On this day in music history - Sketches, by Michele McLaughlin (2020):

Sketches

Album by Michele McLaughlin,

released December 5, 2020.

Track list: At First Sight; Hope; One Life; Waiting; The Traveler; Farewell Little Love; Forever Yours; The Right Choice; The Long Night; Relief; Home at Last; Lost; Unshakeable.

On this day in music history - Luminous, by Michele McLaughlin (2020):

Luminous

Album by Michele McLaughlin,

released November 25, 2020.

Track List:

Droplets of Gray; When You Hurt, I Hurt; Kaleidoscope; Shimmer; Moonlit Shadows; The Golden Hour; Luminous; Fireflies; Adrift; Lanterns in the Sky.

On this day in music history - Sacred Night: The Christmas Album, by Secret Garden and Cathrine Iversen (2020):

Sacred Night: The Christmas Album

By Secret Garden and Cathrine Iversen,

released November 13, 2020.

Track list:

Ave Maria; Sacred Night; Sagnet om julerosen; ‘Cause Of You; Sigma; Mørketid; Christmas Time Is Here Again; I dette stille øyeblikk; Mary’s Lament; Desembernattens sang; I Know A Rose Tree.

On this day in music history - Arnulfo, by Laura Sullivan (2020):

Arnulfo

Piano piece by Laura Sullivan,
released November 12, 2020.

On this day in music history - Almost Christmas, by Lee Aaron (2020):

Almost Christmas

Album by Lee Aaron,

released November 7, 2020.

Track list:

Everything’s Gonna Be Cool This Christmas; Baby Please Come Home; Run, Run, Rudolph; It Doesen’t Often Snow at Christmas; Zat You Santa Claus?; I Don’t Believe in Christmas; Merry Christmas Everybody; All I Ever Get for Christmas Is Blue; Peace on Earth; The Fiddle and the Drum; Almost Christmas; More Fun on the Naughty List.

On this day in movie history - Kubrick by Kubrick (2020):

Kubrick by Kubrick

a documentary directed and written by Gregory Monro,

was released at the Chicago International Film Festival in the United States on October 20, 2020.
Music by Vincent Théard.

Cast:

Stanley Kubrick, Michel Ciment, Malcolm McDowell, Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, Sterling Hayden, Arthur C. Clarke, Marisa Berenson, R. Lee Ermey, Vincent D'Onofrio, Peter Sellers, Garrett Brown, Ken Adam, Leonard Rosenman, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Christiane Kubrick, Roger Ebert, Dann Gire, Maurice Beaupère, J.-H. Bigay, Kirk Douglas, Pierre Fruchon, Sue Lyon, James Mason, Agop Terzan.

On this day in the Star Trek universe:

Star Trek: Voyager (1997)

Star Trek: Enterprise (2003)

Star Trek: Discovery (2017)

The Art of Star Trek: Discovery (2020)

Star Trek: Voyager

Season 4. Episode 4.

Episode entitled: Nemesis.

Released September 24, 1997.

Directed by Alexander Singer.

Created by Rick Berman, Michael Piller, Jeri Taylor.

Written by Kenneth Biller, Bryan Fuller, Lisa Klink.

Based on Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry.

Music by David Bell.

Cast: Kate Mulgrew, Robert Beltran, Roxann Biggs-Dawson, Robert Duncan McNeill, Ethan Phillips, Robert Picardo, Tim Russ, Garrett Wang, Michael Mahonen, Matt Levin, Nathan Anderson, Peter Vogt, Booth Colman, Meghan Murphy, Terrence Evans, Marilyn Fox, Pancho Demmings, Tulsy Ball, Chuck Borden, George Cambio, Carol Cetrone, Glenn Goldstein, Mark Major, Cazimir Milostan, Louis Ortiz, Monica Peterson, Steve Race, Jerry Sherman, Brooke Stephens.

Star Trek: Enterprise

Season 3. Episode 3.

Episode entitled: Extinction.

Released September 24, 2003.

Directed by LeVar Burton.

Written by André Bormanis, Jonathan Fernandez.

Created by Rick Berman, Brannon Braga.

Based on Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry.

Opening theme song: Faith of the Heart, performed by Russell Watson.

Closing theme: Archer's Theme, by Dennis McCarthy.

Music by Velton Ray Bunch.

Cast: Scott Bakula, John Billingsley, Jolene Blalock, Dominic Keating, Anthony Montgomery, Linda Park, Connor Trinneer, Roger Cross, Daniel Dae Kim, Troy Mittleider, Philip Boyd, Brian J. Williams, Alexandrea Ortiz, Craig Baxley Jr., Kiante Elam, Glen Hambly, Jimmy Ortega, Keith Shindoll.

