Television Books

If you are learning to play drums (or play drums already) and are a big metallica fan, then you should play like Lars himself. And this is a great way for you to learn his drumming. And as many Metallica fans know this is one there best CDs so learn to play your favorite songs and have fun. I really recommend this book to any Metallica fan who wants to play the drums like Lars.

If you love Metallica this is one of the best books you can get. Unless you're simply amazing you're going to need this to learn all the solos.

Again, like the Master of Puppets and Kill'em All folios, the notations are fairly accurate and there aren't any noticeably major errors in this book. Note position choice is sometimes a little odd, but the notes are correct. This is an excellent book to learn a lot of the early Metallica guitar techniques, as long as you down-pick most of the rhythm parts (Creeping Death won't sound the same without it).

I got this because I really wanted to learn the songs on Ride the Lightning that I couldn't figure out myself and the solos as well; I was surprised by how accurate the tab was for the main body of each song and on Kirk's main parts. However, there are a few problems with this book. First, for a lot of the solos you are expected to play up on the 20th fret even if you're not on one of the top two strings; this is a problem for me because I only have an acoustic guitar, I can play it fine on my friend's electric. Also, the fingerings are harder than they ought to be in places of "For Whom the Bell Tolls", "Fade to Black", and a few other songs. Last, this book is not for the average guitar player. It takes a lot of skill and speed-picking to nail those solos, all of which I haven't gotten quite yet. However, overall I definetely recommend this tab book because Metallica kicks ass!

The Ride tab book is definitely a must-buy for not only the avid Metallica muso-fan, but for those wishing to upskill themselves in various guitar techniques.

The solos are an absolute note-by-note transcription and each riff is intricately tabbed to include even the most subtle of variations.

Includes a very well-written introduction, outlining some very important and helpful tips to assist you in your mastery of one of Metllica's finest albums.

In a one-line verdict: A definite must-have, even as a collector's item!

Regardless of the fact that I just love Howlin' Wolf and his music, this is one of the most well written and interesting biographies I have ever read. What I like most about it is that in addition to getting the story of his life, you also get a lot of the history of what was going on at that point in time and around Howlin' Wolf and the Chicago blues scene. It is very well researched. This is more than a biography, it is a major history of the blues. It's "must reading" for any serious blues fan or musicologist.

Seeing this book was one of the reasons I set about the task of writing Revelation Blind Willie Johnson The Biography in an attempt to emulate this great tribute to a great man, this is surely the definitive work on the life of Howlin' Wolf, a must read to anyone interested in the man and his music!
Revelation Blind Willie Johnson The Biography.

Interesting. Provides an insight into the character of Chester Burnett, especially enjoyable since less seems to be known about him than other bluesmen.

This book is without doubt, an excellent, well-researched and detailed account of the life of Howlin' Wolf. The life of the blues pioneer was one of hardship, sadness, and overcoming adversity, and the authors do a good job of conveying what the Wolf dealt with.

From his hardscrabble upbringing, an abusive and hypocritical father, and mother lost in psychological and religious madness, and just obstacle after obstacle, the Wolf endured, but sometimes I feel never achieved the full happiness he wanted. There's no doubt he loved his family, cared for his bandmates and did his best, but you could tell the sadness that the blues often heals might not have been enough.

There's a good examination here of Wolf's music, his influences and how he managed a signature sound as well as a performance style that blew nearly all the others away. All the same, Wolf was very protective of that sound, demanding of his mates and making sure they did it the way he wanted it done. Sometimes he was overbearing and arrogant, as witnessed by the defection of Hubert Sumlin to the Muddy Waters band. But Hubert later did return, and many would come in and out over the years.

The rift between Waters and Wolf is noted here; was there ever really one, beyond the professional rivalry? It does appear that Wolf saw Waters as a company man, in terms of his relationship with the Chess brothers. Wolf was very careful about his money, making sure the brothers paid him what he was due, while Waters was content to allow the brothers to get him a new car or a home now and then, perhaps a bit too trustful.

