BookTV December 24 - 27 2005

BOOK TV Schedule
CSPAN2

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Holiday weekend! The best of BookTV this year...
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Note: Program start times are approximate and all times are Eastern.

Saturday, December 24

8:00 am Book TV 3 Day Christmas Weekend
8:00 Bill Press, How the Republicans Stole Christmas

9:00 John Gibson, The War on Christmas: How the Liberal Plot to Ban the Sacred Christian Holiday is Worse Than You Thought

10:00 2005 National Book Festival: Thomas Friedman, 2005 National Book Festival: Thomas Friedman

10:45 History on Book TV: James T. Patterson, David Kennedy, Robert Middlekauff, James McPherson, Oxford History of the United States Series

12:00 pm Bonnie Angelo, First Families: The Impact of the White House on Their Lives

1:00 Simon Winchester, A Crack in the Edge of the World: America and the Great California Earthquake of 1906

2:25 2005 National Book Festival: Steven Roberts, 2005 National Book Festival: Steven Roberts

3:00 Book Club: Discussion of Erik Larson's "Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History"

4:30 Philip Jones Griffiths, Viet Nam at Peace; Agent Orange: "Collateral Damage" in Viet Nam

5:45 Lisa Randall, Warped Passages: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Universe's Hidden Dimensions

7:00 Encore Booknotes: Jay Parini, Robert Frost: A Life

8:00 After Words: After Words: George Weigel interviewed by Jon Meacham

9:00 General Assignment: Nina Berman, Purple Hearts: Back from Iraq

9:30 General Assignment: Craig Crawford, Attack the Messenger: How Politicians Turn You Against the Media

10:15 Peter Barnes and Cheryl Shaw Barnes, Marshall, the Courthouse Mouse: A Tail of the U.S. Supreme Court

10:45 David Margolick, Beyond Glory: Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling, and a World on the Brink

*****
Sunday, December 25


12:00 am PEN American Center: State of Emergency Readings

1:45 Lynne Cheney, A Time for Freedom: What Happened When in America

2:45 Spike Lee, Spike Lee: That's My Story and I'm Sticking to It

3:30 Richard Schickel, Ron Radosh, James Hirsen, Ed Rampell and Jeff Britting, Was Communism A Threat to Hollywood?

4:50 Donnie Williams & Wayne Greenhaw, The Thunder of Angels: The Montgomery Bus Boycott and the People Who Broke the Back of Jim Crow

6:00 2005 National Book Festival: Robert MacNeil, 2005 National Book Festival: Robert MacNeil

6:35 Thomas Fleming, Washington's Secret War: The Hidden History of Valley Forge

7:30 Poverty Discussion with Gareth Stedman Jones, Jeffrey Sachs, Amartya Sen, Emma Rothschild, Joseph Stiglitz, and Eric Foner

10:00 After Words: Nathaniel Fick interviewed by Andrew Carroll

11:00 Featured Program: William Styple, Editor, Generals In Bronze: Interviewing the Commanders of the Civil War

12:00 pm Public Lives: Zainab Salbi, Between Two Worlds: Escape from Tyranny: Growing Up in the Shadow of Saddam

12:45 Public Lives: Frank McCourt, Teacher Man: A Memoir

1:30 Public Lives: William Sampson, Confessions of an Innocent Man: Torture and Survival in a Saudi Prison

3:00 After Words: Rep. John Linder (R-GA) interviewed by David Wessel

4:00 John Gibson, The War on Christmas: How the Liberal Plot to Ban the Sacred Christian Holiday is Worse Than You Thought

5:00 Bill Press, How the Republicans Stole Christmas

6:00 After Words: After Words: George Weigel interviewed by Jon Meacham

7:00 Cindy Sheehan, Not One More Mother's Child

8:00 Featured Program: William Styple, Editor, Generals In Bronze: Interviewing the Commanders of the Civil War

9:00 After Words: After Words: George Weigel interviewed by Jon Meacham

10:00 Richard Florida, The Flight of the Creative Class: The New Global Competition for Talent

11:15 Herbert Kohl, She Would Not Be Moved: How We Tell the Story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott


*****
Monday, December 26

12:00 am General Assignment: Dava Sobel, The Planets

1:00 Moises Naim, Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers, and Copycats are Hijacking the Global Economy

2:00 After Words: Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) interviewed by Kirk Victor

3:00 Jung Chang & Jon Halliday, Mao: The Unknown Story

4:00 In Depth: John Updike

7:00 Richard Miniter, Disinformation: 22 Media Myths That Undermine the War on Terror

8:00 Mark Lytle, America's Uncivil Wars: The Sixties Era from Elvis to the Fall of Richard Nixon

8:45 2005 Texas Book Festival: David McCullough, "1776"

9:30 Peter Barnes and Cheryl Shaw Barnes, Marshall, the Courthouse Mouse: A Tail of the U.S. Supreme Court

10:00 Craig Crawford, Attack the Messenger: How Politicians Turn You Against the Media

10:45 2005 Lincoln Forum Thomas Lowry "Don't Shoot That Boy! Abraham Lincoln and Military Justice"

11:15 Marion Elizabeth Rodgers, Mencken: The American Iconoclast -- The Life and Times of the Bad Boy of Baltimore

12:00 pm Dava Sobel, The Planets

1:00 Kent Nerburn, Chief Joseph & the Flight of the Nez Perce

2:15 Louis Warren, Buffalo Bill's America: William Cody and the Wild West Show

3:30 After Words: Jimmy Carter interviewed by Brian Williams

4:30 2005 Southern Festival of Books--H.W. Brands "Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times"

5:30 Patricia Brady, Martha Washington: An American Life

6:30 History on Book TV: Edward O. Wilson on "From So Simple a Beginning: The Four Great Books of Charles Darwin"

7:45 Tim O'Brien, The Things They Carried

9:00 General Assignment: Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner

10:15 Ray Kurzweil, The Singularity Is Near

11:30 Allan Millett, The War for Korea, 1945-1950: A House Burning


*****

Tuesday, December 27

12:30 am General Assignment: Richard Rhodes, Michael Pollan, Michael Chorost, James Calder, David Ewing Duncan, Writing About Science: A Discussion with San Francisco Bay Area Science Writers

1:45 Marji Ross, Mitch Muncy, Adam Bellow, Books to Read While in College

3:15 Sen. Barbara Boxer, (D-CA) A Time to Run Book Party

4:00 Book Club: Warren Newport Public Library Discussion of Bob Greene's "Once Upon a Town"

5:30 damali ayo, How to Rent a Negro

6:45 Jack McCallum, Leonard Wood: Rough Rider, Surgeon, Architect of American Imperialism



complete schedule here - http://www.booktv.org/schedule/

8:00am
Bill Press, How the Republicans Stole Christmas


Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
In this readable piece of punditry, Press, who happens to be not only a pundit but also a former seminarian, preaches to the Democratic Party choir, addressing such topics as abortion, separation of church and state, homosexuality and stem cell research. While impassioned, entertaining and sure to please loyalists, Press's arguments do not always bear much scrutiny. For example, when discussing abortion, he resorts too often to the extreme cases of rape and incest, although (as he ultimately acknowledges) only a tiny percentage of abortions are performed for those reasons. More compelling is his argument for the separation of church and state, which thoughtfully reminds readers how and why religion and government need to be protected from each other in order to flourish. After spending most of the book arguing against the political positions of the religious right, Press ends with suggestions to the Democratic Party for taking back religion from the small band of evangelical Christians that now wields power. Though somewhat uneven, this interesting book joins the recent work of Jim Wallis, John Shelby Spong and Charles March in articulating alternative visions of Christianity that are consonant with progressive values. (Oct. 11)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
With great anger and passion, Press, political commentator for Sirius Radio, laments the Republican Party's declared monopoly on religion and the infusion of religion into American politics. Drawing on a degree in theology, a decade in seminary, and long experience in political campaigns, Press juxtaposes various political issues--the death penalty, abortion, gay marriage--against religious doctrine, debunking the religious Right's declarations that their positions are derived from scripture. He traces the heavy influence of the religious Right on Republicans to the 1979 creation of the Moral Majority by Reverend Jerry Falwell and notes that, in George W. Bush, the religious Right has finally found a man willing to transform religious beliefs into policy. Recalling the traditional Democratic approach of keeping religion out of politics, even when dealing with classic issues of civil rights and poverty, Press urges Democrats to close the perceived "moral gap" between the parties. Although taking a partisan position, this thoughtful look at religion and politics in America will interest even those who may not agree with its premises. Vanessa Bush
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385516053/002-6814585-0184832?v=glance&n=283155

:wtf:


I'm really interested in "The Flight of the Creative Class." Saw it last weekend, but it's well worth seeing again. Several of our friends have decamped and I'd like to know more about this trend.

