New Fiction – October 2009

The Confessions of Edward Day Valerie Martin, F MAR – Edward Day is a New York actor in the 1970’s who life in changed after he is saved from drowning off the Jersey shore.

Day After Night Anita Diamant, F DIA – Based on the true story of the October 1945 rescue of more than two hundred prisoners from an internment camp, as told through the eyes of four young women.

Down in the Flood Kenneth Abel, F ABE – Former New Orleans prosecutor Danny Chaisson’s latest case is bid-rigging. But a gathering storm named Katrina blasts his world apart.

An Echo in the Bone Diana Gabaldon, F GAL – The continuation of the story of the 18th century Scotsman Jamie Fraser and his 20th century wife, Claire Randall.

Fear the Worst Linwood Barclay, F BAR – Tim Blake’s desperate search for his daughter leads him into a dark world of corruption, exploitation, and murder.

A Gate at the Stairs Lorrie Moore, F MOO – A much heralded novel.  The author’s first in over a decade, focuses on the anxiety and disconnection of post 9/11 America.

Her Fearful Symmetry Audrey Niffenegger, F NIF – The author of The Time Traveler’s Wife, opens her new book with a letter that alters the fate of every character.  Great reviews.

Homer & Langley E.L. Doctorow, F DOC – Homer and Langley are brothers living as recluses in their once grand New York Fifth Avenue mansion, but the epic events of the century seem to pass through their cluttered house.

The Hunted Brian Haig, F HAI – Kidnapped, beaten and forced to relinquish his business and his fortune, Alex Konevitch escapes from Russia to the United States, only to be accused by his own government of stealing millions.

Inherent Vice Thomas Pynchon, F PYN – The psychedelic 60’s in L.A. finds Doc Sportello helping an ex-girlfriend who’s in love with a land developer who might be the target of a kidnapping.  Paranoia runs deep.

Intervention Robin Cook, F COO – New York City medical examiner, Jack Stapleton is featured in a vintage Cook thriller that involves DNA science, biotechnology and religion.

Juliet, Naked Nick Hornby, F HOR – What happens when a washed-up musician looks for another chance?  As he releases the acoustic version of his greatest album, Juliet, Tucker Crowe is about to find out.

Little Bird of Heaven Joyce Carol Oates, F OAT – When Zoe Kruller is found murdered, the police target two suspects, her estranged husband Delray Kruller and her longtime lover, Eddy Diehl.

The Magicians Lev Grossman, F GRO – High school senior, Quentin Coldwater loves a series of fantasy novels set in an enchanted land called Fillory.  Unexpectedly, he finds himself admitted to a secret college of magic in upstate New York.

Mercury in Retrograde Paula Froelich, F FRO – When mercury is in retrograde, the only guarantee is that anything that can go wrong, will.

No Time to Wave Goodbye Jacquelyn Mitchard, F MIT – The Cappadora family, first introduced in The Deep End of the Ocean, are confronted once again with the terrible events of the past.

Once on a Moonless Night Dai Sijie, F DAI – The author of Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress returns with a tale of love and the power of a lost language.

Prospect Park West Amy Sohn, F SOH – Four stay-at-home mom (“sahms”) provide entertaining drama in this tale of an upscale Brooklyn neighborhood.

The Puzzle King Betsy Carter, F CAR – Simon Phelps and Flora Grossman find their way to New York City before World War II and become the last hope of their families’ escape from Europe.

Rebel Yell Alice Randall, F RAN – Arden Jones, Jr. an eminent black conservative and White House advocate at the Pentagon, collapses at the Rebel Yell restaurant.

Resurrecting Midnight Eric Jerome Dickey, F DIC – International assassin Gideon is in Argentina facing his fiercest adversary yet.

A Separate Country Robert Hicks, F HIC – The author of The Widow of the South returns to the tumultuous years following the Civil War, with the love story of Confederate general John Bell Hood and his wife, Anna Marie.

Short Girls Bich Minh Nguyen, F NGU – The author Stealing Buddha’s Dinner tells the story of Van and Linny Luong, two sisters who share a secret, but are unable to confide in each other.

South of Broad Pat Conroy, F CON – The author’s long awaited novel, his first in fourteen years, features a changing southern culture through the stories of a group of teenagers who face the future in 1969.

The Spire Richard North Patterson, F PAT – Mark Darrow becomes a college president of his alma mater,  and then begins to investigate a long-ago murder that was allegedly committed by his best friend.

Vanished Joseph Finder, F FIN – Roger Heller vanishes after he and his wife are attacked.  The only one who has a chance of finding him is his brother, Nick, an investigator with a private intelligence firm.

The White Queen Philippa Gregory, F GRE – The author of The Other Boleyn Girl begins a new series set amid the feuds of England known as the Wars of the Roses.

The Year of the Flood Margaret Atwood, F ATW – An inventive apocalyptic novel by the author of The Handmaid’s Tale.

New Releases on DVD – September 2009

The Art of War II: Betrayal

Agent Neil Shaw comes out of retirement after his martial arts mentor is killed, and uncovers a plot to assassinate U.S. senators. Cast: Wesley Snipes, Athena Karkanis, Winston Rekert, Ryan McDonald, Lochlyn Munro. Rated R

Bridge to Nowhere

Living in a rundown Pittsburgh neighborhood, four lifelong friends come up with a plan to get rich by running a prostitution ring. When their business takes off, they find things get way out of hand. Ben Crowley, Danny Masterson, Bijou Phillips, Daniel London, Thomas Ian Nicholas, Alexandra Breckenridge, Sean Derry, Ving Rhames. Rated R

The Butterfly Tattoo

Seventeen-year-old Chris, living and working in Oxford, falls in love with a free spirited girl named Jenny, find themselves torn apart by the criminal dealings of the adults in their lives. Cast: Duncan Stewart, Jessica Blake, Aidan Magrath, Dan Morgan, Christopher Dane. Based on the novel by Philip Pullman. Not Rated

Delgo

When a forgotten enemy returns, the fate of the world lies with a spirited princess and an unlikely hero. Take an exciting journey to a spectacular realm of magic, fantasy, romance, and adventure. Voices: Freddie Prinze, Jr., Chris Kattan, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Anne Bancroft, Val Kilmer, Malcolm McDowell, Michael Clarke Duncan, Louis Gossett Jr., Eric Idle, Burt Reynolds, Kelly Ripa, Sally Kellerman. Rated PG

Easy Virtue

A young Englishman marries an American divorcee on the spur of the moment in the South of France and then must return home to face his family. Cast: Jessica Biel, Colin Firth, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Barnes, Kris Marshall, Katherine Parkinson, Christian Brassington, Charlotte Riley, Jim McManus, Pip Torrens. Based on the play by Noel Coward. Rated PG-13

Gigantic

Brian is a mattress salesman who gets swept up into a romance with Harriet when she falls asleep on one of the beds in his store. To win her over, he must compete with her father, an art-collecting loudmouth with a bad back and deep pockets. Cast: John Goodman, Jane Alexander, Zooey Deschanel, Paul Dano, Edward Asner. Rated R

The Golden Boys

In 1905 Cape Cod, three retired sea captains try to lure an attractive middle-aged woman into marriage. Cast: Bruce Dern, David Carradine, Mariel Hemingway, Rip Torn ; Charles Durning ; John Savage ; Angelica Torn ; Christy Scott Cashman ; Jason Alan Smith with a special appearace by Julie Harris. Rated PG

Gooby

When eleven-year-old Willy moves into the family’s new house, his childhood toy, Gooby, comes to life as a big, scruffy, six-foot-tall creature who helps Willy through rough times with hair-raising and hilarious adventures. Cast: Robbie Coltrane, David James Elliott, Ingrid Kavelaars, Matthew Knight, Eugene Levy. Rated PG

Hannah Montana: The Movie

As Hannah Montana’s popularity begins to take over her life, Miley Stewart, on the urging from her father takes a trip to her hometown of Crowley Corners, Tennessee to get some perspective on what matters in life the most. Cast: Miley Cyrus, Emily Osment, Jason Earles, Melora Hardin, Vanessa Williams, Billy Ray Cyrus. Rated G

Leaving Barstow

A small-town teenager dreams of a bigger world, but his devotion to his mother and his awakening attraction to a new girl combine to keep him at home. Cast: Michelle Clunie, Kevin Sheridan, Steven Culp. Not Rated

The Mysteries of Pittsburgh

Art Bechstein is a recent college grad and plans on spending his last summer sleepwalking through the exams that will send him far away to a job chosen for him by his gangster father. But when Art meets the beautiful Jane Belliweather and her wild boyfriend, Cleveland, Art’s summer and life change forever.  Based on the novel by Michael Chabon. Cast: Jon Foster, Peter Sarsgaard, Sienna Miller, Mena Suvari, Nick Nolte. Rated R

State of Play

When D.C. reporter Cal McCaffrey is assigned to investigate the murder of an assistant to an up-and-coming politician, he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to bring down the nation’s power structures. In a town of spin-doctors and wealthy power brokers, he will discover one truth: when fortunes are at stake, no one’s integrity, love, or life is safe. Cast: Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Robin Wright Penn, Jason Bateman, Jeff Daniels, Helen Mirren. Rated PG-13

X-men Origins: Wolverine

Somewhere in the wilds of northwest Canada, two half-brothers with special powers grow up amid violence. Eventually they will become the near-indestructible warriors known as Wolverine and Sabretooth. Cast: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston, Dominic Monaghan, Ryan Reynolds. Rated PG-13

New DVDs: TV Series, Nonfiction and Feature Length Films – September 2009

Air Group 16: We Came to Remember

This PBS video looks at Air Group 16, including the pilots, radiomen and gunners as they travel to a reunion and the dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. The members of Air Group 16 served on the aircraft carrier USS Lexington in the Pacific during World War II. Features veterans: Paul Bonilla, Tom Bronn, T. Earl “Dupe” Dupree, Ralph Weymouth and family members.

