ba_library
The Seattle Public Library
ba_library's Completed Shelf
Filter your results by...
Black Caesars and Foxy CleopatrasBlack Caesars and Foxy Cleopatras, BookA History of Blaxploitation Cinema
by Henderson, OdieBook - 2024Book, 2024
ba_library's rating:
Added Feb 29, 2024
A Compassionate SpyA Compassionate Spy, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
ba_library's rating:
Added Feb 12, 2024
Comment:
If you have seen Oppenheimer you may want to borrow this DVD. Ted Hall was recruited to work at Los Alamos while they were creating the bomb. He and a friend decided to give some inside nuclear knowledge about the bomb and the project to Russia. They knew they were creating a world changing device and thought the Russians should share in the info; in order to equalize the armaments race. Was Hall a compassionate spy, a naïve idiot or an idealistic dreamer? Perhaps all of the above?If you have seen Oppenheimer you may want to borrow this DVD. Ted Hall was recruited to work at Los Alamos while they were creating the bomb. He and a friend decided to give some inside nuclear knowledge about the bomb and the project to Russia. …
The War on DiscoThe War on Disco, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
ba_library's rating:
Added Feb 10, 2024
Comment:
Good look at the disco music/scene of the 1970s. I was just a kid not listening to much music or going to clubs, but disco definitely impacted 70s culture. The DVD does a good job laying out the background of the era. Many marginalized communities (LBGTQ, POC, women) embraced the music/scene because they could connect with others in their community. When disco eventually peaked commercially many wanted to end it. The DVD highlights the 1978 disco demolition event at the Chicago White Sox game. A local DJ invited patrons to bring disco records which he would explode. Their mantra was "disco sucks!" The DVD does a good job of discussing the political and economic decline during the 1970s as well as, the cultural evolution of the above marginalized groups demanding recognition. Gloria Gaynor sang the disco classic I Will Survive. Disco did not, but evolved into house and electronic music.Good look at the disco music/scene of the 1970s. I was just a kid not listening to much music or going to clubs, but disco definitely impacted 70s culture. The DVD does a good job laying out the background of the era. Many marginalized communities…
Tom Clancy's Jack RyanTom Clancy's Jack Ryan, DVDSeason Three
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
Added Jan 04, 2024
Blood Pressure DownBlood Pressure Down, BookThe 10-step Plan to Lower your Blood Pressure in 4 Weeks-without Prescription Drugs
by Brill, Janet BondBook - 2013Book, 2013
Added Jan 04, 2024
The Art ThiefThe Art Thief, BookA True Story of Love, Crime, and A Dangerous Obsession
by Finkel, MichaelBook - 2023Book, 2023
ba_library's rating:
Added Dec 30, 2023
Comment:
Fascinating, intriguing and somewhat disturbing (for art lovers/appreciators). The book tells the story of Stephane Breitwieser and his girlfriend stealing hundreds of pieces of art from galleries and museums in his native France and expanding into Belgium, Switzerland and Holland. He described himself as an “art liberator.” The pair never broke into museums to steal, but entered with the public and stole artifacts during the day. What did they do with their treasures? They kept them at home (they lived in his mother’s attic space) so they could touch them and appreciate their stolen art. They did not sell the artwork on the black market for financial gain—they did not believe in such practice, but stealing for themselves was acceptable (almost necessary). Their personal collection included oil paintings, silver, historical weapons, marble carvings; a 10’ tapestry and 4’ Madonna (they smuggled the artwork out in their clothes or bags.) The author does a good job trying to explain the psychology of art theft. More than kleptomania (stealing) but for a need (or psychosis) to have such a unique expression of beauty for their own. Read the book to find out if they were caught and what happened to the artwork. This book truly illustrates that truth can be stranger than fiction.Fascinating, intriguing and somewhat disturbing (for art lovers/appreciators). The book tells the story of Stephane Breitwieser and his girlfriend stealing hundreds of pieces of art from galleries and museums in his native France and expanding into…
OppenheimerOppenheimer, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
ba_library's rating:
Added Dec 25, 2023
Comment:
Good DVD (very long!) that documents the birth of the atomic bomb. The film is based on the book American Prometheus by Kai Bird which follows the career of J. Robert Oppenheimer a theoretical physicist who created the bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima at the end of WWII. I got a little lost when he was put on trial near the end of the DVD. Who exactly put him on trial and why exactly was a bit murky since he was recruited by the government and military. SPL has a DVD titled The Trials of J. Robert Oppenheimer created by PBS which I will borrow. I found the DVD thought provoking since science, intellect and talent created the bomb, but did they ever consider the potential consequences of their creation? At one point in the DVD some scientists worry about their device destroying the entire planet . . . but they continued with the project and left humanity with the legacy of potentially lethal unalterable devastation and destruction.Good DVD (very long!) that documents the birth of the atomic bomb. The film is based on the book American Prometheus by Kai Bird which follows the career of J. Robert Oppenheimer a theoretical physicist who created the bomb that was dropped on…
