Radio Books

Nice book. But in this edition, there is no chapter title on each page, so it's a little difficult to track the chapters.

There is at least one author who may remind you of Stephen Leacock, namely Garrison Keillor of Lake Wobegon fame, but Leacock should be recognized as the ultimate master of quaint, bucolic humor. Leacock, who died in 1944, became arguably the most prominent Canadian humorist of his day (and probably of all time). What is ironic about that claim is that Leacock worked for most of his life as a professor of economics. We do not usually equate economics with humor, preferring to think of that profession as one of bow ties and supply and demand charts. Throw that presumption out the window and pick up a copy of "Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town," Leacock's best known work available through the New Canadian Library series.

For me, one of the funniest sections of the book was the introduction written by Leacock, where he gives you some background about himself and his profession. This short piece of writing quickly gives you an idea of the type of humor you will find in the actual sketches: a very sly, very quiet and clever type of humor that often takes a while to sink in. Leacock does not rely on rim shot jokes or manic posturing in his writings. Instead, he creates the fictional Canadian town of Mariposa and populates it with small town archetypes that are wonders to behold.

All of the characters are hilarious in their own way: Mr. Smith, the proprietor of the local hotel and bar, full of schemes to earn money while trying to get his liquor license back. Then there is Jefferson Thorpe, the barber involved in financial schemes that may put him on the level of the Morgans and the Rockefellers. The Reverend Mr. Drone presides over the local Church of England in Mariposa, a man who reads Greek as easy as can be but laments his lack of knowledge about logarithms and balancing the financial books of the church. Peter Pupkin, the teller at the local bank, has a secret he wants no one to know about, but which eventually comes out while he is courting the daughter of the town judge. All of these characters, and several others, interact throughout the sketches.

Leacock has the ability to turn a story, to make it take a crazy, unexpected twist even when you are looking for such a maneuver. That he accomplishes this in stories that rarely run longer than twenty pages is certainly a sign of great talent. By the time you reach the end of the book, you know these people as though you lived in the town yourself, and you know what makes them tick.

Despite all of the crazy antics in Mariposa, Leacock never lets the reader lose sight of the fact that these are basically good people living good lives. There seems to be a lot of feeling for the citizens of Mariposa on the part of Leacock, which comes to a head in the final sketch in the collection, "L'Envoi. The Train to Mariposa," where he recounts traveling back to the town after being away for years, with all of the attendant emotions that brings as recognizable landmarks come into view and the traveler realizes that his little town is the same as when he left it years before.

I suspect there is a historical importance to "Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town." These writings first appeared in 1912, a time when many people living in the bigger Canadian cities still remembered life in a small town. In addition to the humorous aspects of the book, the author includes many descriptive passages concerning the atmosphere and layout of Mariposa, something instantly recognizable to anyone who grew up in such a place. Nostalgia for the simpler life of the small town probably played a significant role in the book's success.

I look forward to reading more Stephen Leacock. While much of the humor in the book is not belly laugh funny, it does provide one with a deep satisfaction of reading clever humor from an author who knows how to tickle the funny bone. You do not need to be Canadian to enjoy this wonderful book.

no hype. i couldn't stop laughing as i was reading this. and i mean laughing out loud. in a cafe. with everyone staring at me. but i didn't care. and i couldn't help it if i did. it's just too hilarious.

Like the heading says, this is the funniest book I've ever read. Leacock was a comic genius and this is his best work. Buy it, read it, love it.

Perhaps the finest comment about Stephen Leacock in the last half century is that "he is a
Will Rogers for the 90's."

Rogers, of course, is one of the most beloved of American humorists -- he was killed in
1935 when his plane crashed near Point Barrow, Alaska. Leacock died on March 28, 1944.
Like Rogers, he had been Canada's favorite humorist for decades.

Sunshine Sketches is about Orillia, Ontario, Canada, where Leacock had his summer home
on Brewery Bay (he once wrote, "I have known that name, the old Brewery Bay, to make
people feel thirsty by correspondence as far away as Nevada.") His home is now maintained
as a historic site by the town of Orillia. I lived there for almost 30 years, and the people of Orillia are still much the same as Leacock portrayed them in 1912.

These stories about various personalities in town were printed in the local newspaper in the
1910 - 1912 era, before being compiled into this book which established Leacock's literary
fame. The people portrayed really lived, though some are composites; the events are of a
kindly humorist looking at the foibles of small town life. Once they came out in book form
and soared to national popularity, everyone in town figured the rest of the country was
laughing at them because of Leacock's book and he was royally hated in Orillia to the end
of his life.