Star Trek: Discovery

Season 1. Episode 1.

Episode entitled: The Vulcan Hello.

Released September 24, 2017.

Directed by David Semel.

Created by Bryan Fuller, Alex Kurtzman.

Written by Bryan Fuller, Akiva Goldsman, Bryan Fuller, Alex Kurtzman, Bo Yeon Kim, Erika Lippoldt, Kirsten Beyer, Kemp Powers.

Based on Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry.

Music by Jeff Russo.

Cast: Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Shazad Latif/Javid Iqbal, Anthony Rapp, Mary Wiseman, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Yeoh, Mary Chieffo, James Frain, Chris Obi, Maulik Pancholy, Terry Serpico, Sam Vartholomeos, Arista Arhin, Emily Coutts, Justin Howell, Ali Momen, Bonnie Morgan, David Benjamin Tomlinson, Tasia Valenza, Chris Violette, Romaine Waite, Jimmy Chimarios, Nicole Dickinson, Julie Mahendran, Adam Winlove-Smith.

Star Trek: Discovery

Season 1. Episode 2.

Episode entitled: Battle at the Binary Stars.

Released September 24, 2017.

Directed by Adam Kane.

Created by Bryan Fuller, Alex Kurtzman.

Written by Gretchen J. Berg, Aaron Harberts, Bryan Fuller, Bo Yeon Kim, Kirsten Beyer, Sean Cochran, Kemp Powers.

Based on Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry.

Music by Jeff Russo.

Cast: Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones, Shazad Latif/Javid Iqbal, Anthony Rapp, Mary Wiseman, Jason Isaacs, Michelle Yeoh, Mary Chieffo, James Frain, Kenneth Mitchell, Chris Obi, Terry Serpico, Sam Vartholomeos, Arista Arhin, Emily Coutts, Ali Momen, Clare McConnell, Thamela Mpumlwana, Damon Runyan, Tasia Valenza, Chris Violette, Romaine Waite, Jimmy Chimarios, Nicole Dickinson, Julie Mahendran, Adam Winlove-Smith.

Recommended reading:

The Art of Star Trek: Discovery

By Paula Block & Terry J Erdmann.

Published by Titan Books.

Published 2020.

Hardcover.

ISBN-10: 1789092590

ISBN-13: 9781789092592

Description:

The official Star Trek: Discovery art book.

Star Trek: Discovery, the newest chapter in the Star Trek Universe, follows the exploits of Vulcan-raised science officer Michael Burnham and the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery as they boldly go where no one has gone before.

The Art of Star Trek Discovery explores behind the scenes of CBS's hit show, with cast and crew interviews, set photography, concept art and storyboards. With exclusive content from the first two seasons, this book is a must-have for every Star Trek fan.

On this day in movie history - Coastal Elites (2020):

Coastal Elites

directed by Jay Roach,

written by Paul Rudnick,

was released in the United States on September 12, 2020.
Music by Evyen Klean and Julian Nunez.

Cast:

Bette Midler, Kaitlyn Dever, Dan Levy, Sarah Paulson, Issa Rae.

Recommended reading - Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver (2020):

Devotions

The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver

Published by Penguin Books.

Published 2020.

Paperback.

ISBN-10: 0399563261

ISBN-13: 9780399563263

Description:

Now a Read With Jenna Book Club Pick.

Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Mary Oliver presents a personal selection of her best work in this definitive collection spanning more than five decades of her esteemed literary career.

“I love [Mary’s] work. It’s about nature and love and what it means to be human. . . . I find her poetry to be so cathartic and beautiful.” – Jenna Bush Hager.

“No matter where one starts reading, Devotions offers much to love.” – The Washington Post.

Throughout her celebrated career, Mary Oliver has touched countless readers with her brilliantly crafted verse, expounding on her love for the physical world and the powerful bonds between all living things. Identified as "far and away, this country’s best-selling poet" by Dwight Garner, she now returns with a stunning and definitive collection of her writing from the last fifty years.

Carefully curated, these 200 plus poems feature Oliver’s work from her very first book of poetry, No Voyage and Other Poems, published in 1963 at the age of 28, through her most recent collection, Felicity, published in 2015. This timeless volume, arranged by Oliver herself, showcases the beloved poet at her edifying best. Within these pages, she provides us with an extraordinary and invaluable collection of her passionate, perceptive, and much-treasured observations of the natural world.

On this day in music history - Queen Of Baroque by Cecilia Bartoli (2020):

Queen Of Baroque

Album by Cecilia Bartoli,

was released on August 14, 2020.

