Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The Southern Half of the Hemisphere

How much do you know about our neighbors to the south? We've recently added a variety of new books about Latin American countries.

A team of writers contribute to the Moon guide to Peru to provide you with a lot more than travel information. Informative articles and pictures are interspersed throughout the guides to cities and sites to see.






Obviously, there is more to Venezuela than Hugo Chavez! This concise survey of the nation covers its history as a Spanish colony, its years under a variety of dictatorships, and its status as a modern nation.








Brazil on the Rise was written by a New York Times bureau chief, who lived in Brazil for 14 years. He weaves many personal stories into this overview of colonial history and contemporary events. Learn about Brazil's economy, governance, and its people.



Published in 2010, this is the 5th edition of Latin America: Its Problems and Its Promise. It is an up-to-date guide to environmental issues in Costa Rica and Brazil, political movements across the region, the US relationship with Ecuador, Colombia, and other countries, and analysis of developing and deteriorating economies. Although it covers a lot of territory, it provides a solid foundation to understand the challenges of the region.



Fernando Lugo, a liberation priest, is now the president of Paraguay. He brings new hope to a country plagued by tyranny, repression, and poverty.












Words, maps, and pictures combine to provide insight into Argentina. More than just a guide to the best restaurants, tourist sites, and places to stay, this Eyewitness Travel guide informs about the history and culture of the country.









This is just a sample of the many books on the library shelves that can help you learn about the amazing histories and cultures of Latin America. Most of our books on Latin America are shelved in the 972 and 980's sections of the library collection.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Rock Revival

As we wrap up the Winter term and head into Spring Break, maybe you're looking for some tunes to take with you? Or if you're like us, you're looking for some good music to tide you over while you wait for the major releases that are just a few weeks away.

Here are some just released or coming out soon items...and some "listen-alikes" to help fill your playlist while we wait!

Already Released

R.E.M. - Collapse Into Now

Fans and Rolling Stone tag this as R.E.M.'s edgiest new album in years, going back to their roots. Judge for yourself by giving 2008's Accelerate (781.66 R) a listen for contrast before the new disc arrives.



The Decemberists - The King is Dead

Earlier albums by this Portland-based group, like The Crane Wife and The Hazards of Love, feature longer songs, but this latest collection focuses on "short" pieces (for The Decemberists, a 4 min. track is short). Fans say the new album is catchy: "I didn't have to work to love this," one reviewer says on Amazon. All three are available at the library: 781.66 D.



Dropkick Murphys - Going Out in Style

Hey, it's St. Patrick's Day! Want some Irish punk with that green beer? The Dropkick Murphys can help you out in classic style. The Warrior's Code (2005) is available at 781.66 D while the new CD is on order.


Coming Soon (with music to try while you wait!)

Jennifer Hudson - I Remember Me

Pick up examples of Jennifer Hudson's earlier works on her self-titled album from 2008 (781.66 H), or the R & B retrospective film Dreamgirls.


Radiohead - King of Limbs


New Rad
iohead! While we wait (impatiently), chill out with the sounds of 2008's In Rainbows (781.66 R). When the sparkle of that album goes dull, try out The National's High Violet (781.66 N) [more lyrics, less synthetic, same atmospheric feel].



TV on the Radio - Nine Types of Light


We have two older TV on the Radio albums to get you in the Brooklyn mood, Return to Cookie Mountain and Dear Science (781.66 T). Arcade Fire (Funerals and The Suburbs are their two most recent albums) is an upcoming band that catches some of the same modern anxiety and apathy in their tunes (781.66 A).


Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues


Pick up their earlier, self-titled album at 781.66 F to fill the hours until the May 3rd release date, or check out sound-alikes Iron & Wine on Mojo's collection of new Indie rock, Mojo Presents New Harvest (781.66 M).



Happy break, and happy listening!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Stretch out your studying with extended library hours



Did you know, the library will be open some extra hours in the next few weeks to help you prepare for finals?

We'll be open 7:30 am- 6 pm on the next two Fridays-- March 4th and 11th-- and on Saturday, March 12th from 11 am - 7 pm for the ASUCC Study-In.

Good luck, and see you at the library!