The Alzheimer’s Project

From HBO, this Momentum in Science documentary features 25 leading scientists, a primetime state-of-the-science report revealing the most cutting-edge research advances. Three additional specials (The Memory Loss Tapes; Grandpa, Will You Remember Me? with Maria Shriver; and Caregivers) capture what it means to experience the disease, to be a child or grandchild of one who suffers, and to care for those who are affected. Rated TV-PG

Anastasia: The Mystery of Anna

Until the day she died in 1984, Anna Anderson claimed she was truly Grand Duchess Anastasia, the sole surviving child of Russian Czar Nicolas II. Many believed her. Even for those who did not, her story of royalty, flight from execution and years of struggle to reclaim her heritage was a great dramatic mystery. Cast: Amy Irving, Olivia De Havilland, Jan Niklas, Nicolas Surovy, Susan Lucci, Elke Sommer, Edward Fox, Claire Bloom, Omar Sharif, Rex Harrison. Based on the book  Anastasia: The Riddle of Anna Anderson by Peter Kurth. (1986) Not Rated

Annie

The story of the comic strip character Little Orphan Annie, who is adopted by billionaire “Daddy” Warbucks. Cast: Albert Finney, Carol Burnett, Bernadette Peters, Ann Reinking, Tim Curry, Geoffrey Holder, Edward Herrmann, Aileen Quinn. (1981) Rated PG

The Art of Vinyasa Flow: Power Sweat & Connect

Lisa Kapantais of Yogatopia leads this 60 minute routine, immersing your entire body into the rhythmic pattern of your breathe  This dynamic and vigorus practice for all levels is a complete yoga routine that melts away tension and toxins.

Black Narcissus

Plagued by uncertainties and worldly desires, five Protestant missionary nuns, led by Sister Clodagh, struggle to establish a school in the desolate Himalayas. Cast: Deborah Kerr, Sabu, David Farrar, Flora Robson, Esmond Knight, Jean Simmons, Kathleen Byron. Adapted from the novel by Rumer Godden. (1947) Not Rated

Breaker Morant

Three Australian lieutenants are court martialed for executing prisoners as a way of deflecting attention from war crimes committed by their superior officers. Based on a play and true story. Cast: Edward Woodward, Jack Thompson, John Waters, Bryan Brown, Rod Mullinar, Charles Tingwell. (1979) Rated PG

A Canterbury Tale

Follow three modern-day incarnations of Chaucer’s pilgrims – a landgirl, an American GI, and a British sergeant waylaid in the English countryside, forced to solve a bizarre village crime en route to a mythical town. Cast: Eric Portman, Sheila Sim, Dennis Price, Sgt. John Sweet, Esmond Knight. (1944) Not Rated

Death of an Expert Witness

Scotland Yard’s Adam Dalgliesh (Roy Marsden) is searching for a “back seat strangler” who has already murdered four people. When an unpopular forensic scientist is found dead in a British government laboratory, Dalgliesh discovers that almost everyone there could be a suspect. When another body is found nearby, the detective must race against time to find the killer.Roy Marsden.Based on the book by P. D. James. (1985) Not Rated

Devices and Desires

Scotland Yard Commander Adam Dalgliesh retreats to an isolated town for some rest, but his isolation is shattered when he discovers he cannot escape murder. Cast: Roy Marsden, Susannah York, Gemma Jones, James Faulkner, Tony Haygarth, Tom Georgeson. Based on the book by P.D. James. (1991) Not Rated

Eureka: Season One

In the seemingly perfect, but quirky small town of Eureka, America’s brightest scientists are working on some of the government’s best-kept secrets– some lead to brilliant inventions and some to total chaos. Making sense of the mysteries is Sheriff Jack Carter, a former U.S. marshal who is stranded in the surreal small town after a random car accident. Cast: Colin Ferguson, Salli Richardson, Jordan Hinson, Joe Morton, Ed Quinn, Erica Cerra. (2006) Not Rated

Eureka: Season Two

Return to the seemingly perfect town of Eureka, where the hidden work of America’s brightest scientists can lead to innovative discoveries and unnatural chaos. Follow Sheriff Jack Carter as he struggles to keep a sense of normalcy amid the scientific mayhem, big brains and bigger adventure in this unusual little town in the Pacific Northwest. Cast: Colin Ferguson, Salli Richardson, Jordan Hinson, Joe Morton, Ed Quinn, Erica Cerra.  Originally broadcast on the SciFi Channel in 2007. Not Rated

The Flambards

In this British television drama, Christina is sent to live with her domineering, crippled Uncle Russell and her cousins Mark and William at ‘Flambards’, a rambling, decaying mansion in England in the early 1900’s. Cast: Edward Judd, Steven Grives, Alan Parnaby, Christine McKenna. Based on the novel by K.M. Peyton. (1993) Not Rated

The French Chef 2 with Julia Child

Chef Julia Child shares her recipes and techniques for French food. Originally produced as episodes of the television program The French chef between 1963-1972. Not Rated

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir

At the turn of the century a young widow and her daughter move into a cottage on the English coast. Soon she learns that the cottage is haunted by the ghost of its former owner, a sea captain. When he finds he can’t scare her away, they soon fall into a most unlikely love affair! Cast: Gene Tierney, Rex Harrison, George Sanders, Natalie Wood. (1947) Not Rated

The Gold Rush

This episode of the PBS series, the American Experience, explores the California gold rush that started in 1848 when most of San Francisco’s residents rushed off to dig for gold. Focusing on 5 individuals, including rare daguerreotypes and original recreations.

Golden Gate Bridge

Originally broadcast in 2004 as an episode of the PBS series, American Experience. This documentary follows the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge and recounts the struggles of engineer Joseph B. Strauss to make the project a reality. Not Rated

Goodbye, Mr. Chips

Mr. Chips is a shy and proper classics professor who teaches at an English all-boys school. He falls in love with a London dance-hall girl and decides to marry her. The couple makes Brookfield Academy for Boys its home and brightens the school with their unlikely union. Cast: Peter O’Toole, Petula Clark, Sir Michael Redgrave.  Based on the novel by James Hilton. (1969) Rated G

Grand Central

This episode of the PBS series, American Experience, chronicles the designing, engineering, and construction of New York’s Grand Central Station, and examines the station’s importance to present-day New Yorkers. Not rated

The Helen West Casebook

A crown prosecutor, Helen West struggles to find justice for those wronged as well as keep her own messy life in order. Cast: Amanda Burton, Conor Mullen, Nicholas Woodeson, Anthony Howell, Dermot Crowley, Rita Tushingham. Based on the books by Frances Fyfield. (2002) Not Rated

His Girl Friday

A re-make of The Front Page with the main character as a girl reporter (Rosalind Russell). The editor (Cary Grant) wants his top reporter to cover the impending execution of a murderer rather than get married and leave the job. Featuring: Ralph Bellamy, Gene Lockhart, Helen Mark, Porter Hall. (1939) Not Rated

I Vitelloni

A character study of five aimless young men living in a small Italian town, based in part upon Fellini’s own experiences and those of his acquaintances. Italian dialogue, English subtitles.  Cast: Franco Interlenghi, Alberto Sordi, Franco Fabrizzi, Leopoldo Trieste, Eleonora Ruffo. (1953) Not Rated

Julia Child’s Kitchen Wisdom

A retrospective look at Julia Child’s four decades on public television. Cooking demonstrations fall in the categories: vegetables; seafood; eggs and poultry; pork and beef; and desserts. Features appearances by various culinary celebrities.Featuring Julia Child, Jacques Pépin, Charlie Gibson, Martha Stewart, Emeril Lagasse, Alice Waters, Jasper White.

