Listen, Read, and Watch

LISTEN TO THIS: Melody Gardot, “My One and Only Thrill”



Gardot is a remarkable singer/songwriter with a rich voice that sounds like a throwback to the early Jazz era. At just 25, her voice drips with a smoothness that is usually reserved for seasoned veterans of the genre.


And, her backstory is as interesting as her music. Nearly killed in a cycling accident in 2003, Gardot used music as therapy to help with the pain and her loss of memory.


The plan worked and the results are excellent.

Check out her latest work at itunes.



READ THIS: "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins


Billed as young adult fiction, this book seems more adult that many novels I’ve read lately. “The Hunger Games”, described in Hollywood terms, is ‘The Running Man’ with teenagers.


The synopsis goes something like this: In a bleak futuristic society, two teenagers from each of the country’s twelve ‘districts’ are chosen to compete in an arena with the winner being the sole survivor.


While there is some violence, there is also great description, dialogue and even an engaging love story.


This novel is so enjoyable, I was very pleased to learn that there is a second book, “Catching Fire” with a third due by August 2010.


Having just finished ‘Catching Fire’, I can attest that it too is more than worth the reader’s time.

Both books are available at Amazon.com and at local libraries.



WATCH THIS: ”American Greed”


Airing on CNBC, “American Greed” is about outrageous stories of people willing to do anything for money. Be forewarned, this is not a show for the fate of heart as many of the people profiled are truly evil and have caused others unspeakable pain.


For example, in one episode, a pharmacist dilutes potentially life-saving drugs to make a profit, often providing dying patients with only saline.


The stories are fascinating and, yes, they’re difficult to watch. But there is something in each episode that while often showing the simple difference between good and evil, helps the viewer to understand just a bit more about the choices each person makes about how they want to live their life, about the moral code they have chosen to follow.


At the conclusion of an hour of “American Greed”, I often feel better about my life, my relationships and the choices I have made with regard to societal and more importantly, my personal ethics.


Check your local listings for specific episode information and air times.