Albert Brooks Books

As reading specialist at elementary schools, I search out books which will entice young children to become lifelong book lovers. A read-aloud book, Ben Brooks' Lemonade Parade is one read-aloud which fits the bill. A familiar situation (a not-so-busy lemonade stand), just enough repetition to give the text rhythm, a light-hearted mystery (Just why do all those customers wear the same familiar red sneakers?), and delightful drawings by Bill Slavin have captured the hearts of lots of first and second graders in my corner of the world

A basic plot with three kids selling lemonade on a hot day. Dad spots the kids at work and decides to help out. One of the clever kids is Wynona, a sly character with mother wit. The many disguises Dad wears appeal to the kid in adults and recreate the emotions most of us have felt on the hot summer day someone decided to run a lemonade stand. The emphasis on Dad's involvement is a bonus. One Dad I know actually played out the book when his own kids were flogging their liquid cooler. Slavin's illustrations are marvelous. Brooks has gone on to do sketch comedy (Joe's Convenience) in a big way. He wrote this when he was 19 and had stopped out of college

My son picked this up at the library tonight and we HAD to read it before bed. All three kids crowded around and sat quietly for the whole book. I saw them looking through it many times before they went to bed.

The illustrations are excellent. All the kids commented on how much they liked them and I was equally impressed. The story was sweet and appropriate for our family (the oldest can't slow down either!) I know that this will open many talks about slowing down to see the details we miss when we run too fast.

As the 6-year-old was going to bed he pointed to the picture of the cheetah and said, "I'm going to be that guy." That's his highest compliment to a book - wanting to become one of the characters.

Read this book to any child who runs fast or moves slowly. Both will benefit from the lessons taught here.

From the publisher: Howard the cheetah loves being fast. To him, everyday is a race - and he always wins. But when Howard hurts his leg and can't run, the only animal he can keep up with is a sloth - the slowest creature around! How could anyone like being slow? It's up to Quince the sloth to show Howard how wonderful slow can be!

Erik Brooks' engaging story and exuberant art celebrate an unusual friendship as well as the beauty of life at a different pace.

There are shorter and easier books to read than this one. The problem is after reading them you still know very little about uveitis. Foster's book is the most comprehensive review on uveitis today. It should be a required reading for all ophthalmologists planning to specilalize in retina and uveitis. I bought this book on Amazon 3 years ago and come back to it with pleasure every time finding it more useful and practical than any other uveitis literature I have.

The general reader, even one with experience with calculus and computer programming, will find the mathematical language of many references in artificial intelligence and cognitive science filled with a uncommon mathematics. This reference is derived from the lecture notes of a sophomore-level mathematics course intended to provide computer science students with the mathematics they will need for their studies. Useful for readers who want to try to understand the mathematics of many cog sci and AI works.

Narrated by Octavia Albert, this book documents the true stories of several former slaves, their personal views, their struggles, and their triumphs. The stories are heartfelt and the convictions of the author to pass on the history of her people are evident in her dedicated writing.

I am impressed with Al Roberts' edition of "Juvenile Justice - Policies, Programs and Services." As an 18 year veteran of the juvenile field I found the contributions to this book to be timely, accurate and compelling for anyone interested in youth services. One needs only to look over the chapter titles to find that Roberts hits all the bases. Chapter 3 "The Coming Storm" and Chapter 19 "Balancing the Response to Youth Crime..." will leave you thinking and may well change your youth & family practice and design of services!

This is one of the great films. The drama is so stirring I have the most pained look on my face at the end of this film as I try not to cry before I inevitably do. James Dean made three films and all were great but this one is the best. He was truly a great actor and a great loss. The other actors are just as skilled and the director Elia Kazan makes the most out of his actors. This disk contains not just a great print of the film but several terrific special features. The commentary with Richard Schickel is absorbing enough to keep you glued to the television set for another two and half hours. Just a wonderful movie.

