Trivia Books

i agree with all the others who raved about the breadth of the coverage. i also agree that there is a wealth of information not available elsewhere, or at least not readily obtainable. unfortunately trivia is only really fun if the reader has some familiarity with the person whose identity he is trying to discover. a really large portion of the book is devoted to questions about players that even diehard baseball trivia buffs have never heard of. to me this is a fatal flaw, in spite of the many interesting facts that can be gleaned from the questions and hints. i think the book also suffers from the fact that the answer pages are not more easily accessed. if you are dying to know an answer to one of the many interesting questions you might very well get sidetracked before you ever find it. all in all i think the book is a good value, but just think buyers should be aware it is not quite so perfect as some of the other reviewers would have us believe.

This author has gone to a lot of trouble to put together lists of players who hold both important and somewhat trivial records. All are interesting, though, and some of his questions that come with his lists are dynamite. The really amazing thing is how many of them already have to be updated because of what happened in 1999. But you can do that on your own with a bottle of Whiteout. The chapter here on pinch hitting alone is worth getting this book for.

If you have a teenage son, as do I, I don't see how you can go wrong here if he likes baseball. My older son got this book for his birthday and that was the last we saw of him for about a week. He still loves it so much and is so possessive of it that I now have to get another copy to give my younger boy for Christmas. P.S. Their father might just wind up getting one too.

I have to take exception to the last reviewer even though I'm not really a big fan of the 19th century either. This book takes you on a complete journey throughout baseball history unlike most similar type books that would have you believe everything that happened before 1900 doesn't count. Sure it counts, and Nemec's book convinces you--okay, me anyway--that every player and record he cites in it is important from 1871 to the present. I will agree, though, that the answer section leaves something to be desired. My solution was to insert a kind of permanent bookmark so I could turn to it easily. Anyway, I really liked it a lot even if I too didn't exactly bat 1.000 on all the questions.

Here comes the stats lovers dream book. If you are into baseball, really into baseball, by the number you really need this book. Nemec's ability to bring out the true statistical breakdown of the National Pastime was amazing.

Every baseball fan should be asking for and buying this true work of art. The book, in quiz form, does give charts, pictures and short stories on every possible topic from singles hitting to the home run.

The book takes the reader from the early years of the game, right up to the modern day players. You are inundated with numbers, facts and figures that should keep your conversations going for years to come.

I wasn't able to find any category that wasn't covered in this book. The book even covered the not so good players, as well as the Negro leagues. The book is "The Ultimate Test for the Ultimate Fan". A great job and a great book.

I cannot recommend these Schott's books enough. They are fabulous gifts because they're just so entertaining.

(Not a cookbook, but a book filled with interesting food facts)

This book is a classic. A friend of mine recommended this book to me, so I bought it used on Amazon. I was not disappointed. The facts in this book are fun to read, and as somebody said before, this book is like "Brain food".

Having the same flavor as _Schott's Original Miscellany_, _Food and Drink Miscellany_ is a veritable smorgasboard of information and trivia related to edibles. Topics range from the handy and helpful ("Cheers!" in 32 "languages", English to American food terms, Biblical food abominations, how to sharpen a carving knife), to the humourous (94 slang words for drunkeness, Swift's wind and the Comic cookery book) to the truly bizzare (why asparagus makes urine smell, favorite food and drink of the Bay City Rollers).

Great fun to read, it would be a hit with anyone who loves to cook, is a fan of meals or drinks with gusto.

A great little book that tells you everything you would want to know about what you eat and drink--and many things you may be better off not knowing.Glance at a few things in this book before you go out to eat and/or drinking and you'll be able to spout out a few things that will amaze everyone with your profound knowledge.
First of all,I gotta warn you,this book is very heavily weighted towards British food and drink,next comes European,then only a very small bit of American and as sparse as trees in the Arctic about anything Canadian.That aside,it is still filled with a lot of good morsels.
In this little tome you will get; Quotations as,"Once
a woman has forgiven her man,she should not reheat his sins for breakfast" Marlene Dietrich;dozens of slang words for drunkenness;recipes for cocktails such as Kamikazi,Sidecar,Long Island Ice Tea;Jimmy Carter's White House Grace;Edible flowers;all kinds of conversions,Heimlich Manoever and celebrities who owe their lves to it;Calorific values for various foods; English to American food terms such as Jacket potato-baked potato and french beans-string beans;rates for digestion of various foods;food and drink proverbs,like,"You dig your grave with your teeth.";final meal requests for some of those executed in Texas;Hangover Cures;poisonous mushrooms;Quotations on smoking like,"A good woman is only a woman,but a good cigar is a Smoke" Rudyard Kipling;etc.
I hope that is enough to whet your apetite for this book.I got a lot of laughs as well as solid information from it,you should too.

