Philadelphia Culturati 

Amy Goodman | Breaking the Sound Barrier
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 12:00 PM, FREE
The host and executive producer of Democracy Now!, an award-winning independent news program airing on over 800 stations throughout the world, Amy Goodman has a passion for truth in journalism. She is a recipient of the first Right Livelihood Award, a preeminent commendation for personal courage and social transformation known as the “Alternative Nobel Prize.” She is co-author of New York Timesbestsellers Standing up to the Madness, Staticand The Exception to the Rulers. In her new book– a collection of investigative reports on topics scarcely covered by corporate media outlets–Goodman talks about the inordinate control these media giants exert over public opinion and the role that grassroots activists and independent media can play in the struggle for a better world.

Lidia Bastianich | Lidia Cooks from the Heart of Italy
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 7:30 PM
Carole Phillips Memorial Lecture
Cost: $14 General Admission, $7 Students Buy tickets online>>
Renowned chef and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich is co-owner of Felidia and Becco, two of Manhattan’s finest restaurants. As host of her own PBS television show, Lidia’s Italy, she travels her native country to visit the farmers, shepherds, foragers, and artisans who produce the local cheeses, meats, olive oils, and wines that define regional Italian cuisine. In her new cookbook, these wonderful, uncomplicated dishes–from Molise, Abruzzo, Calabria, and more–are translated for the home cook.

5:30 PM: Raven Society Happy Hour
Join the Free Library’s Raven Society, for happy hour drink specials at The Kite and Key (1836 Callowhill) before the appearance by Lidia Bastianich at 7:30 PM. For more information about becoming a Raven or to RSVP, contact Rebecca at eliasr@freelibrary.org.