March, April & May 2010: Thinkologies

“Why, anybody can have a brain. That's a very mediocre commodity. Every pusillanimous creature that crawls on the Earth or slinks through slimy seas has a brain. Back where I come from, we have universities, seats of great learning, where men go to become great thinkers. And when they come out, they think deep thoughts and with no more brains than you have! But they have one thing you haven't got - a diploma. Therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Universitatus Committeatum E Pluribus Unum, I hereby confer upon you the honorary degree of Th. D...that's Doctor of Thinkology.” – The Wizard of Oz

Are you starving to do your part but don't know where to start? Fresh City Life offers a few resources for getting involved and helping your community. Throughout the year, we'll create partnering opportunities in the metro Denver area to help all of our citizens striving for a safe, warm and happy life. Check our online listings at: denverlibrary.org/hungrytohelp and we'll add new resources and ideas for getting involved each month.

Here are some great opportunities to get involved:

• Someone in your community needs a place to call home
  
  
• Lend a hand with programming at Denver Public Library
  
  
• Cook up some love – with Project Angel Heart
  
  
• Good living = easy giving – Dining Out for Life

When you find out what is really happening to your food supply, it kind of makes you want to stand up, go to your window, throw your dinner out and shout, “I'm mad as hell, and I'm not gonna eat this anymore!” You'll find out just what's going on with your food when Whole Foods Market and Fresh City Life host a free film series in April – in celebration of Earth Month. More details are available on our Fresh City Life Facebook page.

Fast Food Nation - Monday, April 5, 6-8 p.m.

Food Fight - Monday, April 12, 6-8 p.m.

What's on Your Plate? - Monday, April 19, 6-8 p.m.

The Garden - Monday, April 26, 6-8 p.m.

With a special showing at the Mayan Theatre of Food, Inc. on Earth Day! More details coming soon.

All films will be shown in the Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center unless otherwise listed.

April: The New Minimum: 37 Pieces of Flair - Registration opens on Thursday, April 1
Saturday, April 17, 2-4 p.m.
Novo Coffee, 1200 Acoma, across from the Denver Art Museum Hamilton Building

Thanks to the movie Office Space, we all have a healthy respect for wearing the required amount of flair. Tran Wills, our savvy crafter who wrote the book on flair, hosts this fun, relaxing workshop on button making. If you haven't done it before, warning: making buttons can be addicting. Tran will bring lots of images for you to fashion into buttons, or you can bring any paper designs (comics, cartoons, gift wrap, reproductions of photos) that you'd like to turn into flair. All materials provided. Registration opens on Thursday, April 1.

May: Stylish Parties for the Cash-Challenged - Registration opens on Friday, April 30
Saturday, May 15, 2-4 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

Throwing a party with style can break the bank – unless you let hip hostess Tran Wills show you how to do it with Depression-era élan. Using inexpensive materials that are often already on hand (brown paper bags, yellow phone book pages, kitchen and garage bits and pieces), Tran will show you how to create fabulous tablescapes and party décor that will make any party one to remember. All materials provided. Registration opens on Friday, April 30.

Sunday April 11, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center

Instead of reading a book, talk to an expert on your favorite eco subjects. Humans hold a wealth of knowledge, just like books – so check out a "living book" on healthy and sustainable living topics such as gardening, composting, canning, busing and biking, farmers' markets, local business and much more. If you're reading this and thinking, “Do I actually check a person out and get to ask them questions about their area of expertise?” – yes, you do! Pick out your Living Library book and you'll have a chance to peruse your “book” in an organic conversation or ask questions from a prepared “contents” list. Have a conversation that will sprout the seeds of change for you, your community and your planet. For more info on the Living Library concept and a list of available “books,” go to denverlibrary.org/livinglibrary.

Nuts 'n Bolts Basic Bike Maintenance Workshop
Sunday, May 16, 1-3 p.m.
Central Library, Acoma Plaza (outside the west entrance)

Don't be stopped by a flat tire again! Learn how to patch that flat and adjust your brakes while you're at it. Track Shack mechanics will offer a short demonstration, and then host a discussion and answer any questions you have about biking in our fair city – from best routes, to product recommendations. Get to know your bike – you'll go far together.

