Read it!

Hollywood Divas
The Good, the Bad, and the Fabulous
James Robert Parish
Contemporary Books, $23.95
Just what is a diva? According to this book about some of Hollywood's most famous leading ladies, the tag can be applied to any female star that is demanding, self-indulgent or simply appears to have the world at her feet. This book features tidbits about 70 "it" girls from the hard-partying Ava Gardner and Drew Barrymore and the tragic deaths of Dorothy Dandridge and Natalie Wood, to the sexual escapades of Gloria Swanson and Clara Bow. Of course, the current crop of divas is included with pieces on Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez. A titillating read for anyone looking for a peek into the careers and often, sad, private lives of these famous ladies.




Hollywood Remembered
An Oral History of Its Golden Age
Paul Zollo
Cooper Square Press, $44.95
Author Paul Zollo has collected reminiscences and anecdotes from celebrities and their fellow Hollywood locals for this look back at how the city of dreams has changed over the decades. Starting with a history of the city from the arrival of the Spaniards to the development of the first studio, the book segues into recollections from 37 Hollywood residents including actors, studio carpenters and theater ticket takers on everything from the thrill of rubbing elbows with stars at local stores to the difficult days of blacklisting and McCarthyism. The book closes with an exhaustive listing of Hollywood's memorable locations. A great look back at one of the most famous places in the world.

Use it!
Tote your CDs in one of these new portable storage cases from Atlantic. Go for the stylish Oxygen case ($9.99) or the sporty Halogen case ($11.99). Both hold 24 CDs safely for easy transit wherever you go.


Hear it!

Gangs of New York
Interscope Records
With 86 pieces of music in Martin Scorsese's epic, the hard part was paring it down to the 18 tracks that appear on the soundtrack. Composer Howard Shore provides three dark orchestral pieces entitled "Brooklyn Heights" while U2 sings the theme song "The Hands that Built America." The standouts are the Celtic and folk-song selections, especially Othar Turner and the Rising Star Fife and Drum Band's "Shimmy She Wobble" which drives the film's opening scene.

Catch Me If You Can
DreamWorks Records
In keeping with the 50s and 60s feel of the film, this soundtrack combines such oldie standards as Frank Sinatra's "Come Fly With Me" and Dusty Springfield's "The Look of Love" with a new, jazz-influenced score by composer John Williams (his 20th collaboration with director Steven Spielberg). It may not be as memorable as his Star Wars or Jurassic Park score, but its mellow mood makes for an enjoyable listen.
Chicago
Epic Records
If you loved the movie, you'll love the soundtrack. All the songs are here including "Class" sung by Catherine Zeta-Jones and Queen Latifah plus a non-film bonus, the hip-hop inspired version of "Cell Block Tango (He Had It Comin')" performed by Queen Latifah, Lil' Kim and Macy Gray. This one's worth it just to hear Zeta-Jones belt "And All That Jazz" and Queen Latifah's version of "When You're Good to Mama."