Television Books

I'm a guidance counselor in the Philippines and i bought this book before i started working in a high school. Most of the kids who seem to have difficulty telling me their thoughts about faith, about losing hope about family would resort to openning the book (book cut) and for some reason, getting the right answer to their problems.Most kids feel that God is just around through this book.It made them feel that God has his ways of showing them that "God Loves Me" is real. I believe that's all they need to feel... they are loved by GOD.

I thought this book was fantastic. It's very inspirational and perfect to read again and again at any time. And because its quotes are from the fantastic t.v show its even better.

So far I have read through the entire book twice, and each time I have found a different quote that strikes me in some way. Whatever type of day you are having...whether it be good or bad, this book is an inspiration. It has a little something for everyone. And it's small enough to carry along with you in a backpack or briefcase so you have it with you whenever you need it!! :-

This is a very inspiring book! I've read it many, many times myself and still find a quote or two that makes a difference in one small way or another! It's a great way to lift of your spirits on a bad day, or brighten an already great day!

This book is the second from the hit drama Touched By An Angel, and is as good as the first one. It features alot of the "simple", yet truthful messages of God and His love for mankind that are spoken each week by the angels on the show. No matter what trial or situation a person may be in, they will find healing messages from the quotes in this book. My all time favorite is: "God created us all in His image. There are no second-class citizens, no minorities, no human being greater or lessor than any other. We are all the same in His eyes."

Sid Caesar's biography is an excellent book for anyone who is recovering (or trying to recover) from alcoholism and drug abuse. It paints a portrait of a man who was overcome by these problems, but found a way out. It is also very entertaining, and easy to read. This biography has had a tremendous impact on my life, and I have bought copies to share with friends who are recovering alcoholics.

Not old enough to know Sid Caesar from his 1950's heyday, I first saw him as dentist Melville Crump, with Edie Adams as his wife Monica, in Stanley Kramer's immortal IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD (1963) as a child of 12. Flying in a makeshift plane or trapped in a hardware basement, Mr. Caesar is peerless. Blowing a hole with dynamite in a wall leading to a Chinese laundry, he non-chalantly says in the understatement of the year, "The lock didn't work. The owners will pay for everything." He is fabulously funny in MAD WORLD, which remains my favorite comedy of the sound era.

WHERE HAVE I BEEN, which I read in paperback several years ago, galvanized and overwhelmed me. Its portrait of 1950's live TV and a famous personality addicted to both alcohol and pills and his own fame is dead-on, shattering, and ultimately liberating when Mr. Caesar finally kicks his addictions. The book is truthful and shattering. I read it in one all afternoon and evening sitting. At the end I was crying and wanted to just hug Mr. Caesar and tell him that he is both a brave man and a genius. And, of course, a survivor.

I subsequently had the opportunity--the 1980's?--to see Mr. Csear and Imogene Coca do a live stage revival of YOUR SHOW OF SHOWS in downtown San Francisco. It was in an intimate theater, not one of the giant theaters, and side-splittingly funny, the best of the best. Two fabulous comic actors performing hilarious material.

What I would like to do next is to go back to the 1950's again and see DVD's of CAESAR'S HOUR and YOUR SHOW OF SHOWS for the first time. I am pleased that I have so much to choose from and that the genius behind them is still very much alive to enjoy them with a clear brain. And I want to see MAD WORLD restored to its original 192 minute Cinerama roadshow length; the current DVD only runs 161 minutes, which is the 35mm general release length plus some roadshow music.

I am especially happy that Sid Caesar conquered his alcohol and pill demons to come out into the sunlight and enjoy his past work on DVD. It is great to hear about his swimming daily in his pool and everything else he is doing in the name of good health. He is so very, very funny in the incomparable MAD WORLD. And his book WHERE HAVE I BEEB is an absolute must-read for both its extraordinarily candid portrait of the dark side of alcohol addiction and its authentic behind-the-scenes glimpses of the Golden Age of live TV. Being golden had its price. Sid Caesar is a survivor who should be applauded.

