The Ruby Slippers, Madonna's Bra and Einstein's Brain:
The Locations of America's Pop Culture Artifacts

Chris Epting
Santa Monica Press, $23.95

You never know where your travels will take you, but with this book you just might find you're a stone's throw from an important piece of North American pop culture. The book's chapters include American Curiosities (the famous and supposedly cursed Hope Diamond can be found at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.), and Movie and Television Keepsakes (the famous bench where Forrest Gump waits for a bus is in Savannah, Georgia). Canadian entries include Titanic artifacts at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax and Elton John's famous, early 1970's platform shoes at the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto.

Leading Ladies: The 50 Most Unforgettable
Actresses of the Studio Era

Robert Osborne
Chronicle Books, $25.95

The 50 women featured in this book set the standards of elegance and star power that today's actresses only hope to achieve. Among those included are Ingrid Bergman, Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Gloria Swanson and more. Each actress profile includes a career overview, an annotated list of essential films, style notes, glam shots, trivia and behind-the-scenes facts.


Hollywood Bark of Fame Bed
www.pawsitivelyposh.com
Approx. $95

Give your pampered pet the star treatment it deserves with this bed from Pawsitively Posh. The outer cover is made of soft, washable Sherpa fleece with pink polar fleece and metallic gold accents. The cover zippers off for easy care and the inner cushion is pillow soft for your precious pup. Size is approximately 22" X 22" X 4". Also available (late April) at Puppy Love in Toronto, Bone Apetit Pet Boutique in
Burlington, Ont. and The Polka Dot Dog in Winnipeg.



Dave Chappelle's Block Party

Geffen Records
This soundtrack, much like the concert film itself, features a stellar line up of performances from hip hop and R&B's most respected artists. The album was recorded live in Brooklyn at a 'block party' hosted by funny man Dave Chappelle. Between songs there's short clips of comedic relief provided by Chappelle and friends. Standout cuts include Jill Scott's soulful "Golden," Common's "The Light" and socially aware "Hip Hop" by Dead Prez.

V For Vendetta
Warner Music
The dark and suspense-driven sounds of this soundtrack, courtesy of Dario Marianelli, complement the visual appeal of V For Vendetta. Scattered among this mostly instrumental offering are three songs that V plays from his personal jukebox in the film. Contemporary artists like Cat Power and Antony & The Johnsons contribute songs alongside 1950's crooner Julie London's, " Cry Me A River." Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture isn't on the tracklist but is actually incorporated into the album closer, "Knives and Bullets (and Cannons Too)."

Take The Lead

Universal Music

A movie based on dancing is sure to have a soundtrack to move to and Take The Lead does not disappoint. This urban infused disc includes tracks from a long list of hip hop artists, including Black Eyed Peas ("Feel It") and Remy Ma ("Whatever"). Lena Horne's jazzy, "I Got Rhythm," gets the remix treatment, featuring vocals by Q-Tip while Kem slows down the pace at the end of the disc with "Fascination."