Adaptation - Publisher's Marketing: "Charlie Kaufman writes the way he lives... With Great Difficulty. His Twin Brother Donald Lives the way he writes... with foolish abandon. Susan writes about life... But can't live it. John's life is a book... Waiting to be adapted. One story... Four Lives... A million ways it can end."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 Adaptat DVD

The Journalist in the Jihadi: The Murder of Daniel Pearl - Publisher's Marketing: "This documentary explores the life of journalist Daniel Pearl by comparing it to the life of his killer, Omar Sheikh. Though they shared a similar upbringing and understanding for Muslim causes, their lives were radically different. These differences were never clearer than in the events that culminated in Pearl's kidnapping and murder in Pakistan in 2002. Emmy-winning journalist Christiane Amanpour narrates this tragic true story."

Call number: PN4874 .P375 J68 2007 DVD

Babel - Publisher's Marketing: "BABEL is the crowning achievement in the trilogy from the unstoppable creative pairing of screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga and director Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu, which also includes AMORES PERROS (2000) and 21 GRAMS (2003). Building upon its predecessors’ method of weaving together disparate storylines, BABEL reaches new heights of ambition with a tale that, in the absence of traditional narrative and protagonist, relies on numerous incredible performances to evoke an affecting relevance by framing contemporary issues in very human struggles and mistakes. Richard and Susan (Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett) are a wealthy couple from San Diego who are vacationing in Morocco in order to heal after the death of their young child; their other two children are at home with their Mexican maid, Amelia (Adriana Barraza). In a complex shift of ownership to which the audience is privy, a rifle finds its way into the hands of a local herdsman’s young sons (Said Tarchani and Boubker Ait El Caid), who recklessly take a shot at a tour bus and catch Susan in the shoulder, causing her to nearly lose her life. The distraught Richard calls home to tell Amelia of the situation, who promptly departs for Mexico to attend her child’s wedding, with Richard and Susan’s children in tow. Disaster thus multiplies, with the situation in Morocco ascribed to terrorists in the media, while Amelia meets with the harsh immigration policies of the Bush administration. Meanwhile, in Tokyo, a widower (Koji Yakusho) tied to the rifle in question attempts to deal with his memories and his raucous, promiscuous, deaf daughter (Rinko Kikuchi). Nearly every performance of the film is devastating, offering an intimate, emotional experience that would approach melodrama if it weren’t rendered so realistically. Cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto’s color palette masterfully captures the muted tones of the harsh natural landscapes of Morocco and the Mexican border, as well as the fluorescent lights of Tokyo that denote another, though equally barren, end of the spectrum. The misunderstandings born of cultural, language, and class barriers are on par with those that occur between family members, depicting a world that, while connected in the least expected of ways, is also faced with a deep-seated crisis that threatens to alienate humanity from itself."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 Babel DVD

The Pursuit of Happyness - Publisher's Marketing: "Will Smith is a father struggling to take care of his young son in this touching tale based on a true story. In San Francisco circa 1981, Chris Gardner’s (Smith) luck has run out. A bad business investment, a bevy of parking tickets, and back taxes in addition to rent, childcare, and groceries keep him constantly scrambling for cash. Chris thinks his luck is changing when he is accepted into a highly competitive internship program at a brokerage firm. But the internship is unpaid and soon, despite his best efforts, Chris and his five-year old son, Christopher (Jaden Christopher Syre Smith--Will Smith’s real life son), find themselves homeless. Chris might spend his days training to invest and make millions, but he and Christopher spend their nights in shelters and public transportation stations. Gardner’s story is a testament not only to the love between a father and son, but also to the strength of the human spirit. Will Smith turns in a fine, nuanced performance as a man determined to protect his son and make a life for himself and his family. Jaden Smith is an adorable scene-stealer as young Christopher. The real-life father and son pairing translates well onto the big screen; the two have terrific natural chemistry. Their affection for each other is apparent, even as they weather the tough times. This is Italian director Gabriele Muccino’s (THE LAST KISS, REMEMBER ME MY LOVE) first film in the English language. Thandie Newton also stars as Christopher’s overworked and defeated mother in this tearjerker which was inspired by a segment on the television news program 20/20. Gardner also wrote a book of the same name that was released in 2006."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 PursuitOf DVD

Giotto: His Life and Art - Vendor's Marketing: "A documentary on the life and entire artistic production of Giotto (1267-1337), considered the greatest of all the Italian Gothic painters. The innovations and originality that Giotto brought to the art world have influenced all artists since. His life and art are presented here...from Assisi to Rome, Rimini to Padova and, of course, in his own Florence.

Giotto was considered "the principal painter of our time" by both Petrarch and Dante, major Italian Renaissance poets. He was an apprentice to the painter Cimabue and learned the art of fresco from him. Fresco is the art of painting with a water-based paint on moist lime plaster. Giotto brought a naturalism to his work which differed from the formality of the past. He was especially known for his lifelike figures, bright colors and intense, blue backgrounds."

Call number: ND623.G6 G56 2005 DVD

An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge - Vendor's Marketing: "French director Robert Enrico directed this devastating short masterpiece covering the final moments of a man about to be hung for sabotage during the Civil War who is suddenly saved when the rope breaks. He then makes his way through hazardous country, trying to finally reach home. The somber mood is emphasized by the sparse movements of the soldiers, the extreme close-ups of the man about to be hung, and the black-and-white camerawork that moves almost painfully slowly between the noose, the water, the trees. Based on a story by Ambrose Bierce, the film won the short film Palme D'Or at the 1962 Cannes Film Festival and a 1964 Academy Award for Best Short Subject, Live Action, and was featured as a special episode of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone."

Call number: PN1997 Occurence DVD

The Baxter - Vendor's Marketing: "Meet Elliot Sherman, a conservative, risk-averse guy, played by Michael Showalter in this charming romantic comedy. Elliot's more anxious than ever before his wedding to Caroline, the girl of his dreamsm and the arrival of Caroline's hunky ex-boyfriend does nothing to ease his fears. But this time Elliot meets someone who can help: his eccentric temp who's wild at heart and full of romantic advice. Along with the help of his friend Ed, maybe Elliot will finally avoid being The Baxter, and get himself a bride."

Call number: PN1997 Baxter DVD

Baryshnikov Dances Sinatra and More... - Vendor's Marketing: "Mikhail Baryshnikov performs in three ballets full of human drama, choreographed by Twyla Tharp. In one sense, they all tell the same story-- the vitality, daring, intelligence, and emotional depth that a great dancer possesses, and a brilliant choreographers vision of that dancer and of dance itself.

THE LITTLE BALLET

The Little Ballet, to music by Alexander Glazounov, offers Baryshnikov, Deidre Carberry, and three other American Ballet Theater dancers in a sweet-tempered, fluid work that makes subtle allusions to the dreamer-hero-elusive-heroine ballets of the 19th century.

SINATRA SUITE

In Sinatra Suite, Baryshnikov and Elaine Kudo evoke the less innocent world of Sinatra's moody, bittersweet voice-from the tender "Strangers in the Night" to the tough and contentious "That's Life."

PUSH COMES TO SHOVE

Push Comes To Shove, created by Tharp in 1976 for American Ballet Theater, can be seen as a witty and affectionate tribute to a major ballet company -its casual rehearsal behavior and backstage commotion, as well as its traditional grandeur and polished performing. -Deborah Jowitt, Village Voice"

Call number: GV1785 .T43 B37 DVD

The Catherine Wheel (Twyla Tharp Dance Foundation) - Vendor's Marketing: "A rock-dance special by choreographer Twyla Tharp to original music by David Byrne of Talking Heads. With spectactular visual effects - animation, computer generated figures this program is a phenomenal dance experience. Starring: Sara Rudner, Jennifer Way, Tom Rawe, Choreographer: Twyla Tharp, Composer: David Byrne"

Call number: GV1790 .C385 2005 DVD

John Cleese's Wine for the Confused - Vendor's Marketing: "John Cleese takes an entertaining look at the world of winemaking. He discovers how to find wines that taste good to you, how to get the best value and how to keep and serve wine at home. As seen on Food Network."

Call number: TP548 .J625 2005 DVD

Nacho Libre - Vendor's Marketing: "Jack Black is at his comic best as Ignacio, a disrespected cook at a Mexican monastery that can barely afford to feed the orphans who live there. Inspired by a local wrestling hero, he decides to moonlight as the not-so-famous Luchador Nacho Libre to earn money for the monastery -- not to mention the admiration of beautiful nun Sister Encarnacion."

Call number: PN1997 NachoL DVD

Empire of the Sun - Vendor's Marketing: "Steven Spielberg’s EMPIRE OF THE SUN, based on the autobiographical novel by J.G. Ballard, stars Christian Bale as Jim Graham, a British schoolboy separated from his upper-class colonial parents when the Japanese sweep into Shanghai during World War II. Temporarily orphaned, Jim attaches himself to Basie (John Malkovich), a fast-talking American opportunist determined make a buck off the spoils of war. Later, when the two are interned in a prison camp, Jim's boyish fantasies are fueled by the grace and daring of the Japanese fighter pilots whom he comes to idolize despite their enemy status. Spielberg's visually spectacular wartime epic is a testimony to the human will to survive and a child's ability to find wonder even in the midst of horror. Thirteen-year-old Welsh actor Christian Bale is brillant as Jim in his feature film debut. Spielberg himself identified more with Jim, a boy who is obsessed with flying and who experiences the death of his innocence, than with E.T.'s Elliott. After a year of negotiations with the Chinese, Spielberg and his crew were allowed to film in Shanghai, which was virtually unchanged since World War II."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 EmpireOf DVD

Back to the Future: The Complete Trilogy - Vendor's Marketing: "Robert Zemeckis scored a huge hit with 1985's BACK TO THE FUTURE, a film that became a genuine 1980s classic and began a successful trilogy. Taking the teen comedy a place it had never been before, on a trip to the 1950s via the 1980s, and fusing it with a time travel adventure, the film quickly became a blockbuster and established itself as a high point of 1980s pop culture. This special boxed set contains all three of Marty McFly's and Doc Brown's adventures traveling back and forth between the 1950s, the 1980s, and the 19th and 21st centuries in Doc's customized DeLorean."

Awards I II

Call number: PN1997 BackToF DVD

The Omen - Vendor's Marketing: "A staid American ambassador (Peck) and his wife are heartbroken when their child is stillborn, but their heartbreak is only beginning when they adopt an orphan. As the boy grows, disaster surrounds him, beginning with the suicide of his nanny, and as the bodies pile up, his horrified father begins to believe that the boy is evil incarnate and must be destroyed."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 Omen 1976 DVD

Superman - Vendor's Marketing: "The Superman myth is well told, from his birth on the doomed planet Krypton to his childhood in a small Kansas town and beyond, in Richard Donner's blockbuster. After he comes of age, young Clark Kent, as his Earth parents have named him, learns the truth of his alien birth on a voyage of discovery to the Arctic. It is there that he learns--through a link to his long-dead birth parents--of his superhuman abilities and his responsibility to preserve and protect "truth, justice and the American Way." Once he adjusts to life in the big city, Metropolis, he discovers that hiding his superpowers as mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent (Christopher Reeve) isn't easy as he flirts with hard-nosed Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) and battles supervillain Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman). The film's all-star cast includes Jackie Cooper, Marlon Brando, Ned Beatty, Glenn Ford, Terence Stamp, and Valerie Perrine, among others, all camping it up wonderfully."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 Superman DVD

Jurassic Park - Vendor's Marketing: "On a remote island, a wealthy entrepreneur secretly creates a theme park featuring living dinosaurs. Before opening the attraction to the public, he invites a team of experts to experience the park. However, their visit is anything but tranquil when the prehistoric monsters escape their confined areas. This special edition the making-of "Jurassic Park," theatrical trailers, early pre-production meetings, "Phil Tippett Animatics: Raptors In The Kitchen.""

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 JurassicP DVD

The King and I - Vendor's Marketing: "Rogers and Hammerstein's Broadway musical, adapted from Margaret Landon's fact-based novel and the 1946 film ANNA AND THE KING OF SIAM, makes a spectacularly successful move to the silver screen in the Yul Brynner tour de force THE KING AND I. Brynner, reprising the role he'd polished to perfection on stage, plays the blustering, headstrong Siamese potentate who meets his match in the form of Anna Leonowens (Deborah Kerr), the prim and proper English widow he's hired to oversee the rearing of his huge, unruly flock of children. Director Walter Lang (TIN PAN ALLEY) presents THE KING AND I, one of the most popular musicals in cinema history, as a dizzyingly bountiful Technicolor feast. Kerr (aided during songs by the overdubbed voice of Marni Nixon) contributes a dynamic performance that is every bit the equal of Brynner's transcendent, career-defining turn, for which he won an Academy Award. The delightful score, which also garnered an Oscar, includes three perennial favorite show tunes: "I Whistle a Happy Tune," "Getting to Know You," and "Shall We Dance?"

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 KingAndI DVD

Oklahoma!- Vendor's Marketing: "Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical about a love triangle in the midst of the Oklahoma land rush is adapted to the screen featuring the enduring songs "People Will Say We're in Love," "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin," "Oklahoma!" and more. Shirley Jones’ debut, this panoramic film was actually shot in Arizona! Academy Award Nominations: 4. Academy Awards: Best Sound Recording and Best Scoring of a Musical Picture."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 Oklahoma DVD

Defending Your Life - Vendor's Marketing: "Daniel Miller's got it all--great friends, a terrific job, and a brand-new BMW--that is, until he crashes the car into a bus as soon as he drives it off the lot. Daniel finds himself in Judgment City in the afterlife, where the newly dead have five days to defend the way they lived their lives in order to be allowed to move onward instead of going back to earth to live another one. As Daniel reviews his less-than-courageous life, he also enjoys the perks of Judgment City--the Past Lives Pavilion, all the food you can eat without any risk of weight gain--and Julia, the woman he's waited all his life to find. But if he can't prove his life wasn't governed by fear, Daniel has to go back--and Julia seems a shoo-in to move onward. This highly original, touching comedy stars Albert Brooks as Daniel Miller and Meryl Streep as Julia, with hilarious supporting performances by Rip Torn as Daniel's defender, Lee Grant as his prosecutor, and Buck Henry as a taciturn substitute lawyer."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 DefendingY DVD

Pilates Complete For Inflexible People - Vendor's Marketing: "The minds behind YOGA FOR INFLEXIBLE PEOPLE present this complete guide to Pilates, designed especially for people with stiff bodies and less mobility. Those who find traditional Pilates classes too challenging should enjoy the easy-to-attempt beginning postures here."

Call number: RA781 .P538 2005 DVD

Dances with Wolves - Vendor's Marketing: "In 1865, Civil War hero Lt. John Dunbar asks to be reassigned to the western frontier before it disappears. At his isolated post he develops a relationship with the peaceful Lakota Sioux and a white woman who lives among them, finding greater kinship with them than with his own people."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 DancesW DVD

Rudy - Vendor's Marketing: "One of the most heartwarming tales ever committed to film, the true story of Daniel E. "Rudy" Ruettinger (Sean Astin, THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy) is an underdog drama that escapes--for the most part--the pitfalls of sentimentality. Set in 1960s Joliet, Illinois, Rudy lives in a staunchly blue-collar steelworkers' community. Despite his obsession with Notre Dame and college football, Rudy goes to work in the mill alongside his father and brothers directly after his high school graduation. It takes the accidental death of his best friend to inspire Rudy to pursue his dream of playing for Notre Dame. As everyone in his life is quick to point out, Rudy lacks the brains, brawn, and financial means to ever achieve his goal, but he sets out for South Bend just the same, enrolling in a junior college and trying out for the team as a walk-on. Eventually Rudy becomes a member of the practice team, where he displays such a strength of heart and fierceness of will that he touches and inspires all those around him, including the groundskeeper, Fortune (Charles Dutton), the tough-talking coach (Jason Miller), and even his nay saying father (Ned Beatty). Director David Anspaugh, who scored a previous hit with 1986's HOOSIERS, delivers an earnest sports film that concentrates on character and detail, with Sean Astin turning in a remarkably understated, subtle performance."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 Rudy DVD

Basic Yoga Workout for Dummies - Vendor's Marketing: "This beginner's yoga video, hosted by yoga professional Sara Ivanhoe, offers practical techniques that put the power of yoga at your fingertips."

Call number: RA781.7 .B37 2001

Space Station - Vendor's Marketing: "Originally shot for the stunning IMAX format, SPACE STATION takes viewers on a remarkable trip into outer space. The International Space Station is the destination, and the first stop on the journey is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Russia. After launching into space, the 220 mile trip ends in the incredible surroundings of the Space Station, where the history of the remarkable piece of engineering is explained, while the cameras wander inside and outside the craft. Fun and educational, this is a wonderful way to learn about a historic part of mankind's journey beyond the earth."

Call number: TL797 .S73 2005 DVD

Halloween - Vendor's Marketing: "Perhaps the most influential and successful independent film ever made, HALLOWEEN is the movie that put director John Carpenter on the map as a viable filmmaker. An exercise in simple, pure horror, HALLOWEEN takes us into the world of a mad killer, Michael Myers, who at a very young age stabbed his older sister to death. Locked away for many years in a mental hospital Michael escapes one night and returns to his hometown to continue his killing spree. Jamie Lee Curtis, in her first role, plays the resourceful babysitter who is chased by the killer on Halloween night. Produced for very little money and a tight shooting schedule, HALLOWEEN was a stunning success when it was released. Written by John Carpenter and his longtime producer Debra Hill, the film set their careers on fire, with both of them working together many times over the next 25 years. The film also made a star out of Jamie Lee Curtis and turned the slasher movie into a viable, successful genre. HALLOWEEN has been copied, parodied and even turned into a franchise of its own, but the original is still considered the best of the bunch. HALLOWEEN was John Carpenter's first foray into horror, and remains the standard to which all other modern horror films are measured."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 Halloween DVD

Emma - Vendor's Marketing: "An elegant, deft adaptation of Jane Austen's 1816 comedy about a well-to-do young woman whose kindhearted attempts at matchmaking mask her own lack of romantic attachment. Academy Award Nominations: Best Original Musical or Comedy Score, Best Costume Design. Academy Awards: Best Original Musical or Comedy Score."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 Emma DVD

The Sixth Sense - Vendor's Marketing: "In M. Night Shyamalan's THE SIXTH SENSE, Bruce Willis plays Dr. Malcolm Crowe, a successful Philadelphia child psychologist who is haunted by the sudden reappearance and suicide of a former patient. Months later Dr. Crowe encounters Cole Sear (Haley Joel Osment), a troubled, withdrawn young boy who bears a striking similarity to his earlier patient. Dr. Crowe is compelled to help Cole, not only for the boy's sake, but for his own redemption. As Dr. Crowe struggles to determine what torments Cole, he must also come to terms with his increasingly distant relationship to his wife (Olivia Williams). Meanwhile, Cole is unable to describe the horrible things he sees even to his worried mother (Toni Collette). The scene where Cole finally tells Dr. Crowe about his supernatural secret is one of the 1990s most quoted and well-known cinematic moments. A gripping ghost story with a stunning finale, THE SIXTH SENSE became a surprise blockbuster shortly after its release. The film features Oscar-nominated performances by the startlingly intense Osment and the fiercely maternal Collette, as well as a subtle, subdued turn by Willis. Shyamalan directs his intriguing script with almost clinical precision, using carefully framed visuals to create the film's distinctly chilling atmosphere. On the strength of its pitch-perfect acting and direction, THE SIXTH SENSE has become the most successful thriller of all time."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 SixthSe DVD

The English Patient - Vendor's Marketing: "THE ENGLISH PATIENT is an epic, sweeping adaptation of Michael Ondaatje's richly layered, WWII-era novel chronicling two periods in the life of European explorer Count Laszlo Almasy, whose torrid affair with a colleague's wife is countered by the beginning of the war, allegations of Nazi sympathies, and disfiguring injuries. The patient's stay at the ruins of an Italian monastery under the care of an emotionally injured French-Canadian nurse serves as a framing device for his intriguing story."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 EnglishPa DVD

The Terminator - Vendor's Marketing: "James Cameron's THE TERMINATOR is one of the tightest, tensest sci-fi films ever made and a landmark in the genre. In the year 2029, battles rage between the superintelligent machines that rule the world and the last vestiges of humanity. In late-20th-century Los Angeles, Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) suddenly finds herself stalked by an unstoppable killing machine--a Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) sent from the future to kill her and her unconceived son, John Connor, the future leader of the human resistance. Sarah can rely only on Reese (Michael Biehn), a soldier sent from the future to protect her from the seemingly indestructible Terminator and save humanity. This low-budget masterpiece was the breakthrough film for director Cameron, who weds special effects, thrills, and understated romance to create one of the finest action films of the 1980s, which spawned many imitations but few equals. Science fiction author Harlan Ellison sued over the film’s similarities to his own works, especially the OUTER LIMITS episode "Demon with a Glass Hand," and won acknowledgement in the film’s credits."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 Terminator DVD

The Village - Vendor's Marketing: "M. Night Shyamalan's THE VILLAGE finds the renowned writer-director crafting a suspenseful story of a small community whose inhabitants are plagued by fear of the unknown forest that surrounds them. For years, they have kept a truce with mysterious creatures in the woods by vowing never to breach a clearly defined border. However, when a young man (Joaquin Phoenix) becomes determined to explore the nearby towns, his actions are met with menacing consequences. Shyamalan continues his remarkable streak of entrancing and entertaining thrillers (THE SIXTH SENSE, UNBREAKABLE, SIGNS) with THE VILLAGE. A meticulous filmmaker, Shyamalan displays his penchant for setting up a fascinating atmosphere in every aspect of the movie, from its distinctive color scheme to its intentionally genteel dialogue to its outstanding cinematography, courtesy of Roger Deakins. Renowned cast members Phoenix, William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver, and Adrien Brody are excellent, but the true standout is Bryce Dallas Howard (daughter of director Ron Howard), who embodies the heart of the film with her vulnerable but fiercely vital performance. Like Shyamalan's other movies, THE VILLAGE has a distinct twist that offers shocking revelations, but this film's overwhelming sense of menace is what is sure to resonate with viewers long after it's over."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 Village DVD

Fried Green Tomatoes - Vendor's Marketing: "Academy Award winners Kathy Bates and Jessica Tandy star with Mary Stuart Masterson and Mary-Louise Parker in this comic, heartwarming tale of family, friendship and murder in rural Georgia. In a Southern nursing home, a feisty resident and old local fixture named Ninny Threadgoode (Tandy) befriends Evelyn Couch (Kathy Bates) a depressed housewife and stirs her to action with an inspirational tale. She tells the story of a transcendent friendship between two young women living in Georgia in the 1930s, Idgie Threadgoode (Mary Stuart Masterson) and Ruth (Mary Louise Parker), who forge a powerful bond after witnessing a terrible tragedy together. The two women open a cafe (where fried green tomatoes are a house specialty) together in their small Southern town of Whistle Stop and manage to survive the hardships of life, despite racism, prejudice and the pressures of trying to live their lives as individuals in a strict and close-minded Southern society. Their friendship lasts through many ups and downs over the years, helping one of the women through an abusive marriage, and buoying both of them through the gossip and jealousy of those small-minded people who try to control their lives. Based on Fannie Flagg's best-selling novel FRIED GREEN TOMATOES AT THE WHISTLE STOP CAFE."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 FriedGr DVD

The Commitments - Vendor's Marketing: "Alan Parker's THE COMMITMENTS, based on Roddy Doyle's buoyant debut novel, follows the enjoyable travails of a band cobbled together by young Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins), whose vision is to bring soul music to Dublin. After putting an ad in the local paper, Jimmy assembles an unlikely group of musicians who, though nervous, raw, and rough, make music that speaks to something very near the heart of their audience of curious kids and sharp-tongued, sarcastic relatives. As the band nears its big break, egos clash and expectations of fame and fortune start to tear them apart, forcing Jimmy to fight desperately to keep them together. THE COMMITMENTS bubbles over with life, largely on the strength of the young, mostly unknown cast. Andrew Strong shines in the role of the lead singer exuding a volatile and irresistible charisma as he transforms rapidly from an unsure adolescent into an egotistical spotlight hogger. Colm Meaney contributes a hilarious cameo as Jimmy's father (a role that would expand in two later film adaptations of Doyle novels, THE SNAPPER and THE VAN). Pumped along by killer 1960s soul tunes and crackling throughout with quick-witted dialogue, THE COMMITMENTS is an effervescent, affecting tour through working-class Dublin."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 Commitm DVD

28 Days Later - Vendor's Marketing: "Danny Boyle (SHALLOW GRAVE, TRANSPOTTING) directs this post-apocalyptic thriller set in London after a deadly, Ebola-like virus has swept through the city. Jim (Cillian Murphy), a bicycle messenger who was in an accident just days before the outbreak, is one of very few survivors who awakes 28 days later to a city that has been evacuated and is now utterly lifeless. He wanders the vacant streets of London feeling as if he's trapped in a never-ending hallucination. However, upon entering a church that is littered with dead bodies, he discovers that he is not alone--"the infected" are still living. They are violently sick, fast-moving, bloodthirsty zombies who travel at night in ravenous packs. Jim manages to escape "the infected" and locate a band of survivors--Selena (Naomie Harris), Hannah (Megan Burns), and Frank (Brendan Gleeson)--and they join forces searching for solutions, clinging to hope that somewhere healthy humanity thrives. A gripping and suspenseful horror film with indie production values, shot on digital video, 28 DAYS LATER has a pleasing immediacy. Its actors are primarily young unknowns, its special effects consist of beautiful photography overlays and flashes of light with lots of shadow play, and its settings are rich and dramatic. The soundtrack is one of the film's truest strengths, with excellent music from Brian Eno, Blue States, Grandaddy, and Godspeed You Black Emperor guiding the action from the first minutes through to the last."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 28DaysL DVD

Trainspotting - Vendor's Marketing: "A kinetic, intimate look inside the subculture of heroin abuse, this acclaimed adaptation of Irvine Welsh's novel follows the misadventures of Renton, a brash, twenty-something Edinburgh junkie, and his nihilistic chums Tommy, Spud, Sick Boy and Begbie. Alternately comic and off-putting, the film ultimately comes down to Renton's choice between self-destruction or life. The stellar soundtrack should not be missed."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 Trainspot DVD

Misery - Vendor's Marketing: "Romance author Paul Sheldon (James Caan) longs for parting with Misery. Sheldon’s plucky heroine of seven novels has delivered Sheldon fame and fortune and recognition beyond the average writer’s dreams, but she is also interminably linked to him. Determined to escape an eternal role as dimestore novelist, he kills her off in the eighth novel and heads to his New England cabin to work on his own Great American Novel. Upon completion, Sheldon excitedly sets out for his New York City publisher in the midst of a raging blizzard and within minutes veers into a desolate snowbank. From the brink of death, he is rescued from the snow by Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates), who just so happens to be Misery’s self-professed biggest fan. At first, she nurses him back to health in her remote cabin, telling him the roads and phones are knocked out by the storm, fawning over his literary accomplishments. However, things change when she purchases his eighth Misery book and reaches the point of Misery's death. Annie’s psychotic underbelly swiftly surfaces as the unfortunate author is held clandestinely captive in her home. Meanwhile, a wily small-town sheriff (Richard Farnsworth) circles in.... Director Rob Reiner's adaptation of Stephen King's novel is an eerie tale of obsessiveness and isolation. The film features an excellent turn by Caan and an Oscar-winning performance by Bates."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 Misery DVD

