‘Flanagan’s Smart Home’ (Books)

The deluge of new gadgets in the Information Age has inadvertently transformed us into packrats, proclaims “Flanagan’s Smart Home” (Workman, $12.95), and a total purge of our excess can only be healthy. Flanagan herself doesn’t advocate living in Spartan or Stone Age conditions, however, just a minimalist philosophy that will rid you of the unnecessary clutter of everyday life.

What sort of things should you have in the kitchen? Why, a Dutch oven (used for centuries to cook meals, and no high-tech pan does it better), a French press coffeemaker (tastes better than anything electric and is far faster to boot) and a microfiber mop (much greener than paper towels and lasts longer). For music? Eschew MP3 players connected to expensive stereos (your laptop — the only computer in the house — will take care of that). Instead, go vinyl for that richness and superior fidelity.

The book is best used by those who are just starting out — college graduates and young professionals who are populating their first real home with a selection of knick-knacks and useful equipment. Used in this manner, the book is an invaluable guide to creating an efficient and modern home.

‘Fraggle Rock’ (DVD)

It’s a sad reality that children — and adults — today aren’t impressed with the special effects of yesteryear. A movie or television show considered groundbreaking 15 or 20 years ago looks and sounds horribly dated by today’s standards.

But some children’s shows feature an almost timeless, classic appeal, like inimitable “Fraggle Rock.”

“Fraggle Rock: The Complete Series Collection” ($139.98) is a truly massive 20-disc set that includes all five seasons of the classic Jim Henson children’s show. Set in an imaginary cave next to an eccentric inventor’s house, the Muppet-like Fraggles live carefree lives of happiness and plenty in symbiosis with tiny construction workers called Doozers. Every few episodes, the main character receives a postcard from his uncle, a Fraggle traveling in the real world (of the 1980s, anyway), with a childlike view of the odd customs we adults use in everyday life. The writing staff often took wisdom from the mouths of babes, and the sharp commentary made by a Muppet tongue still cuts deeply today. The lessons of friendship, tolerance, understanding, bravery and selflessness are timeless and integrate surprisingly well with silly Fraggle puppets and entertaining songs.

‘Jazz for Peanuts’ (Music)

“Jazz for Peanuts” is something of a rarity: a David Benoit album that fans of both smooth and straight-ahead jazz should find to their liking.

Subtitled “A Retrospective of the Charlie Brown TV Themes,” the CD features six newly recorded tracks by pianist-composer Benoit, the longtime musical director of the “Peanuts” TV specials. Not surprisingly, whenever Benoit focuses on classic tunes composed by the late Vince Guaraldi, the results are engaging. A charming trio arrangement of “Be My Valentine” is a prime example. “The Great Pumpkin Waltz,” another Guaraldi-penned treat, is incorrectly listed as a trio performance, but the addition of guitar to the cozy Benoit ensemble sound makes for a nice touch. Then again, the same could be said for the presence of trumpeter Christian Scott on the album’s opening cut, Guaraldi’s “You’re in Love, Charlie Brown.”