The Last Days of Disco

Two women, recently graduated from college, adjust to life in the real world of 1980 NYC, partying the nights away at the hottest club in town.Cast: Chloë Sevigny, Kate Beckinsale, Chris Eigeman, Matt Keeslar, Mackenzie Astin, Matthew Ross, Tara Subkoff, Burr Steers, David Thornton, Jaid Barrymore, Michael Weatherly, Robert Sean Leonard, Jennifer Beals. (1998) Rated R

M. Butterfly

A French civil service officer risks and then abandons everything in his life in his obsessive pursuit of a enigmatic Chinese opera diva. Cast: Jeremy Irons, John Lone, Barbara Sukowa, Ian Richardson. Based on the play by David Henry Hwang. (1993) Rated R

The Marine

John Triton has just been discharged from Iraq. His wife, Kate, is kidnapped by a group of diamond thieves on the run. Now Triton needs to save her and goes on a chase through the South Carolinian wilderness in order to save her. The only, and best, weapon that Triton has is himself. Cast: John Cena, Kelly Carlson, Robert Patrick. (2006) Rated PG-13

Metropolis: The Splendor of Cities throughout the Ages

Go into the very heart of ancient and medieval urban life to examine the crucial and historic steps towards civilization, in cities such as Athens, Carthage, Rome, Venice, Paris, and many more.  Episodes include:  The Power of Cities: Athens, the Rule of the People ; Alexandria, the Centre of Knowledge ; Carthage, City of Seafarers ; Rome, the Heart of the Empire. The Bright Cities of the Dark Ages: Mission to Constantinople ; Escape to Venice ; Murder in Paris. (2003, 2006 & 2007) Not rated

Midway

The dramatic personal stories of the men who fought the courageous battle that was to be the Pacific turning point for the United States. Cast: Charlton Heston, Henry Fonda, James Coburn, Glenn Ford, Hal Holbrook, Toshiro Mifune, Robert Mitchum, Cliff Robertson, Robert Wagner, Robert Webber, Ed Nelson, James Shigeta, Christina Kokubo, Edward Albert. (1976) Rated PG

Miss Firecracker

Carnelle, a hellraiser, enters the Miss Firecracker contest in the old-fashioned town where she was raised. Carnelle’s not the usual contestant, but her cousin is a famous winner, and Carnelle’s determined to equal her, no matter what. Cast: Holly Hunter, Tim Robbins, Mary Steenburgen, Scott Glenn, Alfre Woodard, Veanne Cox, Ann Wedgeworth, Trey Wilson, Amy Wright, Kathleen Chalfant, Robert Fieldsteel, Avril Gentles, Greg Germann, Bert Remsen. (1988) Rated PG

My Brother Is an Only Child

The violent political unrest of 1960s Italy brings simmering tensions between two feuding brothers to the boiling point in this critically acclaimed film. Italian dialog, with English subtitles. Cast: Elio Germano, Riccardo Scamarcio, Angela Finocchiard, Massimo Popolizio. (2006) Rated R

Notorious

A beautiful woman with a tainted past is enlisted by American agent Devlin to spy on a ring of Nazis in post-war Rio. Her espionage work becomes life-threatening after she marries the most debonair of the Nazi ring, Alex. Only Devlin can rescue her, but to do so he must face his role in her desperate situation and acknowledge that he has loved her all along. Cast: Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, Louis Calhern, Madame Konstantin, Reinhold Schunzel, Moroni Olsen, Ivan Triesault, Alex Minotis. (1946) Not Rated

Rebecca

Alfred Hitchcock directs this adaptation of Daphne Du Maurier’s classic story of suspense.  When a shy girl becomes the wife of a wealthy Britisher and moves into his house, she finds herself haunted by her husband’s deceased first wife. Cast: Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, George Sanders, Judith Anderson. (1940) Not Rated

Rebecca

Masterpiece Theatre’s rendition of Daphne Du Maurier’s classic novel.  A timid young girl marries a troubled widower only to find her new home is haunted by the memory of Rebecca, the first wife. Cast: Charles Dance, Emilia Fox, Diana Rigg, Faye Dunaway, Geraldine James, Timothy West, Jonathan Cake. (1996) Not Rated

The Red Shoes

Torn between two lovers, a young ballerina must choose either the composer who loves her or the man who can make her a great dancer. Cast: Anton Walbrook, Marius Goring, Moira Shearer, Robert Helpmann, Leonide Massine, Albert Basserman, Ludmilla Tcherina, Esmond Knight. (1948) Not Rated

Respiro

Grazia is a carefree mother of three, who soon becomes the focus of her neighbors’ gossip. She is not understood or accepted by the social conventions of the town, nor its strict tribal rules. Conflict arises when her husband seeks to control her spirited behavior. Cast: Valeria Golino, Vincenzo Amato, Veronica D’Agostino, Filippo Pucillo, Avy Macciano, Francesco Casis. Italian dialogue, English subtitles. (2002) Rated PG-13

Rome: Engineering An Empire

Using state-of-the-art CGI animation this History Channel documentary chronicles the spectacular as well as sordid history of the Roman Empire from the rise of Julius Caesar in 55 BC to its fall around 537 AD. The CGI animation gives the viewers an opportunity to see Rome’s greatest structures the way the ancient Romans saw them. The insights of engineers, archaeologists and historians add depth to segments on Hadrian’s Wall, Caesar’s Bridge, the aqueducts, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Baths of Caracalla, and the remains of Emperor Nero’s lavish Golden Palace for a rare look at how one of Rome’s most notorious megalomaniacs lived. Also never-before-seen footage shot on a diving expedition in the water channels underneath the Colosseum, channels once used to flood the arena for mock naval battles. (2005) Not Rated

Sick Around America

Originally broadcast on PBS’s Frontline, this documentary investigates the failures and future of the private insurance industry, examining the best and worst of U.S. healthcare by telling the gripping and sometimes tragic stories of ordinary Americans. As the national debate intensifies, the program lays bare the flaws in the system and examines the critical choices Americans face in changing a system that all sides agree needs a fundamental overhaul. Not Rated

Sick Around the World

Frontline correspondent T.R. Reid examines first-hand the health care systems of other advanced capitalist democracies, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, and Taiwan, to see what tried and tested ideas might help reform the United States’ broken health care system.-

Twelfth Night

Shakespeare’s tale of Viola, shipwrecked on an unfriendly Illyrian shore, believing her twin brother is dead, disguises herself in male attire and joins the retinue of the lovesick Duke Orsino. Cast: Helena Bonham Carter, Richard E. Grant, Nigel Hawthorne, Ben Kingsley, Mel Smith. (1996) Rated PG

Walt Whitman

An episode of the PBS series, American Experience. The documentary tells Walt Whitman’s life story, from his working class childhood in Long Island to his years as a newspaper reporter in Brooklyn when he struggled to support his impoverished family, then to his reckless pursuit of the attention and affection he craved for his work, to his death in 1892 at the age of 72.

Witness

An Amish boy witnesses a murder, and the cop on the case discovers it’s part of a conspiracy in his department. Includes all-new special features including a five part documentary and much more. Cast: Harrison Ford, Kelly McGillis, Lukas Haas. (1985) Rated R

The Wizard of Photography: The Story of George Eastman

An episode of the PBS series, American Experience. The documentary uses early moving images and snapshots to dramatize the life story of George Eastman, exploring how his inventions helped make photography easy and affordable for everyone. (2000) Not Rated

New Books on CD – October 2009

206 Bones Kathy Reichs, CD M REI – Forensic anthropologist Tempe Brennan regains consciousness in a small, dark, cold enclosed space.  Where is she?  What happened?

The Apostle Brad Thor, CD F THO – When American doctor Julia Gallo is kidnapped in Afghanistan, the terms of her ransom leave the president with only one course of action.

Blindman’s Bluff Faye Kellerman, CD F KEL – Homicide cop Peter Decker teams up  with wife and partner Rina Lazarus to investigate the murders of billionaire Guy Kaffey, his wife and four of his employees.

Brooklyn Colm Toibin, CD F TOI – In 1950s Ireland, Eilis Lacey is out of work and out of options.  She moves to America and finds a new life in Brooklyn.

The Castaways Elin Hilderbrand, CD F HIL – Intrigue and mystery surround the death of a couple off the coast of Nantucket. By the author of A Summer Affair.

The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder Rebecca Wells, CD F WEL – The author of Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood returns with another southern charmer.

The Defector Daniel Silva, CD F SIL – Gabriel Allon, art restorer and assassin, resumes his honeymoon with his new wife, Chiara, when shocking news comes from London.

Dog On It Spencer Quinn, CD M QUI – Chet, the wise, lovable canine narrator, along with his Bernie, a down-on-his-luck private eye, investigate the disappearance of a missing teenager.

The Doomsday Key Jams Rollins, CD F ROL – Three murdered people, on three continents, have a horrifying connection: all the victims are marked by a Druidic pagan cross. Commander Gray Pierce and Sigma Force are in a race against time.

Dune Road Jane Green, CD F GRE – Kit Hargrove is doing well after her divorce and finds the job of her dreams, assisting the blockbuster novelist, Robert McClore.

English Majors: A Comedy Collection for the Highly Literate With Garrison Keillor, CD 791.44 ENG – Great literary-related selections from the radio show: A Prairie Home Companion.