Gradually, and this took decades, Orillians came to recognize that genius had walked
amongst them for several decades. (It's hard to recognize genius when your own ego is so
inflated.) Orillia now awards the annual "Leacock Medal for Humor" -- Canada's top literary
prize for the best book of humour for the preceding year.

Leacock died when I was six, but I did know his son, who still lived in town. I delivered
papers to the editor of the "Newspacket," Leacock's name for the Orillia Packet and Times
(where I worked) and the rival Newsletter. The Packet had the same editor in the 1940's as
when Leacock wrote about him in 1910.

But the book is more than Orillia; it is a wonderfully kind and humorous description of life in
many small towns. The American artist Norman Rockwell painted the same kinds of scenes;
it is the type of idyllic urban life so many of us keep longing to find again in our hectic
urban world.

Leacock realized the book was universal in its description of small towns, and in the preface
he wrote "Mariposa is not a real town. On the contrary, it is about seventy or eighty of
them. You may find them all the way from Lake Superior to the sea, with the same square
streets and the same maple trees and the same churches and hotels, and everywhere the
sunshine of the land of hope."

True enough, which gives this book continuing appeal nearly a century after it was written.
All great writing is about topics you know, and as a longtime resident Leacock knew Orillia
well. As for Leacock himself, he wrote, "I was born at Swanmoor, Hants., England, on Dec.
30, 1869. I am not aware that there was any particular conjunction of the planets at the
time, but should think it extremely likely."

He says of his education, "I survived until I took the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in
1903. The meaning of this degree is that the recipient of instruction is examined for the last
time in his life, and is pronounced completely full. After this, no new ideas can be imparted
to him."

In reviewing Charles Dickens' works in 1934, Leacock wrote what could well be his own
epitaph: "Transitory popularity is not proof of genius. But permanent popularity is." The fact
his writings are still current illustrates the nature of his writing.

In contrast to the sometimes sardonic humor of modern times, Sunshine Sketches reflects
Leacock's idea that "the essence of humor is human kindness." Or, in the same vein, "Humor
may be defined as the kindly contemplation of the incongruities of life, and the artistic
expression thereof."

Granted, this book is not what he recognized to have widespread appeal to modern readers.
In his own words, "There are only two subjects that appeal nowadays to the general public,
murder and sex; and, for people of culture, sex-murder." Yet, anyone reading this will
remember scenes from it for much longer than anything from a murder mystery.

In today's world, where newspapers almost daily track Prime Minister Tony Blair's dash to
the political right, Leacock wrote, "Socialism won't work except in Heaven where they don't
need it and in Hell where they already have it."

He described his own home as follows, "I have a large country house -- a sort of farm
which I carry on as a hobby . . . . Ten years ago the deficit on my farm was about a
hundred dollars; but by well-designed capital expenditure and by greater attention to
details, I have got it into the thousands." Sounds familiar to today's farm policies ?

It's what I mean by this being a timeless work.

Leacock himself noted, when talking about good literature, "Personally, I would sooner have
written 'Alice in Wonderland' than the whole of the 'Encyclopedia Britannica'." This is his
'Alice' and it well deserves to be favorably compared to Lewis Carroll's work.

By all measures, it is still the finest Canadian book ever written.

I thought that the book Who Was That Masked Man Anyway? by Avi was very, very good and I would recommend it. It was about a boy who loved radio so much that was all he could think about, so he did badly in school. He and his friend Mario Calvino go on "daring" adventures trying to get rid of a "public enemy" (also know as Mr. Swerdlow, the man who was renting out a room in his parents house). It was a very funny and enjoyable, and I think that is very good and I think that everyone should read it.

This book was very good bacause it has old shows and alot of oldies action .I like any thing that is like an old cartoon which I like anything that was made in made in the 1800's.That is why like this book and gave it four stars.