But in the end, it does seem they cared about each other and made up any differences near the end of their lives.

I do think there's a certain God-worship by the authors of Wolf. Too much in some places I think, where a writer makes the subject the greatest thing ever, and all others are chaff. Just the same, this is a sometimes funny, often sad look at a great musician, writer and performer, who influenced those who followed, such as the Rolling Stones.

When I hear "Smokestack Lightning" now, I don't hear it quite the way I once did. It has a more sorrowful quality now than ever. RIP, Wolf...you deserve it.

Two years ago, I reviewed Howlin' Wolf: The Chess Box in this very hallowed cyberspace, wonderin' aloud (as Ian Anderson and Jethro Tull would have it) when in the world would someone please write the definitive bio of Wolf and his massive (reportedly 6' 3" and 300 pounds) persona? Well, folks, wonder no longer. Within the past year, James Segrest and Mark Hoffman have written said biography. In fact, I first purchased and eagerly devoured this tome a year ago; it was only upon rereading it that I decided it was time for review. Sam Phillips once reportedly said that Wolf was the greatest talent he had ever discovered. (For perspective, remember that Mr Phillips helped discover such "nobodies" as Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Charlie Rich, Jerry Lee Lewis, and the King himself, Mr. Elvis Presley. To say that Wolf was his greatest discovery was quite a statement, doncher know.) We see the early Wolf, cast out by his own mother because his music was "too sinful", and beaten repeatedly by his father, drive a plow on a Mississippi plantatation, until one day, (reads like a fairy tale, don't it?) first Charlie Patton, then Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller) come along to teach Chester Arthur Burnett the rudiments of guitar and harp, respectively. We see Wolf through the glory years of Chess, making his classic records, and giving his incredible performances (including reportedly sliding down the length of a fire curtain when he was 57 YEARS OLD, no less!), through the good and bad times with his multitalented bandmates (including a VERY young James Cotton and Hubert Sumlin, his nonpareli guitarist), through the unbelievable records (some of which were originals; others, such as "Sittin' On Top of the World", "Pony Blues" and "Built for Comfort", he received from artists like Charlie Patton and Willie Dixon); and finally, through the later, sick years (when he recorded London Howlin' Wolf Sessions, six years before his death, he was reportedly so ill, he could only complete one song per day). Hoffman and Segrest's excellent prose leaves you spellbound and wishing you could rush right out and purchase some of his music. TA DAAA!!!! The wait is over. When you are done reading this review, why not just do another search and pull up Howlin' Wolf: The Chess Box and send yourself 71 of the Howlin'est, Wolfingest tunes as an early Christmas present???? WHY NOT????? So don't delay, order both Moanin' at Midnight: The Life and Times of Howlin' Wolf and Howlin' Wolf: The Chess Box today, even as we speak. Trust me it's the kind of music (and writing) that will put hair on your chest and make you want to howl all night long!!!!!

I gave this cookbook to someone as a gift. The recipient loves Northern Exposure. I browsed through it and found the recipes to be very unique. I thought this could be a gift for someone who loves to cook, not just someone who loves Northern Exposure.

This is such a great addition to any Northern Exposure fan's collection, and the recipes are actually pretty good, to boot. The cook book is written "in character" and each person introduces their recipes and tells humerous little anecdotes to go with.

Lots of fun to read even when you aren't planning to cook anything!

I must say, I bought this because I thought it seemed like a fun gimmick and I liked the show, but the recipes are outstanding. I grew up in test kitchens and I can say that the lamb stew is the best I've ever had-- great borscht, too. Lightfeather Duncan's mashed potatoes are the hit of Thanksgiving... but heed their warning about not using the red horseradish, as pink potatoes clash with holiday decor. Eggs Florentine recipe is also noteworthy; love the pungency of the gruyere.

If you loved the show, this is a must. Allegedly written by Ruth-Anne Miller, Cicely's sage and owner of the general store, the book contains wry observations on the folks and life in Cicely, memories of the show and the food served and discussed on it. Surprisingly, the recipes are good - very good ... at least the ones I'd tried. I'm especially fond of the eggplant parmegian recipe. Guess I'll have to take better care of the book now that it's collectible!!