What would you do if you earned millions of dollars and were famous throughout the world before the age of thirty? In the 1950's Sid Ceasar's critically acclaimed weekly comedy "Your Show of Shows" ruled Saturday night televison, and brought him world fame and a fortune to match. His authentic, true to life and 100% live and unedited comedy brought a never before attempted challenge to televison that has not been re-created before or since- and people went mad for it. In the eight years Caesar had a slot on the air, ratings sky-rocketed and televison sales (then the latest "must have") went through the roof. This should've been the perfect life for any man...but it wasn't. Unable to deal with the tremendous pressures of his high profile career, Caesar turned to alcohol as a "stress reliever". This eventually turned into a battle with alcoholism that lasted many years and sent Caesar plunging into what he calls his "dark period," which left him unable to recall or enjoy most of the professional milestones he became famous for. After being given drugs to help rid him of his alcohol addiction, Caesar then took on the role of alcoholic-addict, a well hidden secret that nearly cost him his job, his family and his life. Near death, and on the verdge of total ruin, Caesar realizes he must make a change. "Where Have I Been?" is the creatively written, dramatic account of Caesar's own life and times and his rocky journey down the road to recovery. A sure comfort for anyone who has experienced the traumatic realities of substance abuse, and a great book for anyone with a general interest in celebrities.

I had to read and autobiography for my english class. Well, my dad had the book and he let me read it because i needed a book. It turns out to be an awesome book. I recamend. Besides, where would we be today with out tv comedy?

What would you do if you earned millions of dollars and were famous throughout the world before the age of thirty? In the 1950's Sid Ceasar's critically acclaimed weekly comedy "Your Show of Shows" ruled Saturday night televison, and brought him world fame and a fortune to match. His authentic, true to life and 100% live and unedited comedy brought a never before attempted challenge to televison that has not been re-created before or since- and people went mad for it. In the eight years Caesar had a slot on the air, ratings sky-rocketed and televison sales (then the latest "must have") went through the roof. This should've been the perfect life for any man...but it wasn't. Unable to deal with the tremendous pressures of his high profile career, Caesar turned to alcohol as a "stress reliever". This eventually turned into a battle with alcoholism that lasted many years and sent Caesar plunging into what he calls his "dark period," which left him unable to recall or enjoy most of the professional milestones he became famous for. After being given drugs to help rid him of his alcohol addiction, Caesar then took on the role of alcoholic-addict, a well hidden secret that nearly cost him his job, his family and his life. Near death, and on the verdge of total ruin, Caesar realizes he must make a change. "Where Have I Been?" is the creatively written, dramatic account of Caesar's own life and times and his rocky journey down the road to recovery. A sure comfort for anyone who has experienced the traumatic realities of substance abuse, and a great book for anyone with a general interest in celebrities.

Ozzy is considered a legend in metal music, but not to me. The real deal in metal is Lemmy Kilmister. This is his story, and its a highly enjoyable read. I highly agree with his take on what people say about the Ace of Spades cd and alot of other things he says is very true. Ozzy can enjoy retirement and quit making a fool of himself. The real deal is over sixty, rocking harder then you ever have, and is better then you ever will be. His name is Lemmy.

Lemmy takes the reader on an interesting journey of his sex drugs and rock n roll lifestyle over many decades. He explores all of his excesses in life in a thoroughly entertaining and well written book. Perhaps the only disappointing thing for me was his failure to mention his friendship with German metal queen Doro Pesch, which was the main reason i purchased this book.
Overall it is a great read and highly recommended for fans.

I loved this book. Not only does it tell the reader some hilarious stories of Motorheads crazy antics, it also tells us interesting facts about the music business, history, politics and not to forget drugs, sex and rock n 'roll. Some of the stories in the book were so great I ended up calling my friends and reading exerts from it. This is a must read not only for Motorhead fans, but also for any fans of rock, or music in general.

Lemmy Kilmister is a legend for the music, but also his attitude, like he said 'I dont drive a porsche', although he is a living legend. The book gives an great view of music through the 60's and 70's. The best thing about this book is how it gives you that knowledge of what was behind the music when they made it. You find out all those things from Lemmy, the rumours such as his poisinous blood.I flew through this book just wish there was more.

