Hippie Dictionary

By John Bassett McCleary

Softcover, 704 pages (retail $19.95)



The era of civil rights, free love, peace movements, drug culture and Viet Nam had its own lingo, touchstones and personalities. Whether your interest in the ’60s is academic, nostalgic or merely curious, this A-Z compendium is a groovy way to re-examine the many wonderful, way-out colors of the decade’s cultural kaleidoscope.

—Neil Pond, American Profile





A Collection of 2007 Academy Award Nominated Short Films

DVD (retail $29.98)



If you’ve ever wondered about those “little” movies honored each year at the Oscars—the animated and live-action shorts from around the world—here’s your chance to find out what all the ado is about. These seven mini-movies, averaging around 25 minutes each and all nominated for 2008 Academy Awards, take you on a kaleidoscopic journey of joy, heartbreak and humor with a bittersweet Christmas in a cancer ward, a wacky substitute teacher, a priest with a machine he says can take people to heaven, a bizarre train ride and other beguiling tales from filmmakers in France, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Canada, Belgium and the United Kingdom.

—Neil Pond, American Profile





The Muppet Show 3

4-DVD set (retail $39.99)



How cool were the Muppets? Cool enough to attract “shock rocker” Alice Cooper, singing cowboy Roy Rogers, sexy Raquel Welch, hilarious Gilda Radner, Charlie’s Angels’ Cheryl Ladd and a host of other all-star guests to the zany puppet party for the show’s 1978-79 TV season. In addition to all 20 season-three half-hour episodes, this collection also includes a trio of bonus features, including a documentary on creator Jim Henson and his fellow “Muppeteers” at work.

—Neil Pond, American Profile





The Sword in the Stone

—45th Anniversary Edition

DVD (retail $29.99)Amazon



Three decades before Harry Potter, this 1963 Disney-fied version of the King Arthur legend captivated audiences with its high-spirited tale of wizards, apprentices, talking animals and magic spells. Its simple charms may seem a bit flat by today’s standards, but it remains nonetheless a nostalgic reminder of the masterful, family-friendly Disney touch from a bygone era. Bonus features include an interactive game, a pair of classic Disney “wizard” shorts starring Mickey Mouse and Goofy, and an interview with Richard and Robert Sherman, the brothers who crafted the film’s memorable songs.

—Neil Pond, American Profile