Genre: Non-Fiction
Three Sentence Summary: This book is about a kid who's brother is in Vietnam. He camoes home and has to stay in his brothers room. He tries to get him married and get the tenant to go away, so he could get his room back and talk to his friend.
What I liked most about the book: What I liked about this book is Frankie trying to get Mr. Watson out of his brothers room.
What I didn't laike and why: It doesn't tell the whole story, because at the end it just says that someone gets married and it doesn't tell what happened to Frankie's friend.
My favorite character and why: Frankie is my favorite character because he is funny and he's also kind of a fool because he doesn't think about the consequences.
The line that menat something to me and why: "Who was that masked man anyway," because the woman still couldn't figure out who he was.
What I would say about this book to someone else: Read it! it wil get you to predict what would happen next and it doesn't get you off guard. It goes in order.
One question I have after reading this book: What happened to Frankie and Mario.
My strongest reason for recommendation: It is interesting because it keeps you going, it makes you finish it and not put it away. It's addictive. It's suspensful.

Incredible! Avi has outdone himself this time. Using old radio, old wars, and new minds to create a fun, adventurous novel. His funniest book ever. If you haven't read this book yet, you haven't seen Avi's best book next to "The Man Who Was Poe."

... I was intrigued by the 1940's backdrop (I loved Number the Stars and Summer of my German Soldier--this was nothing like them at all). It is a comic romp following a pair of over-imaginate boys who listen to radio shows the way modern kids watch saturday morning cartoons. Avi even includes snippets from The Green Hornet and other popular radio shows of the time. A pretty school teacher and a war-injured big brother get mixed up in the boys attempts to aid the war effort in their own unorthodox way.

Solid understanding of wireless propagation channels is necessary to be a good wireless system designer and also a researcher. Part II of this book provides an excellent coverage of channel models and propagation mechanisms. It is a must-read material for graduate students in the wireless communications field. I also particularly studied chapter 19 on OFDM. Related concepts are very well explained.

I highly recommend this book for graduate students and researchers. It will surely be one of your favorites.

There are many reasons to recommend this excellent book. First, it is a very thorough review of important basic and new concepts in wireless communications. No matter what you are searching for, it is very likely that you will find a first answer in this textbook. While offering different levels of detail, the author has also managed to remain very accurate in the explanations, which is a rare quality among general textbooks. Finally, the list of references is really extensive for readers highly interested in very specific topics.

I bought this book because I needed to brush up my wireless skills for a project during this summer. I liked the table of contents; it seemed to include pretty much anything I would need. But when reading it in detail, I was even more impressed by the skill of the author in explaining the most tricky aspects of wireless systems, mixing verbal explanations, math, and examples. And the book is at just the right level to bridge the usual communications courses I had heard, and the really advanced research monographs and papers. To summarize, this is simply a great book - 5 stars without a doubt.

This is a very excellent textbook for both advanced undergraduate and graduate courses. It covers almost every aspects of wireless communications without losing depth. The further reading section at the end of each chapter is very usefull to readers who want to explore more on particular topics. It is a good sumary.
The book will be a good tool for those who want to get more detail understanding of emerging technology like UWB, MIMO, OFDM propagation model and wirelss standards such as GSM, WCDMA, WLAN,...

This is an excellent book that can be used both as a reference for practicing engineers and as a textbook for teaching wireless communications. The book provides the tools to understand the state-of-the-art wireless technology, theory and practice. Topics covered are wide-ranging starting with the presentation of the requirements of wireless communication systems and the technical challenges involved in communication under multipath fading conditions. The book proceeds to present a thorough description of the wireless channel. It then continues with an in-depth presentation of techniques for designing transceivers for communication over the wireless channel. In this part, the reader will find clear, detailed descriptions of technologies currently in use such as CDMA, OFDM and multiantenna systems. In the last part, the book discusses wireless standards covering both cellular and local-area networks. Review questions and exercises are collected in a separate chapter.

The sound effects of the battle are fantastic. I was especially impressed that the script actually used the real names of two participants in the battle for the roles of the 16 year old boy and his friend. I highly recommend this tape to any Alamo enthusiast.

I just got this tape and love it! The story leading up to the battle is just as exciting as the battle - and for the final 12 minutes my speakers were crashing and exploding and cannon balls were flying across the room! The battle is spectacular, and I was right in the middle of it - what an experience! I must point out however, reading another review just after listening to the show, that at no point in the story does Travis "draw the line in the dirt" for the men to cross. This never happens in this "Alamo" program. Also, I have read MANY books on the Alamo, and this show was dead-on! High recommended. I don't know why the program is listed as "Abridged," because it is the complete program.

Radio has been called the "theater of the mind." The Alamo, presented here for the first time as a radio dramatization, is a professional production that uses talented actors, realistic sound effects, and an able musical score to tell a story. Much like a good book, it will transport you to another place and time where you become more than a casual observer.