Let me guess . . . the editors and bean counters put a limit on the word count? I could have easily read double the amount of pages on the life of this rock n roll legend and still wanted more.
Never a dull moment, though. I laughed out loud. I pondered Lemmy's wisdom. And, I learned a great deal about rock n roll--the art, the life, the philosophy, and the shady businessmen out there who exploit it.
I flew thru this book. It's hard not to admire someone like Lemmy, who is uncompromising and unapologetic. I see this man as someone who's had the guts to live life on his own terms--believing in himself and always staying true to his art.
I've been a Motorhead fan for only a short time. Only knew of them from the "Ace of Spades" video that I had first seen 20-some years ago. I always remembered the thunderous bass & drums and the searing guitar riffs. But, what I recall even more so was the frontman shouting the lyrics. "Who is that guy?" I had asked myself. The image remained in my head. But, thanks to our wonderful radio staions, driven by $$$, failing to promote bands, and ignorant of rock n roll, my image of Motorhead slowly faded.
Years later, with the Internet at my disposal, I researched this band, getting drawn to various interviews. I bought the CDs and read anything on this band that I could dig up. I wasn't disappointed--I only regretted that I hadn't checked them out years earlier. But I digress . . . coming across this book was the cherry on top of my heavy metal sundae!
The writing is terse, often humorous. Lemmy goes off on tangents, but I never minded, as I found every word interesting. Quite often, he'd tell a story, and I was left wondering, what happened after that? What did you think? Where are these people now? The interactions with other bands was particularly enjoyable, but like a drug, I still wanted more.
Anyway, Lemmy and Motorhead can count on me to be a dedicated fan, always awaiting their next CD. As for "White Line Fever" I'm reading it again. I enjoyed it that much.
Always,
Bill Kozlowski

His title is poignant--it could mean, "Why am I discriminated against just for being black?" or it could mean, "Why did God single me out for such stardom and an extraordinary life?" Both of these themes weave throughout the book. Sammy was part of a show-biz trio with his father and "uncle" Will Mastin. He began performing at a very young age, and these two kind men managed to shelter him against racism until he entered the Army. Then, literally from day one, he faced the worst of racial hatred and ostracism, which lasted well into his famous years. He had his nose broken three times. He could play in a Las Vegas club, but had to find accommodations elsewhere. He could not enter the casinos where he played. When he married the blonde and beautiful May Britt, there were still states that had miscegenation on the books, so they could not travel together legally. But little short, one-eyed Sammy was determined to beat the odds. "If I'm a star," he figured, "I can break down these doors." But he didn't have an easy time of it. The whites thought he was too black, and the blacks thought he was too Uncle Tom. He was all set to perform at JFK's inauguration, when he was suddenly "uninvited." He became personal friends with MLK, Jr. and RFK, only to see them gunned down. His marriage to May died because he was the "always on" guy, drinking and whoring and never there for their three kids. He HAD to live up to his "swinger" image, and he felt that stardom was the only hedge against his being deemed a second-class citizen. He then met Altovise, a black woman whom he married. It seems as though she had a much better tolerance for his over-the-top lifestyle than May did. But he still ended up $1M in arrears to the IRS, which he eventually paid off. (He was always good at earning money, but even better at spending it.) He was a brilliant star, good at singing and dancing. telling jokes, and playing the trumpet and drums. Frank Sinatra was his lifelong friend, giving him breaks and encouraging him every step of the way. And Sammy championed RFK as the best president that we could have had during our times for civil rights. This book ends four years before his death, but the cause of death was throat cancer--too much singing and smoking and drinking killed him in the end. But what a ride!

In simple, down-to-earth prose, the late Sammy Davis, Jr. tells his moving life story, from playing cheap theatres in the 1920s South as a five-year-old with his uncle, to the magnificent fame he achieved decades later. Before he became universally beloved, Davis had to endure, and overcome, brutal bigotry. The best line of the book is when he asks, "How do you kill an idea?" His answer: "With a better idea." Go read it.

