Unusual Sports Movies

/ Susan O. / Leave a comment

There are only two days a year when no major sports games are held: the day before baseball’s Major League All-Star Game, and the day after.  On every other day of the year, a major sporting event occurs somewhere in the country. Indeed, there are only 26 days a year when the PGA is not on tour, 51 days without tennis, and 95 days without a NASCAR event. Many sport seasons overlap – baseball ends long after football starts, basketball begins during football, and hockey runs long after baseball starts.

I’m not a huge sports fan. Sure, I grew up watching Wide World of Sports, but our family sport was Indy car racing, and if you practice that, police get annoyed. I earned an inter-dorm basketball championship shirt in college, but that was because we won three games by default, and yes, I watch two full weeks of the Olympics each time.

But for some unknown reason, I do like movies about sports. And there are a plethora of really good ones. Every sport has a loyal following, and some sports are more of a specialty than others (there aren’t many mainstream martial arts films beyond The Karate Kid,  and when I thought of skiing movies and thought of The Other Side of the Mountain (yeah, I’m old) and Eddie the Eagle – real skiers have movies no one in the average  theater knows of), but no matter what the sport, there’s at least one film about it (Cool Runnings not withstanding).

Best of the Best

Ten films are on almost every Best Sports Movie list available. They’re grade-A movies that can make even the non-sportsman cheer for the underdog:
Hoop Dreams /  Field of Dreams   / Moneyball  /  Bull Durham  /  Rocky  /  Rudy  /  Caddyshack   /  Raging Bull  /  Tin Cup  /   Million Dollar Baby

Wider World of Sports

Yes, you say, but three of those are boxing movies. I’m a competitive swimmer. Then check out The Swimmer, with Burt Lancaster. If you want a top-rated movie for a sport without a weekday TV contract, try:

Golf: Caddyshack (no matter what list you look at, golfers insist this is THE best golf movie, but check out Tin Cup or The Legend of Bagger Vance for something more serious).
Tennis: Borg vs. McEnroe,  Battle of the Sexes
Running:  Jericho Mile, Chariots of Fire   

Skiing: Deep and Light
Martial Arts: Drunken Master II (Jackie Chan)
Auto racing: Days of Thunder,  Rush

Soccer: Pele: Birth of a Legend, Bend it Like Beckham
Billiards: The Hustler
Ice Skating: The Cutting Edge,  Ice Castles,  I, Tonya

Hockey:  Miracle, Slap Shot, Mystery Alaska
Surfing: Soul Surfer, Blue Crush

Horseracing: Seabiscuit
Weightlifting: Pumping Iron (the absolute classic!)
Rodeo: The Electric Horseman,  8 Seconds  

Killer Roller Skating: Rollerball,  Whip It
Dodgeball: Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story  
Apocalyptic Manhunting:  The Running Man,  The Hunger Games

Always Broom for One More

And Quidditch? Yes, that crazy game from Harry Potter is a real modern-day Muggle sport. Quidditch was first played on the campus of Middlebury College in 2005, with actual world championships (but no flying on the brooms), and there is still a push to make Quidditch an Olympic sport. Or you can follow Connecticut Quidditch teams at Yale, UConn, or Quinnipiac to watch live action on the pitch.  (Yes, I’m serious. My daughter’s team ranked 22nd in the world).

Don’t pay those exorbitant stadium prices or suffer through repetitive commercials! Grab your beer or bottled water, your popcorn or your Ball Park Frank, and cheer for your favorite sport with one of these awesome sports films!

What’s Happening at Cheshire Library in October

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This October, we’re thrilled to welcome Joyce Saltman back to CPL for two programs about how to maintain our sense of humor as we age. We also have local authors coming to discuss their books and local artists sharing their processes and artwork. There’s always something interesting happening at CPL, take a look:

QPR Suicide Prevention Training

Wednesday, October 2, 2019, 1:00 – 2:30pm

Wednesday, October 9, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer) is a nationally recognized emergency mental health intervention for suicidal persons. This 90-minue training session is designed for anyone in the community who might be in a position to recognize a crisis and the warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide. This class will be taught by Michelle Piccerillo, Director of Human Services for Cheshire, and Kate Glendon, Public Health Specialist for the Chesprocott Health District. Registration is required. For more information on QPR, go to https://qprinstitute.com/about-qpr.