Flirting with Disaster - Vendor's Marketing: "Writer-director David O. Russell follows up his dark independent comedy SPANKING THE MONKEY with this hilarious romp about a man who goes on a quest to find his biological parents. Mel Coplin (Ben Stiller), a new father, is convinced that he won’t be able to give his son a name until he reunites with his real mother and father. So Mel, his depressed, neglected wife, Nancy (Patricia Arquette), and a sexy adoption consultant named Tina (Tea Leoni) set out to find them. By the time they reach the New Mexico home of Mel's true parents (Alan Alda and Lily Tomlin)--two laid-back hippie scientists who are in the LSD business--Mel’s marriage appears to be completely demolished. But the wackiness doesn't end there, since his neurotic, overbearing adoptive parents (George Segal and Mary Tyler Moore) arrive just in time to add even greater confusion to the mix. Russell assembles a cast who have contributed greatly to the development of American screen comedy, and they throw themselves into their roles with great fervor. Commenting on identity, sexual and cultural prejudice, and the convention of marriage, Russell’s script is a farcical laugh-fest that is at once intelligent, fast-paced, and witty. His assured, grounded direction makes FLIRTING WITH DISASTER’s humor all the more outrageous and hysterical."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 Flirting DVD

The World According to Garp - Vendor's Marketing: "George Roy Hill's intermittently faithful adaptation of John Irving's best-selling novel lightens the tone of the book's black comedy while retaining at least part of its effect. It stars Robin Williams as T.S. Garp--the fatherless son of well-known eccentric feminist activist Jenny Fields (Glenn Close) who spends much of his life trying to escape the influence of his unusual upbringing and the ever-expanding shadow of his mother's fame. Intent on becoming a writer, living a normal life, and raising a family, Garp marries college sweetheart Helen Holm (Mary Beth Hurt) and starts a family, but he is plagued by the feeling he must wage war against all that is violent in the world that can possibly bring harm to them. When he finally publishes his first book, his mother simultaneously publishes a feminist manifesto that makes her a lightning rod for all manner of victimized women. Among her followers is the transsexual ex-football player Roberta Muldoon (John Lithgow), a model of sanity, who becomes a friend of Garp's and leads him toward a reconciliation with his mother and her cause. The briskly paced film captures much of the spirit of Irving's quirky, neopicaresque novel and is well served by its stellar cast, with exceptional work by Close and Lithgow."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 WorldAc DVD

Wings of the Dove - Vendor's Marketing: "A social-climbing young woman gains a foothold in the late Victorian upper crust by virtue of her wealthy and cultured aunt's social connections, but finds marriage to her true love, a poor hack journalist, incompatible with her new station. She cooks up a plan to use her lover to bilk a guileless and fabulously wealthy American woman of her considerable fortune, but putting the scheme into action sparks painful conflicting emotions. A sleek adaptation of the eponymous Henry James novel, with the source material's bitterness tempered by a more sympathetic characterization of its heroine. Academy Award nominations: 4, including Best Actress--Helena Bonham Carter; Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, and Best Cinematography."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 WingsOf DVD

The Natural - Vendor's Marketing: "Farm boy Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford) is the best baseball player anyone has ever seen. His bat, handmade from the wood of a tree felled by lightning following the death of his father, is magic in his hands. But before his career can start, the mysterious Harriet Bird (Barbara Hershey) inexplicably shoots him, sidelining him for more than a decade. Fifteen years later, Hobbs returns to play for the New York Knights, whose coach, Pop Fisher (Wilfred Brimley), begrudgingly accepts the aging rookie as a member of the team. Pop is as surprised as the rest of the team when Hobbs knocks the ball out of the park time and again and can still play a mean outfield as well. However, when the politics of the business side of the game get in the way, Hobbs has to make some life-changing decisions. Meanwhile, he becomes involved with Memo Paris (Kim Basinger), a sultry siren with her own agenda. Glenn Close plays Iris, the hometown girl whom Hobbs left behind but never forgot. Director Barry Levinson (DINER, RAIN MAN) manages to re-create the excitement of old-time baseball while telling an all-American tale of success and failure, based on the novel by Bernard Malamud."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 Natural DVD

Hunt for Red October - Vendor's Marketing: "In the tradition of DIE HARD and PREDATOR, Director John McTiernan presents audiences with yet another techno thriller: THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER. Sean Connery plays Captain Marko Ramius, a dissatisfied Russian commander who navigates his submarine towards America in an attempt to defect. Soviet intelligence claims that Ramius is a warmonger and that he plans to launch nuclear missiles at the United States. Jack Ryan (Alec Baldwin), an iconoclastic CIA agent, believes otherwise: American spies have determined that the submarine is powered by a stealth engine. In order to save the "caterpillar drive" and avoid a nuclear incident, Agent Ryan must board the Red October and assist Captain Ramius in its navigation to U.S. waters. Both murky and captivating, the underwater visual and sound effects are reminiscent of DAS BOOT. Once again Director McTiernan produces a winning film with a jagged plot, a well acted script, and plenty of explosions."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 HuntForR DVD

Swingers - Vendor's Marketing: "Hauling his sentimental friend out of his postbreakup funk, a club-hopping swinger takes him on a hilarious odyssey through the dating game of the 1990s, hitting the Vegas strip, fashionable martini lounges, and other modern hunting grounds of the opposite sex."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 Swingers DVD

The Player - Vendor's Marketing: "Robert Altman's adaptation of Michael Tolkin's novel gives the notorious director a chance to address perhaps his greatest nemesis: the Hollywood studio system. Disguised as a thriller, the film assembles virtually every famous actor in Hollywood to create an exhilarating blend of real life and fiction. Tim Robbins plays Griffin Mill, a studio executive who begins to fear for his job when upstart Larry Levy's (Peter Gallagher) name becomes a hot topic on the lot. After receiving threatening postcards from an unidentified writer, Griffin tracks down David Kahane (Vincent D'Onofrio), who he thinks is the guilty party. The two argue, with disastrous results. Later, as Griffin struggles to keep his job while trying to distance himself from the law, he finds himself falling in love with Kahane's mysterious girlfriend (Greta Scacchi). THE PLAYER is a vicious satire that exposes the Hollywood industry as fraudulent, weak, and shallow. Altman's film also sends up both the noir genre and filmmaking technique, the latter notably in an extended opening shot which is a sprawling one-take that covers the studio's entire lot and features a series of hysterical pitches by actual screenwriters, including Buck Henry offering forth on his concept for THE GRADUATE 2. Bitter and electric, THE PLAYER ends on an ironic upbeat note that perfectly concludes a stellar picture."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 Player DVD

Accidental Tourist - Vendor's Marketing: "An author of travel tip books, who dislikes traveling, is both confused and depressed when his son is killed and his wife leaves him. When he meets a lovely, offbeat dog trainer, his outlook on life is unexpectedly brightened. Geena Davis shines." Based on the book by Anne Tyler.

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 Accidental DVD

Wall Street - Vendor's Marketing: "Oliver Stone opened fire on the greed decade of the 1980s with this morality tale set on Wall Street. It stars Charlie Sheen as Bud Fox, an ambitious rookie stockbroker from a blue-collar background who is mesmerized by Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), a Mephistophelean superbroker who specializes in corporate takeovers. Despite his initial resistance to Bud's entreaties, Gekko finally takes on the eager beaver as his protégé, schooling him in the kind of slash-and-burn maneuvers that have taken Gekko to the top. This style is far more attractive to Fox than the more prosaic but principled approach to investing preached by veteran Lou Mannheim (Hal Holbrook). And, at first, it's impossible to dispute his preference; as Bud's life moves into the fast lane, he quickly acquires an upscale apartment and a girlfriend to match, interior designer Darien (Darryl Hannah). But when Gekko demands that Bud not only break the law but directly undermine his union-leader father, Carl (Martin Sheen), and jeopardize the jobs and lives of his friends and family, he realizes that the cost of success might be more than he's willing to pay. WALL STREET is a riveting, testosterone-fueled tour of the Street's upper echelons, featuring standout performances by Michael Douglas and Martin Sheen."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 WallSt DVD

War of the Roses - Vendor's Marketing: "Danny DeVito directs this black comedy about a long-married couple in the throes of divorce at the height of the materialistic 1980s, and his second feature far surpasses his first effort, THROW MOMMA FROM THE TRAIN, in style, substance, and comedic impact. Barbara and Oliver Rose were the perfect couple--he was a prominent Washington lawyer, she had a wildly successful catering business, they had a great house, great art, great cars and great kids. But when Barbara begins to wonder about life without Oliver, she likes what she sees and sues for divorce; unfortunately, neither of them likes the prospect of life without their opulent home, and war is waged to determine who will keep it. The pair become increasingly outlandish in their battle tactics, moving from cunning to cruel to outright surreal, and DeVito's camera echoes this mood with its unorthodox angles and movement. DeVito himself narrates the action as Oliver Rose's lawyer, and Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas prove once again their chemistry as a passionately antagonistic couple (ROMANCING THE STONE, JEWEL OF THE NILE)."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 WarRoses DVD

Prizzi's Honor - Vendor's Marketing: "Black comedy about a thick hitman who falls for a woman who turns out to be in the same business. The romance hits a snag when "The Boss" hires each to rub out the other."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 Prizzis DVD

Say Anything - Vendor's Marketing: "The quintessential '80s teen romance, this film has retained its poignancy into the next century with its ability to entertain and amuse while remaining intelligent and packed with real emotion that anyone can empathize with. John Cusack plays Lloyd Dobler, a high schooler on the cusp of graduation who devotes himself to the pursuit of Diane Court (Ione Skye), the aloof class valedictorian who happens to be beautiful as Corey (Lily Taylor), Lloyd's best friend puts it, "a brain trapped in the body of a game show hostess." When Lloyd calls Diane to invite her to a graduation party, she doesn't know who he is, but she's charmed by his nervous chatter and surprises everyone by accepting. Lloyd at first even manages to charm Diane's overprotective father Jim Court (John Mahoney) as well, with whom Diane is very close, though Jim can't see why his daughter is wasting her time with Lloyd. The party scene in SAY ANYTHING ranks among the best ever, with Eric Stoltz making a cameo as the party host, Lily Taylor as the ultimate lovelorn rock chick, and even Chynna Phillips putting in an appearance. After their successful first date, Diane asks Lloyd to dinner with her father and some of his associates; there, when asked his plans for the future, Lloyd lets loose a speech way ahead of its time, which slackers everywhere will be able to appreciate. Unfortunately, Jim Court does not, and Lloyd's professed intention to "spend as much time as possible with your daughter" strikes a chord of horror for him; he wages a campaign to sabotage the relationship, which almost succeeds. But when Jim's secrets come to light, Diane is forced to question who it is she can really trust in her life. Cameron Crowe's film, which he made when he was only 21, is told with honesty, humor, and emotion that never crosses into the realm of the sappy. Cusack's character, who might verge on the cheesy or the stalkeresque if played by someone else, manages to be a unique, charming, stand-up guy with a heart of gold, while retaining a bit of a dark side that rounds him out. Outstanding performances are turned in by all involved, and this film proves once again Crowe's place as the spokesman for teen love and romance in general."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 SayAnyt DVD

Almost Famous - Vendor's Marketing: "Cameron Crowe's career trajectory reads like a true Hollywood story - he started out as a 15-year-old writing for Rolling Stone magazine and eventually ended up writing, directing, and acting in movies. His poignant writing style reflects the nostalgia and humor of an era, with bits of pop culture and musical history and trivia woven in. This has proven to be a highly successful formula, as in the 1989 emo love story SAY ANYTHING, and the 90s grunge rocker hit SINGLES. ALMOST FAMOUS is a semiautobiographical account that tells the story of a teen journalist, William Miller (Patrick Fugit), who goes on the road with an up-and-coming rock band called Stillwater. Though Miller's mentor, legendary rock critic Lester Bangs (portrayed with humor and heart by Philip Seymour Hoffman), cautions him not to befriend the musicians, Miller takes it a step further and befriends both the band and the Band-Aids--the girls who hang around with the band because they love the music. Miller is in for a wild ride around the country, to thrilling concerts and debauched backyard parties, living the life many 15-year olds dream about. He discovers that beneath the glittery façade of rock stardom are sometimes bittersweet life lessons and mild doses of heartbreak. More impacting are the friendships he finds with his glamorous travel companions. Newcomer Fugit is the perfect William Miller: baby-faced, slightly gawky, and an awestruck observer. Kate Hudson sparkles as Penny Lane, the leader of the Band-Aids, and Frances McDormand delivers a stellar performance as Elaine, Miller's protective and mildly paranoid mother. In the tradition of SAY ANYTHING and JERRY MAGUIRE, Crowe's coming-of-age tale is intelligent, well-written, and memorable."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 AlmostFam DVD

Peggy Sue Got Married - Vendor's Marketing: "A charming twist on the Rip van Winkle fairy tale, PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED tells the story of Peggy Sue Bodell (Kathleen Turner), a 43-year-old wife and mother who, while attending her high school reunion, faints and wakes up back in 1960. Peggy Sue lives with her mom and dad, attends high school, and dates her future husband (Nicolas Cage). Will knowing what her future holds make Peggy Sue change her life while she has the chance? Kathleen Turner received a well-deserved Oscar nomination for her role as a middle-aged woman encountering the problems of a teen." Directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

Awards

Call number: PN1997 PeggySue DVD

Short Cuts - Vendor's Marketing: "Using the short stories of Raymond Carver as a jumping-off point, American maverick director Robert Altman weaves a tapestry of interlocking tales set against the seedy backdrop of contemporary middle-class Los Angeles. Tracking the various stages of denial, rage, and despair in the lives of several couples--a philandering cop and his masochistic spouse (Tim Robbins and Madeline Stowe); a helicopter pilot who gets revenge on his ex by trashing her house (Peter Gallagher and Frances McDormand); a man and woman whose perfect life falls apart when they lose their son in a hit-and-run accident (Bruce Davison and Andie MacDowell); a pool cleaner who listens in mounting frustration to his wife performing phone sex each day while tending her brood of children (Chris Penn and Jennifer Jason Leigh); a wealthy couple who are haunted by an incident from the past (Matthew Modine and Julianne Moore); an aging jazz singer and her suicidal daughter (Annie Ross and Lori Singer); an alcoholic limo driver and his waitress wife (Tom Waits and Lily Tomlin)--Altman reveals their common threads of family dysfunction and marital discord in the unforgiving glare of the Southern California sunlight. The result is a sweeping motion picture that also stands as an important sociological artifact of late 20th century Los Angeles life."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 ShortCuts DVD

Short Cuts: Selected Stories - Publisher's Marketing: "A movie tie-in edition to the brilliant new film by Robert Altman, based on these nine stories by Carver, "one of the great short story writers of our time--of any time" (Philadelphia Inquirer)."

Call number: PS3553 .A7894 S48 1993

Singles - Vendor's Marketing: "The Seattle music scene is the backdrop for this tale of single twentysomethings trying to find themselves and each other in the 1990s. Linda (Kyra Sedgwick) and Steve (Campbell Scott) meet in a club and begin to play the dating game. Janet (Bridget Fonda) has a thing for Cliff (Matt Dillon), who barely acknowledges her existence. Cameron Crowe's (SAY ANYTHING, JERRY MAGUIRE) script tackles the ups and downs of romance with humor and honesty. Highlights include live performances by Alice in Chains and Soundgarden, as well as cameos by the members of Pearl Jam."

Call number: PN1997 Singles DVD

Princess Bride - Vendor's Marketing: "Director Rob Reiner breathes vividly colored cinematic life into William Goldman’s THE PRINCESS BRIDE, effectively evoking the wondrous, wide-eyed spirit of the witty 1973 novel. When a sick boy (Fred Savage) receives a visit from his doting grandfather (Peter Falk) who intends to read to him from his favorite book, he's not exactly pleased to be extracted from his world of video games. However, his mood quickly changes as he, along with the viewer, is transported to a place out of time--to Florin, a kingdom in the ultimate imaginary land, complete with dashing heroes, cowardly princes, rhyming giants, shrieking eels, rodents of unusual size, fancy swordfights, and yes...even some kissing. The lovely Buttercup (Robin Wright) learns that "As you wish" really means "I love you" when she falls for her charming farmhand, Westley (Cary Elwes). While trying to seek his fortune, however, Westley disappears at sea, an apparent victim of the Dread Pirate Roberts, who takes no prisoners. A few years later, Buttercup, engaged to the oily Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon), is kidnapped by an oddball trio of rogues--brains, Vizzini (Wallace Shawn); brawn, Fezzik (André the Giant); and sword, Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin in a standout performance). As they sail away toward the Cliffs of Insanity, they notice the pursuit of a man in black...and the adventure begins. A clever fairy tale for all ages, THE PRINCESS BRIDE is arguably one of the funniest and most entertaining films of all time."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 PrincessB DVD

Gosford Park - Vendor's Marketing: "In GOSFORD PARK, Robert Altman explores the English class system and master-servant relations via his preferred modus operandi of multiple characters and intertwining storylines, which he achieved so brilliantly in NASHVILLE. Featuring an all-star British ensemble cast, the film recalls both THE RULES OF THE GAME and THE REMAINS OF THE DAY, with a midpoint shift to an Agatha Christie whodunit. In November 1932, a phalanx of moneyed guests arrives for a weekend shooting party at the estate of Sir William McCordle (Michael Gambon) and Lady Sylvia (Kristin Scott Thomas). Mary (Kelly Macdonald), a fresh-faced, naïve new maid accompanies the sniping Countess of Trentham (Maggie Smith), and is shown the ropes by the house's worldly head housemaid, Elsie (Emily Watson). While the masters engage in various financial and sexual intrigues upstairs, the world downstairs has its own curiosities--namely, the predatory valet to a Hollywood producer, Henry Denton (Ryan Phillippe), and the mysterious, cagey servant, Robert Parks (Clive Owen). Mary soon discovers that the image of servants living vicariously through their masters is a false one, and that the upstairs-downstairs worlds are often shockingly interwoven. With GOSFORD PARK, Altman delivers a fascinating, blackly comic look at the treacherous yet poignant gamesmanship between the classes."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 Gosford DVD

Vincent & Theo - Vendor's Marketing: "A blistering, unsentimental portrait of the great Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, Robert Altman’s VINCENT AND THEO focuses on the deeply neurotic relationship between the unstable, impoverished Vincent (Tim Roth) and his art dealer brother, Theo (Paul Rhys). Specifically, it investigates the role Theo played in providing the normality and connection to the outer world that Vincent lacked--while Vincent, in turn, acted as the living embodiment of Theo's unfulfilled artistic aspirations. In the end, Theo's inability to secure his brother's financial independence and help him achieve a sense of self-worth by selling his paintings caused him a misery almost as profound as Vincent's. Altman's theatrical version of what was originally a four-hour European miniseries is a bold return to form for the director after a stint directing film adaptations of plays. As the introverted Vincent, Roth delivers an intensely passionate performance, and Rhys is just as moving as the more reserved Theo. Altman chooses to concentrate on the artist himself, likely providing a deeper insight into the individual than scenes of him painting ever could. VINCENT AND THEO remains an unflinching and powerful interpretation of the life of one of the world’s most famous artists."

Call number: PN1997 VincentA DVD

Mystic River- Vendor's Marketing: "In Clint Eastwood's MYSTIC RIVER, a murder mystery in South Boston unites three men who have been friends since childhood. Grippingly powerful performances from the entire cast--Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Marcia Gay Harden, Kevin Bacon, Laurence Fishburne, and Laura Linney--combined with gritty photography, an exceptionally emotional script, and a convincing working-class Boston setting make this film one of Eastwood's most consistent and penetrating works. Though they live in the same houses where they grew up, Jimmy (Penn), Dave (Robbins), and Sean (Bacon) have drifted apart over time. Their distance is due to a disturbing and violent episode that occurred when they were children. Even now, as adults married with kids, they have never managed to overcome their fear and guilt about what happened. Dave and his wife (Harden) still live next door to Jimmy, who is married to a tough-sexy blond (Linney) and has three daughters. When Jimmy's 19-year-old girl is murdered, he turns to Sean, who works as a policeman, and delivers an ultimatum: find the killer fast or I'll go after him myself. Little do they know, the culprit is the last person they'd ever suspect. This movie screened in October 2003 as part of the 41st New York Film Festival organized by the Film Society of Lincoln Center."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 MysticR DVD

A Christmas Story - Vendor's Marketing: "Deliciously warped and winsome boyhood memories of Christmas are told by a typical American man revisiting his native Indiana during the 1940s. Among other childish pursuits, his overriding obsession to finally own a genuine Red Ryder BB gun consumes his feverish imagination. Based on Jean Shepherd's novel, "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 ChristmasS DVD

Memento - Vendor's Marketing: "MEMENTO, the second feature by writer-director Christopher Nolan (FOLLOWING), is an intricately constructed film noir that masterfully inverts time to comment on the foggy relationship between memory and truth. MEMENTO tells the story of Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), a former insurance investigator who witnesses a brutal attack on his wife. Knocked unconscious, Leonard wakes up with a rare brain condition--he no longer possesses short-term memory. He can remember his name and all the details of his past, but he can no longer make new memories. Armed with a careful system of remembering details (he compulsively snaps Polaroids and scribbles notes, then tattoos the important facts directly onto his body), the distraught Leonard goes on a manhunt to avenge his wife's death. To illustrate the unique and frightening state of the protagonist's mind (he cannot remember what happened even seconds before), Nolan takes a brilliantly successful risk in telling the story backwards. The film begins with Leonard killing the man he's looking for. From there MEMENTO unravels a compellingly disconcerting trail back to the start. As the layers of the story are peeled back scene by scene, Leonard's involvement with two enigmatic "friends"--who both claim to be helping him--complicates the mystery. Based on a short story by the director's brother, Jonathan Nolan, MEMENTO is an incredibly original film that is so wonderfully puzzling and eerily ambiguous that it will surely warrant repeated viewings."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 Memento DVD

The Outsiders - Vendor's Marketing: "Set in 1966; Produced and released in 1983. Francis Ford Coppola's stylized teen melodrama is based on the popular novel by S. E. Hinton. In 1960s Tulsa, the "right" and "wrong" sides of the tracks are represented by rival gangs, the upscale Socs and the underprivileged Greasers. Darrel Curtis (Patrick Swayze) is doing his best to raise his two younger brothers, Sodapop (Rob Lowe in his first film role) and Ponyboy (C. Thomas Howell). Sensitive Ponyboy is a budding writer in love with Cherry (Diane Lane), the unobtainable beauty from the enemy gang. When Ponyboy's buddy, troubled Johnny Cade (Ralph Macchio), kills one of the Socs in self-defense, their friend Dallas (Matt Dillon) helps the two youths hide out in an abandoned country church. There they live as exiles from a society that doesn't want them. But not all is lost, when Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dallas save some children caught in a fire they become unlikely heroes. The young cast is the jewel of this sensitive, moving film. Tom Cruise and Emilio Estevez play Greasers, and pop singer Leif Garrett plays rich-kid Bob. "

Awards

Call number: PN1997 Outsiders DVD

Monty Python and the Holy Grail - Vendor's Marketing: "This classic Monty Python comedy, directed by Pythons Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones, is a hilarious send-up of the grim circumstances of the Middle Ages as told through the story of King Arthur and framed by a modern-day murder investigation. When the mythical king of the Britons leads his knights on a quest for the Holy Grail, they face a wide array of horrors, including a persistent Black Knight, a three-headed giant, a cadre of shrubbery-challenged knights, the perilous Castle Anthrax, a killer rabbit, a house of virgins, and a handful of rude Frenchmen. In addition to the set pieces, the film also includes the same kind of surreal animation that Gilliam contributed to the television series. Throughout the irreverent adventures, the Python crew eschews realism in favor of anachronistic social satire, a recipe it later returned to in the 1979 biblical farce MONTY PYTHON'S LIFE OF BRIAN. Melding the ridiculous with the sublime, the film quickly inspired a cult following, generated a host of quotes, and even inspired a computer game 20 years after its release. The numerous songs and hysterical vignettes are sidesplittingly unforgettable."

Call number: PN1997 MontyPyH DVD

A Prairie Home Companion - Vendor's Marketing: "Cleverly adapted from the long-running radio series, A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION is a comedy-musical tour de force written by PRAIRIE host Garrison Keillor and directed by Oscar-winning auteur Robert Altman. Keillor stars as a fictional version of himself, leading his guests through what might be the end of an era: corporate bigwigs have bought the Fitzgerald Theater, where the radio show is aired live, so the cast and crew are dedicated to putting on one great final show before their longtime home meets the wrecking ball. Altman alternates between backstage intrigue and the classic, old-time music being played in front of a dedicated audience, mixing fact with fiction in humorous and poignant ways. Among the performers are sister act the Johnson Girls--Yolanda (Meryl Streep), Rhonda (Altman regular Lily Tomlin), and Yolanda's daughter, Lola (Lindsay Lohan)--aged folkster Chuck Akers (L.Q. Jones), who is having a torrid sexual relationship with the lunch lady (Marylouise Burke); the raunchy duo of singing cowpokes, Dusty (Woody Harrelson) and Lefty (John C. Reilly); and real PRAIRIE contributors Jearlyn Steele, Robin and Linda Williams, and the Guys All-Star Shoe Band, led by Richard Dworsky. As the show goes on, bumbling private detective and security chief Guy Noir (Kevin Kline) pratfalls his way through an investigation of a mysterious woman in white (Virginia Madsden) while awaiting the arrival of the Axeman (Tommy Lee Jones), the corporate honcho ready to close the show down. Meanwhile, pregnant stage manager Molly (Maya Rudolph) tries to keep things moving smoothly despite almost insurmountable odds. The outstanding soundtrack features both old and new songs (as well as fabulous commercial jingles) written by Keillor and others and actually performed by the diverse, talented cast, including such numbers as "Gold Watch & Chain," "Old Plank Road," "My Minnesota Home," and "Red River Valley.""

Awards

Call number: PN1997 PrairieH DVD

WTC: The First 24 Hours - Vendor's Marketing: "This award-winning documentary, WTC: THE FIRST 24 HOURS, lyrically chronicles the infamous day of September 11th, 2001, when the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil took place. A moving compilation of footage taken by independent cameramen, the film begins with horror and tragedy as, early in the morning, a 747 crashed into the North Tower of the landmark World Trade Center. Documenting the unspeakable events of the day, it still manages to end with a ray of hope--capturing the incredible humanity and generosity of the New Yorkers left behind. With no narration or music, WTC allows the footage to speak for itself, poetically reconstructing one of the most significant days in U.S. history. Two different versions of the film are included here: the first 11-minute version and the extended 40-minute version."

Call number: HV6432 .W6 2001

Magnificent Ambersons - Vendor's Marketing: "The story of Orson Welles and his 1942 film THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS is one of Hollywood's most intriguing and mysterious soap operas. The legendary filmmaker's completed film was drastically re-edited by its studio, RKO Pictures, prompting a battle which raged for years and created decades of speculation among film enthusiasts and scholars. Finally, in 2001, the cable channel A & E took Orson Welles' original shooting script and realized it in this lavish production, directed by the acclaimed Mexican auteur Alfonso Arau (LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE.) 60 years after its original production, Welles' vision has finally been allowed to shine through.'

