How Art Made the World directed by Dr. Nigel Spivey
Year of release 2005, Running time 290 minutes (two disc set), Rating G
Acclaimed art historian and University of Cambridge lecturer Dr. Nigel Spivey hosts this fascinating art history program. He delves into the reason why humans uniquely create art and hits upon interesting topics. One of them addresses why our society is obsessed with unrealistic images of the human body. He tackles four other topics that intergrades science, archeology, forensics, and sociology to explain how the art of the ancient past connects with modern day ideas that influence our ideals. 5/6/08

The Secret of Roan Inish directed by John Sayles
One of the great family films for adults and children. Ten-year-old Fiona is sent to live with her grandparents in a small fishing village since her father does not have the means to raise her. Fiona’s grandfather tells her the story of how they lost her baby brother at sea. The search for her brother brings life to an old Celtic myth of the selkie. Could he possibly still be alive on the island of Inish that no one dares to go to? Anyone who can appreciate folklore tales should love this movie. Based on the book by Rosalie Fry - Secret of the Ron Mor Skerry. In English and Gaelic. 1/4/06
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Dear Frankie directed by Shona Auberbach
Year of release 2004
An excellent family drama involving a single mother - Lizzie - writing letters to her fatherless boy Frankie. Lizzie invents a story that the father is away at sea. When Frankie finds out that his father's ship is docking in their Scottish town, Lizzie has a choice; to tell the truth or to arrange for a stranger to pose as Frankie's father for a day. The plot has enough unexpected twists to keep you interested. You will feel for the characters and understand their predicaments. 12/1/05
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Divorce Italian Style (Divorzio all'italiana) directed by Pietro Germi
Year of release 1961
When Baron Fefé Cefalù (Mastroianni) falls in love with his cousin Angela, he decides that it is time to get rid of his devoted wife Rosalia. Divorce is illegal in Italy at the time, but there is also a law that justifies the killing of a wife if she is caught during an act of adultery. He goes to great lengths to make sure that he “accidentally” finds them, which is comical in itself, a great black comedy with a
surprise ending. Italian with English Subtitles. 11/1/05
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Maria Rita by Maria Rita, CD
This Brazilian singer has an eclectic bossa nova feel that pleases the ear even if you don't speak Portuguese or Spanish. My favorite track is "Lavadeira Do Rio" which is about a laundress at the river looking for love. Rita's raw emotion and beautiful voice will carry you away to a wonderful evening in Sao Paulo. If you enjoy bossa nova you should also listen to Bebel Gilberto or Rosa Passos. Maria Rita is the Latin Grammy winner for best new artist in 2004. 10/3/05
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Theremin directed by Steven M Martin
What can I say? I have never even heard of the thing until I saw this documentary. If you enjoy kidnapping, KGB, a mad scientist, and a far out interview with Brian Wilson you will love this film. Fact is stranger than fiction. 12/7/04
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Attraction by Paris Comb, CD
A upbeat and lively CD that has remnants of cabaret singing and eclectic sounds of Mediterranean, middle eastern, and gypsy influences. Even though Belle du Berry only sings in French you still get a good sense of her playful song writing. 8/31/04
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Luna by Claudia Acuna, CD
Inspired by Latin music and harmonized by jazz, this beautiful and passionate bilingual CD produces sensuous melodies. This Chilean born singer casts a bewitching spell on the listener with her engaging voice. 8/26/04
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Unrest by Erlend Øye, CD, 2003
A transfusion of Øye's global travels into a delicious set of European sounds. Highlights from this CD are tracks #3 "Sudden Rush" and #5 "Every Party Has a Winner and a Loser." 12/22/03
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