This is a terrific collection of all the episodes of "Upstairs/downstairs"plus some commentary by some of the leading principals and some interesting stuff on the making of the series. A perfect buy for the long winter months to come.

This series has everything from graphic sex and violence to many levels of political intrigue. The writing and acting are excellent and the story makes me wish I had paid more attention when studying Ancient Rome in school. The extra features are also interesting. All in all a terrific production.

Just when you thought nothing new could be written about Winston Churchill and World War II, this new book by Max Hastings comes as a pleasant surprise. Hastings concentrates on "Churchill as Warlord" from 1940-1945. We learn of many of his foolish decisions (such as the early attack on Norway), not all of which were carried out by his staff (such as his proposal that before the war was over Germany be re-armed and used to hold back the advancing Russians). Hastings is harsh in his criticism of the fighting capabilities of the British Army (not the Navy or the RAF), and depicts Roosevelt as less a friend that an ally of Churchill's, who continued to oppose his imperialistic world view. Stalin emerges as the evil genius who pretty much got all that he wanted. At the end, Haskins acknowledges that Churchill and his rhetoric were just what the West needed in the dark early years of the War. A fine warts and all portrait of a great man, I recommend it highly.

Good to see a reprint of this interesting study of how three famous philosophers practiced what they preached about education. Some lessons for current educators as well.

This book has something for everyone who lives in or wants to visit Toronto. An enjoyable blend of facts and legends written in an easy prose. I recommend it highly.

This is a truly awful book. The characters are disgusting, the setting is worse, and the "moral" completely baffles me. In addition the author writes as if he has a thesaurus at his side, never using a simple word where a more complex, archaic one will do. I have seldom read a book that makes you want to gargle after reading. Don't buy it! BH

This is one of the most charming, thoughtful, and entertaining movies I've seen in a long time. The characters are real and the theme is topical: two female friends, one Orthodox Jew, the other devout Muslim, cope with the demands of family, tradition, and modern New York society. It's amazing how they accomplished so much on a small indie budget. I recommend it wholeheartedly. BH

This book nicely captures the fighting spirit that led Jean Chretien to become Prime Minister and the many battles he fought while in office. Like his subject, the author doesn't pull any punches. The result is an informative, well-written look as a fascinating Canadian politician. I highly recommend it.

This book is guaranteed to make you feel cheerful. The lead characters are delightfully human and the plot moves at an amiable, always interesting place. The humor is gentle but at times you will find yourself laughing out loud. The author's fondness for Botswana shines through. Highly recommended.