The 'Overture' shows the sea coast for 3 minutes. This story takes place in 1917 California. A woman walks to deposit money in a bank in Monterey. The dirt road shows horses are in use. A young man follows this woman (he is bare-headed). Why does he follow Kate? [Perhaps you need to read the book first.] Cal returns to Salinas and meets his brother Aaron. [The hair style is from the 1950s, not 1917.] Their father Adam plans to buy an ice house to ship his vegetables under refrigeration to a distant markets. Is Cal thoughtless or scary? Can people relax in an ice house? Cal's troubled soul is shown by his dumping ice. Why is he bad, unlike his twin brother? Restless Cal returns to Monterey and visits that house. He gets into trouble and meets the sheriff. Is Kate the reason why Cal is "bad"?

Aaron's girlfriend Abra tells Cal about her past, and her stepmother. [This conversation seems pointless, except as a clue to confused thinking.] The shipment of lettuce is a big event in those days. But snow blockaded the pass, the lettuce shipment was ruined. Cal wants to raise beans; war is good for business. They will pay farmers to plant beans at 5 cents a pound and do all the work, then they will sell them for 10 cents a pound. Cal knows where he can get the money. Kate knows how to do business: other people do the work and she profits. The Great War has an affect on Salinas. Cal shows his skill at the shooting gallery. We see the carnival that entertained people in simpler times.

Steinbeck's story tells how people's emotions are stirred to turn on a neighbor. The this leads to conflict between Cal and Aaron (a long simmering competition?). Cal has plans for a birthday party for his father. [Do you sense this will be a disaster?] Adam doesn't want the money raised by speculating in beans. Cal takes this hard. [Do his actions repeat in his other films?] This leads to a revelation about their long absent mother.
The ending seems incredible to me, however necessary to this particular story. Its like a deck of cards being rigged to fix the result. This story warns against hiding family scandals from grown children. I wonder if this would be a better film if made in a different time? The novel must be much better than this film.

Dean's first film may have been his best,simply because he may have been asked to play so much of himself in his role. Director Elia Kazan allowed his budding star to improvise with terrific results, especially in the tear filled breakdown scene, clinging to Massey's lapels. Massey had no idea how to handle himself,thus adding unintentional positive reaction to the scene. If the old man went ballistic,as reported,Kazan did too-in Dean's favor. Dean would repeat the favor in "Giant",stealing a scene with Rock Hudson by incessantly twirling his lariat, much to director George Stevens' delight and Hudson's chagrin. Meanwhile, East of Eden is a true emotional roller coaster with Jo Van Fleet taking an Oscar as Massey's former mate. Opposites attract? You're not likely ever to see anything like this picture again!

Wow, what an impressive screen debut for a 24-year-old. That was the famous James Dean, here in his first of three starring roles before death took him at a tragically young age. Just as impressive, however, is the overall performance of the rest of the cast, including lesser-known Richard Davalos, who also was making his movie debut.

The most impressive person connected to this movie, however, was director Elia Kazan who not only excelled directing this film but - in the same year - directed "On The Waterfront." Now, that's not a bad year of work!

Overall, it's a solid drama with complex characters who make you reflect about them long after you view this. I don't know why it took so long for me to finally see this movie, but I was impressed. (May I recommend this two-disc, special-edition DVD?). I am surprised it only garnered one Academy Award. I think it deserved more.

East of Eden

This classic film starring James Dean has all sorts of biblical references and parallels. It s a moving journey of Cal, a young man on a quest for truth and some semblance of love.
This narrative unfolds with rich detail, nicely capturing the pre-WWI era in America. Cal is a loner and a rebel. The pieces of his past are slowly unveiled to explain his lost sense of desperation and need. He yearns for his father's acceptance, and is jealous of his brother's relationship with him. Plus there is a secret attraction to his brother's fiance, which adds another level of drama to the story.

Dean dishes out a spectacular performance here. This moody, rebellious character seems to fit him perfectly. I'm anxious to see more of his work.
The dialogue is a bit dated, but it fits the setting which is nearly a century ago. Much of the themes of this film are timeless. I also like how nothing is sugar-coated, it makes the story more realistic. It explores deep into the dark corners of man. The temptations, insecurities, wrongdoings. It's life, the good and the bad.
A true classic, very entertaining and heartfelt.

