Television Reviews

How I Broke into Hollywood: Success Stories from the Trenches

Published in Hardcover by Regan Books (2006-05-01)

Authors: Pablo F. Fenjves and Rocky Lang

List price: $25.95

New price: $5.39
Used price: $3.60

Average review score:

Both A and B level people share stories

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-25

At first I thought this book wouldnt be that great because there are a lot of names that I didnt recognize when looking at the index of people interviewed. However, that is because a lot of the names are the behind the scenes people who may not be 'names' unless you study the credits at the end of movies. There are some very interesting stories here. There is one good interview where a guy indicates how he screwed people all the way to the top of his field and later himself was screwed by someone he trusted. Payback. Karma. I hated that guy, but Im glad he told the truth. Each interviwed person is shown in a photograph. This is a well crafted book, done in a simple way and it works.

Gathers dozens of Hollywood's greatest successes under one cover

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-18

Major Hollywood stars had to work hard to break into the industry and make it big, but few places chart their stories under one cover. HOW I BROKE INTO HOLLYWOOD: SUCCESS STORIES FROM THE TRENCHES gathers dozens of Hollywood's greatest successes under one cover, including not just actors but writers, directors, designers and more to provide profiles of the best and how they worked to achieve their goals. Inspirational chapters profile nearly fifty such Hollywood success stories and will appeal to any interested in learning from experience.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

67 Inspiring Stories

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-17

I loved this book, and highly recommend it to anyone interested in working in Hollywood, or to any creative type struggling to find career success. There are 67 first-person stories (from a variety of producers, actors, editors, lawyers, writers, etc.), and the interviewees have been incredibly generous in sharing not only their successes, but also their humble beginnings, self-doubts and failings. That willingness to show the true journey, warts and all, is what makes this book so inspiring, and such a gift. Many thanks to those who participated, and to the authors for making it happen.

A word to the publisher: this book has all the hallmarks of a classic, but the cover art and title don't match the contents. I almost passed it over on the shelf because the graphic design looked low rent, and it seemed to just be the personal story of the two authors, whose names I didn't recognize (sorry, guys). When it comes out in paperback (which it should--promote this baby!), how about listing some of the well-known participants on the cover, and changing the title to How I Broke Into Hollywood, 67 Success Stories from the Trenches? This book is a winner!

Engaging Personal Accounts

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-02

I thoroughly emjoyed this book, very readable, lively and interesting. The interviews flow like fascinating stories. The advice from those who made it will apply to almost any endeavor so the book should appeal to a wide audience.

Not for gossip-hounds, but great advice for those considering a Hollywood career

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-11

If you are looking for some gossip-rag style tales of how Hollywood's biggest names got to where they are, then this isn't the book for you. There are a few big names in this book, Bernie Mac among them, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

This book, rather, is a thoughtfully introspective look at how many of the behind-the-scenes people working in Hollywood accepted crushing rejection time and time again, dealt with monetary difficulties while pursuing their dream, the tips and tricks they used to become known and well-employed in Hollywood.

Screenwriters, producers, actors, music supervisors, agents, and costume designers are featured, among other jobs, and their tales are inspiring and really helpful. Each person interviewed in this book really seemed to set aside their ego and talk truthfully about the times they doubted themselves and what could have made things go more smoothly in their journey to Hollywood elite. The advice given is really solid, and could benefit anyone in any career, but especially in the brutal film/ TV industry.

I'd definitely buy this book for any friend considering trying to make it in Hollywood. The advice and stories are entertainingly given and would be valuable and interesting even if they didn't end up pursuing that particular dream.