Merry Christmas, Viva! My mom called today asking for a hint and I gave her a list: Master of the Senate, Fooled Again, Blink.

:toast:

Happy New Year! and save some of those cookies for me!! I'll trade you a home-made cinnamon roll!

OHHH! We're bad, bad LIBERALS! :rofl:

On Saturday, December 24 at 9:00 am and Sunday, December 25 at 4:00 pm
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The War on Christmas: How the Liberal Plot to Ban the Sacred Christian Holiday is Worse Than You Thought
John Gibson

Fox News Channel's John Gibson writes that Christmas has become a divisive issue in American polittics. In "The War on Christmas: How the Liberal Plot to Ban the Sacred Christian Holiday is Worse Than You Thought, " the author argues that groups like the ACLU have campaigned to remove Santa Claus from public displays, ban Christmas trees from some public offices, and remove the holiday presence in public school calendars.

John Gibson is previously the author of "Hating America" and is host of The Big Story with John Gibson on Foxs Newschannel. Prior to joining Fox News Channel Mr. Gibson worked as a reporter and anchor at MSNBC, CNBC, and NBC News.

Publisher: Sentinel 375 Hudson Street New York, NY 10014

And all this baking of cookies and wrapping of things is just an elaborate front, see?

:rofl:

Lots of good stuff to see this weekend... in between cooking, and presents, and the joy of hanging out with my boys. :)

On Saturday, December 24 at 10:00 am
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2005 National Book Festival: Thomas Friedman

Thomas Friedman speaks about his latest book, "The World is Flat," at the National Book Festival in Washington, DC. The author analyzes globalization and contextualizes the constantly changing state of the world. He feels that the twenty first century marks the flattening of the world, and that we must be ready to adapt as individuals and as a society. Mr. Friedman also discusses the roots of global Islamism and its significance on an international scale.

Tom Friedman is the foreign affairs op-ed columnist for the New York Times. For his work at the Times he has won three Pulitzer prizes for international reporting from Lebanon and Isreal and for news commentary. Mr. Friedman is also the author of "Longitutes and Latitudes" and "The Lexus and the Olive Tree." He is also an elected member of the Pulitzer Prize Board.

History on Book TV
A look at non-fiction history books.

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On Saturday, December 24 at 10:45 am
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Oxford History of the United States Series
James T. Patterson, David Kennedy, Robert Middlekauff, James McPherson

A panel of authors who have written books for the Oxford University Press's History of the United States series talk about the periods of history they cover in the series. They also put currently popular issues like executive power, partisan politics, and economic inequality in historical context. The historians taking part in the discussion are: David Kennedy, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Freedom from Fear"; James McPherson, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Battle Cry of Freedom"; Bancroft Prize winner Robert Middlekauff, author of "The Glorious Cause"; and James T. Patterson, author of "Restless Giant" and the Bancroft Prize-winning "Grand Expectations." John Avlon, columnist for the New York Sun and author of "Independent Nation," moderates the discussion. Includes Q&A.

For more information on the Oxford History of the United States series, visit www.oup.com/us.

Publisher: Oxford University Press 198 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10016

History on Book TV

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On Saturday, December 24 at 12:00 pm
First Families: The Impact of the White House on Their Lives
Bonnie Angelo

video link - http://www.booktv.org/ram/history/1005/btv101505_1.ram

Bonnie Angelo discusses family life at the White House in her latest book "First Families." The author tells the story of the wives and children of the presidents and discussed how the experience of living in the White House shaped the rest of their lives. Ms. Angelo recounts the funerals, weddings, and prom nights of several of the White House residents. This event was hosted by the Women’s National Democratic Club in Washington, DC.

Bonnie Angelo is a correspondent for Time Magazine and the author of "First Mothers."

Publisher: William Morrow 10 E. 53rd Street, 8th floor New York, NY 10022

On Saturday, December 24 at 1:00 pm
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A Crack in the Edge of the World: America and the Great California Earthquake of 1906
Simon Winchester
video link - http://www.booktv.org/ram/history/1105/btv111305_1b.ram

Simon Winchester discusses his new book, “A Crack at the Edge of the World.” It’s a look at the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 and an analysis of the lasting effect it had on California and continental America well into the twentieth century. Mr. Winchester also explores the nature of earthquakes and what makes them such a destructive force.

Simon Winchester is the author of "Krakatoa," "The Professor and the Madman," and "The Map That Changed the World." He worked previously as a foreign correspondent and as a geologist.

Publisher: HarperCollins 10 E. 53rd Street New York, NY 10022

Winchester is definitely an entertaining speaker, great stories. The reviews of the book suggest that actually reading it could be disappointing.


From -
http://geology.about.com/od/bookreviews/fr/bkwinchestrcrak.htm


A Crack in the Edge of the World, by Simon Winchester
From Andrew Alden,

Winchester's latest book is a jackdaw's hoard of factoids strung like sequins along a circuitous treatment of geologic topics, written with inordinate self-indulgence. Where he ventures into geology he makes dozens of small errors. This book is not authoritative for anything beyond direct quotations and his own remarkable first-person stories. Yet Simon Winchester's excellent adventure has the appeal of a classic American form: the tall tale.

Every story homes in on the telling detail
Personal approach brings many subjects to life
Impressionistic presentation is kind to casual readers
Fair introduction to modern geology in its broadest outlines

Con:
Acrobatic writing style can be exasperating, occasionally fatuous
Treatments of many subjects are unreliable in the details
Sprawling, mazelike structure has little momentum
An assemblage of book fragments rather than a sustained narrative

Description:
Leisurely telling of basic tectonic theory loosely tied to 1906 earthquake centennial
Enlivened with personal travels and encounters from Iceland to the Pacific, Alaska to Mexico
Appetizing introduction to some of America's most interesting geology
Gripping outline of events surrounding 1906 quake

On Saturday, December 24 at 2:25 pm
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2005 National Book Festival: Steven Roberts

"My Fathers' Houses" is a family memoir tracing the story of Steven Roberts’ father and grandfather’s move from Russia to America. Set in the forties and fifties, the author describes the immigrant experience after his family settled into a suburb of New Jersey in a house that was built by his grandfather.

Steven Roberts worked for the New York Times for 25 years and is now a professor at George Washington University. Mr. Roberts commentates regularly on radio and television. He is the co-author of "From This Day Forward" with his wife Cokie Roberts.

On Saturday, December 24 at 3:00 pm
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Book Club: Discussion of Erik Larson's "Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History"

On September 8, 1900, a hurricane struck Galveston, Texas, killing at least 6,000 people and destroying their homes. In his book, "Isaac's Storm," Erik Larson describes the hurricane and its aftermath. He also tells the story of scientist and meteorologist Issac Cline, who had long predicted that a hurricane could never strike a Texas city.