As in his _Original Miscellany_ (2003), the author has simply collected a large number of factoids, grouped under useful headings, but where the first published collection ranged far and wide, this one is thematic, restricting itself to comestibles and potables -- plus a number of pages on smokables -- which arguably makes it more interesting. There are quite a few items of interest, including a selection of "last meal" requests by those facing execution, a description of ullage levels, the items in Capt. Nemo's larder, a list of artists who have contributed label-art for Mouton Rothschild bottles, the characteristics of a number of popular restaurant curries, political quotations involving food, and the varieties of vegetarianism. And there are numerous sidebar quotes and comments, mostly droll. Some included items are highly idiosyncratic, like the favorite food and drink of the members of the "Bay City Rollers," or even questionable in this collection, like the details of an after-dinner dance card from 1926, as found in a printer's archive. And, as in the first volume, there is a tendency to present as canonical a bit of information that is simply one among many varieties, such as stating that Japan's "most notable" brand of beer is Sapporo (I would have said Asahi -- and the list doesn't even include Mexico), and his list of meanings for Mexican street food (the contents and preparation of chimichangas, enchiladas, tacos, nachos, etc) seems to assume a standardization that really doesn't exist. Also, why include, as "curious names" in a list of Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavors, Vanilla Caramel Fudge and Chocolate Fudge Brownie? But any shortcomings are made up for by his inclusion of the complete lyrics of the Chiquita Banana song. This is a good book for a couple of hours in the hammock and would also make a nice gift for foodies.

I loved this book so much, it was a nice different angle on the Uncle John series. Anyone who loves Uncle John will love this book.

This is a really great book, and a great read, starts off great and its hard to put down until close to the end where the information isn't quite as interesting.

I bought my husband & my sister in law this book. It made it's way to every family member. So many intresting facts. A great read!!! (even if you're not in the bathroom! LOL) Just put 2 more of Uncle John's book in cart for this Christmas!

I'm so glad I bought this book. It's the perfect book to read while on the can.

This is a great bathroom book! I have learned so much from my trips to the bathroom now. Everyone that comes over and has to use my bathroom now has to know where to find this book because they have to have it. It's great for all that "everything you ever needed to know but never thought about" kind of stuff.

Schechter has done for Judy and Liza what Koeschel has done for Wolfgang. It's all here: the mood, the method, the magnificence, in two encyclopedic texts that detail the lives and good works of two of the most fascinating and talented women of our time and all the ages--the Fantastic Garland and her equally incredible Daughter Liza Minnelli. Schechter has not only written two great books, he has done the world a terrific service in collecting some of their TV appearances on DVDs that have given a permanent showcase to material that otherwise might have been gone and forgotten forever, to the great loss of all of us. Colorful, informative, and fascinating, these two books on Judy and Liza, as well as the DVDs that constitute exhibits A-Z, should provide fans and would be admirers alike with endless pleasure and information, as they make an incalculably important and significant archival contribution to our heritage. Not to be missed. Martin Kantor, MD. Author of My Guy: A Gay Man's Guide to a Lasting Relationship and Together Forever: The Gay Man's Guide to Lifelong Love

If you are a fan of one of the greatest performers we have had, this book is for you. It includes many rare photos and a chronicle of her professional life over the last 40 (!) years. Schector, a long-time fan, has finally done the professional tribute to this star that needed to be done. You won't find what's in this book anywhere else!

and I would call that thing "a burning, selfless love." No, not the love you'd find between a man and a woman or a confused grad student... but the love and respect you might find between two bitter rivals who look at each other with a knowing nod and hint of a smile.

Liza's never been hotter than she is now and this scrapbook is just the thing you'll want to read to get you caught up on her deepest desires and secrets.

I know Liza is trying to put that awful David G. (I refuse to write the name "Gest") episode behind her and possible find love with someone who's less into getting bad plastic surgery and looking creepy.

I once met David Gest at a Rest Stop on the Jersey Turnpike. He was hitting the vending machine because his Fiery Habanero Doritos corn chips were stuck between the glass and that little spinny thing.

I was nice enough to help him out. I bought another bag of the corn chips and his dropped down. Unfortunately, my bag became lodged the same way his had. He didn't even say thank you. He just grabbed his chips and walked out. And I was the one the security guard yelled at! Can you believe it?

