Keith Howard Recommends

Books

The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything: Covey , Stephen; 2006; Publishers Weekly Review - Trust is so integral to our relationships that we often take it for granted, yet in an era marked by business scandals and a desire for accountability this book by leadership expert Covey is a welcome guide to nurturing trust in our professional and personal lives. Drawing on anecdotes and business cases from his years as CEO of the Covey Leadership Center (which was worth $160 million when he orchestrated its 1997 merger with Franklin Quest to form Franklin Covey), the author effectively reminds us that there's plenty of room for improvement on this virtue. Following a touching foreword by father Stephen R. Covey (author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and related books), the junior Covey outlines 13 behaviors of trust-inspiring leaders, such as demonstrating respect, creating transparency, righting wrongs, delivering results and practicing accountability. Covey's down-to-earth approach and disarming personal stories go a long way to establish rapport with his reader, though the book's length and occasional lack of focus sometimes obscure its good advice. (Oct.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information
The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher's Life: Palmer, Parker; 2007; Now updated, this title has always been about helping teachers recover their passion for teaching, one of the most difficult and conflicted professions. Pushed and pulled by regulations and institutions, teachers can feel ground down and demoralized without connection with the heart of their vocation. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.Publishers Weekly Review - Spiritual nurturing has been at the heart of both of Palmer's previous books, The Active Life and To Know as We Are Known. A teacher, speaker and writer who contends that teaching is an integral part of all his work, Palmer now explores the spirituality of teaching. He contends that the task of teaching is filled with joy and fear, success and failure, but, he says, "good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher." For Palmer, such integrity comes from the inner self of the teacher, and he argues that the courage to teach involves probing the heart to find the "heart's longing to be connected with the largeness of life--a longing that animates love and work." Palmer begins by arguing that many current teaching strategies, like the traditional lecture-hall setting where the teacher dispassionately dispenses knowledge, promote disconnectedness among students and teachers. He goes on to contend that teaching from a spiritually introspective position promotes a community of learning in which the teachers and students are connected in the learning process. Palmer lays bare his own struggles in engaging prose, and his book is sure to inspire the educational community to think in new ways about its tasks. Copyright 1997 Cahners Business Information, Inc. From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information
Walden; and, Civil disobedience : complete texts with introduction, historical contexts, critical essays: Thoreau, Henry David; c2000; In addition to pairing Thoreau's two famous works, this volume contains a large section entitled "Contexts and Comments," which includes essays, letters, and excerpts contextualizing and further expanding on Thoreau's themes. Some of the world's most prominent humanitarians and authors have been influenced by and have responded to Thoreau's seminal works; this new edition features writings by Angelina Grimk, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Mary Wilkins Freeman, Leo Tolstoy, Mohandas Gandhi, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.
Grilling: More Than 175 New Recipes from the World's Premier Culinary College: 2006; The chefs of The Culinary Institute of America bring their culinary skills outside to the grill, taking readers around the globe with exciting, flavorful national and international recipes for all to enjoy.
The History of Oakwood, a Community of Kalamazoo, Michigan: Henry, Patricia; Call Number: 977.418 H523; 1999; A terrific self-published account of one of Kalamazoo's oldest suburban neighborhoods. Pat and her husband, Bill, both life-long neighborhood residents, provide unique insight into the people and places that have come to define the Oakwood Neighborhood.
This Wheel's on Fire: Levon Helm and the Story of The Band: Helm, Levon; 1993; The Band, who backed Bob Dylan when he went electric in 1965 and then turned out a half-dozen albums of beautifully crafted, image-rich songs, is now regarded as one of the most influential rock groups of the '60s. But while their music evoked a Southern mythology, only their Arkansawyer drummer, Levon Helm, was the genuine article. From the cotton fields to Woodstock, from seeing Sonny Boy Williamson and Elvis Presley to playing for President Clinton, "This Wheel's on Fire" replays the tumultuous history of our times in Levon's own unforgettable folksy drawl. This edition is expanded with a new afterword by the authors. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.
Something About the Blues: Young, Al; 2007; Like Harlem renaissance poet Langston Hughes, who first popularized the blues as a poetic form, California Poet Laureate Al Young has written about the blues, played the blues and drawn inspiration from the blues.Something About the Blues uses the blues as a theme throughout 100 new and previously-published poems. Selections evoke the cold, hard city, love gone wrong and blues music itself, with tributes to Ma Rainey, Lena Horne and other notable performers.Something About the Blues includes an audio CD with Al Young's dynamic, soulful readings of more than 20 of the poems from the book, plus Langston Hughes' reading of his classic "The Weary Blues." Many of Young's performances feature a live blues band. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Movies

