Second Anniversary!

This is the second anniversary of the Rice Lake Public Library Adult Services Blog. Thank you all for reading along with me. The blog is such a super opportunity to share the library’s events and books with you. I look forward to it continuing for many more years!

Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a national holiday created to honor those men and woman who sacrificed their lives in service and protection of our country. It was first celebrated informally by cities across the nation to honor Civil War soldiers. It was officially proclaimed in 1868 by General John Logan, but was not followed by southern states until after World War I, at which time it became a remembrance of all American soldiers who fought and died in any military engagement. The National Holiday Act of 1971 proclaimed that the last Monday in May would henceforth be the official day of remembrance.

Many people celebrate this holiday by gathering with friends and family to enjoy the freedom brought about by the sacrifices of our soldiers, while others visit cemeteries to place wreaths and flags by soldiers’ gravestones. The following books are about soldiers and their sacrifices. Some are fictional and others are true stories. Check them out and remember our soldiers!

Travelling with Sid Konell

Travel Presentation by Sid Konell

Thursday, October 13
6:30 pm

Sid Konell, Associate Professor of Accounting, Economics, and Personal Finance at UW-BC, shares his personal experiences from his travels to Ukraine as part of the Fulbright Scholar Exchange Program.

The Conspirator (2010) (via What to Watch.)

Rated PG-13 Based on the true story of Mary Surratt the mother of a conspirator to the assassination of President Lincoln. It follows her trial though the eyes of her lawyer, Frederick Aiken. I was a little disappointed with the film. As the film opens we get a little background to the lawyer and the assassination, none of that was explored and felt rushed through. Then we hit the trial which was great, loved the pace. Then we get to the story be … Read More

via What to Watch. The content and opinions expressed in this review do not necessarily reflect the views of nor are they endorsed by the Rice Lake Public Library.

Cliff Robertson (1923-2011)

Cliff Robertson  passed away on September 10, 2011 from natural causes. He  won the academy award for his performance in  Charly. In the 70s he was blacklisted in Hollywood for outing a forgery scandal involving a major production company. His latest film was Spider-man.

Charly (1968) Rated PG

A mentally retarded man becomes a genius after experimental brain surgery, developing a romance with his former special-education teacher before lapsing back into retardation.

Complete Gidget Collection (2004) Rated NR

The collection features Gidget and steady beau, Moondoogie, and their fun-in-the-sun adventures.

Spider-Man (2002) Rated PG-13

After being bitten by a radioactive spider on a school field trip, Peter Parker finds himself gaining spider-like qualities. Adopting the name Spider-Man, Peter first uses his new skills to make money, but when the Green Goblin, another altered super-human, kills Peter’s uncle, he swears to use his “spider-skills” to fight evil. Along the way he has to juggle a new job as a local reporter, and a budding romance with a beautiful former-classmate, MJ.

Three Days of the Condor (1999) Rated R

A CIA agent who is on the run from a mass slaughter in his research office suddenly finds himself the target of both his employers and the unknown killers of his associates.

Wild Hearts Can’t be Broken (1991) Rated G

True story of a young girl who runs away to join the circus and becomes a horse diver.

September 11th Films

Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004) Rated R

Through actual footage, interviews, and declassified documents, Michael Moore presents an examination of the role played by money and oil in the wake of the tragic events of 9/11.

The Guys (2002) Rated PG

Based on a true story of a New York City journalist and a fire captain who form an unexpeced bond as they pay tribute to the heroes lost in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Unable to write the eulogies himself, he asks for help from a journalist who can offer the assistance that he needs.

102 Minutes That Changed America (2008) Rated NR

A stunning chronological record of the events of September 11, 2001, presenting a real time, moment-by-moment account of the World Trade Center collapse as seen by New Yorkers. Includes bonus documentary I-Witness to 9/11..

Reign Over Me (2007) Rated R

Alan Johnson runs into his old college roommate, Charlie Fineman, on the streets of New York City. He is surprised to find that Charlie does not remember him at all. Alan later learns that Charlie is suffering with grief over the loss of his family on 9/11. Flooded with grief, Charlie quits his job and isolates himself from everyone around him. Alan attempts to help Charlie get over his grief by rekindling their friendship. As Alan spends a lot of time with Charlie, it puts a strain on his relationship with his wife and kids.

United 93 (2006) Rated R

Tells the story of the heroic passengers and crew members who prevented the terrorists from carrying out their plans for the fourth hijacked plane on September 11, 2001. As on-ground military and civilian teams scrambled to make sense of the unfolding events, forty people who sat down as strangers found the courage to stand up as one.

World Trade Center (2006) Rated PG-13

The true story of Port Authority policemen John McLoughlin and William J. Jimeno, who volunteered for rescue duty and became trapped in the rubble of the Towers on September 11, 2001. The men became two of the last survivors extracted from Ground Zero. It is a story of the true heroes and of that fateful time in United States history, when buildings would fall and heroes would rise, literally from the ashes to inspire the entire human race.

The King’s Speech (2010) (via What to Watch.)

 Rated R This is a brilliant film. The story, the vision, and the performances are all amazing. It’s extraordinary that in one film everything in lines with each other. Smooth storytelling at it’s finest. Although, this film is wonderful in all the elements but like all true stories on films, it’s not the complete true story. For one thing, Bertie and Lionel weren’t really buddy buddy, they still had the polite distance that was between monarchy a … Read More

via What to Watch. The content and opinions expressed in this review do not necessarily reflect the views of nor are they endorsed by the Rice Lake Public Library.

Sidney Lumet

Sidney Lumet was a director of many famous films most notable was 12 Angry Men. He also wrote a book on movie making. He passed away April 9th  after a battle with lymphoma. Here is some films to check out:

12 Angry Men (1957) Rated NR

Depicts a jury of men who must decide the fate of a teenage boy who has murdered his abusive father. The jurors are from all walks of life, and bring with them their own opinions, prejudices, fears, and personal demons.

Before the Devil Knows Your Dead (2008) Rated R

A stock broker, who is having financial troubles and in need of extra cash, and his younger brother conspire to pull off the perfect, victimless crime. No guns, no violence, no problem. The only problem is that the owners of the jewelry store are their own parents. But when an accomplice ignores the rules and crosses the line, his actions trigger a series of events in which no one is left unscathed.

Dog Day Afternoon (1975) Rated R

 The story of a botched bank robbery that occurred August 22, 1972 in Brooklyn, New York and turned into a bizarre hostage situation lasting all day.

Network (1976) Rated R

A television newscaster’s mental breakdown turns him into a celebrity when the network tries to profit from his illness.

Serpico (1973) Rated R

Adaptation of a true story where a young New York police officer refuses to extort money from criminals as the other officers do. His fellow police officers turn against him when he seeks to expose the situation during a grand jury investigation.

His book:

Making Movies