Thank You (falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)Thank You (falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin), BookA Memoir
by Stone, SlyBook - 2023Book, 2023
ba_library's rating:
Added Dec 13, 2023
Comment:
A good overview written by Sly Stone about his band Sly and The Family Stone. Born in Texas, relocated to the San Francisco Bay area as a child. Early on he worked as a radio DJ, but was naturally gifted as a musician (as was his family). Early on he composed hits for various bands and composed huge hits for his own band like Dance to the Music and Family Affair. He recounts meeting music icons like Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, George Clinton and Michael Jackson. His band played at Woodstock and the Harlem Cultural Festival (watch the great Summer of Soul DVD.) He recalls his long and difficult affair with drugs. I got a little lost trying to follow the many people he discusses in the book (from Doris Day and Ike Turner to Charles Manson) but throughout his many successes and failures it is a story about music . The introduction was written by Questlove who is working on a documentary about Sly.A good overview written by Sly Stone about his band Sly and The Family Stone. Born in Texas, relocated to the San Francisco Bay area as a child. Early on he worked as a radio DJ, but was naturally gifted as a musician (as was his family). Early…
The King Who Fooled HitlerThe King Who Fooled Hitler, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
ba_library's rating:
Added Nov 28, 2023
Comment:
Good historical documentary about King George VI (Queen Elizabeth II's father) and his role in deceiving Nazi intelligence during WWII.
Die HardDie Hard, DVD
DVD - 2013DVD, 2013
ba_library's rating:
Added Nov 19, 2023
Comment:
A Christmas classic! Terrorists seize a LA office high rise while the company Xmas party is taking place. NY cop (Bruce Willis) is in town to visit his family but stops by the company party where his wife works. Not a DVD for kids-very violent. But classic Bruce Willis - funny, sharp character with indestructible feet! Came out in 1988--pretty sure I saw it in the theater at that time, but don't think I saw again, so good to know the library has a copy. Get ready for Christmas and Yippee-Ki-Yay!A Christmas classic! Terrorists seize a LA office high rise while the company Xmas party is taking place. NY cop (Bruce Willis) is in town to visit his family but stops by the company party where his wife works. Not a DVD for kids-very violent. …
ba_library's rating:
Added Nov 18, 2023
Comment:
Sly just published a memoir, so check out some of his CDs while you're on the waitlist. It is said that he influenced every music genre from funk and hip hop to jazz. Sly and the Family Stone make an appearance on the great Summer of Soul DVD. I know SPL has/had the Playlist: The Very Best of Sly and the Family Stone CD which is a good introduction to this awesome band.Sly just published a memoir, so check out some of his CDs while you're on the waitlist. It is said that he influenced every music genre from funk and hip hop to jazz. Sly and the Family Stone make an appearance on the great Summer of Soul DVD. I…
Pee-Wee's PlayhousePee-Wee's Playhouse, DVDChristmas Special
DVD - 2013DVD, 2013
ba_library's rating:
Added Oct 23, 2023
Comment:
Of course, it is stupid--it's Pee Wee Herman! Lots of celebrities pop in and get goofy. Get ready for Xmas by watching this silly DVD.
Little RichardLittle Richard, DVDI Am Everything
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
ba_library's rating:
Added Oct 21, 2023
Comment:
Good DVD on Little Richard—flamboyant, talented and influential as a musician and artist. He states, “I’m black, I’m gay and I am loud!” Also refers to himself as the innovator, originator, architect and the King of Rock and Roll. From his early days in Macon, GA his life was a contradiction between his faith and his personal/artistic identity. The DVD does a good job of including live performances, interviews and commentary from other musicians including Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Tom Jones as well as friends and family. Little Richard would likely conclude, “Whoo! Shut Up!”Good DVD on Little Richard—flamboyant, talented and influential as a musician and artist. He states, “I’m black, I’m gay and I am loud!” Also refers to himself as the innovator, originator, architect and the King of Rock and Roll. From his early…
A Town Like AliceA Town Like Alice, DVD
DVD - 2012DVD, 2012
ba_library's rating:
Added Oct 17, 2023
Comment:
I've read the book (good), seen the Australian mini-series (very good), but had never seen the movie. The film was released in 1956 and seems a bit dated, but still a great story. Set during WWII and the Japanese invade Malaysia. A group of women and children are forced to march around the country because there were no camps for female captives. The mini-series is my favorite which was made in 1981 (looks like the library does not have a copy.) I bought a copy from moviesunlimited.com.I've read the book (good), seen the Australian mini-series (very good), but had never seen the movie. The film was released in 1956 and seems a bit dated, but still a great story. Set during WWII and the Japanese invade Malaysia. A group of women…
ba_library's rating:
Added Oct 17, 2023
Comment:
Beautiful album.