Heart of Gold: Neil Young; 2006; From the director of The Talking Heads' Stop Making Sense. A film shot during a two-night performance by Neil Young at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.
The Unheard Music: X (the band); 2004 (1985); X changed the face of punk music and an entire decade with their vital, vibrant sound propelled by a raw, wholly distinctive style. See the band at its peak in this legendary film, which includes more than 15 of X's classics from their first three albums: Los Angeles, Wild gift and Under the big black sun. Letter to ExeneLos AngelesIn the beginning ...Year oneThe masqueWe're desperateA state of mindBecause I doA different soundCome back to meWhiskey A Go GoRay ManzarekSoul kitchenObstaclesWhite girlCritic's choiceMotel room in my bedThe unheard musicWorking it outReal child of hellJohnny hit & run PauleneJohn LennonI must not think bad thoughtsThe world's a mess ; It's in my kissEnd creditsCredits: Written and directed by W.T. Morgan Performer: X (D.J. Bonebrake, drums and percussion ; Billy Zoom, guitars ; Exene Cervenka, vocals ; John Doe, vocals and bass) ; with additional performers.
35th anniversary concert: Songs from Tsongas: Yes; 2004; The classic YES line-up of Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Rick Wakeman and Alan White joined forces once again to celebrate their historic 35 years of creating music and memories together.Disc 1: Intro/Firebird Suite -- Going for the one -- Sweet dreams -- Your move/I"ve seen all -- Good people -- Mind drive, parts 1 & 2 -- South side of the sky -- Turn of the century -- My eyes/Mind drive, part 3 -- Yours is no disgrace --Disc 2: The meeting room/The meeting -- Long distance runaround -- Wonderous stories -- Time is time -- Roundabout -- Show me -- Owner of a lonely heart -- Second initial -- Rhythm of love -- And you and I -- Ritual -- Every little thing -- Starship Trooper.
Stop Making Sense: Talking Heads; 1999; A film of the Talking Heads in concert.Psycho killer -- Heaven -- Thank you for sending me an angel -- Found a job -- Slippery people -- Burning down the house -- Life during wartime -- Making flippy floppy -- Swamp -- What a day that was -- Naive melody (This must be the place) -- Once in a lifetime -- Genius of love -- Girlfriend is better -- Take me to the river -- Cross-eyed and painless -- Bonus tracks: Cities -- Big business / I Zimbra. Talking Heads (Tina Weymouth, Jerry Harrison, Chris Frantz, David Byrne) ; with additional musicians, Bernie Worrel, Alex Weir, Steve Scales, Lynn Mabry, Edna Holt.Director of photography, Jordan Cronenweth ; editor, Lisa Day ; DVD producer, Eric Silver.
Come and See About Me: John Hooker; 2004; This documentary illustrates the career of John Lee Hooker through complete archival performances of his most popular songs, many featuring special guests. It includes tributes to "The king of the boogie" from a number of the guests and comments from John Lee Hooker himself. Performer: John Lee Hooker, vocals, guitar. Baby please don't go (with Van Morrison) -- Maudie -- Hobo blues -- It serves me right to suffer -- Crawlin' kingsnake (with Foghat) -- The boogie -- Never get out of these blues alive -- Worried life blues -- Too many women -- Boom boom -- I'm bad like Jesse James -- I'm in the mood (with Bonnie Raitt) -- Bottle up and go (with John Hammond) -- Tupelo blues -- Hobo blues (with Ry Cooder) -- The healer (with Carlos Santana) -- Boogie chillen' (with Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones) -- I need love so bad. Produced and directed by Bob Sarles.
Goty My Mojo Working - Rare Performances 1968 - 1978: Muddy Waters; 2000; Muddy Waters learned the blues from Son House in the Mississippi Delta, and he and his records taught the music to artists ranging from Junior Wells to the Rolling Stones. He is the father of modern blues.Blow, wind, blow -- Country boy -- Got my mojo working -- Baby please don't go -- Honey bee -- They call me Muddy Waters -- Walking through the park -- Long distance call -- Mannish boy -- Caldonia -- Everything gonna be all right -- 12th of April (soon forgotten). Muddy Waters, guitar, vocals ; with Otis Spann and Pinetop Perkins, piano ; Carey Bell, Paul Oscher and Jerry Portnoy, harmonica ; Pee Wee Madison, Bob Margolin and Luther Johnson, guitar ; S.P. Leary and Will "Big Eyes" Smith, drums.

