Life in Black White\

Life in the old South has always fascinated Americans–whether in the mythical portrayals of the planter elite from fiction such as Gone With the Wind or in historical studies that look inside the slave cabin. Now Brenda E. Stevenson presents a reality far more gripping than popular legend, even as she challenges the conventional wisdom of academic historians.

George Bailey has spent his entire life giving of himself to the people of Bedford Falls. He has always longed to travel but never had the opportunity in order to prevent rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town. All that prevents him from doing so is George's modest building and loan company, which was founded by his generous father. But on Christmas Eve, George's Uncle Billy loses the business's $8,000 while intending to deposit it in the bank. Potter finds the misplaced money and hides it from Billy. When the bank examiner discovers the shortage later that night, George realizes that he will be held responsible and sent to jail and the company will collapse, finally allowing Potter to take over the town. Thinking of his wife, their young children, and others he loves will be better off with him dead, he contemplates suicide. But the prayers of his loved ones result in a gentle angel named Clarence coming to earth to help George, with the promise of earning his …

With a sudden resurgence of '80s new wave from both revivalist acts (the Killers, Interpol) and reunions of the old guard (Duran Duran), the time was certainly right for other veteran acts to "get back in the ring," so to speak. And Simple Minds did just that, with the release of 2005's Black and White 050505. Founding members Jim Kerr (vocals) and Charlie Burchill (guitar) are back once more, with an album that manages to incorporate both elements of their earlier, best-known work (such as 1985's Once Upon a Time), as well as modern sounds.

With a sudden resurgence of '80s new wave from both revivalist acts (the Killers, Interpol) and reunions of the old guard (Duran Duran), the time was certainly right for other veteran acts to "get back in the ring," so to speak. And Simple Minds did just that, with the release of 2005's Black and White. Founding members Jim Kerr (vocals) and Charlie Burchill (guitar) are back once more, with an album that manages to incorporate both elements of their earlier, best-known work (such as 1985's Once Upon a Time), as well as modern sounds. That said, Kerr and Burchill wisely don't stray too far away from their identifiable sound (à la U2's post-Joshua Tree work).

When Alana and Roland, a spirited Canadian couple with an insatiable desire to live life to the fullest, embark on an epic yearlong travel adventure around the world with their newborn son and ten-year-old daughter, they think they're prepared for whatever might come their way.