Jazz FestJazz Fest, DVDA New Orleans Story
DVD - 2022DVD, 2022
ba_library's rating:
Added Sep 19, 2023
Comment:
Good documentary on the New Orleans Jazz Festival. It has evolved over the years to be more of a music festival celebrating N.O. culture. Starts off with jazz; the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the Marsalis family. Also, it describes the unique New Orleans jazz funeral. The DVD then shows a segment of Cajun and Zydeco music. Explaining the difference between the two. The festival also has a gospel component in which the DVD shows Reverend Al Green and Katy Perry (who started singing in church). The festival survived hurricane Katrina but was forced to close for two years due to the covid pandemic.Good documentary on the New Orleans Jazz Festival. It has evolved over the years to be more of a music festival celebrating N.O. culture. Starts off with jazz; the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and the Marsalis family. Also, it describes the unique…
Can't Stop Won't StopCan't Stop Won't Stop, BookA Hip-hop History
by Chang, JeffBook - 2021Book, 2021
ba_library's rating:
Added Sep 17, 2023
Comment:
Hip Hop celebrates its 50-year anniversary in 2023! I borrowed the YA version of this book (YA=young adult which means 12-15 years of age old.) Which was the only version of the book available at the time. The book was originally published in 2005. The YA version was published in 2021 and is about 200 pages shorter than the original (YA book is approximately 300 pages long). It isn’t dumbed down in any way but seems a bit more concise. It starts in 1973 with DJs like Kool Herc hosting block parties on the corner or at the community rec center in the Bronx. “Hip-hop was a way for invisible youths around the world to say, I AM HERE.” The authors begin by observing the Bronx at that time was dominated by violent gangs. Some kids were seeking a more creative outlet for their pastime. “Violence was death. Creativity was life. Regardless of what the outsiders thought when they looked at black youth—and to an extent, many of those in the generation for whom hip-hop spoke—was about choosing life in the struggle against oppression and death. (p. 106). The authors cover the evolution of hip-hop which ultimately incorporated DJs, MCs, graffiti artists and breakdancing (breakdancing is going to be an Olympic sport in 2024!) The book has good coverage of female performers. They explain the east coast/west coast rivalry. The deaths of Tupac and Biggie and some overall impressions/expressions by rap/hip-hop artists to cultural, political and social issues/controversies of the day. The book has quite comprehensive coverage of hip-hop generation. SPL has the excellent CD compilation titled The Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-hop and Rap. You can watch the film Wild Style referenced in the book on Hoopla. Released in 1982, it has a graffiti artist working on a project. Not a great film, but it features Busy Bee, the Cold Crush Brothers and Grandmaster Flash. Overall, the book is great to read for background into the rap/hip-hop music scene and culture.Hip Hop celebrates its 50-year anniversary in 2023! I borrowed the YA version of this book (YA=young adult which means 12-15 years of age old.) Which was the only version of the book available at the time. The book was originally published in…
ChampionsChampions, DVD
DVD - 2023DVD, 2023
ba_library's rating:
Added Sep 14, 2023
Comment:
Sweet movie--the kids really shine!