Music

Fork in the Road: Neil Young; Neil's latest is based around his renovated 1959 Lincoln Continental convertible, LincVolt. Like Living with War, this is raw and immediate. Probably not for everyone, but hey... it's Neil. Fill 'er up!
Risin': Blue Moon Blues Band; Granted, the members of Blue Moon are great friends, but is this entry simply shameless self promotion? Not in the least! Fact is, these folks are all tremendous (award winning) musicians with deep rooted soul and limitless talent. Visit their website, their MySpace page, buy their cds ("Cool Cool River" is terrific, and the've just recorded a new live set due out shortly), but most importantly, go see them LIVE! Catch them this summer at Bell's, the Kalamazoo Blues Festival, and elsewhere throughout the state - you won't be disappointed!David Carámbula, guitars, vocals ; Patsy Burnett, lead vocals ; Juju B. Jones, drums, vocals ; Bill LaValley, bass ; Dale Hein, harp, vocals. Arcadia Recording Studios, Kalamazoo (2002)Tracks:Now you're wildSure had a wonderful time last nightFeels like rainBlue moon risin'You're one fine manIf you don'tFeverSugar coated loveLong, lean baby (from Kalamazoo)GravityBonus tracks: Live at the State Theater (Kalamazoo) CaldoniaBuzz meSaturday night fish fry
Agharta: Miles Davis; Miles Davis, trumpet and organ ; with Sonny Fortune, soprano and alto saxophone, flute ; Michael Henderson, Fender bass ; Pete Cosey, guitar, synthi, percussion ; Al Foster, drums ; Reggie Lucas, guitar ; Mtume, congas, percussion.Tracks:Prelude (part I)Prelude (part II)MaiyshaInterludeTheme from Jack Johnson
Gershwin Plays Gershwin: The Piano Rolls: George Gershwin; A collection of digital recordings made from original piano rolls that Gershwin himself created between 1919 and 1931. A unique combination of historical record, virtuoso performance and sonic brilliance. Tracks:SwaneeSweet and low downThat certain feelingLooking for a boyWhen do we dance? Do-do-doSomeone to watch over meClap yo' handsMaybeMy one and only'S wonderful ; Funny faceRhapsody in bluePrelude no. 1Prelude no. 2Prelude no. 3Andante from Rhapsody in blueSecond rhapsody
Time Out of Mind: Bob Dylan; Although admittedly not my favorite Bob Dylan record, "Time Out of Mind" is perched amid the series of albums Dylan did in the 1990's with producer Daniel Lanois. Lanois's work creates an atmospheric feel that, in my opinion, suits Dylan perfectly. "Love Sick" and "Highlands" are my personal favorites. Tracks:Love sickDirt road bluesStanding in the doorwayMillion milesTryin' to get to heaven 'Til I fell in love with youNot dark yetCold irons boundMake you feel my loveCan't waitHighlands
Then Play On: Fleetwood Mac; If you think that Fleetwood Mac's career began with Stevie Nicks, think again. This collection highlights the Peter Green-led era of the band, when Fleetwood Mac were on the leading edge of the late sixties and early seventies British blues scene. Then Play On includes the British hit single "Oh Well" and the stage classic "Rattlesnake Shake." Peter Green, Jeremy Spencer, Danny Kirwin (vocals, guitar); John McVie (bass); Mick Fleetwood (drums); plus Christine Perfect (background vocals).Tracks:Coming your wayClosing my eyesShow-biz bluesMy dreamUnderwayOh wellAlthough the sun is shiningRattlesnake shakeSearching for MadgeFighting for MadgeWhen you sayLike cryingBefore the beginning
Secrets of the Beehive: Sylvian David; Produced by Steve Nye.September -- The boy with the gun -- Maria -- Orpheus -- The devil's own -- When poets dreamed of angels -- Mother and child -- Let the happiness in -- Waterfront -- Forbidden colours. David Sylvian, piano, guitar, organ, synths, vocals ; with additional musicians.