This cookbook is so much fun and a must for any northern exposure fan. All the recipes you heard mentioned from Adam and the zabaglione he whipped up for Eve on their first date to the Cassoulet Chris had at the monastery. It has a little intro to each recipe done in character by the character. There are simple funny recipes like Joel's Jell-O and Marilynn's potatoes and more detailed ones like Adam's and Maurice's. A fun read and walk down memory lane for any northern exposure fan.

any thing by pink floyd gets 5 stars, an A+, and ten on ten. an absolute must for anyone who wants to know what music looks like.

I recommend this book to all P.F. lovers, I collect all of there stuff from books, dvd's, cd's and whatever else is available, this book tells of all whose been involved with P.F. since they've been around, real interesting. Shine On!!

At first I thought I wouldn't like it because it was definitely an encyclopia and I was expecting more of a book (regardless of its name) but the more I delved into it, the more I appreciated it. I bought another Pink Floyd book at the same time so it helped as a reference to that, too. My only complaint is how small the print is. Again I understand it is an encyclopia and know it would be thicker or bigger but think it would be worth it to have larger print. But it is very interesting to the Floyd fanatic like me. It has a lot more information than I expected.

This book is great. Things I never new before. Try it, you won't be dissapointed

This is THE most detailed and expansive resource for Pink Floyd info. That said, it's a true encyclopedia. Don't buy it expecting to read through it, because although its really cool to know specifically what guitar David played in WYWH, you'll find yourself skipping over the page to the next section.

Recommended.

Another fantastic book from Focal Press. This book by Jason J. Tomaric is a fantastic resource guide, covering all aspects of filmmaking from start to finish. Well written, and a DVD loaded with extras! Don't make an independent movie without it! Highly recommended!

Newer thought that I would be considering working on a feature film, but reading and viewing Jason great material just gave me the feeling that I also could do it.

Books like this promise a lot but I have to say that Jason has done an excellent job of condensing the complex task of movie making into concise and accurate descriptions of each discipline. I've experienced quite a bit in the film business over 30 years and time and again as I read this book I kept saying "Oh yes, that's true." It is also a great reference for those noodly details one needs from time to time like proper script format. There is no need to hunt through your library for the answer, script format is right here on page 27. The other good thing about Jason's breakdown is the responsibility associated with film making regarding money,permissions, safety and insurance. I cringe when I think back on how we made 16mm indie films back in the 70s. In some cases we were lucky to be alive afterward much less sued! The Power Filmmaking Kit is terrific primer for those who wish to make a movie in the classic tradition for very little money.

Mark Sawicki
Motion Picture Effects Cameraman/Actor and Author.

I was so frustrated with the lack of practical filmmaking instruction that I took two years out of my life to write and illustrate "The Shut Up and Shoot Documentary Guide", so I speak from the heart when I say that Jason Tomaric's "Power Filmmaking Kit" is a rare wonder of practicality, conciseness, and valuable filmmaking wisdom.

There are two ways you learn the things in a solid practical film book like this:

1) the hard way- by doing it and learning from your mistakes (fine if you've got the time and the money) or

2) by being smart enough to study and learn from a book like this how to stretch your time and money and get better results.

After fifteen years in this business, I still found plenty of valuable tidbits, forms, and practical wisdom in Jason's book and the jam-packed DVD lessons to make it more than worth the cover price. I only wish I had access to a book like this back in my film school days.

Yet another big shot in the DV Revolution. Well done, Jason.