Fascinating personal account of show business, racism, politics and famous personalities from the 40s to the 80s. Shows how excess (Sammy) or even the appearance of excess (Dean Martin) is useful (necessary?) for the publicity that makes one a star.

Mr Davis'is revealed to be much more than performer. We find Sammy to be an activist, comedian, swinger, a great human being. His friendship with Frank Sinatra is shown to be pivotal in his giving up drugs. Another laugh and cry book.

I really enjoyed this book, I had no idea what the blacks in the US had to go through, having grown up in Australia. Sammy had a big chip on his shoulder which he carried throughout his life but it is understandable when you read what he went through. This isn't just a boring story of a star's life, it is a fascinating look at racism, politics, being rich beyond your dreams and in debt for millions - a great read.

My Nephew loves the Wiggles and this was a good book for his book collection.

My daughter is 16 months old and loves being read to from this book. She also likes to flip through the pages and try to name the characters and the animals!! I wish there were more Wiggles books like this (she doesn't like the cartoon Wiggles books)!!

We love the Wiggles, so this book is great because it has real pictures of the wiggles, along with some really neat pictures. I enjoy this book because I make up funny stories which my daughter enjoys and it's easy to take "ON THE GO". I'd recommend this book for Wiggles fans.

My two year old son really likes this book. The Wiggles spend the day at the zoo, so they show different animals and everything rhymes. It's far from the greatest story ever told, but does the trick in amusing my young child. This is also short and sweet, so it's a good bedtime book since I usually have to read it about 5 times, per his request. The photos are nice, and we even take it in the car since he likes to just look at the pictures. It's definitely better than the Wiggles books where they are drawn as cartoons. I can barely figure out which is which, and only do from the color of their shirts. I recommend this book highly for any little Wiggles fans, especially the ones that like animals too!

What I love about this new book is that the Wiggles take turns again describing to me about all these interesting animals they say in a rhyme. The Wiggles' Friends use their own rhyming sentences, too.

(The Wiggles: Let's Go To The Zoo) reminds me a little bit of "Zoological Gardens" from (Hoop-Dee-Doo, It's a Wiggly Party).

I had to write this review after reading the previous reviewer's comments, which make little sense. THE OUTLAW is a fantastic read, and, more importantly, the first book that really grapples with the strange, magic reality of Willie Nelson. It is virtually un-put-downable, full of character and verve, honesty and insight.

Even as I tore through it I suspected there might be a split between those who read it: for so-called 'loyal' Willie fans who treat him like some kind of God, it may not appeal. Those who are looking for an uncomplicated, unthinking homage to Willie will not find it here - there are plenty of those kinds of books on the shelves, but this is the first Willie book to really grapple with the complexities of the man; it is a warts 'n' all study, although affectionate, knowledgable and fair, and presents him and his amazing world in a thorough and truly new way.

It is clearly and cleverly written, with little up-close vignettes of Willie in between each chapter, and with cameos from all the major players in Willie's life. I bet Willie read it with a wry chuckle and thought, 'Yep, they finally got me!'

A wonderful book, highly recommended to all Willie fans who don't wear blinkers, and all other music fans.

I enjoyed the book, and felt that it presented a pretty thorough, well-rounded view of an interesting person. I do think that Mr. Thomson knows the music scene very well, although he unnecessarily inserts some of his personal condescending viewpoints of some currently popular country artists. I knocked the rating down a star because it needed better editing - there are several typos that should have been caught.

I gave the book as a gift, and they thought it was great

Great insight to one of America's greatest song writers and musicians. I've followed Willie for over 30 years and I'm not a country music fan. Willie reaches everyone who loves a good song.

Awesome book! Fills in a whole load of gaps in Will's life that I often wondered about. I've been a fan for 25 years and hoped this kind of 3-D book would come along - it's not only very astute on his life and character but also absolutely BRILLIANT on his music.