Websites

The Red Hot Jazz Archive: A terrific site that holds a wealth of information for anyone interested in the roots of jazz music. Although a bit difficult to navigate at first, links at the very bottom of the page provide comprehensive lists of bands, individual musicians, films, historic essays, and a searchable database, including streaming audio of incredibly rare sides from Bix to Venuti and hundreds more. Essential!
Wheatland Music Organization: Each year, the Wheatland Music and Arts Festival is a chance to gather in the heart of mid-Michigan with ten or twelve thousand of our closest friends for a weekend of traditional music, arts, crafts, food and fun. This year marks the festival's 35th anniversary with performances by David 'Honeyboy' Edwards, Slide, The Chicken Chokers, The Ragbirds, and dozens more. Three stages and three days - not to be missed.
Clean Water for the World: Clean Water for the World is a 501c(3) organization seeking to provide simple, adaptable water purification systems, at no charge, to communities without access to potable water.
Prog Archives: For fans of the progressive rock genre, this is the ultimate resource for artist discographies, fan reviews, and streaming audio. Thoughtfully subdivided into such sub-genres as Canterbury Scene, Indo-Prog/Raga Rock, Italian Symphonic Prog, Jazz Rock/Fusion, Krautrock, Zeuhl, and more, the searchable database provides key information about well known artists such as Pink Floyd, Genesis, and Jethro Tull, plus lesser known gems from the past like Kraan and Shingetsu to current acts like Porcupine Tree and Sigur Ros.
The Internet Writing Workshop: THE INTERNET WRITING WORKSHOP, one of the Web's oldest and most respected writing critique groups, offers lists discussing writing, creative nonfiction, markets, and speculative fiction. The IWW's separate critique groups cover fiction, love stories, nonfiction, novels, poetry, practice, prose works, script writing, and children and young adult writing. The critique groups have participation requirements and are focused on writing techniques. The IWW is a cooperative. Membership is free.
NPR Music: A newly redesigned section of the NPR site. Presents live concerts (on demand), studion sessions, interviews and more.
David Lee King: "I create, write, think, and speak about library websites and emerging digital technology. This website reflects those topics. I tend towards library website stuff - managing, marketing, experimenting, usability, and planning. Sometimes I stray into other related-yet-cool (translation: fun) topics, like videoblogging, experience design and planning, and web 2.0 / library 2.0 topics. Basically, anything in my head on any given day that’s somehow related to libraries, digital technology and websites." - David Lee King
Critical Mass: The blog of the National Book Critics Circle Board of Directors (The non-profit organization of book critics responsible for the yearly National Book Critics Circle Awards).
Kalamazoo Gospel Mission
Taco Bob's
Live Music Archive

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