Creating Abstract Art Using Oils and Cold Wax

Wednesday, October 2, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm

Artist Diane Brown produces abstract works by mixing oils and cold wax. She will discuss the process of layering color on top of color and working to create textures as well as the new and exciting directions this technique can take the artist. Sponsored by the Cheshire Art league, no registration required.

Drop-In Loft Knitters

Saturday, October 5, 2019, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Come socialize, learn, share your techniques with other knitters. All levels of adult knitters are welcome. (Please be advised that instruction on knitting will not be given for this adult program.) This event will meet the first Saturday of the month through April 2020. No registration required.

Joyce Saltman Returns to Cheshire Library!

A Humorous Look at Aging and Sex:

  • Monday, October 7, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Laughter: Rx for Survival:

  • Saturday, October 26, 2019, 2:00 – 3:30pm

Joyce Saltman, Professor Emeritus of Special Education at CCSU, international lecturer and ‘laughter consultant”,  brings two uniquely enlightening and entertaining talks to CPL this month. The October 7 program will deal (with a minimum of scientific data and a maximum of humor) with the trials and tribulations of being a Senior! Combining research about this important topic for the “senior citizen” set (those of us who are old but not dead!). The October 26 program will deal with the physiological benefits of laughter, studies on the mind-body connection, and practical (plus some not-so-practical!) suggestions on ways to bring more laughter into your life.  Seating is limited for this popular speaker, early registration is recommended for each program.

Care for Caregivers of the Aging

Tuesday, October 8, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Please join us as the Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging discusses support services for caregivers.  Caregivers often find the task of caring for another person to be overwhelming. They often develop stress-related illnesses such as heart disease, hypertension, or ulcers. An occasional break from caregiving enables an exhausted caregiver to regroup both physically and emotionally, and find the strength to carry on. Registration is required.

Crafting Street Organs

Saturday, October 12, 2019, 2:00 – 3:00pm

Local resident Anatoly Zaya-Ruzo makes beautiful street organs, automatons and mechanical dolls.  During this presentation he will discuss the process he uses when crafting street organs. Mr Zaya-Ruzo’s workshop in Cheshire is the only place in the U.S. where street organs are fabricated. He will bring several organs, explain how they work, and talk about their history. Registration is required.

Greenwave – 3D Ocean Farming

Tuesday, October 15, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

As seen on “60 Minutes” come learn about 3D ocean farming: growing and harvesting kelp, seaweed, and shellfish in Long Island Sound and beyond. Can we restore our seas through ocean farming? Members of the non-profit organization GreenWave -right here in New Haven County – will explain what it’s like to be ocean farmers. Registration is required.

Author Talk –  Stephen King : American Master

Thursday, October 17, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Join us for Stephen Spignesi’s, presentation on Stephen King: American Master illustrated lecture based on Spignesi’s new book. The program includes unique photographs Spignesi acquired from King’s family, and excerpts from little-known writings are read to the audience.  All attendees receive free a tri-fold, color, signed limited edition brochure commemorating the event, as well as other handouts. Registration is required.

Tony Falcone: Creating the Art for the United States Coast Guard Historical Murals Project

Saturday, October 19, 2019, 2:00 – 4:00pm

Connecticut Artist Tony Falcone will share his artistic process in the creation of the oversized, detailed and historically accurate oil paintings (each approximately 9’ x 11’) that comprise the Historical Murals Project commissioned by the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association, Class of ’62. Registration is required.

Tales from the Grave

Monday, October 21, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Did you miss the Spirits Alive Lantern Tour? Or did you attend and want to know more about the featured Spirits? This is your chance to Meet the Spirits and find out how their stories were unearthed and “fleshed out”! Registration is required.