Baking YesteryearBaking Yesteryear, BookThe Best Recipes From the 1900s to the 1980s
by Hollis, B. DylanBook - 2023Book, 2023
ba_library's rating:
Added Aug 07, 2023
Comment:
The author collects old cookbooks. He arranges this book chronologically by decade 1900s to the 1980s. Apparently, he has made most of the recipes and tasted them. Some you might want to try others you will not want to try! For example, he has multiple recipes for chocolate cake over the years including chocolate cake made with tomato soup, sauerkraut and mayonnaise (why ruin a good thing!) He finishes the book with the worst of the worst including: SpaghettiOs Jell-O Ring, Pickle cheesecake, Prune whip and Velvetta cheesecake (ugh!) It is an interesting collection of recipes (pork loaf!) that might remind you of a time/taste era—I remember eating many recipes made with Jello as a kid (not sure that was my mom’s innovation or preference, but I still hate Jello to this day! Overall, an interesting look at recipes over the years.The author collects old cookbooks. He arranges this book chronologically by decade 1900s to the 1980s. Apparently, he has made most of the recipes and tasted them. Some you might want to try others you will not want to try! For example, he has…
AmistadAmistad, DVD
DVD - 1999DVD, 1999
ba_library's rating:
Added Aug 03, 2023
Comment:
Good film by Steven Spielberg and Debbie Allen documenting a revolt on a slave ship in 1839. The slaves manage to escape from their chains and overpower the Spanish ship personnel. The ship is captured off the coast of Long Island. The slaves are arrested. They find themselves in a strange country where very few look like them and no one speaks their language. To add to their confusion the case is litigated, and no one comprehends what is going on. The prosecution argues the slaves are stolen property of Queen Isabella of Spain. The defense argues the case from a humanitarian perspective. The case is appealed up to the U.S. Supreme Court. The verdict? You will have to watch the film.Good film by Steven Spielberg and Debbie Allen documenting a revolt on a slave ship in 1839. The slaves manage to escape from their chains and overpower the Spanish ship personnel. The ship is captured off the coast of Long Island. The slaves…
Great ExpectationsGreat Expectations, DVD
DVD - 2012DVD, 2012
ba_library's rating:
Added Jul 27, 2023
Comment:
A well done adaptation of one of my favorite Dickens novels. Probably time for me to read the book again.
Mud RideMud Ride, BookA Messy Trip Through the Grunge Explosion
by Turner, SteveBook - 2023Book, 2023
ba_library's rating:
Added Jul 14, 2023
Comment:
Mudhoney is one of my favorite local bands. They played often and were always great. Guitarist Steve Turner documents his insider Seattle music scene story. From his early days with Green River (with Stone and Jeff who later formed Pearl Jam) to his more recent acoustic records. He discusses his punk rock preference whereas other Green River members preferred a more rock basis. Mudhoney always seemed to be his steady home. He discusses their garage rock leanings emphasizing their love for the heavy fuzz tones that identified their sound with discussion about his Fuzz Box / Big Muff pedals. They never reached Nirvana success, but did tour internationally and were on a major label, but returned to Seattle and SubPop—they just released a new album. They also issued a greatest hits type album on SubPop titled March to the Fuzz. Unfortunately, SPL only has one circulating copy, so I’ll probably have to buy my own copy!Mudhoney is one of my favorite local bands. They played often and were always great. Guitarist Steve Turner documents his insider Seattle music scene story. From his early days with Green River (with Stone and Jeff who later formed Pearl Jam) to…
ba_library's rating:
Added Jul 11, 2023
Comment:
A good read basically about a race horse and racism. The author divides the storylines between the 19th century and the 21st century. Some of the storylines will be more or less interesting to readers. Ultimately, the book is about love. Doing what you love, with whom or what you love and the sacrifices one makes for love.A good read basically about a race horse and racism. The author divides the storylines between the 19th century and the 21st century. Some of the storylines will be more or less interesting to readers. Ultimately, the book is about love. Doing…
ba_library's rating:
Added Jun 25, 2023
Comment:
I was reading this biography and thinking have I ever read a book written by Agatha Christie? No, I have not! Of course I am familiar with her work from watching films based on her books such as Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile, And Then Their Where None. This bio covers all her books and her life which was interesting and of course her mysterious disappearance (she was distressed learning her husband was having an affair.) Of course, some attributed her disappearance as a marketing scheme to promote her books, but AG was dedicated to her writing wanting to leave any mysteries to the written page and not to her life. A interesting read for an interesting, talented female writer.I was reading this biography and thinking have I ever read a book written by Agatha Christie? No, I have not! Of course I am familiar with her work from watching films based on her books such as Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile, And…
But Have You Read the Book?But Have You Read the Book?, Book52 Literary Gems That Inspired Our Favorite Films
by Lopez, KristenBook - 2023Book, 2023
ba_library's rating:
Added May 11, 2023
Comment:
This book a quick read only about 250 pages in a small book (it's about 4x6”). It is arranged chronologically starting with Frankenstein (1931) ending with Passing (2021). The author does not personally state which was better, the book or the movie but does comment if the author or director made comments. For instance, with the film Dune (sci/fi classic by Frank Herbert), she writes about the 2021 version directed by Denis Villenue but notes that the 1984 version directed by David Lynch was a “box office bomb largely disowned by David Lynch” (p. 222). I actually preferred the earlier version because it was kind of campy version of the fantastical story whereas I found the more recent film a bit dull. You will likely be making a list of books to read or movies to watch after reading the book.This book a quick read only about 250 pages in a small book (it's about 4x6”). It is arranged chronologically starting with Frankenstein (1931) ending with Passing (2021). The author does not personally state which was better, the book or the…
Comment: