New Mysteries – April 2009

March 20, 2009November 29, 2022Lynne

All the Colors of Darkness Peter Robinson, M ROB – When the body of a man is discovered near Eastvale, all signs point to suicide. At least Detective Inspector Annie Cabbot believes that to be the case.

August Heat Andrea Camilleri, M CAM – Sicilian inspector Salvo Montalbano spends a hot summer attempting to solve a sinister and perplexing case.

Aunt Dimity Slays the Dragon Nancy Atherton, M ATH – Aunt Dimity helps out Lori Shepard when the Renaissance Festival that comes to the village of Finch presents a dark layer of intrigue.

Batter Off Dead Tamar Myers, M MYE -Mennonite innkeeper Magdalena Yoder gets caught up in a case of hotcake homicide.

Blood and Bone William Lashner, M LAS -Kyle Byrne, the illegitimate son of a Philadelphia lawyer, finds himself a suspect in the death of his father’s law partner.

Bright Futures Stuart M. Kaminsky, M KAM – In the wake of his wife’s death in a hit-and-run accident, Lew Fonesca has moved to Sarasota, Florida His gloomy life consists of small-time criminal investigations until an accused murderer turns to him for help.

Dead or Alive Michael McGarrity, M MCG – Retired Santa Fe Police Chief Kevin Kerney is back in action after the murder of a good friend.

Degrees of Separation Sue Henry, M HEN – Alaska’s Jessie Arnold returns to the sled-dog trail only to stumble upon something unexpected across her path.

Dog On It Spencer Quinn, 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.

Don’t Look Twice Andrew Gross, M GRO -A drive-by shooting rocks upscale Greenwich, Connecticut and a bystander is left dead. Detective Ty Hauck is pulled into what seems to be a vicious case of retribution.

Fatal Lies Frank Tallis, M TAL -In turn-of-the-century Vienna, Detective Inspector Oskar Rheinhardt is confronted with the mysterious death of a young cadet. He turns to Dr. Liebermann, an expert in Freudian psychology.

Fed Up Jessica Conant-Park and Susan Conant, M CON -As Chloe Carter helps her chef boyfriend compete for the starring role of a new television program, one person drops dead after eating his cuisine.

Hangman Blind Cassandra Clark, M CLA – November, 1382. The month of the dead. Abbess Hildegard rides out for York and the Abbey of Meaux.

In a Gilded Cage Rhys Bowen, M BOW – Turn-of-the-century Irish immigrant Molly Murphy finds herself in jail for a few hours and meets some Vassar suffragists and lands a new case.

Lethal Legacy Linda Fairstein, M FAI – The New York Public Library houses dazzling treasures — and deadly secrets.

The Lost Witness Robert Ellis, M ELL -Los Angeles detective Lena Gamble is in disgrace with her higher-ups, but is tossed a difficult murder case that may finish her career for good.

The Mao Case Qiu Xiaolong, M XIA – The author of Death of a Red Heroine, returns with Chief Inspector Chen of the Shanghai Police Department who is in charge of the cases that are considered politically “sensitive.

” Murder in the Latin Quarter Cara Black, M BLA – The murder of a Haitian academic in the Left Bank of Paris is more than a simple problem for Leduc Detectives.

Oolong Dead Laura Childs, M CHI – The latest in the Tea Shop mysteries features the opera boosters, the Bravissimo Club, of Charleston, South Carolina

. The Renegades T. Jefferson Parker, M PAR -Modern day outlaws are still found in the new American West. Charlie Hood prefers to ride alone, especially after his partner is shot dead in the passenger seat.

Revenge on the Spellmans Lisa Lutz, M LUT -Isabel Spellman is back on the case and back on the couch in court-ordered therapy.

Safer Sean Doolittle, M DOO – The Callaway’s hope that they’ve moved to a safe, Midwestern town, but find themselves in a harrowing situation.

The Séance John Harwood, M HAR -A gothic thriller set in late Victorian England, finds Constance Langton inheriting Wraxford Hall, where a family disappeared years before.

The Shanghai Moon S. J. Rozan, M ROZ – Chinese-American private investigator Lydia Chin is brought into a case that involves a cache of jewelry that was left in Shanghai during World War II.

Three Silent Things Margaret Mayhew, M MAY – The colonel, newly settled in the peaceful Dorset village of Frog’s End, make inquiries of his own following the death of a once-famous actress.

Whisper to the Blood Dana Stabenow, M STA -Alaskan trooper Jim Chopin and Kate Shugak investigate the murder of two opponents of a planned gold mind expansion inside a national park.

Wild Sorrow Sandi Ault, M AUL – Bureau of Land Management agent Jamaica Wild stumbles across a frozen corpse and soon finds herself stalked by an unidentified killer on the wintery mesa.