The Mill River: Past and Present

Tuesday, October 22, 2019, 6:30 – 8:00pm

Cheshire Historical Society President Diane Calabro will provide background on Cheshire’s connections with the Mill River, while the New Haven historical aspect will be presented by Mill River Watershed Association’s Malinda Hennes. Nicole Davis, Watershed Coordinator for Save the Sound will discuss the work done to improve the water quality of the Mill River in the past year. Registration is required.

Genealogy DNA

You did a DNA test and have a match list and some predicted relationships. How did the company do that, what does it mean, and what do you do next? Genealogist Nora Galvin will present this advanced lecture, which explains what the results mean, shows how we get “segments” and what to do with them. Registration is required.

Author Talk – One of Windsor: the Untold Story of America’s First Witch Hanging

Thursday, October 24, 2019, 6:00 – 8:00pm

Join us for a captivating lecture by Connecticut author Beth M. Caruso as she discusses the overwhelming factors that led to the beginning of the witch trials in colonial New England. Her well-researched novel, One of Windsor: The Untold Story of America’s First Witch Hanging, is based on the life of Alice “Alse” Young, the first colonial hanging victim, and explores certain events in Windsor, Connecticut that were precursors to Alice’s indictment and death. Copies of Beth’s book will be available for purchase and signing. Registration is required.

Books Over Coffee: The Death Instinct

Wednesday, October 30, 2019, 12:00 – 1:30pm

On the last Wednesday of every month we’ll meet from 12-1:30 in The Loft to discuss the selected title, “Death Instinct” by Jed Rubenfeld is our October selection. Books are available each month ahead of time, and will be available in audio & ebook format. You bring your lunch, we’ll provide the coffee and tea. Registration is required.

 

Hometown Famous

/ Susan O. / 3 Comments

Whether you’ve lived here a short time or half a century, Cheshire can seem like a sleepy, quiet little town, without much going for it beyond being close to most of the state’s highways. Settled in 1694 as part of Wallingford, Cheshire broke away to become a separate town in 1780 – eight years before Connecticut would ratify the Constitution to become the fifth state of a brand-new nation. Between the Grange Fair, Strawberry Festival, and the annual Memorial Day Parade, sometimes it feels like we haven’t changed much since then. We’re a small town that doesn’t attract a lot of attention.

Or do we? Little Cheshire seems to be a hotbed for creating artists, writers, actors, athletes, celebrities, and more.

If you read the signs as you pass in and out of town, you’ll know that we’re the “Bedding Plant Capital of Connecticut” – our multiple large farms and greenhouses grow and distribute flower-bed plants to stores and markets throughout the state. You’ve probably passed by the Foote House on West Main Street – Samuel Foote was the 28th Governor of Connecticut, born the year Cheshire became a town. In 1823, Amos B. Alcott, born in Wolcott, became a teacher in Cheshire – his daughter Louisa May would go on to find greater fame.

Yeah, yeah, but those aren’t people *I* would know.

Then let’s look at some of our locals and graduates whose names are known not just in town. You have certainly heard of some of them! I know I’ve gone to school with a few, or their siblings.

     – as well as several scientists and economists and inventors. With such a rich, diverse list of accomplished graduates and residents, remember to support educational opportunities in town, especially arts and sports! Even if all you do is look at a school art show, or check a book out from the library.  Take an art class. Take a writing class. Check out the wide range of programs at the library or Adult Education. It’s never too late to start. You never know when the next star will appear!

If I’ve missed you, I apologize, our space is limited, and there are MULTITUDE of artists and authors in Cheshire!

 

Why do I have to wait SO LONG for library ebooks?

It’s been an increasing source of frustration for many library users: waiting weeks, sometimes months to get to the top of the waiting list for a popular eBook or e-Audiobook.

