Continuing our celebration of the ever-changing digitized world, Toyota Connections offers up some “virtual” selections of films, music and books. Here are a half-dozen downloadable gems for your viewing, listening and reading enjoyment. All can be ordered up instantly on portals including iTunes and Amazon, which has now introduced the Kindle 3 e-book reader. Enjoy.

watch

Local Color • Rated R (Brushwork Pictures, Empire Film Group, Monterey Media)

An artist recalls his beginnings and the elderly master painter who was his reluctant mentor. In this inspirational story about a complex relationship, a young man is able to offer hope and redemption in return for secrets and wisdom. Based on a true story, the movie stars Armin Mueller–Stahl (Oscar nomination for Shine) and Trevor Morgan.

“The Office” Season Five • Not Rated (NBC)

With the sixth season starting, here’s your chance to catch up with NBC’s top–rated comedy. Follow the twists and turns as hapless Michael Scott—played to perfection by Steve Carell—clashes with Dunder Mifflin “corporate” and starts his own competing paper company, taking Pam and Ryan with him.

listen

The Black Crowes • Before the Frost . . . (Silver Arrow/Megaforce Records)

This veteran blues–based jam band has toured with Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones and Aerosmith, to name a few.
The album features all–new material and was recorded in–studio before an intimate audience of some of the band’s most loyal fans. The group will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2010, so stay tuned.

The Avett Brothers • I and Love and You (Sony)

This personality–rich group of young North Carolina bluegrass players features brothers Seth (guitar) and Scott (banjo) Avett, and Bob Crawford on stand–up bass, with cellist Joe Kwon often joining for tours. Blending country, folk, punk, rock and ragtime music, the Avetts create a truly unique Southern sound and attract youthful, devoted fans.

read

The Georges and the Jewels, by Jane Smiley (Knopf)

Seventh–grader Abby Lovitt is more comfortable with the horses on her father’s ranch than with her peers. Though he warns her not to get attached to them, Dad makes her train a difficult animal that tests her spirit and wins her love. Pulitzer Prize winner Smiley sets her first novel for young–adult readers in 1960s California.

Have a Little Faith: A True Story, by Mitch Albom

(Hyperion) Albom (Tuesdays with Morrie) once again offers a heartwarming story about how the power of love and community can triumph over hard times and death. He deftly moves between the worlds of rich and poor, black and white, Christian and Jewish—and discovers truths that will resonate for all in these uncertain times.