New Music CDs – March 17, 2009

March 17, 2009November 29, 2022Richelle

Blue Lights on the Runway Bell X1, CD 781.66 BEL 2009

Noble Beast Andrew Bird, CD 781.66 BIR 2009

Middle Cyclone Neko Case, CD 781.642 CAS 2008

All I Ever Wanted Kelly Clarkson, CD 781.63 CLA 2009

Dark Was the Night Various Artists, CD 781.66 DAR 2009

Wish Sutton Foster, CD 781.63 FOS 2008

Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics India.Arie, CD 781.643 IND 2008

Perfect Time for a Breakdown Sharon Little, CD 781.63 LIT 2008

The Last Pale Light In The West Ben Nichols, CD 781.642 NIC 2008

Parish Bar Jeb Loy Nichols, CD 781.642 NIC 2009

Notorious Soundtrack Original Soundtrack, CD 781.542 NOT 2009

Compass Joshua Redman, CD 781.653 RED 2009

No Line On The Horizon U2, CD 781.66 U2 2009

War Child presents Heroes Various Artists, CD 781.66 WAR 2009

New Music CDs – March 6, 2009

March 6, 2009November 29, 2022Richelle

It’s Not Me, It’s You Lily Allen, YA 781.63 ALL 2009

Of Great and Mortal Men: 43 Songs for 43 U.S. Presidencies CD 782.42 OF 2008

Performing This Week…Live At Ronnie Scotts [LIVE] Jeff Beck, CD 781.66 BEC 2008

Hold Time M. Ward, CD 781.62 WAR 2009

Take It to the Floor Cash Cash, CD 781.66 CAS 2008

Troubadour K’Naan, CD 781.649 KNA 2009

2009 Grammy Nominees Various Artists, CD 781.63 GRA 2009

Years of Refusal Morrissey, CD 781.66 MOR 2009

Incredibad The Lonely Island, CD 781.66 LON 2008

Ryan Leslie Ryan Leslie, CD 781.643 LES 2008

Mr Lucky Chris Isaak, CD 781.66 ISA 2009

New Releases on DVD – February 2009

March 6, 2009November 29, 2022Richelle

Appaloosa

Two friends hired to police a small town that is suffering under the rule of a rancher find their job complicated by a young widow who arrives on the scene with only a dollar and keen sense of survival. Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Ed Harris, Renée Zellweger, Jeremy Irons, Timothy Spall, Lance Henriksen. Based on the novel by Robert B. Parker. Rated R

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

Chloe is a pampered Beverly Hills chihuahua who, while on vacation in Mexico with her owner’s niece, Rachel, gets lost. She must rely on her new friends to help her get back home before she is caught by a dognapper who wants to ransom her. In the meantime, Papi, a male chihuahua who is in love with Chloe goes in pursuit of her. Papi’s owner is a handsome young gardener for Rachel’s aunt Viv. He slowly develops a romantic interest in Rachel. Chloe befriends Delgado, a lonely German Shepherd, who travels with her and protects her from Diablo, the evil Doberman, who wants to return her and her diamond collar to the dognapper. Voices: Andy Garcia, George Lopez, Drew Barrymore, Cheech Marin, Paul Rodriguez, Edward James Olmos, Luis Guzmán. Rated PG

The Changeling

Set in a working-class suburb Los Angeles, 1928. Christine says goodbye to her son, Walter, and departs for work. Arriving home, Christine discovers that Walter is nowhere to be found. Christine launches a desperate a search for her son. Then, a boy claiming to be Christine’s son appears out of thin air. Knowing the boy is not hers, Christine invites the child to stay in her home. Christine cannot accept the injustice being pushed upon her and continues to challenge the Los Angeles police force at every turn. The police slander Christine and paint her as an unfit mother. Christine challenges the system and the only person willing to aid her in her search is benevolent local activist Reverend Briegleb. Cast: Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich. Rated R

City of Ember

For centuries, the residents of the underground City of Ember have flourished in an amazing world of glittering lights and quiet contentment. But when the City’s massive power generator begins to fail, the streetlamps fade – along with the hopes of the townspeople. Now it will be up to two courageous teenagers to follow a trail of clues left by the ancient builders to find the way out of Ember before their world is plunged into complete darkness. Cast: David Ryall, Harry Treadaway, Tim Robbins, Bill Murray, B.J. Hogg, Toby Jones. Based on the book by Jeanne Duprau. Rated PG

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog

Aspiring super-villain Dr. Horrible wants to join the Evil League of Evil and win the girl of his dreams, but his nemesis, Captain Hammer, stops him at every turn in this complete three-part musical from Joss Whedon. Cast: Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion, Felicia Day. Not Rated

Eagle Eye

Jerry and Rachel are two strangers who have been ripped from their ordinary lives when they are “activated” as part of a high-tech assassination plot. Through blistering chases and shocking twists they try to escape –but where can they go when the enemy is everywhere? Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson, Michael Chiklis, Anthony Mackie, Billy Bob Thornton. Rated PG-13

Fireproof

Lt. Caleb Holt lives by the old firefighter’s adage: Never leave your partner behind – it’s a natural instinct. But when it comes to marriage, it’s another story. After a decade of marriage, Caleb and Catherine have drifted so far apart that they are ready to move on without each other. As the two prepare for divorce, Caleb’s dad asks his son to try The Love Dare experiment. While hoping the experiment has nothing to do with his parents’ newfound faith, Caleb commits to the challenge. Now he will have to attempt to love his wife while avoiding God’s love for him. He will need to be able to demonstrate love over and over again to a person who is no longer receptive to his love. Cast: Kirk Cameron, Erin Bethea, Ken Bevel. Rated PG