As I write this, the ebook for Michelle Obama’s 2018 memoir, Becoming,  has over 200 people waiting for their turn at one of 16 eBook copies. If each of those 16 copies is checked out for the full lending period of 21 days, well, that’s a very long wait if you’re at the bottom of the list. (Take heart, if you’re using a Cheshire library card, your wait won’t be quite as long.  We have purchased 2 additional copies for Cheshire cardholders exclusively, so CPL users will move through the hold queue a little faster).

Why does it take so long? After all, it’s not a physical object, it’s a digital file that lives in the “cloud”, why can’t multiple people access it simultaneously instead of only one at a time? Barring that, why doesn’t the library just buy more copies so that the waiting list is shorter? Getting people access to books and information is what libraries are all about, but the struggle to acquire lendable e-content is very real, and it’s getting harder all the time. Why? What’s the big hairy deal? For that answer, you have to look to the “Big 5” Publishers, who are responsible for close to 80% of trade book sales.

First, a little background. When Cheshire Library started offering eBooks to their patrons in 2006,   lending of downloadable items was in its infancy.  Publishers were extremely wary about allowing library users virtual access to their books. After all, digital copies of books never wear out or have to be replaced, and are more vulnerable to unauthorized copying (“pirating”). Publishers were afraid if they allowed libraries access to their books digitally, they would be losing money. Individual publishers came up with their own sets of rules for libraries to access their e-content, and they have been tweaked many times since 2006. The graphic to the right outlines the current purchasing & lending restrictions for libraries purchasing e-Books from the “Big 5”. Over the years, all 5 publishers have gone to a “metered access” model, meaning that titles expire after a set number of uses or months, at which time the library has to purchase the item again if they want to keep it available to their patrons.

And, unfortunately, the prices libraries must pay for ebooks and e-audiobooks are very high. Libraries must pay up to 4X the retail price for digital versions of books (which only one user can have access to at a time).  Meeting the library patron’s needs for downloadable content is a very expensive enterprise, indeed! Take a look at this comparison of the prices for various versions of the same book:

e-Audiobook publishers have used a “perpetual license” model in the past, (meaning a title only needs to be purchased once, regardless of the number of uses or months) but that is starting to change. Many are converting to a “metered access” model like the eBook publishers, which will have a significant impact on how many titles a library is able to purchase.

Recently, another way for libraries to offer digital content has emerged, the “pay-per-use” model. Platforms like Hoopla, Kanopy, and Freegal, are examples. These platforms offer libraries a pre-curated collection of digital items that have no limit on how many people can check them out at the same time. Rather than buying individual titles, the library pays a fee each time an item from the collection is checked out. For a while, this sounded like a good solution to the long waiting periods users experienced on traditional platforms. The drawback? The service can become so popular that the monthly fees quickly become unmanageable. This is what happened at CPL when we tried Hoopla.  The monthly fees kept skyrocketing,  even when we lowered our checkout limit to 5 items per month. It became impossible to sustain the expense without reducing the service even further, so we discontinued Hoopla and looked for something better.

Since discontinuing Hoopla, CPL has added a platform with a new lending model for e-Audiobooks that we hope will ease some frustration. RBdigital began offering a new service with a core collection of 30,000+ audiobook titles that allow muti-user access (always available, no waiting lists), plus the ability for libraries to add newer and more in-demand titles to the collection (following the one copy/one user model). RBdigital charges libraries a flat monthly fee for the “always available” content, so the library doesn’t have to limit the amount of items patrons check out, and knows exactly how much to budget for each month. We’ll continue to look for ways to bring the most value to the library experience.

The digital media landscape for libraries is constantly changing and adjusting. Here are some articles to check out if you’re  interested in learning more on the subject:

www.cnn.com/2019/08/02/opinions/libraries-fight-publishers-over-e-books-west/index.html

www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2019/07/ala-uneasy-about-simon-schuster-digital-lending-model-changes

www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2019/06/ala-concerned-over-hachette-book-group-ebook-and-audio-book-lending-model

www.inquirer.com/news/ebooks-free-library-philadelphia-costs-budget-20190117.html

https://slate.com/business/2019/09/e-book-library-publisher-buying-controversy-petition.html

Why do I have to wait SO LONG for library ebooks?

