CAPSULE COMMENTS

May 8, 2008

Pointers from the Pros on DVD

The following audio/visual materials are available to library patrons and may be checked out from the main library.

Four episodes of this Food Network program explore the creative use of vegetables in tasty dishes like chili, curry, pizza, and salad. Host Rachael Ray helps viewers prepare each meal in thirty minutes or less, using common ingredients. Dishes presented include "Asparagus and Plum Tomato Pizza," "Pasta Salad with Ricotta Salata and Broccolini," and "Portobello Burgers with Roasted Pepper Paste and Smoked Mozzarella." A recipe booklet is included.

This collection of four DVDs helps viewers find answers to specific home improvement questions. Led by host Steve Thomas, a team of home maintenance specialists travels around the country to solve problems at homes in need of real repair. Twenty-six episodes tackle projects including window screen and shutter repair, mosquito and wildlife control, trimming and pruning, painting, plumbing, and much more. Each disc includes bonus features, such as project instructions and tips, resource guides, and FAQs.

The Food Network's Alton Brown approaches cooking in a way that is both scientific and fun in one of the librarys many Good Eats DVDs. This disc includes three episodes. In "Casserole Over," Brown attempts to create the perfect casserole for a covered dish dinner. "This Spud’s For You" examines potatoes and the many ways of preparing them. Finally, "Use Your Noodle" looks at the history of everyone's favorite comfort food, macaroni and cheese, and presents ideas for baking it, cooking it on the stovetop, and even using leftovers. Brown answers questions from viewers in bonus footage not shown on television. Recipes are included.

Martha Stewart gathers her favorite tips and techniques for hosting a beautiful wedding in this user-friendly disc. Ideas are divided into six categories: "Bouquets & Centerpieces," "Table Settings," "Cakes," "Bridal Gowns," "Personalized Details & Favors," and finally, "Weddings," in which the viewer is taken along to a real wedding reception at the Four Seasons restaurant in New York City. Special features include printouts for use in computers with DVD-ROM drives and internet connections.

This PBS program is targeted at an audience of 20-40 year-olds referred to by Orman as "Generation Broke," an emerging group of people dealing with financial issues such as student loan and credit card debt, struggling to get by in a weak economy. Orman offers a wide range of frank advice, from understanding how your credit score affects you, to buying your first home. She answers questions from a live audience, and explores the issues further in a special feature called "Suze Unplugged."