Ghost Town

Bertram Pincus is an irritable, cranky Manhattan dentist who develops the unwelcome ability to see annoying dead people. When a smooth-talking ghost traps Bertram into a romantic scheme involving his widow Gwen, they become entangled in a hilarious predicament between the now and the hereafter! Cast: Ricky Gervais, Téa Leoni, Greg Kinnear, Billy Campbell, Kristen Wiig, Dana Ivey. Rated: PG-13

High School Musical 3: Senior Year

Troy, Gabriella, Chad and Sharpay are getting ready to graduate from high school. As college approaches, the senior are struggling with the idea of being separated from one another. Along with the rest of the Wildcats, they stage a spring musical to address their experiences, hopes and fears about their future. Cast: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman. Rated G

Madagascar 2: Escape from Africa

In this Dreamworks animated feature, follow Central Park Zoo animals, including, Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippo, along with the psychotic penguins, the monkeys, and the lemur leaders as they unexpectedly are now stranded in the middle of Africa. While Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria are rather happy with their new environment, they quickly realize that it’s not all that it seems. Meanwhile, the penguins attempt to repair the plane that they accidentally destroyed. Rated PG

Nick & Nora’s Infinite Playlist

Nick knows exactly how long it has been since Tris broke up with him – three weeks, two days, and 23 hours. Now she is at his gig, with a new guy. Nick can’t understand how she could have moved on so fast. But that night, Nick meets Norah. They have nothing in common except their taste in music. This begins the night of Nick, Norah and Manhattan. Now, this chance meeting turned into a crusdade to find a legendary rock band’s secret show, ends up being a first date and a night that will change their lives forever. Cast: Michael Cera, Kat Dennings, Alexis Dziena, Ari Graynor, Aaron Yoo, Jay Baruchel. Rated PG-13

Nights in Rodanthe

Paul is a surgeon who long ago traded his family for career. Adrienne is a devoted mother trying to move on after her husband’s infidelity. At a remote inn in the Outer Banks, the pair expect to do some serious soul-searching, but an approaching storm forces them to turn to each other. Cast: Diane Lane, Richard Gere, Scott Glenn, Christopher Meloni, Viola Davis. Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks. Rated PG-13

Pride and Glory

Centers on a multi-generational family of New York City Police officers. The family’s moral codes are tested when Ray Tierney investigates a case that reveals an incendiary police corruption scandal that happens to involve his own brother-in-law. For Ray, the truth is revelatory, a Pandora’s Box that threatens to upend not only the Tierney legacy, but the entire NYPD. Cast: Colin Farrell, Edward Norton, Jon Voight, Noah Emmerich, Jennifer Ehle. Rated R

Religulous

Comedian and TV host Bill Maher takes a pilgrimage across the globe on a mind-opening journey into the ultimate taboo: questioning religion. Rated R

Savage Grace

A dramatization of the true story of a young woman who married into a wealthy family whose extremely close relationship with her son turns into a deadly tragedy. Cast: Julianne Moore, Stephen Dillane, Eddie Redmayne. Based on the book by Natalie Robins & Steven M.L. Aronson. Not Rated

The Secret Life of Bees

Lily Owens is a young girl who lives on the peach farm that her abusive father owns. Rosaleen is a black woman hired by Lily’s father to be a stand in mother for Lilly. Rosaleen insults some of the biggest racists in their town. Lily and Rosaleen run away to a town Lily believes that her mother once lived in. They go to live with the three Boatwright sisters on their honey farm. She finds solace in their mesmerizing world of beekeeping. Cast: Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Sophie Okonedo. Based on the novel by Sue Monk Kidd. Rated PG-13

Swing Vote

When twelve-year-old Molly encourages her apathetic father to get involved, she sets off a chain of events on election day that ends with the presidential race coming down to one vote–her dad’s. Cast: Kevin Costner, Paula Patton, Kelsey Grammer, Dennis Hopper, Nathan Lane, Stanley Tucci, George Lopez, Madeline Carroll. Rated PG-13

Towelhead

Follows the life of Jasira, a 13-year-old Arab-American girl, as she navigates the confusing and frightening path of adolescence and her own sexual awakening after moving to suburban Houston with her strict father. Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Toni Collette, Maria Bello, Peter Macdissi, Summer Bishil. Based on the novel by Alicia Erian. Rated R

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Vicky and Cristina are two young American women spending a summer in Spain when they meet a charming guy and his beautiful but volatile ex-wife. Soon, smoldering sparks begin to fly in hilarious fashion when they all become romantically entangled. Cast: Javier Bardem, Patricia Clarkson, Penélope Cruz, Kevin Dunn, Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Messina. Rated PG-13

W

A look at the life of the George W. Bush. Cast: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Banks, Ellen Burstyn, James Cromwell, Richard Dreyfuss, Scott Glenn, Toby Jones, Stacy Keach, Bruce McGill, Thandie Newton, Jeffrey Wright. Rated: PG-13

New Fiction Books – February 2009

February 20, 2009November 29, 2022Lynne

Arctic Drift Clive Cussler, F CUS – Dirk Pitt returns in another tale of adventure and derring-do.

