Woody Allen Books

This is a great book! A must have!! All the books by authors Susan and Al Bagdade are excellent.

This is an excellent reference book! It is in black and white with some pictures and a decent price list. The best thing about this book is the broad range of porcelain manufacturers listed and the histories, other references and collecting hints. Items are listed with good descriptions and price list. It also contains marks. It lists individual manufacturers and also gives histories on manufactureing areas. Altogether a very good book and valuable to porcelain collectors!

Being an avid reader I did know who Scott Allen Nollen was. The author of 16 books was educated in Film and History at the University of Iowa. He is currently on staff at Heritage Auction Galleries in Dallas, Texas.

So when I saw the recent McFarland Publishing book "Warner's Wiseguys," it caught my interest. I had known Virginia Mayo for many years and her leading man in many gangster films, including her most favorite, "White Heat," was James Cagney, so I knew that he'd be included. A young Bogart also got his start in these type of films and Warner's round out of tough guys would have to include Edward G. Robinson. All three were featured in this wonderful new book.
These wise guys who rounded off Warners' top leading men are now synonymous with the studio's era of gritty gangster films. This book is complete with commentary from the author and other film buffs. Warner's was not my favorite of studios, and MGM being most people's favorite was not either. I loved 20th Century Fox, but Warner Bros. Studios cranked out an amazing amount of work out of their actors, which is why Bogart and Bette Davis were so excellent in their roles in movies. Bette said, "You never got a chance to get lazy. There were always movies being made."

But this book not only brings out the truth of the Warners system but it chronicles all 112 movies that the three actors aforementioned starred in. The book also showcases some rare and amazing photographs of many Warners stars and is edited to precision. Anyone can pick the book up, finish a chapter or two and then start again later and feel like you know the story. The author's style of writing commentary is one that I enjoy doing and also love reading. My favorite chapter is titled "Playing All the Angles." It is how Warner Bros was run and how actors who became huge stars at the studio were forced to comply with. Cagney probably understood it better than most, Robinson seemed to enjoy it most, while Bogart was an accidental star but truly the biggest the studio has had. Even though he languished for years in Purgatory, but not in this book, there's a wonderful and well researched chapter called Bogie in Purgatory.

The book is easy to read, but not overly simplistic. The cover very catching and that's important in today's marketing. I enjoyed seeing some of the old movie posters as well featured in this book. Mr. Nollen has done a great job and I give this read four out of five stars. It's a book that has a definite niche audience, but for any old Hollywood buff, this book is readable and suggested reading as well.

Review by Canyon News Editor, Tommy Lightfoot Garrett

I couldn't agree more with Mr. Garrett's Review.
Jason.

Author Scott Allen Nollen Has Written The Definative Book On The Topic of Warner Brothers Gangster Film's. This Book Is An In Depth Study Of James Cagney, Edward G. Robinson, And Humphrey Bogart And The Great Gangster Classic's They Made For This Studio. This Book Studies In "Major" Depth The Combined 112 Films These Great Actor's Made.The Book Includes Commentary From This Great Author Plus Thought's And Comment's From Other Film Buff's Too. Everything Is Covered In This Great Book Including Not Only The Film's Discussed And Actor's Roles But Also Detailed Information About Release Dates, Directoral Credits, And The Running Times For Each Film Studied. This Book Is A "Must Have" As The Best Book Ever Published On This Topic. Highly Recommended!!! Four Stars!!!

I have read everything that i can find that this honest man writes. He is such a loner but he doesn't know how helpful he is to those of us who need his naked reflections in order to not feel so queer amongst the conventions of normalcy. This is a man's voice for those of us who still need that kind of conversation. I do. This year I read Philip Roths'
Everyman, and the Ernest Becker Reader. and the amazing Vivian Gornick. Add to that Allen Wheelis and you have my Mount Rushmore.

