Jeff Bridges Books

Last month I enrolled in a beginner's class at the Manhattan Bridge Club, where I received a copy of this book. The author is the club's owner -- a man as witty and warm in person as he seems on the pages of his book. I began reading It's Bridge, Baby! on the way home from class and couldn't tear myself away. I actually laughed out loud on several occasions. Bayone's passion for bridge is infectious, and he explains the elements of this very complicated game in a clear, structured way.

Sure thing, if you're thinking Bridge go no further. Kick back, or swim up but don't pass this one by. I've learned bridge in side and out, and frankly, though the subject matter can be somewhat dry at times, the presentation is Numeral UNO!

I've read many introductory books to bridge, and this is in a league of its own! A very simple, straightforward, logical approach to playing. The book begins with the playing of the hands (in no-trump then trump), and moves to bidding as a logical extension of the ability to win tricks. This approach is unique, and takes allows the player to LEARN the proper bidding, rather than to memorize (too) many sets of numbers for bidding hands. Also, I felt that the other books I have read did not offer a strong foundation in the playing-out of the hands. I'll be purchasing copies for non-bridge-playing friends! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

I am a returning bridge player and find this book very helpful in refreshing my mind about the game. I have a question for the author and don't know how to ask him except here. Mr Bayone, where did you find the scoring system which I love but have never seen before? I want to change my bridge table over to your system but need some validation. Thank you

What I like about this book is that he takes his time to build a point slowly and methodically, with lots of examples. You understand the logic behind the "rules", so you can figure them out for yourself. After reading it, I went back and picked up "Bridge for Dummies", and B4D paled by comparison.

This is honestly a great book, it helped me. Im fairly new to model railroading (only about 4 years) and it has honestly made me into the goto guy (within my model railroad club) for bridges and tunnels. It covers all sorts of wierd and wonderfull ideas for your layouts. A GREAT resource and addition to any model railroaders libary.

This book is an excellent guide to model railroad bridges, trestles, and tunnels. It presents all types of construction including wood, stone, iron, concrete, etc and all era's from the early 18th century to the present.

Many prototype photographs and illustrations are used to show the different types of bridges. You don't have to be a civil engineer to read the book, but it will give you a very good detailed view of each type of bridge.

Each section in the book ends with information on how to model these structures. This includes construction details including sources for the needed products. Information is also included on how to finish the products.

When I now see a bridge while traveling I have good knowledge of why and how the bridge was constructed.

I am not a modeler (at least yet) but I think this book will appeal to both novices and more experienced modelers. I have two other similar books and this book is by far the best of the three. I highly recommend it.

As a 28 year veteran of professional railroading, with 18 years in the bridge department, Jeff has indeed managed to bridge the gap between prototype and modeler. He explains in great detail the "why" that goes into selecting the proper type or size bridge for a particular location. Many beautiful bridge models are spoiled because they would just not be practical in the real world. Jeff did an excellent job of researching the subject material and has made it easy for a modeler to build a very nice, prototypical bridge for a given geographic location.

The Model Railroader's Guide To Bridges, Trestles & Tunnels is an in-depth hobbyist's guide to adding minutely detailed, realistic bridges and tunnel portals to a model railroad layout. Chapters include overviews of the construction and purpose of bridges, trestles, and tunnels; historic and contemporary prototype photos, in black-and-white and color; strategies for modeling, painting, and weathering scale replicas; listings of bridge, trestle, and tunnel kits in HO, N, and O scale, as well as excellent suggestions for modifying kits and scratchbuilding; and so much more. An in-depth guide that combines an appreciation of railroad history with solid how-to tactics for bringing said history to life.

this is perhaps one of the best books on Bridge ever written, it is a classic, I recommend it for beginners and advanced players alike

Jeff Rubens's ageless book is on every expert's short list of the greatest bridge books ever written and should be in every player's library. Read once, it will be remembered forever. This edition is a bargain price. His ideas about hand evaluation are treasured gems sure to raise any player's understanding and enjoyment of the game, and Ruben's advice on duplicate, Swiss Teams, partnerships and conventions are among the best in the literature.

Mr. Galano's work is beautiful, meaningful and unique. All New Yorkers have some experience with the homeless. All too often, we forget that homeless people are just that--people with stories, friends and loved ones. The combination of statistics on the homeless situation coupled with Mr. Galano's insightful and beautiful photographs is not only moving, but also fresh. We all need to be reminded that homelessness is not a choice. Homeless people have histories just like the rest of us and Mr. Galano brings dignity and beauty to this horrible situation and makes us realize that we must do more to recify this staggering situation.