How I Lost 10 Pounds in 53 Years: A Memoir

Published in Kindle Edition by Back Stage Books (2006-11-01)

Authors: Kaye Ballard and Jim Hesselman

List price: $19.95

New price: $9.99

Average review score:

KAYE'S LOSS, OUR GAIN

Helpful Votes: 15 out of 16 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-04

If you're one of those people that think only of Kaye Ballard as one of the "Mothers-In-Law" from TV, or that funny album with the balloons on it, treat yourself to her wonderful autobiography, "How I Lost 10 Pounds in 53 Years.!" Not only a fascinating story of the lady herself, but a warm-hearted look at practically the history of show business (Vaudeville, Broadway, Night Clubs, movies, radio & television). She's done it all, and you'll meet your favorites (and a few not-so) as only someone who's been there and done it can tell. Best of all, Kaye is her honest and humble self (What? A star with humility?) Yup, throughout her illustrious career, she's still the star-struck kid in Cleveland's RKO Palace worshiping the idols on the silver screen, and dreaming of Hollywood. Haven't we all been there? Starting as a teenager, performing in a Chinese restaurant (it's funny already!), through to today's still very active cancer-surviving octogenarian, here's Kaye at her funny, loveable best, sharing her successes and disappointments in one of the best autobiographies in a long, long time! Read it, you'' love it!

How I Lost 10 Pounds in 53 Years: A Memoir-by Kaye Ballard

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-11

Loved it. Wish she had written more, could read her stories forever!!!! She is too funny...

How I laughed in 10 days while reading this book . . .

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-02

I recently read Ms. Ballard's memoir in 10 days while I was staying with my parents as my mother recovered from knee replacement surgery. It was the perfect book to read during this time--very funny and light--but also an honest, heartfelt tale. If you don't know who Kaye Ballard is, well, you should. She's a wonderful comic actress who's starred in films (The Ritz), on TV (Cinderella, The Doris Day Show, The Mothers-in-Law) and on stage (The Golden Apple, Carnival, The Pirates of Penzance, Follies). I saw her perform back in the '90s in a small cabaret called Toulouse in Chicago (now sadly closed). It was a horrible snowy night--and my friends and I were the only ones who braved the elements to see her show. And so Ms. Ballard--being the classy, talented dame that she is--performed for us. We all LOVED her--and you will LOVE her book. The lady knows how to write an honest, entertaining account of her fascinating life. So sit back, relax and let Kaye tell you all about her legendary 60-year career. You'll have a wonderful time--I know I did.

Kaye Ballard still funny, entertaining and lovable.

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-21

I enjoyed reading this book very much - it gave real insight into the life of a single woman in show business. Kaye is a fantastic personality and very honest in this book about her career and friendshiips. She is a real lady with a great sense of humor. Nice photos too of some old favorites when they were younger. I would definitely buy this book again. A+

A real treat

Helpful Votes: 7 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-12

Kaye Ballard's name is well known in show business: she's performed in burlesque, nightclubs, big bands, and stage and here provides a memoir packed with anecdotes from her career. Her upbeat memoir comes packed with anecdotes from her 50-year career and will prove a real treat for any familiar with either Kaye Ballard's career or the world of stage and TV.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

How Video Works

Published in Kindle Edition by Focal Press (2004-03-22)

Authors: Diana Weynand and Marcus Weise

List price: $39.95

New price: $31.96

Average review score:

A good primer

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-31

This is a great overview of modern video technology and achieves the authors' goal, namely "easy to understand explanations of the entire world of video."
Each chapter is pretty much self-supporting, so you don't have to read the entire book cover to cover. Having said that, the book is a fairly quick read. The copious illustrations are clear and the use of real world equipment is helpful to those that may be exposed to it.
This isn't the book to give detail about ever single aspect of a topic, but it certainly gives you enough to make use of the more specialised texts.

Video Understanding

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-25

This book will help the novice understand the basics of video. It covers everything in video to allow for a broad knowledge into this field.

Very Nice

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-02

When i started to read this book, I could no longer stop with to reading it.
It's reads so nice and everything is explained so clearly.
That is what i've to say about it.
If you want to know more about video, go buy this book. it really helps alot.

Understanding Video

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-04

"How Video Works" was just the right book for me. For the reader who has little knowledge of video, or who wants a comprehensive review souce that treats the subject from the ground up, this is an excellent choice. Video is a feature of my business, but I am not a technician. This book gave me the understanding I needed to be effective when discussing video and made an immediate impact on my ability to work with customers. It is an excellent reference, well written, and easily readable by both the technician and non-technician alike.

