Monthly Archives: February 2012
Leap Day!
Today is usually not on the calendar. Only once every four years do we get this additional day in February. What do you do with your “extra” day? Do you envy or feel sorry for those born on February 29th? … Continue reading
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It’s All About The Opening
I like a book that grabs me with a really riveting opening. I’m not the most patient fellow, so an author needs to make a good first impression in those opening pages, or I might pull the ripcord and jump … Continue reading
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Unexpected Detours and the Kindness of Strangers: A 1,001 Movies Update
A funny thing happened since my last movie project update — I accidentally watched a few movies that aren’t on the official list. After you stop laughing, you might ask yourself just how on earth I managed that. In the case of … Continue reading
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What are the Most Popular (Nonfiction) Books in the Library?
With all due respect to CBS and you-know-who’s top ten lists. That is one of the more frequently asked questions I am asked, or a variation thereof. It might be “What’s the most popular?” or maybe “What has gone out … Continue reading
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Midnight in New York?
Have you seen Woody Allen’s latest film, Midnight in Paris? In it, the main character (a writer) visits present-day Paris with his fiancee, and while roaming about the city at night suddenly finds himself in 1920s-era Paris and meets up with … Continue reading
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The Best Way to Show Off the Endearing Charms of the Euphonium
On Valentine’s Day, I went to a taping of the inspiring radio show From the Top, where young classical musicians perform with and are interviewed by pianist Christopher O’Riley. Amidst all the talented string players and pianists, I was thrilled … Continue reading
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Funny Ladies
This past weekend I took a break from my movie marathon and went to see Frankly Scarlett, a new Pittsburgh comedy troupe whose side-splitting mix of skits, improv games, short video clips, and musical interludes was more than worth the … Continue reading
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Radio China
Radio waves from North Korea are penetrating your body! It’s true! And scores of other countries are in on the act. State and privately operated radio transmitters are sending out special radio signals designed to travel vast distances, across oceans … Continue reading
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A World of History in a Poem: Anna Akhmatova
But now I’m frightened. I have Got to present myself, smile at Them all and fall silent, Hugging my lace shawl. She who was I, in her black agate Necklace–till the valley of God’s anger Bring us together, I’d rather … Continue reading
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Studio Ghibli
As a librarian and a mom, I bring home oodles of material for my kids, ages 9 and 6. Far and away, their very favorite movies are written, animated, and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli (pronounced … Continue reading
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