Beat the Reaper Josh Bazell, F BAZ – This debut thriller features Peter Brown, a Manhattan medical intern, who before he became involved with the Federal Witness Protection Program was a mob hit man. Can he escape his past? “Darkly comic.”

The Bodies Left Behind Jeffery Deaver, F DEA – A night time call to 911 brings Brynn McKenzie to a scene of horror and a forced flight into the woods of Wisconsin.

Black Ops W.E.B. Griffin, F GRI – Presidential Agent Charley Castillo learns of a several assassinations that have targeted members of his team from the Office of Organizational Analysis.

Born to Run James Grippando, F GRI – Intrigue and murder at the top levels of government confront Miami criminal defense lawyer, Jack Swyteck.

The Book of Unholy Mischief Elle Newmark, F NEW – In Venice, 1498, rumors abound about an ancient book that holds the secrets to unimaginable power.

The Charlemagne Pursuit Steve Berry, F BER – Attempting to learn the story of his father’s death, Cotton Malone uncovers a bizarre tale of Charlemagne’s tomb and the Nazis.

The Darker Side Cody McFadyen, F MCF – A thriller that involves a psychopath and murder and a woman with a dark secret.

Eclipse Richard North Patterson, F PAT – California lawyer Damon Pierce takes on a nearly impossible case: the defense of an African freedom fighter who is accused of murder.

The Hour I First Believed Wally Lamb, F LAM – Teacher Caelum Quire and his wife Maureen move to Littleton, Colorado and both get jobs at Columbine High School shortly before the notorious shootings. By the author of She’s Come Undone and I Know This Much Is True.

The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet Colleen McCullough, F MCC – Elizabeth and Jane’s younger sister is rescued from a dreary fate in this sequel to Pride and Prejudice.

Just After Sunset: Stories Stephen King, F KIN – A new collection of stories by the master of horror fiction.

Lark and Termite Jayne Ann Phillips, F PHI – Starred reviews have been given to this tale of grief and survival in 1950’s West Virginia.

Last of the Old Guard Louis Auchincloss, F AUC -The author relates the stories of two remarkable men, Adrian Suydam and Ernest Saunders.

The Leper Steve Thayer, F THA – World War I veteran John Eric Severson is torn from the life and woman he loves and confined to a remote leper’s colony.

A Lion Among Men Gregory Maguire, F MAG – This third volume of the Wicked series features the Cowardly Lion.

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County Tiffany Baker, F BAK -Enormous Truly has a bleak existence on her upstate New York farm in this magical novel that critics say should “race up the bestseller lists.”

A Mercy Toni Morrison, F MOR – In the 1680s the slave trade was just beginning. Jacob, an Anglo-Dutch trader reluctantly takes a small slave girl as payment for a bad debt from a plantation owner. A searching story by the award-winning novelist.

The Messenger Jan Burke, F BUR – Who is Tyler Hawthorne? Why is Adrian deVille so desperate to find him? And why does Amanda Clarke find him so attractive?

The Northern Clemency Philip Hensher, F HEN – This British suburban drama features two families, the Glovers and Sellers over the course of 20 years during the Thatcher era. Nominated for the Man Booker Prize.

A Promise to Believe In Tracie Peterson, F PET – The prolific author begins a new series featuring three sisters who operate a roadhouse along a Montana stage coach line.

Show No Fear Perri O’Shaughnessy, F OSH – Nina Reilly is featured in her first murder investigation, back to the case that ignited her commitment to fight for justice.

Sicilian Tragedee Ottavio Cappellani, F CAP – Moody aristocrats, vain politicians, inept gangsters, shabby actors and high-tech killers are all part of this Italian novel featuring modern-day Sicily.

Songs for the Missing Stewart O’Nan, F ONA – College-bound Kim Larsen disappears from her small Lake Erie town on a quiet summer day.

Still Alice Lisa Genova, F GEN – Psychology professor Alice Howland is 50 years old when she realizes she is becoming increasingly disoriented and forgetful. Great reviews.

The Treasure Iris Johansen, F JOH – Two treasure hunters embark on a perilous journey to find an legendary religious relic and thereby earn their freedom.

The Weapon David Poyer, F POY -U.S. Navy Commander Dan Lenson is handed another assignment: with his elite team, he must defuse emerging naval threats that threaten from around the globe.

Your Heart Belongs to Me Dean Koontz, F KOO – A young man receives some very troubling messages after his heart transplant.

New Nonfiction – February 2009

February 18, 2009November 29, 2022Lynne

Angels and Ages: A Short Book about Darwin, Lincoln, and Modern Life Adam Gopnik – Two babies were born on February 12, 1809 an ocean apart. One in a log cabin. The other on an English country estate.

