Iwasaki Library Blog

Looking through the collection after George Carlin's death, the Media Librarian was dismayed to find he is woefully underrepresented. We must have some of his comedy record albums, she thought. But alas, if we did, they have been weeded. (Note to self: remedy this situation.)

What we do have is Dogma (DVD 510), in which Carlin plays Cardinal Glick, the founder of the movement Catholicism Wow, who wants to update the Church's image. Unveiling the new "Buddy Christ", Glick says "Christ didn't come to earth to give us the willies! He came to help us out. He was a booster!"

Kevin Smith said that Carlin was his choice for the role from the beginning, because "His whole world view as it were inspires this movie . . . He knew that it wasn't just a joke, and he wanted to show what's at the heart of Glick--who is a salesman but is also totally sincere."

It is almost the solstice--or maybe it is the solstice already. The Media Librarian is not good with details. For sure, however, it is a great time to listen to some poetry. Our newest acquisitions include two recordings from The Voice of the Poet series: e.e. cummings and W.H. Auden. Both discs feature the poets reading their own work, and include cool little books, so you can follow along with the text as you listen.

We also recently acquired the Caedmon audiocassette Anne Sexton Reads Anne Sexton . Here's a lovely idea for a field trip: listen to the e.e.cummings and Anne Sexton recordings, then make a pilgrimage to their graves at historic Forest Hills Cemetery, a short ride on the Orange Line. Sounds a bit dismal, but really, this is a totally beautiful place, one of the Media Librarian's favorites! Perfect place to welcome summer!