Even Money Dick Francis and Felix Francis, CD M FRA – Bookmaker Ned Talbot is shocked by a gray-haired man who tells him he is his father.  An hour later his newly-found father is fatally stabbed at Ascot and utters his last words, “be very careful.”

Excuses Begone! Wayne W. Dyer, CD 158.1 DYE 2009 – Ways to change self-defeating thinking patterns that may have prevented you from living at a higher level.

The Fixer Upper Mary Kay Andrews, CD F AND – Out of options, Dempsey Jo Killebrew reluctantly accepts her father’s offer to help refurbish Birdsong, the old family place in Guthrie, Georgia.

Fractal Time: The Secret of 2012 and a New World Age Gregg Braden, CD 001.9 BRA – Are you curious about the buzz surrounding the year 2012?

The Girl Who Played with Fire Stieg Larsson, CD M LAR – Publisher Mikael Blomkvist is  exposing a Swedish sex trade operation when two journalists are found murdered.

Guardian of Lies Steve Martini, CD F MAR – Defense lawyer Paul Madriani takes on a case to prove the innocence of Katia Solaz from Costa Rica.

Homer & Langley E.L. Doctorow, CD F DOC – Two reclusive brothers live in their once grand New York Fifth Avenue mansion.  Somehow, the epic events of the century seem to pass through their house.

The Last Best Hope: Restoring Conservatism and America’s Promise Joe Scarborough, CD 320.52 SCA 2009 – A new take on the nation’s political and economic situation.

The Last Song Nicholas Sparks, CD F SPA – A new love story from the ever popular Nicholas Sparks.

Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home from the Moon Buzz Aldrin with Ken Abraham, CD B ALDRIN – The flight of Apollo 11 made Aldrin one of the most famous men on the planet; here is the rest of his story.

NPR Driveway Moments: Moms—Radio Stories that Won’t Let You Go CD 791.447 NPR – Moms are highlighted in these inspirational, heartfelt and funny stories.

Nudge: Improving Decisions about Health, Wealth, and Happiness Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein, CD 330.01 THA – Why do we sometimes make poor choices?  What can we do to optimize our decision-making?

Perfectly Imperfect: A Life in Progress Lee Woodruff, CD B WOODRUFF – The author of In an Instant, the chronicle of her husband’s recovery from an injury sustained in Iraq, now looks at her life in terms both personal and universal.

Renegade: The Making of a PresidentRichard WolffeCD 324.973 WOL 2009The story of how a political newcomer with no money became the world’s most powerful leader.

South of Broad Pat Conroy, CD F CON – The author’s long awaited novel features a changing southern culture through the stories of a group of teenagers who face the future in 1969.

The Spire Richard North Patterson, CD F PAT – Mark Darrow becomes a college president of his alma mater, who begins to investigate a long-ago murder that was allegedly committed by his best friend.

That Old Cape Magic Richard Russo, CD F RUS – The triumphs and struggles of Jack Griffin’s marriage are chronicled over the course of two summers at Cape Cod.

Vanished Joseph Finder, CD F FIN – Roger Heller vanishes after he and his wife are attacked. The only one who has a chance of finding him is his brother, Nick, an investigator with a private intelligence firm.

New Music CDs – September 2009

Want 3Oh! 3, CD 781.66 30H 2008

Humbug Arctic Monkeys, CD 781.66 ARC 2009

Abbey Road (Remastered) The Beatles, CD 781.66 BEA 2009

Beatles for Sale (Remastered) The Beatles, CD 781.66 BEA 2009

A Hard Day’s Night (Remastered) The Beatles, CD 781.66 BEA 2009

Help! (Remastered) The Beatles, CD 781.66 BEA 2009

Let It Be (Remastered) The Beatles, CD 781.66 BEA 2009

Magical Mystery Tour (Remastered) The Beatles, CD 781.66 BEA 2009

Past Masters (Remastered) The Beatles, CD 781.66 BEA 2009

Please Please Me (Remastered) The Beatles, CD 781.66 BEA 2009

Revolver (Remastered) The Beatles, CD 781.66 BEA 2009

Rubber Soul (Remastered) The Beatles, CD 781.66 BEA 2009

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Remastered) The Beatles, CD 781.66 BEA 2009

The Beatles – White Album (Remastered) The Beatles, CD 781.66 BEA 2009

With The Beatles (Remastered) The Beatles, CD 781.66 BEA 2009

Yellow Submarine (Remastered) The Beatles, CD 781.66 BEA 2009

Before the Frost…Until the Freeze Black Crowes, CD 781.66 BLA 2009

Breakthrough Colbie Caillat, CD 781.63 CAI 2009

My Maudlin Career Camera Obscur, CD 781.66 CAM 2009

Take Me Home Celtic Thunder, CD 781.62 CEL 2009

Collective Soul Collective Soul, CD 781.66 COL 2009

Horehound The Dead Weather, CD 781.66 DEA 2009

My One and Only Thrill Melody Gardo, tCD 781.65 GAR 2009

Ellipse Imogen Heap, CD 781.66 HEA 2009

Electric Dirt Levon Helm, CD 781.462 HEL 2009

I Look to You Whitney Houston, CD 781.63 HOU 2009

The Blueprint 3 Jay-Z, CD 781.649 JAY 2009

Man on the Moon: The End of Day Kid Cudi, CD 781.66 KID 2009

Get Lucky Mark Knopfler, CD 781.66 KNO 2009

Keep on Loving You Reba McEntire, CD 781.642 MCE 2009

The Resistance Muse, CD 781.66 MUS 2009

Joy Phish, CD 781.66 PHI 2009

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix Phoenix, CD 781.66 PHO 2009

The Incident Porcupine Tree, CD 781.66 POR 2009

Ursa Major Third Eye Blind, CD 781.66 THI 2009

Twang George Strait, CD 781.642 STR 2009

Music from the Original Soundtrack and More: Woodstock Various Artists, CD 781.66 WOO 2009

New Releases on DVD – August 2009

Adventureland

When a recent college graduate realizes he cannot afford his European dream vacation, he is forced to take a minimum-wage job at a local amusement park. Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Martin Starr, Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Margarita Levieva, Ryan Reynolds. Rated R

August

Tom, a dot-com business owner, fights to keep both his professional and his personal life afloat as he tries to reunite with an old flame, gain control of his company, and repair his relationship with his family. Cast: Josh Hartnett, Naomie Harris, Adam Scott, Robin Tunney, Andre Royo, Emmanuelle Chriqui, David Bowie, Rip Torn. Rated R

The Betrayed

A young woman and her son find themselves  kidnapped and tortured by a mysterious figure who suspects her husband of stealing millions from a crime syndicate. Cast: Melissa George, Oded Fehr, Christian Campbell, Alice Krige. Not Rated

Coco Chanel

Charts the rise of one of the most influential designers of the 20th century. From her humble childhood and early days as a young dressmaker’s assistant, to her passionate love affair with a dashing Englishman and ultimate success as a pioneering fashion icon. Cast: Shirley MacLaine, Malcolm McDowell, Barbora Bobulova, Sagamore Stévenin. Rated PG

The Code

Two thieves try to pull off a dangerous heist with FBI, NYPD, and KGB operatives on their trail, determined to escape with the loot and their lives. Cast: Morgan Freeman, Antonio Banderas, Radha Mitchell, Robert Forster, Rade Serbedzija, Marcel Iures. Rated R

Crossing Over

An immigration officer must protect the U.S. border in Los Angeles from those trying to pursue the American Dream, as those around him try to break the rules by fraud, blackmail, and work-site enforcement. Cast: Harrison Ford, Ashley Judd, Ray Liotta, Jim Sturgess, Cliff Curtis, Alice Braga, Alice Eve. Rated R

A Day in the Life

Bad blood between two urban crime families explodes into an all-out turf war in this gritty, hard-hitting drama.Cast: Kirk “Sticky Fingaz” Jones, Michael Rapaport, Omar Epps, Mekhi Phifer, Clarence Williams III, Fredro Starr, Drena De Niro, Faizon Love, Michael K. Williams, Bokeem Woodbine. (2007) Rated R

Duplicity

A pair of corporate spies who share a steamy past hook-up to pull off the ultimate con job on their respective bosses. Cast: Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Tom Wilkinson, Paul Giamatti. Rated PG-13

The Edge of Love

The unconventional love story of poet Dylan Thomas and the two women who inspire him. Cast: Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller, Cillian Murphy, Matthew Rhys. Rated R

Fast and Furious

After being released from prison, an ex-con works with the feds to bring down a heroin importer by infiltrating his operation. Cast: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, John Ortiz, Laz Alonso.  Rated R

Five Fingers

When a young Dutch idealist travels to Morocco to start a food charity, he’s kidnapped by local terrorists and has to engage in a mental chess match to learn his captors’ objectives. Cast: Laurence Fishburne, Ryan Phillippe, Gina Torres, Touriya Haoud, Said Taghmaoui, Colm Meaney. (2006) Rated R

The Great Buck Howard

A young man, much to the chagrin of his father, becomes the new assistant to an aging illusionist. Cast: John Malkovich, Colin Hanks, Emily Blunt, Ricky Jay, Steve Zahn, Tom Hanks. Rated PG