Erik Larson is a former features writer for the Wall Street Journal and Time magazine, where he is still a contributing writer. He is the author of "Devil in the White City," "Lethal Passage" and "The Naked Consumer." He lives in Seattle.

Publisher: VINTAGE 1745 Broadway New York, NY 10019

On Saturday, December 24 at 4:30 pm
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Viet Nam at Peace; Agent Orange: "Collateral Damage" in Viet Nam
Philip Jones Griffiths

Philip Jones Griffiths talks about the photographs he has taken in Vietnam since the end of the war. Mr. Griffiths, who covered the war for the Magnum Photos, discusses his many trips to Vietnam and shows dozens of photos from his books "Viet Nam at Peace" and "Agent Orange: 'Collateral Damage in Viet Nam.'" Following his presentation, Mr. Griffiths answers questions from the audience. The talk was hosted by Barnes & Noble Booksellers in New York City.

Philip Jones Griffiths served as president of Magnum Photos from 1980 to 1985. His books include "Vietnam, Inc.," about the Vietnam War, and "Dark Odyssey," a collection of his photographs from around the world. For more information about Mr. Griffiths or to see a selection of his work, visit the Magnum Photos website (www.magnumphotos.com) and click on the "Photographers" link at the top of the page.

Publisher: Trolley 257 Church St #2 New York, NY 10013

On Saturday, December 24 at 5:45 pm
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Warped Passages: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Universe's Hidden Dimensions
Lisa Randall

Lisa Randall talks about the possibility of there being extra dimensions in the universe (beyond the time and three space dimensions familiar to people today). Professor Randall discusses the theories that have led scientists to believe that there are extra dimensions, including string theory, and outlines a new theory involving "branes" that she has co-developed. Professor Randall also talks about the liklihood that the existence of extra dimensions will be proven experimentally within the next five years. The talk was hosted by the New York Public Library. Inbcludes Q&A.

Lisa Randall is a professor of theoretical physics at Harvard University. She has also taught at Princeton and MIT. For more on Professor Randall and her work, visit her Harvard webpage at: www.physics.harvard.edu/people/facpages/randall.html.

Publisher: Ecco 10 East 53rd Street New York, NY 10022

Encore Booknotes
Highlights from C-SPAN's Sunday author interview series
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On Saturday, December 24 at 7:00 pm
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Robert Frost: A Life
Jay Parini

Jay Parini sat down in 1999 to talk about his book "Robert Frost: A Life." Mr. Parini explains that while many biographers have profiled the poet as vindictive and selfish person, Mr. Frost was in fact a very confused, depressed and anxious man who suffered a lot due to the premature deaths of a lot of his family members.

Jay Parini is the Axinn Professor of English at Middlebury College in Vermont and is the author of "John Steinbeck: A Biography." appeared in 1995. His biography of William Faulkner, "One Matchless Time," was published in 2004. His Parini taught at Dartmouth College from 1975 to 1982 and co-founded New England Review in 1976.

Publisher: Owl Books 175 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10010

On Saturday, December 24 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, December 25 at 6:00 pm and at 9:00 pm
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After Words: George Weigel interviewed by Jon Meacham

This week on After Words Papal biographer George Weigel explains the transition from Pope John Paul II to Pope Benedict XVI in his book "God's Choice: Pope Benedict XVI and the Future of the Catholic Church." He also reviews the political and social issues that face the global agenda of the Vatican: including its growing populations in Africa, Latin America and parts of the post-communist world, it's struggles in western Europe and Asia and the scandals it has faced in the United States. He is interviewed by Jon Meacham, managing editor for Newsweek, who has written cover stories on religious issues and the Catholic Church sexual abuse scandal for the magazine.

On Saturday, December 24 at 9:00 pm
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Purple Hearts: Back from Iraq
Nina Berman

Nina Berman talks about the photographs she took of wounded Americans who served in Iraq. Ms. Berman explains why she decided to take the photographs and describes how she found the 20 veterans who ended up in her book, "Purple Hearts." The talk was hosted by the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum (nvvam.org), where Ms. Berman's photographs will be displayed until April 30, 2006. Includes Q&A.

Nina Berman's work has appeared in Time, Mother Jones, Harper's, Geo, and National Geographic. She teaches at the International Center of Photography in New York City. "Purple Hearts" is her first book.

Publisher: Trolley 257 Church St #2 New York, NY 10013

Telling the author she is anti-war for showing the wounded. Why don't they just take his mike away, he's babbling now...

On Saturday, December 24 at 9:30 pm and Monday, December 26 at 10:00 am
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Attack the Messenger: How Politicians Turn You Against the Media
Craig Crawford

Craig Crawford talks about efforts by politicians to make the news media the issue when the stories they report make the politicians look bad. Mr. Crawford uses the clash between then Vice President George H.W. Bush and Dan Rather during the 1988 election season to illustrate his point. He also talks about Vice President Cheney and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's recent comments about the press, the media's coverage of the build-up to the war in Iraq, and the CIA leak case. The talk was hosted by Taylor Books in Charleston, West Virginia. Includes Q&A.

Craig Crawford is a columnist for Congressional Quarterly and a commentator for MSNBC and other news outlets. He has a blog at: crawfordslist.com.

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield 4501 Forbes Blvd., Suite 200 Lanham, MD 20706

Great recent behind-the-scenes stories about GW and the current crisis. He says, 'right now we have a great threat to our democracy, and I really mean that.'

On Saturday, December 24 at 10:45 pm
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Beyond Glory: Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling, and a World on the Brink
David Margolick

In “Beyond Glory,” author David Margolick recounts the heavyweight fights between African American Joe Louis and German Max Schmeling in New York in 1936 and 1938, a time of great racial tension. He discusses the impact the fights had on things like racism and international relations. The book explores Schmeling’s relations with Weimar Germany and the complications that stemmed from that relationship. Mr. Margolick takes a look at society’s response to these fighters- in the white South, in the black and Jewish communities throughout the United States, and amongst the general populus in Germany.

David Margolick is also the author of “Strange Fruit: The Biography of a Song.” He previously served as national legal affairs editor at The New York Times, where he wrote the weekly At the Bar column. He is now a contributing editor at Vanity Fair.

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf 1745 Broadway New York, NY 10019

Thank you for the Book TV lists. Your reminders and "heads-up" are most appreciated. :loveya:

:hug: Same to you!

Viva, I might very well have missed this over the weekend if you hadn't brought it up. I'll be taping the good ones.




Cher

So you can watch them anytime.

Merry Christmas Cher!

On Sunday, December 25 at 12:00 am
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PEN American Center: State of Emergency Readings

From Cooper Union in New York City, various authors and poets read selections from different authors and poets, on the topics of torture, detention, and oppression. Readers include Salman Rushdie, Edward Albee, Sandra Cisneros, Don DeLillo, Martin Espada, Philip Gourevitch, Rick Moody, Walter Mosley, and Colson Whitehead, among others.

For more information on the PEN American Center, visit their website at www.pen.org.

On Sunday, December 25 at 2:45 am
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Spike Lee: That's My Story and I'm Sticking to It
Spike Lee

Spike Lee chronicles his career as a film director in his book, "Spike Lee: That's My Story and I'm Sticking to It." Mr. Lee discusses the inspiration behind some of his most popular films, including "Jungle Fever," dealing with interracial relationships, "Do the Right Thing," an exploration of hate and bigotry on a hot day in Brooklyn, and "4 Little Girls," a documentary about the bombing of an African-American church during the Civil Rights Movement that killed four teenage girls in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963. The event was hosted by Karibu Books in Hyattsville, Maryland.

