Ed Sullivan's Birthday

Thu, 09/28/2006 - 12:26pm by Robb

Thursday September 28, 1901 is Ed's Birthday.
Ed started his career as a sportscaster but was the host of his own television variety show from 1948 to 1971 just prior to his death in 1974. A lot of folks made fun of Ed and his stiff mannerisms but we all owe a debt to him for helping capture some of the culture and entertainment of his day. Fortunately some of his shows have survived. Watching them Ed Sullivan and the many legends, Elvis Presley, the Beatles on their first American visit, Little Richard, etc. is a real treat and takes me back to that time of our recent past. Do you remember Topo Gigio ?

Highlights from Fresh Air for the Week of September 18th to 22nd, 2006

Wed, 09/27/2006 - 5:56pm by nosch

On Wednesday, Maureen Corrigan reviewed Nell Freudenberger’s first novel, The Dissident. A September 2006 Book Sense pick, this is “a bold, intricately woven first novel about an enigmatic stranger who disrupts the life of one American family” (publisher synopsis). Also check out her 2003 award-winning short story collection, Lucky Girls. Hear the review on Fresh Air here.

Also Wednesday, New York Times columnist Frank Rich spoke about his new book, The Greatest Story Ever Sold: The Decline and Fall of Truth from 9/11 to Katrina. Rich, a former theatre critic for the Times, now writes about politics and culture. Get in line for this new book now – this title is on its way to our shelves and our Hot Books list. Listen to Rich talk about his new book on Fresh Air.

Friday was a movie kind of day on Fresh Air. Critic Robert Edelstein reviewed a new movie version of Robert Penn Warren’s novel All the King’s Men, starring Sean Penn; featuring Kate Winslet, Mark Ruffalo, Patricia Clarkson, and James Gandolfini; and directed by Steven Zaillian, best known for writing the screenplay for Schindler’s List. See the 1949 version of the film, starring Broderick Crawford, who won an Oscar for his work in this film. Listen to Edelstein’s review on Fresh Air.

Also Friday, Fresh Air aired a 1999 interview with actor James Woods. Woods can be seen on TV this fall in the new CBS drama Shark, and you can catch some of his big screen work on our shelves in Once Upon a Time In America and The Virgin Suicides. Listen to the interview here.

Long-awaited classics coming to DVD this fall

Wed, 09/27/2006 - 1:15pm by amy

Well, it's about time. This October, Warner's is finally releasing five classics on DVD from MGM, "the Tiffany of movie studios": Producer David O. Selznick's A Tale of Two Cities (1935), starring Ronald Colman and Basil Rathbone and David Copperfied (1935), starring W.C. Fields; Treasure Island (1934), starring Wallace Beery; the opulent Marie Antionette (1938), starring Norma Shearer; and, drum roll, please, the 1940 version of Pride and Prejudice starring Laurence Olivier. As if that wasn't enough, the classic civil rights documentary series Eyes on the Prize will be here in November (we currently have the VHS edition), as well as 49 Up, the next installment in the landmark documentary series by filmmaker Michael Apted that began with the 1964 film Seven Up!. Stay tuned. We'll be getting them all.

Viva Italia!

Wed, 09/27/2006 - 11:23am by Maxine

September 28 is the birthday of Italian actor, Marcello Mastroianni who was born on this date in 1924. Often cast as a womanizer or a jilted lover,Mastroianni was best known for the films, La Dolce Vita and Divorce, Italian Style. In addition to films with Mastroianni, the Library has an extensive collection of Italian films.

Under the Radar: New DVDs

Wed, 09/20/2006 - 4:48pm by amy

Sure, we have Syriana and Friends With Money, but here are some interesting titles you may not have heard of:

1. In 10 Days that Unexpectedly Changed America, acclaimed documentary filmmakers offer a compelling look at 10 pivotal moments in American history and their often unforeseen repercussions.

2. Not to be confused with Broken Arrow, starring John Travolta and Christian Slater (which is currently on order), Broken Rainbow, winner of the 1985 Academy Award for Best Documentary, is the heartbreaking tale of the forced relocation of 12,000 Navajos from their ancestral homeland in Arizona that began in the 1970's.

3. Sketches of Frank Gehry takes a look at the work of visionary, artist, and well-known architect Frank Gehry.

4. And finally, an odd but interesting acquisition is 100 Years of Big Ideas, from the The Adcraft Club of Detroit. Footage from its 2005 centennial party celebrating the creative work produced by the Detroit advertising community over the past 100 years includes the "Top 10 best Detroit ads of all time".

International Day of Peace

Tue, 09/19/2006 - 8:07pm by Maxine

On September 21, 2002, the United Nations declared that day International Day of Peace, a time "devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples." This day would be observed by all nations committing to a global ceasefire and non-violence. Vigils, speeches, music and other activities mark the day in cities throughout the world.

There are many peace groups working on a national and local level. Families for Peaceful Tomorrows is a group of people who all lost a family member in the 9/11 tragedy. They have come together to work for peaceful solutions to terrorism.

On the local level, Michigan Peaceworks is a grassroots organization that was organized in response to 9/11 and has grown into a significant activist group working for changes in national policy.

The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom is an international organization connecting people working for peace and justice.

To further explore this topic, check out a new dvd in our collection, Peace One Day a documentary by Jeremy Gilley which portrays one man's attempts to persuade the world to declare a day of non-violence. Anthony C. Zinni has written a persuasive book, The Battle for Peace, encouraging a more in-depth look at causes of international conflict.

Anime fans, mark your calendars!

Tue, 09/19/2006 - 3:27pm by joy k

Youmacon, “Metro Detroit's first and only anime con,” is being held November 3-5, 2006 at the Hilton Detroit/Troy. Featured guests include Caitlyn Glass, voice actress for Winry in Fullmetal Alchemist, and Matt Hill, voice actor for Kero in Cardcaptor Sakura. There will be panels, cosplay, gaming, and more.

Pre-register by September 30 and save, but don’t worry too much if you miss the date! On-site registration will be available as well.

In Memoriam: September 11

Mon, 09/11/2006 - 8:42am by amy

On the fifth anniversary of this unprecedented event in American history, the Library remembers with the exhibit New York, September 11; a staged reading of the "The Guys" by the Purple Rose Theatre Company; a panel discussion for survivors and families; a community forum with a panel of experts from the UM Department of Psychiatry; plus dozens of books and videos.

'Crocodile Hunter' killed by stingray

Mon, 09/04/2006 - 9:46am by amy

Steve Irwin, the energetic 'Crocodile Hunter' and wildlife warrior, died over the weekend after being stung by a stingray while snorkeling off the Australian coast. Irwin was filming pieces for a show called "Ocean's Deadliest" with Phillipe Cousteau, grandson of Jacques Cousteau.

What season are you watching?

Tue, 08/29/2006 - 9:48am by jillean

According to Amazon.com's Top Sellers list, T.V. is tops. Check out these popular television series titles on DVD to find out what all the fuss is about or to catch up in time for next season.

1. Lost
2. Arrested Development
3. Grey's Anatomy
4. House M.D.
5. Desperate Housewives
6. Nip/Tuck
7. South Park
8. Rome
9. Veronica Mars