If you came to the show wednesday night, or even if you missed it, check out the footage from our SummerStage '09 kickoff concert. (Thanks to David Kane for video and editing work)

Falls of Lana

Wilbur

Something Epic

Shield Themselves

My idea of a summer read is usually a light, breezy book that doesn't take too much concentration. There are, however, those people who love to read more intense, non-fiction titles. For you ambitious readers, a contributor to NPR developed this list of five books that will shock, appall and delight you, wherever you chose to "relax."

Did anybody here about the new movie from James Cameron(Director of Aliens)??? Well he is making a new science fiction film that is geared for the 3-D film format. It is going to be out by December.

We’re supposed to believe that summer starts with Memorial Day weekend, but for me it has to do more with weather and other signs. So here are my lists, for kids and parents:

You know it’s summer when . . .

KIDS:
It’s still bright out when you go to bed.
The ice cream truck comes down your street.
You catch your first lightning bug.
You get so dirty and hot from playing outside you actually want to take a bath.
Flip-flops!

PARENTS:
Instead of piling on coats, scarves, hats and mittens, you’re slathering on sunscreen.
The kids start complaining that they’re bored.
You have to clean sand out of weird places.
It’s time to sign-up for Summer Reading at the Library.
Flip-flops!

How do you know when it’s summer? Share with us!

With the weather here on LI getting more rain than Seattle, it's hard to believe that we will ever get to the beach again but believe me, we will. With that said, I found this great article in the Washington Post asking authors which book character they would like to accompany them for a day on the beach. Find out who favorites such as Garrison Keillor, Philippa Gregory, Wally Lamb, etc. would like to hang out on the beach with this year.

If they asked me, I would love to be beach buddies with David Sedaris (he's a character in his own books, isn't he?). Can you imagine the comments he would make watching all the people walk by??

The fourth book is coming soon to our catalog. Lila the cyborg super agent is on a mission to bring Zal (rockstar/elf) back from the dead. I can't wait until it hits the shelf.

If you are interested in YA books, then definitely check out these cool sites:

Pulse It is a site that lets teens read books online for free, review books, and get sneak peeks at upcoming books. You must be between 14-18 to join. Click here for more information and to set up an account http://www.simonandschuster.com/specials/pulseit/

Then, to watch interviews with authors (Laurie Halse Anderson, John Green, Lauren Myracle) check out Penguin's new YA Central Screening Roomsite. It seems like they'll be adding more content at the start of each season. http://us.penguingroup.com/static/pages/publishersoffice/screeningroom/0609/yacentral/episode1.html#vmix_media_id=4357509

Now that the weather is finally warm enough, I thought I'd link to some fun and mostly free games that kids can play outside. It's time to step away from Club Penguin, pick up some chalk or a Spaldeen and get some grass stains on your clothes! So, parents, in case you've forgotten the rules to hopscotch or stoop ball, here's a few websites that can help:

Streetplay.com - this site covers "the biggies:" stickball, handball and skully, as well as hopscotch, stoopball and jacks. It even includes a section on tools of the trade.
Games Kids Play - includes an index of over 250 games, including "quick favorites" like Red Light/Green Light and Seven Up. Plus it has 60 different rhymes for jumping rope and clapping games.
Spaldeen - Don't know what a Spaldeen is? Check out this official site, which will tell you the story of the pink, rubber ball and give you some games to play with it. I had one as a kid, but usually used a blue handball to play similar games.

And remember, the fun part of these games is that you can come up with your own rules as you go along.

Ernest Hemingway's Key West Home

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a vacation to the home of one of your favorite authors (in the U.S. and England), check out this website for some great ideas.

They're back for revenge. The transformers second movie is coming soon...Maybe this will be the it movie of the summer. The coming attractions look great but that doesn't mean that it will be good.