"It doesn't mean anything!" she says again. But it does! The pain in my heart is the meaning. a. wheelis

Earth, Wind, and Fire

A man in his old age sailed the globe
Four strong things in his breast prevailed
Hard rain falling on the pale jade sea
Moon and stars glowing in the lonely night
Raging sun pouring over desert sand
And his blue heart was aching always. (geof.06)

The two parts of this book initially seem very detached from each other. At first read, it feels as if the book is loaded with passimism and sense of doom, but the very last few pages hint to what transcends that. Enjoy!

This is a book of pure inspiartion and aspiration. I loved the color images and the new and traditional options available to the handweaver. I can't say enough good things about this.

I think this book is great. She shows lots of great color photos of rag rugs, and then in the back has lots of "projects" which show the completed rug and have very good detailed instructions, like warp calculations, and tie-up and drafts, all you need to know to make the rug, just like it's pictured. But all the photos give ideas on how to customize the rug to be exactly what you want. Also the author gives a good introductory history of rag rugs chapter, and tells all about how great, beautiful, and functional rag rugs are. I also can't say enough good things about this book. The best rag rug weaving book I've ever seen.

Having some years ago identified the stunned mullet syndrome affecting the cancer patient upon diagnosis I welcome Joel Nathan's "What to do when they say `It's cancer" as the most steadying influence the patient (and family) could be given at this point. His first advice is `to press the pause button', regain control, don't rush into treatment. Having also known the indignity of the experience, he knows the value of dignity, and the importance of hope - early. The subtitle's claim of being "A survivor's guide' is a very modest one for it provides more common-sense, practical, useful information than has so far been assembled. The bibliographical notes indicate a more than unusually informed mind on the wide scope of this subject. Writing out of experience as a three-time survivor, first with leukemia, 13 years later with lung cancer, and then with a recurrence of his leukemia, and altogether free from any hint of `schmaltz', Nathan has avoided the all too often extravagant claims of other survivors who maintain their way is the best way, even the only way. The book is not hyped as ` inspirational'. It has substance, pabulum. This is a very readable book, but it is not only for the patient. The author's insights into the professional world of the practitioner, of all brands, is extremely useful, with much to be learned by those who rely only their skills and knowledge and who lack awareness of the significance of the right relationship with the patient. Nathan's advice is to find the right door, get a second or third opinion. In this area, as throughout, there are specifics, practical down-to-earth ideas and observations. The book has a very balanced chapter on alternative medicine, the author's wisdom born from his own struggle with leukemia. In desperation he had been induced to try dozens of alternative treatments, so he has an understanding of the cancer patient's vulnerability. His advice is wise and uncompromising: demand the facts, the evidence; be warned of the consequences of abandoning conventional treatment; know the myths, the origins and the track record. It would be difficult to suggest any area of the cancer patient's needs that has not been addressed. Diagnosis and treatment are only two of the matters the patient is concerned with. Within those two headings there are sub-headings of great significance: psychological reaction and understanding your feelings, options and alternatives, patient's rights, side-effects, collaboration with your medical team, sexuality, stress and the immune system, caring and support, death and dying, living in the meantime. This a readable, informative, practical book that will be of immense value to all involved in the care of the cancer patient. It provides the information and wisdom to prevent drama turning to tragedy. The sooner people read it, the better. Not only the patient; the husband of a patient recently said of the chapter on carers, `I wish I read it 18 months ago'.

The author - a three times cancer survivor - faces the hard questions and myths confronting every cancer patient with honesty and common sense. Through his own considerable experiences and those of his patients, he helps remove some of the panic and show how people with cancer and their family members can take control from the start. It is an easy to read book and covers all the issues that occur during the critical weeks and months after a diagnosis of cancer. It is written in five parts: Part 1 deals with understanding and confirming the diagnosis, why you need a cancer specialist and how to find one, and very importantly, how to break the news - especially to children. It lists key questions to ask your doctor and how to go about getting a second opinion Part 2 deals with how to be a survivor, weighing up alternative treatments, and describes the various treatments available and their side effects. I was particularly impressed with the author's sensitivity in the way he discusses the issues of sexuality and feeling. Part 3 deals with your rights, what are you entitled to in law, and the hotly-debated issue of euthanasia. Part 4 deals with the mind-body connection,the impact of stress and how to deal with it. I was particularly impressed by the author's meditations and the manner in which he presents them. How to make the most out of life in the face of death is, for me, the most compelling part of this book. Part 5 provides a list of notes and resources that can be used as reference. To make it even easier for the reader, it is also well indexed. I have read many books on cancer, and this is, to my mind, the best.

