient regarding any safety questions and fears. After your exhilarating zip, you’ll walk down to a twin waterfall swimming area while the guides set out a lunch of deli sandwiches, chips, and cookies.

Esprit De Corps Riding Academy
(808) 822-4688
kauaihorses.com

Saddle up for A Taste of Kauai horseback tour with Esprit De Corps Riding Academy. After an instruction on the basics, you’ll grab the reins and learn how to make your horse walk, turn, back up, and trot. You’ll get a true riding experience with this tour, and once you’re out on the trail, your guide will tell you stories about the land, point out spots where Jurassic Park was filmed, and even show you which edible fruits you can pick off trees along the way—fresh strawberries, pineapple guavas—yum.

Limahuli Garden and Preserve
(808) 826-1053
ntbg.org

Take a walk through ancient Hawaii at the Limahuli Garden and Preserve. With the Makana Mountain and Pacific Ocean as its backdrop, it’s no wonder the American Horticultural Society named the Limahuli Garden and Preserve the best natural botanical garden in the United States. The garden has a variety of native and invasive species as well as a plantation-era garden and the Limahuli Stream—one of the last untouched waterways left in Hawaii.

Ready to plan your trip? Regardless of how much time you have to spend in Kauai, be sure to sample everything this beautiful island offers, from relaxing beaches and outstanding seafood to outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. And no matter what type of Hawaiian experience you hope to have during your stay, whether it’s tasting local delicacies, participating in your first luau, going on a whale watch (whale season is December–April), or simply relaxing outdoors, the perfect climate and warm waters of the Pacific will make it possible year-round.

Visit the Kauai Visitors Bureau Web site—kauaidiscovery.com—for additional information.

By Lea Friese-Haben

Pull That Net from under Him

Dear Coach Lea,
My boyfriend says he loves me but can’t make a commitment at this time. He claims that I am the love of his life and that I will be the one he walks down the aisle with—when he is ready. I am 36 years old and we have been together for four years, and I feel as if he will never set a date. I also am noticing that he has women calling him and texting him all of the time. When I have questioned him, he claims that I am just paranoid. I am desperately in love with this man. What should I do?

Dear Desperate,
Have you heard the term safety net? It sounds as if your boyfriend has one foot in the relationship and one foot firmly planted into bachelorhood. He likes the stability of a relationship but is keeping his options open. He hasn’t married you for a reason—he is waiting around for a better deal. Give him the shape-up-or-ship-out speech and be prepared to mean it. Don’t waste your time or your integrity making threats you won’t follow through on. Spend time with family and friends and develop your own interests so that you have a support system in place should you part ways. Good luck!

Say Uncle to This One

Dear Coach Lea,
I have been divorced for almost seven years and have recently started dating my ex’s younger brother. (He is ten years younger than I am). We have so much in common and I really am having a great time. My sister says this is a bad idea and that it could create problems for me with my ex and our two children. What do you think?

Dear Mrs. Robinson,
This can be an incredibly confusing situation for your children. If you currently have an amicable divorce, this could change that, too. I would also ask you to look at holidays and future family get-togethers, as this could create a great deal of stress and discomfort for all parties. Play the friend card with your ex-brother-in-law and find someone else to date who is at least a fourth cousin.

Hung Up

Dear Coach Lea,
I have been dating a guy for about a month now and I am positive that he’s The One. When we are together, I can’t believe how happy I am. When we are not together, it is agony waiting for the phone to ring. There are times when he doesn’t call for days and I am absolutely devastated. When we are together, things are fabulous and then when he leaves, I fall apart. I can’t eat, sleep, or do anything but wait for him.

Dear Lady in Waiting,
You are confusing love with heightened hormones. Love is something that comes with time and is something that comes after attraction. I am concerned that your well-being hinges on a phone call from this guy. Put some balance in your life with friends, hobbies, and things you love. A man can be a part of your life but shouldn’t be your entire life. (No one needs or wants that kind of responsibility). Love yourself, and others will, too.

By Matt Sheker

You don’t have to settle anymore for dry crackers when you tour wine country in Napa Valley. My wife and I recently returned from Napa, where we attended several wine tours and food/wine-pairing events. Several wineries have culinary staff on site for private events, and the wineries firmly believe food and wine are inseparable. We were invited to join some friends at the Jarvis Harvest Party and also attend the Chalk Hill food-pairing tour. These turned out to be two of the more memorable experiences.

At Chalk Hill, we started off with peppers stuffed with shredded fish. The appetizer was paired with an estate-grown Chalk Hill sauvignon blanc. Normally, the citrus aromas of the sauvignon blanc would overpower the vegetal characteristic of the pepper; however, the crisp floral aromas, lively characters of tropical fruit, melons, and grapefruits, and silky-texture finish complemented the pepper appetizer perfectly. Next came the Saddleback rabbit with cranberry sauce paired with the Chalk Hill pinot noir. The pinot noir has a smoky finish and a velvety leather flavor along with raspberries and cherries; it was the perfect complement to the slightly gamy flavors of the meat. The third and final course was braised beef tenderloin with slightly astringent cheese sauce paired with the Chalk Hill Estate-grown cabernet sauvignon. The cabernet had a black currant and jammy cherry taste with hints of mint and chocolate. The wine was complex, yet had soft tannins and paired well with the beef, bringing out the smokiness of the meat.