The story is told from the standpoint of a young David Cummings an actual Alamo defender from Pennsylvania and begins when he, like so many others, answers the call for volunteers in the Texas Revolution. We travel with Cummings to Texas and along the way meet a bevy of characters, some familiar others not-so-familiar.

This dramatization is just that, drama and as such is also entertainment and should not be taken by the listener to be an accurate reference resource. The writers stuck fairly close to history, but in some cases chose to take artistic license for the sake of telling a good story.

For example, our protagonist, David Cummings, who was 27 at the time of the siege, is suddenly 16 years old. I am not sure why the writers did this when they could have easily chosen other defenders who were that young or simply chosen someone else. This is not a detractor from the story because 99.9% of the population doesn't know David Cummings from Adam, so for most part it doesn't matter. The Colonial Radio Theater players are story tellers and boy do they tell a whopping good story.

I was pleased that William Barrett Travis was presented as a young man (he was 26 when he died) but rolled my eyes when they had him draw the line in the sand. This, and "Moses" Rose going over the wall shortly thereafter were the only instances I noted where lore supplanted history. The writers can be forgiven though, because Travis's line in the sand is part of our cultural consciousness and as such, it effectively added to the drama. The Alamo was about choices and the"line in the sand" scene efficiently depicts the ultimate choice. In the end our hero, Cummings, did not want to die, but was willing to give up his life for something bigger than himself. By experiencing it with the characters you understand WHY so many chose to stand and fight when they knew death was a certainty.

The producers choice of vocal talents was generally good. However, I must admit that I winced at the characterizations of Tejanos or Mexican nationals. It was obvious to this listener that these were not Hispanic actors but rather non-Hispanics actors using a forced accent. (Santa Anna sounded a little like Bela Lugosi.) In fairness, I may be a little picayunish due to my Hispanic heritage and this detail might not be noticed by most.

The Alamo does not contain any colorful language, but sometimes the dialog and action get a little rough. The story also deals with the subjects of death and duty in a realistic fashion and may be too intense for younger children, so I would give this cassette a PG rating. While still a family offering, The characterizations in The Alamo are not unnecessarily sanitized, so you still get the idea that some of defenders were from rough-and-ready stock.

The quality of this digital recording is excellent. The sound effects were realistic and the stereo separation greatly added to the sense of spatial presence, especially in the final battle sequence. The music, as it should, heightens the drama without detracting from the overall production.

If you like the story and drama of the Alamo, then I would recommend this tape. However, if you are looking for historical documentation, stick to books.

Randell Tarin
Managing Editor
Alamo de Parras

An excellent on the ground perspective from one of the men in the trenches. The sound effects are terrific and makes you feel like you are there! The perspective of a 16 year old participant was intriguing and the effect of his last letter to his parents brought a human side to war that is still valid today. A must for any Books on Tape fan.

I received this as a gift, and was really surprised at how enjoyable I found this product to be. I did not know what to expect when I popped this in the tape player, what I got was a very interesting and chilling radio show. The sounds of the battle were unreal. I recommend this for any body who likes good drama, but not suitable for young children as some scenes are quite intense.

This is a great book for any Ham Radio operator. More information in this book than you could shake a stick at.

This is the best ever issue of the annual ARRL Handbook. With more projects to complete at home than in many years. DSP is also covered in more depth than ever. Get up to date on the latest, keep fresh on the past, and have fun with amateur radio with your new 2002 ARRL Handbook.

The book is a must for everyone who is interested in radio circuits and more. The first time I heard of it was many years ago when I was approaching the world of radiohams; since then it's been my reference many times and I often found it sitting on other people's desk at work as a quick and reliable reference.

This is a great book for both beginner and experienced Amateur Radio Operators. This book has more information than the previous books and has a lot more projects. The Arrl Handbook for Radio Amateurs 2002 truly upholds its reputation as "The Bible" for Amateur Radio Operators.

It takes almost 1,200 pages to cover thirty (30) chapters of diverse information. These chapters are logically grouped as Fundamental Theory, Construction Techniques, Practical Design and Projects, and Operating Practices. I previously used a hardback copy of the 1988 printing of this text, and the 2000 edition is properly updated to make it an outstanding replacement. If you are interested in radio wave propagation, antennas, building electronic equipment or the amateur radio hobby itself, this is one reference you shouldn't be without. Compares favorably with professional publications at several times the cost.

