Deafening, by Frances Itani. Recommended by Kathleen on April 21, 2006.
My bookclub just finished reading this eloquent and powerful story which draws interesting parallels between the experience of deafness with that of serving in World War I as seen through the eyes of Grania, a young deaf woman, and Jim, her hearing husband. Its juxtaposition of sound and silence is fascinating and Itani's use of language paints vivid pictures of her every room and trench her characters occupy.

Arcosanti archetype: the rebirth of cities by renaissance thinker Paolo Soleri by Marie Wilson. Recommended by Joy on 4/16/06.
A good introduction to the concepts presented by Paolo Soleri in his urban laboratory. Some of which are neo-monasticism, arcology ("fusion of architecture and ecology working as one integral process to produce new urban habitats", pg. 63), and miniaturization. Contains glossary, bibliography and indices. Nice pictures, too.

Crónicas [DVD] = Chronicles written and directed by Sebastián Cordero. Recommended by Joy on 4/16/06.
An ultimately disturbing film, well acted and all of the gruesomeness is implied not shown which adds to the ambiance of the film.

The botany of desire: a plant's-eye view of the world by Pollan, Michael. Recommended by Joy on 4/16/06.
Examines the relationship between plants and humans. (The hypothesis being humans are manipulated by plants in various ways for the benefit of plants.)

Mafia [cd-music] by Black Label Society (Musical group) Recommended by Joy on 4/16/06.
Has an updated Black Sabbath sound with Guns N Roses nuisances.

8 men and a duck : an improbable voyage by reed boat to Easter Island by Nick Thorpe. Recommended by Joy on 4/16/06.
If you were ever intrigued by the possibility of sailing from the coast of Peru to Easter Island Heyerdahlesque style, this may be the book for you. It is an account of a crew that includes eight men and a duck on a traditional Peruvian reed boat. It is filled with adventures, problems, and the inconsistencies of nature and human behavior.

Clandestino [cd-music] by Chao, Manu. Recommended by Joy on 4/16/06.
This entire album is upbeat and fun. Most of the songs are in French and Spanish, neither of which I understand very well, but one gets the impression that some of the lyrics may be cheeky. "Mentira" is such a catchy, happy song it has me taking a stab at singing along in mimicked Spanish. The playful use of brass in several songs acts as a vocal substitute, most notably in track 10.

Dead calm [DVD] Warner Bros. Recommended by Joy on 4/16/06.
The cast of this movie is quite small, but stunning. It features Sam Neill, Nicole Kidman and Billy Zane. A couple has been out at sea for a month, and encounters the lone survivor of a sinking boat. Be warned, it does have scary bits that merit the "R" rating.

The chorus [DVD] = Les choristes Miramax Films. Recommended by Joy on 4/16/06.
This film has a simple tale to tell, but it is done masterfully. The soundtrack is tremendous. It is a pleasant fluff sort of film, and I enjoyed it fully.

Funny in Farsi : a memoir of growing up Iranian in America by Dumas, Firoozeh. Recommended by Joy on 4/16/06.
I was encouraged to read this book by a friend, whom I ought to thank for the recommendation. Ms. Dumas allows her readers to glimpse into her past which she shares as if she were confiding it with a close chum. She offers a unique perspective on what effects politics has on those caught between stereotypes. It is also very, very quick and humorous read.

Karma and effect [cd-music] by Seether. Recommended by Joy on 4/16/06.
(Musical group) While listening to Karma & Effect, I felt I was listening to an extended version of Disclaimer. I must confess that I was pleased that they remained consistent with their musical repertoire.

Once a Legend: "Red Mike" Edson of the Marine Raiders, by Jon T. Hoffman. Recommended by Mark on 4/12/06.
The latest addition to my personal library is this book by Marine Corps author Jon T. Hoffman. I first heard of Brig General Merritt "Red Mike" Edson on a History Channel special. He is not well known and, as noted by the author, even left out of several military biography reference books. This is indeed unfortunate because his accomplishments both on and off the battlefield are, as the title suggests, a legend. "Red Mike" wrote the book on small unit combat while fighting in Nicaragua during the 1920s & 1930s. He is best known as a Medal of Honor recipient on Guadalcanal where "Red Mike" was commander of the First Marine Raider Battalion. Unknown to me were his actions after World War II as he led the movement to preserve the Corps from extinction during President Truman's efforts to consolidate the military. After military service "Red Mike" returned to his native Vermont, becoming the first commander of the new state police and later hired away to become the Executive Director of the National Rifle Association. The reasons for his suicide in 1955 remain a mystery and, as the author notes in the epilogue, "undoubtedly diminished the general's stature in the eyes of those who consider suicide a disreputable act".