We’re living in a digital world-and it’s only getting more digitized. Among the many new leisure-time conveniences the latest technology has made possible, now we can read books on our Kindles, download music to our ubiquitous iPods and other MP3 players, and order up movies for our home theaters and computers-and never even see the actual book, CD or DVD if we choose.

With this edition of the “R&R” column, Toyota Connections recognizes and celebrates this amazing era by “going virtual” with our selections. Each can be purchased from various online portals including iTunes and Amazon (which in February released the Kindle 2, the newest version of its popular e-book reader).

WATCH

Seven Pounds (2008, rated PG-13; starring Will Smith and Rosario Dawson)
Smith, an IRS agent, has caused a horrific accident. To redeem himself, he chooses to better the lives of seven random strangers. The Academy Award nominee proves his acting abilities once again in this gut-squeezing drama about a man with a terrible secret.

Quantum of Solace (2008, rated PG-13; starring Daniel Craig, Dame Judi Dench and Mathieu Amalric) It’s the 22nd outing for James Bond, in the longest-running movie franchise in history. This time, Agent 007, played with ruthless cunning by Craig (in his second stint as the famed British secret agent), battles Amalric’s mysterious, sinister Quantum organization. High-octane action and explosive adventures abound.

LISTEN

Midnight at the Movies
Justin Townes Earle (Bloodshot Records, 2009)
This smart, soulful, country-tinged set of originals is a scintillating effort for Earle. If his folk/acoustic sound seems reminiscent of a fellow crooner and guitarist named Steve Earle (“Copperhead Road”), it’s no accident: Justin is his son. The younger Earle is on tour in support of the album.

Sounds Of The Universe

Depeche Mode (EMI, 2009)

One of the most durable New Wave groups of the 1980s is back with their 12th full-length studio recording, reuniting Depeche Mode with producer Ben Hillier (a deluxe version of the album to be released is said to include numerous bonus tracks). The band’s ambitious-sounding “Tour of the Universe” kicked off in May-heavy beats, shrieking synthesizers and all.

READ

Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist, by Michael J. Fox (Hyperion) Even if you never followed his career, you’re probably familiar with his story: A top young actor is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 30, though he doesn’t tell the public for seven years. Fox’s inspiring memoir is a testament to living with a progressively debilitating, incurable condition.

The Women: A Novel, by T. C. Boyle (Penguin)

Boyle takes on the larger-than-life giant of modern American architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright. Seen through the eyes of the four women who loved him, Wright in this book is a scandalous genius whose life is a spectacular struggle against the conventional and
the ordinary-in his art, his morality and his romantic life.

Speaking of digital media: How’d you like to win a $25 iTunes gift card? Connections is giving away 25 of them; the winners will be randomly selected from those who visit www.toyotaconnections.com and update their owner information. Offer expires July 10, 2009. Click here to read contest rules.