Great book about Video

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2004-04-23

This book really helped me understand all the parameters of video and audio and all the different formats, particularly the new stuff like hi-definition. it made something that seemed complicated easy. A great read for anyone who is interested in learning more about the technical side of video

If I Knew Then What I Know Now ... So What

Published in Hardcover by Contemporary Books (1988-10)

Authors: Estelle Getty and Steve Delsohn

List price: $15.95

New price: $15.00
Used price: $0.85

Average review score:

WONDERFULl!!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-20

I absolutely love this book. Whoever wrote that you can here Estelle's voice as you read it, you are REALLY correct. This book is extremely funny, and tells the truth. I wish she could have talked about her time in Torch Song Trilogy a little more though. However, my book is battered as well I have read this book SO many times!

I LOVE this book....

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-26

I always tought that only the character Sophia was funny, but this book proves that Estelle is just as hilarious....

Classic Estelle!

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-11-20

While reading this book you could hear Estelle Gettys voice while she's cracking jokes throughout. Thoroughly entertaining!

Estelle Getty is so great.

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-30

This book was fantabulous. Anything Estelle Getty does is automatically a classic.

Golden

Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-18

If you're an avid fan of the Golden Girls, and by that I mean, know when it airs on Lifetime and are able to recite dialogue from the show, then this book is for you. It captures the essence of Estelle Getty, and what we loved about her fiesty character, Sophia. It's an easy read of observations, anecdotes. I've read this many a time...my copy's all battered, but every now and then, when I'm feeling sentimental or a little blue, I pick up this book and find myself feeling a whole lot better. It's comfortable and familiar.

Jimi Hendrix: The Ultimate Experience

Published in Paperback by Da Capo Press (1999-10-20)

Author: Johnny Black

List price: $21.95

New price: $5.00
Used price: $0.46

Average review score:

Love this

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-26

The reason to read this book isn't that it gives you the closest thing to a day-by-day accounting of Hendrix life (which it does). The best reason to read this book is the diversity of perspectives that it gives you on Hendrix. You hear from people who loved him, who just randomly bumped into him, and even a couple who could have done without him. There's no author's bias that you have to tease out on your own. There are an assortment of takes on Hendrix. You can judge for yourself what is valid and what isn't, based on whether it is corroborated by other accounts of the same event. A truly fascinating way to look at the life of a legend.

Provides a well-rounded view of the man and his career

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2001-02-13

This book on legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix takes an unusual turn, gathering eyewitness recollections of his life through the words of his admirers, friends and close observers. From his childhood experiences through adulthood, this uses quotes from documentaries, books, newspapers, TV and Internet sites as well as new interviews to provide a well-rounded view of the man and his career.

The Ultimate Book

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 2001-05-02

Jimi Hendrix was undoubtedly one of the most distinguished and most talented guitarists ever to walk the planet. His life started out in the gutter: no mother, a father overseas, and nothing to rely on but himself. Soon however, he found his true calling, the guitar. One of his father's friends had an old Stratocaster and one night while he was drunk, he sold it to Jimi for hardly anything. From this point on, his life changed drastically; he took his guitar with him everywhere he went, even going as far as sleeping with it. His guitar took him all over the country, to England and back, and then back to London. On his last visit to London, he passed away. Jimi Hendrix was and will always be one of the best guitarists ever.

noone to trust

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2000-09-27

This book opens the wounds of Jimi's death anew. The author pieces together, as best he can, with recollections from family, band mates, and contemporaries the crushing price fame held for Jimi Hendrix. One can feel the pain, and I actually felt rage against all who seemed out to destroy him. True, he had his own demons, but there seemed noone who was really there to care about the "person" Jimi, only what they could get out of him. Of all books out, this one seemed most objective, if that is possible.

My experience with The Ultimate Experience.

Helpful Votes: 9 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 1999-12-24

This unique day-by-day account of Jimi Hendrix's life succeeds in driving home the relentless pressures of being a rock star. Drawn from a variety of sources, the book manages a feat rarer than a Hendrix guitar without teethmarks...a coherent recollection of the sixties music scene! An excellent read.

John Lennon (Unseen Archives)

Published in Hardcover by Parragon Plus (2002-10-01)

Author: Marie Clayton

List price: $20.65

New price: $19.00
Used price: $9.99
Collectible price: $33.95

Average review score:

Cynthia should have done a little investigating...