I found Tom Hedrick's, "The Art of Sportscasting", extremely informative.
It provides tips for those just starting out in the business as well as for 30-plus year veterans like myself.

We all know that you really learn about being a sportscaster by actually
performing whatever the job is, but this book gives you hints on HOW to go about performing that task.

It doesn't matter if you want to go into radio or television, this book will be a big help to you. I just wish it had been available back in the mid-70's!

I bought this book because it was a textbook for a sportscasting class that I am currently taking. The insights and working wisdom in this book are phenomenal! I can see why the professor, an ESPN alum, chose to use this as his textbook. The interviews are well written and explain not only the subtleties of sportscasting, but also hammer home the basic fundamentals of good sports broadcasting. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to broadcast, from little leagues to the pros.

Len Clark station manager of WUEV-FM, A Practical Guide for Success for Beginners and Professionals Aspiring to the Next level Tom Hedrick and Diamond Communications have published the ultimate text for students interested in pursuing a career in sports broadcasting, and for practing broadcast professionals. This step by step guide offers insight and advice to help individuals each and every step of the way.

Probably the best primer on breaking in. I use this text in a course I teach. Well recommended by other collegues.

If you are just starting out in the business , this is the book for you , due to its insight on not just the game itself , but the before (preparation) , during (working with others) , and after (reviewing your work) aspects of the job. For those who have been in the business , but are looking to take that next step , this is the book for you. My first time out after reading this book , my interviews were crisper , my work with others was more professional , and the end result was a more solid product. If you are serious about sportscasting as a career , this book will give you the insight to help make it happen!

These are the best audio cds around for children. I bought these to help continue introducing Bible stories to my children. An AWESOME resource.

Excellent stories! I was afraid they might be a bit boring, but not a bit. Even pre-teen children and adults are riveted. Great value (15 hours) for the money. If you want good, wholesome, valuable stories, buy this set.

These CDs made a recent 6-hour drive FLY by, for both my kids and me! Talk about bringing the Bible to life -- these do the trick. There are a couple of scary/intense stories that might be better for older children. Aside from that, I highly recommend this set!

I purchased this set for my son who is 10. He recently finished another set and so far has loved all the Odyssey stories. He loves playing x-box live, sports and watches t.v. like the majority of kids in our nation. But every night, before he sleeps, we start the cd. Recently, he yelled to me to run to his room "fast" because the story about "that guy who wouldn't bow down to an idol was on" and we just had read that story the day before! I am thankful for this series of CDs. He goes to sleep thinking about things bigger than Halo and he hasn't be afraid of listening to these when friends come too. "It kind of calms them down."

Not only were the stories entertaining enough for our whole family, but my 5 year old son is now quoting scripture at the dinner table. These bible stories are brought to life by the voices of the Odyssey crew. I highly recommend these to any parent. Thank you Focus on the Family.

I read this book over ten years, ago, while at university. It is impressive how much more detail and and information it contains than the TV series. I liked the BBC show, but it's hard to watch these days because everyone just looks so 1970s. The book however is timeless and, although it's all just a joke, it's truly an amazing source of unique insights into the workings of the British parliamentary system and the pressures and processes which influence it.

This is a book that I have read atleast 20 times since I bought it back in 1995 - I would suggest looking for a hardcover version since the wear and tear has taken its toll on my precious copy - its now held together with gaffers tape ...

anyhoo - this is probably the best political satire ever - and even though it was written back in the 80's it is more than relevant today in the day of the infamous spin cycle and the sparing between the Bush Admin and the press (not taking sides here)

Hey even Margaret Thatcher was a big fan as it truely represented how things worked, albeit in a very smartly funny and incisive way .... she even WROTE a skit along with her press sec that was PERFORMED by MT, Sir Humpy and Jim .... here is a link for more details

http://www.yes-minister.com/thatcherscript.htm

BUY this book and preserve it - I fear the day when copies of this book are no longer available in print form

It is not uncommon for writers of britcoms to supplement a successful television series with a text-based adaptation, and such is indeed what writers Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay have done with Yes Minister (and its sequel, Yes Prime Minister). It is uncommon, however, to find such a good one.

