struggleville

LibriVox: Listening to the Classics for Free

LibriVox allows for free online listening or download (mp3, ogg vorbis, podcast) of public domain classics like: Treasure Island, Christmas Carol and Pride and Prejudice

Their library is somewhat limited, but you can volunteer to record a chapter of one of their current projects or you can "go solo" and do the whole book.

Amazon Critics Polls

I am not sure why (although it just dawned on me that it probably has something to do with an upcoming holiday of some significance) but the Amazon Critics Best of 2003 Polls are up (with six full weeks left in the year.) I am a sucker for these lists, as you may know. They are always good for finding new treasures, debate and second-guessing. Tell me what you think.

Amazon Critics Best CD Releases of 2003
Amazon Critics Best Book Releases of 2003

My very early impressions on the music poll: Postal Service at #4 surprised me, A band in the top 20 that I have never heard of? (#9-Visqueen), I expected Hail to the Thief by Radiohead to be in the top 10 (22??), My Morning Jacket and Drive-by Truckers continue to be the critics darling of the No Depression styled bands, and finally congrats to Gillian Welch (and David Rawlings too, at #17!)

William Steig: 1907-2003

William Steig , author of my favorite childhood picture book,Sylvester and the Magic Pebble, passed away last Friday of natural causes. It sounds like he will be remembered by most people for creating Shrek, but his long career is full of worthy highlights. Check out his work for The New Yorker.

We've got lists...

A growing collection of critic's and reader poll lists....that's movies, books and music.