With this amazing book Salvo Galano, finally, shows a simple truth: homeless are not space aliens fallen on our sidewalks. They are people, they love, they smile, they smoke, they fight, they fall. They have stories, they were clerks, soldiers, artists. They were us, until something went wrong. Usually not terribly wrong, they got fired, they got evicted, they lost all their money recovering from an accident not covered by the insurance. Salvo put them in front of the camera, like actors, or models, or important people revealing a world of beautiful human being who happened to be homeless.

This is a fabulous book, the type that you can sit with for hours and enjoy. It is reminiscent of Sante D'Orazio's first book, but on a much simpler scale. The photos are great, the commentary a little bare-bones but interesting. As a photographer, it's also interesting to see how different photographers have captured the same subject, sometimes more than once. Highly recommended and nicely published.

The only thing missing was the fact the The Dude claimed to be a roadie for Metallica on the Speed of Sound Tour and the band actually didn't do an album tour for the album.

Enjoy a few caucasians, put on your favorite robe, jelly shoes and your favorite bowling album after watching the movie a couple dozen times and any true fan will enjoy the book as much as the movie.

Duder Out

Is this your homework, Larry? Is this your homework, Larry?

Full of hilarious stories about how the Coen Brothers came up with the idea for the movie. The book is not something I would recommend for anyone who's not already a huge fan of the movie. Watch the movie about 15 times, then buy this book.

I've heard him go on and on about The Big Lebowski, and after watching it with him (and hearing him quote every line in the entire movie!!!) I must admit I loved it. I bought this book as an impromptu gift, and we've laughed along with it for many hours. The 'Achiever Speak' section is hilarious, and the book really is the perfect accompaniment to the film.
A must have for the hard-core Lebowski fan!

all I have to say is, they track down the origin of the whole film. Little Larry's homework.

I was SO looking forward to this book when I ordered it. However, it's more of a novelty book with lots of filler (quizzes etc.). Some of the interviews are interesting. If you're a Big Lebowski fan, and you can find this book used, buy it! However, do NOT pay full price.

I bought, "You Caught Me Kissing: A Love Story"
by Dorothy Bridges, for my wife as a Christmas present... She loves the book! It's well written, funny, and romantic! Great for anyone who likes Biographies or Personal-Interest type books. She has already read it several times!

I have the pleasure of knowing the author, Dorothy Bridges. I knew her years ago when she and Lloyd had a home in Bear Valley, Ca. I waitied on them often at the grocery store where I was a checker. They held hands as they shopped. They are and were a love story, this book is very touching.

She and I loved to chat so she always came through my line at the store. She was the star in my eyes, I feel honored to know this awesome mother and wife...she raised stars, literally! Dorothy if you ever read this, hello from Jude from Applewood Market! I now live in Oregon on the coast and it was a pleasure reading your book!
:)

Readers who believe they are going to read a biography written by Lloyd Bridges' wife might be disappointed. This book is a collection of beautifully composed poetry written by the author of love "songs" to her husband over many years. As I could only read the poetry one or two book chapters at a time, as it is very sentimental, what a great way to start the day with a cup of coffee in one hand and a fist-full of love in the other. No deep plots here, no brain-teasers; just a thank you to Mrs. Bridges for sharing her love story with us.

To Dorothy, finding a balance for love wasn't easy. She and Lloyd Bridges, with whom she was together for 60 years, had to find space for themselves, with Lloyd's acting career and her determination to be a good mother and housewife, even if it meant having to tamp down her natural creative inclinations. But she had time for her poetry, and every year from the 1930s till the 1990s (and even today) she wrote out a valentine poem for her husband. (There are some touching little valentines on display from Lloyd to Dorothy, but the bulk of the book is her collection of her annual poems from then to now.)

Even after he died she found herself continuing the tradition, and some of the best poems in the book demonstrate her helplessness and the indignity of loss. They are heartbreaking. Heartbreaking too were some of the losses which she frankly describes in this memoir.

