Oscar Fever

The Academy Award nominations were announced on January 22 and for film lovers, that's a big deal. And film lovers, I would like you to weigh in. Whatja think? Did the Academy get it right? Were all the nominees deserving? Did Slumdog Millionaire and Benjamin Button deserve the bulk of the nominations? Or were there gross omissions? Was The Dark Knight unfairly overlooked as Best Picture? Should Clint Eastwood have been nominated for his acting in Gran Torino? What about Bruce Springsteen's song for The Wrestler? Should Kate Winslett have been nominated for Revolutionary Road instead of The Reader? I will say I am happy for Richard Jenkins in The Visitor. What about you? Did your favorites make it? Or not?

Unfortunately if you usually wait to see films on DVD, rather than in the theater, few are out on DVD yet or will be by the time the 81st Academy Awards show rolls around (February 22), but here are the ones you CAN get at the library now (and more will be added to the collection as they become available) -

The Visitor
Enjoy Richard Jenkins' extraordinary performance. Recognize him? He's one of those "faces" and he is finally getting the recognition he deserves.

The Dark Knight has eight nominations. Heath Ledger is a wonder to behold as The Joker. A not-to-be-missed performance.

Wall-E
Nominated for Best Animation. Some critics think this film was one of the best of the year and should have been nominated for Best Picture. As it is, it has a Best Screenplay nod.

Kung Fu Panda
Or do you think this film should win Best Animated Film?

Iron Man
Nominated for Sound Editing and Visual Effects. Some critics thought this was one of the best action hero movies ever. Did it deserve more?

Hellboy II
Best Make-up nomination.

Which films and which actors deserve to win? Which films and which actors WILL win?

Post Holiday Blues Redux

OK and then you get sick. I had a nice long week-end after the holidays and do you think I could possibly do something fun to help get over the post-holiday blues? But no-o-o-o. I had to get sick. There I was on my bed with a tissue up my right nostril watching reruns of The Millionaire Matchmaker. How low can you get? But I guess that's a good wake up call for how important our health is. When we make our New Year's Resolutions, it's important to include not only wanting to lose weight (if that's an issue for you), but also to eat more healthily, be aware of health issues and just generally take care of ourselves.

Your local library has many resources to help you do just that. If you have health issues, there are databases available on our website that you can access from home that will help you understand them, give you information on any medications you may be taking, help you find an appropriate doctor and much more. Take a look
HERE for all kinds of information related to health and medicine. If you need help using any of these databases or web sites, feel free to call the library for assistance.

Post Holiday Blues

I don't know about you, but every year I get the blues after the holidays. You know you have the blues when you spend your last day of vacation watching an all day marathon of the Real Housewives of New York City . I wonder why there is always such a let down after January 1, when we should be welcoming the renewal that a new year brings. But perhaps it's because we have regrets about the past year or we have set too many ambitious resolutions for ourselves or maybe it's because 2009 isn't looking that great so far. Am I alone? Do you get the blues after the holidays too? If so, why do you think that is?

But here are some ways to banish those blues -

Get laughing, plan a party or learn something new at the library.
Highlights in January will be Linda Severt, who, through funds provided by the Friends of the Mountlake Terrace Library, will bring her "One Woman Circus" to the library on Saturday, January 17, as part of the Saturdays@the Library Series, "There's Always Something Going On!" Linda is a member of the Seattle Children's Hospital's Clown Corps and has entertained audiences around the world since 1987. She combines music, circus arts, puppetry and physical comedy in a fast-paced, uniquely original show the whole family will enjoy. The program begins at 1pm and is free. For more information about Linda and her program
Click Here

Also part of the series is Quinceanera 101, an open house to help teens plan their Quinceanera celebration. A planner, choreographer and other professionals who can give great tips will be on hand. Saturday, January 31 at 1pm.

Did you get a digital camera as a gift over the holidays or have had one and haven't a clue how to take good pictures? Join us as Woodland Park Zoo Photographer Dale Unruh teaches the basics of digital photography on Monday, January 12 and basic composition on Monday, January 26. Both classes are free and begin at 7pm.

For more information on library programs, come to the library and pick up the January calendar of events or check it out on our website at Mountlake Terrace Library January Programs

Now what other ideas do you have to shake those winter blues?