| Summary: | READ "R" REVIEWS Journal Review of "Biography" Biography is the expansion of the popular documentary program of the same name and it is a pleasure to read. At first glance you may think "Oh no, no another celebrity magazine." The cover story usually displays a high profile celebrity: the latest issue highlights actress Helen Hunt. I was delighted to find that Biography does not focus narrowly on the entertainment world, but explores other areas. You are exposed to history, science, health, sports, heroes, writers, travel, reviews of current books and exhibitions, celebrity profiles, and even a crossword puzzle. Biography states, "Every life has a story" and I found every page full of interesting information; it is unique in that it does not make judgements or glamorize a persons life. Articles are well researched and include full-length features of famous people past and present to historical and literature figures, scientists, athletes, and often just ordinary individuals who have made a difference. In the latest issue, Biography features articles about survivor Dr. Jerri Nielsen, a doctor who developed breast cancer while at the South Pole; heroes Merilyn and Pat Greene who run an equestrian center that gives blind, deaf, and other disabled children a change to enjoy freedom; and in the history segment, Biography featured Albert Schweitzer, the Nobel Peace Prize winner who brought medicine to millions. Biography has varied, balanced, and diverse coverage, and if you are a fan of human-interest stories and enjoy learning about people's lives, Biography is for you. It is enjoyable, enlightening and educational. Book Review of "The Art of Spelling: The Madness and the Method" (PE1143.V67 2000) Would you like to improve your spelling? If so, The Art of Spelling is the book for you. Author Marilyn vos Savant concedes that the ability to spell is not necessarily a measure of one's intelligence. A 1998 Parada Magazine survey created by the author indicates that spelling ability is a reflection of your organizational skills and your personality rather than your intelligence. According to the author, bad spelling is often associated with negative attributes such as low intelligence or laziness. Why is the English language so difficult to spell correctly? Did you know that some of the problems with English spelling could be traced to the beginning of the written language? The book talks about the stabilizing affect of dictionaries and the printing press on spelling. The second half of the book teaches the reader how to improve their spelling skills. Marilyn talks about the meanings of prefixes and suffixes and the value of having a dictionary at hand. She recommends writing difficult words down ten times after looking up the correct spelling in a dictionary. This book is highly recommended to anyone interested in the art of spelling and history of the English language. Audio Book Review of "Under the Tuscan Sun" (Audiobook DG734.23.M382 1998) Over a decade ago, Frances Mayes, a San Francisco-based writing instructor and poet, purchased an abandoned villa in Tuscany. She and her companion, Ed, spent their summers restoring her beloved "Bramasole". In this book, she describes her neighbors, the countryside, and what she called the "voluptuousness of Italian life". An avid gourmet cook, Frances also provides luscious descriptions of Italian food and drink. The pitfalls of villa restoration are often comical and always exhausting. The costs for the project escalate and her Italian contractors seem to work on their own leisurely timetable. Just when you think she will be discouraged by the problems and interminable delays, workmen discover a hand-painted mural under the whitewash of the dining room walls. Armchair travelers and food-lovers alike will enjoy this beautifully written, evocative tribute to life in rural Italy. E.T.C. ELECTRONIC TIPS CORNER ProQuest Direct used to show a screen prior to the basic search page, which allowed you to choose which collections you want to use (ABI/INFORM, Social Science Plus, etc.). Now it assumes that you want to search ALL collections. To choose a specific one, click on the collections button, and checkmark which one(s) you need. Need to copy and paste text? Remember that you can always use Ctrl-C to copy, and Ctrl-V to paste. Have you ever wondered what the "Office Assistant" used in Microsoft Office products does? It is a user-friendly "Help" program that can brighten up your day, too. Go to "Help" and choose "Show Office Assistant". Right-click on the Assistant, and click on "Choose Assistant". You can choose from a cat, dog, Albert Einstein, and more. When you leave the assistant on, it will give you tips as you write or create your document, as well as provide an enjoyable animated show!
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