King of California (DVD)
starring Michael Douglas
(SpiritualCinemaCircle.com ; free trial membership)
The story of a difficult, dysfunctional, and absolutely devoted relationship of father and daughter, King of California is driven by Charlie (Michael Douglas), a brilliant eccentric whom we meet as he’s released from a mental institution (cured or otherwise, we do not know). But the twisted and quirky, surreal events that follow propel his teenage daughter Miranda (gracefully played by Evan Rachel Wood) into an unfathomable set of circumstances that compromises her link to normalcy—but never the love for her out-of-control father. This entertaining story is a provocative poke at relationship boundaries that pushes us to think about our own family challenges.
—Rebecca Ephraim
THE WISDOM OF DONKEYS: Finding Tranquility in a Chaotic World (Book)
by Andy Merrifield
(Greystone, $22.95)
If you yawn at the idea of a 240-page meditation on donkeys, then steel yourself for an adventure of positively equine proportions. Author Andy Merrifield left his unfulfilling life in NYC to embrace the simple pleasures of the South of France. This story follows Andy and his long-eared friend, Gribouille, on their journey through Haute-Auvergne, where Andy muses on life, the universe, and everything—all in relation to donkeys. Peppered with references to famous donkeys in literature (who knew there were so many?), this book will give you a whole new appreciation—and respect—for these gentle, wise, and misunderstood animals.
—Tamara Letkeman
STEER MADNESS (Computer Game)
(Veggie Games Inc., $24.95)
Who says video games will cause the downfall of society? Steer Madness lets you escape from the slaughterhouse (what could be more exciting than that?) and then race to save chickens in your electric car! Peruse the local organic food store or join an environmental demonstration in a virtual world where you can make a difference—and rack up the extra lives and bonus points at the same time. Buy it for your favourite jaded teenager, but don’t be surprised if you end up losing a few hours to it yourself. Available at Sweet Cherubim (1105 Commercial Dr.) and Vegetarian Resource Centre (2250 Commercial Dr.). Downloadable version coming soon to steermadness.com .
—Stephanie MacDonald
