Movies Books

As a parent of a child with Autism and ADHD I know firsthand how difficult social situations can be. Two of the most difficult places are the movies and restaurants. Both of these places require long periods of sitting and being quiet which can be difficult for any child, especially one with Autism. That is why this book is so unique and wonderful. It actually shows how to act in these situations in very simple language that even a young child can understand. I have read this story to my son before going out to the movies and to dinner and I have found that he actually does "Get It". I can still remember my wife writing her own social stories for my son years ago because nothing like this existed. I am so glad that someone actually saw a need for this kind of book and created it. All the books in this series are just great, I would highly recommend them!!

This guide is absolutely mandatory for anyone collecting soundtracks and cast albums. The price ranges are accurate and the lllustrations fun and informative. I have used my original copy so much that I am ordering another. A must have for serious collectors and those new to the hobby.

This short had me on the edge from the beginning. Great suspense with an interesting ending.

Everyone loves the movies, even academics like Dr. Sloane, who teaches political science at a liberal arts college in California. In this book, a perfect text for a university course but readable for any reader interested in the sociology of film, Sloane examines how individuals interact with social constructs--as mythologized in our contemporary balladry--film.

Sloane's stated intention with this book is to look at the "...tension between what it means to be a human doer and what it means to be a human being" by considering how people behave as participants in organizational life. He posits that our roles in the organization can be a source of our unhappiness, and that film and its examples of how others confront, or in some way deal with their organizational, role can prepare the rest of us to cope in similar or dissimilar fashion.

Looking at films such as "Twelve O'Clock High" (about daylight bombing in Europe during WW II), "Electric Horseman" (in which a famed cowboy sells his image to corporate America), "Groundhog Day" (the saga of how a "cog in the wheel" of a local news team finds his humanity), "2001: A Space Odyssey" (in which the machine rejects its human project partner) --and others--Sloane reviews the types of solutions protagonists and antagonists have found regarding their position in the grander scheme of things.

Part of the pleasure in reading the book is being reminded of some favorite films (I told you we love movies) and part is in seeing those films in a brand new light. The dramatic story of a military psychopath in "A Few Good Men," under Sloane's tutelage becomes the plight of a zealot confronted by an organization that has its own, more moderate and culturally accommodating views. In "Getting Lost in America," what we see as a comedic flight from corporate life is viewed by Sloane as a journey allowing the protagonists to see more clearly what they really need and want--what they had before. Thus, the author gives us a peek into another context.

Once we see Sloane's point in the films he chooses to expose to our view, we are more open to regarding many other moves in the same way and to better our own situations through a reinvigorated understanding of the social organism as a whole. G. Miki Hayden, Author of Pacific Empire, By Reason of Insanity, and Writing the Mystery

For me it was easy as I am already fascinated by English history, architecture and the land. This book is wonderful! It has breathtaking color photographs of such variety it truly captures the rugged, changing and multiple landscapes of a gorgeous country. This would be a perfect book for your coffee table. The photographs are of high quality and clarity and the authors do a wonderful job of evoking all kinds of emotions from the lonely, dark feelings of northern Yorkshire to the jubilant colorful lifeforce of the coastal towns of southern England. The sheer chalk cliffs of the southeast of England are perfectly captured. Ample justice is made to capturing all that this wonderful country has to offer from the cold to the warm weather, the wet to the even more wet! Light and dark combine to produce a powerful visual image that makes this book one to keep for a rainy day to look at and fall into a dreamlike state. I loved every page!

I've only read the first 40 pages so far, but this is an incredible insight into Disney history and Imagineering. There is a lot of rare artwork and photography and fantastic first hand accounts of the planning and construction that went into these and other rides. A must read for Disney lovers and would-be Imagineers.

This highly original analysis of children's interaction with media combines detailed descriptions of shows like "Muppet Babies" and "Garfield" with a sophisticated commentary on the global economy. In an age when most authors writing about children and the media talk only about violence, this book presents a much more comprehensive account of how media shape the way children perceive the world. It includes a fascinating and at times humorous description of her own son's interaction with media (television, movies, and video games) from infancy to age eight. It provides the only convincing account of why the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were so popular. No wonder "Mother Jones" chose it as one of a hundred books recommended to President Clinton on his assumption of the presidency. What is so satisfying about this book is that it is as entertaining to the layman--a must for parents--as it is to the specialist in cultural studies. In clear prose, Kinder makes all her material entirely accessible, without jargon.

Now there's supplementary material for the classic John Thompson Modern Course for the Piano series!!!! Popular Solos book 1 has a dozen songs that fit right in with the method - the corresponding method page numbers are given after every title. All the pieces have large, clear engravings and teacher accompaniments. Includes 'The Rainbow Connection,' 'Go the Distance,' and 'Edelweiss.'

Willis' 'Popular Piano Solos' series fits perfectly with John Thompson's Modern Course piano method and works with pretty much any other method. These books are also available with CD, for interesting accompaniments.

The arrangements are accessible, becoming more difficult as the book progresses. After each title, the corresponding Thompson method page numbers are given. Includes fun, lively pieces like 'Sway (Quien Sera),' and 'Raider's Theme' from Indian Jones. Large engravings make the music easy to see, and Baumgartner includes helpful fingerings.

The third book in the Willis Popular Solos series doesn't disappoint! 10 songs that correspond with John Thompson's Modern Course book 3. These are fun to play, no matter what level you're at (particularly 'Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo.') Also 'Castle on a Cloud,' 'Yesterday,' and a medley from 'Phantom of the Opera.' 'Beauty and the Beast' is written over 3 staves, and teaches hand crossing. This book is also available with a CD for enhanced accompaniment.