Track list:

And The honor Tyrant Star; How much I envy... those who live as lovers; Let me weep; I am like a ship; Stabat Mater Dolorosa (Feat. June Anderson); Agitated by two Twenty; Serene, O my beautiful sun... My Flame... (Feat. Philippe Jaroussky); Warm Blood; Shadow never was; Aure vai e baciate (feat. sol gabetta); Oh, you beautiful God of love... Where is my good?; Eja Mater, Fons Amoris... Fac, Ut Ardeat... Sancta Mater... Tui Nati, Vulnerati (Feat. Franco Fagioli and Behle); Go repentant to cry; Unlock yourselves, O gates of Avernus; I leave you, dear; Combatton Quest'alma (Feat. Philippe Jaroussky); Nice pleasure.

On this day in music history - Soul Espanol, by Sherry Finzer & Chris B. Jàcome (2020):

Soul Espanol

Album by Sherry Finzer & Chris B. Jàcome,
released July 31, 2020.

Track list:

Mediterranean Meditations; Ondas; Sea of Tranquility; Reflections.

Recommended reading: The Answer Is . . . Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek (2020):

The Answer Is . . .
Reflections on My Life

By Alex Trebek.

Published by Simon & Schuster.

Hardcover.

Published 2020.

ISBN-10: 1982157992

ISBN-13: 978-1982157999

Description:

Longtime Jeopardy! host and television icon Alex Trebek reflects on his life and career.

Since debuting as the host of Jeopardy! in 1984, Alex Trebek has been something like a family member to millions of television viewers, bringing entertainment and education into their homes five nights a week. In 2019, he made the stunning announcement that he had been diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer. What followed was an incredible outpouring of love and kindness. Social media was flooded with messages of support, and the Jeopardy! studio received boxes of cards and letters offering guidance, encouragement, and prayers.

For more than three decades, Trebek had resisted countless appeals to write a book about his life. Yet he was moved so much by all the goodwill, he felt compelled to finally share his story. “I want people to know a little more about the person they have been cheering on for the past year,” he writes.

This book combines illuminating personal anecdotes with Trebek’s thoughts on a range of topics, including marriage, parenthood, education, success, spirituality, and philanthropy. Trebek also addresses the questions he gets asked most often by Jeopardy! fans, such as what prompted him to shave his signature mustache, his insights on legendary players like Ken Jennings and James Holzhauer, and his opinion of Will Ferrell’s Saturday Night Live impersonation. The book uses a novel structure inspired by Jeopardy! and features dozens of never-before-seen photos that candidly capture Trebek over the years.

This wise, charming, and inspiring book is further evidence of why Trebek has long been considered one of the most beloved and respected figures in entertainment.

On this day in music history - Moving Through Worlds, by Fiona Joy Hawkins (2020):

Moving Through Worlds

Album by Fiona Joy Hawkins,

released July 7, 2020.

Track list:

Calling County Clare; Bushfire Moon; Prayer For Rain; All That Is Left; Aqua 1; Prelude In E Minor (Chopin, #4); Desert Of Crystal; Tolling Of The Fire Bell; Aqua 2; Passing Of Midnight; Moving Through Worlds; For The Roses (Solo Piano); Song For Louise; Twilight Moment.

On this day in movie history - Time Warp: The Greatest Cult Films of All-Time. Vol 3: Comedy & Camp - June 23, 2020.

Time Warp: The Greatest Cult Films of All-Time
Vol 3: Comedy & Camp

documentary directed by Danny Wolf,

was released in the United States on June 23, 2020.

Cast:

Diedrich Bader, John Cleese, David Cross, Joe Dante, Illeana Douglas, Peter Farrelly, Jim Gaffigan, Gina Gershon, Amy Heckerling, Jon Heder, Mike Judge, Ron Livingston, Tina Majorino, Michael McKean, John Cameron Mitchell, Kevin Pollak, Kevin Smith, John Waters, Fred Willard, Mary Woronov.

Recommended reading - No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality (2020):

No Time Like the Future:
An Optimist Considers Mortality

By Michael J. Fox.

Published by Flatiron Books.

Published 2020.

Hardcover.

ISBN-10: 1250265630

ISBN-13: 978-1250265630

Description:

The entire world knows Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, the teenage sidekick of Doc Brown in Back to the Future; as Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties; as Mike Flaherty in Spin City; and through numerous other movie roles and guest appearances on shows such as The Good Wife and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Diagnosed at age 29, Michael is equally engaged in Parkinson’s advocacy work, raising global awareness of the disease and helping find a cure through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the world’s leading non-profit funder of PD science. His two previous bestselling memoirs, Lucky Man and Always Looking Up, dealt with how he came to terms with the illness, all the while exhibiting his iconic optimism. His new memoir reassesses this outlook, as events in the past decade presented additional challenges.

