Our next guest has been nominated for 16 Academy Awards winning twice for “Blade Runner 2049” and “1917.” Few cinematographers have shaped the look and language of modern cinema as profoundly as Roger Deakins. Over the course of five decades, he has worked with some of the most influential directors of our time brining to life films that have become visual touchstones: “The Shawshank Redemption,” “No Country for Old Men,” “Skyfall,” and “1917” to just name a few. In his new book “Reflections on Cinematography” Deakins steps out from behind the camera to explore the craft and curiosity that have guided his life’s work. The book offers not only behind the scenes insights into some of the most enduring films of the past century but also a thoughtful meditation on observation, a light movement, and human behavior shape what we see and how we understand story.

Sifting through layers and layers of myth and legend—from nineteenth-century dime novels to prestige dramas to the casino billboards outside of present-day Deadwood— author Peter Cozzens unveils the true face of Deadwood South Dakota. He does so in his new book “Deadwood: Gold, Guns, and Greed in the American West.” It is the true story of the Black Hills goldrush settlement once described as the most diabolical town on earth.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are public policy and communications expert Theresa Bourgeois, Ulster County Comptroller and the former president and CEO of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley March Gallagher, and Investment Banker on Wall St. Mark Wittman.

This week's Book Picks comes from welcome Rachel Person of Northshire Books in Saratoga Springs and Manchester Center, VT and Joan Grenier of Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley, MA join us this morning to present some of the finest authors and books that are making their way to store shelves this season.

Grammy Award-winning producer and guitarist extraordinaire, John Pizzarelli salutes the legendary Tony Bennett celebrating over 60 years of unparalleled artistry in the show: John Pizzarelli Trio: Tony Bennett – The Art of Excellence at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington, MA on Saturday, December 20th at 8:00 pm.

Emmy-nominated author, journalist, and critic Amanda Vaill will discuss her new joint biography of Angelica and Elizabeth Schuyler. Two women as formidable as and in some respect stronger than the men they loved, married, and mothered. She will be doing a pair of events in our region; she is the author of “Pride and Pleasure: The Schuyler Sisters in an Age of Revolution.”Amanda Vaill will be in Saratoga Springs tonight at the Northshire Bookstore at 6 pm. She will also be at The Book House at Stuyvesant Plaza in Albany, NY on Saturday December 6th at 2 pm.

The Roundtable Panel: a daily open discussion of issues in the news and beyond. Today's panelists are Professor of Political Studies, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Bard College Jonathan Becker, Dean of the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity at the University at Albany Robert Griffin, Senior Fellow for Health Policy at The Empire Center for Public Policy Bill Hammond, and CEO of The Business Council of New York State Heather Mulligan.

Judith Enck, whose new book "The Problem with Plastic" confronts one of the defining environmental issues of our time. Enck brings decades of experience - from her work at the EPA to her leadership of Beyond Plastics - to this investigation into the plastics crisis: how a material once celebrated for innovation now chokes our oceans, clogs our recycling systems, pollutes our air and bodies, and wreaks havoc in communities bearing the brunt of petrochemical extraction and waste.

The newly renovated Troy Savings Bank Music Hall will welcome two-time Grammy Award-winning Albany Symphony for dazzling holiday performances on December 13 and 14.Audiences will enjoy Haydn’s most famous work, the “Surprise” Symphony; Mozart’s greatest concerto, his Piano Concerto No. 20 in d minor, Bach’s joyful, virtuosic Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, and the thrilling world premiere of a work by an extraordinarily brilliant 14-year-old composer, Isaac Thomas. On December 7th, families can revel in the sparkle of Magic of the Season, the Capital Region’s most beloved holiday spectacular, returning with its heartwarming blend of music, community, and festive delight. Maestro David Alan Miller is here with all the details.

Arias in the Afternoon: Lifting Every Voice is an afternoon of music and history in support of the Underground Railroad Education Center on December 14th at 1PM at the New York State Museum.Join MC Rex Smith for the beauty of Handel’s Messiah with a performance by Daniel Pascoe Aguilar alongside the Smithsonian’s Voices and Votes exhibit, as they confront our complex history and continue the fight for education and truth.