Street Books - Nicholas Ray An American Journey by Bernard Eisenschitz

Found - Essex St. and Rivington St in the LES
Picked up because - James Dean on cover
Nicholas Ray was an under appreciated part of early Hollywood. An highly passionate director that most people don't know by name. Yes everyone knows "Rebel Without a Cause" was a classic, but now after reading this biography by Bernard Eisenschitz, one finds that this director had real life experience with the nitty-gritty of American life through the 30's and 40's. Born in the Midwest he moved to New York during the depression, there he became a part of the theater. Then when President Roosevelt's New Deal gave many artist work throughout the country, Nick went out into the backwoods of this country to help rural areas with local theater activities. These experiences in peoples homes and backyards in the 30's helped Nick set up the feeling of real American hardship in his films. During this time Nick got to work with Charles and Pete Seeger. This started his love of folk and blues (used in most of his films) and Nick's technical skills in sound. Before going back to theater and then moving on to film Nick moved back to New York. Working the sound for many jazz clubs he meet Billy Holiday and other greats. Also he would bring up some of the musicians that worked with him on the radio and lived with him in the country like Leadbelly. Living such a rich life before Nick went west to Hollywood might have been why he seemed so passionate to others in the film industry. In this book Bernard Eisenschitz takes you from movie to movie with an easy flow. Here is where the reader gets the whole story about RKO, and Howard Hughes. Lucky RKO lent Nick out for Bogart's "In a Lonely Place." The title says a lot about how Hollywood could feel for the writer/director. Even in the western, Johnny Guitar there are hints of how Nick felt about Hollywood with lines like: 'I'm a stranger here myself." The best is how Nick handled the actors and actresses. Mostly with little whispered suggestions, he was said to be able to pull the character out of the actor. Working in a very loose way, sometimes with only part of a script he would encourage improvisation, unheard of with most directors. This book does not glorify Nick, Eisenschitz puts in all the gambling, drinking, and the problems with Nick's wifes. Eventually Nick goes to Europe to make some films, then ends up back in New York as a teacher and lecture. Film direction, Nick told his students, is a "hunt for the truth" This book's "hunt for the truth" was more then just a story about Nick Ray, it was about how sometimes we as Americans don't really see who we are. How we need artists like Nicholas Ray to show us our own story before we believe in it.

- Nicholas Ray An American Journey by Bernard Eisenschitz translated from French by Tom Milne

Sea Shell Glass Jars - Decorate With Memories

In the summer the beach is one of the best spots to "beat the heat." Lots of people collect sea shells to remember the trip. Why not show off you're memories in the bathroom or kitchen? This is a great way to recycle glass jars. When at the store buy condiments in glass jars, this is better for you and the environment. Then rinse the jars for some time to get the label off, once there clean you fill them with shells, sea glass, buttons. Anything collected at a day at the beach. Then add water so the colors stand out more. Be sure to put a little label and date on each jar, or it can get confusing. In a window this is best displayed, this lets the sunlight shine through the glass.

Tine Travelers Wife-Book Then Movie

My mom gave me this little book because I like Science fiction. It was not only the fastest read but impressed me a avid Sci-Fi reader. Now there is a movie coming out and I wished more people had read the book. The story of a man who time travels with no way to predict it. Jumping back and forth through peoples lives, living his life in scattered fragments. Written by American author Audrey Niffenegger. One to read and give away like my mom did. A must read.....hopefully before you see the movie.

Lots of the books we enjoy could be reused as gifts. Just rap and send it out, to be reread by someone who will love it. If you read to much to send them all out as gifts, you can donate them to your local library. Small used book stores are cool, might buy your own reused book. If not here are some more ideas:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2140589_recycle-old-books.html

http://cash4books.net/index.php?ref=12401

http://www.thedailygreen.com/going-green/community-tips/recycle-used-books-460808

Street Books - Ghost of 42ND Street Anthony Bianco

Found - Brooklyn on Gram near MetropolitanPicked up because - black and white cover looked coolHistory is never boring on the forty deuce, from stars to strippers its seen it all. This little corner of New York became the center of the world, "The Great White Way." Then it almost fell into ruin before being lifted up back on high. Yes it's a ruff and tumble story. A great topic for a book, fitting that our first "Street Book" is about a street. This does read easy but also tells specifics. Theater from vaudeville to burlesque, business from real estate to retail, even some police actions. All the cheaters of the streets come out when reading about what went down on 42ND and Broadway. From stables to today what other part of America could make 300 pages seem like a quick read. An exciting twenty four hour year round street, part of what makes New York, New York. Times Square is a destination for the whole world and after reading "Ghost" you know why.