The Liza Minnelli Scrapbook is the most loving and complete biography available today. Mr. Schechter succeeds in revealing the TRUE Liza, an incredibly talented, charismatic legend in her own right.

Thanks to the Liza fans for all the kindness and support of the book.

Here are some of the professional reviews the book has gotten to date :



From Booksoup.com :

Liza Minnelli has mesmerized her audiences with her remarkable talent and pure joy of entertaining for decades. Her appeal is universal and timeless. For those us who have had the pleasure of closely following her career, no other performing artist can compare. "The Liza Minnelli Scrapbook" is a comprehensive pictorial history. Schechter has done an amazing job of chronicling Liza's career accompanying his research with pictures both familiar and new to the avid Liza fan. For longtime Liza fans like myself, the book is treasure of Liza remembrances and certainly the ultimate Liza "reference" book.

****

From NYTheatre.com

http://www.nytheatre.com/nytheatre/bookshop.htm


The Liza Minnelli Scrapbook
by Scott Schechter

Perfect for any fan, The Liza Minnelli Scrapbook is just that - a scrapbook of an almost five-decade career. With a fond foreword by Billy Stricth, this book chronicles Liza's life by decade. There are brief overviews of each ten-year span, and then details and at least a brief synopsis on every movie, television show, Broadway show, and recording Liza has ever done. Furthermore, as if that was not enough, there are billions of pictures - pictures with other celebrity friends, cameos from various television and movie stints, covers of playbills and recordings, etc. The book is so indubitably complete in its coverage of Liza's career that there is even a picture of Liza with Kermit the Frog from her episode on "The Muppet Show!" This is an incredible, cohesive, and all-inclusive record of Ms. Minnelli and is a must have for any fan because of its comprehensive coverage and plethora of pictures.
- Seth Bisen-Hersh

http://www.nytheatre.com/nytheatre/bookshop.htm

****
From GENRE magazine, January-February 2005 issue, "The Feed" Column : "audio / film / PAGES," Editor (and reviews by) Michael Liebermann :

"The Liza Minnelli Scrapbook" Scott Schechter, Kensington, Biography, 242 pages, $22

"If you're looking for objective criticism of Liza Minnelli's storied career in music, film and theater, or an expose of her latest missteps in love, then keep on browsing. But if you fancy a stroll down gay memory lane -- from growing up Garland through 'Cabaret'to the oft-forgotten 1980 TV spectacular 'Goldie and Liza : Together' -- you can't do much better than this true fan's scrapbook."

****

From OUT magazine, January 2004 issue; "OutFront" Reviews : "What's New and Hot" : "ETC" (Page 27) :

"A must-have for Liza fans, Scott Schechter brings us 'The Liza Minnelli Scrapbook' (Citadel, $21.95), a vibrant volume about her career, with over 200 rare and never-before-seen photographs."

****


Featured on November CNN "American Morning" Show

****

GREAT write-up on the InSightOUT Book Club's webpage :

CLUB REVIEW

From Cabaret to her recent stint on "Arrested Development," Liza Minnelli has never let the scandal that seems to run in her family's blood taint her dazzling career. And her life in showbiz, which spans five decades, is celebrated with this scrapbook of photos, facts, and diva pride!

"The Liza Minnelli Scrapbook" takes you back to the beginning of the dynamic performer's life as the daughter of Judy Garland-and her first public appearance at age 2 1/2! From there, she launched a career that garnered her Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Awards, and it's all covered here! Along with page after page of fantastic photos, the scrapbook looks at Liza's illustrious career: New York, New York, Flora the Red Menace, Liza at the Wintergarden, and The Act. There are essays about every major performance she's ever given, including her sold out appearance in Victor/Victoria. Plus, you get all the trivia and facts you could desire-and need! Everything Liza, including discography, videography, lists of awards and much more. Photos throughout. 242 pages, 8 1/2" x 11", softcover.


THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER -- Tuesday, November 16th, 2004

Reuters via Yahoo! News, Mon, 15 Nov 2004 4:13 PM PST

'SCRAPBOOK' DELIVERS THE GOODS (Headline)

By Robert Osborne NEW YORK

Liza Minnelli has certainly had her share of publicized woes of late, but something's on the horizon that should cheer her considerably.