I found this book in fall 2005 just at the right time as 2004-2005 were years of challenges and criticisms for our church and our pastors. I gave copies to our pastors in hope they would find the contents helpful, enlightening and comforting. I'm also sharing it with my fellow colleagues in the ministry area we serve as church secretaries and administrative assistants in hopes they too will find a new perspective in dealing with the challenges and criticisms of being in ministry.

I've read other books on how to deal with criticism in the church but this one is different. The writing is personal and speaks to my heart - not just my intellect.

Though you can read the book in one sitting, I find the chapters are best read for specific situations. The first chapters are in response to current hurt from criticism. Other chapters help walk the reader through how to forgive and how to respond when you know the criticism is valid.

The extensive use of scripture helped me view the situation from God's perspective - beyond "he said, she said".

This book has helped me turn a corner whereas other books on this topic focused more on the "why" people criticise then the "how" to move on.

I just reread this book to my daughter and loved it all over again. Does anyone know if Ted Allen is a pen name for Roald Dahl?

I read this book when I was little and it is just as good when I re-read it recently. The story, and the title, is unusual but the illustrations by Quentin Blake make the story come alive.

An essential book for children and those who will always be young at heart

Clear, concise information that every traveler should have on their next trip. This book is filled with useful information, stories, and practical advice for the most experienced traveler or novice. I suggest it for every one who travels.

As the author of "Calming Upset Customers," I travel a lot to deliver speeches and seminars. I've used Allen's book as a source of great ideas for reducing the stress of traveling. The ideas are delivered in a wittly, lively style, that makes it fun to read.

A great view of the leather family, mentoring, and passing on the baton. While the BDSM aspect is a great bonus, the family bond is even more heartwarming.

"The Wings Of Icarus" doesn't conform to the way Leather Novels are supposed to read. Conventional books in the lifestyle usually end up in treachery or deceit, with some shadowy figure from the protagonist's past showing up to commit mayhem or creating dangerous and life threatening situations. But "The Wings Of Icarus" shatters those stereotypes. At its heart of hearts, it is, shockingly, a romantic novel. Not only that, a romantic novel where aspects of the heart come ahead of the kink and the bondage.

A family of men take in a fourth, a wandering stranger named Andy O'Shaunsey, and teach him about caring and commitment. On its original release, I considered "The Wings Of Icarus" a benchmark book, a mainstream gay novel that incorporated Leathersex just as lovingly as most other genres would scandalize it. It's a turnover of every foundation for SM Novels of the last few decades (save David Stein's "Swept Away"), tossing out the rule that states that men discover the magic of Leather Lifestyle only through brutality or some other sinister contrivance.

What Daddy Bob has arrived at is something must other Leathermen don't have the guts to write about, and that is love. Four men who depend on each other for spiritual protection as opposed to protection from evil. These men must struggle psychically to maintain a level headed acceptance of the doors open before them. To that end, one can barely call "The Wings Of Icarus" an SM novel. At its core, it's a romantic novel. A romance where bondage is just part of the trust, the sight of a cross means a vision of what is holy and not just a thing to be restrained to. "The Wings Of Icarus" is a book that will help many understand the warmth and humanity that many of us in the lifestyle honestly feel.

Allen Klein has done a marvelous job at collecting, editing, and organizing a group of comedic quotes related to the workplace. It is easy to find snippets you can relate to a particular topic thanks to the categorization of the compilation, and it is also wonderfully entertaining to simply open the book at a random page and browse. This is a collection that will not become dated because the material is not tied to any specific era, but relies on the timeless friction that exists between worker and workplace, between boss and subordinate. The grist for this mill is always available. Highly recommended!

An excellent compilation of workplace anecdotes designed for those who need to offset stress with laughter.