When asked to put together a list of films that Oscar© ignored (but were, or have become important films in cinema history), our film critic Walter Chaw reminded us of the Oscar Wilde quote: “Everything popular is wrong.” This is a great starting point for Chaw's Oscar© Bash – a celebration of Hollywood's unsung films with a glance at the films that overshadowed them. Read Chaw's critiques on contemporary film at filmfreakcentral.net.

*1942 Best Picture: Citizen Kane - Tuesday, March 23, 6-9 p.m.

*1958 Best Picture: Vertigo - Tuesday, March 30, 6-9 p.m.

*1973 Best Picture: Badlands - Tuesday, April 6, 6-9 p.m.

*1976 Best Picture: Taxi Driver - Tuesday, April 20, 6-9 p.m.

*2004 Best Picture: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - Tuesday, April 27, 6-9 p.m.

All films will be shown in the Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center.

Go to the Film Series page for more details, including the films that actually won.

Overdue Love Club - Registration Encouraged
Friday, March 19, 6-8 p.m.
Fridays, April 16 and May 21, 6:30-8 p.m.
Michelangelo's Wine & Coffee Bar
1 Broadway at Broadway & Ellsworth

Hey Singles: it’s your year to have fun, meet new people and broaden your perspective (and your prospects)! Fresh City Life is pairing up with local author and Dr. John Gray protégé Janice Hoffman to bring you the Overdue Love Club, a singles' night for intelligent people. This ongoing event is hosted by Michelangelo’s Wine and Coffee Bar – and it’s a great, casual and enjoyable way to meet new people. March 19 event registration now open! Register online or call 720-865-1206.

Go to the Overdue Love Club page for more details.

Bring your knitting or any favored handwork and watch a free movie in the Fresh City Lounge. For April and May, KnitFlix celebrates the hand that feeds it: Libraries and their awesome impact on the culture of mankind. Pardon if that sounds too highbrow, because these movies are also good old-fashioned entertainment. Sponsored by The Recycled Lamb – recycledlamb.com.

Name of the Rose (1986)
Tuesday, April 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

Directed by Jean-Jacque Annaud. Starring Sean Connery, Christian Slater. Banned books and censorship through the filter of the Inquisition, and a great murder mystery. Good times. 130 minutes. Rated R.

Party Girl (1995)
Tuesday, May 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

Directed by Daisy von Scherler Mayer. Starring Parker Posey. Usually cinema librarians transition from horn rimmed glasses and hair in a tight bun skewered with pencils to a newly awakened free spirit. In Party Girl, this formula is turned upside down! 94 minutes. Rated R.

Denver's amazing advocates for writers young and old, Art from Ashes, conducts bi-monthly writing classes for those interested in all aspects of the power of words. Each month will feature a two-part workshop with guided exploration on relevant topics like prose and poetry fundamentals, personal style, new writing approaches and autobiographical storytelling. The first night of the month will focus on techniques and methods for getting your words down on paper; the second will be centered on sharing what you've written and constructive discussion for honing your skills.

April: You're a Poet - Registration opens on Tuesday, March 23.
Tuesdays, April 6 & 20, 6-7:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

Art from Ashes will show you how to tap your inner poet - in celebration of National Poetry Month. Registration opens on Tuesday, March 23.

May: Priming the Pump - or What to Write When You Can't Find the Words - Registration opens on Tuesday, April 20.
Tuesdays, May 4 & 18, 6-7:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

Learn a variety of exciting and experiential writing prompts that will keep your journal entries flowing. Registration opens on Tuesday, April 20.

Freestyle Knitting - No Registration Required
Every Monday, 5-7:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

Every Monday evening the Fresh City Lounge is open for freestyle stitchers to come in and enjoy the company of other knitters.