/ Louise / 8 Comments

Upcoming Books-to-Movies

/ Susan O. / Leave a comment

Not every book becomes a movie; not every movie started out as a book, but the two feed off each other like peanut butter and chocolate. Many of the top Oscar-winning films started out as books (The Godfather, Lord of the Rings, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, No Country for Old Men, Schindler’s List, and more). Some movies were better films than their book (in my opinion, Planet of the Apes, Poseidon Adventure, and Casino Royale are three). Some people want to read a book before they see a film adaption, while others see a great film and want to read the book to see if any good bits were left out.

If you’re of the group that prefers to read the book first, better get started! A whole new wave of book adaptions is readying for the coming year. Here’s a peek at some of them:

Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats – that’s the collection of T.S. Elliott’s poem collection that became the musical CATS. Whether this is a filmed “stage” production or a cohesive musical film remains to be seen, but it stars Judi Dench and Ian McKellan, no theater slouches. Look for it at Christmas.

Death on the Nile – Kenneth Brannaugh’s second attempt to capture Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot in a mystery due out in October of 2020. It also stars Gal Godot of Wonder Woman fame.

Doctor Sleep – Stephen King’s sequel to The Shining stars Ewan McGregor as the adult Danny Torrence, due out in November 2019.

Dune – Yet another attempt to harness Frank Herbert’s cornerstone classic, most assuredly without the winged underwear. Although it bears an all-star cast, I loved the deep details of the novel, and I have a special affinity for the admitted mess of the 1984 Lynch adaption. Like Batman, all the reboots get tedious after a while. Sometimes you can’t capture greatness.

The Goldfinch – Donna Tartt’s Pulitzer-Prize winning novel hits theaters in September of 2019. It has promised to be faithful to the book, a coming of age story of a boy whose life changes in an instant.

The Turning – A modern adaption of Henry James’s Turn of the Screw, it’s produced by Stephen Spielberg. Spielberg’s track record isn’t perfect, but still one of the best in Hollywood. The story is the one of the classic horrors of literature. Due out in January of 2020.

Little Women – The long-time classic of girl literature by Louisa May Alcott, it was first adapted for film in 1933, and most recently in 1994. A very strong cast (Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, the list goes on) has given this move a lot of buzz. Now’s the time to catch up on the classic story you may have missed (it’s not as bad as you fear). Look for it at Christmas, 2019.

 

The Good Liar – Nicholas Searle’s novel will star Helen Mirren and Ian McKellan as a con man trying to steal from a widow who has more than one trick up her sleeve. Look for it in November of 2019.

The Woman in the Window – A.J. Finn’s #1 thriller of a woman who witnesses a crime will star Amy Adams, Julianne Moore, and Gary Oldman. Since Disney acquired 20th Century Fox, it’s technically a Disney film (with no princesses, no mermaids, and no singing), due out in October of 2019.

Bond 25: Ian Fleming wrote only 12 Bond novels, and two collections of short stories. The films have now exceeded the original material. The movie has been through a long list of issues from a revolving door of writers and directors to explosions on set, and the working title of Bond 25 gives away no details about the story, but you can get your fill on the original novels. The movie, purportedly the last for Daniel Craig, is set for April of 2020.

Deadpool 3, Black Panther 2, Black Widow, Wonder Woman 1984 : 2020’s crop of Comic-book Hero films, from Marvel and DC. Most of them still have current story lines, or track down the older versions online or in graphic novel compilations.

Motherless Brooklyn – Jonathan Lethem’s novel of a detective with Tourette’s Syndrome searching for the killer of his best friend won multiple awards for fiction and crime fiction. The all-star cast is headed by Ed Norton, who stars, directed, produced, and wrote the script. During filming, a set caught fire and a fireman died during the response, fueling accusations and lawsuits. It’s due out in November of 2019.