Music
Dreamgirls: Music from the Motion PictureSonyWith a stellar cast including Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy and breakout star and former “American Idol” finalist Jennifer Hudson, expect “Dreamgirls” to be a contender for the music and acting Oscars in March. Get ready by listening to the two-disc CD and finding out why the movie about three childhood friends rising to stardom in the ’60s is on the fast track to success.
Portastatic: Be Still Please Merge RecordsCombining lead singer Mac McCaughan’s voice with insightful, clever and provocative lyrics, the group Portastatic has created a record that is part indie pop and part rock music. It’s one of those albums that, after a few listens, can get stuck in your head.
Il Divo: SiempreSonyChanging the way some people view opera, this handsome foursome has created a new listener base by adding a pop element to their repertoire. “Siempre,” their fourth release, is still an individual talent showcase and proves you don’t have to get the lyrics to get the message.
JJ Cale & Eric Clapton: The Road to EscondidoReprise /WEALongtime collaborators JJ Cale and Eric Clapton have come together to produce a duet album that captures
the musicians’ appreciation for each other. And, if you like the album, go check out Clapton in concert at Arco Arena on March 20.
Joanna Newsom: YsDrag City (Caroline)Talented folksinger/writer and very talented harpist’s sophomore outing contains only five songs but still represents almost an hour of music. With a distinctly different and intense vocal style, Newsom can take some getting used to, but the consensus is she’s worth the effort.
Books
Celebrations: Rituals of Peace and Prayer By Maya AngelouRandom House Publishing Group, ISBN: 1400066107
Any fan of Angelou will love this new book, which includes collections of her public and private poetry. Whether it’s the poem she read for President Clinton’s 1993 inauguration or a poem written about mothers and their impact on a life, Angelou has a way of weaving in timeless elements that evoke a strong response.
Paris: The Secret HistoryBy Andrew Hussey
Bloomsbury USA, ISBN: 1596913231
Researching the history of Paris is no easy feat, and this book offers more than a few surprises. Hussey ventures across centuries to explore the underground society of Paris and the people who have shaped its current culture.
The Family That Couldn’t Sleep: A Medical MysteryBy D. T. MaxRandom House Publishing, ISBN: 1400062454
A fascinating look into the medical world of brain proteins. The author follows one family’s search for an answer and a cure as its members are dying from an inability to sleep. Weaving the story of the family with scientific theory and early civilization, this is an enthralling read that will keep you hooked.
Monopoly: The World’s Most Famous Game — And How It Got that WayBy Philip E. Orbanes
Da Capo Press, ISBN: 0306814897
Ever wonder how the makers of Monopoly came up with the game pieces? Why, among other things, they
chose a thimble? Former Parker Brothers vice president Orbanes delves into the history of the game and everything else, from licensing and memorabilia to collectors.
A Photographer’s Life: 1990-2005By Annie LeibovitzRandom House Publishing, ISBN: 0375505091
Anyone who appreciates the art of photography will be pleased with the new collection from Annie Leibovitz. Showcasing portraits from the past 15 years, the book describes Leibovitz’s world, her family and how she captures her subjects. A wonderful coffee table book.
DVD
Saturday Night Live — The Complete First SeasonUniversal StudiosWhile “Saturday Night Live” has changed over the years, nothing beats its rookie year. Featuring Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Gilda Radner and many, many other talented actors, this set shows how the group redefined TV with their comedic chops and skits. The box set also includes a limited edition book with photos of the original cast.
Little Miss Sunshine20th Century FoxIf you’ve ever thought your own family was dysfunctional, check out “Little Miss Sunshine.” On a road trip to get to a beauty pageant, the family encounters a variety of problems and deals with the idiosyncrasies of the family, with plenty of heart and laughs along the way.
Misc.
Del.icio.usdel.icio.us If you haven’t heard of Del.icio.us yet, get ready for the next big thing on the internet. A new way to keep all your favorite links, you can also share your links with other users and vice versa. Basically, it’s a social bookmarks manager that allows you to access and categorize favorites across the web.
One Way Street Puppetry Festival This festival, to be held at Trinity Life Center in Sacramento Feb. 23-24, will feature workshops, performances, competitions and much more for all fans of puppets. A great environment for kids and anyone interested in learning more about puppets.
Fark.comA great site for providing fake and real news, strange websites and other miscellaneous information, fark.com is a way to catch up on anything you’ve missed during the day. The site also allows users to comment on and participate in any submissions or posts.
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