This is one of the great films. The drama is so stirring I have the most pained look on my face at the end of this film as I try not to cry before I inevitably do. James Dean made three films and all were great but this one is the best. He was truly a great actor and a great loss. The other actors are just as skilled and the director Elia Kazan makes the most out of his actors. This disk contains not just a great print of the film but several terrific special features. The commentary with Richard Schickel is absorbing enough to keep you glued to the television set for another two and half hours. Just a wonderful movie.

The 'Overture' shows the sea coast for 3 minutes. This story takes place in 1917 California. A woman walks to deposit money in a bank in Monterey. The dirt road shows horses are in use. A young man follows this woman (he is bare-headed). Why does he follow Kate? [Perhaps you need to read the book first.] Cal returns to Salinas and meets his brother Aaron. [The hair style is from the 1950s, not 1917.] Their father Adam plans to buy an ice house to ship his vegetables under refrigeration to a distant markets. Is Cal thoughtless or scary? Can people relax in an ice house? Cal's troubled soul is shown by his dumping ice. Why is he bad, unlike his twin brother? Restless Cal returns to Monterey and visits that house. He gets into trouble and meets the sheriff. Is Kate the reason why Cal is "bad"?

Aaron's girlfriend Abra tells Cal about her past, and her stepmother. [This conversation seems pointless, except as a clue to confused thinking.] The shipment of lettuce is a big event in those days. But snow blockaded the pass, the lettuce shipment was ruined. Cal wants to raise beans; war is good for business. They will pay farmers to plant beans at 5 cents a pound and do all the work, then they will sell them for 10 cents a pound. Cal knows where he can get the money. Kate knows how to do business: other people do the work and she profits. The Great War has an affect on Salinas. Cal shows his skill at the shooting gallery. We see the carnival that entertained people in simpler times.

Steinbeck's story tells how people's emotions are stirred to turn on a neighbor. The this leads to conflict between Cal and Aaron (a long simmering competition?). Cal has plans for a birthday party for his father. [Do you sense this will be a disaster?] Adam doesn't want the money raised by speculating in beans. Cal takes this hard. [Do his actions repeat in his other films?] This leads to a revelation about their long absent mother.
The ending seems incredible to me, however necessary to this particular story. Its like a deck of cards being rigged to fix the result. This story warns against hiding family scandals from grown children. I wonder if this would be a better film if made in a different time? The novel must be much better than this film.

Dean's first film may have been his best,simply because he may have been asked to play so much of himself in his role. Director Elia Kazan allowed his budding star to improvise with terrific results, especially in the tear filled breakdown scene, clinging to Massey's lapels. Massey had no idea how to handle himself,thus adding unintentional positive reaction to the scene. If the old man went ballistic,as reported,Kazan did too-in Dean's favor. Dean would repeat the favor in "Giant",stealing a scene with Rock Hudson by incessantly twirling his lariat, much to director George Stevens' delight and Hudson's chagrin. Meanwhile, East of Eden is a true emotional roller coaster with Jo Van Fleet taking an Oscar as Massey's former mate. Opposites attract? You're not likely ever to see anything like this picture again!

Wow, what an impressive screen debut for a 24-year-old. That was the famous James Dean, here in his first of three starring roles before death took him at a tragically young age. Just as impressive, however, is the overall performance of the rest of the cast, including lesser-known Richard Davalos, who also was making his movie debut.

The most impressive person connected to this movie, however, was director Elia Kazan who not only excelled directing this film but - in the same year - directed "On The Waterfront." Now, that's not a bad year of work!

Overall, it's a solid drama with complex characters who make you reflect about them long after you view this. I don't know why it took so long for me to finally see this movie, but I was impressed. (May I recommend this two-disc, special-edition DVD?). I am surprised it only garnered one Academy Award. I think it deserved more.

East of Eden

This classic film starring James Dean has all sorts of biblical references and parallels. It s a moving journey of Cal, a young man on a quest for truth and some semblance of love.
This narrative unfolds with rich detail, nicely capturing the pre-WWI era in America. Cal is a loner and a rebel. The pieces of his past are slowly unveiled to explain his lost sense of desperation and need. He yearns for his father's acceptance, and is jealous of his brother's relationship with him. Plus there is a secret attraction to his brother's fiance, which adds another level of drama to the story.