Scott Schechter has compiled a magnificent book on the one aspect of L. M. that always seems to get short shrift or is altogether ignored these days, i. e.,her years of delivering the goods in front of cameras and on stages throughout the world. That work has won her, to date, an Oscar (1972), three Tonys (1965, '74, '78), an Emmy (1973), a Grammy (1989), two Golden Globes (1973, '86) and an ever-loyal fan base, something Schechter covers in monumental detail in "The Liza Minnelli Scrapbook," in bookstores this month via Citadel Press, with a foreword by Billy Stritch.

No stone is left unturned in looking at the career of Minnelli and, for a refreshing change, no stone is hurled at her, either; here, it's strictly Liza's professional life and accomplishments that the author is emphasizing. And nothing goes unrecorded, be it a TV "Match Game" appearance on NBC in 1967, a 1987 concert in Stockholm, Sweden, or, this year, singing "Oscar" and "God Bless the Child" at a private party at the Ars Nova Theatre in New York. Besides being a dandy reference guide for anyone hunting for a Minnelli fact,"Scrapbook" also includes plenty of interesting info on
Minnelli projects that came close to happening but didn't. She was announced, for instance, in 1975, and again in '77 and '79, to star in the film version of "Chicago," playing Velma to Goldie Hawn s Roxie Hart (with, at one point, Allan Carr producing, Frank Sinatra playing the lawyer, Nancy
Walker as the prison matron and Carol Channing and Ann Miller as competing newspaper reporters); later, in 1992, it was rescheduled but with a
difference: Lewis Gilbert was to direct, with Liza switched to the role of Roxie and Goldie as Velma.

We all know how that turned out. In 1982, Liza tested for what was to be an "Evita" directed by Ken Russell; she sang "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina," causing Russell to publicly comment, "We had found our Evita"; the entire venture, however, was KO'd until it was finally made 14 years later with a different leading lady. Schechter also lists dozens of other projects that
almost happened ("Sunset Boulevard," "The Carmen Miranda Story") and, carrying out the "scrapbook" motif, there are miscellaneous color photographs, candids and reproductions of Playbill and album covers and Liza-related ads. One thing comes through loud and clear: The lady may like
to play, but she has also worked.

****

The NY POST -- "PAGE SIX" -- Sunday, November 14th, 2004 :

HITS THE SPOT :

IT'S not all bad news about Liza Minnelli, who was just hit with a lawsuit by her former chauffeur. At the book party for Scott Schechter's "Liza Minnelli Scrapbook" tribute tome, the author announced Minnelli's first theatrical movie since "Stepping Out" in 1991. Liza will play an offbeat self-help seminar leader who helps Parker Posey on her quest to find her G-spot, in "The Oh in Ohio." It co-stars Danny DeVito and Mischa Barton.

****

The SECOND Review of "The Liza Minnelli Scrapbook" this one by Phill Hall of Boston's EDGE and also to appear in the NY RESIDENT paper in a few weeks :

"The Liza Minnelli Scrapbook" by Scott Schechter
Grade: A+
by Phil Hall
EDGE Literature Critic
Monday Nov 1, 2004

Just from the title alone, "The Liza Minnelli Scrapbook" seems predestined to find a place on the coffee table of many gay homes. But forget the stereotypical gay worship of this show biz icon and zoom in on the rich contents. Scott Schechter's extraordinary tribute to Liza with a "Z" is brilliantly researched, lavishly illustrated and endlessly entertaining. It is impossible to come away from this book without possessing a deeper love and respect for Minnelli.

Schechter breaks down Minnelli's career in a neat manner: a decade-by-decade career-based mini-biography (all scandals are removed from print), followed by a chronological appreciation of Minnelli's theater, film, television, recording and concert careers. Schechter uncovers a wealth of long-forgotten facts and photographs which will delight Minnelli's fans: Minnelli dancing on stage with then-unknown Elliott Gould in a touring company of "The Fantasticks," her simultaneous Time and Newsweek covers for "Cabaret" (and you thought Bruce Springsteen was the only entertainer to accomplish that?)

The book is also rich with Minnelli trivia, including unlikely appearances such as a concert for the inmates of a Chicago jail (two months after she won the "Cabaret" Oscar). There is also an unexpectedly large amount of little-known data on projects which Minnelli either turned down (including the role of Daisy in "The Great Gatsby" opposite Robert Redford) or which fell apart before production began (including the film version of "Evita" under Ken Russell's direction).

Schechter is uncommonly generous to Minnelli, to the point of presenting the most glamorous and flattering photographs available; later-life tabloid photographs which show Minnelli's problems with weight control are conspicuously absent. Yes, "The Liza Minnelli Scrapbook" is a love letter to the great star. And honestly, what's wrong with a love letter to someone who truly earned the love of her fans?