In No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality, Michael shares personal stories and observations about illness and health, aging, the strength of family and friends, and how our perceptions about time affect the way we approach mortality. Thoughtful and moving, but with Fox’s trademark sense of humor, his book provides a vehicle for reflection about our lives, our loves, and our losses.

Running through the narrative is the drama of the medical madness Fox recently experienced, that included his daily negotiations with the Parkinson’s disease he’s had since 1991, and a spinal cord issue that necessitated immediate surgery. His challenge to learn how to walk again, only to suffer a devastating fall, nearly caused him to ditch his trademark optimism and “get out of the lemonade business altogether.”

Does he make it all of the way back? Read the book.

Recommended reading - Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics (2020):

Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics

By Michael Rabiger & Mick Hurbis-Cherrier.

Published by Routledge.

Published 2020.

Sixth edition.

ISBN-10: 0815394314

ISBN-13: 9780815394310

Description:

Directing: Film Techniques and Aesthetics is a comprehensive exploration into the art and craft of directing for film and television. It’s filled with practical advice, essential technical information, and inspiring case studies for every stage of production. This book covers the methods, technologies, thought processes, and judgments that a director must use throughout the fascinating process of making a film, and concentrates on developing the human aspects of cinema to connect with audiences.

The fully revised and updated 6th edition features new sections on using improvisation, the development of characters for long form television series, visual design, the role of the digital imaging technician, film promotion and distribution, alongside expanded information on contemporary color grading tools, stylistic approaches and genre, workflows, blocking scenes for the camera and more. The book emphasizes independent and short form cinema which allows cutting-edge creativity and professionalism on shoestring budgets. Recognizing that you learn best by doing, it includes dozens of practical hands-on projects and activities to help you master technical and conceptual skills.

On this day in music history - Strength & Serenity - Flute & Piano, by Greg Maroney and Sherry Finzer (2020):

Strength & Serenity - Flute & Piano

Album by Greg Maroney and Sherry Finzer,
released May 22, 2020.

Track list:

Sleeping Fields; Plum Trees; Softly Rise; Gossamer Dream; Greeting the Spirit; Diaphanous Dawn; Golden Serenity; Ever Elusive; Distant Glow.

On this day in music history - Celtic Fairy Dream, by 2002 (2020):

Celtic Fairy Dream

Album by 2002,

released May 20, 2020.

Track list:

Castle of Dromore; The Green Fields of Autumn (Coinleach Glas An Fhomhair); Lullaby (Suantrai); South Wind; David of the White Rock (Dafydd y Garreg Wen); Close Your Eyes (Dun Do Shuil); She Moved Through the Fair; Genevieve’s Waltz; Little Bird (Einini); Across the Waves (Trasna Na D’tonnta).

On this day in movie history - Time Warp: The Greatest Cult Films of All-Time. Vol. 2: Horror and Sci-Fi (2020):

Time Warp: The Greatest Cult Films of All-Time
Vol. 2: Horror and Sci-Fi

documentary directed by Danny Wolf,

was released in the United States on May 19, 2020.

Cast:

Bruce Campbell, Roger Corman, Joe Dante, Illeana Douglas, Jeff Goldblum, Malcolm Mcdowell, Joe Morton, Ed Neil, Kevin Pollak, John Sayles, Anthony Timpone, John Waters, Mary Woronov, Sean Young, Rob Zombie.

On this day in movie history - Capone (2020):

Capone

directed and written by Josh Trank,

was released in the United States on May 12, 2020.
Music by El-P.

Cast:

Tom Hardy, Linda Cardellini, Matt Dillon, Al Sapienza, Kathrine Narducci, Noel Fisher, Gino Cafarelli, Mason Guccione, Jack Lowden, Kyle MacLachlan, Rose Bianco, Manny Fajardo, Christopher Bianculli, Edgar Arreola, Jhemma Ziegler, CG Lewis, David Wachs, Tilda Del Toro, Wayne Pére, Josh Trank, Neal Brennan, Jason Edwards, Caiden Acurio, Mason Rozas, Emma Kathryn Coleman, Tara Marie Foy, Reed Luckett Wiley, Troy Anderson, Andreanna L Jenson, Tony Beard, Silas Borelly, Patti Brindley, Rebecca Chulew, Samantha Czosnek, Macey DePaula, Julia Holt, Bruce Jesse Mattson, Michael McQuillan, Christopher Morris, Carl Anthony Nespoli, Jack Reeder, Candace Reuter, Ivan Salvatore, Natalie Sibille, Cameron Stout, Sue-Lynn.