Spike Lee is a film director, producer, writer, and actor. Some of his films include "She's Gotta Have It," "School Daze," "Malcolm X," and "Bamboozled." Mr. Lee teaches film at New York University.

Publisher: W.W. NORTON 500 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10110

On Sunday, December 25 at 3:30 am
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Was Communism A Threat to Hollywood?
Richard Schickel, Ron Radosh, James Hirsen, Ed Rampell and Jeff Britting
Video link - http://www.booktv.org/ram/feature/1105/btv110505_4b.ram

A panel of authors who have written books about Hollywood debate the impact of communism on the film industry at the 2005 Liberty Film Festival in West Hollywood, California. The participants include Richard Schickel, "Elia Kazan: A Biography," Ron Radosh, "Red Star over Hollywood," James Hirsen, Hollywood Nation," Ed Rampell, "Progressive Hollywood," Jeff Britting, "Ayn Rand: An Illustrated Life," and Patrick Goldstein, Los Angeles Times film critic.

Richard Schickel is the author of "Elia Kazan: A Biography" and has been reviewing movies for TIME Magazine since 1972. James Hirsen is the author of "Hollywood Nation" and the weekly column, "The Left Coast Report." Ron Radosh is the author of "Red Star Over Hollywood" and professor emeritus of history at Queensborough Community College and CUNY Graduate Center. Patrick Goldstein is a film critic for the Los Angeles Times. Ed Rampell is the author of "Progressive Hollywood" and a freelance writer. Jeff Britting is the author of "Ayn Rand" and manages the Ayn Rand Archives.

Merry Christmas everyone, and may you find Knowledge under your tree.

On Sunday, December 25 at 4:50 am
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The Thunder of Angels: The Montgomery Bus Boycott and the People Who Broke the Back of Jim Crow
Donnie Williams & Wayne Greenhaw

Donnie Williams and Wayne Greenhaw argue that both blacks and whites of the South played crucial roles in the modern civil rights movement. In "The Thunder of Angels" the co-authors detail the actions of the less familiar figures during this time, including Pullman porter E.D. Nixon and boycott organizer and minister Fred D. Gray. Mr. Williams and Mr. Greenhaw describe the personal sacrifices of some ordinary citizens including Clifford and Virginia Durr, a couple who supported the movement at a distance. This event was hosted by Dekalb County Public Library in Decatur, Georgia.

Donnie Williams inherited the bus Rosa Parks made famous during the Civil Rights movement and sold it to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. Wayne Greenhaw is the author of several books, including "Montgomery: The River City," "Beyond the Night: A Remembrance," and "The Spider's Web: A Novella and Other Stories."

Publisher: Lawrence Hill Books 814 N. Franklin Street Chicago, IL 60610

On Sunday, December 25 at 6:00 am
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2005 National Book Festival: Robert MacNeil

Robert MacNeil discusses the progression of the English language in the book he co-authored with William Cran, "Do You Speak American?." From the 2005 National Book Festival in Washington, DC, Mr. MacNeil recounts his journey across the United States, studying the conversations of several Americans, including Boston natives, rural Texans, inner-city blacks and valley-girl teenagers.

Robert MacNeil is the author of "Wordstruck: A Memoir," and "Burden of Desire." Mr. MacNeil served as the co-anchor of the MacNeil/Lehrer Newshour until his retirement in 1995.

On Sunday, December 25 at 6:35 am
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Washington's Secret War: The Hidden History of Valley Forge
Thomas Fleming

The political and military leadership exhibited by General George Washington at the Battle of Valley Forge marked the turning point in the American Revolution. So writes Thomas Fleming in his newest book, "Washington's Secret War: The Hidden History of Valley Forge." In it, the author chronicles the events of the battle as well as the ways in which George Washington's innovative field leadership and political feats blended diplomatic savvy along with military expertise.

Thomas Fleming has authored more than forty books including "The New Dealer's War: FDR and the War Within World War II," "Duel: Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and the Future of America," and "Liberty! The American Revolution." He served previously as chairman of the American Revolution Round Table and as president of the PEN American Center. He is currently an author and contributor to NPR, PBS, and American Heritage magazine.

Publisher: SMITHSONIAN BOOKS 10 E. 53rd Street New York, NY 10022

On Sunday, December 25 at 7:30 am
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Poverty Discussion with Gareth Stedman Jones, Jeffrey Sachs, Amartya Sen, Emma Rothschild, Joseph Stiglitz, and Eric Foner

A panel of economists and economic historians discuss historical and modern day efforts to reduce poverty. The discussion is based on two books: Gareth Stedman Jones' "An End to Poverty?: A Historical Debate" and Jeffrey Sachs' "The End of Poverty." The panelists also talk about the views of the Founders regarding the poor and evaluate the theories of groundbreaking economists such as Adam Smith. The discussion is moderated by Columbia University historian Eric Foner and Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz.

Gareth Stedman Jones is co-director of the Centre for History and Economics and a professor of political science at King's College, Cambridge University. Jeffrey Sachs is director of the Earth Institute and a professor of sustainable development at Columbia University. Amartya Sen is a professor of economics and philosophy at Harvard University. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in economics in 1998. Emma Rothschild is co-director of the Centre for History and Economics and a visiting professor at Harvard University. Joseph Stiglitz is university professor at Columbia University. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in economics in 2001.

Publisher: Jones: Columbia University Press 61 W. 62nd Street New York, NY 10023 Sachs: Penguin 375 Hudson Street New York, NY 10014

On Sunday, December 25 at 10:00 am
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After Words: Nathaniel Fick interviewed by Andrew Carroll
video link - http://www.booktv.org/ram/afterwords/1105/arc_btv111905_4.ram

This week on After Words former Marine Corps Captain Nathaniel Fick who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq, reveals how the Corps trains its leaders in his memoir "One Bullet Away: The Making of a Marine Officer ." He is interviewed by Andrew Carroll, director of the Legacy Project, a national, all-volunteer effort that encourages Americans to seek out and preserve war correspondences. He is the author of "Behind the Lines: Powerful and Revealing American and Foreign War Letters -- and One Man's Search to Find Them."

On Sunday, December 25 at 11:00 am and at 8:00 pm
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Generals In Bronze: Interviewing the Commanders of the Civil War
William Styple, Editor
video link - http://www.booktv.org/ram/feature/1105/btv112605_4.ram

In the late 19th and early 20th century, artist James E. Kelly (1855 to 1933) conducted extensive interviews with over forty union generals of the civil war. Kelly sketched the generals for recreations of famous scenes, and for a series of bronze relief portraits. James Kelly took detailed notes of his conversations and tried unsuccessfully to publish the material as part of a memoir. Book TV interviewed William Styple at the New York Historical Society, where James Kelly's original interview notes and sketches were deposited after his death. Mr. Styple believes that no other historian has looked at the thousands of pages of documents. Some information in these notes may lead to new information about important civil war events. "Generals in Bronze" is a collection of interview transcripts compiled from the original interview notes.

William Styple has edited and written many books about the civil war including, "The Little Bugler", "Writing and Fighting the Civil War: 500 Union Soldier Letters from the Battlefield", and "Writing and Fighting the Confederate War: The Letters of Peter Alexander Confederate War Correspondent." He lives in Kearny, New Jersey and is president of Belle Grove Publishing Company.

Publisher: Belle Grove Publishing Co. 41 Linden Avenue Kearny, NJ 07032

On Sunday, December 25 at 12:00 pm
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Between Two Worlds: Escape from Tyranny: Growing Up in the Shadow of Saddam
Zainab Salbi

Zainab Salbi talks about growing up in Iraq under Saddam Hussein and her family's relationship with the Iraqi dictator. Ms. Salbi, whose father was Hussein's personal pilot, also talks about why she decided to tell her story, the repression she witnessed in Iraq under Saddam Hussein, and the mistreatment of women by the regime. The talk was hosted by Olsson's Books & Records in Washington, DC. Includes Q&A.

