USCCB Movie Reviews The above link will connect you to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishop's movie and video reviews. They contain a brief overview of many movies with the USCCB's classification and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) rating. They may have a comment on any inappropriate language or violence in the film. You may also want to check out the Catholic News Service capsule movie reviews.

Media/Arts Briefs

MADISON -- "Friday Fish Fries - A Wisconsin Phenomenon" is the first event in an adult lecture series, "A Taste of Wisconsin Traditions," to be held at the Wisconsin Historical Museum on Thursday, Aug. 22, from 7 to 9 p.m.

The first program will feature a fried or baked cod meal prepared by Crandall's, followed by a talk by folklorist Janet Gilmore on the development and variations of fish fries in Wisconsin.

Cost is $15 per person or $12 per person for Wisconsin Historical Society members. Pre-registration and payment is required by Aug. 16. Seating is limited.

To register, call 608-264-6566 or e-mail museum@whs.wisc.edu. Checks should be make out to Wisconsin Historical Museum and sent to 30 N. Carroll St., Madison, WI 53703, attn: Monica.

Women's chorus seeks members

MADISON -- The Sound of Madison, a women's a cappella chorus, has openings for members in all voice ranges as of Sept. 3.

Those interested in learning more about singing four-part harmony in their barbershop style are welcome to attend an open house on any Tuesday night from Aug. 6 to 27.

The rehearsals are from 7 to 9 p.m. at Lake Edge Lutheran Church, 4032 Monona Dr. For more information, call Gloria at 608-244-6777 or Nancy at 608-222-5237.

Brown bag series

MADISON -- A series of brown bag lunch presentations entitled "History Sandwiched In" will be held at the Wisconsin Historical Museum theater, 30 N. Carroll St.

The first program, "A Story in Stitches," is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 12:15 p.m. Members of the Wisconsin Quilt History Project will explore the history of Wisconsin through quilts and the lives of the women who created them.

Art exhibit

SINSINAWA -- Sinsinawa Mound Art Gallery presents "The Work of Our Hands: A Celebration of Spirit and Matter" exhibit, featuring sculptures, folding screens, fabric wall hangings, and copes by Michalene Groshek, Hartland, and Ruth Seider, Mequon.

The fabric artwork is made of cotton duck and wool. Design techniques of dyeing, discharge, screen printing, stitching and applique, beading, drawing, and painting are also used.

An opening reception and gallery talk will be held Sunday, Aug. 11, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The exhibit ends Sunday, Sept. 29. The gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 608-748-4411, or visit www.sinsinawa.org. Sinsinawa Mound, the motherhouse for Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters, is located in southwest Wisconsin on County Road Z, off Highway 11.

TV Programs of Note

Monday-Friday, 2:30 p.m., Inspiration Channel (cable) -- "Catholic Mass."

Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m., 11:10 a.m., 6 p.m., 11 p.m., EWTN (cable) - "Daily Mass." No 6 p.m. showing on Sunday.

Friday, Aug. 2, 2 a.m., EWTN - "Rebirth of the Church in Russa." How this country is struggling to rebuild its faith and community of believers. Repeats at 10 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 3, 8 p.m., EWTN - "The Life and Legacy of Father McGivney." Chronicles the life of this hardworking priest through his boyhood and priesthood to his death in 1890 at age 38. Repeats Aug. 6, 3 a.m.; Aug. 7, 10 p.m; Aug. 8, 1 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 4, and 11, 7 a.m., WISC (CBS) - "Mass." Celebrated by Msgr. Thomas Campion, sponsored by Apostolate to the Handicapped.

Tuesday, Aug. 6, 8 p.m., WHA (PBS) - "Childhood." From the "Children's Hospital" series, an episode dealing with how, for some chronically ill youngsters, the hospital is their second home, unlike most other kids who arrive for a brief time at the emergency room after a mishap.

Thursday, Aug. 8, 7 p.m., WKOW (ABC) - "Excess Baggage." Mirthless comedy in which a neglected teen (Alicia Silverstone) tries to stage her own kidnapping by getting in the trunk of a car which is then stolen by a thief (Benicio Del Toro) unaware of her presence. Directed by Marco Brambilla, the witless narrative rambles aimlessly on as a host of unsympathetic characters vie to cash in on the ransom. Brief violence, underage drinking, sexual innuendo, and intermittent profanity. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification of the theatrical version was A-III - adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG-13 - parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Thursday, Aug. 8, 9 p.m., WHA (PBS) - "Reach for the Sky: Inside the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds." This program showcases the thrilling precision of the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron known as the Thunderbirds.

Friday, Aug. 9, 8 p.m., WKOW (ABC)- "The 4th Annual Family Television Awards." Special in which advertisers recognize outstanding programming for family viewing in eight categories, with sister trio SHeDAISY performing and award presenters such as John Ritter, Tim Curry, Catherine Bell and George Lopez.

Saturday, Aug. 10, 7 p.m., WKOW (ABC) - "The Spy Who Loved Me" (1977). Roger Moore and Barbara Bach star as James Bond and a beautiful Russian spy who find themselves united against the usual all-powerful villain bent upon a free enterprise conquest of the world and who employs a steel-toothed henchman named Jaws (Richard Kiel). Styled sex and violence. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops classification of the theatrical version was A-III -adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating was PG - parental guidance suggested.

Wednesday, Aug. 14, 9 p.m., WHA (PBS) - "The Spirit of America Concert." Daniel Rodriguez, New York City's "singing policeman," in concert that showcases the strength and unity of the United States and honors its heroes.

Radio Programs of Note

Monday, Aug. 5-Sunday, Aug. 18, 4 p.m., WHFA (1240 AM) - "Bishop William H. Bullock's Weekly Radio Broadcast."

Thursday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m. WHFA (1240 AM) - "Papal Visit to Mexico: Pope John Paul II's Beatification of Juan Bautista and Jacinto De Los Angeles, Martyrs." Repeats at 10 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 1, 5 p.m. WHFA (1240 AM) - "Catholic Answers Live: Take Courage - Pastoral Care of Homosexuals." With guest Fr. John Harvey. Repeats Friday, Aug. 2, at 8 a.m.

Thursday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m. WHFA (1240 AM) - "Faith and Family Live: Finding Your Family in the Church and in the Trinity." With guest Dr. Scott Hahn.