Bringing Soxy Back - Registration opens on Monday, March 22.
Mondays, April 5, 12, 19, 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

After a long hiatus, we are bringing back our Sox and the City class! Making gorgeous, comfy socks for you or someone special is simple – with our expert knitters Jani, Heather and Christa as your guides. Materials list provided with registration confirmation. Registration opens on Monday, March 22.

Caveman Knitting – Beginning Knitting for Men - Registration Required
Mondays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level 1 Fresh City Lounge

All the cool guys are doing it! Don't be the only guy not knitting at your next hockey game; sign up for our first beginning knitting class for men and our talented (and patient) knitting teachers will have you in stitches in no time. Materials list provided with registration confirmation. Registration is now open! Register online or call 720-865-1206.

Wednesdays, March 31, April 28 and May 26, 5-8 p.m.
Novo Coffee, 1200 Acoma, across from the Denver Art Museum Hamilton Building

Test your wits and hone your puns at the Denver Public Library's monthly word game night, hosted by Novo Coffee and Mad Wine. Find friends, community and a little friendly competition while laying the smack down on a triple word score. Games provided, but feel free to bring your own. Prizes are gift certificates donated by Novo Coffee, Mad Greens and Mad Wine Bar.

Please thank our sponsors!

Food Rules: Cooking Demos
Focusing on the clever and simple guidelines of Michael Pollan’s new book Food Rules, Chef Shellie Kark will demonstrate new shopping and cooking strategies that will make you feel better, healthier and help you live a more sustainable life (for you and the planet). She’ll cover food rules like: Eat Your Colors and Eat All the Junk Food You Want...As Long As You Make It Yourself. These cooking demos will be laced with tips and advice to get the most out of your food; Chef Kark will bring recipes and delicious samples for inspired cooking that will encourage not only your own journey in the kitchen, but your sense of vitality and well-being. And with Chef Kark at the stove, it will taste fabulous, too!

Saturdays, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 10:30 a.m.–12 noon

Cooking demos on May 1, 8 and 22 will be held in the Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center.

The May 15 cooking demo will be held in the Central Library, Level 7 Training Room.

PR BootCamp: Online Marketing and Social Media BootCamp
It can be a daunting task for creatives and small businesses to get the word out – especially when there's so much media white noise to compete against. In this one day BootCamp, PR and Social Media experts Tasha King and Deb Robison will explore a variety of techniques and strategies for publicity and marketing that will help you find your target audience and capture their attention. Our BootCamp will also highlight a case study of a recent event and examine how social media can Bring It! Session participants will see what worked and what didn't as we promoted a local event using online and social media tools and strategies. Since it's a case study, one fresh out of the oven, we'll be able to immediately share what we did and didn't learn. This fantastic event is part of Create Denver Week!

Register online for one or both sessions!

BootCamp Part I - Registration Required
Saturday, April 17, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center

Direct and traditional offline marketing, non-traditional avenues for reaching new audiences. Instructor: Tasha King.

BootCamp Part II - Registration Required
Saturday, April 17, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Central Library, Level B2 Conference Center

Social Media expert Deb Robison will explore online strategic plans and discuss tools, tactics and best practices for successful marketing. Deb will also let you know about the cool Emerging Media trends you can use this summer!

For more info and complete listings for Create Denver Week, go to denvergov.org/CreateDenver.

Keeping Our Soldiers Warm All Over the World!

Fresh City Life is partnering with the Rocky Mountain USO to create knitted items for care packages for our service men and women overseas.

It's easy to join the project: just knit a cap or two and deliver them to the Fresh City Life office, in the Central Library (Fresh City Life is located on Level One, west entrance) and we'll bundle them up and deliver them to the Rocky Mountain USO.  They'll package the caps with other donated gifts and essentials for our soldiers and send them off.

Go to the Knitting for Our Troops page for more details and a pattern for a great cool weather cap.

A sign language interpreter will be provided upon request with five business days notice. Call 720-913-8484 TTY or contact Lorrie.Kosinski@ci.denver.co.us.

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If you’re a fan of free, public cultural programming and would like to help keep it strong at Denver Public Library, contact the Denver Public Library Friends Foundation at 720-865-2053.