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-02

I just purchased this book because it was full of pictures I had not seen before, probably since they were shot by the Daily Mail british press. I like collecting picture books of the Beatles together and solo because they make good coffee table books and great books to just peruse through while you're chatting with someone about them. I collect the biographies as well; both go great together. If you like picture books, check out May Pang's new book "Instamatic Karma"; it's full of pictures taken during John's "lost weekend". The picture of John signing the document that would officially end the Beatles is worth the price of the book alone. Anyway, "Unseen Archives" is a great book to add to your Beatles/John Lennon collection. I do think Cynthia should have chosen another shot of John to use as the front cover of her book, "John", instead of the same one used for "Archives". But that's just my opinion....

A Book For The Ages

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-05-01

I'm a great fan of John Lennon's work and this, almost behind the scenes, book shows me how his life really was like. It wasn't always perfect like people think it could be. The photographs tell a story in themselves with the short captions helping you along the way. The easy to read context makes it that more interesting.

great price!!

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-12-20

I just recieved this book a few days ago. Its filled with hundreds of black & white photos and descriptions. I highly recommend this book to anyone... you cant go wrong with the price...Stock it up for gifts!

John Lennon

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-06-02

Hey I just got this book for my birthday and it's really good, I am a huge Beatles fan and a pretty good sized lennon fan and this has TONS of good pictures in it, it's a great book and a lot of the pics are with the Beatles lol a lot without the Beatles too, It's a great book!

Beautiful photographs, a must have for Lennon fans

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-01

So many Beatles-related books trot out the same photos, again and again. You all know the ones I'm talking about. But this book is decidedly and refreshingly different. I have many Lennon biographies in my library and this book contains many previously unpublished photos of John, especially ones from his childhood and in the period 1975-1980. The paper quality in the book is exceptional and is thick, glossy material which results in a stunning display of black and white vibrancy. The text is incidental but adds flavor and gives you the year each photo was taken.

The photos of the Beatles are a little weaker, and contain many previously known shots. But the individual pictures of John are outstanding. Consider the beautiful profile view on the cover of the book, taken in 1967. This is just a sampling of what this treasure trove has to offer. There are many other such nuggets within the covers. Any serious fan of John Lennon will adore this book and get many hours of pleasure perusing these photos of a great cultural and musical icon. John himself would scoff at such a description, but it's oh so true.

John Williams Greatest Hits 1969-1999 (Greatest Hits)

Published in Paperback by Alfred Publishing Company (2000-03)

Author:

List price: $24.95

New price: $15.65
Used price: $12.60
Collectible price: $24.95

Average review score:

great book to have

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-17

i bought this for my brother who started taking piano lessons a while back, and it's got a great selection of some the most beautiful music i've ever heard (i love john williams). good if you love jurassic park, etc. & many other timeless musical scores!

Wonderful!! A+++++

Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-12

Boook was in GREAT shape, super super super fast shipping. Wonderful seller. Buy from this person! Thank you so much! We used one of the songs as a joke in our wedding (Indianna Jones theme song... I'm an Archaeologist) and people LOVED it! Thanks for helping to make our special day even better!
A+++++

THE John Williams Sheet Music Book

Helpful Votes: 18 out of 20 total.
Review Date: 2001-08-28

If you are looking for a book with various themes of John Williams, look no further. This book contains many of his great hits from, like the book says, 1969-1999. It includes the themes from Born of the Fourth of July, Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Jaws, JFK, Schindler's List, E.T., Close Encounters, and Superman. It also includes Duel of the Fates, The Imperial March, Luke and Leia (for all you Star Wars fans), Cadillac Of The Skies, Hymn to the Fallen, Seven Years In Tibet, Scherzo For Motorcycle and Orchestra, and many more. If you are a fan of John Williams and play the piano, this book is for you! P.S. Also look for the 2-CD set of the same name which includes all of the same songs.

The best piano book in the world

Helpful Votes: 2 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-08

This is the best piano book in the world.

Great songs

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-10

This book has all of Williams's best. The songs sound really good on the piano and are easily reconizable. I recommend it to any John Williams fan.