The Green Lantern: First Flight

An animated feature film based on the DC Comics characters.  When Hal Jordan becomes a Green Lantern, he is put under the supervision of senior Lantern, Sinestro, only to discover that his so-called mentor is part of a secret conspiracy that threatens the entire Green Lantern Corps. Voices of: Christopher Meloni, Victor Garber, Tricia Helfer, Michael Madsen, John Larroquette, Kurtwood Smith, William Schallert, Larry Drake. Rated PG-13

How About You

When free-spirited and headstrong Ellie is left in charge of a residential home over the Christmas holidays, her youth and inexperience clash with the four grumpy residents. Cast: Vanessa Redgrave, Imelda Staunton, Brenda Fricker, Hayley Atwell, Joss Ackland, Orla Brady, Joan O’Hara. Based on the short story How about you by Maeve Binchy. (2007) Not Rated

I Love You, Man

A newly engaged guy sets out to find the perfect “best man” for his wedding. Cast: Paul Rudd, Rashida Jones, Jaime Pressly, Jon Favreau, Jane Curtin, J.K. Simmons, Andy Samberg, Jason Segel. Rated R

Lighthouse Hill

When his best friend suddenly dies, Charlie drives off into the country where he comes across a lonely hotel with a landlocked lighthouse. Here he meets many fascinating characters, including an attractive vagrant who will change his life forever. Cast: Jason Flemyng, Kirsty Mitchell, Frank Finlay. Not Rated

Obsessed

When a successful financial advisor settles into a new neighborhood with his loving wife and young son, everything seems perfect. But when a beautiful temp joins the firm, his life begins to spiral out of control. Cast: Idris Elba, Beyoncé Knowles, Ali Larter, Bruce McGill, Jerry O’Connell, Christine Lahti. Rated PG-13

Race to Witch Mountain

A UFO expert enlists the help of a cabbie to protect two siblings with paranormal powers from the clutches of an evil organization.Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Annasophia Robb, Carla Gugino, Ciaran Hinds, Alexander Ludwig, Tom Everett Scott, Christopher Marquette.Based on the novel by Alexander Key. Rated PG

17 Again

A man wakes up one morning to find he’s a teenager again and has a shot at fixing his wayward life. Cast: Zac Efron, Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon, Michelle Trachtenberg, Matthew Perry. Rated PG-13

Shooting Star

A Hollywood starlet finds herself stranded in a rural Utah town where she learns some of life’s most important lessons and simple pleasures. Cast: Torrey DeVitto, Erin Chambers, KC Clyde. (2007) Rated PG

The Soloist

Tells the true tale of a Los Angeles newspaper reporter who discovers a brilliant street musician.  The pair’s unique friendship soon transforms both of their lives.  Cast: Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey, Jr., Catherine Keener, Tom Hollander, Lisagay Hamilton.  Based on the novel by Steve Lopez.  Rated PG-13

Spinning into Butter

A hate crime on the campus of a New England college puts the school’s dean in a position where she has to examine her own feelings about race and prejudice. Cast: Miranda Richardson, Beau Bridges, Sarah Jessica Parker, Mykelti Williamson.  Originally released as a motion picture in 2007. Based on the play by Rebecca Gilman. Rated R

Step Up 2 the Streets

Romantic sparks occur between two dance students from different backgrounds at the Maryland School of the Arts. Cast: Briana Evigan, Robert Hoffman, Will Kemp, Cassie Ventura. Rated PG-13

Sunshine Cleaning

A woman who wants to send her eight-year-old son to a private school decides to go into business with her unreliable sister in order to earn more money. Cast: Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, Alan Arkin, Jason Spevack, Steve Zahn, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Clifton Collins, Jr., Eric Christian Olsen. Rated R

Surveillance

When FBI agents Elizabeth Anderson and Sam Hallaway arrive at a rural police station to investigate a series of gruesome murders, there are three witnesses with three different stories of the roadside rampage. Cast: Julia Ormond, Bill Pullman, Pell James, Ryan Simpkins, French Stewart, Kent Harper. Rated R

Table for Three

A single guy invites what he thinks is a perfect couple to move into his apartment, only to discover they quickly insert themselves into all aspects of his life.Cast: Brandon Routh, Sophia Bush, Jesse Bradford, Jennifer Morrison. Rated R

Music CDs – Destination Italy 2009

Bella Tuscany: Music Inspired by Tuscany Various Artists CD 784.2 BEL 2004

O mio babbino caro — Quando m’en vo’– Italiana — Danza Rustica — Canzone E Sonate — Four seasons — Nightingale — The Cuckoo — Siciliana — Che gelida manina — Humming chorus — Adagio — Allegro — Di Provenza il mar, il suol — Intermezzo sinfonico.

I Capuleti e i Montecchi Vincenzo Bellini CD 782.1 BEL 2009

I Capuleti e i Montecchi is one of the loveliest and most moving of bel canto operas, though not among the more frequently performed. When Anna Netrebko and El na Garan a sang Giulietta and Romeo in Vienna last year at the performances documented in this recording, critics were enthusiastic. They found that Giulietta suited Anna Netrebko especially well, and she could show to full advantage her rounded tone and creamy timbre in every register.

Incanto Andrea Bocell iCD 781.63 BOC 2008

Andrea Bocelli’s new studio album is a collection of the most famous Italian songs – including Mamma, Funiculi Funicula and Santa Lucia. They are the songs which have enchanted Andrea since childhood. Released to coincide with his 50th birthday, the album is a personal tribute to his musical heritage. Popularized through concert, radio and record and the film industry by the great tenors of the 19th and 20th centuries, this selection of songs is a celebration of the Italian tenor tradition. Thanks to the legendary voices of Enrico Caruso, Beniamino Gigli, Franco Corelli, Mario Lanza and Luciano Pavarotti, these songs have become a huge global export and fueled the romance of generations to come.

Eh, Paisano! 100% Italian-American Classics Various Artists CD 781.63 EH 1997

That’s amore / Dean Martin — Nel blu dipinto di blu (Volaré) / Domenico Modugno — Mama / Connie Francis — Angelina & zooma zooma / Louis POrima — Mala femmina / Jerry Vale — Pepino the Italian mouse / Lou Monte — Spanish eyes / Al Martino — Eh, cumpari / Julius LaRosa — Cara, mia / Jay & the Americans — Piove, (ciao, ciao bambina) / Domenico Modugno — Runaround / The Three Chuckles — Just a gigolo & I ain’t got nobody (and nobody cares for me) / Louis Prima — Here in my heart / Keely Smith — For the first time (Come prima) / Tony Reno & the Sherwoods — Al di lá / Emilio Pericoli — Love is a many-splendored thing / Four Aces, featuring Al Alberts — Darktown strutters ball (Italian style) / Lou Monte — Innamorata (Sweetheart) / Jerry Vale.

Bel Canto Spectacular Juan Diego Florez CD 782.1 FLO 2008

The King of the High Ds returns with an all-new album of bel canto arias and duets. Juan Diego Florez once again proves why he is THE tenor in demand around the world for the operas of Bellini, Donizetti and Rossini. In fact, he even broke the 70 year-old taboo against encores at La Scala in Donizetti s La Fille du Régiment, effortlessly tossing off 18 high Cs in a row (twice as many as other tenors)! For this special album, Florez is joined by an all-star roster of his friends, including Anna Netrebko, Placido Domingo, Mariusz Kwiecien, Patrizia Ciofi and Daniela Barcellona. Rarely have so many talents come together on one all-new recording.

40 Most Beautiful Arias Various Performers CD 782.1 FOR 2008

Two CD collection featuring the finest voices in Opera performing the most beautiful arias by the classic composers. An aria is a self-contained piece for vocals with orchestral accompaniment and this collection gathers together arias that will touch your heart and relax your soul as you are lifted by their beautiful melodies. 40 tracks including solos from Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, Jennifer Lamore, William Christie, Marcello Viotti and many others.

Floridante Handel CD 782.1 HAN 2007

Opera in 3 acts. Libretto by Paolo Antonio Rolli, based on the libretto La costanza in trionfo by Francesco Silvani. Note: Recorded Sept. 2005, at the Chiesa di San Silverstro, Tuscania.

Alcina Hande lCD 782.1 HAN 2009

Alan Curtis, lauded by Opera as one of our finest conductors of Baroque opera, illumines Handel s masterpiece, Alcina, by casting, as heroine, the brilliant Joyce DiDonato. Since Alcina is historically dared by virtuosic sopranos like Sutherland and Battle, this innovative recording with a mezzo is a must-have not just for Alcina freaks but all who adore sensational vocalism. As Handel did in his time, Curtis arrays our era s finest Baroque singers such as Maite Beaumont and Karina Gauvin in supporting roles around his star. With this electrifying Alcina, first ever studio recording of the rarely heard Ezio and Rolando Villazón s new album, Handel Year 2009 is being exceptionally well feted by Deutsche Grammophon.