Every bit as erudite and witty as the series upon which it is based, The Complete Yes Minister (originally published in 1984 and subtitled The Diaries of a Cabinet Minister), is ostensibly by the Right Hon. James Hacker MP (with Lynn and Jay serving merely as humble editors!). The year is 2019--and no this is NOT science fiction! Although Hacker kept a daily diary of his experiences and opinions whilst in office in the 1980s, the subsequent passage of time has resulted in the expiration of the Thirty-Year Rule. What this means is that the editors (who are writing from Hacker College, Oxford, by the way!) now conveniently have access to (and are able to publish) copies of all the memos and minutes written by Sir Humphrey Appleby (amongst others)--copies of which are included in the book, thereby providing us with a perspective other than Hacker's rather narrow (and, at least initially, innocent) one.

The book commences (as one would expect!) with the "Editors' Note." Lynn and Jay elaborate on the problems they encountered in editing the Diaries and how these were dealt with. Nevertheless, they admit it falls to us ultimately to decide for ourselves whether Hacker's account represents: "(a) what happened, (b) what he believed happened, (c) what he would like to have happened, (d) what he wanted others to believe happened, or (e) what he wanted others to believe that he believed happened"! The editors also include a note of thanks to Sir Humphrey (whose last days were spent in St. Dympna's Hospital for the Elderly Deranged!) for information gleaned from conversations which were held with him "before the advancing years, without in any way impairing his verbal fluency, disengaged the operation of his mind from the content of his speech."

The Diaries themselves are divided into twenty-one chapters (one chapter per episode) with 20 to 30 pages each (there are 514 pages in all). Of course there is dialogue (from Hacker's recollection), but the Diaries comprise so much more. The inclusion of copies of memos, letters, interviews, newspaper clippings, entries from Sir Humphrey's own diary, not to mention the recollections of Sir Bernard Woolley (from conversations with the editors) make for a far more dynamic, fun book than if the writers had merely presented us with the series' scripts. The format also allows for so much of Hacker's thoughts to be included--much of which we as viewers were never privy to. Finally, the Diaries are liberally annotated by the editors with helpful, humorously phrased bits of background information often pertaining to government workings or terminology--bits that are additional to the television series.

Of course, it is being a fan of the television series and having watched it with such enjoyment that makes this book (a UK publication) such a gem as we picture Hacker, Sir Humphrey, etc., in our mind's eye. But it is so creatively written, with all the original wit (and more), that it's a superb book in its own right--one which I'd recommend to anyone looking for an intelligent, hilariously witty, pun-filled book--one that also happens to offer a wealth of insight into the inner workings of the parliamentary system of government. For those, however, for whom this richly witty, intelligent series is a favourite, this book (together with it's sequel) really is a must-have, and I recommend it every bit as highly as the superb series upon which it is based!

if you like your humor understated and your wit dry (droll as humphrey would no doubt say), this book will be the best you have ever read. and it will stay that way.

the british civil service had a unique characteristic - it was not directly under the control of the political masters. this gave rise to a very interesting situation where the civil service and her majesty's servants were working towards entirely opposite ends. to the civil servant, imaginative and bold were the worst criticisms. change in any form was looked down upon - as we say here - "if it aint broke, dont fix it". the politicians (especially those new in office like hacker who weren't cynical enough not to care one way or the other) often came to office with lofty ideals of revolutionizing society and being the forefathers of a better tomorrow.

behind the curtain of civility, they (the civil servants and politicians) fought battle after battle. the art of realpolitik meant entirely diffent things to both sides. many of the battles went to the civil servants (Lord Humphrey being among the shrewdest) but at times Hacker (James Hacker - first minister and later Prime Minister) prevailed with his low cunning and fast realization that not everything was what it looked like.

each chapter is a revelation - the next time you read the news, you will see it in an entire different perspective after reading this book. action and motive are so far removed as to make the connection entirely unimaginable and the amount of time spent trying to do nothing seems at times appalling.

if slapstick is your cup of tea, stay away from this book. the humor is often less in what is said than in how it is said. the laughs never end. i have read this book 5 times now. the first time, you enjoy the humor for what it is. the second time, you start enjoying the situations, the broader picture, the political moves,and the sheer genius of humphrey. the third time you see how the characters develop. by the fourth time, it's like you're on crack. you cant explain it - you know what is going to happen next, you know the exact words. you still have to read it again. and again. and again.

Sir Humphrey Appleby, Sir Bernard Wooley, and Rt Honorable James Hacker... this is simply the most outstanding work of humorous fiction that lampoons the British civil service and politicians alike.