The Judith Durham Story

Published in Paperback by Virgin Books (2004-06-10)

Author: Graham Simpson

List price: $17.64

Used price: $70.71

Average review score:

Judith Durham : Colours

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-27

A well engineered, detailed book which chronicles the life of one of the greatest voices in pop music. Another example of a singer who fell victim to the industry's need to pigeon hole each artist in a specific genre to make them more "marketable".
Judith fell into the folk music trap and her talents elsewhere (blues, jazz, the piano)were ignored. Unfortunately, the folk music scare of the mid sixties didn't last long enough to sustain a proper career and Judith was forever classified as "that gilrl who sang with the Seekers". Pity.

The life of a great star and Australian national treasure

Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-22

This is the biography of a name that may not be familiar to most Americans, but her voice is recognized by all the baby boomers. Judith Durham was the lead singer for The Seekers who had so many hits in the mid 60's. She left the group in 1968 and began a solo career that is still going strong today.
Her voice is her trade mark and is like no other. She has had a very successful career with her husband, Ron Edgeworth, who was her arranger and pianist. He died in 1994.
The Seekers re-united for a single concert in 1993 which was stretched out to 110 concerts since so many people wanted to see them again. In one day, 10 concerts sold out completely.
They did their "final concert" in 1995, since all had solo careers to which they wanted to return. That lasted a few years and then they got together again in the last few years for more concerts. Primarily in Australia and New Zealand.
Judith's story is fun to read. I was particularly interested in how her career spanned so many countries and musical art forms. She and Ron started off in England, then moved to Switzerland since British taxes were so awful. They entertained in Europe, England, Australia, and the US. Spending considrable amounts of time in all places. They were such a talented combination that they could work just about anywhere.
They finally settled in Australia, where Judith was born and grew up.
Judith does not hold back the highs and lows of her career, which makes the book very real life.
This is a great book for all Judith Durham fans,anyone familiar with The Seekers or musical entertainment. And the nice thing is, you can still see Judith performing and buy her CD's and DVDs. She turns 63 this summer and her manager said that she is taking a break from performing right now.
Judith Durham is only 5'3" and weights around 100 pounds, but has one of the most powerful yet pleasant voices I have ever heard. It is truly unigue.
The male members of The Seekers brought in at least 4 other female singers to recreate the group, but none could replace the voice of Judith. Their 4 part harmony is what we all remember so fondly. This is a very good read.

Top Book

Helpful Votes: 59 out of 59 total.
Review Date: 2005-05-22

This is an in depth story of a great Australian singer.
You can realy get glued to this.There is certain parts that you want to read a few times over again.Such as when the Seekers broke up.I dont think at the time she realized the heartbreak she would cause by leaving.Not that i remember cause i was only 1 when they broke up.
I dont think anyone can understand her reasons for leaving,unless they put themselves in her boots,and this is as close as you will get.
Now i was not a Seekers fan till i saw them perform at the 1994 AFL grand final.That voice just was so good i became a fan from that moment.I did know alot of their songs,mum had a few old singles,as well as i'd heard them on the radio mainly on the oldies stations.This book goes through her life,and how she reached stardom in the Seekers.Their careers seemed to explode when they took a ship called the SS Fairsky bound for England.
Its very interesting to read about the things that interested her in her younger days,and how she got into the Jazz scene.It goes through all the happenings in the Seekers.As well as into her solo career.
It also describes the accident she had in 1990 and the circumstances around that.I just love reading about when the Seekers got back together and the subsequent tours,and recordings.
They did their last tour in 2004,this edition was in 2003.

A musical journey, a spiritual journey

Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2004-03-27

"Colours of My Life" traces the life and career of Judith Durham, lead singer of the Seekers. Now a singer/songwriter in her own right, Judith shares her fascinating yet heartbreaking journey. Born in Australia to working-class parents, Judith struggled with issues of self-esteem, body image and depression. Her years with the Seekers brought both fame and frustration, as she coped with the need to spread her wings as an artist while being held back by her loyalty to the group.After four years of being relegated to nightclubs and variety shows by a manager who always played it safe, Judith gave six months' notice that she was leaving the group to pursue a solo career. Judith had always felt that her strong areas were jazz and blues, but feared there was no audience for this in the sixties. As she sought to shed her "folksinger" image, and compete with the likes of the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and Simon and Garfunkel, Judith had to find her own niche. And in doing so, she also found her husband, pianist Ron Edgeworth. The two embarked on a 25 year musical journey which saw them living all over the world. And on a spiritual path which ultimately carried Judith through her health problems, recovery from a very serious auto accident, and the losses of her parents and husband. This book serves as biography, travelogue and music history lesson. But most importantly, it serves as an inspiration. Despite a lifelong condition causing limited lung capacity, Judith's voice rings strong and clear, now in her sixth decade. By sharing with us her joys and triumphs as well as her heartache and loss, Judith imparts a sense of purpose and zest for life, both in her songs and in her book.