Zainab Salbi is the founder of Women for Women International, an organization which aids women in conflict zones around the world.

Publisher: GOTHAM BOOKS 375 Hudson Street New York, NY 10014

kick

On Sunday, December 25 at 12:45 pm
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Teacher Man: A Memoir
Frank McCourt

Author Frank McCourt won a 1997 Pulitzer Prize in biography for his first memoir, "Angela's Ashes." He discusses his third memoir at Olsson's Books in Washington, DC. The memoir concentrates on his 30 year teaching career in the New York Public school system.

Frank McCourt is the author of "Tis: A Memoir," and "Angela's Ashes: A Memoir," winner of the 1997 Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the L.A. Times Book Award.

Publisher: SCRIBNER 1230 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020

Highly recommended! :applause:

Biography – Frank McCourt
Born in Brooklyn, Frank moved to Ireland at age four with his parents and brothers. As tough as life had been for the McCourt's in New York, it doesn't compare to the hardships they encounter in their native country. Penniless and destitute, the McCourts finally make it to Limerick where Frank is introduced to a collection of relatives, some as miserly as it is possible to imagine; some, as generous. Frank's father, Malachy, rarely has a job and when he does, spends his wages in the pubs, leaving Frank's mother, Angela, to beg from churches and charity organizations. Despite the tragedy of his drinking, Frank's dad is as charming as a "shiftless l aquacious alcoholic" could be, and he shares a special bond with Frank, revealed through moments of heartrending tenderness. Near death from typhoid fever, Frank spends several months in quarantine in the hospital where he has steady meals, clean sheets, and best of all, books. It is here that he is first introduced to Shakespeare. "I don't know what it means and I don't ca re because it's Shakespeare and it's like having jewels in my mouth when I say the words."

from - http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05331/611479.stm
snip>
His earliest classroom techniques consisted of regaling students with stories of his impoverished childhood rather than following the curriculum.
If you missed the story of that childhood in "Angela's Ashes,'' you can find plenty of highlights in this book, too. He also includes stories about his drinking and his various sexual encounters (not with his students) in more detail than needed.
Some of the detours from the classroom give an uneven feel to the book and are distractions.
In some senses, McCourt uses teaching as a road to self-discovery. By his later years in the classroom, he seems to have found his rhythm as a teacher and a human being.
Near the end of the book, he tells a young substitute teacher that he was "out of my depth" when he began teaching, but:
"After a few years, you develop antennae. You can tell when you've reached them or alienated them. It's chemistry. It's psychology. It's animal instinct. You are with the kids and, as long as you want to be a teacher, there's no escape. ... Find what you love and do it."


Black Board Jungle – was in school to be a teacher, made him wonder what he was getting himself into.

His stories about going to school in Ireland are just brutal!

He got drafted during Korea, but they sent him to Bavaria to train attack dogs. Best beer in the world and numerous fraulines.

“Angela’s Ashes” – about growing up in Ireland

“Tears” – about coming to America

Q & A
If you were suddenly made chancellor or mayor of NY, what would you do?
“Ask the teachers what they need. Tell the politician to keep out of the schools instead of a VP coming in and teaching kids how to mis-spell potato, and a politician reading a story about a goat while the world comes crashing down”
That’s a Quote!

“Western education is a bullying education”


Live Call-in - notes

Great comments about Jimmy Carter, whose book is vying for #1 NYT list. He thinks him ‘saintly’ and will let his book stay at the top for one more week.

He is a “Buffet Religionists” None particularly attracts him, but he uses pieces of several in his life.

Caller is a teacher in an affluent school who is being pressured to dress in an ‘affluent fashion’ even though she can’t afford it.
He’s flabbergasted. Tells her that the next time she is being told this, to have them put it in writing. That should put a stop to it, and if it doesn’t get union involved.

Fear --------------------------------------> Freedom

McCourt thinks the NCLB is a “horror” “Its not education. It’s bullying and politics” I really like this man. :loveya:

“The purpose of education is not to produce cogs for the military industrial complex.”
More teachers like this please! :bounce:

On Sunday, December 25 at 1:30 pm
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Confessions of an Innocent Man: Torture and Survival in a Saudi Prison
William Sampson
Video link - http://www.booktv.org/ram/publiclives/1205/btv121705_2.ram

William Sampson was arrested in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December of 2000, accused of detonating a series of lethal car bombs. His imprisonment and subsequent torture at the hands of his Saudi captors is the subject of his book, "Confessions of an Innocent Man: Torture and Survival in a Saudi Prison." Over a two-year period, Mr. Sampson was beaten and tortured and sentenced to death after a covert trial. The book documents his incarceration as well as his eventual exoneration by a British inquest.

William Sampson has worked in biochemical research and pharmaceutical marketing. He was working as a marketing consultant for the Saudi Industrial Development Fund in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the time of his arrest.

Publisher: McCLELLAND & STEWART 75 Sherbourne Street Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5A 2P9

On Sunday, December 25 at 3:00 pm
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After Words: Rep. John Linder (R-GA) interviewed by David Wessel
Watch

This week on After Words, U.S. Congressman John Linder, Republican of Georgia and the primary sponsor of the FairTax Act, explains "The FairTax Book" he co-wrote with talk show host Neal Boortz. It lays out his plan for tax reform by replacing the federal income tax and the IRS with a retail sales tax. He is interviewed by David Wessel, deputy Washington bureau chief of the Wall Street Journal's Washington bureau, and writes a weekly "Capital" column, a weekly look at the economy and forces shaping living standards around the world.

Finally they broadcast this at a decent time, instead of the middle of the night!
WE LOVE YOU CINDY! :loveya:

On Sunday, December 25 at 7:00 pm
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Not One More Mother's Child
Cindy Sheehan

In "Not One More Mother's Child," Gold Star Families for Peace founder Cindy Sheehan recounts her experience losing a son in the war in Iraq and her subsequent activism speaking out against the war. The author chronicles her trip to Crawford, Texas to protest outside President George W. Bush's ranch, as well as her meetings with legislative leaders on Capitol Hill. The foreword of the book was written by Congressman John Conyers (D-MI).

Cindy Sheehan is the co-founder of Gold Star Families for Peace, an organization consisting of families of soldiers who have died at war, and who are attempting to bring home the U.S. troops in Iraq as soon as possible. This is her first book.

Publisher: Koa Books P.O. Box 822 Kihei, HI 96753

On Sunday, December 25 at 10:00 pm
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The Flight of the Creative Class: The New Global Competition for Talent
Richard Florida

Economics professor Richard Florida writes that America needs to facilitate the emigration of talented artists, scientists, doctors, and other industry-leading thinkers so that their talents are realized in America, as opposed to countries abroad. This is the topic of his new book, "The Flight of the Creative Class: The New Global Competition for Talent." In it, the author makes the case that shifting societal values, the rising costs of urban living throughout America, and the enthusiasm displayed by those countries eager to foster a creative environment for the talented, have changed America's role in the global competition for talent.

Richard Florida is also the author of "Rise of the Creative Class," Washington Monthly's 2002 political book of the year. He is currently a public policy professor at George Mason University and a Senior Fellow with the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC.

Publisher: HarperCollins 10 E 53 Street, 20th Floor New York, NY 10022

On Sunday, December 25 at 11:15 pm
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She Would Not Be Moved: How We Tell the Story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott
Herbert Kohl

In "She Would Not Be Moved," Herbert Kohl argues that the traditional way children have been taught the Rosa Parks story is misleading. The author explains that Rosa Parks' decision not to give up her seat on an Alabama bus was part of a well thought out demonstration, not strictly a personal decision. Herbert Kohl urges teachers to take a closer look at textbooks written for children in order to accurately portray her role and the roles of others in the Civil Rights Movement. This event was hosted by the Teachers & Writers Collaborative in New York City.