Author Jason Tomaric has written, directed and distributed several minor independent features which is a laudable feat. Yet, Tomaric has surprisingly little to say about the filmmaking process. Sure, there's a lot of information here, but nothing you couldn't get anywhere else. Even the skimpy material on his own productions generally amounts to one thought--"Need something for free? Just ask!" What makes similar books like the Complete Guide to Low-Budget filmmaking (Josh Becker) or Make Your Own Damn Movie! (Lloyd Kaufman) interesting is the authors' willingness to share their personal views and stories of their triumphs and failures. Other books like The DV Rebel's Guide (Stu Maschwitz) and Digital Filmmaking (Mike Figgis) are authored by highly-regarded professionals who describe how low-budget technology potentially transforms mainstream filmmaking processes. Tomaric, on the other hand, opts for an encyclopedic "wide as an ocean but shallow as a water basin" approach. The result is a paint-by-numbers text that reads less like a book and more like a reasonably executed career move.

Entering into the lucid and enthralling world of Lauren Lawrence is a magical journey into the hearts, minds and imaginations of the most fascinating and acclaimed people of our time. More significantly, it is a powerful mirror to our common experience of self-discovery and a guidebook for the adventure of life we all share. I simply cannot say enough great things about this profound book; Private Dreams of Public People is in a class by itself.

What particularly impressed me is how Lawrence gets right down to business answering some of the deepest, soul searching questions I'd had for years concerning dreams but didn't know whom to ask. She creates a tapestry based on her wealth of experience in the often puzzling and baffling inner world that dreamers visit when they are asleep.

In her own inimitable way Lawrence employs images, thoughts and emotions to help guide individuals to becoming fuller and more complete. I was totally captivated by her interpretations of the most personal dreams of people like Paul McCartney, Sophia Loren, Gore Vidal, Luciano Pavarotti, Madonna and a host of other luminaries we only know from their external presentations. The intimacy was so great I felt almost like an intruder in their innermost beings.



Larry Geller, author of "Leaves of Elvis' Garden"

Lawrence shows us the interior life of stars. This is a first. Usually stars hide behind personnas. Lawrence lifts these veils and gets at the inner core of the stars dream lives. Particularly liked Paris Hilton before she became Paris Hilton.

I was amazed at how well this book was put together. I loved the analysis on the different people. You learn so much from this book, like information you could never find out. When you buy this book you will rate this book 5 stars just like me, because you we'll see how good it was.

Reading the various dream iterpretations that Lauren Lawrence writes about introduced me to an entirely new level of personal understanding. While I enjoyed reading the dreams of "celebrities", what I really found enlightening is how I was able to relate to some of the fears, desires and hopes expressed by these dreams. Some of my dreams have been very similar to those she has written about. In addition to finding the interpretations interesting, I was able to learn about myself and see the similarites between us all. I really enjoyed this book.

Who would have thought Paris Hilton was sensitive enough to dream? This is the beauty of the book. It is filled with the dreams of celebrities from Madonna to Sophia Loren to Kurt Vonnegut, and yes, Paris Hilton! While the interpretations are terse and insightful it seems Lawrence is softer on the celebs than she is on stock traders in her column in Trader Monthly. She kills them ... but always with humor. All in all the book is a must read.

These people are amazing. I have never heard such incredible music in my life. I listen to their music for hours everyday. Their concert performances are astonishing, even those who are not fans (yet) listen and watch in awe. When Till Lindemann sings, I become so mezmerized, and added to this powerful voice is the beautiful music played by the five talents, creating a melody wonderful enough to make a person high. The book is a way to get a glimpse into the lives of these masterminds.

Even though I expected more text on this book, I think it's really good, some of the pictures are masterpieces, especially the ones in black and white. I recommend it to all Rammstein fans. It's well worth.

Im not much a reader, exept for the master mind of horror,
Stephen King and his brilliantly written work. When my book finally came in, I was so filled with joy that I went in my room and started reading the wonderful book which Rammstein graced the cover of. There was wonderful pictures and they six german master-minds of teutonic shock-rock are quit interesting to read about. I must admit, no other band has ever brought me the thrill of being a obssesive fan like Rammstein has. Those 160 pages filled with the deranged Berlin natives are the best 160 pages I read since the hilarious, Gertrude Besserwisser's "Sheisse!". If your a Rammstein fan like me, get Rammsteins book because as long as you have to wait for it to arrive, you'll be ten times as happier to get the honor to hold it in your hands and read it over and over and over . . .
Plus you get to see pics. of the wonderfull mad-men, Till,Christpoh,Flake,Oliver,Paul and not to forget the wonderful,
Richard Kruspe. These guys are great. Yeah, I know that my review makes me look like a Rammstein lovin' ..., but I urge you to buy it as soon as you can, like RIGHT NOW!!!!!

