SuzyQ's Blog
You Are There!
Jump into the Wayback Machine and be there when history was being made!
Days of destiny: crossroads in American history: America's greatest historians examine thirty-one uncelebrated days that changed the course of history by general editors, James M. McPherson, Alan Brinkley; editor, David Rubel
Eyewitness to America: 500 years of America in the words of those who saw it happen by edited by David Colbert
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The War of 1812 Anniversary
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the War of 1812. It was on June 18, 1812 that the United States declared war on Great Britain, and although it is arguably one of America's least remembered wars, it was during this time that many legendary battles were fought, heroes made, and memorable events occurred. It was during this war that the British burned the White House and First Lady Dolley Madison helped to save several valuable items — such as George Washington's portrait and original drafts of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. It was during this war that Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner at Fort McHenry.
25 Time Travel Movies
Back to the future [videodisc]: the complete trilogy by Universal and Amblin Entertainment — StarringMichael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd. Marty McFly is transported back to 1955 where he must bring his parents together so that he will exist when he gets back to his own time.
Presidential Time Travel
Travel back through America's history and learn more about America's 44 presidents and their families:
America's first families: an inside view of 200 years of private life in the White House by Carl Sferrazza Anthony
Dear First Lady: letters to the White House by [compiled and edited] by Dwight Young and Margaret Johnson; foreword by Helen Thomas
First fathers: the men who inspired our Presidents by Harold I. Gullan
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What Day was That?
Travel back in time and learn about some of the most memorable days in world history:
America's jubilee by Andrew Burstein — July 4, 1826
D-Day, June 6, 1944: the climactic battle of World War II by Stephen E. Ambrose — June 6, 1944
The day Kennedy was shot by Jim Bishop — November 22, 1963
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Travel Back in Time to Pre-Civil War America
America's great debate: Henry Clay, Stephen A. Douglas, and the compromise that preserved the Union by Fergus M. Bordewich
Bound for Canaan: the underground railroad and the war for the soul of America by Fergus M. Bordewich
Days of defiance: Sumter, secession, and the coming of the Civil War by Maury Klein
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Meet the Women of the Civil War
All the daring of the soldier: women of the Civil War armies by Elizabeth D. Leonard
Civil War wives: the lives and times of Angelina Grimke Weld, Varina Howell Davis, and Julia Dent Grant by Carol Berkin
Daughters of the Union: northern women fight the Civil War by Nina Silber
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Diamond Jubilee
England's Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Diamond Jubilee this year, commemorating 60 years on the British throne. Her reign is the second longest for a British monarch after Queen Victoria who reigned for 63 years and 7 months. Princess Elizabeth was crowned on June 2, 1953 at Westminster Abbey after the death of her father George VI. Although she had been proclaimed queen when her father died in February, 1952, the official ceremony was not held until after a period of mourning for the late king.
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Two New Historical Dramas Debut
Fans of historical dramas will have two new productions to choose from on Monday, May 28. HBO is debuting Hemingway & Gellhorn at 9:00 PM and the History Channel will present its miniseries Hatfields & McCoys, also at 9:00 PM. Hemingway & Gellhorn stars Clive Owen as the author, and Nicole Kidman as the legendary foreign correspondent who became Hemingway's third wife. Considered one of the greatest war correspondents of the 20th century, Gellhorn reported on virtually every major conflict during her 60 year career, including the Vietnam War. Hatfields & McCoys stars Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton as Devil Anse Hatfield and Randall McCoy, two members of the families involved in the long running feud between the Hatfields of West Virginia and the McCoys of Kentucky.
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Robin Gibb 1949-2012
Robin Gibb, one of the three brothers who comprised the rock group the Bee Gees has passed away at the age of 62. Born in England, his family emigrated to Australia in 1958 where Robin and his brothers Maurice and Barry, began performing as the Brothers Gibb. They returned to England in 1966 as the Bee Gees, and in 1967 released their first recording there — the surreal "New York Mining Disaster 1941" — which became a hit both in England and America. Hits such as "Holiday," "To Love Somebody," "I Started a Joke," and "Massachusetts" soon followed. However it was the release of the soundtrack to the smash hit movie Saturday Night Fever that really cemented their fame.- Login to comment
Donna Summer 1948-2012
"Disco Queen" Donna Summer has passed away at the age of 63. She rose to fame during the mid-1970's disco trend with such hits as "Bad Girls," "Last Dance," "She Works hard for the Money," "Hot Stuff," and "Love to Love you Baby."Crayons [sound recording] by Donna Summer
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History of Journalism
May 3 has been designated as World Press Freedom Day in recognition of a "free, pluralistic and independent press" and its essential part of a democratic society. Indeed, the purpose of journalism, said Chicago newspaper columnist Peter Finley Dunne in the early 1900s, is to "comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable." Although modern journalists have often been the targets of severe criticism, it is also true that throughout the centuries, and even today, journalism has been a force for making America a better place to live.
Joan of Arc
The 600th year celebration of the birth of Joan of Arc is being celebrated in 2012. Born in France in 1412, she is considered a national heroine and one of the country's patron saints. Nicknamed the "Maid of Orleans", she was a peasant girl who claimed divine guidance when leading the French army to several significant victories during the Hundred Year's War. Captured by the enemy, she was tried for heresy and burned at the stake when she was only 19. Twenty five years later the pope cleared her name and declared her a martyr. She was beatified in 1909 and canonized in 1920.
Joan of Arc: a Penguin life by Mary Gordon
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Soon to Be a Major Motion Picture, Part 2
Look for these films based on popular books in your local theater in the coming months:
Anna Karenina: a novel in eight parts by Leo Tolstoy — Starring Keira Knightley and Jude Law. Release date: September 2012.
Chicken with plums by Marjane Satrapi — Starring Mathieu Amalric and Eduouard Baer. Release date: August 2012.
Easy money by Jens Lapidus — Starring Joel Kinnaman and Dragomir Mrsic. Release date: July 2012.
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Green Reading for Earth Week
The theme for Earth Day 2012 is Mobilize the Earth. Try some of the following titles from the Library's collection to help you get started!
Attracting birds, butterflies and other backyard wildlife by David Mizejewski
Backyard wildlife: how to attract bees, butterflies, insects, birds, frogs and animals into your garden by Christine and Michael Lavelle
Bats by M. Brock Fenton
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