A Woman's View, by Jeanne Basinger, was rightfully the most interesting history based book I have ever read. Although it can be lengthy at times, it touches on subjects in which I had barely any knowledge of, and shows how it was reflecting the time period of the 30's, 40's, 50's, and 60's. Seeing as though this was about women right after the women's rights movement in the 20's, this book shows how Hollywood used female movie stars to incorporate the countries opinions on them. With that, I thought the introduction chapter on the genre of these types of movies was absolutely spectacular. It really made me have so much respect for women during these time periods. They had such class and such morals, which, sad to say, is starting to slowly fade away, or can at least be argued that it is.
A few of the sections of this book that I thought was the most interesting, were the ones about twin women in movies and the fashion and glamour of women. Before reading this book, I never really thought into the idea that being a woman in Hollywood, and acting a certain role represented something as a whole. These actresses were not just playing the part of their assigned character; they were representing women as a whole. With their fashion, their speech, and their actions, I found it truly inspiring to know that they were stepping out of their comfort zone and taking risks with the roles that they chose to act out.
One chapter, entitled Duality, included how Hollywood used twins in their movies to represent one specific point in these movies. This chapter, being one of the more detailed ones, showed how twins portrayed particularly two things: the good and the bad. The good twin, usually dressed in fashionably acceptable clothes and appropriate styles, was usually criticized by her twin, which represented evil, or the bad. I thought it was very much a shock to me how many of the so called "bad" twins in these Hollywood movies were constantly pretending to be their twin to confuse their family, friends, or even their husbands! Many of them did this only to find some sort of revenge on their twin for whatever reason they could think of. In my mind, I would have never thought of this as being presented in movies during these time periods, but I also have to remember that this was also a time when women were really standing up for what they believed in and stepping out of the ordinary molds they had always been put into.
What was so fascinating about this book was how Basinger found a way to represent women in film in such a respectable way, and not so much trashy as some may have viewed it at the time. Women like Loretta Young, Kay Francis, and Greta Garbo are true heroines when it comes to paving the way for all future actresses, and also for open our countries eyes to the lives of women, and really shows that they were becoming less and less like housewives and more like the hardworking entrepreneurs that they really were and always will be.

This book articulates for me why I have always loved this genre of film. The author highlights the work of many fine actresses of the period whose work is overlooked in many film books. Although the ideas they espoused may be dated, the desire of women to see the concerns of their private lives played out on screen still exists. I believe that the next century may bring a resurgurce of this type of film.

This is one of the most enjoyable "film studies" I have ever come across, essentially about "soap opera" 'women's pictures' of the 1930's and 1940's but expanding into the 1920's and 1950's a bit and touching on other types of films and the great women stars from this time period. From Kay Francis (who is the cover girl and Basinger's main muse for this tome) to Rita Hayworth, this is a wonderful book for any one obssessed with films from the era, it's like finding a new best friend to talk about these classic films. Basinger writes informatively yet in plain academic-free language making the book a pleasuer to read - and she knows when to crack wise and when to be serious, no mean feat. It's a skill a lot of "movie historians" don't have.

If you love movies you must read Ms. Basinger's marvelous study of "women's pictures" which encompasses the stars that acted in them, the directors that guided them, the writers that gave them life and the studios that distributed them. Hollywood history, women's history, art history all rolled into one readable and thought provoking volume. This one is right up there with Louise Brooks by Barry Paris as one of the best books on film and those who created it.

Jeanine Basinger is to be congratulated for shedding light on a too-little studied aspect of Hollywood history. She puts the movies and the stars she discusses in the context of how movie-going women perceived them at the time. In doing so, she concentrates not on the "greatest" stars, but rather on secondary figures like Kay Francis, Ann Dvorak, and Loretta Young, women who had (sometimes surprisingly) immense popular appeal while they were making movies but whose careers either faded, made the transition to character rather than leading-lady status, or moved to television. She reminds us that the "woman's picture" was far more than the drama of suffering and renunciation (like "Now, Voyager", "Back Street", or "Autumn Leaves") we most commonly think of today. She broadens her definition to include virtually any film that either focused on a woman as its central character or concerned itself with traditionally "women's" concerns.