Herbert Kohl founded and was the first director of the Teachers and Writers Collaborative in New York City and established the PEN West Center in San Francisco, California. He is the author of "I Won't Learn From You," and "36 Children."

Publisher: NEW PRESS 38 Greene Street, 4th floor New York, NY 10013

On Monday, December 26 at 12:00 am and at 12:00 pm
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The Planets
Dava Sobel

From the New York Public Library, Dava Sobel talks about the planets of our solar system. She reads from portions of her book about Venus, the Moon, Mars and Jupiter, and discusses various government space initiatives. Includes Q&A.

Dava Sobel, a former science reporter for the New York Times, is the author of "Longitude" and "Galileo's Daughter."

Publisher: Viking 375 Hudson Street New York, NY 10014

On Monday, December 26 at 1:00 am
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Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers, and Copycats are Hijacking the Global Economy
Moises Naim

In "Illicit," Foreign Policy magazine editor Moises Naim analyzes the hidden side of globalization. Mr. Naim describes illegal activities such as human trafficking, counterfeiting and drug smuggling and explains that the only way to reduce these activities is to stop financially supporting the suppliers by reducing demand. This event was hosted by Politics and Prose Bookstore in Washington, DC.

Moises Naim is the editor of Foreign Policy magazine, winner of the 2003 National Magazine Award for General Excellence. He was the Minister of Industry and Trade in Venezuela and an Executive Director of the World Bank from 1990-1992.

Publisher: Doubleday 1745 Broadway New York, NY 10019

know thy enemy! :puke:

On Monday, December 26 at 2:00 am
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After Words: Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) interviewed by Kirk Victor
Watch

This week on After Words Sen. Rick Santorum explains his belief that the values of conservatism creates an appreciation for the civic bonds that unite communities. He elabortes on other ways social conservatism can influence public policy in his new book, "It Takes a Family: Conservatism and the Common Good." He also argues that strengthening family ties in American society should take a higher priority over the "village" of the federal government promoted in a previous book by Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Sen. Rick Santorum is a Republican U.S. Senator representing Pennsylvania. Senator Santorum serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee; the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration; the Senate Special Committee on Aging; and the Senate Finance Committee, of which he is the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Social Security and Family Policy. Kirk Victor covers the Senate for National Journal. Victor has covered numerous beats since he joined the magazine in 1987, including lobbying, labor, transportation, telecommunications and energy. He joined National Journal after reporting stints at National Law Journal and Legal Times, and was a litigator in the Justice Department's Civil Division.

On Monday, December 26 at 3:00 am
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Mao: The Unknown Story
Jung Chang & Jon Halliday
Video link - http://www.booktv.org/ram/publiclives/1105/btv111305_2.ram

Jung Chang and Jon Halliday have explored the life of former Chinese premier Mao Tse-tung, as well as the history of 20th century China in their book, “Mao: The Unknown Story.” The authors write that Mao’s rise to power and his communist strategy had less to do with personal ideology than with political ambition and with his being at the right place at the right time. They also examine his personal friendship with former Soviet leader Josef Stalin, a relationship that dated back to the 1920s. “Mao” is the result of five years of research and includes interviews with each living American president who had interacted with Mao.

Jung Chang is the author of "Wild Swans" and a former member of the Chinese Red Guard during her youth. She later became the first person from the People's Republic of China to receive a doctorate from a British university. Jon Halliday is married to Jung Chang and is the author or editor of eight additional books.

Publisher: ALFRED A. KNOPF 1745 Broadway New York, NY 10019

On Monday, December 26 at 4:00 am
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In Depth: John Updike
video link - http://www.booktv.org/ram/feature/1205/arc_btv120405_4.ram

Description: Author, novelist and literary critic John Updike will be our guest for In Depth on December 4th. Mr. Updike's books, nearly 60 in total, have earned him numerous awards, including the National Book Award, the American Book Award, and the National Book Critics Circle Award. He received the Pulitzer Prize for his novels "Rabbit is Rich" (1981) and "Rabbit at Rest" (1990). Mr. Updike's latest book is "Still Looking: Essays on American Art." You can join this three-hour conversation by calling in during the program or by e-mailing your question to booktv@c-span.org.

Author Bio: For more on John Updike and his work, visit: userpages.prexar.com/joyerkes.


John Updike is the author of:
The Carpentered Hen (1958)
The Poorhouse Fair (1959)
The Same Door (1959)
Rabbit, Run (1960)
The Pigeon Feathers (1962)
The Magic Flute (1962)
The Centaur (1963)
Telephone Poles (1963)
The Ring (1964)
Olinger Stories (1964)
A Child's Calendar (1965)
Of the Farm (1965)
Assorted Prose (1965)
The Music School (1966)
Couples (1968)
Midpoint (1969)
Bottom's Dream (1969)
Bech: A Book (1970)
Rabbit Redux (1971)
Museums and Women (1972)
Buchanan Dying (1974)
A Month of Sundays (1975)
Pick-Up the Pieces (1975)
Marry Me (1976)
Tossing and Turning (1977)
The Coup (1979)
Problems (1979)
Too Far to Go (1979)
Rabbit Is Rich (1981)
Bech Is Back (1982)
Hugging the Shore (1983)
The Witches of Eastwick (1984)
Facing Nature (1985)
Roger's Version (1986)
Trust Me (1987)
S. (1988)
Self-Consciousness (1989)
Just Looking (1989)
Rabbit at Rest (1990)
Odd Jobs (1991)
Memories of the Ford Administration (1992)
Collected Poems, 1953-1993 (1993)
Brazil (1994)
The Afterlife and Other Stories (1994)
Rabbit Angstrom: The Four Novels (1995)
A Helpful Alphabet of Friendly Objects (1995)
Golf Dreams (1996)
In the Beauty of the Lilies (1996)
Toward the End of the Line (1997)
Bech At Bay (1998)
More Matter (1999)
Gertrude and Claudius (2000)
Licks of Love (2001)
Rabbit Remembered (2001)
The Complete Henry Bech (2001)
Americana and Other Poems (2001)
Seek My Face (2002)
The Early Stories: 1953-1975 (2003)
Villages (2004)
Still Looking (2005)

On Monday, December 26 at 7:00 am
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Disinformation: 22 Media Myths That Undermine the War on Terror
Richard Miniter

Terrorism expert Richard Miniter tackles what he believes to be erroneous information spread by the media in his book, "Disinformation: 22 Media Myths That Undermine the War on Terror." In it, the author examines popular notions that he believes to be myths regarding terrorist profiling, private contractors profiting from the war in Iraq, the state of Osama bin Laden's health, and weapons of mass destruction.

Investigative journalist Richard Miniter is also the author of "Losing bin Laden: How Bill Clinton’s Failures Unleashed Global Terror" and "Shadow War: The Untold Story of How America Is Winning the War on Terror."

Publisher: Regnery Publishing One Massachusetts Avenue Washington, DC 20001

On Monday, December 26 at 8:00 am
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America's Uncivil Wars: The Sixties Era from Elvis to the Fall of Richard Nixon
Mark Lytle

Bard College professor Mark Lytle chronicles the tumultuous events from 1954 to 1973 in his new book, "America's Uncivil Wars: The Sixties Era from Elvis to the Fall of Richard Nixon." It looks at defining cultural and political events from the era and their lasting effects. The book explores the influence of things such as Elvis, anti-war protests, feminist movements, movements for racial equality, and the changing political climate of the nation.

