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TV Spotlight: Get Sherlocked

by manz

The success of the acclaimed Sherlock show starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman has spawned many new fans of all things Sherlock. Part of that is digging up other versions of detective Sherlock doing his thing. There are many television and film adaptations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s works starring Jeremy Brett and Edward Hardwicke that are now in the catalog! Have a peek .

The Sherlock Holmes Feature Films Collection

Sherlock Holmes: The Return of Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes: The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes: The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes

Who is your favorite Sherlock?!

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Library Lists: (Useful!) Fitness, Nutrition and Exercise Materials

by eapearce

Lots of fitness, diet, and exercise books and materials seem to be repetitive or refuse to acknowledge that losing weight, dieting, and being fit are all difficult things to do! Others are too boring to make it through, despite having potentially useful tips. Even motivated people looking for some good information can become discouraged wading through the endless materials on fitness and diet that are out there. For some actually useful, beneficial and well-laid-out materials on exercise and health, try:

Eat Bacon, Don’t Jog: The format of this recently published book is over 100 short directives for how to lead a life of health and fitness. Drawing on the most recent science, and ignoring any of the “fad” diets that have sprung up in the past few decades, this book is an easy and useful guide to both physical fitness and nutrition.

Running Like a Girl: Notes on Learning to Run is the wonderfully honest story of Alexandra Heminsley, a woman who decided to take up running in her mid-thirties. She expected immediate weight loss, toned legs and the lauded “runners high”… but that’s not exactly what happened. She admits that starting to run can be a brutal and discouraging experience, and talks about motivating herself to get past those first miserable weeks (okay, months) and ultimately reaping the rewards of a running lifestyle.

Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred: Although most workout DVDs don’t do it for me, Jillian Michaels’ are a huge exception. Her workouts combine cardio, strength training and ab workouts in 20 minute workouts that really WORK. Each of her DVDs contains multiple workouts that progress by intensity level as you gain fitness and improve. 30 Day Shred, along with Jillian Michaels’ Ripped in 30 are the perfect solution if you nee d to work out at home and really want to sweat.

Michael Pollan’s Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual clearly and concisely explains how to eat well. Incorporating many of the rules that he describes is easy, and this book is so compact that it’s a great one to have around the house when you need a reminder of how and why to eat healthy. Advice such as “Things that never go bad aren’t food,” is clever and really hits home.

No Sweat: In this brand new book, University of Michigan researcher and professor uses the results of her own research—and that of others—to explain why so many people begin exercise regimes with the best of intentions, but then fail to stick with them after a few weeks or months. Her information and advice are extremely useful, and this book is a quick and straightforward read.

Making healthy, complete meals is a challenge for everyone, and it can be especially difficult to get the nutrients and the right amount of calories when you're increasing physical activity or maintaining an active lifestyle. The Runner's World Cookbook contains over 150 easy and varied recipes that will help with overall nutrition (whether you're a runner or not!). I love the healthy, diverse, and straightforward recipes it offers. It even contains vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options for the athlete with dietary restrictions.

For even more excellent materials on health and fitness, check out the extended list here.

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PreK Bits - "M" is for Monkeys

by ryanikoglu

Ms. Rachel and Ms. Sara played with monkeys in Preschool Storytime.
The CAPS FOR SALE Peddler brought the hats and monkeys.
You can play the activity game “Monkey See, Monkey Do” with the DVD JAMARAMA LIVE! KIDFEST.
FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS JUMPING ON The BED were put to sleep. You can hear the song in the CD + Book Kit.
MONKEY FACE has no circulating copies. There is a copy on the Downtown Story Shelf you can read in the Youth Department. You may borrow a copy through Melcat interlibrary loan.

If you like monkeys and you want more stories try these favorites:
The HATSELLER And The MONKEYS … an African version of CAPS FOR SALE.
Eileen Christelow’s series of monkey books.
COUNT The MONKEYS … that run off the page.
The MONKEY And The BEE ... sequel to MONKEY GOES BANANAS.
BE QUIET MIKE!.
MONKEY WITH A TOOL BELT.
ZARAFA: The Giraffe Who Walked To The King.
WARNING: Do Not Open This Book!. 'Nuf said!