Dinner Classics: The Italian Album Various Artists CD 781.68 ITA 1989

Various ensembles, soloists and conductors. Booklet includes recipes from Entertaining / Martha Stewart.

Voyager Series: Italian Mandolins Various Artists CD 781.63 ITA 2005

Song Titles: O sole mio — Carnival of Venice — Quando quando — Parlami d’amore, Mariu — The woodpecker song — Violetta — Il bacio — Cavalleria rusticana — Dicitencello vuie — Una sera a Napoli — Neapolitan dance song — Forget domani — Tarantella — Capriccio italienne — La mattinata.

Romantic Arias Jonas Kaufmann CD 782.1 KAU 2008

Jonas Kaufmann is without question the most versatile tenor of his generation, and his current repertoire includes an astonishing range of opera roles from Mozart to Wagner. He is also a celebrated Lieder interpreter, equally at home on the concert platform. His Decca Debut album celebrates a luscious range of Romantic opera arias, showcasing the astonishing diversity of his voice.

Il combattimento Monteverdi CD 782.543 MON 2006

Recorded Nov. 18 and 20-23, 2005, Église Notre Dame du Liban, Paris, and May 19, 2006, Chapelle Notre Dame de Bon Secours.

Teatro d’amore Monteverdi CD 783.33 MON 2009

This exciting new release is the debut Virgin Classics recording of the vocal & instrumental group L’Arpeggiata, led by harpist and lutenist extraordinaire Christina Pluhar. The group creates an intoxicating blend of early music and jazz, creating a sort of “baroque jam session” built on technical expertise, rich textural explorations, and daring improvisations. This album explores the music of Claudio Monteverdi, both instrumental pieces and arias. The vocal works feature the brilliant vocal talents of countertenor Philippe Jaroussky and soprano Núria Rial, who come together for the final duet from L’Incoronazione di Poppea — one of the most beautiful and sensuous love scenes in all of opera. This release is sure to please fans of early and vocal music, though the improvisatory jazz and world music influences will certainly interest fans of those genres as well. Overall, a fascinating, fresh new release from a group to watch.

Pavarotti’s Greatest Hits Luciano Pavarotti CD 782.1 PAV 2007

Back by popular demand–Pavarotti’s Greatest Hits! Celebrate the life and career of Luciano Pavarotti–the world’s most famous tenor and King of the High C’s! First released as an LP in 1980 and then again in 1985, this is one of Pavarotti’s best-selling albums. Instantly recognizable cover features classic photo of Luciano Pavarotti dressed as Pagliaccio from I pagliacci. Chock-full of his all-time greatest hits including Nessun dorma, La donna è mobile, Vesti la giubba, Funiculi Funiculà and more!

One chance Paul Potts CD 782.42 POT 2007

Britain’s Got Talent winner Paul Potts has spent most of his life feeling ‘insignificant’. Bullied at school for being ‘different’, he realized growing up that he had one true friend and that was his voice. Singing was his escape. He was able to lose himself in his own little world – the vicious words of his tormentors replaced by hauntingly beautiful lyrics and melodies that lifted his heart and spirit. It was a love, a passion, a lifeline that would follow Paul into adulthood and help him through many more periods of adversity.

Passione Paul Potts CD 781.63 POT 2009 British singing sensation Paul Potts returns with his eagerly awaited 2nd album, Passione. Recorded with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, Passione contains 10 beautiful songs sung in Italian including covers of some of the most beautiful tracks ever written and a couple of originals. Also included is a stunning duet with Hayley Westenra.

Best Puccini 100 Giacomo Puccini, Maria Callas, Mirella Freni, Giuseppe Di StefanoCD 782.1 PUC 2009

In 2008, the world honors the 150th anniversary of the birth of Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), one of the most popular composers of all time, and perhaps the last in the line of gifted melodists and dramatists to shape the genre of Italian opera. This 6-CD set features highlights from all his major operas, as well as the early Messa di Gloria. The recordings (all stereo) come from EMI’s unrivalled operatic catalog, and feature some of the greatest stars in the world of opera, including Maria Callas, Mirella Freni, Giuseppe Di Stefano, and more!

Viva Italia! Festive Italian Classics Various Artists CD 781.63 VIV 1996

Mattinata — Mala femmena — Canto d’amore — Guaglione — Lazy Mary — Anema e core — Funiculi funicula — Soldi, soldi, soldi — Santa Lucia — Hey gumbaree (Bibadee bobadee bu) — Come back to Sorrento — Volare (Nel blu dipinto di blu) — A man without love (Quando m’innamore) — O sole mio — Forget Domani — Mama — O mio bambino caro — Non dimenticar = Don’t forget — Al di la — Arrivederci Roma = Goodbye to Rome.

New DVDs: TV Series, Nonfiction and Feature Length Films – August 2009

Aberdeen

A very downbeat drama about a successful-but-unhappy London lawyer who goes on a road trip with her alcoholic father to visit her dying mother in a hospital in Norway.Cast: Stellan Skarsgård, Lena Headey, Ian Hart, Charlotte Rampling. (2000) Rated R

American Dreamer

A housewife wins a trip to Paris as a prize from a mystery writing contest. Silly from a blow on the head, she begins living the fictional life of her favorite literary adventure. Cast: JoBeth Williams, Tom Conti, Giancarlo Giannini. (1984) Rated PG

Blue Murder: Set 4

This set sees Janine tackle some of her most baffling cases yet: the murders of an illegal Belarusian émigré, a suburban cheerleading coach, a rock star about to break into the big time, and more. In Blue Murder s signature style, heart-tugging domestic drama and good-natured workplace ribbing leaven each suspenseful, grimly realistic mystery. Cast: Caroline Quentin, Ian Kelsey, Paul Loughran, Nicholas Murchie, Belinda Everett. Not Rated

Buffalo Bill

This episode of the PBS series, The American Experience, explore how William “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s legendary exploits helped create a myth that endures even today. Features the life of the master showman who became part of American history. (2008) Not Rated

Cover Her Face

Scotland Yard’s Adam Dalgliesh investigates the murder of a drug dealer found dead in the basement of a book club.  Mysterious deaths occur, and the detective must deal with a multitude of suspects, evasive answers, and his growing attraction to Deborah Riscoe.  Cast: Roy Marsden, Phyllis Calvert, Bill Fraser, Julian Glover, Mel Martin, Rupert Frazer. Based on the book by P.D. James. (1987) Not Rated

Everest

Based on the true story of the first Canadians to ever make it to the top of the world’s tallest and most historic peak. Cast: Eric Johnson, John Pyper-Ferguson, Jason Priestley, William Shatner. (2007) Rated PG-13

400 Years of the Telescope

This PBS documentary features interviews with leading astrophysicists and cosmologists from the world’s renowned universities and observatories, who explain concepts ranging from Galileo’s act of revealing the cosmos with a simple telescope, to the latest discoveries in space, including startling new ideas about life on other planets and dark energy – a mysterious vacuum energy that is accelerating the expansion of the universe. Originally broadcast on PBS on 2008.  Not Rated

Garrison Keillor: The Man on the Radio in the Red Shoes

This episode of the PBS series American Masters, is a freeform and intimate look at the private man in the public spotlight goes behind the scenes of America’s most popular radio show, A Prairie Home Companion, and inside the imagination of the man who created it. (2009)  Not Rated

Grey Gardens

Based on the life stories of the eccentric aunt and first cousin of Jackie Kennedy, this HBO drama tells the tender, intimate story of an eccentric mother and daughter.Cast: Drew Barrymore, Jessica Lange, Daniel Baldwin, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Ken Howard. Not Rated

High Hopes

Low-budget, cerebral British black comedy/drama about conflicts between yuppies and socialists in 1980s England. Fans of non-mainstream, slice-of-life, thought-provoking films enjoy its sharp dissection of the British class system. Cast: Philip Davis, David Bamber, Ruth Sheen, Edna Dore, Lesley Manville, Philip Jackson, Hether Tobias (1989) Rated PG

Influenza 1918

This episode of the PBS series, The American Experience, examines the influenza pandemic that broke out in 1918 and that within two years killed 30 million people. Epidemiologists discuss the odds of such a plague occurring again. (1998) Not Rated

Into Thin Air

This made for TV movie attempts to re-create the disastrous events that took place during the Mount Everest climb on May 10, 1996. Cast: Peter Horton, Nat Parker, Richard Jenkins, Christopher McDonald. Based on Jon Krakauer’s best selling book. (1997) Not Rated

Jazz & Swing Greats: Live from Lincoln Center

One amazing night in 1972, the greats of swing – Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Bennie Goodman – came together at New York’s Philharmonic Hall for a jazz blowout. Joined by Dizzy Gillespie, hosted by Doc Severinson, these jazz pioneers reveled in the numbers with which they had changed the face of popular music more than thirty years before. (1972) Not Rated