Animals Make Us Human: Creating the Best Life for Animals Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson – The animal scientist and autism advocate looks at the way animals are treated and explains what animals want and need.

Banquet at Delmonico’s: Great Minds, the Gilded Age, and the Triumph of Evolution in America Barry Werth – An inside look at the circle of philosophers, scientists, politicians and businessmen who brought Darwin’s ideas to America in the years after the Civil War.

The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama Gwen Ifill – The veteran journalist provides an introduction to emerging African American politicians and the impact of the election of Barack Obama.

The Decline and Fall of the British Empire, 1781-1997 Piers Brendon – A sweeping chronicle of the far-reaching British Empire following the American Revolution.

Disquiet, Please! More Humor Writing from The New Yorker David Remnick and Henry Finder, eds. – Amusing essays from the pages of the noted magazine. Every Living Thing: Man’s Obsessive Quest to Catalog Life, from Nanobacteria to New Monkeys Rob Dunn – A look at the exhilarating quest to study the natural world.

Fifty Miles from Tomorrow: A Memoir of Alaska and the Real People William L. Iġġiaġruk Hensley – This memoir of a native Alaskan recounts his upbringing and the formation of the Northwest Alaska Native Association and its work to protect the rights of the people who have called Alaska home for thousands of years.

God in the Foxhole: Inspiring True Stories of Miracles on the Battlefield Charles W. Sasser – A collection of true personal accounts from generations of American soldiers whose faith has been born or transformed under fire.

History’s Greatest Heist: The Looting of Russia by the Bolsheviks Sean McMeekin – How did the Bolsheviks manage to stay in power? During the early years the Russian Revolution was financed largely through artistic thievery.

How to Live: A Search for Wisdom from Old People (While They Are Still on This Earth) Henry Alford – The author interviews famous and/or accomplished people over seventy in this witty search for enlightenment.

The Little Book of Bull Moves in Bear Markets: How to Keep Your Portfolio Up When the Market Is Down Peter D. Schiff – How to protect your assets and invest your money.

Living Rich for Less: Create the Lifestyle You Want by Giving, Saving, and Spending Smart: How You Can Save $30,000 This Year Ellie Kay – New tips for saving during tough times.

The Longevity Factor: How Resveratrol and Red Wine Activate Genes for a Longer and Healthier Life Joseph Maroon – The noted Pittsburgh neuroscientist explains the recent scientific advances that have identified the natural substances that will promote health and longevity.

Making It All Work: Winning at the Game of Work and the Business of Life David Allen – Following up on his previous book, Getting Things Done, the author explains how to figure out where you are in life and how to get where you want to be going.

Note To Self: 30 Women on Hardship, Humiliation, Heartbreak and Overcoming It All Lessons learned from defining moments form the basis of these inspirational stories.

Nothing to Fear: FDR’s Inner Circle and the Hundred Days that Created Modern America Adam Cohen – An account of the critical first days of FDR’s presidency during the worst time of the Great Depression.

Positivity: Groundbreaking Research Reveals How to Embrace the Hidden Strength of Positive Emotions, Overcome Negativity, and Thrive Barbara L. Fredrickson – What is positivity? Can it transform our lives?

The Power of Less: the Fine Art of Limiting Yourself to the Essential…in Business and in Life Leo Babauta – Simple steps to help individuals increase productivity and efficiency and learn to work simply.

Racing Odysseus: A College President Becomes a Freshman Again Roger H. Martin – After surviving cancer, the author in enrolled in St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland as a 61-year-old freshman.

Rich Like Them: My Door-to-Door Search for the Secrets of Wealth in America’s Richest Neighborhoods Ryan D’Agostino – The author knocked on 500 doors in nearly two dozen of the most affluent towns in America to discover insights into what it means to have money and how to get it.

So Damn Much Money: The Triumph of Lobbying and the Corrosion of American Government Robert G. Kaiser – The author discusses how the increased growth of lobbying has had negative effects on politics and government.

Split: A Memoir of Divorce Suzanne Finnamore – On a list for one of a “best books of 2008,” this title captures the reality of one woman’s life after those four words: “I want a divorce.”

Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street Michael Davis – The saga of the influential and long-lasting children’s program.

The Third Chapter: Passion, Risk, and Adventure in the 25 Years After 50 Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot – A new look at a time of potential change, growth and new learning for older individuals.

The Time Paradox: The New Psychology of Time That Will Change Your Life Philip Zimbardo and John Boyd – There are seven common ways that people relate to time, each of which create benefits and pitfalls. The authors relate a plan for optimizing your time perspectives.

The World is Curved: Hidden Dangers to the Global Economy David M Smick – The author contends that the mortgage mess is a symptom of potentially more devastating trouble.