Dean dishes out a spectacular performance here. This moody, rebellious character seems to fit him perfectly. I'm anxious to see more of his work.
The dialogue is a bit dated, but it fits the setting which is nearly a century ago. Much of the themes of this film are timeless. I also like how nothing is sugar-coated, it makes the story more realistic. It explores deep into the dark corners of man. The temptations, insecurities, wrongdoings. It's life, the good and the bad.
A true classic, very entertaining and heartfelt.

Order arrived promptly, the book was in great condition like the seller said. Would purchase again from this seller

The selected readings provide a useful reference to classic public administration literature. The writings are presented in a general chronological order covering topics important to the various time periods. The book could be improved with an updated edition of current literature (stops around the Carter presidency.) An index would be helpful. Overall, a worthwhile addition to one's political science library. I refer to it often.

FULL MARKS GOES TO SHAFRITZ AND HYDE FOR THIS EXCLUSIVE WORK WHILE EVEN FINDING A LITERATURE ABOUT PUBLIC ADMN. IS GETTING DIFFICULT. THANKS TO BOTH!

The scout was funny! I think at times there were moments that seem stupid. I guess that's what making movie's all about! I think you might enjoy it. It's actully better then I thought it be. That just proves never judge a movie by it's cover :)
Enjoy!

It starts out almost as a comedy but it turns dramatic halfway through.Definitely not on my top ten baseball movie lists but it is worth watching at least once.Brandon Frasier does a great job as does Albert brooks. Just seems like they switched writers in the middle of the show.

have you ever noticed that Brendan Fraser is always acting as an idiot? for example: George of the Jungle, Airheads, the Scout, every time he acts downright dumb, but for once it made sense. a scout (Albert Brooks) for the New York Yankees is sent on a grudge trip to mexico after the last player he hired turned out to be a total fluke. there he finds the greatest baseball player that ever lived, Steve Nabraska who choses in the end to play for the Yankees; but before he can play he needs permission from a psychologist that he's not topsy-turvy, which he is, and after his appointment with the doctor he fails, and this is where the movie twists, the dumbness and wildness of Brendan Fraser will have you staring crosseyed at his wackiness.

This film was better than I expected. When I saw Albert Brooks in it I expected to see his usual self absorbed, neurotic, west coast Woddy Allen trip. No so. When I looked at the credits I noticed that for the first time (in recent memory) Brooks didn't write, direct, produce, in short forgo his usual Jerry Lewis routine of running the whole show. And in doing so he (excuse the pun here) hit's a home run! He's just great as baseball scout Al Percole who after failing to bring a winner to the Yankees is relegated to the Chili circuit as "punishment" from the Yankee general manager played wonderfully by Lane Smith. But instead of coming up with heartburn from eating the very questionable food (we see people down there chewing on animal legs at games) he discovers Steve Nebraska the greatest ball player since Babe Ruth played oustandingly by Brendan Fraser. Fraser matches Brooks laugh for laugh and in doing so the two make this a very entertaining movie. Not an easy thing to do considering there is not one love interest in either man's life. The movie rests squarely on the "buddy" formula which works very well here. In fact it's more of a father son relationship instead of a bonding buddy movie. So if you like quirky comedy's with the added benefit of a sports theme you're sure to like this one. So run out and rent.....no better make that buy The Scout. I'm sure you're going to want to "catch" this one again and again!

You don't have to love either Brendan Fraser or Baseball to love this movie! I should know, because I hate baseball, but love Brendan Fraser, and I may just be a tad bit prejudiced when it comes to him.

Although the scout is about Baseball, there isn't much involving the sport except for short blips of Albert Brook looking for his 'King Kong', and the ending sequince when Brendan shows us that he truly is the king of the field. Albert Brook is hilarous as the scout who is hunting for other new protege's for the Yankee's, and Brendan is the young man who he happens to find. In mexico that is. Why he's in Mexico, and how he got there is never really explained. That and if the shrink is really his mom, or just a really concerned lady. Yeah, the story has its holes, but the comedy more than makes up for it.

I won't say anymore, more is less, and in this case its better just to see this movie than hear me explain it.

Let the game begin!