This book started as a series of podcasts on the BBC. Philosophy Bites is a collection of the 25 best interviews in transcript form. I enjoyed Wendy Brown on “Tolerance,” A. W. Moore on “Infinity,” Timothy Williamson on “Vagueness,” and Simon Blackburn on “Relativism.” You can access past interviews and read the daily blog at: www.philosophybites.com. These pithy discussions of topics in philosophy will enlighten and delight you. GRADE: A

If I had a vote, I would have voted for True Grit for BEST SOUNDTRACK for the Oscars. Carter Burwell’s score for Joel & Ethan Coen’s version of Charles Portis’ novel True Grit wasn’t considered by the Academy because it was deemed to hav too little original music. Burwell used classic Protestant hymns as his inspirations: “Hold to God†s Unchanging Hand” by Franklin L. Eiland, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” by Charles Converse, “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” by Elisha A. Hoffman & Anthony J. Showalter, “Talk About Suffering”, and “The Glory-Land Way” by J.S. Torbett. Of the 14 musical collaborations between the Coens and Burwell, this is my favorite. I found the music on this soundtrack to be moving and grand. GRADE: A

BAEN BOOKS has been reprinting classic Science Fiction for more than a decade. It was wonderful to have Keith Laumer, Andre Norton, and Christopher Anvil’s works returned to print. Now, BAEN BOOKS embarks on reprinting Australian A. Bertram Chandler’s “John Grimes Saga” in omnibus volumes. A. Bertram Chandler was a prolific SF writer for 30 years. Grimes is Chandler’s “Hornblower” character modeled after the hero of C. S. Forester’s naval adventures. Grimes has his adventures, too, only they are set at the rim of the Galaxy. This edition contains The Road to the Rim (1967), To Prime the Pump (1971), The Hard Way Up (1972), and The Broken Cycle (1979). If you’re a fan of High Adventure and Science Fiction, you’ll enjoy these classic stories.

My neurologist sent me for physical therapy. While my carpel tunnel problem seemed to be improving, I found myself afflicted with arm and shoulder pain that was unrelenting. Sleeping was a problem because no matter how much I tossed and turned I could NOT find a position that was pain-free.

After Jeff, my physical therapist, evaluated me he said, “You have Double Crush.” “What’s that?” I asked. “You have TWO pinched nerves: one in your wrist (the carpal tunnel) and another in your neck that’s being pressed on by a bulging disc.” I found out the most common cause of “Double Crush” is using a computer. As we look at the screen for long periods of time, we lean forward and that posture causes stress in our necks resulting in bulging discs that press on nerves that produce shoulder, arm, and wrist pain. After just one PT appointment, I’m feeling better. My discomfort is reduced. I’m scheduled to return in a few days to do more exercises. Meanwhile, I’m maintaining good posture and making sure I’m not leaning forward with my neck. As for the picture above, that’s my son, Patrick, who needs a haircut badly.

Shrek: The Musical is silly. The play is based on the 1990 book Shrek! by William Steig which became the successful 2001 DreamWorks film with the same title. The original Broadway production opened in December 2008 and, after a run of 12 months, the play went on tour and eventually landed here in Buffalo. The play follows the plot of the movie in most major aspects. Shrek is an ogre who is recruited by height-challenged Lord Farquaad to rescue a princess (guarded by a dragon) who Farquaad plans to marry to achieve his kingship. Shrek agrees to this quest in order to obtain the deed Farquaad holds to his swamp. Along the way, Shrek meets up with a goofy Donkey who becomes his companion on the quest. My favorite part of the play was the confrontation with the dragon. The dragon is impressive! Shrek rescues Princess Fiona (who has secrets of her own) and complications set in. None of the music is particularly memorable. But I found Shrek: The Musical engaging for a couple of hours. GRADE: B

I know a couple of dedicated moviegoers who are working their way through Roger Ebert’s first two volumes of The Great Movies one film at a time. They watch the movie and then read Ebert’s essay about it. Each volume of The Great Movies contains 100 short essays on films Ebert deems “great.” This third volume is especially poignant because it was written after Ebert’s horrific medical problems. Most people might have given up at that point–unable to speak, unable to swallow, unable to eat. But not Roger Ebert. Nothing was wrong with his mind. He went back to work and, if anything, his reviews and commentary were even better. Ebert, like all great writers, can move you to action. After reading Ebert’s essay on My Fair Lady, I wanted to run out and see the film again. The same with his essay on Dark City. And Robert Altman’s A Prairie Home Companion, his last film. We live in a time when most, if not all, of these movies are available through NetFlix or your local Public Library. If you love movies, you need to own Ebert’s The Great Movies series. GRADE: A+.