Gene Hackman knew from childhood that he wanted to be an actor, but his path was not an easy one. Hackman was born 90 years ago, on January 30, 1930 in San Bernardino, Calif. His family moved frequently, and his father eventually left. He ran away at 16 to enlist as a Marine and served…
Top Picks: Sci-Fi Star Sigourney Weaver
While Sigourney Weaver celebrates her 70th birthday in October, let's celebrate her career spanning four decades with a look at her most remarkable work. Weaver is best known for her role as Warrant Officer Ellen Ripley in the Alien film franchise. When I watched the first movie, Alien, as a pre-teen, both fascinated and scared…
Napoleon Bonaparte’s Life and Legacy
In honor of Napoleon Bonaparte's 250th birth anniversary, Joanna recommends books exploring his life and place in history.
Books to Celebrate National Nurses Week
Ever stay in the hospital? Or have a friend or family member in the nursing field? Then you realize how hard these people work! Whether in a rural area or a big city, nurses care for people in ways that bring comfort and save lives. They are present for people’s greatest joys and sorrows. This…
Movies to Celebrate National Library Week
Just in time for National Library Week, the Emilio Estevez film The Public is out today, taking on the important question of what role libraries play in our communities and who we serve. Librarians have a long history as heroes—did you know Barbara Gordon, aka Batgirl, had a doctorate and was the head of Gotham…