Citadel Press, $21.95, 228 pages

****

The FIRST REVIEW for "The Liza Minnelli Scrapbook"

LIZ SMITH : NY Post -- Friday, November 5th, 2004

"DEDICATED TO Liza Minnelli's artistry." That's what it says on page one of Scott Schechter's "The Liza Minnelli Scrapbook" (Citadel Press). This is a glossy valentine to the great star, concentrating on her long, award-laden stage, screen and recording career. The sensation of her "private" life is not emphasized. Tons of previously unseen photos and plenty of Minnelli minutiae. (Her first reviews, even as an awkward teen, are a thrill to read; she had style from the start!) Flip through this and be reminded that Liza is an artist, one whose commitment to her audience never wavers.

****

A very interesting book that will rattle the chains of any self respecting "Baby Boomer" with rock n roll memories from the 50's and 60's! Being in the middle of this target group: (Class of "67"/BEHS), I enjoyed this book immensely! Warning: do not give these quizes to anyone born after : 1960! They will give you a blank stare! :-)

This is a "fun" book to read. filled with lots of information that even a casual rock & roll fan might be expected to know . It's a book of quiz's and i have to admit i was REALLY surprised at how much i just didn't know or remember. But, a word of warning,don't write your answers in the book if you intend to let a friend (or 2) take the quiz's after you, use a scratch pad instead. The Oldies Music Aptitude Test is very reasonably price and certainly fun to read.....dale

My Boomer friends and I had a ball with this book - and then the kids wanted to 'play', too. Now my kids (30-somethings) grew up with my music for their lullabies and their lives in general. Imagine my chagrin to discover that these former 'Sesame Street residents' actually did better than we Boomers, in some cases! It was no consolation that they had learned it from me. As my son put it, "A test is a test, so stop crying and lose like an adult". It could have been worse - he COULD have called me a 'grown-up'. Sigh. Bring the generations together with these questions about the greatest era in music. Just check your ego at the door. Thanks, Barb, for a wonderful trip down memory lane. And next time we 'adults' play, we'll be sure to keep the kids locked out of the house!

There had to be something to all the praise over at Oldiesmusic.com about this book. So I bought it and now I understand. This is one truly different and fun trivia book. You know all those "multiple-guess" (yawn!) trivia books? Thankfully, this isn't like those at all! This one has funny categories and it's actually humorous! There are clever cartoons too that oldies lovers will really appreciate. Just take a look at the cover art, hahaha!

Spread the word, this is a super fun book and why it's not available in "real" bookstores is beyond comprehension. My college reunion is coming up and I'll bring this along with my lava lamp and Desiderata poster to set the mood. ;->

Best $... I ever spent on a trivia book, I must say!

Hohoho

I consider myself to be a bit of a trivia buff, from history to TV to music. At least I did before I got this book. Barb Jastrab has assembled a set of "tests" within the book to help you determine whether you are a "player" or a "pretender" in the world of trivia. Once you begin, you can't stop! It's funny, it's enlightening, it's humbling, and it's full of "DUH I should have known that" moments. Challenging and fun, well balanced.

I do have one complaint, Ms. Jastrab. You are responsible for eight hangovers this past weekend.

Your book and an eggtimer became the fodder for a drinking game of sorts after an otherwise civilized dinner party. Yes, I know better, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. Anyway, at my age, I suffer a bit more than I did in my youth after such foolishness.

We have all agreed that next time we do this, we'll play for orange juice. But play again we must! Thanks for a great book and a fun challenge.

After enjoying the first Bathroom Companion so much, I didn't expect to like the second one even more. I'm crazy about this series; it's better than any other out there.

W.C. Privy's, Erin Barrett's and Jack Mingo's Bathroom Companion--any edition--is a bathroom necessity.

I love these kinds of books. The only drawback is that many of them are also loaded with questionably accurate information. Sometimes with "fun facts" books the facts seem to be diluted in order to make them fun. I've noticed this with most other bathroom reader books. I wish they'd do a little more in depth research before printing their information.

What impresses me about this series is the amount of research and intelligent writing that fills its pages. Yet, the book retains its sense of fun.

It's an eclectic mix of general knowledge; the kind that might make you an annoyance at the next party you attend, but also the kind that will make you the winner of your next bar bet. The content ranges from science and history to pop culture subjects--brand names, music and celebrity. The Bathroom Companion is a bathroom necessity.