Compelling life story of the worlds best female vocalist

Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-14

In the afterword of "Colours of My Life" Judith Durham describes life as "what happens to you when you are making other plans." This phrase would certainly describe the life of one Judith Durham. This biography, lovingly written by Graham Simpson, was first released in Australia way back in 1994. It has been recently updated and reissued for the enjoyment of her fans all over the world.
While I have been a fan for all these many years I was certainly never a Seekers or Judith Durham fanatic. After all, the Seekers never achieved the popularity in the States that they enjoyed in their native Australia and the UK. About three years ago I was spinning my vinyl copy of the Seekers "Greatest Hits" when I remarked to my wife that Judith is perhaps the best female vocalist I had ever heard. This remark prompted me to do a search on Judith on the internet. I was really curious as to what she might be doing after all these many years. Much to my amazement, I discovered that the Seekers had reunited in 1993 and had recorded a new album of original material "Future Road". I was not aware of any of this. I immediately ordered the new CD and from that point on I have become a Seekers/Judith Durham fanatic!!!
I simply could not put down "Colours of the Day". What an interesting life Judith Durham has led. There are so many highs and lows, so many twists and turns. Graham Simpson has done a wonderful job in chronicling all of it. You will discover how Judith came to be a Seeker and the reasons why she chose to leave the group back in 1968. You will follow her around the world in her pursuit of a solo career. Learn how she met her beloved husband Ron Edgeworth and follow their travels over two decades from England to France to Switzerland to South Africa and back to Australia. It seems that they were always on the move in search of new musical horizons. You'll learn about the causes Judith really cares about and about tragic illness that claimed her loving husband.
Judith Durham has been honored all over the world for her work as a member of the Seekers, for her solo work and for any number of humanitarian causes she has become involved with. She is a remarkable lady. You are sure to enjoy her life story.

The Jump-out Boys

Published in Paperback by Vantage Pr (1999-11-01)

Author: Hank J. Barr

List price: $14.95

New price: $49.94
Used price: $37.49

Average review score:

Go Behind The Scenes of the hit TV Show COPS !!!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-04-11

Even if you aren't a fan of the hit FOX television show COPS (and that would put you in a small minority), you'll find this trip behind the scenes of the making of the show that started reality television a facinating journey.

Hank Barr puts you right in the patrol car with the crew as they ride through the dangerous streets, documenting our nation's police forces doing the job that they don't get enough pay for. Barr's writing style is friendly and addictive. You'll have trouble putting this one down and the end of the book will only have you begging for volume 2.

A must read for fans of the show and those who appreciate our friends in Law Enforcement! Get it while it's still available!

A view through the back door

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2000-01-25

Riveting! Fascinating! Even these adjectives are grossly inadequate. Hank Barr has lifted the cover, just a bit, to provide a glimpse of a portion of life that most of us will never have the opportunity to see. That's probably one of the reasons why the show COPS continues to enjoy high ratings.

As to the book - it has been longer than I care to recall since I read a piece of non-fiction which was nearly impossible to put down. Mr. Barr may have been a sound man, but his words paint vivid pictures in the mind.

A word of caution - Don't lend your only copy to a L.E.O.(Law Enforcement Officer) it will quickly vanish as first one and then another L.E.O. "must" read it.

COPS and the Jump-out Boys

Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 1999-12-27

COPS - the long-running TV series documenting the dramatic action accompanying the arrest of criminals - is itself documented in this first-hand account by a real insider.The author relates his ten years of experience as a "jump-out boy," one who follows the action, as a cameraman, sound or lighting technication, all the while burdened with cumbersome equipment. This book is a must for any true COPS fan!