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New TV Shows @ AADL

by manz

The library is always acquiring additional TV shows and new seasons of them, be they hot and new, or oldies but goodies. Here are some new-to-AADL series:

Empire, Season 1
Drama about a family dynasty that follows the head of a music empire whose three sons and ex-wife battle for this throne.

Harry, Season 1
Still grieving his wife's suicide, Detective Harry Anglesea returns to Auckland's Major Crime Unit after bereavement leave in his native Samoa. Although he's eager to jump back into the job, his self-destructive behavior hints that he may not be ready. His thirteen-year-old daughter, Mele, is even less ready for life as normal and desperately needs her father's attention. Harry and his boss, DSS Jim "Stocks" Stockton, soon become engrossed in a high-profile case.

The Last Man On Earth, Season 1
The year is 2022, and after an unlikely event, only one man is left on earth: Phil Miller, who used to be just an average guy who loved his family and hated his job at the bank. Now, in his RV, Phil searches the country for other survivors. He has traveled to every city, every town and every outpost in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and has found no one, which leads him to the painful realization that he is almost certainly the last living being on the face of the earth.

Gotham, Season 1
When rookie Gotham City detective James Gordon, dedicated to restoring his crime-ridden metropolis back to its decent and illustrious past, catches the case of a murdered socialite couple, he promises their shattered, surviving son Bruce Wayne he'll find their killer. It is an obligation and an obsession that will cost him dearly, and set the stage for the gritty and exciting world of Gotham.

The Flash, Season 1
A fast-paced super hero drama that follows the high-speed adventures of Central City Police scientist Barry Allen, an everyday guy with the heart of a hero and the genuine desire to help others. When an unexpected accident at the S.T.A.R. Labs Particle Accelerator facility strikes Barry, he finds himself suddenly charged with the incredible power to move at super speeds. While Barry has always been a hero in his soul, his newfound powers have finally given him the ability to act like one. With the help of the research team at S.T.A.R. Labs, Barry begins testing the limits of his evolving powers and using them to stop crime.

Fresh Off The Boat, Season 1
It's 1995 and 11-year-old hip-hop loving Eddie Huang has just moved with his family from Chinatown in Washington D.C. to suburban Orlando. They quickly discover things are very different there.

Jane The Virgin, Season 1
Jane Villanueva is a driven young woman studying to become a teacher, nursing a dream to be a writer, and supporting herself with a job at a hot new Miami hotel.

NCIS: New Orleans, Season 1
In a city that keeps surviving disaster; one elite team is dedicated to making our shores a little safer. Dwayne Cassius King Pride knows every corner of the Crescent City from his days as a deputy. Now, his mission has higher stakes as he leads an elite crew that tackles crimes that threaten national security. The Big Easy is in good hands with a supremely professional team with a passion for justice.

Detectorists, Series 1
Charming comedy-drama from BBC Four that tells the story of Andy and Lance, members of the Danebury Metal Detectors Club. As Andy pursues a degree in archaeology and Lance considers being a musician, they spend their days searching through fields with their metal detectors, dreaming of finding a fortune.

For more TV shows, be sure to check out AADL’s lists for HOT TV shows, as well as NEW TV shows.

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PreK Bits - "L" is for Lions

by ryanikoglu

Ms. Rachel introduced a famous French lion in Preschool Storytime.
The HAPPY LION had a beautiful home in the center of Paris. A fire truck was called for the rescue, and Francois arrived first.
Ms. Sara and Ms. Rachel led "Tommy Thumb Is Up" from the CD TICKLES And TUNES and "Jump Josie" from the CD DANCE PARTY.
SITTING IN MY BOX begins with “Just Me” inside the box, dreaming about lions.
The rest of the "friends" are all characters whose names begin with “l”, ... including one lion, of course!

If you would like more stories with lions try these:
ANDY And The LION: A tale of kindness remembered or the power of gratitude this book won the 1939 Caldecott Medal for picture books.
WE’RE GOING ON A LION HUNT … the same concept as WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT.
LITTLE LIONS a story of the real nature of lion cubs.
The LION’S SHARE and the same story on DVD … a story of dividing and multiplying cake.
A LION NAMED SHIRLEY WILLIAMSON
The LIBRARY LION and the same story printed in Spanish language.
What if there really was a Happy Lion living in a park in France?
Remember to say, "Bonjour!"