Such as the way HUAC came down hard on Lloyd Bridges, forcing him into a graylist until SEA HUNT came about and the whole US public got behind it, effectively telling Senator McCarthy, we don't care about your anti-Communist crusade! Sad too, indescribably so, was the crib death of another of Dorothy's little boys. And she mentions in passing that in fact Lloyd wasn't a perfect husband and that there were occasional affair-ettes on the side (on his part not hers). But all in all it was a reasonable successful alliance by any standard, and many of the valentines attest that one way of measuring success is that the children of the marriage feel loved.

All the surviving children seem very content and very aware that they grew up in a very loving family.

This gem of a book is such an inspiration. It contains many lessons - that true love is worth waiting for and that everlasting love is the best kind. Too many negative influences today make people quick to judge, quick to give up, and always striving to out-do.

That is why this book is so wonderful. It is like a candle in the darkness - taking the concept of love and of Valentines Day then showing the progress made by true love. Whether times were up or down, their love endured.

I challenge anyone to read the very first poem "Moon Signs" and to not have a tear. Even if a first love did not work out (like it happens for most everybody), this poem brings back those memories of when one first feels the pull of love.

Even though for most lovers, heartache comes first, then the true love ("the one") come along, these story-poems are worth reading because it makes one realize that the true love can be the one that lasts - and that it is worth it.

This book is wonderful. Truly a treasure.

Valerie Atkinson Brown
Author, International Thomson Publishing

Staci Layne Wilson's love of animals is apparent in this book, for she took the time to compile a guide to movies featuring animals, she donates a portion of her earnings from the sales of this book to charities focusing on animals in need of help, and she even bothered to find out the real names of many of the animals featured in the films. Yet, she doesn't let her obvious love of animals get in the way of reviewing even movies where the animals don't fare well. Furthermore, the behind the scenes exclusive interviews with many of the human actors on these films are fascinating in their own right, animals aside:)

I hope there will indeed be a Volume 2 of the "feathered, finned and forked-tongued critters" that Ms. Wilson hinted at in "A Note From The Author."

^V^
G.L. Giles, Author of V3: The Vampire Vignettes ReVamped (Top 5 Royalty Earner)

This book is a very comprehensive guide to all of your favorite animal movies. Every wonder about those cute ferrets in The Beast Master? There is a great discussion with Don Corsaceli about working with the little guys - also the horrific story of how one of the tigers used in the film was accidentally killed! Sad, poignant, funny, and entertaining, The Animal Movies Guide has interviews with directors, casts and crews from a diverse selection of movies. Recommended!

I grew up on Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, Toto, Flipper...well, you get the idea. And so does Wilson. Guaranteed to bring back rosy memories.

this is a book that any animal and movie lover should own. it makes a great gift, too.

full of informative, intelligent and ah so witty info.
love, love, loved it...

A great reference for animal movies that are available.... well written and well set out.
I have been a fan of Ms Wilsons writing for some years now and this one certainly hasnt dissapointed me! Well done!!

is going to rescue the author from the cult of Christianity? In one cult, then into another. Mmmmmmm!

A brilliant book packed with sound, straightforward and practical advice that I firmly believe will change and save lives. Having escaped from darkness, Jeff is in the ideal position to guide and advise others who are trapped in darkness.

`From Darkness to Light' shows clearly that darkness can be overcome no matter how helpless a person feels. A battle is being waged and this book will help equip those who want to have victory.

Buy a copy for yourself and a copy for a friend.

Greg
(Changing Lives Online)

After reading Jeff Harshbargers book,From Darkness To Light,one seeks to set out and set the captives free. It is the most excellent source and book on occult deliverance,available.

If you were one of the thousands who felt violated by the Mike Warnke "scandals" of the early 90's, reading a book such as this may make you a little paranoid. But this is not sensationalism. The majority of the book is Jeff's own life story, which, as he says, is "ordinary in every way." What stands out, though, is not his frustrating childhood and family life, but his isolation in dealing with it all. His parents fought viciously, the family moved every year, and his limited experience with church was less than desirable: "No one had time for a little boy who sat alone in a pew...no one knew...no one even noticed." In addition to some great "educational" materials concerning different occult philosophies and practices, Form Darkness to Light should serve as a wake-up call concerning at-risk kids. It doesn't take a superstar to make a difference of eternal consequence, just someone who is willing to pray, care and share the love of God with others.

