UDM Libraries Book of the Week

by Robert St Mary

With a mischievous globe-headed mascot that appeared in every issue and even on Quentin Tarantino’s T-shirt in Pulp Fiction, Orbit was an instantly recognizable arbiter of 1990s Detroit culture. But its irreverent tone and unique editorial features could be traced to two earlier local publications from creator Jerry Peterson, a.k.a. Jerry Vile-White Noise (1978-1980) and Fun: The Magazine for Swinging Intelectuals [sic] (1986-1990). In The Orbit Magazine Anthology: Re-Entry, author Rob St. Mary details the full run of White Noise, Fun, and Orbit, collecting two decades’ worth of Detroit’s alternative publishing history into an oversized, heavily illustrated volume that situates the publications in the city’s pop culture and media history.

St. Mary shows that while other alternative papers followed a tried-and-true focus on lefty politics and the arts, Vile’s publications found their niche in biting satire and sharp design that fed on popular culture. From the 70s punk scene in White Noise to audacious articles and irreverent “news” in Fun and a blend of reporting, satire, and culture in Orbit, St. Mary shows that Vile’s publications were distinctive in their content and uniquely Detroit in their tone. In sections devoted to each magazine, St. Mary details their recurring features (including dining, movie, and music reviews) and interviews former staffers. Numerous images and page spreads reveal the notable Detroit musicians-like Destroy All Monsters, the Gories, ICP, Jack White, Kid Rock, and Derrick May-and artists-including Niagara, Glenn Barr and Tristan Eaton-that graced their pages.

A foreword by Jerry Vile and an afterword by Ben Blackwell round out this one-of-a-kind volume. Anyone interested in Detroit arts and culture or the history of alternative publishing will be grateful for The Orbit Magazine Anthology.

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by Dave Gentry

by Efner Tudor Holmes (Author), Tasha Tudor (Illustrator)

It is Christmas Eve. An abandoned gray cat shivers alone in the cold, snowy forest. In a nearby farmhouse, a young boy worries that Santa Claus might not be able to come in such bad weather. But soon the bitter wind stops howling, and the sound of sleigh bells rings clearly through the woods. Neither the cat nor the boy knows it, but a small Christmas miracle is about to occur. Beloved illustrator Tasha Tudor’s classic style gives this holiday tale a timeless appeal.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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by Allen Elkin

“This book gives you many action-oriented ways of coping with your anxiety about anxiety.”
—Albert Ellis, PhD, President, Albert Ellis Institute

Is your job tying your stomach in knots? Do you toss and turn in bed at night? Are your ulcers having ulcers? Face it—you’ve got too much stress in your life, and it’s time to give yourself a break. The consequences of not dealing with stress range from poor health and broken marriages to premature death: not a very cheerful outlook. Thankfully, all kinds of stress reduction approaches are available today: from breathing and posture to imagery and meditation. These new ideas have taken the world by storm—and taken the pressure cooker off the fire for millions of chilled-out people around the world.

Whether it’s love, work, family, or something else that’s got your anxiety in the red zone, here’s an easy way to improve your outlook. Stress Management For Dummies will help you identify the stress triggers in your life and cut them down to size quickly, with tips on how to:Determine your stress level Relieve tension at work and at home Deal with difficult people Combat stress with diet and exercise Soothe your anger and worry

Certified stress manager Allen Elkin, PhD takes the guesswork (and the added stress!) out of finding the stress relief system that’s right for you. After determining your stress level with a few simple tests, you’ll get step-by-step guidance on finding and eliminating sources of stress, in both your mind and body. Inside are hassle-free techniques, helpful advice, self-evaluation quizzes, and fascinating information on:Letting go of tension through breathing, stretching, massage, and more Clearing the clutter in your life—and in your mind Managing your time—setting priorities, delegating, and conquering procrastination Eating, exercising, and sleeping right Stress-resistant thinking Reducing interpersonal stress Personal relaxation techniques The top ten stresses in life The ten most stressful jobs

With a wide but manageable array of stress-management techniques, strategies, and tactics, this is your own personal toolbox for stress relief. So relax, take a deep breath, and start reading!

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