Ppurrrr !

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Love and Mercy

by manz

The film Love and Mercy is a bit of a music biopic that sheds light on the story of Beach Boys’. singer and songwriter Brian Wilson. He is wonderfully portrayed by Paul Dano and John Cusack at two very different stages of Wilson’s life and the split storyline darts in and out, detailing Wilson’s workflow, anxiety, and musical genius. In the end it shows Wilson in the 1980s as a very broken man under the overbearing care of his therapist Eugene Landy, and then the inevitable release of this care which leads to where he is today. It’s a well done story and it was great to hear all the Beach Boys. music throughout the film. Those boys sure can harmonize.

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TV Spotlight: Space Ghost Coast to Coast

by manz

In Space Ghost Coast to Coast volumes 1, 2, and 3, Space Ghost, a 1960s superhero, now goes by Tad Ghostal and hosts a late night talk show. Though an animated character, he interviews real people, alongside his keyboard playing praying mantis sidekick Zorak, and director Moltar. It is seriously the most ridiculous thing I saw on television (thank you Adult Swim and Cartoon Network!) in the late 1990s and it definitely helped shape my warped sense of humor. There are some crazy interviews!

In these seasons he interviews folks such as Bob Denver, Ashley Judd, Weird Al, Thurston Moore, Alice Cooper, Matt Groening, Adam West, Jim Carrey, Michael Stipe, and many, many more. I’m excited to watch these again now!

I’d rather watch these than the 1960s series Space Ghost and Dino Boy episodes, but either way – good stuff!

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John Hughes: A Life in Film

by manz

The book John Hughes: A Life in Film chronicles the film career of writer, director and producer John Hughes (1950-2009).

Hughes, born in Lansing, Michigan, is best known for his hit 80s flicks such as Pretty In Pink, Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Weird Science, National Lampoon's Vacation, Mr. Mom, Ferris Beuller’s Day Off, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, The Great Outdoors, Home Alone, and many more. His work on numerous films helped launch the careers of many actors.

This new book covers the films that Hughes worked on, features film stills and candid shots from production, as well as stories and blurbs by actors and staff working on the films.It’s really fun to go back through these films chronologically and remember how great they are!

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TV Spotlight: The X-Files Reboot

by manz

The 90s just won’t seem to take a break and now we can add The X-Files to the list of TV shows that are coming back—with six fresh episodes with creator Chris Carter and many original cast members returning. That’s right, shooting is underway for a 10th season (miniseries) of the show starring Mulder and Scully as FBI agents working on X-Files that feature unexplained phenomena involving strange creatures, the occult, telekinesis, parapsychology, aliens, colonization, and government conspiracy, to name a few. The show's episodes were mainly either "monster of the week" or dealing with an overarching "mythology" that ran through all seasons.The show aired from 1993-2002.

The new season of The X-Files is set to launch on January 24, 2016, which means that it’s a perfect time to get a jump on rewatching (or viewing for the first time?!) the first nine seasons! Since the show’s original demise there have also been two spin-off films: The X-Files: Fight the Future in 1998 and The X-Files: I Want to Believe in 2008.

The truth is out there—Mulder and Scully are back!

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Teen Books on Film in July!

by manz

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is in theaters now, and is based on the book of the same title by Jesse Andrews. It tells the story of 17 year old Greg, who mainly spends his time being antisocial except for making films with his “friend” Earl until his mother forces him to befriend the girl down the street who was recently diagnosed with cancer. It sounds morbid, but it’s delightfully funny and Greg’s one-liners and views on the world are priceless. And Earl is just one of the funniest characters in teen lit. But then there is the whole girl-with-cancer thing that tugs on your sleeves. It’s not as sad as The Fault In Our Stars, but it’s definitely in the same “sick lit” vein.

Speaking of John Green, the film version of his novel Paper Towns hits theaters July 24 and there is so much buzz about it! In the story Margo arrives at Quentin’s window in disguise a month before graduation and drags him out on a night that ends up being a revenge mission against all those who did her wrong during high school. Soon afterwards Margo goes missing and Q follows clues to try to find out what happened to her. I’m really curious to see how this turns out on the big screen!

Both were good reads and recommended if you like realistic teen fiction.

EDIT: Paper Towns movie is now in the catalog!