New Music CDs – February 18, 2009

February 18, 2009November 29, 2022Richelle

Black Ice AC/DC, CD 781.66 AC/DC 2008

The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button Alexandre Desplat, CD 781.542 DES 2008

Sun Giant EP Fleet Foxe, sCD 781.66 FLE 2008

The Stand Ins Okkervil River, CD 781.66 OKK 2008

New Music CDs 2/12/09

February 12, 2009November 29, 2022Richelle

Merriweather Post Pavilion Animal Collective, CD 781.66 ANI 2009 – Their ninth full-length. The whoops and hollers that previously held together the sublime, chaotic urgency of their earlier work now signal the calm sense of euphoria and wonder that ripples through this wide eyed record.

Everything That Happens Will Happen Today David Byrne, Brian Eno, CD 781.66 BYR 2008 – David Byrne and Brian Eno have paired up for their first record together as co-writers since the highly influential and critically acclaimed 1981 release My Life in the Bush of Ghosts. Everything That Happens Will Happen Today is the culmination of a year s worth of writing, recording, and travel between New York and London. Everything That Happens… was conceptualized during a visit to Brian Eno s studio after the two reconnected upon Nonesuch Records re-release of Bush of Ghosts.

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-along Blog (Motion Picture Soundtrack) Various Artists, CD 781.542 DOC 2008 – Music performed by Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion, Felicia Day and others.

Tonight: Franz Ferdinand Franz Ferdinand, CD 781.66 FRA 2009 -2009 release, the third album from Glasgow-based modern rockers. Tonight: Franz Ferdinand sees them taking a step back from the Post-Punk revival sounds that gave them their breakthrough. With Tonight: Franz Ferdinand, the band are seen to incorporate more disparate influences such as Jamaican Dub and elements of Electronica. What remains of the old Franz Ferdinand is their knack for locating a danceable rhythm and their gentle, deadpan humour. The choice of Dan Carey as producer is in keeping with this new direction, the past credits of whose include CSS and Hot Chip.

Chinese Democracy Guns N’ Roses, CD 781.66 GUN 2008 – The wait is over. The new album from Guns N’ Roses, Chinese Democracy, has arrived. The album, which features 14 brand new songs from Axl and company, has garnered rave reviews and is easily the most anticipated release of the year.

Waylon Forever Waylon Jennings, CD 781.642 JEN 2008 – Release of Grammy Award Winner and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Waylon Jennings’ final recording Waylon Forever on Vagrant Records. The eight-song collection of cover songs and originals feature the vocals of Waylon Jennings backed by his son Shooter Jennings and the .357’s. Waylon Jennings’ career spanned for more than 40 years. During his lifetime he released over 50 studio albums which generated 16 number one singles and four Country Music Awards. Texan country singer Waylon Jennings was a rocker from way back. He played bass with Buddy Holly, and his first solo records included Beatles songs, which was not usual for a Country musician at the time.

Acid Tongue Jenny Lewis, CD 781.66 LEW 2008 – Femme fatale Jenny Lewis has never sounded so passionate and her songs never so hard-hitting and acerbic as on her aptly titled solo disk, Acid Tongue. The album follows 2006’s Rabbit Fur Coat (which Spin named among the best albums of that year) and a series of acclaimed albums with indie rock fave Rilo Kiley. Featuring collaborations with A Band Called She & Him and guest appearances by Elvis Costello and Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes, Acid Tongue proves to be wicked good.

Now that’s what I call Motown CD 781.643 NOW 2009 – A special installment from the hugely successful Now… series of compilation albums, released to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of one of the greatest record labels in music history. Now That’s What I Call Motown presents 25 of the most beloved and timeless classic R&B tracks from some of the greatest music artists of all-time, all on one CD. Includes cuts from The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Miracles, Mary Wells, Rick James, The Commodores and many others.

Working on a Dream Bruce Springsteen, CD 781.66 SPR 2009 – Limited CD/DVD edition includes a bonus DVD that contains 30 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage on the making of the album. 2009 album by one of the finest American songwriters of his generation. Working on a Dream was recorded with the E Street Band and features 12 new Springsteen compositions plus a bonus track: ‘The Wrestler’. . It is the fourth collaboration between Springsteen and Brendan O’Brien, who produced and mixed the album. Springsteen also wrote an eponymous song for Darren Aronofsky’s 2008 film The Wrestler. The song, also titled ‘The Wrestler’ won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

We Started Nothing The Ting Tings, CD 781.66 TIN 2008 – We Started Nothing is the debut album from The Ting Tings. Tipped in the top three of the BBC’s Sound of 2008 poll at the beginning of the year, seemingly they have much to prove. However, The Ting Tings aren’t about proving themselves; they are simply here to enjoy it. Making great British pop music – their way – is what they’re about. Born of a desire to employ the DIY ethic from day one – Katie White and Jules De Martino escaped the industry trappings they once experienced in a previous band and went back to basics as a duo. They stripped back everything they thought they both knew about making music and the industry that revolved around every note. We Started Nothing is a debut album brimming with intuitive pop noise. It’s pure garage-pop and once heard will in-bed itself into your subconscious for many days, weeks, months to come. Snappy choruses trade off against angular gutar work, whip smart drumming and a succession of loops that they create live with the use of delay pedals.