But thats besides the point.

Boy, did I ever love reading through this truly excellent compilation of common promotional and rare personal photographs in this well-worth-the-50 Deutschmarks book about the greatest German rock group of the modern, or any age, in my opinion. But hey, no offense to the Scorpions, or even Kraftwerk, it's just that Rammstein is definetly my favorite. Being of German heritage, I greatly appreciate the material included. There are many great-looking photos, ranging from on the set of their videos, to live in concert, to them on Holiday in Greece and Mexico. But that's not all. From each member of the group (except for Oliver the bassist, for some odd reason) there are personal recollections. What detail, and what exiting lives these guys have led! They speak about meeting, recording, performing live, and sometimes their personal lives as well (i.e. wives and children). And I love it! Back to being part-German, yes, that's just where I was to buy this item, last December, in Heillbronn. Right in the middle of the Weinachsfest und Markt (Christmas festival and market), boy, was that ever a fun time! Anyway, I really enjoy this book. Herzeleid, Sehnsucht, and Mutter are masterpieces of rock music, and man, these guys put on a hell of an action-packed show! But only from what I've read and seen in this book and on the Live Aus Berlin DVD, unfortunatly, I've never actually attended a live show. But that doesn't mean I still can't! I hope to do so one day, yes, indeed! Bottom line here, get this book! The Six Teutonic Titans of Metal will be in your gratitude. Auf Wiedersehen, jetzt, meine Damen und Herren!!!!

When i got this book... ooh, was i excited! this is extremely wonderful and gave me a better insight to how RAMMSTEIN works. Schneider's writing in this is a bit silly and has no real subject (what an awesome guy), but at least it's better than Olli.. who wrote nothing at ALL! LOL. Richard and Paul's descriptions are very interesting about the early days (petrol floor.. haha), and Till and Flake... well, they're just themselves...with sexy results! The pictures are great. i was gazing at one of them in south america so long that i noticed- Paul and i wear the same boots! Such sexy results have we! GET THIS BOOK, YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT!...

I'm a big GH fan and have watched since I was a child with my babysitter. I was a teenager when Robin and Stone's story was playing out and I loved it so much I bought Robin's Diary to relive it whenever I wanted to. These days soaps are more about violence and shockers than love and it's great to take it out and remember how it used to be.

You don't need to watch General Hospital to read this book and it to make sense. It's a great tale of young love.

Although based on a storyline from the popular soap opera General Hospital, this is actually a Romeo and Juliet type story teens can relate to. I read this for the first time as a teenager and still love it as an adult. This story looks at how two people on the verge of adulthood have to learn to live when one is HIV + and how that affects everyone in this young man's life, most notably his girlfriend Robin. Robin's courage thoughout is an inspiration.

This is my favorite book. The story covers a major crush, first love, a first time and a tragic death. I am the biggest fan of Robin and Stone around, and each time I read this book I still cry at the end. Robin and Stone will always be in my heart.

This book has everything you love in a story: friendship, love, drama, vunerabilty, complexity. I could go on and on. This story was truely the best I have ever read. I watched Robin and Stone on t.v when I was younger, but now that I have the book I appriciate it even more. I cried and cried at the end. Love to Robin and Stone forever. Thank you for this wonderful story General Hospital.

i have read and enjoyed this book many many times. I am also a huge fan of both Stone and Robin. I just have one problem with it. (not the book) i can't seem to find anything on the actor who played Stone, and i am not able to find him real name either. If anyone can help me please let me know. My email is mrs_green_thumbs@yahoo.com.i will be looking forward to more books like these.