What she makes clear is that, despite the pronounced limitations of the world view of the woman's picture, it represented a varied and vigorous film culture in which (as she writes) "on the screen ... the woman will decide. She is important. She matters. She is the Center of the Universe."

"A Woman's View" is that rare thing -- a scholarly examination of mostly obscure figures and works that is at the same time an excellent and entertaining read.

The best World's most Comprehensive and Up-to-Date Guide to Broadcasting.

This is a must have for Shortwave Listening. A wealth of information.

for anybody who have a problem to verify listening of the radio.
It is like litle cook book which you must have altough he know to cook.

Localy not so precise (maybe for litle cauntrys)

All you need to make DXing: info about countries, local & international radiostations of LW, MW & SW; interesting lists, ecc.

As a long time and long distance radio listener, I find this invaluable
to identify radio signals, where they are from and the language being
used.
Leo

I recommend this book to my screenwriting students.

Alan Armer will take you through every step of creating your screenplay masterpiece with the most valuable and practical advice you could ever wish to have. His words are worth reading to anyone who cares about the craft of screenwriting.

I was most fortunate to be a screenwriting student of Alan Armer's at Cal State Northridge and I can tell you this man knows ALL when it comes to the subject of writing and how to inspire people to follow their dreams. His books are probably the most valuable tool any screenwriter could have. If you are serious about your writing, you will buy this book.

Alan armer lays out the fundamentals of screenwriting in an easy to understand and apply way. Since reading the book I have taken three classes from him. He is incredible and his book can only improve your writing. It's worth the price!

I've been a professional television writer for twenty years, including "Remington Steele," "Hill Street Blues," "Northern Exposure," "Picket Fences," and "Early Edition." I have won an Emmy and Golden Globes for my work and have taught at UCLA Extension among other places. For my money, Alan Armer's book is the best guide to the actual work of professional screenwriting that exists. This is the real thing. It is honest, wise, and free of jargon. It contains useful exercises so that both instructor and student can concentrate on the work at hand rather than spend a lot of initial time and emotional energy discussing an aspiring writer's personal work, a process which often puts unnecessary and unfortunate obstacles in the way of learning the craft. Armer doesn't try to sell you any shortcuts, smake oil, or magic formulas. Quite the contrary, he encourages you to open your mind and imagination through the discipline of solid craftsmanship. He understands the process of writing. He gives many examples about what works and what doesn't and explains why. He includes priceless interviews with some great writers. It's simply a marvelous textbook from a great teacher, a lovely man, and a master practitioner of the art.

Mr Hedges wrote a very detailed account of the band here, so much so, that one can feel that he was really connected with the bandmembers. There are many upon many quotes from the band in here that really give more depth than I have seen in recent documentaries. I can't believe I spent the amount of money I did for it, but I just couldn't find a copy and other Yes fans have praised it. I agree with the reviews. It's funny where the book finally ends up at and that is the departing of Rick and Jon from the band. The Drama album was actually very good in my opinion and fresh at the time. I still would like to see an updated version of this book, or a bandmember account of being in Yes.

I've read several books about Yes. But I've wanted to read this one (the first ever written about the band) since the early 80s. It took me until 2004 to find a copy I could afford.

The book was worth waiting for. I finally see why so many long-time Yes fans have always liked it.

The writing is excellent -- funny, opinionated, and packed with information. The photo selection is superb, and includes many pictures I hadn't seen before. The book is over 20 years old, so it only takes you up to the 'Drama' era. Unfortunately, it's officially out of print, so it's expensive.

But it's a magnificent read, indispensable for any Yes fan. Easily five stars. Maybe six.

Forget about the new books, this is the ONLY Yes bio that matters. Get it if you can!!!

Not only have I read this book over and over again, I have had the good fortune to have it signed by ALL the band members over the years. It is a complete history. I love it!

Dan Hedges was the publicist for YES during the 1970's. This book contains a detailed biography of the band from their start in 1968 through their 1980 release "Drama". The book is filled with hundreds of photographs and quotes from the band and would be a compelling addition for any serious fan.