Call number: PN1997 MagnifAm 2002 DVD

Secrets of Mary Magdalene - Vendor's Marketing: "A Revealing Look at History's Most Misunderstood Woman. TWO IN-DEPTH PROGRAMS ON ONE DVD! Mary Magdalene: a sinner and prostitute, or the secret wife of Jesus and leader of his church? This riveting two-program investigation provides the most up-to-date information on one of the world's most controversial religious figures. Program One: SECRETS OF MARY MAGDALENE Shot in Hi-Def and based on Dan Burstein's and Arne De Keijzer's new nonfiction book, this fascinating documentary strips away the veils of history to reveal the flesh and blood woman who served as Jesus' foremost apostle and possibly the love of his life. Program Two: A MARY MAGDALENE ROUNDTABLE: THE EXPERTS SPEAK With Diane Apostolos-Cappadona, Ph.D., Lesa Bellevie, Deidre Good, Susan Haskins, Elaine Pagels, and Dr. Jane Schaberg Six leading experts discuss and debate the issues surrounding Mary Magdalene, offering their insights on her historical impact and emerging legacy as a spiritual role model for the 21st century. BONUS FEATURES: MORE SECRETS OF MARY MAGDALENE (30 minutes) Topics include: Magdalene's possible founding role in early Christianity, her depiction in renaissance art, the early Gnostic view of Adam and Eve, The Song of Songs, and more. Original Trailer Source: Koch Entertainment Distribution"

Call number: BS2485 .S437 2006 DVD

Rome: The Complete First Season - Vendor's Marketing: "A generously budgeted show jointly produced by HBO and the BBC, ROME takes viewers back to 52 BC for a chance to relive the reign of Julius Caesar. The first season revolves around the lives of two Roman soldiers, Lucius Vorenus (Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson), who win favor with Caesar (Ciaran Hinds) by defeating a mutinous plot from the devious Pompey Magnus (Kenneth Cranham). This affords the two men a gateway into the lives of Rome's ruling classes, and so the season unfolds, with intricately woven plots, fine acting, and stunning recreations of the ancient city, to provide a thoroughly engrossing television show. Details have been painstakingly pored over to ensure accuracy, so both history buffs and viewers less versed in the ways of Caesar should find something to enjoy here."

Awards

Call number: PN1992.77 .R664 2006 DVD

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown - Vendor's Marketing: "All of the Peanuts gang dress up for the enchanting night of Halloween. All, that is, except for Linus, who firmly believes that this year the Great Pumpkin will finally visit his humble pumpkin patch."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 ItsTheGr DVD

Charlie Brown Christmas - Vendor's Marketing: "One of the most endearing of all Peanuts' specials finds Charlie Brown nurturing the thinnest, scraggliest Christmas tree ever. At first the gang makes fun of Charlie for choosing such an ugly tree for the holiday but a timely assist from Linus makes the true message of the season come shining through. Everyone realizes in the end that a little affection can make all the difference in the world... even to a tree."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 CharlieBr DVD

Galaxy Quest - Vendor's Marketing: "GALAXY QUEST is a satirical comedy that pokes fun at the influence science fiction shows such as STAR TREK have had on their audience. The cast members of the cult sci-fi television series GALAXY QUEST now earn their livings appearing at conventions and grand openings, led by their bombastic captain Jason Nesmith, played by Tim Allen. When an alien race--the Thermians--arrives on earth, it appears that they have mistakenly appropriated the show's culture as their own, thinking the series was actual fact. Desperate for help in battling the evil General Sarris, they bring the actors with them into space to save their planet. A surprisingly smart and funny send-up of the science-fiction culture and the influence television has on the world at large, GALAXY QUEST is a comedy that even nongenre fans can enjoy, with terrific turns by Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Sam Rockwell, and Tony Shalhoub."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 GalaxyQ DVD

Band of Brothers - Vendor's Marketing: "This 10-part HBO television miniseries focuses on Easy Company, a group of American soldiers in World War II, tracking their experiences from the beginning of boot camp to the end of the war. Anchored by actors Damian Lewis and Ron Livingston, the series gives detailed attention to their experiences as a group, as well as the way that each of them develops individually. Based on historian Stephen E. Ambrose's book of real-life accounts, BAND OF BROTHERS was executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, who worked together on SAVING PRIVATE RYAN. Hanks also directed one episode, featuring his son, Colin Hanks."

Awards

Call number: PN1992.8 .W34 B36 DVD

Sherrybaby - Vendor's Marketing: "Maggie Gyllenhaal is mesmerizing as a recovering addict in writer-director Laurie Collyer's feature-length fiction-film debut, SHERRYBABY. Gyllenhaal stars as Sherry Swanson, a troubled woman who has just been released from prison, where she spent three years for robbery to support her heroin addiction. Determined to regain control of her life, she moves into a halfway house and starts looking for a job, being carefully watched by her tough parole officer (Giancarlo Esposito). At an AA meeting, she is drawn to Dean Walker (Danny Trejo), a gritty older man who befriends her--but his ties to her dangerous past life threaten to pull her back in. Sherry's main desire is to reestablish a relationship with her young daughter, Alexis (Ryan Simpkins), who is being raised by Sherry's brother, Bobby (Brad William Henke), and his wife, Lynnette (Bridget Barkan)--but Lynnette doesn't trust Sherry, wanting to keep Alexis for her own. As Sherry struggles to get back on track, she plays by her own rules, with drugs and a return to prison waiting just around the corner. Gyllenhaal gives a raw, bare, powerful performance as the embattled and desperate Sherry, who will do almost anything to regain her daughter's love. Loosely based on the story of one of Collyer's closest childhood friends, SHERRYBABY, which got its start in the Sundance Filmmaker's Lab, is an emotional rollercoaster of a movie, with realistic characters, an excellent cast, and plenty of surprising turns."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 SherryBaby DVD

Introducing Dorothy Dandridge - Vendor's Marketing: "The troubled life of Dorothy Dandridge, the first African-American woman to garner an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress (for CARMEN JONES) is dramatized in this fine made-for-HBO film from director Coolidge (RAMBLING ROSE). Gorgeous Berry shines as Dandridge in a role she seems born to play. Dandridge's close relationship with her manager (Spiner) is examined, as is her affair with director Otto Preminger, along with her first marriage to dancer Harold Nicholas, with whom she gave birth to a mentally disabled daughter. Aside from her personal struggles, the film also demonstrates the rampant racism of 1950's Hollywood which she had to endure throughout her short career." Based on the book by Earl Mills.

Awards

Call number: PN1997 IntroDor DVD

Bugsy - Vendor's Marketing: "Directed by Barry Levinson, BUGSY tells the true story of legendary New York mobster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel. Visiting Hollywood "on business," the reckless and volatile Bugsy is drawn to Tinseltown and the glamour of the movies. Leaving his wife and kids in Scarsdale indefinitely, the womanizing Bugsy spends his time on movie lots and at Hollywood extravaganzas, contemplating his own potential stardom. But soon he falls hard for strong-willed actress Virginia Hill (Annette Bening), who isn’t content with mistress status. A road trip to a down-trodden joint in the Nevada desert in a town called Las Vegas leads Bugsy to dream of building a world-class casino and turning the town into a moneymaker. Together Bugsy and Virginia--with backing from the mob--start building The Flamingo hotel and casino, hoping that legal gambling and five-star entertainment will entice the masses and rake in big bucks."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree.

Call number: PN1997 Bugsy DVD

Romancing the Stone - Vendor's Marketing: "Though she can spin wild tales of passionate romance, novelist Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner) has no life of her own. Then one day adventure comes her way in the form of a mysterious package. It turns out that the parcel is the ransom she'll need to free her abducted sister, so Joan flies to South America to hand it over. But she gets on the wrong bus and winds up hopelessly stranded in the jungle--until she encounters Jack Colton (Michael Douglas), a man who could have stepped straight out of one of her novels. Though his good looks and intrepid moves dazzle her, Joan quickly sees Jack for the cheap opportunist that he is. But he's all she's got, so together they journey out of the jungle, battling mudslides, druglords, crazed treasure-hunters--and each other. Along the way, Joan discovers she's tougher than she ever thought, tough enough to rescue her sister, and tough enough to fall in love with the troublesome Jack." Published as a book by Catherine Lanigan using the penname .Jane Wilder.

Awards

Call number: PN1997 Romancing DVD

Jewel of the Nile - Vendor's Marketing: "In this sequel to ROMANCING THE STONE, Joan is kidnapped by a handsome Arab political leader, and it's up to Jack to rescue her. His efforts are further complicated by the fact that he is also being pursued by an angry former partner."

Call number: PN1997 JewelOf DVD

Splitting Heirs - Vendor's Marketing: "An American klutz and a British banker compete for the title of the 15th Duke of Bournemouth."

Donation

Call number: PN1997 Splitting DVD

Underworld - Vendor's Marketing: "n UNDERWORLD, a dark and Gothic monster action movie, vampires and lycans--an ancient form of werewolf--are at war. While the vampires inhabit a gigantic castle that houses their ancestor's tombs, the lycans live underground in a dilapidated sewer cave. Both teams are equipped with big guns, and they are constantly innovating deadlier bullets to gain advantage over each other. On the vampire side, the leather-clad death agent Selene (Kate Beckinsale) delegates teams of vamps to attack the lycans. But when she discovers that the lycans have kidnapped a human medical student, Michael Corvin (Scott Speedman), she knows the worst is on its way. Against the orders of her superior, Kraven (Shane Brolly), who is obsessively in love with Selene, she awakens the most powerful vampire of all time, Viktor (Bill Nighy) and prepares for a massive feud against lycan leader Lucian (Michael Sheen). Director Len Wiseman offers a tough, fast, and gory addition to the horror-fantasy genre with UNDERWORLD. Impressive special effects show the lycans transforming from humans to werewolves, and the lycans' ability to squeeze silver bullets out of their skin is also rudely fascinating. Beckinsale is captivating in the role of the lead vamp, with her leather corset, pouty expressions, and double-fisted pistols perfectly communicating the glam-action mood of the film."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 Underwo DVD

Underworld: Evolution - Vendor's Marketing: "Kate Beckinsale is back as vampire heroine Selene in the highly anticipated sequel to Underworld. Underworld Evolution continues the saga of war between the aristocratic Death Dealers and the barbaric Lycans (werewolves). The film traces the beginnings of the ancient feud between the two tribes as Selene (Kate Beckinsale), the vampire heroine, and her love Michael (Scott Speedman), the lycan hybrid, try to unlock the secrets of their bloodlines. The tale of action, intrigue and forbidden love takes them into the battle to end all wars as the immortals must finally face their retribution."

Call number: PN1997 UnderwoEv DVD

An Inconvenient Truth - Vendor's Marketing: "Al Gore has traveled the world delivering a presentation on the global climate change, proving that humankind must confront global warming now or face devastating consequences -- this film captures his journey as a worldwide environmental champion."

Awards

Call number: QC981.8 .G56 I533 2006 DVD

When the Levees Broke - Vendor's Marketing: "With a runtime of over four hours, this HBO-produced Spike Lee documentary is the definitive word on Hurricane Katrina. Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, causing the levees that had previously kept the city from flooding to burst, which led to death, destruction, and homelessness on an alarming scale. Lee carefully plots the buildup to the hurricane, using many of the key figures in the city--such as mayor Ray Nagin and local radio show hosts--to outline the warnings given to residents. The film then covers the hurricane itself, showing gut-wrenching pictures of dead bodies and people pleading to be saved, before it settles into a lengthy discourse on the government response to the tragedy. Celebrities such as CNN's Soledad O'Brien, Sean Penn, and Harry Belafonte all appear, but Lee mainly focuses on the words of those who somehow made it through Katrina and lived to tell the tale. The majority of those people are highly critical of the Bush administration for its poor response, attributing this to the fact that the bulk of the residents affected were African-American. A powerful and important piece of filmmaking, WHEN THE LEVEES BROKE is an eye-opening account of a catastrophe that could so easily have been avoided."

Awards

Call number: HV636 2005.L8 W54 2006 DVD

Blood of My Brother: A Story of Death in Iraq - Vendor's Marketing: "Director Andrew Berends's documentary THE BLOOD OF MY BROTHER takes an up-close and personal look at the tragic consequences of the Iraq war through the story of an Iraqi family mourning the death of their eldest son, who was killed by American forces while guarding a Baghdad mosque."

Call number: DS79.76 .B56 2006 DVD

Dave Chappelle's Block Party - Vendor's Marketing: "Between the sharp comedic mind of David Chappelle and the quirky brilliance of French director Michel Gondry (ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND), there's not a single bad moment to be found in this captivating concert documentary chronicling a massive block party that Chappelle threw in 2004 down in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. With acts like the Roots, Kanye West, Jill Scott, Mos Def, Erykah Badu, and a reunion of the Fugees, this will be an automatic favorite for the hip-hop/neo-soul crowd. In its perceptive, celebratory way, the film opens the VIP gates on hip-hop culture and invites everyone in for a funky good time. Gondry's fly-on-the wall camera approach recalls D.A. Pennebaker docs like DON'T LOOK BACK (1967) but the attitude is more laid back and genial; the stars, the band, the locals, the marching band Chappelle buses in from his Ohio hometown, all come together with a rare sense of charmed spontaneity--watching it becomes akin to participation. Chappelle is hilarious, whether handing out golden tickets to old ladies or reciting improv poetry to a bongo beat, and the music is just as good, with highlights being Lauryn Hill's heartbreaking "Killing Me Softly," and Kayne Wests's galvanizing "Jesus Walks." This BLOCK PARTY re-writes a host of rules about what a concert film can be, and it does it with enough love to spill out of the theater and into the neighborhood."

Awards

Call number: ML3531 .C55 D38 2006 DVD

Aileen: The Life and Death of a Serial Killer - Vendor's Marketing: "Sensationalist director Nick Broomfield delivers his most personal film with this bracing, powerful sequel to 1992's AILEEN WUORNOS: THE SELLING OF A SERIAL KILLER. Ten years after making that film, Broomfield returns to the story of America's first female serial killer, who murdered seven truck drivers over the course of 12 months in Florida, requested execution as punishment, and on October 9, 2002 was put to death. Broomfield's film shows Aileen's final appeal before her execution and identifies a whole new set of problems in reviewing her testimony. For one, Aileen contradicted her initial claim that she killed the truck drivers in self defense, stating instead that she murdered them in cold blood. Also, Broomfield realized that Aileen was potentially insane. Somehow, Florida governor Jeb Bush ignored this possibility and accepted her request for execution. After interviewing several of her closest companions, Broomfield sat down with Aileen herself for her final interview, in which she accuses law enforcement officials of knowing about her killing spree and not stopping it. While Broomfield has been criticized for being too active a participant in his films, this time it is warranted. His strong connection to Aileen turns the film into a deeply personal meditation on the life of a truly troubled individual and a scathing attack on America's corrupt justice system."

Awards

Call number: HV6517 .A554 2004 DVD

Keep the River on Your Right: A Modern Cannibal Tale - Vendor's Marketing: "This extraordinary documentary is the story of 78-year-old Tobias Schneebaum, a seemingly mild-mannered man who has lived an amazing life. Schneebaum grew up in Brooklyn, studied to be a Rabbi and a painter, and in the 1950s decided to travel to Peru. There, he journeyed deep into the Amazon to live with an isolated native tribe. After a year in the jungle, Schneebaum returned to civilization with stories that he recounted in his book KEEP THE RIVER ON YOUR RIGHT, including a raid on another tribe that ended with murder and ritualistic cannibalism. This documentary follows Schneebaum as he lectures in New York and on a vacation cruise to New Guinea, as well as on a return trip to Peru, where he meets natives who still remember him after over forty years have passed. Schneebaum is one of the most complex and fascinating individuals ever seen in film: a gay, Jewish New Yorker who abandoned everything for an entire year and wandered out into Amazon jungle. This film also includes appearances by Schneebaum’s childhood neighbor and friend, Norman Mailer, and footage of Schneebaum's appearance on The Mike Douglas Show, which shocked audiences and guests alike."

Awards

Call number: GN21 .S287 K4 2002 DVD

Morrie Schwartz - Lessons on Living - Vendor's Marketing: "TUESDAY'S WITH MORRIE proved to be a highly popular memoir, in which college professor Morrie Scwartz was caught in conversation with former student Mitch Albom. Albom was inspired to write his book after catching Morrie in conversation with Ted Koppel, on his NIGHTLINE television show. Attempting to chronicle his dying days on Koppel's show, Morrie's recollections are earnest, heartwarming, and a fascinating glimpse into one man's final moments on the planet. They are presented here, and are both funny and sad in equal measure, with Morrie displaying all his trademark wit despite his failing health."

Call number: RC406.A24 M67 2005 DVD

Blind Spot: Hitler's Secretary - Vendor's Marketing: "Traudle Junge, a soft, pretty, elegant, and straightforward gray-haired woman, speaks to the camera with utter honesty. Through memories, stories, personal reflections, and attempts at explanation, she recounts her experience working as one of several secretaries to Adolf Hitler during the last years of his reign. She first explains the way that she got the job--simply because she was a good typist--and that she never really intended to be involved with the war, nor did she even realize at the time the crucial role that she played. With deep-seated regret she repeatedly chastises herself for not having realized what was happening outside Hitler's bunker, and what horrors he was bringing upon the world. In hindsight, she says that her youth was no excuse for her ignorance. Inside the bunker, Junge kept a steady schedule, working quietly with Hitler's staff and sharing with him one meal a day and occasional evening tea. Stories she tells about Hitler's personality--that he was soft-spoken, loved his dog, was embarrassed to wear shorts because of his white knees--cast Hitler and the horrors of the Holocaust in a strangely abstracted view. However, Junge's crystal-clear, moment-by-moment recapitulation of the last weeks in the bunker, when Hitler's defeat was imminent, are intense and terrifying. BLIND SPOT: HITLER'S SECRETARY is a rare documentary, in that it keeps its focus on Junge, seated and speaking, throughout its duration. While her stories are captivating, it is her inability to forgive herself and her palpable feelings of regret that give the film its uniqueness."

Awards

Call number: D8115 .I446 2003 DVD

Bowling for Columbine - Vendor's Marketing: "Filmmaker and leftist activist Michael Moore asks some serious questions as he probes the depths of America's trigger-happy gun culture in the insightful and amusing documentary, BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE. Guns in America are used to kill an average of more than 11,000 people per year. This death toll is obscenely out of balance with other first world countries, which generally average a total in double digits. Experts and analysts have pointed to America's bloody history as a reason, but how does that explain the lower murder rate in Germany? Violent entertainment has also been fingered, but how does this account for staggeringly low numbers in Japan, home of the most violent entertainment video games on the market. Moore's trademark comedic tone is razor-sharp as his quest leads him everywhere from Littleton Colorado's Columbine High School to the home of NRA President Charlton Heston. Moore, oddly enough a lifetime NRA member, makes his main target the news media, but also fires away at inefficient welfare programs, Dick Clark, and Kmart. The latter is even compelled to make a major policy change in their stores due to one of Moore's confrontational stunts. This exploration into America's obsession with guns is disarmingly humorous, but Moore also asks challenging questions and fearlessly seeks responsible parties, making the film an effective call for more social awareness as well."

Awards

Call number: HV7436 .B69 2003 DVD

Thin - Vendor's Marketing: "The HBO Documentary film Thin takes us inside the walls of Renfrew Center, a residential facility for the treatment of women with eating disorders, closely following four young women (ages 15 - 30) who have spent their lives starving themselves?often to the verge of death. The film deftly chronicles the pervasiveness of restrictive eating behaviors (most of the women profiled learned dysfunctional eating habits from their mothers while growing up), as well as the failure of our current health-insurance industry to address its clients' needs, while never shifting focus from the women themselves. Director Lauren Greenfield documents with astonishing depth the daily rituals, spontaneous friendships and startling swings between recovery and relapse that make up life at the center. The result is a powerful new insight into one of our society's most insidious open secrets. Source: Warner Home Video Thin The HBO Documentary film Thin takes us inside the walls of Renfrew Center, a residential facility for the treatment of women with eating disorders, closely following four young women (ages 15 - 30) who have spent their lives starving themselves?often to the verge of death. The film deftly chronicles the pervasiveness of restrictive eating behaviors (most of the women profiled learned dysfunctional eating habits from their mothers while growing up), as well as the failure of our current health-insurance industry to address its clients' needs, while never shifting focus from the women themselves. Director Lauren Greenfield documents with astonishing depth the daily rituals, spontaneous friendships and startling swings between recovery and relapse that make up life at the center. The result is a powerful new insight into one of our society's most insidious open secrets."

Awards

Call number: RC552.E18 T456 2006 DVD

Akeelah and the Bee - Vendor's Marketing: "Following in the fine tradition of inspiring inner-city underdog tales like STAND AND DELIVER, and TAKE THE LEAD, Doug Atchison's AKEELAH AND THE BEE is a story of overcoming odds that never descends into empty formula. The narrative centers around the character of Akeelah (Keke Palmer, in a star-making performance), a charming yet insecure 11 year old girl from Los Angeles' gang-ridden South Central district. Upon flipping channels after school one day, she lands on ESPN's coverage of the National Spelling Bee. Having recently become aware of her innate talent in this area, Akeelah cannot help but fantasize about the prospect of being a star of the bee circuit. The tragic problem -- intelligence of this kind is not valued in her community, where skills of athleticism and rapping are coveted far more than school smarts. Though Akeelah attempts to hide her academic acuity behind a rebellious attitude, she cannot resist the temptation to enter her school's spelling bee, at which her stellar performance attracts the attention of her idealistic principal, who pairs her with a mentor, a former professor named Joshua Larabee (the always riveting Laurence Fishburne, who re-embodies the wise iconoclast character he played so well in the chess movie SEARCHING FOR BOBBY FISCHER). Meanwhile, Akeelah's strong, practical mother, (played by Angela Bassett, who worked with Fishburne on the Tina Turner biopic WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?) while always supportive of her talented daughter, does not necessarily see the point of spending such time and energy on what will likely amount to a fleeting hobby. Perhaps taking its cue from the surprising popularity of Jeffrey Blitz's quirky documentary SPELLBOUND (2002), which explored spelling prodigies from diverse classes, races, and geographic locations, this drama makes what could be a narrow niche into a universal tale of triumph over adversity."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 Akeelah DVD

Half Nelson - Vendor's Marketing: "High school teacher Dan (Ryan Gosling) and quiet teenager Drey (Shareeka Epps) are two lonely souls who wander the planet looking to attach some semblance of meaning to their chaotic lives. Dan teaches Drey in a dilapidated school in Brooklyn, New York. Their relationship is unremarkable until Drey discovers Dan collapsed and clutching a crack pipe in a grimy toilet cubicle in the high school gym. It is from this pivotal moment that director Ryan Fleck builds a tentative friendship between these two unlikely allies, creating one of 2006's most arresting films in the process. Carefully steering his film away from any overtly sentimental material, Fleck and co-writer Anna Boden create a gritty, powerful narrative that feels painfully real as it flickers into life. Very little back-story to either of Fleck and Boden's central protagonists is revealed, forcing the audience to draw its own conclusions as to what personal hells Dan or Drey may have emerged from. Dan's addiction steadily worsens as the movie progresses, and Gosling portrays his drug-addled life in the saddest way possible. Dan is a likeable character with a clear affection for the kids he teaches, and it's distressing to watch him losing his grip on reality. Relief comes only intermittently as Drey's presence in Dan's life momentarily pulls him out of his slumber, while some well-timed jokes sprinkled liberally throughout the dialogue, and a few direct-to-camera monologues from Dan's students, prevent HALF NELSON from completely toppling into the abyss. Supporting roles come in the shape of Dan's ex-girlfriend Rachel (SIX FEET UNDER's Tina Holmes), who hints at a joint addiction they once endured, and Frank (Anthony Mackie), a local drug dealer and acquaintance of Drey's incarcerated brother who tries to care for her. Together the cast, crew, and writing team construct a powerful film about loneliness, addiction, and friendship that is likely to etch itself deeply into the memories of anyone who sees it. In particular, Gosling and newcomer Epps are sensational in their parts, giving career-defining performances that very few actors could ever hope to improve upon."

Awards, American Film Institute and Spirit Award honoree

Call number: PN1997 HalfNel DVD

Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World - Vendor's Marketing: "Courting controversy even before it was released, Albert Brooks’s LOOKING FOR COMEDY IN THE MUSLIM WORLD suffered a heady gestation period as the original distributor, Sony Pictures, balked at the title and refused to release it, leaving Warner Independent to pick up the reins. By using a mockumentary style Brooks weaves a potent satire on the shaky relations between America and the Muslim world. The film begins with Brooks being called upon by the U.S. government to travel to India and Pakistan in order to discover what makes a 300-million strong Muslim community laugh. On arrival Brooks hires an assistant, questions people in the street, and performs a hapless stand-up routine that only raises a few miserly chuckles. Floundering in an alien environment, Brooks's mission races towards its deadline with stress levels rising and precious little insight into the comic workings of the Muslim mind. Although the title is something of a misnomer (Brooks travels only to India and briefly to Pakistan) Brooks's movie is an interesting meditation on the machinations of comedy. Revealing the nuts and bolts of joke construction may not make a difference to the oblivious Muslim audiences who simply don’t get him, but for comedy fans this is a rare chance to see a comedian talking about his art in a semi-serious manner. Of course there are plenty of laughs as well, most notably when Al Jazeera tries to cast Brooks in a Muslim sitcom titled "That Darn Jew" (no prizes for guessing whom Brooks would play), and the film ends with a wickedly funny twist to the tale. A thoughtful film that manages to strike a sweet balance between comedy and sincerity, LOOKING FOR COMEDY IN THE MUSLIM WORLD is an unusual and brave piece of filmmaking, and deserves to be celebrated for those reasons alone."

Call number: PN1997 Looking DVD

Live from Baghdad - Vendor's Marketing: "With George Herbert Walker Bush prepared to strike Iraqi forces, CNN was in a unique position to deliver 24 hour coverage. Producers Robert Wiener (Michael Keaton) and Igrid Formanek (Helena Bonham Carter) capitalized on this opportunity by offering unflinching reporting that risked their lives as they became correspondents from Baghdad just before the first U.S. Gulf War. Based on a true story that changed television journalism, this powerful HBO feature won Mick Jackson a Director's Guild Award for his work."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 LiveFrom DVD

Donnie Darko - Vendor's Marketing: "Writer-director Richard Kelly's bold debut film is a social satire, a dark comedy, a science fiction time-traveling fantasy, and a suburban nightmare about an extremely intelligent, depressive, self-destructive, narcoleptic, gun-toting, sex-crazed, teenaged arsonist: Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal). DONNIE DARKO is not your typical teen comedy. But, like GHOST WORLD and RUSHMORE, it uses the trappings of the teen comedy as the entry point for a subversive and trenchant (and also wonderfully entertaining) look at American life. The difference between those films and DONNIE DARKO is that Donnie is an unlikely hero who just might save the world. It's October 1988, in the Virginia suburb of Middlesex. When Frank, a grotesque giant bunny (possibly imaginary), leads Donnie out of his house minutes before a plane smashes through his roof, he not only saves Donnie's life but also warns Donnie that the world is about to end. Over the next few weeks, Donnie falls in love with Gretchen (Jena Malone) and tries to figure out what his life means. Kelly's film perfectly captures the unease that is quietly scratching under the surface of suburban late 1980s life. Gyllenhaal leads an exceptional cast, bringing Kelly's twisted but humane vision to life. An exceptional performance is given by Mary McDonnell (PASSION FISH) as Donnie's mother."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 DonnieD DVD

Batman Begins - Vendor's Marketing: "Batman Begins explores the origins of the Batman legend and the Dark Knight's emergence as a force for good in Gotham. In the wake of his parents' murder, disillusioned industrial heir Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) travels the world seeking the means to fight injustice and turn fear against those who prey on the fearful. He returns to Gotham and unveils his alter-ego: Batman, a masked crusader who uses his strength, intellect and an array of high tech deceptions to fight the sinister forces that threaten the city."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 BatmanBe DVD

Superman Returns - Vendor's Marketing: "He's back. A hero for our millennium. And not a moment too soon, because during the five years (much longer in movie-fan years!) Superman sought his home planet, things changed on his adopted planet. Nations moved on without him. Lois Lane now has a son, a fiance and a Pulitzer for Why the World Doesn't Need Superman. And Lex Luthor has a plan that will destroy millions - no, billions - of lives."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 SuperMan Returns DVD

Identity - Vendor's Marketing: "IDENTITY, directed by James Mangold, is a thriller set at an isolated motel in rural Nevada during an unrelenting rainstorm. With all roads washed out and all forms of communication dead, a group of people become stranded at the motel along with the shifty manager (John Hawkes). Among the stranded are Ed (John Cusack), a former cop turned limo driver; Caroline (Rebecca De Mornay), a self-absorbed actress; Paris (Amanda Peet), a prostitute attempting to escape her profession; Rhodes (Ray Liotta), a cop transporting a prisoner (Jake Busey); Lou (William Lee Scott) and Ginny (Clea DuVall), bickering newlyweds; and George (John McGinley) and Alice (Leila Kenzle), a married couple travelling with their young son. Soon the waterlogged lodgers start dying in mysterious--and brutal--ways, and the increasingly dwindling number of survivors must discover the killer to prevent their own demises. Riveting from the opening sequence, Mangold's suspenseful murder mystery wastes no time in turning on the tension. Realizing that truly scary cinema comes from the unknown and the unexpected, Mangold and screenwriter Michael Cooney keep the audience--and the film's characters--in the dark and continually create situations that go from bad to worse for the luckless travelers. Cusack anchors the film as the resigned but noble former policeman, while Peet reveals a depth previously unseen in her other movies. Actors such as Liotta, McGinley, Hawkes, and De Mornay round out the fine ensemble cast. As with many thrillers, IDENTITY has a big twist, but because of the filmmakers' excellent slight of hand, it's unlikely viewers will predict the bizarre outcome."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 Identity DVD

The Ice Harvest - Vendor's Marketing: "Based on the novel by Scott Phillips, THE ICE HARVEST is a comic film noir set in very cold and icy Wichita, Kansas. John Cusack turns in another fine performance as Charlie Arglist, a soft-spoken lawyer who works for local mob boss Bill Guerrard (Randy Quaid). Charlie hangs out in strip clubs, pines after femme fatale Renata (Connie Nielsen), rarely sees his kids, and basically watches life happen all around him. Ready for a change, he and the much more hardened Vic Cavanaugh (Billy Bob Thornton) steal $2.1 million from Guerrard and plan to play it cool before leaving town, trying not to create suspicion. All they need to do is make it through Christmas Eve--but that's not going to be easy for Charlie, who spends the long night getting caught up in a series of very funny, very dangerous, and very bloody events that unfold while sweet Christmas carols echo in the background. Reminiscent of such stylish modern noirs as RED ROCK WEST and FARGO, THE ICE HARVEST features a clever script by Oscar-winner Robert Benton and Pulitzer Prize-winner Richard Russo, and was directed by Harold Ramis, the former SCTV star and Ghostbuster who has helmed such successful films as CADDYSHACK, GROUNDHOG DAY, and ANALYZE THIS. The acting is uniformly excellent--including Mike Starr as hit man Roy Gelles, who never shows his face--but Oliver Platt runs away with the film as Pete Van Heuten, an old friend of Charlie's who stole his family and now is an obnoxious, hysterical, pathetic drunken fool with a good heart."