Based on the diaries of the minister, the series has been converted to a wonderful teleseries, where the casting has been done by someone who truly loves the book and has imbibed the characters so completely, that on later readings of the book, the television characters appear to the mind.

The book is a series of short stories, which expose the careful interplay between the British civil service and the British politicians, the role played by media, the foriegn office, the various departments etc. It is a wonderful set of stories, where the English is truly masterful!! I remember reading each story with a pencil and dictionary while writing the GRE many years ago,... this and its sequel, yes prime minister, are books which should receive their space in your cabinet.

I dont know why this says - Limited availability, these books are easily procured in India where they are being printed.

This book is a must have for anybody working in the broadcasting industry. I keep mine by my bedside and read snippets of it everyday and as a result my work is sooooooooo much better and my figures are up cos Valerie gives you all the tricks and tools of the trade you will ever need. If you are new to the industry or even if you have been in the industry for a while, this book is a must have cos it will show you ways of finding new ideas, staying on top of the game and it will stop you from going stale. it's a powerful radio bible that all educational & broadcasting institutions should encourage students & staff to read.

Eno Eruotor
Broadcast Journalist
BBC Radio Manchester

Creating Powerful Radio is a must-read/must-live-by for anyone who wants to succeed in art of talk radio. I live and breathe the spirit and direction of Valerie Geller's dead-on insight every day with my own show, and in programming each of the stations and networks I have directed. When I interview job candidates, I *always* ask if they have read Creating Powerful Radio, AND the companion producer's workbook. If the answer is 'no,' I will kindly ask them to come back and have a chat when they have. What Valerie shares between the covers of these books is a critical road map to understanding how to build a relationship with listeners and avoid the pitfalls that so many talk show hosts suffer from. Do you want to be a WINNER in talk radio? You're taking an important step in that direction when you not only read Creating Powerful Radio, but when you live, eat, drink, sleep and personify the concepts Ms. Geller has so generously shared for creative, entertaining people to be at the top of their game!

John McMullen
Chief Programming Officer
GAYBC Radio Network

Valerie Geller has a gift for breaking down the basics of broadcasting. While being on the radio seems like it is an easy task, Valerie Geller explains very important techniques for helping the beginner all the way up to the most seasoned pro. It is a way to think about radio as a larger medium, how to use the airways as a canvas, as an art. I highly recommend this and all of Valerie's books to anyone interested in radio broadcasting. These books should be in all broadcast schools and radio stations, no matter how large the radio station is. We all need reminding of how to create powerful radio.

"Creating Powerful Radio" is the most comprehensive work I have read on how to win in radio, and a potent weapon in any radio broadcaster's arsenal. It is well written and brimming with practical, real-world ideas that are easy to understand and implement. Its wisdom spans the nut-and-bolts to profound critical thinking rarely encountered in business today. For anyone who works, or aspires to work, in today's competitive radio landscape, Geller's essential intellingence should be required reading; if I had known in the late-1960s what I know now from reading "Creating Powerful Radio," KFRC in San Francisco would probably still be a top 40 station with a 30-share.

Not only have I heard Valerie speak, I'd follow her around with a tape recorder if I were you!!! This book and the workbook are the best! I would recommend this to the beginner as well as the seasoned radio personality!! Way to go Valerie!
Denise Pagano
WXXQ-Rockford's Country Q98.5
Morning show/Music Director

Stacy is one of the true industry leaders. Any DJ, whether new to the business or seasoned veteran, can get some pretty valuable information from this book. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants wants to generate more business.

This book is a great thing to have. It brings thing to your attention that you would not have thought of. It has helped me to better market myself and helped improve my business.

Once again Zemon has used her many years of experience and talent and lent us her superb advise. The book is a constant reference to me as well as other DJs lucky enough to read it. A must read for newbies as well as seasoned single- and multi-op mobiles looking to increase their marketing savvy.

I've been DJing for years but knew I was lacking in marketing knowledge and sales skills. I read this book, immediately put some of the ideas into practice, and saw results right away! The DJ Sales & Marketing Handbook and The Mobile DJ Handbook are my two most important reference manuals for the sucess of my mobile entertainment business.

Although I am not a DJ, I purchased this book to help me in marketing my photo booth rental business that I provide to special events.

The book contains real-life specific marketing advice to any business serving the special events industry like how to break in to the Bar Mitzvah Market, when to advertise for different event types, what to do after completing an event, how to deal professionally with complaints..etc

A must read to create a successful business.