King Lear

Proposing to divide his vast kingdom amongst his three daughters, Goneril, Regan and Cornelia, Lear devises a test for his offspring to convince him of their suitability and compassion for rule. Goneril and Regan’s true colors emerge, they uncover a vast conspiracy of greed and cruelty within the once loyal dynasty. Cast: Ian McKellen, Frances Barber, Monica Dolan, Romola Garai, Jonathan Hyde, Seymour Matthews, William Gaunt, Sylvester McCoy, Philip Winchester. Originally broadcast on PBS’s Great Performances in 2008. Not Rated

The Longest Day

The complete story of the D-Day landings at Normandy through the eyes of all its participants. Cast: John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Henry Fonda, Robert Ryan, Rod Steiger, Richard Todd, Richard Burton, Robert Wagner, Eddie Albert, Red Buttons, Sean Connery, Peter Lawford, Mel Ferrer, Paul Anka, Stuart Whitman, Edmond O’Brien, Curt Jürgens. Based on the book by Cornelius Ryan. (1962) Rated G

Mad Men: Season Two

A continuing look at the Sterling Cooper advertising agency and the lives of the people who work there. Cast: Jon Hamm, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, January Jones, John Slattery. Originally broadcast on AMC in 2008.  Not Rated

Marcus Garvey: Look for Me in The Whirlwind

Originally broadcast as an episode of PBS series, The American Experience, this documentary uses a wealth of archival film, photographs and documents to uncover the story of this Jamaican immigrant who between 1916 and 1921 built the largest black mass movement in world history. Also features interviews with people who witnessed the Garvey movement first hand. (2001) Not Rated

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

A modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy about the king and queen of the fairies and the two couples brought together by their celestial matchmaking. Cast: Rupert Everett, Calista Flockhart, Kevin Kline, Michelle Pfeiffer, Stanley Tucci, Christian Bale, Sophie Marceau, David Strathairn. (1999) Rated PG-13

My Life

A high-powered executive, diagnosed with terminal cancer, begins filming a home movie in which he teaches his unborn son all the things a man must know: how to shave, how to slam dunk, and most of all, how to love. Cast: Michael Keaton, Nicole Kidman. (1993) Rated PG-13

Othello

In this dramatization of William Shakespeare’s tragedy a great man’s vanity is manipulated by a jealous aide to bring about his downfall. Betrayal, deception and murder end the friendship between Othello and Iago and culminate in the tragic death of Desdemona. Cast: Laurence Fishburne, Irene Jacob, Kenneth Branagh. (1995) Rated R

Patton

The Academy Award-winning dramatization of the experiences of General George S. Patton during World War II. Based on “Patton: Ordeal and Triumph” by Ladislas Farago and “A Soldier’s Story” by Omar N. Bradley. Cast: George C. Scott, Karl Malden. (1970) Rated PG

Power Yoga

Kristin McGee presents her special blend of power yoga with this intense fitness program. Building on the yoga lessons she taught on MTV, McGee combines aerobics with soul-centering moves all accompanied by an energizing workout.

Psycho

In this Alfred Hitchcock horror film, a secretary steals money from her boss and leaves town. On the road, she checks into the Bates Motel, run by a nice young man and his mother. Cast: Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles, John Gavin, Martin Balsam, John McIntire, Janet Leigh. (1960) Rated R

Pygmalion

Professor Henry Higgins works to make a pretty flower girl into a young lady of society. Cast: Wendy Hiller, Leslie Howard, Wilfred Lawson, Marie Lohr, Scott Sunderland. Based on the play by George Bernard Shaw. (1938) Not Rated

Spellbound

In this Alfred Hitchcock film, a psychologist falls for a suspect in a murder, which she tries to solve by unlocking the clues hidden in his mind. Cast: Ingrid Bergman, Gregory Peck, Michael Chekhov, Leo G. Carroll, Rhonda Fleming, John Emery. (1945) Not Rated

Summer of Love

David Ogden Stiers narrates this episode of the PBS series, The American Experience.  It offers a look into the hippie revolution in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district during the summer of 1967, and how the free love and music turned into a life of drug use, violence, and broken dreams. (2007) Not Rated

Swann in Love

Set in Paris in the 1890s, Swann falls in love with a young courtesan, and soon finds himself tormented by his unrelenting sexual desire. Cast: Jeremy Irons, Alain Delon, Ornella Muti, Fanny Ardant, Marie-Christine Barrault, Anne Bennent, Nathalie Juvet. Based on the novel by Marcel Proust. (1984) In French, English subtitles. Not Rated

The Taming of the Shrew

A lavish screen production of the classic Shakespearean play, with Taylor starring as the wealthy Katharina and Burton as the Petruchio who tries to subdue her. Cast: Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor, Michael York, Cyril Cusack, Michael Hordern, Alfred Lynch, Alan Webb, Victor Spinetti, Natasha Pyne. (1967) Not Rated

Twelve O’clock High

A heroic American bomber group, based in England during WWII, is overworked and overstressed. Their empathetic leader is replaced by a severe general who begins to identify with the young fliers.  Cast: Gregory Peck, Hugh Marlowe, Gary Merrill.  (1949)  Not Rated

Twice upon a Yesterday

When a man tries to stop his ex-girlfriend from marrying someone else, he is magically given an opportunity to turn back the clock and correct a past mistake. Cast: Lena Headey, Douglas Henshall, Penelope Cruz, Gustavo Salmeron, Eusebio Lazaro, Mark Strong, Charlotte Coleman, Neil Stuke, Elizabeth McGovern. (1999) Rated R

Waterland

A history teacher, Tom Crick, inspires his students to embrace the past and discover the marvels and mysteries of life. Through many extraordinary stories, he takes them on an unforgettable journey into the past that changes their lives forever. Cast: Jeremy Irons, Ethan Hawke, Sinead Cusack, Cara Buono, Grant Warnock, Lena Headey, Peter Postlethwaite, David Morrissey, John Heard. (1992) Rated R

Wildfire: Season Two

Change comes to Kris Furillo and everyone at the Raintree Ranch. A near win at the Sandpiper Race puts Kris and Wildfire in the limelight, but how will she adjust to fame and how will it affect those closest to her? Cast: Genevieve Cortese, Nicole Tubiola, Nana Visitor, Greg Serano, Micah Alberti, Andrew Hoeft, Ryan Sypek. Originally broadcast on television in 2006. Not Rated

Yoga: Total Body Makeover

Alanna Zabel presents traditional, flowing yoga routines moving through sequences that target specific body parts and muscle groups. Begins with a simple warm-up and moves to lower body to lift and tighten buns, thighs and hips. Next is the sculpting arm and upper body sequence, followed by a middle-whittling core segment, finishing with a total body stretch.

Sewickley’s Favorite Books – Summer 2009

The Following books were rated 5 stars by the participants in the Adult Summer Reading Program. Click on the Book Jackets to read more about the books and even reserve them!

Accidental Mother, by Rowan Coleman

Alexandria, by Lindsey Davis

All Around the Town, by Mary Higgins Clark

Angels and Demons, by Dan Brown

The Appeal, by John Grisham

Arctic Drift, by Clive Cussler

Beach Music, by Pat Conroy

Big Four, by Agatha Christie

Blood Work, by Michael Connelly

Blow Out, by Catherine Coulter

A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity, by Bill O’Reilly

Book Thief, by Marcus Zusak

A Case of Need, by Michael Crichton

The Cat Who Went Up the Creek, by Lilian Jackson Braun

Chasing Smoke, by Bill Cameron

Columbine, by Dave Cullen

The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas

The Cradle Will Fall, by Mary Higgins Clark

Crazy Love, by Leslie Morgan Steiner

Cross Country, by James Patterson

A Cry in the Night, by Mary Higgins Clark

Cutting for Stone, by A. Verghese

Danse Macabre, by Laurell K. Hamilton

Dark Summer, by Iris Johansen

A Day Late and a Dollar Short, by Terry McMillan

Dear and Glorious Physician, by Taylor Caldwell

Death in Hyde Park, by Robin Paige

Domestic Affairs, by Eileen Goudge

Dying for Revenge, by Eric J. Dickey

The Edge, by Catherine Coulter

Executive Privilege, by Phillip Margolin

Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury

The Faithful Spy, by Alex Berenson

Farewell To Arms, by Ernest Hemingway

Fatally Flaky, by Diane Mott Davidson

Fault Line, by Barry Eisler

Fearless Fourteen, by Janet Evanovich

Fidelity, by Thomas Perry

Finding Nouf, by Zoe Ferraris

Finger Lickin Fifteen, by Janet Evanovich

Fire and Ice, by J.A. Jance

First Family, by David Baldacci

Fortune Hunter, by Diane Farr

Foul Play, by Janet Evanovich

Francesca’s Party, by Patricia Scanlan

Gifts of the Heart, by Bettie Youngs

A Good Woman, by Danielle Steel

The Gospel of Wealth and Other Timely Essays, by Andrew Carnegie

The Grand Finale, by Janet Evanovich

The Great Books, by Bruce Meyer

Grow Organic, by Doug Oster and Jessica Walliser

Growing Up Again, by Mary Tyler Moore

Handle with Care, by Jodi Piccoult

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, by JK Rowling

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett

The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Horse Boy, by Rupert Isaacson

In Her Defense, by Stephen Horn

Interpreter of Maladies, by Jhumpa Lahiri

It Only Takes a Momenti by Mary Jane Clark

The Judgement of Paris, by Ross King

Junk Beautiful: Room-by-Room Makeovers with Junkmarket Style, by Sue Whitney & Ki Nassauer

Kaffe Knits Again, by Kaffe Fassett

Keeping Faith, by Jodi Picoult

King’s Oak, by Anne Rivers Seddons

The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hoseini

The Last Hurrah, by Edwin O’Connor

The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch

Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo

Light in the Forest, by Conrad Richter

Lights Out Tonight, by Mary Jane Clark

Loitering with Intent, by Stuart Woods

London Bridges, by James Patterson

Long Lost, by Harlan Coben

Look Again, by Lisa Scottoline

Love, Medicine, and Miracles, by Bernie Siegel

Mason Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines, by Kay Gardiner

Meltdown, by Thomas E. Woods, Jr.

