Information, Answers & Reviews

Much controversy abounds the infamous figure we all know as Hugh Hefner. Most of the information we get through the media about him either has to do with his magazine or his large mansion and its current inhabitants. A new documentary film by Brigitte Berman exposes the other unknown side of Hugh Hefner, the philanthropist, social activist and peace advocate. While some people view him as a sexist, others view him as great leader for pursuing equal rights and justice for all in a time when only a few dared to do so. If that sounds hard to believe then you'll want to see this documentary, Hugh Hefner: playboy, activist and rebel. As always with anything concerning Hugh Hefner, some of the language and contents contained in this documentary are not suitable for minors (those under the age of 17) and hence this film is Rated R.

If you only read one book about science this year, let this be the one. Richard Holmes has somehow managed to meld a compendium of 18th and 19th century scientific biographies into a compelling narrative that is part travelogue, part scientific exploration, and all magical. He begins with the story of Joseph Banks who travelled the South Seas with Captain Cook as the expedition's botanist, a position he paid for and equipped with many new instruments and two great mastiffs. Banks was one of the earliest westerners to visit Tahiti. He soon learned the language and basically abandoned his botanical studies to become an anthropologist in Paradise.
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Who says suburban living has to be dull and unimaginative? Welcome Shaun Tan's Tales from Outer Suburbia, which takes traditional suburban ideal living and turns it on it's head. This book is bursting with imagination as it tells 15 short, illustrated short stories filled with wonder, loss, peace, hope and redemption. Not to make it sound all like butterflies and flowers, there is a slight bizarre and surreal edge to these tales that will leave the reader both wondering and and inspired. Read more »