I just read Jeff Harshbargers book, from Darkness to Light,
It was one of those books that you couldn't put down into you finished it.
The testimony of his life as a Satanist can be heart felt, and you can see how God
Can work in your life when you have no idea.
The flow of the book seems to carry you from page to page, as you read, you know this is really happening, with all the emotion,
I found myself Identifying with the range of feelings he went through, and when your done reading about his life as a Satanist, you know its for real, made me wonder how many others out there have gone or going through similar occult situations.
Which addresses the second part of the book, and myself being somewhat familiar with the occult, and now a Christian raising two 13 year olds, Jeff's approach made me think about how as a Christian single mom, do I address my children with such an accepted topic in our society today, The book goes into what subtle clues to look for, and a general view of the occult that a parent can understand, and how the most important thing is prayer.
Finally, the way Jeff wrote this book is what caught my attention, it's straightforward, and this is the way it is, yet in a loving way. You felt like he was there sitting and talking to you and telling his story and experiences with God behind every word.
And after reading Jeff's story, you know anything is possible with God.
I would recommend this book to any Parent, it's never too early to prepare
your children for life outside your homes walls, and any Pastor or Youth group leader.
If for any reason, to have your eyes open to what's going on in the real world.

I loved this book, the pictures were great and some very candid shots you could only get being so close.

Is there anything Jeff Bridges can't do? From Tron to The Big Lebowski to the Mirror Has Two Faces, he captures his co-stars and crew brilliantly. No candids here. He uses a camera with a really wide angle, so his pictures spread across two pages of the book. Hard to put down! Sprinkled with anecdotes from the various movie sets.

I'm a photographer and a couple of years ago I saw Jeff Bridges on some entertainment show and he was talking about photo books that he would make as gifts for cast and crew members on films that he worked on, and how he used special Widelux cameras. The Widelux models that Jeff uses are no longer made, which is a shame, because it was one of the very few panorama cameras that used 35mm film. (The bigger Widelux model which uses 120 and 220 film is still made, but it's much larger and heavier than the 35mm model.) After seeing the interview with Jeff I went out and bought one (I now own 3) and it's one of my favorite cameras to work with, and that's why I was so excited when I learned of Jeff's book.

This is a great book by a photographer with a good eye in an interesting format. The pictures are beautiful and the subjects interesting. The Widelux is not an easy camera to work with and I can appreciate the effort that went into making these pictures. There are a plethora of photo books from the famous that are published simply because the shooter is famous. Jeff Bridges is a photographer and this is a refreshing, interesting book.

And though the Widelux F series has been discontinued, you can still find them on eBay and at used camera stores.

I'm sure the fact that Jeff Bridges starred in 2 of my all time favorite films; The Last Picture Show and The Big Lebowski, doesn't have much to do with my high recommendation for this book. For it is a great book in it's own right.

I'm a bit of a sucker for photography books, especially ones with black and white photos, and needless to say, I've bought more than my fair share. Some I have regretted buying, having only looked at them once or twice. Pictures by Jeff Bridges is one of the few books I don't regret spending money on. In fact, my purchase was totally guilt-free because Jeff Bridges is donating all the proceeds to a non profit organization.

But maybe I like this book so much because I am a photographer myself and have worked in feature film production. In fact, one of the companies I have worked for did the special effects for Starman.

That aside, Jeff Bridges offers a unique window of opportunity to gain a glimpse of what it's like on movie sets, from the point of view of one of the members of the cast. Stars like Penelope Cruz, Michelle Pfieffer and Gary Busey are featured. Although members of the production crew are also featured, I wish they would be featured even more (as a member of 'the crew' myself, I often feel like our contributions are overshadowed by the celebrities).

Jeff Bridges' special perspective is not only represented in the subject matter of the photos, but also in the panoramic format. There is something cinematic about these wide shots and the format suits the subject matter of moviemaking wonderfully. Further, Bridges has some stories and hand written notes throughout the book, a very nice touch, entertaining and appreciated.

The book is nearly 200 pages, seems sturdy and is put together quite well. Whether you are a fan of Jeff Bridges, filmmaking, black and white, panoramic photography, or all of the above, this is a comprehensive book you won't regret buying. Heck, I've bought photo books that cost way more yet only include a handful of photos. Pictures by Jeff Bridges is definitely a book in which you get your money's worth.

I was hoping for much more from Bridges in this collection of on-set photos. With such a rare opportunity to capture his fellow actors candidly, he just didn't. When you think of the great films he's been a part of and how long he's been shooting photos, you'd think he's have a better collection. If he does, they didn't make into this book. Not recommended.