John Updike Dead at 76

Since we have read "Rabbit, Run" as part of our bookclub, I thought everyone would be interested in this news....

Prolific, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist John Updike has died of lung cancer at the age of 76.
According to publisher Alfred A. Knopf Inc., Updike died at a hospice not far from his home in Beverly Farms, Mass.
Several of his works wound up in Hollywood hands, most notably the James Caan-starring adaptation of one his most famous books, Rabbit, Run (which earned him his first Pulitzer), and The Witches of Eastwick, which, thanks to Jack Nicholson, Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer and Susan Sarandon became a star-studded, twice Oscar-nominated affair.
The author even went on to earn the ultimate pop-culture honor—playing himself in an episode of The Simpsons.
Updike's final work, My Father's Tears and Other Stories, his first collection of new short fiction since 2000, is scheduled for release on June 2.

Has anyone seen the film adaptation of "Rabbit, Run"? I didn't even know that there was one, but now I'd definitely be interested in seeing it...

Favorite Thing of 2008 - The Daily Beast's Buzz Board

One of my favorite discoveries of 2008 was the Daily Beast's Buzz Board: http://www.thedailybeast.com/beast-board/

The Daily Beast is an online news magazine founded by Tina Brown, former editor in chief of the New Yorker magazine. The website is a fun medley of the serious and silly. One minute you can get up to date on the biggest new stories of the day and, the next, you can immerse yourself in the latest celebrity gossip.

The best part of the site, for me, is the Buzz Board. It's a place where smart people (writers, politicians, celebrities, and entrepreneurs) - people in the know - recommend their favorite things. The choices are far ranging and freewheeling - picks include books, tech products, movies, music, restaurants, and philanthropic opportunities.

Whenever I’m looking for inspiration for what to read, see, and listen to or something new to explore, this is one of my go to places. Highly recommend checking it out. You may become as addicted as I am!

Favorite Things of 2008

It might be a little late for this, but I'm interested in learning about some of our favorites books, films, music, and events from last year. Perhaps we could write a few words on what moved, enlightened or entertained us in 2008.

I will post one of my favorite things shortly - looking forward to reading yours.