TV Series and Feature Length Films on DVD – February 2009

January 29, 2009November 29, 2022Richelle

Avalon

The story of several generations of a family, from the arrival of immigrant Sam Krichinsky in the suburb of Baltimore called Avalon, down through his children and grandchildren. The family goes from poverty to prosperity and the world changes around them, but their love and humor hold the family together. Cast: Armin Mueller-Stahl, Elizabeth Perkins, Joan Plowright, Aidan Quinn, Leo Fuchs, Eve Gordon, Lou Jacobi, Kevin Pollak, Israel Rubinek. (1990) Rated PG.

Beulah Land

This mini-series centers around the Kendrick family, owners of Beulah Land, and those connected to the plantation by history and fate. It follows Beulah Land from its height of splendor through its destruction in the Civil War and to its rebuilding. Cast: Leslie Ann Warren, Michael Sarrazin, Eddie Albert, Hope Lange, Paul Rudd. Based on the novel by Lonnie Coleman. (1980) Not rated

Buffalo Soldiers

A fact-based story about the all-black U.S. Cavalry Troop H, which protected the Western territories in post-Civil War times. The story focuses on the troops’ attempts to capture an Apache warrior, Vittorio, who slaughters the settlers in New Mexico. The film examines the racial tensions that existed between the black soldiers and some of the white soldiers, and the truths about the Indian invaders. Cast: Danny Glover, Bob Gunton, Carl Lumbly, Glynn Turman, Mykelti Williamson. (Made for TV 1997) Rated G.

The Cheap Detective

Neil Simon wrote this tale of a worldly, cynical gumshoe who takes on San Francisco, thugs, crooks, Nazis, femme fatales and the Golden Gate Bridge in this tribute to Bogie and the Hammett/Chandler school of hard-boiled detectives. Cast: Peter Falk, Ann-Margret, Eileen Brennan, Sid Caesar, Stockard Channing, James Coco, Dom DeLuise, Abe Vigoda, Paul Williams, Nicol Williamson. (1978) Rated PG

Hanover Street

An American bomber pilot falls in love with a British nurse, and then must escort her husband on a mission behind enemy lines. Cast: Harrison Ford, Lesley-Anne Down, Christopher Plummer, Alec McCowen, Richard Masur, Michael Sacks. (1979) Rated PG

In His Father’s Shoes

After his father’s death a young boy is able to travel back in time wearing his father’s shoes and learns of his father’s childhood. Cast: Louis Gossett Jr., Robert Richard, Barbara Eve Harris. (1997) Rated PG

Jakob the Liar

In Nazi-occupied Poland a poor Jewish cafe owner invents fictitious news bulletins about Allied advances against the Nazis. These lies keep hope and humor alive among the ghetto inhabitants. Cast: Robin Williams, Alan Arkin, Michael Jeter, Armin Mueller0Stahl, Liev Schreiber, Bob Balaban. (2000) Rated PG-13.

Lovejoy: the Complete First Season

Lovejoy, an antiques dealer and part-time detective, scours the murky salesrooms, auction halls and stately homes of Britain, always on the lookout for a find. And if the antiques business isn’t exciting enough, Lovejoy has a particular weakness for a good sob story or a pretty face, either of which is enough to send him off in pursuit of villains and to help victims recover their property. Whether it’s a priceless old master or a pretty young lady, his love of beauty is sure to land him in trouble wherever he goes. Cast: Ian McShane, Phyllis Logan, Dudley Sutton, Chris Jury. Note Originally broadcast on BBC television in 1986. Not Rated

Miss Evers’ Boys

In 1932, Nurse Eunice Evers is invited to work with doctors on the “Tuskegee Experiment” to study the effects of syphilis. She is faced with a terrible dilemma when she learns the patients are denied treatment that could cure them. Cast: Alfre Woodard, Laurence Fishburne, Craig Sheffer, Joe Morton, Obba Babatundé, E.G. Marshall, Ossie Davis. Based on the play by David Feldshuh. (1997) Rated PG

Mississippi Masala

In this exotic and erotic interracial love story, an African American businessman falls for a beautiful Indian immigrant, only to encounter shock and outrage from both families. Cast: Denzel Washington, Roshan Seth, Sarita Choudhury, Charles S. Dutton, Joe Seneca, Sharmila Tagore, Ranjit Chowdhry. (1991) Rated R

The Mists of Avalon

Follows the women of Avalon from their childhoods through the ultimate fulfillment of their destinies in the battle between Christianity and Paganism that threatens to bring down Arthur’s kingdom. Cast: Anjelica Huston, Julianna Margulies, Joan Allen, Samantha Mathis, Caroline Goodall, Edward Atterton, Michael Vartan, Michael Byrne, Hans Matheson. Based on the novel by Marion Zimmer Bradley.
(2001) Not Rated

Nightjohn

The story of a young slave girl and the man who, at great risk to each other, teaches her to read, opening up a whole new world for her. Cast: Beau Bridges, Carl Lumbly, Lorraine Toussaint, Bill Cobbs, Kathleen York, Gabriel Casseus, Tom Nowicki, Joel Thomas Traywick, Allison Jones. Based on the book by Gary Paulsen. (1996) Rated PG-13