I enjoyed this book very much. It was unique to pair television interior decorating with a storyline human enough to keep the reader interested - job well done!

This is a fun tale of Lily Allen, thirty-something, single and size 14 with no shortage of love-interests - just as it should be! She has just gotten a great new job as a designer on a TV reality show called Swap/Meet, where two people get their rooms re-done and a personal makeover and then are paired up after the show to see if any romantic sparks develop.

Unfortunately, Lily's love life is sketchy, at best. When the story begins, she's making a hasty exit after having a-sex-on-the-first-date night with a guy that she doesn't know very well - she's embarrassed and ashamed and leaves, determined to never see him again, besides she knows she's going to be very busy with the brand new show and her personal decorating business.

Before you know it, she's discovering intimate details with her co-workers, but still not finding a relationship. Although casual sex is dangerous and not to be taken lightly, it was nice to see that this "bigger" girl was obviously very attractive and basically comfortable with her size. I also agree with another reviewer that the girl on the cover of the book could have matched Lily better, as the author mentions more than once that Lily's a "bigger" girl and has curly hair! Stacey Ballis wove a play on words throughout the novel - it added a little kick to the story and I appreciated it.

As the story continues, not only is the TV show a success, but Lily begins to really know herself and figures out why she's been settling for those brief encounters. This was good chick lit and a fast read and definitely a unique look at "love and the single girl".

I loved the characters in this book and the way Stacey wrote about them. I felt like I knew Lily and all of her friends. That could have been my friends that she was writing about, they were down to earth and REAL!!

Stacey has such an entertaining way of telling a story. . .I could not put this book down!! I was definitely laughing out loud throughout the book.

I had to re-read pages as they made me laugh out loud! Stacey has cleverly captured the life of a single gal in the great city of Chicago. Lily is a loveable character.....self-deprecating yet confident....a real woman. I think I know her.....
READ IT! BUY IT!
And Stacey, I can't wait for your next book!!!!

On a trip to visit family for Thanksgiving, I started this book. One of my family members was sitting on the couch reading and I thought it was a perfect opportunity to join them. I got through the acknowledgments section and 2 pages of the book before I was kicked out of the room for laughing out loud!

This book is so much fun. It's chick lit with substance and humor. With the added enticement of reality television.

Stacey Ballis is so much fun, and I'm looking foward to more of her books.

This was my first book by the author. Once I started, I couldn't put it down. Finally a real story about 30-something women trying to balance their personal life with work. The author did a great job on tackling the "still single in your 30s" issue and exploring the fears of allowing yourself to be vulnerable in a relationship.

I have only lived in the US since 2001, and SNL rapidly became my favourite show. Hence I bought this book to have a peek behind the scenes of the Manhattan studio where it all takes place, and I was not disappointed. Some of the people in it I didn't recognise as they were before my time, but I recognised many faces. Even if I hadn't, it is great to see all the backstage shots. Particularly memorable are photos of a writer hunched over a laptop, with Norm McDonald smiling over his shoulder, and Chris Farley sitting at the head of the table in a crowded writers room. There are also lots of other great shots of people building sets, working on costumes, doing all the pre-show stills for the commercial break etc - all of this exactly what I was interested in.

What jumps off the page for me is the camraderie that obviously exists between everyone on the show - obviously there are rivalries and creative tensions, but you can tell there is a group mentality that connects everyone in the photos. There are some treasured memories in here for the lucky few that were there at the time.

This is the next best thing to actually being involved with the show yourself, and as such, I recommend it wholeheartedly. A flood of images! Lovely stuff to have on your coffee table or beside your bed.

A great book, really good if you only started watching SNL in the last few yaers and would like to know about the earlier years.