Call number: PN1997 IceHarvest DVD

The Virgin Suicides - Vendor's Marketing: "Based on the 1993 novel by Jeffrey Eugenides, THE VIRGIN SUICIDES tells the dreamlike tale of the Lisbons, a family living in a sheltered 1970s suburbia. When Cecilia (Hannah Hall), the youngest of the five teenage Lisbon daughters, inexplicably commits suicide, the rest of the family--Mr. Lisbon (James Woods), an awkward high school math teacher; Mrs. Lisbon (Kathleen Turner), a stern, humorless housewife; and the four remaining sisters: Lux (Kirsten Dunst), Bonnie (Chelse Swain), Mary (A.J. Cook), and Therese (Leslie Hayman)--recedes into a morbid cloud of repression and denial. As the girls are forced to retreat from everyday life by their conservative mother, they become the subject of fascination for a group of neighborhood boys, who narrate the story and hope to rescue the girls from their listless confinement. The first feature by director-screenwriter Sofia Coppola (Francis Ford Coppola's daughter), THE VIRGIN SUICIDES is a mesmerizingly atmospheric film that perfectly captures both the moody tone of the book and the light-saturated feel of the 1970s. Dunst gives a standout performance as the promiscuous Lux, who becomes the sole obsession of high school ladies' man Trip Fontaine (Josh Hartnett). The movie also includes cameos by Danny DeVito and Scott Glenn. In addition to songs by Heart and Todd Rundgren, the film features an evocative score by the French duo Air."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 VirginSui DVD

Garden State - Vendor's Marketing: "Andrew "Large" Largeman (Zach Braff of TV's SCRUBS) is returning home to New Jersey for the first time in nine years to attend his mother's funeral. A struggling actor in Los Angeles, he's been living under clouds of medication prescribed by his psychiatrist father (Ian Holm). After drifting through the funeral with the same emotional numbness he's felt for years, he reconnects with old friends Mark (Peter Sarsgaard), a gravedigger, and Albert (Denis O'Hare), a millionaire who invented noiseless Velcro. In a doctor's office, he meets ebullient Sam (Natalie Portman), an epileptic whose lust for life inspires Andrew to feel things that his medication long denied him. Over four days, he develops feelings for Sam he didn't know he was capable of, and faces up to the resentment his father holds toward him about an accident that happened long ago. Writer, director, and star Zach Braff makes his debut feature with this off-kilter, unusually smart, self-assured coming-of-age film. GARDEN STATE has a knack for sharp-edged humor, character quirks, and finding lovely imagery within the mundanity of the suburbs. These things combined are abundant evidence to indicate that Braff's filmmaking future is filled with limitless promise."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 GardenSt DVD

The Gods Must Be Crazy - Vendor's Marketing: "A tribe of bushmen living in the Kalahari Desert find their peaceful, happy existence threatened when a Coca-Cola bottle falls from the sky. The natives squabble incessantly over ownership of the mysterious item, which they believe to be a gift from the gods. Hoping to restore order, one tribesman is elected to return the bottle by journeying to the ends of the earth, which brings him into contact with modern civilization."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 GodsMust DVD

The Devil Wears Prada - Vendor's Marketing: "A drastic improvement on Lauren Weisberger‘s bestselling novel, THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA showcases Meryl Streep’s knack for combining humor and sadness. While likely inspired by notorious VOGUE editor Anna Wintour, Streep’s Miranda Priestly (head of Runway magazine) is entirely her own creation. Sporting silvery hair, a vast collection of fur coats, an encyclopedic knowledge of all things fashionable, and a killer smile, Miranda is full of wicked charm. With her mature beauty and commanding presence, Miranda is as fascinating to watch as she is intimidating to the constant rotation of assistants thrown her way. When bookish Northwestern grad Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) interviews to become Miranda’s newest lackey, Miranda hires her not for her lackluster wardrobe but for her intellect. Inside the pristine Runway offices, Andy suffers through a never-ending list of impossible tasks, and is the subject of constant harassment by Miranda’s jealous first assistant (Emily Blunt). But to the dismay of her boyfriend (Adrian Grenier) and close friends, Andy slowly finds herself seduced by the glamorous world of fashion, and by Miranda herself. While Andy’s transformation comes largely in the form of new designer clothing, the makeover is mental as well. What starts out as a firm belief in fashion’s vapidity and in Miranda’s heartlessness gradually fades into the suspicion that the boss from hell might just be hiding a soul. While the book villainized its title character, the film gives new depths to her wrath. As Andy trades her undergrad wardrobe for one packed with Prada and Chanel (with help from Stanley Tucci in a brilliant role), viewers are able to savor the work of costume designer Patricia Field. Together with director David Frankel (who also worked on SEX AND THE CITY), Field creates a world of fashion so wonderfully extreme it would be hard for anyone to resist."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree

Call number: PN1997 DevilWears DVD

The American Sign Language Handshape Dictionary DVD - Vendor's Marketing: "A perfect complement to the bestselling dictionary, this new DVD features a diverse cast of native signers forming more than 1,400 ASL signs organized by 40 basic handshapes, with a complete list of English glosses and synonyms for each sign."

Call number: HV2475 .T461 2007 DVD

The Fly in the Cathedral: How a Group of Cambridge Scientists Won the International Race to Split the Atom - Publisher's Marketing: "Re-creating the frustrations, excitements, and obsessions of 1932, the "miracle year" of British physics, Brian Cathcart reveals in rich detail the astonishing story behind the splitting of the atom. The most celebrated scientific experiment of its time, it would lead to one of mankind's most devastating inventions--the atomic bomb.
All matter is made mostly of empty space. Each of the billions of atoms that comprise it is hollow, its true mass concentrated in a tiny nucleus that, if the atom were a cathedral, would be no bigger than a fly. Discovering its existence three quarters of a century ago was Lord Rutherford's greatest scientific achievement, but even he caught only a glimpse. Almost at the point of despair, John Cockcroft and Ernest Walton, two young researchers in a grubby basement room at the famous Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge, grappled with the challenge. Racing against their American and German counterparts-a colorful cast of Nobel Prize winners--they would change everything. With paper-and-pencil calculations, a handmade apparatus, the odd lump of plasticine, and some revolutionary physics, Cockroft and Walton raised the curtain on the atomic age.

"The Fly in the Cathedral" is a riveting and erudite narrative inspired by the dreams that lead the last true gentlemen scientists to the very essence of the universe: the heart of matter."

Call number: Q141 .C2515 2005

Whether you load your iPod with Bach or Bono, music has a significant role in your life-even if you never realized it. Why does music evoke such powerful moods? The answers are at last becoming clear, thanks to revolutionary neuroscience and the emerging field of evolutionary psychology. Both a cutting-edge study and a tribute to the beauty of music itself, This Is Your Brain on Music unravels a host of mysteries that affect everything from pop culture to our understanding of human nature, including:
* Are our musical preferences shaped in utero?
* Is there a cutoff point for acquiring new tastes in music?
* What do PET scans and MRIs reveal about the brain's response to music?
* Is musical pleasure different from other kinds of pleasure?

This Is Your Brain on Music explores cultures in which singing is considered an essential human function, patients who have a rare disorder that prevents them from making sense of music, and scientists studying why two people may not have the same definition of pitch. At every turn, this provocative work unlocks deep secrets about how nature and nurture forge a uniquely human obsession."

Call number: ML3830 .L38 2006

Get Out of Your Mind & Into Your Life: The New Acceptance & Commitment Therapy - Publisher's Marketing: "Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life offers five-step plan for coping with painful emotions such as anxiety and depression. It teaches readers how to learn life-enhancing behavior strategies that work to further the goals you value most. Readers learn to engage with and overcome painful thoughts and feelings with step-by-step acceptance and mindfulness-based techniques. You find out how to let go of control, and develop compassion and flexibility. The realization that painful feelings cannot be controlled will open the reader to the possibility of fully emotional living. Once present, engaged, and aware, readers can begin to build new lives for themselves filled with significance and meaning. This book is not about overcoming pain or fighting emotions; it's about embracing life and feeling everything it has to offer. In this way, it offers a way out of suffering by choosing to life a life based on what matters most."

Call number: RC489 .C62 H395 2005

Little Miss Sunshine - Vendor's Marketing: "Little Miss Sunshine tells the story of the Hoovers, one of the most endearingly fractured families ever seen on motion picture screens. Together, the motley six-member family treks from Albuquerque to the Little Miss Sunshine pageant in Redondo Beach, California, to fulfill the deepest wish of 7-year-old Olive, an ordinary little girl with big dreams. Along the way the family must deal with crushed dreams, heartbreaks, and a broken-down VW bus, leading up to the surreal Little Miss Sunshine competition itself. On their travels through this bizarrely funny landscape, the Hoovers learn to trust and support each other along the path of life, no matter what the challenge."

Awards, American Film Institute honoree

Call number: PN1997 LittleMiss DVD

Unstoppable Global Warming: Every 1500 Years - Publisher's Marketing: "Singer and Avery present in popular language supported by in-depth scientific evidence the compelling concept that global temperatures have been rising mostly or entirely because of a natural cycle. Unstoppable Global Warming explains why we're warming, why it's not very dangerous, and why we can't stop it anyway."

Call number: QC981.8 .G56 S553 2007

The Farther Reaches of Human Nature - Publisher's Marketing: "In "The Further Reaches of Human Nature," an extension of his classic "Toward a Psychology of Being," Maslow explores the complexities of human nature by using both the empirical methods of science and the aesthetics of philosophical inquiry. With essays on biology, synergy, creativity, cognition, self-actualization, and the hierarchy of needs, this posthumous work is a wide-ranging synthesis of Maslow's inspiring and influential ideas."

Call number: BF637.S4 M368 1993

Internal Combustion: How Corporations and Governments Addicted the World to Oil and Derailed the Alternatives - Publisher's Marketing: ""Internal Combustion" is the compelling tale of corruption and manipulation that subjected the U.S. and the world to an oil addiction that could have been avoided, that was never necessary, and that could be ended not in ten years, not in five years, but today.
Edwin Black, award-winning author of "IBM and the Holocaust," has mined scores of corporate and governmental archives to assemble thousands of previously uncovered and long-forgotten documents and studies into this dramatic story. Black traces a continuum of rapacious energy cartels and special interests dating back nearly 5,000 years, from wood to coal to oil, and then to the bicycle and electric battery cartels of the 1890s, which created thousands of electric vehicles that plied American streets a century ago. But those noiseless and clean cars were scuttled by petroleum interests, despite the little-known efforts of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford to mass-produce electric cars powered by personal backyard energy stations. Black also documents how General Motors criminally conspired to undermine mass transit in dozens of cities and how Big Oil, Big Corn, and Big Coal have subverted synthetic fuels and other alternatives.
He then brings the story full-circle to the present day oil crises, global warming and beyond. Black showcases overlooked compressed-gas, electric and hydrogen cars on the market today, as well as inexpensive all-function home energy units that could eliminate much oil usage. His eye-opening call for a Manhattan Project for immediate energy independence will help energize society to finally take action.
"Internal Combustion," and its interactive website www.internalcombustionbook.com, will generate a much-needed national debate at a crucial time. It should be read by every citizen who consumes oil -- everyone. "Internal Combustion" can change everything, not by reinventing the wheel, but by excavating it from where it was buried a century ago."

Call number: TJ753 .B53 2006

Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and Prayer - Publisher's Marketing: "Grace, dignity, and eloquence have long been hallmarks of Maya Angelou's poetry. Her measured verses have stirred our souls, energized our minds, and healed our hearts. Whether offering hope in the darkest of nights or expressing sincere joy at the extraordinariness of the everyday, Maya Angelou has served as our common voice.
"Celebrations "is a collection of timely and timeless poems that are an integral part of the global fabric. Several works have become nearly as iconic as Angelou herself: the inspiring "On the Pulse of Morning," read at President William Jefferson Clinton's 1993 inauguration; the heartening "Amazing Peace," presented at the 2005 lighting of the National Christmas Tree at the White House; "A Brave and Startling Truth," which marked the fiftieth anniversary of the United Nations; and "Mother," which beautifully honors the first woman in our lives. Angelou writes of celebrations public and private, a bar mitzvah wish to her nephew, a birthday greeting to Oprah Winfrey, and a memorial tribute to the late Luther Vandross and Barry White.
More than a writer, Angelou is a chronicler of history, an advocate for peace, and a champion for the planet, as well as a patriot, a mentor, and a friend. To be shared and cherished, the wisdom and poetry of Maya Angelou proves there is always cause for celebration."

Call number: PS3551 .N464 C45 2006

The Consolations of Philosophy - Publisher's Marketing: "From the internationally heralded author of How Proust Can Change Your Life comes this remarkable new book that presents the wisdom of some of the greatest thinkers of the ages as advice for our day to day struggles.
Solace for the broken heart can be found in the words of Schopenhauer. The ancient Greek Epicurus has the wisest, and most affordable, solution to cash flow problems. A remedy for impotence lies in Montaigne. Seneca offers advice upon losing a job. And Nietzsche has shrewd counsel for everything from loneliness to illness. The Consolations of Philosophy is a book as accessibly erudite as it is useful and entertaining."

Call number: BJ1595.5 .D43 2001

The Aeneid - Publisher's Marketing: "Fagles' translations of "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" have sold hundreds of thousands of copies. Now, the much-anticipated new translation of Virgil's epic poem from the award-winning translator reintroduces "The Aeneid" to a whole new generation."

Call number: PA6807.A5 F25 2006

The Iliad - Publisher's Marketing: "In this widely acclaimed verse translation of Homer's great epic, Robert Fagles combines the skills of poet and scholar. He brings the energy of contemporary language to this enduring heroic work, but maintains the drive and metric music of Homer's poetry and evokes the impact and nuance of Homer's mesmerizing repeated phrases."

Call number: PA4025.A2 F33 1991

The Odyssey - Publisher's Marketing: "Robert Fagles' stunning modern-verse translation"

Call number: PA4025.A5 F34 1996

Master key concepts.Answer challenging questions.Prepare for exams.Learn at your own pace.

Are viruses living? How does photosynthesis occur?Is cloning a form of sexual or asexual reproduction? What is Anton van Leeuwenhoek known for? With Biology: A Self-Teaching Guide, Second Edition, you’ ll discover the answers to these questions and many more.

Steven Garber explains all the major biological concepts and terms in this newly revised edition, including the origin of life, evolution, cell biology, reproduction, physiology, and botany. The step-by-step, clearly structured format of Biology makes it fully accessible to all levels of students, providing an easily understood, comprehensive treatment of all aspects of life science.

Like all Self-Teaching Guides, Biology allows you to build gradually on what you have learned– at your own pace. Questions and self-tests reinforce the information in each chapter and allow you to skip ahead or focus on specific areas of concern. Packed with useful, up-to-date information, this clear, concise volume is a valuable learning tool and reference source for anyone who needs to master the science of life."

Call number: QH316 .G37 2002

ADA Complete Guide to Carb Counting - Publisher's Marketing: "Here are real tools and techniques for counting carbs correctly. New chapters cover how to build a personal carb count database, carb counting for insulin pump users, a whole week of meal plans, and much more."

Call number: RC662 .W313 2004

The Blind Watchmaker: Why the Evidence of Evolution Reveals a Universe Without Design - Publisher's Marketing: "The watchmaker belongs to the eighteenth-century theologian William Paley, who made one of the most famous creationist arguments: Just as a watch is too complicated and too functional to have sprung into existence by accident, so too must all living things, with their far greater complexity, be purposefully designed. It was Charles Darwin's brilliant discovery that put the lie to these arguments. But only Richard Dawkins could have written this eloquent riposte to the creationists. Natural selection - the unconscious, automatic, blind, yet essentially nonrandom process that Darwin discovered - has no purpose in mind. If it can be said to play the role of watchmaker in nature, it is the blind watchmaker. Acclaimed as perhaps the most influential work on evolution written in this century, The Blind Watchmaker offers an engaging and accessible introduction to one of the most important scientific discoveries of all time."

Call number: QH366.2 .D37 1996

American Speeches - Publisher's Marketing: "A historian and former presidential speechwriter presents an unprecedented two-volume collection of the greatest speeches in American history."

Revolution to Civil War: Political Oratory from the Revolution to the Civil War Call number: E183 .A498 2006 Pt.1

Political Oratory from Abraham Lincoln to Bill Clinton Call number: E183 .A498 2006 Pt.2

The Complete Book of Baby Names includes:

Lists of most popular names in categories such as country, ethnicity and religion

Attributes of a perfect name (considerations such as sound, family names, nicknames, meaning, stereotypes, putting together first and last names, etc.)

Modern naming trends

What not to name your baby

Adding a middle name-or two

Sibling rivalry (naming more than one child)"

Call number: CS2377 .B653 2006

The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World - Publisher's Marketing: "Every schoolchild learns about the mutually beneficial dance of honeybees and flowers: The bee collects nectar and pollen to make honey and, in the process, spreads the flowers' genes far and wide. In The Botany of Desire, Michael Pollan ingeniously demonstrates how people and domesticated plants have formed a similarly reciprocal relationship. He masterfully links four fundamental human desires--sweetness, beauty, intoxication, and control--with the plants that satisfy them: the apple, the tulip, marijuana, and the potato. In telling the stories of four familiar species, Pollan illustrates how the plants have evolved to satisfy humankind's most basic yearnings. And just as we've benefited from these plants, we have also done well by them. So who is really domesticating whom?"

Call number: QK46.5 .H85 P66 2002

The New York Times Dessert Cookbook - Publisher's Marketing: "THE NEW YORK TIMES DESSERT COOKBOOK is the first major, comprehensive dessert cookbook from "The New York Times." It features over 400 recipes, from the simplest and homiest sweets to more dazzling finales from dessert chefs whose creations have appeared in the "Chefs" column in the Wednesday food section. The recipes were selected and compiled by the newspaper's most seasoned food writer, Florence Fabricant, whose eye, voice and kitchen knowledge shines through on every page.
THE NEW YORK TIMES DESSERT COOKBOOK compiles favorites from "Times" staffers--such as Marion Burros' Plum Torte in both its original and low-fat versions--and name chefs--from Nigella Lawson to Francois Payard. Every type of dessert is included here, with full, rich sections on:
--CAKES, from Vanilla Cake with Roasted Peaches & Blueberries to Intense Chocolate Mousse Cake
--YEAST CAKES & PASTRIES, from Baha au Rhum to Savarin
--CRISPS, CRUMBLES, COBBLERS AND SHORTCAKES, from Plum and Ginger Crumble to Strawberry Sour Cream Shortcake
--FANCY PASTRIES, from Banana Turnovers to Red Raspberry Napoleons
--COOKIES, BISCOTTI, BROWNIES & BARS, from the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies to Orange Mocha Brownies
--SOUFFLES & CREPES, from Apple Caramel Calvados Crepes to Prune Clafouti
--FRUIT DESSERTS, from Grappa-Soused Summer Fruit to Strawberries with Pink Peppercorn Sauce
--CUSTARDS, PUDDINGS & MOUSSES, from Baked Butterscotch Pudding to Choco-Hot-Pots
--FROZEN DESSERTS, from Goat's Milk Ice Cream to Chocolate Sorbet
--BASICS, from Pie crusts to Puff pastry to Ganaches and Sauces
THE NEW YORK TIMES DESSERT COOKBOOK also includes complete basic information about the ingredients andequipment the home cook needs to prepare great desserts, with critical evaluations by "Times" writers, including Amanda Hesser, Julia Moskin, Craig Claiborne and Florence Fabricant.
Accessible enough that any first-time baker can turn out a delicious dessert, but intriguing enough that veteran home cooks will find scores of new ideas and recipes, THE NEW YORK TIMES DESSERT COOKBOOK will be the sweetest resource on your kitchen shelf."

Call number: TX773 .N46 2006

Here is the most practical, complete, and easy-to-use guide available for understanding physics and the physical world. Even if you don't consider yourself a "science" person, this book helps make learning key concepts a pleasure, not a chore. Whether you need help in a course, want to review the basics for an exam, or simply have always been curious about such physical phenomena as energy, sound, electricity, light, and color, you've come to the right place! This fully up-to-date edition of Basic Physics: Has been tested, rewritten, and retested to ensure that you can teach yourself all about physics Requires no math— mathematical treatments and applications are included in optional sections so that you can choose either a mathematical or nonmathematical approach Lets you work at your own pace with a helpful question-and-answer format Lists objectives for each chapter— you can skip ahead or find extra help if you need it Reinforces what you learn with end-of-chapter self-tests"

Call number: QC23 .K74 1996

Birth: The Surprising History of How We Are Born - Publisher's Marketing: "From evolution to the epidural and beyond, Tina Cassidy presents a lively, enlightening, and impeccably researched cultural history of how and why we are born the way we are. Women have been giving birth for millennia, so why is it that every culture--and every generation--seems to have its own ideas about the best way to get a baby born? Among the topics that Tina Cassidy looks at are: why birth can be so difficult (blame our ability to walk on two legs, for instance), where women deliver, how the perception of midwives has changed (they were once burned as witches), the lives of some famous obstetricians, and the many ways childbirth has been deadly (lots of blame to go around). Birth is full of quirky details, startling facts, and tales both humorous and disturbing--from men disguised as women to get into delivery rooms to a news flash about a woman giving herself a C-section. From Jessica Mitford's seminal The American Way of Death to Mary Roach's Stiff, we've witnessed how millions of readers are fascinated by what happens at the end of life. Here is the riveting true story of how it begins."

Call number: RG651 .C37 2006

On Love - Publisher's Marketing: "The best-selling author of How Proust Can Change Your Life and The Art of Travel revisits his utterly charming debut novel, On Love. The narrator is smitten by Chloe on a ParisLondon flight, and by the time they've reached the luggage carousel he knows he is in love. He loves her chestnut hair, watery green eyes, the gap that makes her teeth Kantian and not Platonic, and her views on Heidegger's Being and Time -- but he hates her taste in shoes. Plotting the course of their affair from the initial delirium of infatuation to the depths of suicidal despair, through a fit of anhedonia -- defined in medical texts as a disease resulting from the terror brought on by the threat of utter happiness -- and finally through the terrorist tactics employed when the beloved begins, inexplicably, to drift away, On Love is filled with profound observations and useful diagrams, examining for all of us the pain and exhilaration of love."

Call number: PR6054 .E1324 O5 2006

Face Reading in Chinese Medicine - Publisher's Marketing: "For many centuries, practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have relied on face reading for insight into the physical, psychological, and emotional state of a patient. Based on an understanding of the shapes, markings and features of a face, a therapist can discover important facts about the health and life of a patient, related to the principles of Chinese medicine. In addition to understanding how the body's internal functions can be seen on a face, readers will also learn to evaluate non-verbal expressions and assess personality from features and markings of the patient's face."

Call number: BF851 .B69 2004

Everything Is Illuminated - Publisher's Marketing: "A writer journeys to the farmlands of eastern Europe to find Augustine, the woman who saved his grandfather from the Nazis. Passionate and marked by an indelible humanity, "Everything Is Illuminated" mines the black holes of history and is ultimately a story about searching: for people and places that no longer exist and for the tales that link past and future."

Call number: PS3606.O38 E84 2003

Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language: Hereditary Deafness on Martha's Vineyard - Publisher's Marketing: "From the seventeenth century to the early years of the twentieth, the population of Martha's Vineyard manifested an extremely high rate of profound hereditary deafness. In stark contrast to the experience of most deaf people in our own society, the Vineyarders who were born deaf were so thoroughly integrated into the daily life of the community that they were not seen--and did not see themselves--as handicapped or as a group apart. Deaf people were included in all aspects of life, such as town politics, jobs, church affairs, and social life. How was this possible? On the Vineyard, hearing and deaf islanders alike grew up speaking sign language. This unique sociolinguistic adaptation meant that the usual barriers to communication between the hearing and the deaf, which so isolate many deaf people today, did not exist."

Call number: HV2561 .M49 G76 1985

Not Even Wrong: The Failure of String Theory and the Search for Unity in Physical Law - Publisher's Marketing: "How does the world work and what is mathematics' role in its description? An authoritative and well-reasoned account of string theory's fashionable status among today's theoretical physicists, and promising new directions, including the role of beauty in mathematics and physics."

Call number: QC794.6 .S85 W65 2006

At once simple and unique, "Nothing to Wear?" reveals a stylish cure for the common closet, based on the five-step process that has made Visual Therapy(tm) a hit for more than ten years with fashion editors and clients alike. Walking the reader through the process of identifying her natural style (who she is and how her fashion "personality" aligns with the image she wants to portray), the book then helps her perform a thorough "love it or leave it" examination of her wardrobe, eliminating the old, out-of-date, too-tight, too-loose clutter and re-establishing an authentic sense of style-getting her into her clothes and out of the house looking and feeling like a million bucks."