Race to Freedom

The story of four slaves who escape from a cotton plantation in the South and travel along a clandestine network of escape routes to freedom in Canada. Cast: Janet Bailey, Michael Riley, Dawnn Lewis, Ron White, Glynn Turman, Courtney B. Vance, Tim Reid. (1994) Not Rated

Robin Hood: Season One

Robin of Locksley heads home from the Crusades to find his people starving and brutalized under the tyrannical rule of the new Sheriff. Along with trusty companion Much, trickster Allan A. Dale and passionate Will Scarlett, Robin teams up with forest outlaws Little John and Roy, leading his gang to help Nottingham’s poor. Robin’s ally in Nottingham is Marian, the sweetheart he left behind when he left for the Crusades. The state of England is rotten and Robin and the gang will learn that doing good deeds in Nottingham is a dangerous business indeed. Cast: Jonas Armstrong, Lucy Griffiths, Richard Armitage, Keith Allen, Sam Troughton, Gordon Kennedy, Harry Lloyd, Joe Armstrong, Anjali Jay, Michael Elwyn, William Beck. (2006) Not Rated

Robin Hood: Season Two

The world is changing rapidly. The Sheriff of Nottingham has forged a pact with the black knights to kill King Richard. But first, the sheriff wants Robin dead more than ever and sets about catching him with the help of his sister and others. Marian and Edward are placed under house arrest in the castle after Gisborne burns their home to the ground. Now with Marian as castle spy, Robin and his gang can continue to help the people of Nottingham and stay one step ahead of the sheriff and Gisborne. As events begin to turn in favor of the sheriff, suspicion of a spy within Robin’s gang becomes evident. Could this change the dynamic of the gang or tear them apart for good? Cast: Jonas Armstrong, Lucy Griffiths, Richard Armitage, Keith Allen, Sam Troughton, Gordon Kennedy, Harry Lloyd, Joe Armstrong, Anjali Jay, Michael Elwyn. Originally broadcast on BBC television in 2007. Not Rated

Selma Lord Selma

Set in 1965, during the turbulent early days of the right-to-vote movement. The story of a young schoolgirl in Selma, Alabama, who is inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to resist the degradation that her fellow African-Americans are suffering. Based on the book by Sheyann Webb and Rachel West Nelson. Cast: Mackenzie Astin, Jurnee Smollett, Clifton Powell. (1999) Rated TV-PG

Ten Days that Unexpectedly Changed America

Ten acclaimed documentary filmmakers offer a fresh, compelling look at 10 pivotal moments in American history and their often unforeseen repercussions. Episodes include: Massacre at Mystic; Shays’ Rebellion, America’s First Civil War; Gold Rush; Antietam; The Homestead Strike; Murder at the Fair, the Assassination of President McKinley; Scopes, the Battle over America’s Soul; Einstein’s Letter; When America Was Rocked; Freedom Summer. Narrators, Jeffrey Wright, Martin Sheen, Terry Kinney, Campbell Scott, Joe Morton. Originally Broadcast on The History Channel. (2006) Not Rated

The Trouble with Angels

Two mischievous students turn convent school upside down with their pranks. Their graduation is both a relief and a celebration for the Mother Superior. Cast: Rosalind Russell, Hayley Mills, June Harding, Binnie Barnes, Gypsy Rose Lee, Camilla Sparv, Mary Wickes, Jim Boles. (1966) Rated PG

The Tuskegee Airmen

A history of the pilots who faced discrimination in their effort to fly combat aircraft for their country during World War II. Originally broadcast on PBS in 2003. Narrator, Ossie Davis. Not Rated

The Vicar of Dibley: The Immaculate Collection

The sleepy English village of Dibley is plunged into an uproar when its new vicar turns out to be a woman. And not just any woman, but the unconventional Geraldine Granger who brings her own earthy spirit and humor to the pulpit. Cast: Dawn French, Gary Waldhorn, James Fleet, Emma Chambers, Liz Smith, John Bluthal, Trevor Peacock, Roger Lloyd Pack, Richard Armitage. Originally broadcast by BBC1 1994-2000. Not Rated

Where Angels Go…Trouble Follows

Comedic drama centering around nuns in a convent and the conflict between the traditional, rigid values of the Roman Catholic church and the liberalism of the 1960s. Cast: Rosalind Russell, Stella Stevens, Binnie Barnes, Susan St. James, Mary Wickes, Dolores Sutton, Milton Berle, Arthur Godfrey, Van Johnson, Robert Taylor. Sequel to The trouble with Angels. (1968) Rated G

Words by Heart

A drama focused on the hardships endured by a black family living in the Midwest in the 20th century. With social progress still decades away, the family experiences open prejudice nearly everywhere they turn. Cast: Charlotte Rae, Robert Hooks, Alfre Woodard, Fran Robinson, Leo Geter, Rance Howard, Bobby Jacoby, Bill Zuckert. Based on the book by Ovida Sebestyen. (1988) Not Rated