Mark Lytle is the author of "After the Fact: The Art of Historical Detection" as well as "Nation of Nations: A Narrative History of the American Republic." He is a professor of history, director of the Historical Studies Program, and co-director of the American Studies Program at Bard College.

Publisher: Oxford University Press 198 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10016

On Monday, December 26 at 8:45 am
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2005 Texas Book Festival: David McCullough, "1776"

Author David McCullough discusses his most recent book, "1776," at the Texas Book Festival in Austin, Texas. "1776" tells the story of the revolutionary generation and America's founding year. Mr. McCullough is introduced by Education Secretary Margaret Spellings.

David McCullough is the author of "Truman," "John Adams," "Brave Companions," "Mornings on Horseback," "The Path Between the Seas," "The Great Bridge," and "The Johnstown Flood." Mr. McCullough received the Pulitzer Prize in 1993 for "Truman" and has won the National Book Award twice -- once for history and once for biography.

Publisher: SIMON & SCHUSTER 1230 Avenue of the Americas New York City, NY 10020

On Monday, December 26 at 10:45 am
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2005 Lincoln Forum Thomas Lowry "Don't Shoot That Boy! Abraham Lincoln and Military Justice"

Thomas Lowry presents the records of soldiers and civilians who were prosecuted for negative comments about President Lincoln after he was assassinated at the 10th Annual Lincoln Forum Symposium in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Mr. Lowry, author of "Don't Shoot That Boy! Abraham Lincoln and Military Justice," details some of the cases involving the offenders and describes some of the sentences handed down by the court.

Thomas Lowry is the author of "The Story the Soldiers Wouldn't Tell" and "Civil War Bawdy Houses of Washington D.C.," and "Tarnished Scalpels."

Publisher: Da Capo Press Eleven Cambridge Center Cambridge, MA 02142

On Monday, December 26 at 11:15 am
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Mencken: The American Iconoclast -- The Life and Times of the Bad Boy of Baltimore
Marion Elizabeth Rodgers
Video link - http://www.booktv.org/ram/publiclives/1105/btv112705_2.ram

Marion Elizabeth Rodgers’ biography “Mencken: An American Iconoclast,” is a compilation of archival interviews, love letters, and FBI files, shedding light on the public and private life of journalist H.L Mencken. Ms. Rodgers describes him as a libertarian who believed in the importance of civil liberties and free speech, and used his role as a newspaperman to question fundamental elements of American government.

Marion Elizabeth Rodgers is also the editor of "Sara: A Life in Letters" and "The Impossible H.L. Mencken."

Publisher: OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS 198 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10016

On Monday, December 26 at 1:00 pm
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Chief Joseph & the Flight of the Nez Perce
Kent Nerburn

Kent Nerburn tells the story of the Native Americans who journeyed from eastern Oregon to Northern Montana, pursued by the US cavalry, during the Indian Wars of the late 19th Century. in his book "Chief Joseph & the Flight of the Nez Perce." The author describes the trip as risky explaining that some travelers were sent into exile while others were returned to Indian territory. The story, he argues, is an essential block of American history, being one that brings the spiritual traditions of the natives closer to the American people. This event was hosted by BirchBark Books in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Kent Nerburn is the author of "Neither Wolf nor Dog: On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder," winner of the 1995 Minnesota Book Award, and has worked on collecting the memories of the tribal elders on the Red Lake Ojibwe reservation.

Publisher: HARPER SAN FRANCISCO 353 Sacramento Street, Suite 500 San Francisco, CA 94111

On Monday, December 26 at 2:15 pm
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Buffalo Bill's America: William Cody and the Wild West Show
Louis Warren

William "Buffalo Bill" Cody was a Pony Express rider, Civil War soldier, trapper, buffalo hunter, actor, conservationist, entrepeneur, and Congressional Medal of Honor winner. He is the subject of Louis Warren's new book, "Buffalo Bill's America: William Cody and the Wild West Show." It's a look at this icon of the American West and a close examination of the man behind the Buffalo Bill public image. The author writes that Buffalo Bill Cody was a controversial figure in his time, and his contemporaries debated the amount of hyperbole surrounding Buffalo Bill.

Louis Warren is the author of "Hunter's Game," winner of the 1998 Western Heritage Award for nonfiction. He is currently a professor of Western U.S. History at the University of California, Davis.

Publisher: A.A. KNOPF 1745 Broadway New York, NY 10019

On Monday, December 26 at 3:30 pm
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After Words: Jimmy Carter interviewed by Brian Williams
video link - http://www.booktv.org/ram/afterwords/1105/arc_btv110505_4.ram

Description: This week on After Words former President Jimmy Carter discusses his book "Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis." It's his argument for the separation of church and state, and states his concerns about the direction of American morality. He is interviewed by NBC Nightly News anchor & managing editor Brian Williams.

Author Bio: Jimmy Carter served as the thirty-ninth President of the United States. After he left office he founded the Carter Center, a nonprofit conflict resolution organization. He was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work at the Center. Brian Williams is the anchor for NBC Nightly News. Previously, he was the NBC News Chief White House correspondent and was the anchor and managing editor of the Saturday edition of NBC Nightly News. He is currently working on a book about the assassination of President James Garfield. Before his career in journalism he was an intern in the Carter White House.

On Monday, December 26 at 4:30 pm
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2005 Southern Festival of Books--H.W. Brands "Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times"

From the 2005 Southern Festival of Books in Nashville, Tennessee, H.W. Brands discusses the life and presidency of Andrew Jackson. In "Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times," the author follows President Jackson from his rebellious youth to his experience as the first "common man" to be president. Mr. Brands explains Andrew Jackson's dedication to secure the Union's uncertain future and offers insight into the era in which he lived.

H.W. Brands is the author of "Lone Star Nation" and The Age of Gold." He was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Biography for "The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin." He is a professor of history at the University of Texas at Austin.

Publisher: Doubleday 1745 Broadway New York, NY 10019

On Monday, December 26 at 5:30 pm
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Martha Washington: An American Life
Patricia Brady

Descri Patricia Brady describes Martha Washington as a decisive woman whom contributed greatly to the character of America. In her biography, "Martha Washington: An American Life," the author chronicles the life of the first First Lady from the beginning of her relationship with George Washington to her dedication to her him during the Revolutionary War period. This event was hosted by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association in Mount Vernon, Virginia.

Patricia Brady served as director of public relations at the Historic New Orleans Collection for twenty years. She is the author of "Nelly Custis Lewis's Housekeeping Book" and "George Washington's Beautiful Nelly."

Publisher: Viking 375 Hudson Street New York, NY 10014

On Monday, December 26 at 6:30 pm
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Edward O. Wilson on "From So Simple a Beginning: The Four Great Books of Charles Darwin"
video link - http://www.booktv.org/ram/history/1205/btv121705_1.ram

Description: "From So Simple a Beginning" is a collection of the four major works of the late Charles Darwin. The books "Voyage of the H.M.S. Beagle," "The Origin of Species," "The Descent of Man," and "The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals" have been compiled along with new introductions and an essay by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Edward O. Wilson. Professor Wilson gives a lecture on the book and shows slides chronicling Darwin's journeys and scientific recordings and observations.

Author Bio: Edward O. Wilson has been a professor at Harvard University for more than forty years and is the author of more than twenty books including "The Diversity of Life" and "On Human Nature." He has twice won the Pulitzer Prize and won the National Medal of Science in 1976.

Publisher: W.W. NORTON & COMPANY 500 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10110

Makes freepers heads explode...