Call number: TT507 .G368 2006

The Tree: A Natural History of What Trees Are, How They Live, and Why They Matter - Publisher's Marketing: "There are redwoods in California that were ancient by the time Columbus first landed, and pines still alive that germinated around the time humans invented writing. There are Douglas firs as tall as skyscrapers, and a banyan tree in Calcutta as big as a football field.
From the tallest to the smallest, trees inspire wonder in all of us, and in "The Tree," Colin Tudge travels around the world--throughout the United States, the Costa Rican rain forest, Panama and Brazil, India, New Zealand, China, and most of Europe--bringing to life stories and facts about the trees around us: how they grow old, how they eat and reproduce, how they talk to one another (and they do), and why they came to exist in the first place. He considers the pitfalls of being tall; the things that trees produce, from nuts and rubber to wood; and even the complicated debt that we as humans owe them.
Tudge takes us to the Amazon in flood, when the water is deep enough to submerge the forest entirely and fish feed on fruit while river dolphins race through the canopy. He explains the "memory" of a tree: how those that have been shaken by wind grow thicker and sturdier, while those attacked by pests grow smaller leaves the following year; and reveals how it is that the same trees found in the United States are also native to China (but not Europe).
From tiny saplings to centuries-old redwoods and desert palms, from the backyards of the American heartland to the rain forests of the Amazon and the bamboo forests, Colin Tudge takes the reader on a journey through history and illuminates our ever-present but often ignored companions. A blend of history, science, philosophy, and environmentalism, "The Tree" is an engaging and elegant look at the life of the tree and what modern research tells us about their future."

Call number: QK475 .T83 2006

A Series of Unfortunate Events - Publisher's Marketing: "Lemony Snicket's woeful stories about the Baudelaire siblings"

The Bad Beginning Call number: PZ7 .S6795 Book1

The Reptile Room Call number: PZ7 .S6795 Book2

The Wide Window Call number: PZ7 .S6795 Book3

The Miserable Mill Call number: PZ7 .S6795 Book4

The Austere Academy Call number: PZ7 .S6795 Book5

The Ersatz Elevator Call number: PZ7 .S6795 Book6

The Vile Village Call number: PZ7 .S6795 Book7

The Hostile Hospital Call number: PZ7 .S6795 Book8

The Carnivorous Carnival Call number: PZ7 .S6795 Book9

The Slippery Slope Call number: PZ7.S6795 Book 10

The Grim Grotto Call number: PZ7.S6795 Book 11

The Penultimate Peril Call number: PZ7.S6795 Book 12

The End Call number: PZ7 .S6795 Book13

In this book President Carter shares his intimate knowledge of the history of the Middle East and his personal experiences with the principal actors, and he addresses sensitive political issues many American officials avoid. Pulling no punches, Carter prescribes steps that must be taken for the two states to share the Holy Land without a system of apartheid or the constant fear of terrorism.

The general parameters of a long-term, two-state agreement are well known, the president writes. There will be no substantive and permanent peace for any peoples in this troubled region as long as Israel is violating key U.N. resolutions, official American policy, and the international "road map" for peace by occupying Arab lands and oppressing the Palestinians. Except for mutually agreeable negotiated modifications, Israel's official pre-1967 borders must be honored. As were all previous administrations since the founding of Israel, U.S. government leaders must be in the forefront of achieving this long-delayed goal of a just agreement that both sides can honor.

"Palestine Peace Not Apartheid" is a challenging, provocative, and courageous book."

Call number: DS119.7 .C3583 2006

The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume One: The Pox Party - Publisher's Marketing: "He is a boy dressed in silks and white wigs and given the best of classical educations. Raised by a mysterious group of rational philosophers known only by numbers, the boy and his mother-a princess in exile from a faraway land-are the only people in their household assigned names. As the boy's regal mother, Cassiopeia, entertains the house scholars with her beauty and wit, young Octavian begins to question the purpose behind his guardians' fanatical studies. Only after he dares to open a forbidden door does he learn the hideous nature of their experiments-and his own chilling role in them."

Call number: PZ7 .A54395 Pox 2006

The Fire Next Time - Publisher's Marketing: "A national bestseller when it first appeared in 1963, The Fire Next Time galvanized the nation and gave passionate voice to the emerging civil rights movement. At once a powerful evocation of James Baldwin's early life in Harlem and a disturbing examination of the consequences of racial injustice, the book is an intensely personal and provocative document. It consists of two "letters," written on the occasion of the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation, that exhort Americans, both black and white, to attack the terrible legacy of racism. Described by The New York Times Book Review as "sermon, ultimatum, confession, deposition, testament, and chronicle...all presented in searing, brilliant prose," The Fire Next Time stands as a classic of our literature."

Call number: E185.61 .B195 1993

The Fabric of the Cosmos: Space, Time, and the Texture of Reality - Publisher's Marketing: "From Brian Greene, one of the world's leading physicists and author the Pulitzer Prize finalist The Elegant Universe, comes a grand tour of the universe that makes us look at reality in a completely different way.
Space and time form the very fabric of the cosmos. Yet they remain among the most mysterious of concepts. Is space an entity? Why does time have a direction? Could the universe exist without space and time? Can we travel to the past? From Newton's unchanging realm in which space and time are absolute, to Einstein's fluid conception of spacetime, to quantum mechanics' entangled arena where vastly distant objects can instantaneously coordinate their behavior, Greene takes us all, regardless of our scientific backgrounds, on an irresistible and revelatory journey to the new layers of reality that modern physics has discovered lying just beneath the surface of our everyday world."

Call number: QB982 .G74 2004

Johann Sebastian Bach: Life and Work - Publisher's Marketing: ""In this book, Martin Geck illuminates the life and times of Johann Sebastian Bach and provides an analysis of his entire body of work, from the early cantatas through the Passions, the Masses, the Goldberg Variations, and the Art of the Fugue." "Geck discusses the music in all its breadth, explaining Bach's innovations in harmony and counterpoint, bringing new insight to long-unresolved musicological questions, and evoking the musicians and settings Bach encountered - "the poor singing scholars" of his boyhood in St. Michael's Cloister, the ensemble of virtuosos assembled by Prince Leopold of Cothen - and the difficulties he had with employers, both civic and aristocratic." "At the same time, Geck paints a rich portrait of Bach as an individual. Born into a long line of musicians, he began his formal career as an organ tuner, then took on job after job with increasing prestige, and in time became kapellmeister of St. Thomas Church in Leipzig. He married twice and fathered twenty children, ten of whom survived. Geck draws our attention to the family notebooks, in which Bach; his second wife, Anna Magdalena; and many of his children wrote down assignments, scraps of music, and poems - evidence of a busy, affectionate group devoted to a communal musical life. Out of this environment came the self-assured and uncompromising artist who for forty-five years created an uninterrupted stream of works of the very highest quality. No man, it may be said, has ever composed so brilliantly and so consistently."

Call number: ML410 .B1 G36713 2006

Kitchen Sense: More Than 600 Recipes to Make You a Great Home Cook - Publisher's Marketing: "Imagine if everything you needed to know to be a great home cook were contained between the covers of a single volume. There'd be new twists on cozy favorites like Macaroni and Cheese with Buttermilk Fried Onions and Crumbled Bacon, classic stews such as Chicken Paprikash, Asian-inspired dishes like Chilled Soba Salad, and all-American staples such as juicy hamburgers hot off the grill. There would be reliable, fundamental recipes for basics, including rice (white, yellow, basmati, jasmine, and brown) and vinaigrette (French, Italian, creamy, and others), along with countless creative variations. There would be boxes packed with time-saving tips and useful information on topics ranging from cleaning leafy greens to putting up jams and pickles. There'd be advice for mailing baked goods and pointers for making pan sauces. Each recipe would include not just a list of ingredients but also accurate cooking times, notes for advance prep, and specifics on how to store (and reheat or recycle) leftovers. In short, there'd be kitchen sense. And now there is.
In "Kitchen Sense," renowned food authority Mitchell Davis provides more than 600 of his inviting, foolproof recipes along with the guidance you need to become a terrific home cook. If you already are one, you'll find plenty of dishes to add to your repertoire. Because so much great American home cooking is inspired by this country's unprecedented infusion of international ingredients, techniques, and preparations, Davis's enticing collection takes its cues from far and wide, combining recipes from across the globe to create a true melting pot of flavors.
Written with flair by a true scholar of food who enjoys cooking and eatingeverything, from the simplest down-home cooking to the most sophisticated international cuisine, and crammed with informed, lively, passionate opinions, "Kitchen Sense" is like cooking alongside the Italian-Midwestern-Thai-Hungarian-Mexican-Southern-French-Israeli-Yankee-Indian grandmother you never had."

Call number: TX714 .D396 2006

* Eliminate distractions and improve your concentration on what is being said
* Locate key words, phrases, and ideas while listening
* Cut through your own listening biases
* Interpret body language clues
* Ask constructive, nonthreatening questions that elicit real information
* Get others to listen to you
* Master a whole range of listening skills that you can use on the job and in your personal life

Listening: The Forgotten Skill uses an interactive learning approach with work-sheets, charts, graphs, and self-tests that help you pace and monitor your own progress."

Call number: BF323.L5 B87 1995

Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew - Publisher's Marketing: "The early Christian Church was a chaos of contending beliefs. Some groups of Christians claimed that there was not one God but two or twelve or thirty. Some believed that the world had not been created by God but by a lesser, ignorant deity. Certain sects maintained that Jesus was human but not divine, while others said he was divine but not human.

In Lost Christianities, Bart D. Ehrman offers a fascinating look at these early forms of Christianity and shows how they came to be suppressed, reformed, or forgotten. All of these groups insisted that they upheld the teachings of Jesus and his apostles, and they all possessed writings that bore out their claims, books reputedly produced by Jesus's own followers. Modern archaeological work has recovered a number of key texts, and as Ehrman shows, these spectacular discoveries reveal religious diversity that says much about the ways in which history gets written by the winners. Ehrman's discussion ranges from considerations of various "lost scriptures"--including forged gospels supposedly written by Simon Peter, Jesus's closest disciple, and Judas Thomas, Jesus's alleged twin brother--to the disparate beliefs of such groups as the Jewish-Christian Ebionites, the anti-Jewish Marcionites, and various "Gnostic" sects. Ehrman examines in depth the battles that raged between "proto-orthodox Christians"--those who eventually compiled the canonical books of the New Testament and standardized Christian belief--and the groups they denounced as heretics and ultimately overcame.

Scrupulously researched and lucidly written, Lost Christianities is an eye-opening account of politics, power, and the clash of ideas among Christians in thedecades before one group came to see its views prevail."

Call number: BS2840 .E4 2005

The Secret of Scent: Adventures in Perfume and the Science of Smell

Readers who know Luca Turin as the lively central figure in Chandler Burr's "The Emperor of Scent" will remember the ongoing debate between two competing theories of smell— one based on molecular shape, the other on molecular vibrations. Now Turin himself describes in detail the science, evidence, and long history of this debate, from the beginnings of organic chemistry to the present day, and pays homage to those before him who got it right. This fascinating and accessible account will appeal to anyone who has ever wondered about smell, still the most mysterious of the senses."

Call number: TP983 .T87 2006

Sweet Anticipation: Music and the Psychology of Expectation - Publisher's Marketing: "A theory of expectations is used to explain how music evokes various emotions; for readers interested in cognitive science and evolutionary psychology as well as music."

Call number: ML3838 .H87 2006

Physical Geography: A Self-Teaching Guide - Publisher's Marketing: "Learn physical geography at your own pace

What is atmospheric pressure?How does latitude indicate the type of climate a specific place will have?Where are volcanic eruptions or strong earthquakes most likely to occur?With Physical Geography: A Self-Teaching Guide, you’ ll discover the answers to these questions and many more about the basics of how our planet operates.

Veteran geography teacher Michael Craghan takes you on a guided tour of Earth’ s surface, explaining our planet’ s systems and cycles and their complex interactions step by step.From seasonal changes to coastal processes, from effluvial basins to deep sea fissures, Craghan puts the emphasis on comprehension of the topics.He also includes more than 100 specially commissioned illustrations and 50 photographs to help clarify difficult concepts.The clearly structured format of Physical Geography makes it fully accessible, providing an easily understood, comprehensive overview for everyone from the student to the amateur geographer to the hobbyist.

Like all Self-Teaching Guides, Physical Geography allows you to build gradually on what you have learned– at your own pace.Questions and self-tests reinforce the information in each chapter and allow you to skip ahead or focus on specific areas of concern.Packed with useful, up-to-date information, this clear, concise volume is a valuable learning tool and reference source for anyone who wants to improve his or her understanding of physical geography."

Call number: GB59 .C74 2003

Following brief highlights of this industry's history over the last twenty years of accidents, near-accidents, and institutional changes, "Shouldering Risks" presents excerpts from interviews with some sixty experts about four relatively recent events at three U.S. plants. Drawing also on her earlier field studies at eleven plants in America and abroad, on industry documents, and others' research, Constance Perin identifies unacknowledged elements in this industry's culture of control; for example, control concepts for reactor design, construction, and regulation carry over to risk handling and event analysis, whose efficacy depends instead on recognizing and interpreting the significance of technical and contextual signals on daily display.

Far more than the sum of its parts, this highly knowledge-dependent technology operates along an axis of meanings, not only along an axis of functions. A culture of control is, like any culture, an intricate system of claims about how to understand the world and act in it. Here, claims pivot around the dynamics of control theory and productivity based on particular assumptions about the relationships of humans to machines, models to reality, certainty to ambiguity, rationality toexperience. These four events and accident analyses show that such assumptions can confound control and produce misleading meanings.

"Shouldering Risks" reimagines a broader and deeper culture of control to reshape our understandings of the intellectual capital appropriate to designing, regulating, organizing, and managing this risky enterprise and, perhaps, other such technologies already here or to come."

Call number: TK9152.16 .P47 2005

The Quantum Quark - Publisher's Marketing: "Quantum chromodynamics (QCD), the theory explaining the strong nuclear force that binds together the components of the atomic nucleus, is one of the four fundamental forces of nature that control the universe in which we live. This absorbing book covers the ideas and stories behind QCD, the successes and the puzzles, the unsolved mysteries and the characters involved. The subject is discussed in an accessible and entertaining way, assuming only the minimum physics and mathematics background knowledge. It is a fascinating read for anyone interested in science and a solid introduction for students embarking on particle physics courses."

Call number: QC793.3 .Q35 W38 2004

The Road to Reality: A Complete Guide to the Laws of the Universe - Publisher's Marketing: "From one of our greatest living scientists, a magnificent book that provides, for the serious lay reader, the most comprehensive and sophisticated account we have yet had of the physical universe and the essentials of its underlying mathematical theory.
Since the earliest efforts of the ancient Greeks to find order amid the chaos around us, there has been continual accelerated progress toward understanding the laws that govern our universe. And the particularly important advances made by means of the revolutionary theories of relativity and quantum mechanics have deeply altered our vision of the cosmos and provided us with models of unprecedented accuracy.
What Roger Penrose so brilliantly accomplishes in this book is threefold. First, he gives us an overall narrative description of our present understanding of the universe and its physical behaviors-from the unseeable, minuscule movement of the subatomic particle to the journeys of the planets and the stars in the vastness of time and space.

Second, he evokes the extraordinary beauty that lies in the mysterious and profound relationships between these physical behaviors and the subtle mathematical ideas that explain and interpret them.
Third, Penrose comes to the arresting conclusion-as he explores the compatibility of the two grand classic theories of modern physics-that Einstein's general theory of relativity stands firm while quantum theory, as presently constituted, still needs refashioning.
Along the way, he talks about a wealth of issues, controversies, and phenomena; about the roles of various kinds of numbers in physics, ideas of calculus and modern geometry, visions of infinity, the big bang, black holes, the profound challenge of the second law of thermodynamics, string and M theory, loop quantum gravity, twistors, and educated guesses about science in the near future. In The Road to Reality he has given us a work of enormous scope, intention, and achievement-a complete and essential work of science"

Call number: QC20 .P366 2005

Music is the language of emotion, common wisdom tells us. In "The Singing Neanderthals," Mithen introduces us to the science that might support such popular notions. With equal parts scientific rigor and charm, he marshals current evidence about social organization, tool and weapon technologies, hunting and scavenging strategies, habits and brain capacity of all our hominid ancestors, from "australopithecines" to "Homo erectus," "Homo heidelbergensis" and Neanderthals to "Homo sapiens"--and comes up with a scenario for a shared musical and linguistic heritage. Along the way he weaves a tapestry of cognitive and expressive worlds--alive with vocalized sound, communal mimicry, sexual display, and rhythmic movement--of various species.

The result is a fascinating work--and a succinct riposte to those, like Steven Pinker, who have dismissed music as a functionless evolutionary byproduct."

Call number: ML3800 .M73 2006

The Origins of Music - Publisher's Marketing: "What biological and cognitive forces have shaped humankind's musical behavior and the rich global repertoire of musical structures? What is music for, and why does every human culture have it? What are the universal features of music and musical behavior across cultures? In this groundbreaking book, musicologists, biologists, anthropologists, archaeologists, psychologists, neuroscientists, ethologists, and linguists come together for the first time to examine these and related issues. The book can be viewed as representing the birth of evolutionary biomusicology--the study of which will contribute greatly to our understanding of the evolutionary precursors of human music, the evolution of the hominid vocal tract, localization of brain function, the structure of acoustic-communication signals, symbolic gesture, emotional manipulation through sound, self-expression, creativity, the human affinity for the spiritual, and the human attachment to music itself."

Call number: ML3800 .O74 2000

"Warped Passages" is a brilliantly readable and altogether exhilarating journey that tracks the arc of discovery from early twentieth-century physics to the razor's edge of modern scientific theory. One of the world's leading theoretical physicists, Lisa Randall provides astonishing scientific possibilities that, until recently, were restricted to the realm of science fiction. Unraveling the twisted threads of the most current debates on relativity, quantum mechanics, and gravity, she explores some of the most fundamental questions posed by Nature—taking us into the warped, hidden dimensions underpinning the universe we live in, demystifying the science of the myriad worlds that may exist just beyond our own."

Call number: QC6 .R26 2006

The Weather Makers: How Man Is Changing the Climate and What It Means for Life on Earth - Publisher's Marketing: "Sometime this century the day will arrive when the human influence on the climate will overwhelm all other natural factors. Over the past decade, the world has seen the most powerful El Niqo ever recorded, the most devastating hurricane in two hundred years, the hottest European summer on record, and one of the worst storm seasons ever experienced in Florida. With one out of every five living things on this planet committed to extinction by the levels of greenhouse gases that will accumulate in the next few decades, we are reaching a global climatic tipping point. "The Weather Makers" is both an urgent warning and a call to arms, outlining the history of climate change, how it will unfold over the next century, and what we can do to prevent a cataclysmic future. Along with a riveting history of climate change, Tim Flannery offers specific suggestions for action for both lawmakers and individuals, from investing in renewable power sources like wind, solar, and geothermal energy, to offering an action plan with steps each and every one of us can take right now to reduce deadly CO2 emissions by as much as 70 percent."

Call number: QC981.8 .C5 F438 2006

Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary - Publisher's Marketing: "This New York Times Notable Book of the Year, 1998, is now in trade paper.
From the bestselling author of Eyes on the Prize, here is the definitive biography of the great lawyer and Supreme Court justice."

Call number: KF8745.M34 W55 1998

Stumbling on Happiness - Publisher's Marketing: "Using cutting-edge research, Harvard psychologist Gilbert shakes, cajoles, persuades, and tricks readers into accepting the fact that happiness is not really what or where it is imagined to be."

Call number: BF575.H27 G55 2006

The organization's flagship book on diabetes care, and "American Diabetes Association Complete Guide to Diabetes" is the quintessential sourcebook for people who want to take charge of their disease for a lifetime. Containing detailed explanations and step-by-step instructions on self-managing diabetes, this definitive guide arms readers with hundreds of effective self-care techniques to solve scores of common diabetes-related problemssafely and easily.

This completely revised fourth edition is filled with the latest information about: Insulin and oral diabetes medicationsTools and techniques for managing diabetesMeal Planning, including sample meal plans

This mega-volume also includes chapters on gestational diabetes, glucose control, health care professionals, the ins and outs of insulin, healthy eating, diabetes tools, health insurance and hospital stays, and much more."

Call number: RC660.4 .A485 2005

The Architecture of Happiness - Publisher's Marketing: "With his trademark lucidity and humor, de Botton traces how human needs and desires have been served by styles of architecture, from stately Classical to minimalist Modern, arguing that the stylistic choices of a society can represent both its cherished ideals and the qualities it desperately lacks."

Call number: NA2540 .D34 2006

Autobiography of My Mother - Publisher's Marketing: "Kincaid's new and long-awaited novel is a powerful and unforgettable story of loss, longing, loving, and survival that resonants with the proud insurgence of the human will. The story of Xuela, whose mother dies at the moment she is born, presents "an indeliable portrait of an angry woman" (New York Times) "most comparable, perhaps, to Camus' The Stranger" (Washington Post Book World)."

Call number: PR9275 .A583 K5636 1997

Introducing readers to the world of particle physics, Deep Down Things opens new realms within which are many clues to unraveling the mysteries of the universe."

Call number: QC793.2 .S35 2004

Bone Black - Publisher's Marketing: "A memoir of ideas and perceptions, Bone Back shows the unfolding of female creativity and one strong-spirited child's journey toward becoming a writer. She learns early on the roles women and men play in society, as well as the impotence of children, especially black female children. She sheds new light on a society that beholds the joys of marriage for men and condemns anything more than silence for women. In this world, too, black is a woman's color - worn when earned - daughters and daddy are strangers under the same roof, and crying children are often given something to cry about. In school, hooks sees that integration most resembles corralling, with black children herded, prodded, and pushed like cattle. And the learning agenda is to teach these children to forget their history and the injustices done to them and to embrace the ways of white folk. hooks finds comfort in solitude, good company in books. She also discovers, in the motionless body of misunderstanding, that writing is the most vital breath. She is taught by an elder that quilting is the way a woman learns patience. And hooks's patience, coupled with the insight and bravery that readers have come to expect from her, is rewarded with the strength to keep in touch with the wounded parts of herself and to grow beyond the scars by stretching the confines of history, tradition, and family to encompass her expansive spirit."

Call number: E185.97.H77 A3 1996

Food in the Ancient World - Publisher's Marketing: "In Food in the Ancient World, a respected classicist and a practising world-class chef explore a millennium of eating and drinking. The book focuses on ancient Greece and Rome, but also looks at Persian, Egyptian, Celtic and other cultures. It embraces people from all walks of life, from impoverished citizens subsisting on cereals, chickpeas and even locusts, to the meat-eating elites whose demands drove advances in gastronomy. The authors reveal how food ndash; used to uphold the social system and linked by philosophers to moral character ndash; played a pivotal role in the ancient world. They describe religious sacrifices, ancient dinner parties and drinking bouts, as well as exotic foods and recipes. Extending from Syria to Spain, and from the steppes of Russia to the deserts of North Africa, this evocative account gives readers a taste of the ancient world."

Call number: TX353 .W535 2006

Solar Revolution: The Economic Transformation of the Global Energy Industry - Publisher's Marketing: "In "Solar Revolution," fund manager and former corporate buyout specialist Travis Bradford argues--on the basis of standard business and economic forecasting models--that over the next two decades solar energy will increasingly become the best and cheapest choice for most electricity and energy applications. "Solar Revolution" outlines the path by which the transition to solar technology and sustainable energy practices will occur.Developments in the photovoltaic (PV) industry over the last ten years have made direct electricity generation from PV cells a cost-effective and feasible energy solution, despite the common view that PV technology appeals only to a premium niche market. Bradford shows that PV electricity today has become the choice of hundreds of thousands of mainstream homeowners and businesses in many markets worldwide, including Japan, Germany, and the American Southwest.Solar energy will eventually be the cheapest source of energy in nearly all markets and locations because PV can bypass the aging and fragile electricity grid and deliver its power directly to the end user, fundamentally changing the underlying economics of energy. As the scale of PV production increases and costs continue to decline at historic rates, demand for PV electricity will outpace supply of systems for years to come.Ultimately, the shift from fossil fuels to solar energy will take place not because solar energy is better for the environment or energy security, or because of future government subsidies or as yet undeveloped technology. The solar revolution is already occurring through decisions made by self-interested energy users. The shift to solar energy is inevitable and will be astransformative as the last century's revolutions in information and communication technologies."

Call number: HD9681.A2 B73 2006

Transbluesency: The Selected Poetry of Amiri Baraka - Publisher's Marketing: "Starting with a Preface to a Twenty Volume Suicide Note, and including many out-of-print and limited edition chapbooks and broadsides, Transblusency: The Selected Poems of Amiri Baraka concisely illuminates Baraka's almost single-handed renovation of both the nature and form of post-WWII African American literature, and his profound influence on a generation of poets of all ethnic backgrounds."

Call number: PS3552 .A583 A6 1995

But what if they can't?

Twilight in the Desert looks behind the curtain to reveal a Saudi oil and production industry that could soon approach a serious, irreversible decline. In this exhaustively researched book, veteran oil industry analyst Matthew Simmons draws on his own three-plus decades of insider experience and more than 200 independently produced reports about Saudi petroleum resources and production operations. What he uncovers is a story about Saudi Arabia's troubled oil industry, not to mention its political and societal instability, which differs sharply from the globally accepted Saudi version.

It's a story that is provocative and disturbing, based on undeniable facts, but until now never told in its entirety. Twilight in the Desert examines numerous aspects of Saudi Arabia and its looming oil crisis, including: The seventy-year history of modern Saudi Arabia, and the truth behind its troubling mix of monarchy, conservative Islam, severe social restrictions, and economic contradictions Why the geological phenomena that created Saudi oil invincibility now threaten to bring it to an end, far sooner than the world has been led to believe A field-by-field assessment of twelve key Saudi oil fields, and how verified shortfalls in their production and potential stand sharply at odds with unverifiable Saudi rhetoric

While Saudi officials promise to increase production from current levels ifnecessary, Twilight in the Desert examines the history of other major oil fields to determine that Saudi Arabia is in fact overproducing its primary resources, and couldn't possibly ramp up production for long. It calls for long-overdue transparency on the part of the Saudis and all significant global oil producers, along with urgently needed energy data reform, and a global energy blueprint for how the world will cope once Saudi oil output has peaked.

Without question, Saudi Arabian oil fields provide the rest of the world with its most plentiful, low-cost oil resource. The question is how long can they continue to keep these critical pipelines open. Twilight in the Desert answers that question with keen examination instead of unsubstantiated posturing, and takes its place as one of the most important books of this still-young century."

Call number: HD9576.S32 S55 2005

French Women for All Seasons: A Year of Secrets, Recipes, and Pleasure - Publisher's Marketing: "By letter, e-mail, and in person, readers of Mireille Guiliano’ s phenomenal best seller, "French Women Don’ t Get Fat," have inundated her with requests for more of her cunning but simple secrets to living the good life, the ways French women manage to enjoy wine, chocolate, and many other seductive pleasures without gaining weight. Mireille’ s answer? This buoyant book brimming with fresh advice and seasonal stories— on food "bien sû r" (more than 100 delicious new recipes) but also on many other aspects of living that should bring us pleasure, such as picking a wine, dressing well, even arranging flowers.
French women not only stay slim while relishing life to the fullest, they also have the longest life expectancy in the Western world. And now Mireille shows us how they attune themselves to the rhythms of the year. Together with a bounty of new dining ideas and menus, she offers us a treasury of tips on style, grooming, and entertaining, all designed to focus the mind on sensory pleasure for maximum enjoyment. Here are four seasons’ worth of strategies for shopping, cooking, and exercising, as well as some pointers for looking effortlessly chic. Whether your aim is finding two scoopfuls of pleasure in one of "crè me brû lé e" or entertaining beautifully when time is short and expectations are high, the inspiration you need is here. Taking us from her childhood in Alsace-Lorraine to her summers in Provence and her busy life in New York and Paris, this book of scrumptious Gallic wisdom and wit shows how anyone anywhere can develop a healthy, holistic lifestyle.
In the voice that entranced more than a million honorary French women, Mireille demonstrates that there is indeed an art to joyful living, and that equilibrium— being "bien dans sa peau" and true to one’ s individual nature— is the key to a long and healthy life. Full of sage, irresistible advice on everything from decanting to detoxing, from yogurt to yoga, "French Women for All Seasons" is an essential guide to savoring all life’ s moments— in moderation, in season, and, above all, with pleasure."