I'm sorry to say that this book was published a year too early. It went to press after the 1993-94 season which was SNL's 19th. Were the authors and publishers so anxious to get it out? I guess they were. Anyway,this book tells about the amazing history of Saturday Night Live. Every overall cast member,director,writer,producer and everyone else involved. We'll never forget October 11,1975,the day of its premiere. The premiere episode began with the late John Belushi and the late writer Michael O'Donoughue in a sketch called "The Wolverines". O'Donoughue played a psychiatrist and Belushi was the patient. At the end of that sketch and before the pre-taped opening montage played,Chevy Chase came out yelling "LIVE FROM NEW YORK,IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT!",which is said at the beginning of every show,even to this day. Chase didn't stay very long on the show. Before the end of 1976,Chase,the first Weekend Update anchorman,went to Hollywood. Jane Curtin,another original cast member succeeded Chase on Weekend Update. Shortly after Chase's departure,in came Bill Murray from Chicago. After 1978-79,Belushi and Dan Aykroyd left SNL to go Hollywood and concentrate on their Blues Brothers act,initiated on SNL. They filmed THE BLUES BROTHERS in '79,a year after Belushi's first starring film ANIMAL HOUSE. In 1979-80,Harry Shearer joined remaining original members Curtin,Garrett Morris,Laraine Newman and Gilda Radner. After that season,all five were gone. The 1980-81 season began unusually late due to the actors' strike and Presidential debate between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan(the SNL studio was used for the debate). That season brought an entirely new cast,one of them being Joe Piscopo who stayed thru 1983-84. Eddie Murphy,then age 19,joined the show and departed with Piscopo. Another member was Gilbert Gottfried who was then not-so-famous. Jean Doumanian succeeded original producer Lorne Michaels,who had left with the remainder of the original cast. Gottfried was let go after 1980-81. In 1981-82,Piscopo and Murphy had new castmates,some of them Canadians. Robin Duke and Tim Kazurinsky are Canadian like original member Dan Aykroyd. Later(1984-85) came Billy Crystal who almost became an original member,and James Belushi,John's brother. Also joining in 1984-85 was Martin Short,who'd go Hollywood himself later. The following season,things finally settled down in studio 8H. Lorne Michaels returned,triumphantly(Doumanian was fired after 1980-81 and succeeded by Dick Ebersol) to serve as producer like he did for SNL's first 5 seasons. The new cast members were Nora Dunn,Dana Carvey,Kevin Nealon,Victoria Jackson and Dennis Miller who'd become the next Weekend Update anchorman. Mike Myers joined in 1989. Myers and Carvey became Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar,two hard-rocking and babe-loving buddies on the sketch Wayne's World,later inspiring two films. Chris Farley and David Spade later came and also went Hollywood. Another big SNL star is Adam Sandler,another film star. Sandler previously worked for NBC,guest-starring on a few episodes of The Cosby Show. Every show had a guest host and musical guest(some shows had more than one of each). We will never forget the Coneheads,Emily Litella,the Festrunk Brothers,Ed Grimley and Wayne's World(sorry if I forgot anything). We also won't forget John Belushi,who died in 1982 of a drug overdose and Gilda Radner who died at 42 of ovarian cancer. Farley fatally overdosed on drugs in 1997. O'Donoughue succumbed to lung cancer in '94. Oh, by the way,Bill's brother Brian Doyle Murray was an SNL member from 1981 to '84. This book should have been updated in 2000 for the show's 25th anniversary. After nearly 29 years on the air,Saturday Night Live continues to pull in tens of viewers from 11:30 PM to 1 AM,EST.

Since its television debut in 1995 few will argue the fact that Saturday Night Live was a cultural, comedic, and TV phenomenon.

Here in one volume is a collection of the sketches, characters, performers and phrases that first appeared on the show that kept many of us up late.

It's also a visual reminder of some of the great comedians who were first showcased there and the once shocking catch phrases that became a part of our collective vocabulary.

This book is an awesome book! you can learn about every castmember in the show up until 94'. You can learn about all the hosts, all the years, all the musical guests, all the backstage info, all the famous songs(including Adam Sandler's Songs), and much much more. Not only will it let you know your facts, but you will enjoy it! Trust me, buy it!!!!!!