On Monday, December 26 at 7:45 pm
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The Things They Carried
Tim O'Brien
video link - http://www.booktv.org/ram/feature/1005/btv101505_4a.ram

In his book, "The Things They Carried," author Tim O'Brien combines part novel and part personal memoir to relate his experiences during the Vietnam War. During his discussion, Mr. O'Brien explains that while many of the events he chronicles in the book never really happened, the book truthfully reflects his attitudes towards the war and gives an accurate picture of what life was like for him and other soldiers in Vietnam. This event was part of the Fall for the Book Festival held annually at the campus of George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Includes Q&A.

Tim O'Brien is the author of several books, including "Going After Cacciato" and "In the Lake of the Woods." The first edition of "The Things They Carried" was a finalist for both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Mr. O'Brien's short fiction has appeared in numerous magazines including Esquire, Harper's, The Atlantic, and The New Yorker. He currently holds a chair in creative writing at Southwest Texas State University.

Publisher: Random House 1745 Broadway New York, NY 10019

recommended!

On Monday, December 26 at 9:00 pm
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The Kite Runner
Khaled Hosseini

Author Khaled Hosseini writes about the lives of two boys growing up together in Afghanistan in "The Kite Runner." Set in Kabul, it tells the stories of two very different young men; one the privileged son of a wealthy businessman, the other the son of that businessman's servant. The book explores the cultural and religious differences that divided the country and explains how the political and cultural landscape of the country has changed since then.

Khaled Hosseini is a physician living in Northern California. As the son of a diplomat, his family was granted political asylum and emigrated to the United States in 1980.

Publisher: Riverhead Books 375 Hudson Street New York, NY 10014

On Monday, December 26 at 10:15 pm
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The Singularity Is Near
Ray Kurzweil

Ray Kurzweil talks about the rapid advancements in technology and the possible implications of this for our future. Mr. Kurzweil also explains how technology evolves and demonstrates how, with this understanding, he has been able to successfully predict things like the worldwide use of the internet decades before most people even knew what it was. Mr. Kurzweil also talks about the potential for nanotechnology and addresses concerns that an increased reliance on technology will be bad for humanity. This talk was hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations. Includes Q&A.

Inventor and futurist Ray Kurzweil is the author of "The Age of Intelligent Machines," "The Age of Spiritual Machines," and "Fantastic Voyage: Live Long Enough to Live Forever." Mr. Kurzweil is credited with developing the first reading machine for the blind and the the first text-to-speech synthesizer. His music synthesizers are widely used by the recording industry. For more information on Mr. Kurzweil's latest book and his work, visit: singularity.com.

Publisher: Viking 375 Hudson Street New York, NY 10014

On Monday, December 26 at 11:30 pm
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The War for Korea, 1945-1950: A House Burning
Allan Millett

Military historian Allan Millett explains that the basis for the Korean War actually goes back as far as 1910 when Korea was under Japanese rule. This is the topic of his new book, "The War for Korea, 1945-1960: A House Burning." In it, Mr. Millett makes the case that the Marxist-Leninists and the Nationalist-capitalists each sought to control the country with political and military support from foreign powers. The author writes that during the period leading up to the U.S. involvement in the Korean War, thousands of Koreans had already been killed through terrorism and guerrilla warfare, ensuring the split between the two sides.

Allan Millett has written numerous books including "The History of the United States Marine Corps" and "Mao's Generals Remember Korea." Mr. Millett is a military history professor at Ohio State University until 2006, when he takes over as director of the Eisenhower Center for American Studies at the University of New Orleans.

Publisher: UNIVERSITY PRESS OF KANSAS 2502 Westbrooke Circle Lawrence, KS 66045

On Tuesday, December 27 at 12:30 am
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Writing About Science: A Discussion with San Francisco Bay Area Science Writers
Richard Rhodes, Michael Pollan, Michael Chorost, James Calder, David Ewing Duncan

A panel of science wirters talk about their interest in science, the probability that science will lead us to a hopeful future, and the politicization of science by the government. Taking part are: Richard Rhodes, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book "The Making of the Atomic Bomb"; Michael Pollan, author of "The Botany of Desire"; Michael Chorost, author of "Rebuilt : How Becoming Part Computer Made Me More Human"; and James Calder, author of the Bill Damen Mysteries Series. David Ewing Duncan, author of "The Geneticist Who Played Hoops with My DNA," moderates the discussion. This event was hosted by the Commonwealth Club of California.

Richard Rhodes is the author of twenty books. His "The Making of the Atomic Bomb" was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the National Book Critics Circle Award. His most recent book is "John James Audubon: The Making of an American." Michael Pollan, professor of journalism at University of California, Berkeley and a regular contributor to the New York Times magazine, is the author of the forthcoming book, "The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals." Michael Chorost worked as a technical writer in Silicon Valley before going completely deaf in 2001. "Rebuilt," which chronciles his experience having a computer installed into his head so that he could hear, is his first book. James Calder's science based mystery books feature the character Bill Damen, a filmmaker turned detective. His latest in the series is "In a Family Way." David Ewing Duncan, a freelance producer and correspondent for ABC News' Nightline and columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, is the author of "Calendar: Humanity's Epic Struggle to Determine a True and Accurate Year."

On Tuesday, December 27 at 3:15 am
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Sen. Barbara Boxer, (D-CA) A Time to Run Book Party
Video link - http://www.booktv.org/ram/feature/1105/btv110505_4a.ram

Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) has been writing a political novel for seven years, working on the book during her long flights between California and Washington, DC. Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) hosted this book party at W Hotel in New York City to celebrate the publishing of the book. Senators Boxer and Clinton give brief remarks during the party, and we also hear from Senator Boxer's co-author, Mary-Rose Hayes.

Publisher: Chronicle Books 85 2nd Street 6th Floor San Francisco, CA 94105

This is an amazing story. I grew up in Colorado, and visited North Platte several times as a child, but I had never heard this story.
Inspiring!
:applause:

On Tuesday, December 27 at 4:00 am
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Book Club: Warren Newport Public Library Discussion of Bob Greene's "Once Upon a Town"

From the Warren Newport Public Library in Gurnee, Illinois, a book group discussion of Bob Greene's "Once Upon a Town: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen." Mr. Greene's book tells the story of North Platte, Nebraska, a town of 12,000 that played host to six million servicemen who passed through North Platte on troop trains during World War II. The North Platte Canteen provided refreshments, entertainment, and company for servicemen during their trains' 10-minute stops in North Platte.

Publisher: PERENNIAL 10 East 53rd Street New York, NY 10022

On Tuesday, December 27 at 5:30 am
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How to Rent a Negro
damali ayo

damali ayo takes a satirical look at race relations in her guidebook "How to Rent a Negro." The author argues that white people should be charged fees for interacting with blacks, whether it be touching their skin or hair, having them attend a majority white social event, or getting a black person's opinion on a current race-related topic. This event was hosted by Karibu Bookstore in Hyattsville, Maryland.

damali ayo's work has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, the Washington Post, and Salon.com. She is the creator of rent-a-negro.com and panhandles on the streets for slavery reparations.

Publisher: Lawrence Hill Books 814 North Franklin Street Chicago, IL 60610

On Tuesday, December 27 at 6:45 am
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Leonard Wood: Rough Rider, Surgeon, Architect of American Imperialism
Jack McCallum

Jack McCallum argues that Leonard Wood was one of the most fascinating but least remembered figures in modern American history. In his book "Leonard Wood," Mr. McCallum uses photographs, correspondence and diaries to chronicle the life of the Major General who served as the U.S. Army Chief of Staff and the commander of the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War. The author also details Leonard Wood's friendship with Theodore Roosevelt, as well as Wood's 1920 presidential campaign. This event was hosted by the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.

Jack McCallum is Medical Director of Neuroscience at Baylor Medical Center and teaches history at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.

Publisher: New York University Press Washington Square New York, NY 10003

Happy, holy, merry, jolly!

Goddess bless us everyone. :-)

Did everyone have a nice Holiday?