Call number: RM222.2 .G7854 2006

The Ghost Map: The Story of London's Most Terrifying Epidemic--And How It Changed Science, Cities, and the Modern World - Publisher's Marketing: "A thrilling historical account of the worst cholera outbreak in Victorian London-and a brilliant exploration of how Dr. John Snow's solution revolutionized the way we think about disease, cities, science, and the modern world. From the dynamic thinker routinely compared to Malcolm Gladwell, E. O. Wilson, and James Gleick, "The Ghost Map" is a riveting page-turner with a real-life historical hero that brilliantly illuminates the intertwined histories of the spread of viruses, rise of cities, and the nature of scientific inquiry. These are topics that have long obsessed Steven Johnson, and "The Ghost Map" is a true triumph of the kind of multidisciplinary thinking for which he's become famous-a book that, like the work of Jared Diamond, presents both vivid history and a powerful and provocative explanation of what it means for the world we live in. "The Ghost Map" takes place in the summer of 1854. A devastating cholera outbreak seizes London just as it is emerging as a modern city: more than 2 million people packed into a ten-mile circumference, a hub of travel and commerce, teeming with people from all over the world, continually pushing the limits of infrastructure that's outdated as soon as it's updated. Dr. John Snow-whose ideas about contagion had been dismissed by the scientific community-is spurred to intense action when the people in his neighborhood begin dying. With enthralling suspense, Johnson chronicles Snow's day-by-day efforts, as he risks his own life to prove how the epidemic is being spread. When he creates the map that traces the pattern of outbreak back to its source, Dr. Snow didn't just solve the most pressing medical riddle of his time. He ultimately established aprecedent for the way modern city-dwellers, city planners, physicians, and public officials think about the spread of disease and the development of the modern urban environment. "The Ghost Map" is an endlessly compelling and utterly gripping account of that London summer of 1854, from the microbial level to the macrourban-theory level-including, most important, the human level."

Call number: RC133.G6 J64 2006

It Takes a Village - Publisher's Marketing: "In celebration of the tenth anniversary of "It Takes a Village," this splendid edition includes photographs and a new Introduction by Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton.

A decade ago, then First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton chronicled her quest -- both deeply personal and, in the truest sense, public -- to help make our society into the kind of village that enables children to become smart, able, resilient adults. "It Takes a Village" is "a textbook for caring.... Filled with truths that are worth a read, and a reread" "(The Dallas Morning News)."

For more than thirty-five years, Senator Clinton has made children her passion and her cause. Her long experience -- not only through her roles as mother, daughter, sister, and wife but also as advocate, legal expert, and public servant -- has strengthened her conviction that how children develop and what they need to succeed are inextricably entwined with the society in which they live and how well it sustains and supports its families and individuals. In other words, it takes a village to raise a child.

In her new Introduction, Senator Clinton reflects on how our village has changed over the last decade -- from the impact of the Internet to new research in early child development and education. She discusses issues of increasing concern -- security, the environment, the national debt -- and looks at where we have made progress and where there is still work to be done.

"It Takes a Village" has become a classic. As relevant as ever, this anniversary edition makes it abundantly clear that the choices we make today about how we raise our children and how we support families will determine how our nation will face the challenges of this century."

Call number: HQ792.U5 C57 2006

An Introduction to Formal Logic - Publisher's Marketing: "A highly accessible guide to the fundamental aims and basic elements of formal logic."

Call number: BC71 .S62 2003

An Introduction to Black Holes, Information and the String Theory Revolution: The Holographic Universe - Publisher's Marketing: "Over the last decade the physics of black holes has been revolutionized by developments that grew out of Jacob Bekenstein's realization that black holes have entropy. This revolution has culminated in a remarkable principle called "the holographic principle," which is now a major focus of attention in gravitational research, quantum field theory and elementary particle physics. Leonard Susskind, one of the co-inventors of the holographic principle as well as one of the founders of string theory, develops and explains these concepts."

Call number: QB843.B55 S97 2005

It has become customary in the introduction and exposition of Hegel to begin by bemoaning the difficulty of the task and, especially, of making a beginning at all. Many of Hegel's commentators have been compelled to go through a sort of personal catharsis before plunging into the labyrinthine abyss of Hegel's system and its expression. But if it is true, as Goethe says (and Hegel repeats), that there is no remedy but love against the great superiorities of others, then a purging of one's complacency and conceit may indeed be the best way to approach Hegel--or any other great thinker.

His entire philosophy is itself a spiritual bath, a baptism, which ravishes everything in its path and leaves nothing on earth or in heaven untouched. It is a religion built upon a profound faith, which teaches that we must die in order to live, and which regards man as natural, and points out how he may be born anew--how his first nature may be changed into a second, spiritual nature. It is a philosophy of education, a dialectical "paideia, "which calls upon us to obey that absolute commandment: "know thyself; "and a Promethean attempt to show that this summons is not an arbitrary law imposed from without, but the free and essential act of the God within, our innermost self. But in no other philosophy does the word "self" appear more often, Yet more selflessly, than in that of Hegel, for the self that gradually and painfully emerges from its struggle with a protean world (which is, in truth, an inversion of its own nature) is like a phoenix risen from the ashes of its own funeral pyre, a subject become substance, creating out of itself bytransforming itself and canceling within itself a myriad of inadequate forms of its own truth.

Hegel's philosophy is the suffering, death, and if we believe and can follow him, resurrection of everything incomplete, unknowing, and disconnected. It is the most ambitious, and at once impassioned and objective, endeavor to construe the inner and outer worlds of human experience rationally, and to systematize this construal into a "Science" of philosophic logic: "To help to bring philosophy nearer to the form of science "[Wissenschaft]--"that goal where it can lay aside the name of "love "of knowledge and be actual "knowledge--"that," Hegel says, "is what I have set before me."' But above all, Hegel's is a philosophy of freedom, where each human effort to discern the work of reason in all the processes of reality--in the animate and inanimate, in the intentional and unintentional, in the motions of atoms and stars, and in the labors and contests of men and nations--is at the same time a phase or moment of an eternal self-activity through which Spirit wins its independence from every form of externality by sensing, imagining, willing, and finally thinking this manifold otherness into an organic totality, in which the whole alone is true, and the consciousness of this, freedom:

Everything that from eternity has happened in heaven and earth, the life of God and all the deeds of time simply are the struggles for Spirit to know itself, to make itself objective to itself, to find itself, be for itself, and finally unite itself to itself, it is alienated and divided, but only so as to be able thus to find itself and return to itself. Only in this manner does Spirit attain its freedom, forthat is free which is not connected with or dependent on another.

Spirit is the truth, says Hegel, and the sole truth of Spirit is freedom. But he adds, elsewhere, that this freedom is won only through a "stern strife" against our own naive subjectivity, against the immediacy of arbitrary desire and passion. This stern strife makes many turn back, but it is only through this battle that culture is attained.

"The truth is the whole," Hegel says, But this whole is only the process of Spirit's own development, realized in the world and comprehended in thought, and the whole truth about Hegel is likewise a result, which can only be had by traversing and sharing the full range of the development of his thinking. While it is impossible for us in the brief compass of this Introduction to discuss the wealth of this development that Hegel's philosophy recounts, we can at least try to bring into focus prime aspects of the notion of development itself. For the notion of development is crucial. Its importance for understanding Hegel is paramount, and in his History of Philosophy he states explicitly that "we could, indeed, embrace the whole in the single principle of development [Entwicklung]; if this were clear, all else would result and follow of its own accord." There is, however, no "secret" of Hegel, in the sense that by employing some sort of magic formula, one could bypass the labor and difficulty of reaching one's goal. Success in this case is a journey, and failure largely a fear of undertaking it. The persevering student will find that Hegel's "difficulty" is not external and contrived, but essential and necessary, the difficulty, as one writer puts it, of permanent and universalintelligibility, and that if the obstacles that his thought presents seem extraordinary, they are so only in proportion to the goals which overcoming them permits us to attain."

Call number: B2908 .W44 1974

Here I Stand - Publisher's Marketing: "Robeson's international achievements as a singer and actor in starring roles on stage and screen made him the most celebrated black American of his day, but his outspoken criticism of racism in the United States, his strong support of African independence, and his fascination with the Soviet Union placed him under the debilitating scrutiny of McCarthyism. Blacklisted, his famed voice silenced, he wrote Here I Stand as a bold answer to his accusers. It remains today a defiant challenge to the prevailing fear and racism that continues to characterize American society."

Call number: E185.97 .R63 A3

This indispensable guide to the fundamentals of geology is the ideal way to introduce yourself to all the basics, from rocks, minerals, and fossil fuels to earthquakes, volcanoes, and plate tectonics. Using quick quizzes and self-tests to reinforce key concepts, Geology carefully walks you through billions of years of Earth history. Illustrated with more than one hundred specially commissioned illustrations and fifty photographs that help clarify difficult concepts, this easy-to-follow book is an interactive resource for anyone interested in learning more about our planet.

Whether you are new to geology or want to refresh and update your knowledge, the proven self-teaching guide approach will allow you to work at your own pace, check your progress, and learn more about this fascinating field of study."

Call number: QE40 .M87 2001

A Hard Road to Glory: A History of the African American Athlete: Track and Field - Publisher's Marketing: "African-American athletes have been excelling in track and field since the first modern Olympics. While this volume tells the story of such internationally known athletes as Carl Lewis, Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph, among others; it also introduces or reminds us of such steller performers as John Woodruff, Wyomia Tyus and Nell Jackson. This volume is devoted completely to the African-American's participation in track & field. It reveals the legends and records of club and college participants, as well as coaches -- including the achievements of athletes in the traditional black colleges."

Call number: GV1060.6 .A84 1993

A Hard Road to Glory: A History of the African American Athlete: Baseball - Publisher's Marketing: "This informative book gives readers the whole history of blacks in baseball, from its infancy in black colleges to the present, covering the establishment of both major leagues and the Negro Leagues, Jackie Robinson's reintegration of professional sports, and Curt Flood's struggle to establish a free agency."

Call number: GV863.A1 A84 1993

A Hard Road to Glory: A History of the African American Athlete: Basketball - Publisher's Marketing: "Ashe makes a fast-break to fairness and understanding in telling the story of the African-American basketball player. This book traces the development of blacks' participation in the sport, from the club players of the '20s to the colleges to the professionals of today, including Hall of Famers."

Call number: GV885.7 .A84 1993

On the Wealth of Nations - Publisher's Marketing: "Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations was first published in 1776 and almost instantly it was recognized as the fundamental work of economics, as important to the development of this field as Darwin's The Origin of Species would be for natural history eighty years later. The Wealth of Nations was also recognized as being really long; the original edition totaled over nine hundred pages in two volumes. And as P. J. O'Rourke points out, to understand The Wealth of Nations, you also need to read Smith's first doorstopper, The Theory of Moral Sentiments. But now you don't have to read either. That's because P.J. has waded through all of Smith's dense work, including Wealth's sixty-seven-page "digression concerning the variations in the value of silver during the course of the four last centuries," which, says O'Rourke, "to those uninterested in the historiography of currency supply, is like reading Modern Maturity in Urdu." In this hilarious and insightful examination of Smith and his groundbreaking work, which even intellectuals should have no trouble comprehending, P.J. puts his trademark wit to good use, and shows us why Smith is still relevant, why what seems obvious now was once revolutionary, and why the pursuit of self-interest is so important."

Call number: HB161 .O76 2007

CLAST: College-Level Academic Skills test with CDROM - Publisher's Marketing: "REA's new TESTware edition the CLAST test prep is designed for the student enrolled in a Florida institution of higher learning who wishes to earn an A.A. degree or move on to the third year of a four-year degree program. For this purpose, the CLAST is used as a measure of academic skills at the undergraduate level. Based on Florida's official College Level Academic Skills Test (CLAST), this test prep contains two full-length practice tests both in the book and in a timed format on CD with instant scoring and detailed explanations of every answer. Comprehensive review sections include math, reading, English language, and essay writing. Diagnostic tests and drill questions are also provided to aid in skill development and test-taking ability. All of the exam sections and review materials were prepared by Florida professors to help the student pass every section of the CLAST exam. Failing any section of the CLAST will result in the assignment of remedial course work in that subject.
DETAILS
- Comprehensive, up-to-date subject review of Florida's CLAST
- Study schedule tailored to your needs
- Packed with proven key exam tips, insights and advice
- 2 full-length practice exams.
- Complete and detailed answer explanations for every question
- Test-taking strategies and drills, plus a study schedule that gets you ready for test day.
TESTware software on CD-ROM features:
- 2 full-length, timed practice exams in computerized format for the closest experience to taking a live exam
- Automatic and accurate scoring for immediate feedback
- Detailed, on-screen explanations for all questions"

Call number: LB2353.7 .C64 B47 2007

Call number: LB2353.7 .C64 B47 2007 CD-ROM

In this collection you will find easy-to-follow recipes that range from the comforting to the fantastical. You will become acquainted with the exotic fruits and vegetables found in the Sunshine State, get tips on the proper ways to handle and prepare seafood, and find new ways to liven up familiar vegetables and meats.
-- Try papaya as a vegetable, baked while still green
-- Serve a juicy pineapple dessert, baked with rum and flaming
-- Treat yourself to a luscious conch chowder or curried lobster
-- Cook chicken strips inside a fresh coconut for a taste you never imagined

Whether you're a Florida visitor, newcomer, or resident, let gourmet cook George S. Fichter tempt your palate, and join The Sunshine State Cookbook's celebration of Florida's plenty."

Call number: TX715 .F43 2002

Pronoia Is the Antidote for Paranoia: How the Whole World Is Conspiring to Shower You with Blessings - Publisher's Marketing: "Human beings are selfish, small-minded, violence-prone savages, civilization is a blight on the earth, and the rising tide of chaos ensures that everything's going to fall apart any day now. Right? Wrong, says Rob Brezsny. In Pronoia Is the Antidote to Paranoia, he declares evil is boring, the universe is friendly, and life is a sublime gift created for our amusement and illumination. This buoyant perspective is not rooted in denial. On the contrary, Brezsny builds a case for a "cagey optimism" that does not require a repression of difficulty, but rather, seeks a vigorous engagement with it. The best way to attract the blessings that the world is conspiring to give us, he insists, is to dive into the most challenging mysteries. This witty, inspiring how-to shows how any reader can become "a wildly disciplined, fiercely tender . . . lustfully compassionate Master of Rowdy Bliss.""

Call number: B829 .B74 2005

Poetry Speaks to Children with CD - Publisher's Marketing: "Featuring more than 100 poems--50 of them brought to life on CD--ranging from Gwendolyn Brooks to Ogden Nash to Shel Silverstein, this book/CD package reaches into the world of poetry and pulls out the things children love: rhyme, rhythm, fun, and every once in a while, a little mischief."

Call number: PS586.3 .P644 2005

Call number: PS586.3 .P644 2005 CD

This unique marriage of bestselling author Francis D.K. Ching's illustrative talent and Steven Winkel's code expertise provides an accessible, time-saving companion guide to the latest code. The visual presentation of information extracts the core portions of the building code that are most relevant for professionals and hones building codes down to the essentials. Organized to correspond with related subject matter in the IBC, Building Codes Illustrated enables architects, engineers, and other design professionals to quickly find clarifying information on the nonstructural provision of the IBC. Readers gain a clear and complete understanding of those sections at a glance through enlightening computer-rendered illustrations and succinct yet thorough interpretations.

There's no excuse for not being up to code. Avoid costly mistakes with the invaluable help of Building Codes Illustrated, Second Edition."

Call number: TH420 .C49 2006

The Natural Soap Book: Making Herbal and Vegetable-Based Soaps - Publisher's Marketing: "An inspiring exploration of the goodness of chemical- and additive-free soap."

Call number: TP991 .C39 1995

Chemistry: Concepts and Problems: A Self-Teaching Guide - Publisher's Marketing: "Have you ever wondered about the differences between liquids, gases, and solids? Or what actually happens when something burns? What exactly is a solution? An acid? A base? This is chemistry - the composition and structure of substances composing all matter, and how they can be transformed. Whether you are studying chemistry for the first time on your own, want to refresh your memory for a test, or need a little help for a course, this concise, interactive guide gives you a fresh approach to this fascinating subject."

Call number: QD31.2 .H66 1996

In the late twenty-first century Bo Marsten is unjustly accused of a causing a rash that plagues his entire high school. He loses it, and as a result, he's sentenced to work in the Canadian tundra, at a pizza factory that's surrounded by hungry polar bears. Bo finds prison life to be both boring and dangerous, but it's nothing compared to what happens when he starts playing on the factory's highly illegal football team. In the meantime, Bork, an artificial intelligence that Bo created for a science project, tracks Bo down in prison. Bork has spun out of control and seems to be operating on his own. He offers to get Bo's sentence shortened, but can Bo trust him? And now that Bo has been crushing skulls on the field, will he be able to go back to his old, highly regulated life?

Pete Hautman takes a satirical look at an antiseptic future in this darkly comic mystery/adventure."

Call number: PZ7 .H2887 Ras 2006

Before You Leap: A Frog's-Eye View of Life's Greatest Lessons - Publisher's Marketing: "Kermit the Frog celebrates his 50th anniversary by sharing the inspiring life lessons he's learned as a frog. Told with wit and wisdom, the book addresses many of life's milestones including growing up, leaving home, falling in love, and starting a career. It's perfect for a new graduate, retiree, parent, or anyone ready for a fresh outlook on life."

Call number: BJ1595 .K37 2006

iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon: How I Invented the Personal Computer, Co-Founded Apple, and Had Fun Doing It - Publisher's Marketing: "The mastermind behind Apple sheds his low profile and steps forward to tell his story for the first time.
Before cell phones that fit in the palm of your hand and slim laptops that fit snugly into briefcases, computers were like strange, alien vending machines. They had cryptic switches, punch cards and pages of encoded output. But in 1975, a young engineering wizard named Steve Wozniak had an idea: What if you combined computer circuitry with a regular typewriter keyboard and a video screen? The result was the first true personal computer, the Apple I, a widely affordable machine that anyone could understand and figure out how to use.
Wozniak's life--before and after Apple--is a "home-brew" mix of brilliant discovery and adventure, as an engineer, a concert promoter, a fifth-grade teacher, a philanthropist, and an irrepressible prankster. From the invention of the first personal computer to the rise of Apple as an industry giant, "iWoz" presents a no-holds-barred, rollicking, firsthand account of the humanist inventor who ignited the computer revolution."

Call number: QA76.2.W69 W69 2006

Besides being one of the most successful consumer products in decades, the iPod has changed our behavior and even our society. It has transformed Apple from a computer company into a consumer electronics giant. It has remolded the music business, altering not only the means of distribution but even the ways in which people enjoy and think about music. Its ubiquity and its universally acknowledged coolness have made it a symbol for the digital age itself, with commentators remarking on "the iPod generation." Now the iPod is beginning to transform the broadcast industry, too, as podcasting becomes a way to access radio and television programming. Meanwhile millions of Podheads obsess about their gizmo, reveling in the personal soundtrack it offers them, basking in the social cachet it lends them, even wondering whether the device itself has its own musical preferences.

Steven Levy, the chief technology correspondent for "Newsweek" magazine and a longtime Apple watcher, is the ideal writer to tell the iPod's tale. He has had access to all the key players in the iPod story, including Steve Jobs, Apple's charismatic cofounder and CEO, whom Levy has known for over twenty years. Detailing for the first time the complete story of the creation of the iPod, Levy explains why Apple succeeded brilliantly with its version of the MP3 player when other companies didn't get it right, and how Jobs was able to convince the bosses at the big record labels to license their music for Apple's groundbreaking iTunes Store. (We even learn why the iPod is white.) Besides his inside view of Apple, Levy draws on his experiences covering Napster and attending Supreme Court arguments on copyright (as well as his own travels on the iPod's click wheel) to address all of the fascinating issues -- technical, legal, social, and musical -- that the iPod raises.

Borrowing one of the definitive qualities of the iPod itself, "The Perfect Thing" shuffles the book format. Each chapter of this book was written to stand on its own, a deeply researched, wittily observed take on a different aspect of the iPod. The sequence of the chapters in the book has been shuffled in different copies, with only the opening and concluding sections excepted. "Shuffle" is a hallmark of the digital age -- and "The Perfect Thing," via sharp, insightful reporting, is the perfect guide to the deceptively diminutive gadget embodying our era."

Call number: ML74.4 .I48 L48 2006

Equal Justice Under Law: An Autobiography - Publisher's Marketing: "This wise and affecting memoir is the inside story of the great efforts leading up to the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 and the fight to implement it-and its implications for affirmative action and black poverty today.

A black woman who moved in the corridors of power in the middle of this century, Constance Baker Motley has been a pioneer in both black civil rights and women's rights. As the key attorney assisting Thurgood Marshall at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, she argued a dozen cases before the Supreme Court (winning all but one), and her representation of James Meredith in his bid to enroll in the University of Mississippi made her famous. Subsequently, as Manhattan borough president and a U.S. district court judge, she has fulfilled the highest aspirations of our legal and political system.

This book, the most detailed account to date of the legal conflicts of the civil rights movement, is also an account of Motley's struggle, as a black woman, to succeed, a record of a life lived with great courage and responsibility."

Call number: KF373 .M64 A34 1999

Status Anxiety - Publisher's Marketing: "Anyone who's ever lost sleep over an unreturned phone call or the neighbor's Lexus had better read Alain de Botton's irresistibly clear-headed new book, immediately. For in its pages, a master explicator of our civilization and its discontents turns his attention to the insatiable quest for status, a quest that has less to do with material comfort than with love. To demonstrate his thesis, de Botton ranges through Western history and thought from St. Augustine to Andrew Carnegie and Machiavelli to Anthony Robbins.
Whether it's assessing the class-consciousness of Christianity or the convulsions of consumer capitalism, dueling or home-furnishing, Status Anxiety is infallibly entertaining. And when it examines the virtues of informed misanthropy, art appreciation, or walking a lobster on a leash, it is not only wise but helpful."

Call number: HM821 .D43 2005

The Cosmic Landscape: String Theory and the Illusion of Intelligent Design - Publisher's Marketing: "In his first book ever, the father of string theory reinvents the world's concept of the known universe and man's unique place within it."

Call number: QB981 .S886 2005

The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth - Publisher's Marketing: ""The Creation" is E. O. Wilson's most important work since the publications of "Sociobiology" and "Biophilia." Like Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring," it is a book about the fate of the earth and the survival of our planet. Yet while Carson was specifically concerned with insecticides and the ecological destruction of our natural resources, Wilson, the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner, attempts his new social revolution by bridging the seemingly irreconcilable worlds of fundamentalism and science. Like Carson, Wilson passionately concerned about the state of the world, draws on his own personal experiences and expertise as an entomologist, and prophesies that half the species of plants and animals on Earth could either have gone or atleast are fated for early extinction by the end of our present century.
Astonishingly, "The Creation" is not a bitter, predictable rant against fundamentalist Christians or deniers of Darwin. Rather, Wilson, a leading "secular humanist," draws upon his own rich background as a boy in Alabama who "took the waters," and seeks not to condemn this new generations of Christians but to address them on their own terms. Conceiving the book as an extended letter to a southern Baptist minister, Wilson, in stirring language that can evoke Martin Luther King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail," tells this everyman minister how, in fact, the world really came to be. He pleads with these men of the cloth to understand the cataclysmic damage that is destroying our planet and asks for their help in preventing the destruction of our Earth before it is too late. Never a pessimist, Wilson avers that there are solutions that may yet save the planet, and believes that the vision that he presents in "The Creation" is one that both scientists and pastors can accept, and work on together in spite of their fundamental ideological differences."

Call number: QH303 .W55 2006

An Inconvenient Truth - Publisher's Marketing: ""An Inconvenient Truth"--Gore's groundbreaking, battle cry of a follow-up to the bestselling "Earth in the Balance"--is being published to tie in with a documentary film of the same name. Both the book and film were inspired by a series of multimedia presentations on global warming that Gore created and delivers to groups around the world. With this book, Gore, who is one of our environmental heroes--and a leading expert--brings together leading-edge research from top scientists around the world; photographs, charts, and other illustrations; and personal anecdotes and observations to document the fast pace and wide scope of global warming. He presents, with alarming clarity and conclusiveness--and with humor, too--that the fact of global warming is not in question and that its consequences for the world we live in will be disastrous if left unchecked. This riveting new book--written in an accessible, entertaining style--will open the eyes of even the most skeptical."

Call number: QC981.8 .G56 G67 2006

Meridian - Publisher's Marketing: "Meridian Hill is a young woman at an Atlanta college attempting to find her place in the revolution for racial and social equality. She discovers the limits beyond which she will not go for the cause, but despite her decision not to follow the path of some of her peers, she makes significant sacrifices in order to further her beliefs. Working in a campaign to register African American voters, Meridian cares broadly and deeply for the people she visits, and, while her coworkers quit and move to comfortable homes, she continues to work in the deep South despite a paralyzing illness. Meridian's nonviolent methods, though seemingly less radical than the methods of others, prove to be an effective means of furthering her beliefs."

Call number: PS3573 .A425 M4 2003

Banker to the Poor: Micro-Lending and the Battle Against World Poverty - Publisher's Marketing: "Banker to the Poor is Muhammad Yunus's inspiring memoir of how he changed his life to establish the Grameen Bank, which provides miniscule loans to help the poor of Bangladesh."

Call number: HG3290.6 .A6 Y86 1999

Europe's failure to integrate its Muslim millions, combined with America's battered image in the Muslim world, have left too many Western Muslims easy prey for violent dogmas. Until America and Europe adopt new strategies, Shore argues, Europe will increasingly become the incubation ground for breeding new Bin Ladens.

The United States continues to spend billions of dollars and lose thousands of its young men and women to combat Islamic extremists, a group estimated to be as small as fifty thousand. What Western leaders have not done, says Shore, is seek to understand the millions of moderate Muslims who live peacefully in the United States and Europe. Many in this extraordinarily diverse group are deeply ambivalent toward perceived Western values. Although they may admire America's economic or technological might, many are appalled by its crass consumerism, sexualization of women, lack of social justice, and foreign policies.

Shore taps into this oft-ignored perspective through in-depth interviews with Muslims living across the European Union. He gives voice to people of deep faith who speak of the conflict between their desire to integrate into their adopted societies and the repulsion they feel toward some of what the West represents.

Shore offers a deeply nuanced and hopeful consideration of Islam's future in the West. Cautioning Westernleaders against an anti-terrorist tunnel vision that could ultimately backfire, Shore proposes bold, creative, and controversial solutions for attracting the hearts and minds of moderate Muslims living in the West."

Call number: D1056.2 .M87 S56 2006

Karen Armstrong's immaculately researched new biography of Muhammad will enable readers to understand the true origins and spirituality of a faith that is all too often misrepresented as cruel, intolerant, and inherently violent. An acclaimed authority on religious and spiritual issues, Armstrong offers a balanced, in-depth portrait, revealing the man at the heart of Islam by dismantling centuries of misconceptions. Armstrong demonstrates that Muhammad's life— a pivot point in history— has genuine relevance to the global crises we face today.

"A fresh, evenhanded biography of the founder of Islam by the author of "A History of God." "Portrays Muhammad as a passionate, complex, fallible human being."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"Respectful without being reverential, knowledgeable without being pedantic, and, above all, readable."--The Economist"

Call number: BP75 .A764 2006

Staying Safe: A Teen's Guide to Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Publisher's Marketing: "Puberty is an exciting and sometimes stressful period of life. At no other time do so many physical changes happen so rapidly, one on top of another. In the midst of all this, new health implications arise, while the issues of adolescence complicate already existing conditions. This series is designed to help teens cope with the various health choices that confront them. As readers take a look at the science behind a range of adolescent health issues, they gain the knowledge they need to choose a lifestyle that is best for their own individual needs."