Jump Out Boys is a hit

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2000-02-05

For the average viewer the television show COPS gives you seven minute segments into the life and times of law enforcement around the world. Hank Barr, veteran producer of the show, takes the viewer behind the scenes in his book the Jump Out Boys. With the turn of a page the reader is taken on an emotional roller coaster ride that goes from laughter to sorrow and anger to joy. The stories the author tells are based on ten years of experience and for viewers of the show, this book will be an instant favorite. As a Deputy Sheriff that had the privelege to spend time with Mr.Barr, I can say with all certainty that he has not missed a detail with this book. It is a page turner that you will not want to put down and will read over and over again

COPS and THE JUMP OUT BOYS

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2000-02-01

I am one of the deputies that participated in the COPS Show. Hank and "Richie" rode with me on both trips to Los Angeles. As I read this book, I found myself thinking back to many good times with those two guys. Hank has captured many of the feelings and emotions that ran through us on several occasions. It brought back those times and it seems like yesterday. Hank is a true professional and was a pleasure to have in my radio car. He has been able to convey the stories in a way that only someone who was there can. This book is outstanding and Hank is a great guy. The one story that covers his rides with me is accurate down to every detail. I found myself laughing again, just as I did that night. Thanks Hank!

The Klingon Way: A Warrior's Guide (Star Trek: The Klingon Book of Virtues)

Published in Paperback by Star Trek (1996-05-01)

Author: Marc Okrand

List price: $12.00

New price: $18.90
Used price: $0.02
Collectible price: $27.50

Average review score:

A book for a warrior!

Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-08

I bought "The Klingon Way" some years ago and was really impressed with it because it not only expresses the heart of the fictional Klingon culture but it's a book I've actually used in a men's group I led at a church I used to belong to because a lot of what's in the book are things men can really relate to, a book for a warrior!

Enjoyable for any Trek fan, Klingon expert or not.

Helpful Votes: 10 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 1996-08-02

In the quest for more and more spin offs in the Star Trek market, this book stands out. Rather than another novel, or nitpicking reference volume culled from the shows - this presents authentic alien literature: the proverbs of the Warrior Race!

Providing insight into tlhIngan (thats Klingon: think Bejing versus Peking. The standard English term is a corruption of the correct pronounciation, just as the old name for China's capital city was) culture, this book cleverly draws from the film and video incarnations for pithy Klingon phrases. The author (compiler), Marc Okrand created the language and clearly knows his Trek.

Illustrating almost every proverb is a relevant black and white. The proverbs are presented in tlhIngan Hol and DIvI' Hol (Klingon and English), along with a paragraph or two discussing the cultural background, and occasional grammatical tips.

The book is well organized, so that you don't really NEED the The Klingon Dictionary (also by Okrand), the authorative guide on the language. However, it makes a great companion to it. Someone seeking to learn and use the language would do well to buy both books and use The Klingon Way as a workbook of phrases to study with the vocabulary and grammar provided by the Klingon Dictionary.

Klingons are misunderstood

Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2000-02-23

If I had to be reincarnated, I would be reincarnated as a Klingon. Even though Klingons take no prisoners, they have a few smooth edges. Some how I do think that the whole Klingon race and Klingons in general are misunderstood. This book gives some virtues and good says that can be applied today. My favorite saying is "Revenge is a dish best served cold." and this saying can apply to anybody, even ex-fiances.

irrestible

Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2000-07-07

Astounding. This is one of the books a Klingon fan would love to read. Trust me, you'll be intrigued.

The Klingon proverbs and their meanings in the book will help us understand Klingon culture and society.

Klingons at the best!

Helpful Votes: 7 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2002-09-13

This is the ultimate Klingon book! It brilliantly weaves the tapestry of Star Trek's Klingon history, through its publication date in May of 1996. It is written both in English & Klingon. The photos are black & white. Each page contains a quote in both languages and a detailed explanation of the Klingon terminology. If you have not picked this up for your Star Trek collection, let me quote a Klingon phrase for you, "qoH vuvbe' SuS" ("The wind does not respect a fool"). If you can still find a copy of this, enjoy it.

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