The following day, we attended the Jarvis Fall Harvest Party. We started off with the Finch Hollow Estate chardonnay paired with grilled shrimp and goat cheese on a toasted baguette. The buttery French style of the chardonnay with characteristics of ripe peach and rich nectarine balanced well with the aperitif. The Jarvis merlot, with its full, round, rich flavors and soft low-tannins, was paired with Peking duck enriched with a soy-based hoisin sauce. A spicy vegetable-filled spring roll and beef tenderloin slices on delicate sweetbread were paired with a cabernet franc. The cabernet franc, with its darker fruit and tobacco earthy aromas, paired well with the spices from both dishes. The cabernet sauvignon was paired with chocolate to bring out the dark, rich roasted cocoa flavors.

You don’t have to travel to Napa to experience food and wine pairing, as most fine-dining restaurants offer these special dinners. Some restaurants will even coordinate with a specific winery and invite the winemaker. These dinners are extraordinary because it allows everyone at the dinner to get two different points of view. The winemaker can explain how he draws certain aromas and characteristics out of the wine, while the chef can expound on why certain foods paired well and complemented the wines. Try a special wine and food-pairing dinner. You will be impressed.

By Andrew Z

Everyone wants good value when making a purchase, so here are six things for you to think about before you head out on your next jewelry-seeking adventure. Before I reveal the six secrets, let’s remember that the lowest price is not necessarily the best value unless product, service, and terms are identical. You know the old saying: Always compare apples to apples.

1.    If a store advertises “50 percent off everything!” you may want to turn around and run out as fast as you can! Be leery of what may be deceptive pricing. If an item was priced at double its normal price on Monday and then advertised as 50 percent off on Tuesday, this is not a discount. It’s a come-on as old as when the first jewelry peddler polished a diamond and put it into his cart. You may wonder how far they’re willing to stretch whatever passes for the truth just to make a sale.
2.    A small local jeweler has access to the same wholesale prices that a large chain store or large online seller might have.
3.    As far as diamond quality goes, a little knowledge—and a little education—is a good thing. If you are in the market for a new diamond, try to spend a little time learning about the four Cs of diamond quality (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight). This information is readily available in the library, online, or in most jewelry stores. Try to find an unbiased source such as the Gemological Institution of America so that you avoid biased marketing information that might be questionable. Once you have some understanding of the four Cs, you can make a better decision on which diamond characteristics—clarity for example—are worth paying more for and which are not as important to you.
4.    How often will you wear a particular piece? Will it give you the mpc (miles per carat) that you want? Paying more for something that you might wear every weekend may be a better value than paying less for something only worn twice a year. Look for versatility. Are jackets available for those earrings, or maybe an enhancer for a pendant? These are add-ons that can bring about multiple looks for the same core piece of jewelry.
5.    Don’t skimp on quality of manufacture. By this, I’m referring to everything other than gemstone or diamond quality. Look for a secure clasp such as a “lobster claw” on a chain or bracelet. Is the shank of a ring heavy enough to your eye? Look closely at prongs. Are they equally spaced and equal in size? Is the style durable enough for your lifestyle?
6.    Always ask what guarantees and service policies are offered. Also, ask if the retailer offers a diamond trade-up policy on purchased diamonds and if there are any minimum upgrade requirements.

Well, there you have them: Six secrets that really aren’t secrets at all, but just common-sense considerations. The best jewelry values aren’t usually a secret or some type of fantastic deal. They are found when you work with jewelers of integrity who respect you and appreciate your business. So now, all you have to do is go out and find a jeweler whom you trust and feel comfortable with, use a little old-fashioned common sense, and have fun finding a beautiful piece of jewelry—with value !

The Last Lecture
(Hyperion Books, 2008, 208 pages, ISBN: 978-1-4013-2325-7)
By Ben Miles

Carnegie Mellon University has a speakers series titled “The Last Lecture.” Many colleges offer such symposia, in which professors are invited to present a talk to students, fellow faculty members, and administrators that reflects upon education, values, and whatever the speaker considers to be the most important lesson or lessons he or she can impart, as if it were their final chance to do so.

In the case of Carnegie Mellon computer science Professor Randy Pausch, requesting his participation in “The Last Lecture” program was literal. Professor Pausch had been recently diagnosed with terminal cancer when he accepted the challenge of delivering a Last Lecture at the university. Pausch’s topic, which he called “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” became a YouTube sensation.

In his lecture demonstration, Pausch shows CAT scans of his tumor-ridden pancreas, does one-armed push-ups, projects slide images of his lovely family—a wife and three young children—and fills viewers with wholesome morsels of workaday wisdom, such as a prescription for apology-making. Pausch assures us that “a bad apology is worse than no apology at all,” and we also learn that a proper apology has three parts: The wrongdoer must communicate the following, in this order: What I did was wrong, I feel bad that I hurt you, and How do I make it better?

After experiencing the video of Pausch’s presentation, it’s difficult not to be won over by the professor’s mindful, albeit middlebrow, middle-class approach to living. In one memorable moment, Pausch declares, “I don’t know how not to have fun. I’m dying and I’m having fun.” In this inspiring instant, Paucsh garners our unmitigated respect and appreciation while allowing us to also consider, or reconsider, the meaning of our own lives.

Randy Pausch died on July 25, 2008, but his insight and wit are ours to keep, not only through video (see it at theLastLecture.com) but also in a best-selling book written with Jeffrey Zaslow, named, of course, The Last Lecture . The small reader is divided in to six simple sections and has embedded within it the lecture points; they are worth reading and rereading, just as the video bears watching and rewatching.

The book, in essence, is the story of Pausch’s journey through the Last Lecture process. For instance, did he want to spend his last days prepping for a talk? Or, would he rather have spent that time with his soon-to-be widowed wife and their children? That dilemma requires a thorough search of the soul. Pausch’s nuanced chronicle makes that touching spiritual choice a vivid experience for readers. The Last Lecture , we hope, won’t be your last nonfiction reading assignment, but it may be the most important one that you’ve had in some time.