Call number: RC200.25 .H86 2005

A Night at the Opera - Vendor's Marketing: "While DUCK SOUP has risen to become emblematic of the Marx Brothers at their zaniest, A NIGHT AT THE OPERA represents the brothers at their finest. Under the inspired supervision of the boy genius Irving Thalberg, the script was penned by two of Hollywood’s wittiest screenwriters, George Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind; the production values are substantially greater than in previous Marx Brothers works; the romantic leads, Kitty Carlisle and Allan Jones, are charming, first-rate stars; the supporting cast, led by Margaret Dumont, Sig Rumann, and Herman Gottlieb, turn in excellent performances; and the bent of the humor is honed from the surreal to a pointed attack on the lifestyles of the wealthy. The circuslike stateroom scene is among the funniest in motion-picture history. Harpo’s performance of the hit song "Alone" is perhaps his finest harp solo. Directed by Sam Wood, A NIGHT AT THE OPERA was the Marx Brothers' greatest commercial and critical success."

Call number: PN1997 NightAt DVD

TCM Archives: Laurel and Hardy Collection - Vendor's Marketing: "They were one of the movies' most successful and best-loved comic duos, probably because their irresistible slapstick antics were underscored by an indomitable optimism. Beginning with shorts made at the Hal Roach Studios, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy struck a universal chord by sharing a contentious yet benign friendship that always survived whatever indignities their mutual bumbling brought upon them. This TCM Archives two-disc collection focuses on the team at their zenith during the sound era and spotlights two features produced by Roach for MGM. The Devil's Brother (1933) (also known as Fra Diavolo) is a laugh-filled adaptation of the Auber operetta in which "Stanlio" and "Ollio" tangle with a notorious robber baron. The delightful Bonnie Scotland (1935) is a misadventure that takes the boys to Scotland and India. Source: Warner Home Video"

Call number: PN1997 LAUREL DVD

The Best of Abbott & Costello: Volume 3 - Vendor's Marketing: "Includes Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, Mexican Hayride, Abbott and Costello Meet the Killer, Boris Karloff, Abbott and Costello in the Foreign Legion, Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man, Comin' Round the Mountain, Lost in Alaska, Abbott and Costello Go to Mars"

Call number: PN1997 ABBOTT DVD

Animal House - Vendor's Marketing: "ANIMAL HOUSE is the film that launched National Lampoon as a comedy powerhouse. Developed by the editors at the Harvard Lampoon, the film is a collection of true-life experiences and memories with a great deal of embellishment. Nothing is sacred in this film, in which every gesture, phrase, and song became de rigueur in fraternity houses nationwide after its release. Decadence, debauchery, and delinquency prevail at Delta House, the scourge of the fraternity system at Faber College in 1962. In an effort to rid himself of the troublesome brothers, Dean Wormer (John Vernon) hatches a plan in cahoots with the brown-nosing Greg Marmalard (James Daughton) of rival fraternity Omega to have the Deltas kicked off campus. Unfortunately for them, the determination and drive of the Deltas is more than anyone counted on. In their last stand against the uptight dean, the antiheroes of Delta drink, smoke, romp, frolic, and dance--going out with a bang. This outrageous, much-loved comedy classic features the first major film role of the late, great John Belushi as John "Bluto" Blutarsky, the hard-partying, beer-guzzling champion of Delta house."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 AnimalHouse DVD

Young Frankenstein - Vendor's Marketing: "An affectionate parody that pays homage to the FRANKENSTEIN films (from the novel FRANKENSTEIN by Mary Shelley) directed by James Whale in the 1930s, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN is both a zany comedy and a cinematic tour de force. Written by director Mel Brooks and the film's star, Gene Wilder, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN has all the usual--and in this case slightly unusual--suspects: the reluctant scientist Frederick Frankenstein, who is actually the grandson of the infamous creature-creator (pronounced "Fronken-steen" and played by Wilder), his spoiled fiancée (Madeline Kahn), Igor the pop-eyed hunchback (Marty Feldman), his dizzy assistant (Teri Garr), the castle's hideous head housekeeper (Cloris Leachman), and, of course, the Monster (Peter Boyle). Highlights include the sets, which are the original ones used in the Whale films; the beautiful black-and-white cinematography; and the fine screenplay. Combining noirish elegance with uproarious sight gags and double entendres is a feat Brooks pulls off fabulously, directing the wonderful ensemble to act with sensitivity and humanistic feelings as well as with lunatic abandon. YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN is a treat from beginning to end."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 YoungFrank DVD

Ghostbusters - Vendor's Marketing: "When Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murrary) and his Columbia University colleagues (Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson) are kicked out of their prestigious academic posts, they start a private practice as professional ghost-catchers. Although the three parascientists are idle for awhile, their television advertisements finally pay off when beautiful Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) contracts them. It seems her apartment has become the entryway for ghastly ghosts and goofy ghouls hellbent on terrorizing New York City. Soon they're going to her rescue, trying to rid the city of the slimy creatures. GHOSTBUSTERS hit US screens in June of 1984 and went on to become one of the most successful comedy films of all time, spawning a sequel and a popular animated series."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 GHOSTBU DVD

Wait Until Dark - Vendor's Marketing: "The gripping tale of a blind woman confronted in her apartment by three criminals with an incredibly elaborate and sinister scheme. One of the first true jump-out-of-your-seat thrillers."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 WaitUntil DVD

Rosemary's Baby - Vendor's Marketing: "Roman Polanski's stylish occult thriller ROSEMARY'S BABY is possibly the director's most famous film and was a big box-office success at the time of its 1968 release. This was Polanski's first American feature film, following his frightening 1965 REPULSION, which was made in England. The use of producer William Castle--famous for popular low-budget horror--helped propel Polanski forward into a long and rigorous career as one of the masters of the genre. The terrifying satanic story forever haunts fans of this cult film, the setting of which--Manhattan's Dakota building--carries a ghost story of its own as the location of John Lennon's assassination. A young, happily married couple, waif-like Rosemary (Mia Farrow) and struggling actor Guy (John Cassavetes), move into a spacious apartment in a venerable old building off Central Park. They are befriended by the elderly couple next door, Roman (Sidney Blackmer) and Minnie Castavet (Ruth Gordon in an Oscar-winning performance), who seem to take a special interest in Rosemary's well-being. Shortly after another young woman in the building commits suicide by jumping out a window, Rosemary begins to be plagued by disturbing dreams, including a hallucinogenic black mass sequence in which she is raped by something "inhuman" while surrounded by a host of unlikely spectators. Rosemary discovers she is pregnant and soon falls violently ill. The Castavets offer advice and home remedies and even go so far as to talk her into seeing a new doctor of their choosing. But when the young couple's friend Hutch (Maurice Evans) exposes her eccentric but seemingly well-meaning neighbors as members of a witches' coven, Rosemary realizes that she is the victim of a deeply evil conspiracy and that no one can be trusted--not even her own husband."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 ROSEMARY DVD

Marathon Man - Vendor's Marketing: "British director John Schlesinger (MIDNIGHT COWBOY), reteams with Dustin Hoffman for MARATHON MAN, a classic suspense thriller (based on the novel by William Goldman) rife with chase sequences, torture, and political intrigue. A landmark film that pushes the boundaries of audience squeamishness, MARATHON MAN features a powerful performance by Hoffman alongside equally stellar work by Sir Laurence Olivier and Roy Scheider. As a Columbia University graduate student, Babe Levy (Dustin Hoffman), spends his spare time running in marathons. However, he winds up running for his life when he inadvertently becomes entangled in an espionage plot. Babe's brother Doc (Scheider) is an American secret agent whom is killed by fierce Nazi fugitive, Szell (Olivier), who believes he stole a cache of diamonds, and Babe himself is kidnapped by the murderer. Excruciating scenes of dental torture follow, as Babe repeatedly risks his life trying to escape his captors."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 MARATHON DVD

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - Vendor's Marketing: "FEAR AND LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS is a whirlwind of a movie, a wacky, drug-laden story backed by a fist-pumping rock & roll soundtrack featuring everything from Wayne Newton and Tom Jones to Combustible Edison and Dead Kennedys. Journalist Raoul Duke (Johnny Depp) heads to Las Vegas to cover a motorcycle race, bringing along his Samoan lawyer, Dr. Gonzo (Benicio Del Toro), in this furious adaptation of the book by Hunter S. Thompson. It is 1971, and Duke and Gonzo are on their way to Sin City with a frightened hitchhiker (a nearly unrecognizable Tobey Maguire) and a trunkful of drugs, which they ingest nonstop. Depp is terrific as Duke, Thompson's alter ego, and Del Toro is a riot as the crazy lawyer. To perfect his Thompsonian performance, Depp spent a lot of time with the good doctor, and it paid off in a film that captures the frenetic pace of the counterculture novel. Director Terry Gilliam, a master of complex, bizarre visual imagery, has a field day interpreting the drug-hazed world in which Duke and Gonzo reside. An all-star cast chimes in with wonderfully offbeat bit parts, including Harry Dean Stanton, Gilliam regular Katherine Helmond, Flea, Cameron Diaz, Ellen Barkin, Christina Ricci, Gary Busey, Lyle Lovett, and others."

Awards

Call number: PN1997 FearAndL DVD

School's in: Federalism and the National Education Agenda - Publisher's Marketing: ""A masterful look at the evolution of the complicated politics surrounding national education policymaking. A must-read whether you study or work on education policy."—Andrew J. Rotherham co-director, Education Sector and Senior Fellow Progressive Policy Institute"

Call number: LC89 .M223 2006

"All Kids Are Our Kids" introduces forty Developmental Assets— building blocks of healthy development that are essential for all youth, regardless of their background. The challenge for all segments of the community— families, neighbors, schools, congregations, employers, youth organizations, and more— is to share in the responsibility for taking action to ensure that all kids have what they need to grow up healthy, successful, and caring. This new edition includes new evidence, cites successful cases, and makes recommendations for energizing individuals, families, and community action."

Call number: HQ769 .B51177 2006

Clay: The History and Evolution of Humankind's Relationship with Earth's Most Primal Element - Vendor's Marketing: "The clay beneath our feet is crucial to the computer and space industries, bio-technology, publishing, and a wide range of manufacturing processes. The potter's wheel was the very first machine. With the invention of pottery came cooking and storage vessels, ceramics, the discovery of alcoholic beverages, the oven, clay tablets for the first written communication, irrigation for agriculture, vast trade networks, plumbing, sanitation, and an incredibly durable building material. Much of the Great Wall of China was made of fired clay bricks-a material that can stand for centuries.
Now, Suzanne Staubach presents a lively look at how civilization was built on clay-from the first spark plugs to modern semi-conductors, satellite communications to surgical equipment. Clay is a fascinating, colorful look at how, from the primordial ooze to modern miracles, this most humble of substances continues to shape our world in ways limited only by the human imagination."

Call number: TA455.C55 S73 2005

The Automatic Millionaire: A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich - Vendor's Marketing: "What's the secret to becoming a millionaire?
For years people have asked David Bach, the national bestselling author of "Smart Women Finish Rich, "Smart Couples Finish Rich, and "The Finish Rich Workbook, what's the real secret to getting rich? What's the one thing I need to do?
Now, in "The Automatic Millionaire, David Bach is sharing that secret.
"The Automatic Millionaire starts with the powerful story of an average American
couple--he's a low-level manager, she's a beautician--whose joint income never exceeds $55,000 a year, yet who somehow manage to own two homes debt-free, put two kids through college, and retire at 55 with more than $1 million in savings. Through their story you'll learn the surprising fact that you cannot get rich with a budget! You have to have a plan to pay yourself first that is totally automatic, a plan that will automatically secure your future and pay for your present.
What makes "The Automatic Millionaire unique:
You don't need a budget
You don't need willpower
You don't need to make a lot of money
You don't need to be that interested in money
You can set up the plan in an hour
David Bach gives you a totally realistic system, based on timeless principles, with everything you need to know, including phone numbers and websites, so you can put the secret to becoming an Automatic Millionaire in place from the comfort of your own home.
This one little book has the power to secure your financial future. Do it once--the rest is automatic!"

Call number: HD7287.82 .U6 B33 2005

Stories of the Invisible: A Guided Tour of Molecules - Vendor's Marketing: "If atoms are letters, writes Philip Ball, then molecules are words. And through these words, scientists have uncovered many fascinating stories of the physical world. In Stories of the Invisible, Ball has compiled a cornucopia of tales spun by these intriguing, invisible words.
Spiced with quotations from Primo Levi, Flann O'Brien, and Thomas Pynchon, Stories of the Invisible takes us on a tour of a world few of us knew existed. The author describes, for instance, the remarkable molecular structure of spider's silk--a material that is pound for pound much stronger
the steel--and shows how the Kevlar fibers in bulletproof vests were invented by imitating the alignment of molecules found in the spider's amazing thread. We also learn about the protein molecules that create movement, without which bacteria would be immobile, cells could not divide, there would be
no reproduction and therefore no life. The book describes molecules shaped like miniature sculptures, containers, soccer balls, threads, rings, levers and geodesic domes, all made by sticking atoms together. Perhaps most important, Ball provides a fresh perspective on the future of molecular
science, revealing how researchers are promising to reinvent chemistry as the central creative science of the 21st century. Indeed, molecular chemists will someday be able to manufacture a synthetic yet living cell and to create machines the size of bacteria, tools which they can then use to
assemble new molecules to order.
Today we can invent molecules that can cure viral infections, store information, or help hold bridges together. In Stories of the Invisible, Philip Ball takes us inside an incredibly small world that hasa major impact on our lives."

Call number: QD461 .B228 2001

Party Food

Call number: TX652.5 .S74 2006

Mary Magdalene: A Biography - Publisher's Marketing: "After two thousand years of flawed history, here at last is a magnificent new biography of Mary Magdalene that draws her out of the shadows of history and restores her to her rightful place of importance in Christianity.Throughout history, Mary Magdalene has been both revered and reviled, a woman who has taken on many forms--witch, whore, the incarnation of the eternal feminine, the devoted companion (and perhaps even the wife) of Jesus. In this brilliant new biography, Bruce Chilton, a renowned biblical scholar, offers the first complete and authoritative portrait of this fascinating woman. Through groundbreaking interpretations of ancient texts, Chilton shows that Mary played a central role in Jesus' ministry and was a seminal figure in the creation of Christianity.
Chilton's descriptions of who Mary Magdalene was and what she did challenge the male-dominated history of Christianity familiar to most readers. Placing Mary within the traditions of Jewish female savants, Chilton presents a visionary figure who was fully immersed in the mystical practices that shaped Jesus' own teachings and a woman who was a religious master in her own right."

Call number: BS2485 .C45 2005

The G.I. Diet Cookbook: More Than 100 Low Glycemic-Index Recipes for Healthy Weight Loss - Publisher's Marketing: "Americans are gluttons for diet fads. The trouble is, trendy diets -- no matter how effective in helping you lose weight -- usually fail when it comes to keeping the weight off. And most impose so many restrictions that they make eating a grim duty.
"The G.I. Diet Cookbook" pursues a much more enjoyable strategy. Its 100-plus recipes, created by British food celebrity Antony Worrall Thompson, emphasize satisfaction, not deprivation. The glycemic index focuses on the benefits of low-G.I. foods from every category, including carbohydrates. Because they're slow to digest, low-G.I. foods make you feel less hungry, allowing you to shed pounds effortlessly. And because the book's dishes are so varied and delicious, maintaining weight loss is easier than ever before.
The G.I. diet is rooted in sound nutritional principles that have long been used by diabetics to control their weight and blood sugar. But Thompson's culinary ingenuity -- and his devotion to preparing food that's as tasty as it is healthy -- has transformed this formerly "medical" diet into one that everyone will find irresistible."

Call number: RM222.2 .T466 2006

Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings: Madea's Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life - Publisher's Marketing: "In 2005, Tyler Perry took Hollywood by storm. The movie he wrote, produced, and starred in, "Diary of a Mad Black Woman," opened number one at the box office and went on to gross more than $50 million. In its first week on sale, the DVD sold 2.4 million copies. At the same time, Perry was starring nightly across the country in a soldout stage show he'd also written, produced, and scored-"Madea Goes to Jail"-even as another one of his productions, "Meet the Browns," was touring nationally. Every week in 2005, 35,000 people saw a Tyler Perry production. His second feature film, "Madea's Family Reunion," opens in theaters in February 2006. Now, this triple-threat actor/playwright/director, has written his first book, and it features his most beloved, most irreverent creation: sixty-eight-year-old grandmother Madea Simmons.
Madea is at the center of all of Tyler Perry's work, and she's always unfailingly outspoken, dead-on, and hilarious. But in "Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings," Madea shares more than she ever has before- about herself, and about what she thinks of everyone around her. The topics inimitably covered by Madea (a term of endearment for "Mother Dear") include love and marriage, child-rearing, etiquette and neighborliness, beauty tips, health tips, financial tips, the Bible and the church, and, of course, gun care. She's brazen, feisty, and never at a loss for words, but at the heart of everything she says- and at the heart of all of Perry's work-is a resounding message of faith and forgiveness.
Shockingly hilarious, surprisingly moving, and as rousing and inspiring as a great gospel show, Madea's words of wisdom, memories, and straight-up in-your-faceadvice will be cherished by Perry's numerous fans- and it all comes just in time for Mother's Day. Tyler Perry is about to take the publishing world by storm."

Call number: PS3616.E795 D66 2006

Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth - Publisher's Marketing: "Oh, the joys of pregnancy! There's the gassiness, constipation, queasiness, and exhaustion, the forgetfulness, crankiness, and the constant worry. Of course, no woman is spared the discomforts and humiliations of pregnancy, but most are too polite to complain or too embarrassed to talk about them. Not Jenny McCarthy! In the New York Times best-selling Belly Laughs, actress and new mother Jenny McCarthy reveals the naked truth about the tremendous joys, the excruciating pains, and the unseemly disfigurement that go along with pregnancy. Never shy, frequently crude, and always laugh-out-loud funny, McCarthy covers it all in the grittiest of girlfriend detail. From morning sickness and hormonal rage; to hemorrhoids, pregnant sex, and the torture and sweet relief that is delivery, Belly Laughs is must-read comic relief for anyone who is pregnant, who has ever been pregnant, is trying to get pregnant, or indeed, has ever been born!"

Call number: RG556 .M34 2006

A Short History of Myth - Publisher's Marketing: "This brilliant, readable synthesis of the history of mythology and the function it serves to humanity is the launch title of the groundbreaking publishing event, "The Myths." "Human beings have always been mythmakers." So begins Karen Armstrong's concise yet compelling investigation into myth: what it is, how it has evolved, and why we still so desperately need it. She takes us from the Paleolithic period and the myths of the hunters right up to the "Great Western Transformation" of the last five hundred years and the discrediting of myth by science. The history of myth is the history of humanity, our stories and beliefs, our curiosity and attempts to understand the world, which link us to our ancestors and each other. Myths help us make sense of the universe. Heralding a major series of retellings of international myths by authors from around the world, Armstrong's characteristically insightful and eloquent book serves as a brilliant and thought-provoking introduction to myth in the broadest sense -- and explains why if we dismiss it, we do so at our peril."

Call number: BL312 .A76 2006

Host of the hit show House Hunters on HGTV. Suzanne brings you the ultimate guide to house hunting.

Whang and co-writer Bruce Cook take you behind the scenes of the real estate profession to answer often confusing home buying questions like: How can I find a good real estate agent? Is it a good location? What kind of mortgage do I need?

Plus you'll enjoy Suzanne's tips for a positive attitude when home buying and her hilarious Top Ten lists about the process."

Call number: HD1379 .S8736 2006

Delilah's Everyday Soul: Southern Cooking with Style - Publisher's Marketing: "Sharing more than 100 of her favorite recipes and the stories behind them, chef Delilah Winder reaches back to her roots and forward to future generations of soul food lovers in this hip, colorful cookbook."

Call number: TX715 .D455 2006

Southern Cooking

Call number: TX715 .L4353 2005

Comfort Food

Call number: TX833.5 .C6646 2006

Memories of My Melancholy Whores - Publisher's Marketing: "A "New York Times" Notable Book
On the eve of his ninetieth birthday a bachelor decides to give himself a wild night of love with a virgin. As is his habit-he has purchased hundreds of women-he asks a madam for her assistance. The fourteen-year-old girl who is procured for him is enchanting, but exhausted as she is from caring for siblings and her job sewing buttons, she can do little but sleep. Yet with this sleeping beauty at his side, it is he who awakens to a romance he has never known.
Tender, knowing, and slyly comic, "Memories of My Melancholy Whores" is an exquisite addition to the master's work."

Call number: PQ8180.17 .A73 M4613 2006

Williams-Sonoma The Wine Guide - Publisher's Marketing: "Packed with practical information on buying, tasting, and storing wine, this elegant reference guide covers everything one needs to know to enjoy the world of wine. Includes illustrated entries on wine styles, regions, grapes, and winemaking terms."

Call number: TP546 .W564

The Cool Girl's Guide to Knitting - Publisher's Marketing: "This book has everything a beginner knitter needs to know. It has step-by-step, easy, jargon free language and twenty funky patterns for you to follow."

Call number: TT820 .T74x 2005

Testing and Measurement: A User-Friendly Guide - Publisher's Marketing: "This step-by-step approach allows students to master testing and measurement concepts through practical exercises and feedback. Using humor, cartoons and real-world examples, Sharon E. Robinson Kurpius and Mary E. Stafford guide the reader through the essential components of measurement, starting with measurement scales and ending with reliability and validity. The authors show that everyone can learn testing and measurement concepts, and they make the learning process fun and non-threatening. For those who want to challenge themselves beyond the self-instructional exercises included throughout each chapter, data sets are provided as an aid to further learning. The book is invaluable for all introductory courses in measurement and testing at undergraduate and lower-level graduate level in the social and behavioral sciences."

Call number: LB3051 .K87 2006

From the author of the national bestseller "The Culture of Fear" comes a rallying cry to abandon food fads and myths for calmer and more pleasurable eating.

For many Americans, eating is a religion. We worship at the temples of celebrity chefs. We raise our children to believe that certain foods are good and others are bad. We believe that if we eat the right foods, we will live longer, and if we eat in the right places, we will raise our social status. Yet what we believe to be true about food is, in fact, quite contradictory. Offering part exposé , part social commentary, sociologist Barry Glassner talks to chefs, food chemists, nutritionists, and restaurant critics about the way we eat. Helping us recognize the myths, half-truths, and guilt trips they promulgate, "The Gospel of Food" liberates us for greater joy at the table."

Call number: GT2853.U5 G53 2007

This inspiring and entertaining collection of "Willie wisdom" takes us from his days as a young boy in Texas where he learns to respect his elders, to his roadhouse days when he united redneck rockers, long-haired hippies and straight-laced country music fans, to the mega-sized benefit concerts and environmentalism that define his boundless heart. And there are plenty of his favorite jokes along the way.

With stories that will both make you laugh out loud and look deep inside yourself, he shows us how the Willie way — and the way of the Tao — can also be your way. Let Willie's common sense approach to life awaken you to the happiness that already exists in your own heart. With Willie as your guide, join the river of life and you'll be carried on an amazing journey."

Call number: BJ1581.2 .N43 2006

Almost one hundred years after general relativity replaced Newton's theory of gravitation, "The Curious History of Relativity" tells the story of both events surrounding general relativity and the techniques employed by Einstein and the relativists to construct, develop, and understand his almost impenetrable theory. Jean Eisenstaedt, one of the world's leading experts on the subject, also discusses the theory's place in the evolution of twentieth-century physics. He describes the main stages in the development of general relativity: its beginnings, its strange crossing of the desert during Einstein's lifetime while under heated criticism, and its new life from the 1960s on, when it became vital to the understanding of black holes and the observation of exotic objects, and, eventually, to the discovery of the accelerating universe. We witness Einstein's construction of his theory, as well as the work of his fascinated, discouraged, and enthusiastic colleagues--physicists, mathematicians, and astronomers.

Written with flair, "The Curious History of Relativity" poses--and answers--the difficult questions raised by Einstein's magnificent intellectual feat."

Call number: QC173.6 .E4213 2006

Work Over Welfare: The Inside Story of the 1996 Welfare Reform Law - Publisher's Marketing: "Transforming Welfare tells the inside story of the legislation that ended "welfare as we know it." As a key staffer on the House Ways and Means Committee, author Ron Haskins was one of the architects of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996. In this landmark book, he vividly portrays the political battles that produced the most dramatic overhaul of the welfare system since its creation as part of the New Deal. Haskins starts his story in the early 1990s, as a small group of Republicans lays the groundwork for welfare reform by developing innovative policies to encourage work and fight illegitimacy. These ideas, which included such controversial provisions as mandatory work requirements and time limits for welfare recipients, later became part of the Republicans' Contract with America and were ultimately passed into law. But their success was hardly foreordained. Haskins brings to life the often bitter House and Senate debates the Republican proposals provoked, as well as the backroom negotiations that kept welfare reform alive through two presidential vetoes. In the process, he illuminates both the personalities and the processes that were crucial to the ultimate passage of the 1996 bill. He also analyzes the changes it has wrought on the social and political landscape over the past decade. In Transforming Welfare, Haskins has provided the most authoritative account of welfare reform to date. Anyone with an interest in social welfare or politics in general will learn a great deal from this insightful and revealing book."

Call number: HV95 .H34 2006

Naked - Publisher's Marketing: "One of the most talked-about, most enjoyed bestsellers of the year, "Naked" offers a collection of hilarious, touching, genre-bending vignettes "guaranteed to make you blow milk out your nose" ("Details")."

Call number: PS3569.E33 N35 1998

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim - Publisher's Marketing: "In this "New York Times" bestseller, now available in paperback, Sedaris returns to his deliriously twisted domain: hilarious childhood dramas infused with melancholy, the gulf of misunderstanding that exists between people of different nations or members of the same family, and the poignant divide between one's best hopes and most common deeds."

Call number: PS3569.E314 D68 2005

David Sedaris fell in love with short stories while living in Odell, Oregon. Sedaris writes, "When apple-picking season ended, I got a job in a packing plant and gravitated toward short stories, which I could read during my break and reflect upon for the remainder of my shift. A good one would take me out of myself and stuff me back in, outsized, now, and uneasy with the fit." Featuring such notable writers as Alice Munro, Tobias Wolff, Lorrie Moore, and Joyce Carol Oates, readers will reconnect with classics, as well discover fantastic but lesser-known writers.

Included in "CHILDREN PLAYING BEFORE A STATUE OF HERCULES" are:

Introduction by David Sedaris

"Oh, Joseph, I'm So Tired" by Richard Yates

"Gryphon" by Charles Baxter

"Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri

"The Garden Party" by Katherine Mansfield

"Half A Grapefruit" by Alice Munro

"Applause, Applause" by Jean Thompson

"I Know What I'm Doing About All the Attention I've Been Getting" by Frank Gannon

"Where the Door Is Always Open and the Welcome Mat Is Out" by Patricia Highsmith

"The Best of Betty" by Jincy Willett

"Song of the Shirt, 1941" by Dorothy Parker

"The Girl with the Blackened Eye" by Joyce Carol Oates

"People Like That Are the Only People Here: Canonical Babbling in Peed Onk" by Lorrie Moore

"Revelation" by Flannery O'Connor

"In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson Is Buried" by Amy Hempel

"Cosmopolitan" by Akhil Sharma

"Irish Girl" by Tim Johnston

"Bullet in the Brain" by Tobias Wolff

Epilogue by Sarah Vowell

Borrowing the book's name from an Adriaen van der Werff painting, "CHILDREN PLAYING BEFORE A STATUE OF HERCULES" is David Sedaris's attempt to share his passion for short stories with a wider audience-and his enthusiasm is contagious. "The authors in this book are huge to me, and I am a comparative midget, scratching around in their collective shadow. 'Pint sized Fanatic Bowing Before Statues of Hercules' might have been more concise, but people don't paint things like that, and besides, it doesn't sound as good."

