Selected by Elizabeth Babbitt
Music
John Mellencamp: Freedom’s Road
Republic
Bring back good old-fashioned rock ’n roll. This might just be Mellencamp’s best album yet. Despite the fact that most of America now associates his first single with Chevy (the backdrop to the chorus of “Our Country” moves a lot of trucks), Mellencamp pushes the theme that life is a series of ups and downs to great effect.
The Shins: Wincing the Night Away
Sub Pop
The third album by the popular indie pop-rock group The Shins engages listeners with occasionally odd, yet pleasing, lyrics and beats. The group has evolved and polished its style but manages to remain true to its roots.
Anna Netrebko: Russian Album
Deutsche Grammophon
Listening to Russian opera is probably not something most people do all that often. However, you might start after listening to one of the world’s favorite sopranos. Putting together a set featuring five of Russia’s greatest composers, Netrebko’s gorgeous, emotive voice does the composers justice.
Paolo Nutini: These Streets
Atlantic / WEA
Nutini is only 19 years old, but he doesn’t sound it. His rough, gravelly voice and Scottish accent work well together. While at times he tries to appear and sound older than he is, he manages to pull it off and comes off as endearing.
Norah Jones: Not Too Late
Blue Note Records
If you love the smooth melodic tone of Norah Jones’ voice, her new CD is another to add to your collection. With her jazz roots in full bloom throughout the album, it is easy to get into the groove of the tempo and thoughtful lyrics and enjoy what she brings to the table.
Books
The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography
By Sidney Poitier
HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN: 0061357901
Proving himself not only a great actor but also a great author, Poitier relates his rise to fame, the trials and tribulations of success and everything in between. An Oprah Book Club selection, this book is sure to be one of the most talked about of the year.
The Shock of the Old: Technology and Global History Since 1900
By David Edgerton
Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0195322835
Delving into the history of technology and why high-tech innovation might not necessarily mean better, Edgerton forces the reader to think about the process of technology and its effects. Using examples from mosquito netting to the sewing machine, he provides an intriguing read on technology.
Supreme Conflict: The Inside Story of the Struggle for Control of the United States Supreme Court By Jan Crawford
Greenburg Penguin Group
ISBN: 1594201013
This fascinating book on the Supreme Court and the journalistic quality of ABC News correspondent Jan Crawford Greenburg’s writing make this book a great read. Examining the direction and soul of the court, Greenburg delves into its history and movements among both political parties and the characters involved.
The Greatest Fly Fishing Around the World: Trout, Salmon, and Saltwater Fishing on the World’s Most Beautiful Waters
By R. Valentine Atkinson and Nick Lyons
The Lyons Press
ISBN: 1592289622
This beautifully photographed book features fishing tales from some of world’s greatest sport fishermen and their experiences fishing in different places throughout the world.
Little Gold Book of Yes! Attitude: How to Find, Build and Keep a Yes! Attitude for a Lifetime of Success
By Jeffrey Gitomer
Pearson Education
ISBN: 0131986473
While it’s common to hear that a person’s attitude can make all the difference, sometimes it is the first thing that is forgotten when a difficult situation arises. Gitomer, the author of various sales books, provides a step-by-step guide to understanding and mastering a positive attitude.
DVDs
Rome - Season 1
HBO Home Video
The entertaining HBO series revolving around the rise and fall of Julius Caesar has excellent writing and acting. Commentaries and historical anecdotes are spread throughout the five discs, with a sixth disc featuring a photo gallery and bonus features.
The Guardian
Touchstone / Disney
This enjoyable movie, featuring Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher, relies on the standard teacher-student formula to showcase the U.S. Coast Guard’s teamwork and dedication.
Viva Pedro The Almodóvar Collection
Sony Pictures
View the brilliant work of Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar in this collection featuring, “The Flower of My Secret,” “All About My Mother,” “Talk to Her” and “Bad Education.”
The Illusionist
20th Century Fox
While this is a period piece, the movie is highly entertaining due in large part to the wonderful cast, including Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti and Jessica Biel. The movie is part romance, part thriller, and concerns a magician who is trying to win back his childhood sweetheart and the tricks he uses to accomplish his goal.
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