CHRISTMAS RECOMMENDATIONS

Shakespeare, Einstein, and the Bottom Line by David Kirp
A balanced, fascinating, and even frightening look at the influence of corporations and corporate thinking on higher education.

The Office
This BBC show has gotten a lot of press, but there are many people who haven't yet seen it. It's easily the best and smartest British comedy since Monty Python.

Brad Mehldau [contemporary] and Bill Evans [Canadian, died in 1980]
Jazz pianists -- perfect winter music

Spellbound
The best word-nerd movie ever. April, keep persevering.

The Winter Zoo by John Beckman
This book is frightening, intense, sorrowful, and awesome.