David Sedaris is publishing this book to support 826NYC, a nonprofit tutoring center in Brooklyn, New York. All of his proceeds, after permission expenses, from "CHILDREN PLAYING BEFORE A STATUE OF HERCULES" will benefit this organization designed to help students ages six to eighteen develop their writing skills through free writing workshops, publishing projects, and one-on-one help with homework and English-language learning. In the book's epilogue, Sarah Vowell describes the fine work done by 826NYC."

Call number: PS648.S5 C47 2005

Holidays on Ice - Publisher's Marketing: "This wonderfully subversive holiday gift package reprints Sedaris' deliciously acerbic short story "The Santaland Diaries" and combines it with two equally sardonic Sedaris Christmas classics plus an all-new holiday tale. For everyone who's had enough of the forced good cheer, family madness, and commercial overkill of Christmas, "Holiday on Ice" is the perfect antidote."

Call number: PS3569.E314 H65 1997

The Radical and the Republican: Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, and the Triumph of Antislavery Politics - Publisher's Marketing: "A major history of Civil War America through the lens of its two towering figures: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
"My husband considered you a dear friend," Mary Todd Lincoln wrote to Frederick Douglass in the weeks after Lincoln's assassination. The frontier lawyer and the former slave, the cautious politician and the fiery reformer, the president and the most famous black man in America--their lives traced different paths that finally met in the bloody landscape of secession, Civil War, and emancipation. Opponents at first, they gradually became allies, each influenced by and attracted to the other. Their three meetings in the White House signaled a profound shift in the direction of the Civil War, and in the fate of the United States. In this first book to draw the two together, James Oakes has written a masterful narrative history. He brings these two iconic figures to life and sheds new light on the central issues of slavery, race, and equality in Civil War America."

Call number: E449.D75 O15 2007

The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals - Publisher's Marketing: ""What should we have for dinner?" To one degree or another this simple question assails any creature faced with a wide choice of things to eat. Anthropologists call it the omnivore's dilemma. Choosing from among the countless potential foods nature offers, humans have had to learn what is safe, and what isn't-which mushrooms should be avoided, for example, and which berries we can enjoy. Today, as America confronts what can only be described as a national eating disorder, the omnivore's dilemma has returned with an atavistic vengeance. The cornucopia of the modern American supermarket and fast-food outlet has thrown us back on a bewildering landscape where we once again have to worry about which of those tasty-looking morsels might kill us. At the same time we're realizing that our food choices also have profound implications for the health of our environment. "The Omnivore's Dilemma" is bestselling author Michael Pollan's brilliant and eye-opening exploration of these little-known but vitally important dimensions of eating in America.
Pollan has divided "The Omnivore's Dilemma" into three parts, one for each of the food chains that sustain us: industrialized food, alternative or "organic" food, and food people obtain by dint of their own hunting, gathering, or gardening. Pollan follows each food chain literally from the ground up to the table, emphasizing our dynamic coevolutionary relationship with the species we depend on. He concludes each section by sitting down to a meal--at McDonald's, at home with his family sharing adinner from Whole Foods, and in a revolutionary "beyond organic" farm in Virginia. For each meal he traces the provenance of everything consumed, revealing the hidden components we unwittingly ingest and explaining how our taste for particular foods reflects our environmental and biological inheritance.
We are indeed what we eat-and what we eat remakes the world. A society of voracious and increasingly confused omnivores, we are just beginning to recognize the profound consequences of the simplest everyday food choices, both for ourselves and for the natural world. "The Omnivore's Dilemma" is a long-overdue book and one that will become known for bringing a completely fresh perspective to a question as ordinary and yet momentous as What shall we have for dinner?"

Call number: GT2850 .P65 2006

Focusing on Shakespeare's six most regarded plays— "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Hamlet," "Othello," "Macbeth," "King Lear," and "The Tempest"— noted philosopher Colin McGinn provides a brilliant analysis of the major philosophical themes embedded in Shakespeare's work, including the possibility of human knowledge and the threat of skepticism; the nature and persistence of the self; the character of causation as it shapes human affairs; the existence and nature of evil; and the power of language to influence and shape the human mind. McGinn contends that Shakespeare was strongly influenced by the philosophy of Montaigne, a convinced skeptic and unflinching psychological inquirer, whose work was being translated into English at the time Shakespeare composed his greatest works. Shakespeare's unique contribution to the exploration of human nature was a profound appreciation of the opacity of other minds and the mysteries of the soul, presenting a view of the self as theatrical in nature, more a matter of artistic creation than a natural given. His major tragedies are patterned along these philosophical concerns.

Interweaving close textual analysis and conceptual exploration, "Shakespeare's Philosophy" pursues questions of character against a background of their philosophical significance. As McGinn says of Shakespeare, "The Shakespeare that emerges is both profoundly human and bracingly abstract. He is a philosophical dramatist. There is not a sentimental bone in hisbody. He has the curiosity of a scientist, the judgment of a philosopher, and the soul of a poet."

Fresh, innovative, and thought-provoking, "Shakespeare's Philosophy" is an exhilarating reading experience, especially at a time when a new audience has emerged for the greatest writer the English language has ever known."

Call number: PR3001 .M38 2006

Flirting 101: How to Charm Your Way to Love, Friendship, and Success - Publisher's Marketing: "Every party has a stand-out - a guy or gal who breezes into a room and instantly attracts everyone's attention. It's not always about looks or money, so what's their secret? It's all about flirting! A good flirt knows how to make anyone around them feel good, and that's a very powerful skill. Luckily, it is a skill that can be learned. THE STREET GUIDE TO FLIRTING will show you how to:
-Discover your inner flirt
-Increase your self-confidence
-Take advantage of non-verbal communication
-Overcome your fear of rejection
And much more!
Whether you want to attract a life partner, improve business, or just have a little fun, this book is packed with useful tips, stories, practical exercises, and quizzes to help you transform into the most fabulous flirt you can be."

Call number: HQ801 .L433 2005

A Hand to Guide Me - Publisher's Marketing: "In his debut as an author, Denzel Washington shares his personal story of the mentors who helped guide his life--more than 70 of America's leading personalities in theater, sports, business, and politics who in turn tell their life-changing stories of mentorship.

Contributors include Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Antwone Fisher, Bonnie Raitt, Cal Ripken, Alex Rodriguez, Dick Vitale, Whoopie Goldberg and more.

A portion of the book's proceeds benefit 4.5 million children currently involved in the "Boys & Girls Clubs of America.""

Call number: BF637.M45 H36 2006b

Nature Girl - Publisher's Marketing: "Honey Santana--impassioned, willful, possibly bipolar, self-proclaimed "queen of lost causes"--has a scheme to help rid the world of irresponsibility, indifference, and dinnertime sales calls. She's taking rude, gullible Relentless, Inc., telemarketer Boyd Shreave and his less-than-enthusiastic mistress, Eugenie--the fifteen-minute-famous girlfriend of a tabloid murderer--into the wilderness of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands for a gentle lesson in civility. What she doesn't know is that she's being followed by her Honey-obsessed former employer, Piejack (whose mismatched fingers are proof that sexual harassment in the workplace is a bad idea). And he doesn't know he's being followed by Honey's still-smitten former drug-running ex-husband, Perry, and their wise-and-protective-way-beyond-his-years twelve-year-old-son, Fry. And when they all pull up on Dismal Key, they don't know they're intruding on Sammy Tigertail, a half white-half Seminole failed alligator wrestler, trying like hell to be a hermit despite the Florida State coed who's dying to be his hostage . . .
Will Honey be able to make a mensch of a "greedhead"? Will Fry be able to protect her from Piejack--and herself? Will Sammy achieve his true Seminole self? Will Eugenie ever get to the beach? Will the Everglades survive the wild humans? All the answers are revealed in the delectably outrageous mayhem that propels this novel to its Hiaasen-of-the-highest-order climax."

Call number: PS3558.I217 N39 2006

The Biggest Loser Cookbook: More Than 125 Healthy, Delicious Recipes Adapted from NBC's Hit Show - Publisher's Marketing: "More Than 125 Healthy, Delicious Recipes From The Biggest Loser Experts and Cast--As Seen On NBC's Hit Show!
By The Biggest Loser experts and cast
Building on the groundbreaking success of The Biggest Loser brand, this sequel to last year's best-selling book is sure to be a hit!
The Biggest Loser Cookbook offers:
- 125 recipes from The Biggest Loser cast, trainers, and fans
- motivational before-and-after photographs of the cast
- 50 beautiful 4-color food shots
- dozens of trainer tips from The Biggest Loser trainers
- inspiring stories of how the cast members did it
- at-a-glance guides to The Biggest Loser Diet and The Biggest Loser Exercise plan
Armed with this arsenal of nutritional information and training tips, readers will be inspired to achieve the dramatic weight loss transformations that have amazed TV fans around the country."

Call number: TX714 .A433 2006

Salvador Dali: Exploring the Irrational - Publisher's Marketing: "Salvador Dali (1904-1989) was one of the twentieth century's most famous artists, a painter whose remarkably potent work is recognized the world over. Both his extraordinary artwork and a brilliantly eccentric personality account for his universal popularity. He is best known as the master of Surrealism, and during his lifetime, one of the most famous and talked about figures in twentieth-century art. Here is the story of the man and the artist, presented along with his most vivid and sometimes disturbing works, represented by 100 full-color illustrations."

Call number: ND813.D3 S846 2006

The Pre-Raphaelites: Inspiration from the Past - Publisher's Marketing: "The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was formed in 1848--a year of numerous uprisings in Europe--in order to reintroduce the high principles and "innocence" of Renaissance art as practiced prior to the master Raphael. The three most important members of this at first tightly knit group were Dante Gabriel Rossetti, John Everett Millais, and William Holman Hunt. Other artists took up the Pre-Raphaelite cause prominent among these were Edward Burne-Jones, and William Morris, whose singularly recognizable style would greatly influence future aesthetic design. Illustrated with 100 full-color reproductions, this volume reveals how this influential group succeeded in shaking off the gloom of the Victorian age to greet a new day with uncommonly fresh eyes."

Call number: N6767.P7 H324 2006

At the age of twenty, Milwaukee native Chris Gardner, just out of the Navy, arrived in San Francisco to pursue a promising career in medicine. Considered a prodigy in scientific research, he surprised everyone and himself by setting his sights on the competitive world of high finance. Yet no sooner had he landed an entry-level position at a prestigious firm than Gardner found himself caught in a web of incredibly challenging circumstances that left him as part of the city's working homeless and with a toddler son. Motivated by the promise he made to himself as a fatherless child to never abandon his own children, the two spent almost a year moving among shelters, "HO-tels," soup lines, and even sleeping in the public restroom of a subway station.

Never giving in to despair, Gardner made an astonishing transformation from being part of the city's invisible poor to being a powerful player in its financial district.

More than a memoir of Gardner's financial success, this is the story of a man who breaks his own family's cycle of men abandoning their children. Mythic, triumphant, and unstintingly honest, "The Pursuit of Happyness" conjures heroes like Horatio Alger and Antwone Fisher, and appeals to the very essence of the American Dream."

Call number: HG4928.5 .G365 2006

Charitable Choice at Work: Evaluating Faith-Based Job Programs in the States - Publisher's Marketing: "Using both qualitative and, where possible, statistical data, the authors analyze the performance of job placement programs in three states with a representative range of religious, political, and demographic traits?Massachusetts, Indiana, and North Carolina. Throughout, they focus on measurable outcomes as they compare non-faith-based with faith-based organizations, nonprofits with for-profits, and the logistics of contracting before and after Charitable Choice."

Call number: HV530 .K395 2006

Dirt for Art's Sake: Books on Trial from Madame Bovary to Lolita - Publisher's Marketing: "In Dirt for Art's Sake, Elisabeth Ladenson recounts the most visible of modern obscenity trials involving scandalous books and their authors. What, she asks, do these often-colorful legal histories have to tell us about the works themselves and about a changing cultural climate that first treated them as filth and later celebrated them as masterpieces? Ladenson's narrative starts with Madame Bovary (Flaubert was tried in France in 1857) and finishes with Fanny Hill (written in the eighteenth century, put on trial in the United States in 1966); she considers, along the way, Les Fleurs du Mal, Ulysses, The Well of Loneliness, Lady Chatterley's Lover, Tropic of Cancer, Lolita, and the works of the Marquis de Sade. Over the course of roughly a century, Ladenson finds, two ideas that had been circulating in the form of avant-garde heresy gradually became accepted as truisms, and eventually as grounds for legal defense. The first is captured in the formula "art for art's sake"-the notion that a work of art exists in a realm independent of conventional morality. The second is realism, vilified by its critics as "dirt for dirt's sake. In Ladenson's view, the truth of the matter is closer to "dirt for art's sake"-the idea that the work of art may legitimately include the representation of all aspects of life, including the unpleasant and the sordid. Ladenson also considers cinematic adaptations of these novels, among them Vincente Minnelli's Madame Bovary, Stanley Kubrick's Lolita and the 1997 remake directed by Adrian Lyne, and various attempts to translate de Sade's works and life into film, which faced similar censorship travails. Written with a keen awareness of ongoing debates about freespeech, Dirt for Art's Sake traces the legal and social acceptance of controversial works with critical acumen and delightful wit."

Call number: PQ295.C47 L33 2007

Meaning in Language: An Introduction to Semantics and Pragmatics - Publisher's Marketing: "A comprehensive introduction to the ways in which meaning is conveyed in language. Alan Cruse covers semantic matters, but also deals with topics that are usually considered to fall under pragmatics. A major aim is to highlight the richness and subtlety of meaning phenomena, rather than to expound any particular theory. Rich in examples and exercises, Meaning in Language provides an invaluable descriptive approach to this area of linguistics for undergraduates and postgraduates alike."

Call number: P325 .C784 2004

"Men" presents a new approach to understanding the human male by drawing upon life history and evolutionary theory. Because life history theory focuses on the timing of, and energetic investment in, particular aspects of physiology, such as growth and reproduction, Richard Bribiescas and his fellow anthropologists are now using it in the study of humans. This has led to an increased understanding of human female physiology--especially growth and reproduction--from an evolutionary and life history perspective. However, little attention has been directed toward these characteristics in males. "Men" provides a new understanding of human male physiology and applies it to contemporary health issues such as prostate cancer, testosterone replacement therapy, and the development of a male contraceptive.

"Men" proves that understanding human physiology requires global research in traditionally overlooked areas and that evolutionary and life history theory have much to offer toward this endeavor."

Call number: HQ1090 .B743 2006

From the Vikings to the Normans - Publisher's Marketing: "This readable and authoritative volume covers the history of the British Isles from the Vikings to the Norman conquest. Seven chapters contributed by an international team of leading historians cover key themes of this period such as monarchies and other political structures, economic
developments, the christianization of society, and relationships between Britain, Ireland, and the Mediterranean civilizations to the south."

Call number: DA152 .F76 2003

In her quest to uncover why this is happening, Levy interviews college women who flash for the cameras on spring break and teens raised on Paris Hilton and breast implants. She examines a culture in which every music video seems to feature a stripper on a pole, the memoirs of porn stars are climbing the best-seller lists, Olympic athletes parade their Brazilian bikini waxes in the pages of "Playboy," and thongs are marketed to prepubescent girls. Levy meets the high-powered women who create raunch culture--the new oinking women warriors of the corporate and entertainment worlds who eagerly defend their efforts to be "one of the guys." And she traces the history of this trend back to conflicts between the women's movement and the sexual revolution long left unresolved.

In the tradition of Susan Faludi's "Backlash" and Naomi Wolf's "The Beauty Myth," Levy pulls apart the myth of the "Female Chauvinist Pig" and argues that what has come to pass for liberating rebellion is actually a kind of limiting conformity. Irresistibly witty and wickedly intelligent, "Female Chauvinist Pigs" makes the case that therise of raunch does not represent how far women have come, it only proves how far they have left to go."

Call number: HQ1155 .L48 2005

Jewish Roots in Southern Soil: A New History - Publisher's Marketing: "Jews have long been a presence in the American South, first arriving in the late seventeenth century as part of exploratory voyages from Europe to the New World. Two of the nation's earliest Jewish communities were founded in Savannah in 1733 and Charleston in 1749. By 1800, more Jews lived in Charleston than in New York City. Today, Jews comprise less than one half of one percent of the southern population but provide critical sustenance and support for their communities.
Nonetheless, southern Jews have perplexed scholars. For more than a century, historians have wrestled with various questions. Why study southern Jewish history? What is the southern Jewish experience? Is southern Jewish culture distinctive from that of other regions of the country, and if so, why?
Jewish Roots in Southern Soil: A New History addresses these questions through the voices of a new generation of scholars of the Jewish South. Each of this book's thirteen chapters reflects a response with particular attention paid to new studies on women and gender; black/Jewish relations and the role of race, politics, and economic life; popular and material culture; and the changes wrought by industrialization and urbanization in the twentieth century. Essays address historical issues from the colonial era to the present and in every region of the South. Topics include assimilation and American Jewish identity, southern Jewish women writers, the Jewish Confederacy, Jewish peddlers, southern Jewish racial identity, black/Jewish relations, demographic change, the rise of American Reform Judaism, and Jews in southern literature."

Call number: F220.J5 J46 2006

Leonardo and the Mona Lisa Story: The History of a Painting Told in Pictures - Contents:
Renaissance man 1452-1515
Leonardo’s lady 1516-1700
From Napoleon to the femmes fatales 1701-1910
Theft of the century 1911-1913
Global icon 1914-2006.

Call number: ND623.L5 A73 2006

Whole Grains Every Day, Every Way - Publisher's Marketing: "Thanks to the low-carb movement and the updated USDA food pyramid, we all know we should be eating more whole grains (the "good carbs"). But what exactly are whole grains? And how can we make them not only what we should eat, but what we really want to eat? In "Whole Grains Every Day, Every Way," bestselling cookbook author Lorna Sass demystifies whole grains with a thorough grain-by-grain primer followed by more than 150 irresistible recipes.
In this extensive guide to the wide range of fantastic whole grains available-many of which are gluten-free-Sass introduces home cooks to dozens of grains, including amaranth, barley, buckwheat, hominy, popcorn, polenta, Job's tears, millet, oats, quinoa, brown rice, red rice, black rice, rye, triticale, sorghum, teff, farro, grano, green wheat, kamut, spelt, wheat berries, and wild rice. She shares tips for buying and storing these grains as well as the best and simplest way to cook them.
And then there are the boldly flavored, contemporary recipes that will truly change the way you cook, covering soups, salads, main courses, and side dishes all the way to quick breads, cookies, and desserts, with a groundbreaking section on whole-grain baking outlining tempting, healthy options. "Whole Grains Every Day, Every Way" will delight carnivores and vegetarians alike with recipes such as Farro Salad with Prosciutto and Asparagus, Masa Harina-Beef Casserole, Posole with Pork and Chipotle, Millet with Gingered Beets and Orange, and Coconut-Black Rice Pudding.
This is the book America has been asking for: the definitive guide that will make it easy and delicious for us to incorporate healthful whole grains into our diets with innovative recipesfor every meal of the day."

Call number: TX808 .S27 2006

Key features include: unique aspects of diabetes for women throughout the life cycle timetable of recommended tests and check-ups guide to medications with common dosages charts to help organize diabetes-care tasks and supplies time-management tips for better disease regulation guide to contraceptives available to women with diabetes review of issues critical to women before, during, and following pregnancy advice for overcoming barriers to weight loss and exercise plan for intelligent diet trade-offs while still enjoying meals practical tips for planning exercise strategies to avoid diabetes "burn-out"

Written by two physicians, one of whom is a woman living with diabetes, and an experienced medical writer, "Every Woman's Guide to Diabetes" recognizes the power that women have in their households to effect lifestyle changes that will benefit themselves and loved ones, including their mothers, daughters, sisters, and partners. This power can reduce the toll of the diabetes epidemic."

Call number: RC660.4 .E37 2007

This book is intended to serve as a resource for those scientists working closely in this field, while at the same time it provides enough balance and depth to offer an introduction for students or technically minded general readers. Its thirty chapters address isotopic and chemical constraints on accretion, the dynamics of terrestrial planet formation, the impact-triggered formation of the Earth-Moon system, differentiation of the Earth and Moon, the origin of terrestrial volatiles, and conditions on the young Earth and Moon. Covering such subjects as the history and origin of the Moon's orbit, water on the Earth, and the implications of Earth-Moon interactions for terrestrial climate and life, the book constitutes a state-of-the-art overview of the most recent investigations in the field.

Although many advances have been made in our ability to evaluate competing models of the formation of the Earth-Moon system, there are still many gaps in our understanding. This book makes great strides toward closing those gaps by highlighting the extensive progress that has been made and pointing toward future research."

Call number: QB632 .O76 2000

The Cambridge Guide to the Solar System - Publisher's Marketing: "The Cambridge Guide to the Solar System provides a comprehensive, funamental, and up-to-date description of the solar system. It is written in a concise, light and uniform style, without being unnecessarily weighted down with specialized materials or the variable writing of multiple authors. It is filled with vital facts and information for astronomers of all types and for anyone with a scientific interest in the Earth, our Moon, all the other planets and their satellites, and related topics such as asteroids, comets, meteorites and meteors. The language, style, ideas and profuse illustrations will attract the general reader as well as professionals. A thorough report for general readers, it includes much compact reference data. Metaphors, similes and analogies will be of immense help to the lay person or non-science student, and they add to the enjoyment of the material. Vignettes containing historical, literary and even artistic material make this book unusual and interesting, and enhance its scientific content."

Call number: QB501 .L24 2003

Postcards from Mars: The First Photographer on the Red Planet - Publisher's Marketing: "The first photographic tour of the surface of another planet has now been accomplished. Those who thrilled to the lunar beauty of "Full Moon" and the IMAX smash "Roving Mars" will marvel at this awesome, vivid, beautiful portrait of what it is like to take a stroll on Mars.

The most fantastic of all journeys, the "Spirit" and "Opportunity" mobile robot missions to the surface of Mars produced over 150,000 astonishing photographs. While the images were made available on low-resolution computer screens as they were sent back across millions of space miles, no one until now has done the painstaking work of editing, cropping, and processing these massive (often larger than 100 megabytes) images.

The person to do it is Jim Bell, the scientist and photographer who led the photography team on this historic expedition. With his unique perspective, these photographs take us from the brave launches of these robots, to the alien landscape they discovered and the mysteries of the planet that they have helped to solve.

Over 150 lavish full-color-process prints bring the colors and textures of Mars to vivid life on the page. Four of the most impressive pictures are presented in their entirety as gatefold images - which extend over three feet in width -providing a view of the surface of another planet unprecedented in its detail and clarity. "Postcards from Mars" is the perfect gift to give readers who have their feet on the ground and their eyes on the heavens."

Call number: QB641 .B45 2006

Fighting Techniques of the Ancient World (3000 B.C. to 500 A.D.): Equipment, Combat Skills, and Tactics - Publisher's Marketing: "A comprehensive and heavily illustrated guide to warfare in the ancient world.
This essential guide to ancient warfare describes the fighting methods of soldiers in Europe and the Middle East in an age before gunpowder. From a detailed examination of the individual components of an ancient army and their equipment, to a fascinating exploration of ancient battle strategies, siege warfare, and naval battles, it explores the unique tactics required to win battles with the technology available. Using specially commissioned color and black-and-white artwork and 24 full-color tactical maps, this book shows in great detail the methods by which armies, including Assyrians and Roman forces, prevailed over their foes, and why other armies were less successful. This is a must-read for any reader interested in ancient warfare."

Call number: U29 .F55 2002

Beginning with a history of the earth's formation and development, this book explores the substances that compose the planet, movements within the earth, the surface effects of weather and water, and underground landscapes.

It shows you how to search for, identify, and extract samples of various rocks and minerals, and for each rock and mineral type there is a brief mineralogy and explanation of its locations. There are also sections on mapping, preparing, and curating specimens, and geological sites on the six continents.

Packed with more than 200 full-color illustrations, this comprehensive guide is the essential practical companion for natural science enthusiasts everywhere."

Call number: QE46 .D69

Divine Wind: The History and Science of Hurricanes - Publisher's Marketing: "Imagine standing at the center of a Roman coliseum that is 20 miles across, with walls that soar 10 miles into the sky, towering walls with cascades of ice crystals falling along its brilliantly white surface. That's what it's like to stand in the eye of a hurricane.
In Divine Wind, Kerry Emanuel, one of the world's leading authorities on hurricanes, gives us an engaging account of these awe-inspiring meteorological events, revealing how hurricanes and typhoons have literally altered human history, thwarting military incursions and changing the course of explorations. Offering an account of the physics of the tropical atmosphere, the author explains how such benign climates give rise to the most powerful storms in the world and tells what modern science has learned about them. Interwoven with this scientific account are descriptions of some of the most important hurricanes in history and relevant works of art and literature. For instance, he describes the 17th-century hurricane that likely inspired Shakespeare's The Tempest and that led to the British colonization of Bermuda. We also read about the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, by far the worst natural calamity in U.S. history, with a death toll between 8,000 and 12,000 that exceeded the San Francisco earthquake, the Johnstown Flood, and the Okeechobee Hurricane combined.
Boasting more than one hundred color illustrations, from ultra-modern Doppler imagery to classic paintings by Winslow Homer, Divine Wind captures the profound effects that hurricanes have had on humanity. Its fascinating blend of history, science, and art will appeal to weather junkies, science buffs, and everyone who read Isaac's Storm.

Call number: QC944 .E43 2005

Rachael Ray 365: No Repeats: A Year of Deliciously Different Dinners - Publisher's Marketing: "Even your favorite dinner can lose its appeal when it's in constant rotation, so mix it up! With her largest collection of recipes yet, Food Network's indefatigable cook Rachael Ray guarantees you'll be able to put something fresh and exciting on your dinner table every night for a full year... without a single repeat!
Based on the original 30-Minute Meal cooking classes that started it all, these recipes prove that you don't have to reinvent the wheel every night. Rachael offers dozens of recipes that, once mastered, can become entirely new dishes with just a few ingredient swaps. Learn how to make a Southwestern Pasta Bake and you'll be able to make a Smoky Chipotle Chili Con Queso Mac the next time. Try your hand at Spring Chicken with Leeks and Peas and you're all set to turn out a rib-sticking Rice and Chicken Stoup that looks and tastes like an entirely different dish.
As a best-selling cookbook author and host of three top-rated Food Network shows, Rachael Ray believes that both cooking and eating should be fun. Drawing from her own favorite dishes as well as those of her family, friends, and celebrities, she covers the flavor spectrum from Asian to Italian and dozens of delicious stops in between. Best of all, these flavor-packed dishes will satisfy your every craving and renew your taste for cooking. With so many delicious entrees to choose from you'll never have an excuse for being in a cooking rut again.
How about a brand-new 30-minute dinner every night for an entire year?
Tired of making the same old same old, week after week after week?
With Rachael's most varied and comprehensive collection of 30-minute recipes ever, you'll have everyone at your tablesaying "Yummo!" all year long.
It's amazing what a half hour can do for your tastebuds ... 365 days a year!"

Call number: TX833.5 .R387 2005

Featuring Bonanza Jellybean and the smooth-riding cowgirls of Rubber Rose Ranch. Chink, lascivious guru of yams and yang. Julian, Mohawk by birth; asthmatic esthete and husband by disposition. Dr. Robbins, preventive psychiatrist and reality instructor...

Follow Sissy's amazing odyssey from Virginia to chic Manhattan to the Dakota Badlands, where FBI agents, cowgirls, and ecstatic whooping cranes explode in a deliciously drawn-out climax...

"This is one of those special novels--a piece of working magic, warm, funny, and san--that you just want to ride off into the sunset with."--Thomas Pynchon

"The best fiction, so far, to come out of the American counterculture."-- "Chicago Tribune Book World""

Call number: PS3568.O233 E9 1990

Another Roadside Attraction - Publisher's