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September 28, 2006

"When not close enough to be killed, the atomic bomb is one of the most beautiful sights in the world."

The month is ending, October is around the corner, and pretty soon we will all be up to our ears in dead leaves and seasonally ripe apples, so as a small distraction and to continue our documentary theme of the month the Cirque du Cinema pick this week is "The Atomic Cafe".

Now some may ask, "What could a documentary entitled "The Atomic Cafe" possibly be about?". Well I will put these questions to rest. It is a compilation of 1960s propaganda films surrounding 'safety precautions' to be used in case of a nuclear attack. I will admit that description sounds a bit sad but the film is actually quite funny. The featured song "Duck and Cover" was enough to leave me smiling and humming to myself for days.

So if during the aforementioned months ahead, you feel that you might want to curl up in a ball on the floor and cover your ears for a small moment of warmth, respite, and recovery, you will know that while it might help your sanity, it will not protect you from a nuclear explosion. (And now I will briefly apologize for the upcoming low browed pun) End September with a bang! And have a good weekend!

Posted by Blake at 04:44 PM | Comments (2)

the boy from the library

We're happy for Desketeer Blaine, but sad for ourselves.... Blaine, who ghost writes under the name Blake (that's a story as well, because someone called him Blake 3 times in one conversation), is leaving us to pursue fame and fortune in NYC. Some of you have called out to him in NYC as "the boy from the library". Now you will see him on the big screen, or strolling in the city, but after tomorrow, no longer behind our front desk. But he promises to return for the next Harry Potter extravaganza. If you're in the library tomorrow, wish him farewell! We'll miss you Blaine!

Posted by louise at 04:08 PM

September 21, 2006

Let our moods "Rize" as the temperature lowers.

What happens when you take photographer of famed personalities and club kids David LaChapelle, and add Los Angeles, some clown makeup, intense music, crazy pseudonyms, and LOTS of shaking?? Why our Cirque du Cinema pick of the week of course, "Rize".

Following along the documentary theme of September here is another title all about dance. I must brag for a moment and say I was lucky enough to see this particular feature when it was in theaters and I'll admit I walked away practically bouncing with the urge to dance. This film details the beginnings and current status of the latest dance craze and sub culture entitled 'Krumping'. This rage is showing quite a few less fortunate children that getting off the street and dancing is much cooler than joining one of the numerous L.A. gangs. These groups gather regularly to strut their style and really prove just how hip they are.

It is evident while watching that Mr. LaChapelle got very close to this project and really spent a lot of time and energy filming. My favorite part is when he throws in some signature LaChapelle cinematography around the end of the film with some beautifully shot slow motion (sounds cheesy but it's not) sequences.

So if you are not ready for the thermometer to sink, then the Desketeers recommend you heat things up this weekend and watch, "Rize".

Posted by Blake at 04:52 PM

September 19, 2006

What's the best book you read this summer?

That's what we asked the participants in our first Adult Summer Reading program. Here are some of their responses:

Other favorities were: False Impression, My Life in France, A Death in Belmont, Revenge of the Middle Aged Woman, and Welcome to the World, Baby Girl! Right now, I'm putting together a brochure highlighting participants' favorite books, which will soon be available at the Front Desk.

In response to overwhelming feedback, we'll be offering an improved summer reading program next summer including more book recommendations and BETTER PRIZES!

Posted by EmilyW at 03:34 PM | Comments (1)

September 14, 2006

Quick, quick, slow.

Sixteen days, eight hours, five minutes until the end of this month. Until that time September continues and so does the general theme for our Cirque du Cinema pick of the week. We’re continuing our back-to-school educational streak with another documentary: "Mad Hot Ballroom". Bounce along to the beat with three NY elementary schools who participated in weeks of ballroom training culminating in a fun and final competition. This film is a charming insight into the importance of children’s development and much worth all 105 minutes of tango, meringue, rumba and foxtrot. If you get a chance to see it, my fun fact this week is that during filming the cinematographer (Claudia Raschke) had to hold the camera at stomach level for most of the film in order to keep the camera in line with the children's faces (the things behind making movies we never think about!).

So if the coming sixteen days, seven hours and fifty-five minutes are not traveling fast enough for you then sway your hips a little and watch "Mad Hot Ballroom". Enjoy your weekend!

Posted by Blake at 03:20 PM | Comments (1)

September 11, 2006

September 11, 2006

9:30 am.

The Library is very quiet at this moment.

Posted by louise at 09:30 AM

September 08, 2006

Pick Up Some Snacks at the Concession Stand!!

Hello Desketeers! I'll be filling in for our usual Front Desk author today with our wonderful Cirque De Cinema pick of the week.

The summer is wrapping up and school is back in session. Parents and families are trying to balance jobs, school, Kerry's soccer practice, Timmy's clarinet lessons, this can be quite stressful. So where did families of the past turn for a moment of respite?? I will tell you, THE DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATER!

Our pick this week is "Drive-In Movie Memories" a documentary by Kurt Kuenne giving us the history of an amazing facet of America's past. From the terrifying dancing hot dogs and other various fried meat products to the many tactics used in avoiding mosquitoes, this DVD is packed full of some very fun and interesting tid-bits. My favorite piece of trivia was about air conditioning tubes some Drive-ins would offer to stick in your window. These tubes apparently attracted mice so much that when they turned on the mass air-conditioning system any mice that had found their way in the tubes were shot into your car. What a way to enjoy a movie!

All in all this is a very worth while film and made me long for a double feature night in the car with popcorn. Have a great weekend all!

Posted by Blake at 03:21 PM | Comments (1)