The Memory Collector, by Meg Gardiner

The Middle Place, by Kelly Corrigan

Midnight in Sicily, by Peter Robb

Mists of Avalon, by Marion Zimmer Bradley

My Sister’s Keeper, by Jodi Picoult

The Namesake, by Jhumpa Lahiri

The Necklace, by Guy de Maupassant

Nineteen Minutes, by Jodi Picoult

Off Season, by Ann Rivers Siddons

One Day at a Time, by Danielle Steel

The Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell

Perfectly Imperfect, by Lee Woodruff

Porch Stories, by Jewel Parker Rhodes

Real Sex, by Lauren Winner

Running Hot, by Jayne Krentz

Same Kind of Different as Me, by Ron Hall

The Scarecrow, by Michael Connelly

The School of Essential Ingredients, by Erica Buermister

Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd

Shadow Music, by Julie Garwood

Sharpe’s Tiger, by Bernard Cornwell

The Silent Speaker, by Rex Stout

Soul Stories, by Gary Zukav

Still Alice, by Lisa Genova

Still Watchi, by Mary Higgins Clark Summer at Tiffany, by Marjorie Hart
Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas, by James Patterson Sweetheart, by Chelsea Cain
Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, by Alan Bradley Swimsuit, by James Patterson
Tail Spin, by Catherine Coulter Sidney Crosby: Taking the Game by Storm, by Gare Joyce
TeaTime for theTraditionally Built, by Alexander McCall Smith Team of Rivals, by Doris Kearns Goodwin
To Have and Have Not, by Ernest Hemingway To the Death, by Patrick Robinson
Today, I am a Ma’amValerie Harper Total ControlDavid Baldacci
Trunk Music, by Michael Connelly Under Enemy Colors, by S. Thomas Russell
The Undomestic Goddess, by Sophie Kinsella Walk Away the Pounds: The Breakthrough Six-week Program that Helps you Burn the Fat, Tone Muscle, and Feel Great without Dieting, by Leslie Sansone
Warlock: a novel of Ancient Egypt, by Wilbur Smith Wedding Ring, by Emilie Richards
Weep No More My Lady, by Mary Higgins Clark While My Pretty One Sleeps, by Mary Higgins Clark
The Whole World Over, by Julia Glass Wicked Prey, by John Sandford

New Nonfiction Books – August 2009

The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook, a Tale of Sex, Money, Genius and Betrayal Ben Mezrich, 338.761 MEZ 2009 – Two Harvard undergraduates looking for a way to win social success, hacked into the university’s computer system.  The framework for Facebook was born in a Harvard dorm room.

The Age of the Unthinkable: Why the New World Disorder Constantly Surprises Us and What We Can Do About It Joshua Cooper Ramo, 973.931 RAM 2009 – How to thrive in a world of unpredictability.

American Passage: The History of Ellis Island Vincent J. Cannato, 325.7 CAN 2009 – Between 1892 to 1924 over twelve million immigrants passed through the gates at Ellis Island.

And Then the Roof Caved In: How Wall Street’s Greed and Stupidity Brought Capitalism to Its Knees David Faber, 332.63 FAB 2009 – The author relates the story behind the economic crisis: the defining theme of which has been greed, coupled with the regulatory failure of the government.

Busted: Life Inside the Great Mortgage Meltdown Edmund L. Andrews, 332.722 AND 2009 – Even as a New York Times economics reporter, the author succumbed to the temptation of subprime lending and became part of the economic catastrophe.

Empire of Illusion: The End of Literacy and the Triumph of Spectacle Chris Hedges, 302.23 HED 2009 – The author asserts that a culture that cannot distinguish between reality and illusion dies; the society that retreats into fantasy will eventually turn to demagogues and charlatans.

Escape from Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur Pamela Slim,658.11 SLI 2009 – How to make a getaway from the corporate grind.

The Evolution of God Robert Wright, 200.9 WRI 2009 – The author presents a sweeping journey through history and the development of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

A Failure of Capitalism: The Crisis of ‘08 and the Descent Into Depression Richard A. Posner, 330.973 POS 2009 – The author presents a non-technical examination of the current financial disaster and the efforts to cope with it.

Halfway to Heaven: My White-knuckled and Knuckleheaded Quest for the Rocky Mountain High Mark Obmascik, 796.522 OMB  2009 – A look inside the culture of the mountaineering obsessives who try scaling all 54 of Colorado’s 14,000-foot mountains in one year, to become part of an elite group known as the  Fourteneers.

Holy Roller: Finding Redemption and the Holy Ghost in a Forgotten Texas Church Julie Lyons, 289.9 LYO 2009 – An inspiring story of a journalists firsthand investigation into the results of faith and prayer in the lives of society’s overlooked people.

Horse Soldiers: The Extraordinary Story of a Band of U.S. Soldiers Who Rode to Victory in Afghanistan Doug Stanton, 958.1047 STA 2009 – The dramatic account of a small band of Special Forces soldiers who secretly entered Afghanistan following 9/11 and rode to war on horses against the Taliban.

How the Mighty Fall: And Why Some Companies Never Give In Jim Collins, 338.7 COL 2009 – Every institution is vulnerable to decline, but it can be avoided. By the author of Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t.

How Rome Fell Adrian Goldsworthy, 937.09 GOL 2009 – During the second century, the Roman Empire controlled most of the known world.  By the end of the fifth century, the empire had disintegrated, a shadow of its former might.

The Language of Things: Understanding the World of Desirable Objects Dyan Sudjic, 745.401 SUD 2009 – An informative look at the intersection between art, design, and commerce.

The Last Best Hope: Restoring Conservatism and America’s Promise Joe Scarborough, 320.52 SCA 2009 – A new take on the nation’s political and economic situation.

Packing the Court: The Rise of Judicial Power and the Coming Crisis of the Supreme Court James MacGregor Burns, 347.7326 BUR 2009 – A penetrating look at the nation’s top court by a noted author.

Portfolios of the Poor: How the World’s Poor Live on $2 a Day Daryl Collins, et.al., 339.46 POR 2009 – About 40% of the world’s people live on incomes of $2.00 a day or less. How do the poor find solutions to living on such an amount? A thoughtful report on the “bottom billion.”

Renegade: The Making of a President Richard Wolffe, 324.973 WOL 2009 – The story of how a political newcomer with no money became the world’s most powerful leader.

Rocket Men: The Epic Story of the First Men on the Moon Craig Nelson, 629.45 NEL 2009 – The dramatic story of the first trip to the moon aboard the 30-story-high Apollo II-Saturn V spaceship.

Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry Into the Value of Work Matthew B. Crawford, 331 CRA 2009 – The author discusses the experience that was once quite common: the activity of making and fixing things with our hands.

Soul Survivor: The Reincarnation of a World War II Fighter Pilot Bruce and Andrea Leininger, 133.90135 LEI 2009 – The parents of James Leininger were puzzled and disturbed by the nightmares their two-year-old son was having.  They set out on a journey of discovery that led to one conclusion.

Stay Close: A Mother’s Story of Her Son’s Addiction Libby Cataldi, 362.29 CAT 2009 – The poignant story of a mother’s love and her struggles with her son’s drug addiction.

Strokes of Genius: Federer, Nadal, and the Greatest Match Ever Played L. Jon Wertheim, 796.342 WER 2009 – All the details of the classic tennis match between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on July 6, 2008.

The Third Reich at War Richard J. Evans, 940.53 EVA 2009 – A narrative of the war along with the personal stories from a wide range of people during the rise and demise of German military might.

The Whole Five Feet: What the Great Books Taught Me About Life, Death, and Pretty Much Everything Else Christopher R. Beha, 011.73 BEH 2009 – The Harvard Classics were compiled a century ago by Charles Eliot.  The author decides to revisit these classic books over the course of a year.

You Are Here: Why We Can Find Our Way to the Moon, but Get Lost in the Mall Colin Ellard, 153.752 ELL 2009 – How has modern culture become so directionally challenged?