I'm not THE Erin Barrett, but I wish I were. Great Book series, you guys!

For Christmas, I got this book and W. C. Privy's Bathroom Companion #1. The first book is great, but the authors really hit their stride with this one. Both books are full of great random facts, funny quotes, strange how-to features, and lots of stories behind the things you've always wondered about. They're also full of pictures, which is just one reason why this series is better than other similar ones.

The second Bathroom Companion means a lot less fighting in our house with two books to read. Plus, this new one has more spare sheets of TP in the back!

Love this book. My wife loved this book. My kids fight over this book. Thank god there are two editions.

The big problem with this book is that there aren't enough spare TP sheets in the back. I guess it's a good thing we read it all over the house.

How can one not love a book that probably has more trivia per page than almost any book written? And, what bettewr way to review a book of lists than to make a list of some of my favorite lists? So, here's my list of 6 of my favorite lists from the hundreds of lists in __THE BOOK OF LISTS__.

1. 10 Words you can't pronounce correctly

2. The 15 most boring classics

3. 10 memorable books that never existed

4. 18 famous brains, and what they weighed

5. 15 famous events that happened in the bathtub

6. 10 people not to invite to dinner

In order to give you a further insight into the book, I have listed below a few random facts that I found particularly interesting.

African Elephants have gestation periods of 640 days while Opossums have only 13 day gestastion periods. (These are the two extremes from a long list of gestation periods.)

A flock of crows is correctly known as a murder of crows.

Well before 9/11, Iraq had received military aid from the U.S., Great Britain, China, and the U.S.S.R.

Desi Arnaz worked as a bird cage cleaner before he became a bandleader, Gerald Ford was a male model before he entered politics, and Carol Burnett started her entertainment career as an usherette.

As you can tell, there is enough information here to add a thrill a minute to a trivia buff's life.

not sure what our "they're all screaming lefties" friend is talking about. why does an entry that mentions countries that 'could blow up the world' necessarily correspond with left or right? the list could include countries from all over the political spectrum that have that ability. does being actually concerned about arms mean that you're to the left of the political spectrum? duh... or "countries that have recieved aid from..." how is that politically aligned one way or the other?

"The Book Of Lists" never ceases to intrigue and fascinate me even when in truth I've been reading it so many times, and for quite long hours. Many faves include: "9 Stupid Thieves" (I laughed to tears at the story where, during the trial the defendant said to the witness who pointed at him as suspect, "I should have blown your ------- head off!... If I'd been the one that was there."), "Facts are stupid things" (slip-ups by politicians), "15 Strangest Stories" and little trivias like "things you didn't know had names"... oh, geez, there are loads to mention!! This is so entertaining, at times revealing and, very funny, utterly shocking ... absolutely educational and fun to read. Who knows, what have you read from the book might have any good use for you in your life.

This is so much better than (reading) those run-of-the-mill best-selling romantic paps. Always a refreshing read.

Really, even though its got a lot of mindless fluff in it (that's fun to read I'll have you know) it also has lists that are fascinating and important from a historical or geographical standpoint, such as thirty new names for old places (i.e. Ethiopia for Abyssinia.) Besides that, the other lists are interesting even if inconsequential (like "seven remarkable messages in a bottle.") And I bet you didn't know that Anne Boleyn, wife of Henry VIII, had three breasts! Just another amazing fact that one can find in this praiseworthy book to discuss on long car trips . This book seems to have the affliction of becoming ragged through overuse, as almost every reviewer it seems will soon have to buy a new one. I guess that's just a testament to its fortitude and quality.

I stole this book off of my father's bookshelf when I was 9 years old, and have pored through it over and over since then. It has so many different kinds of lists in it.. everything from magazine and celebrity compiled lists to obscenely obscure trivia, and of course, those morbidly fascinating ones! My husband and I make an occasional game of opening to random pages and seeing if we can guess what's on the lists. I've bragged about this book to friends more often than any other and I'm shopping for another copy now because my poor copy's about to fall apart. Beware buying this one.. it's a longtime addiction. ;)

This was without reserve the best Christmas music and movie review book I have ever read. The comments were both intelligent and funny. The whole book was both well researched and entertaining. The world is a better place because of this book.

Once you get this book, you may not want to have another Christmas without it.

In more than 280 pages, the authors discuss all things Christmas as they pick their "Top 10" in categories ranging from mistletoe to carols, from rangifer tarandus (reindeer) to animated cartoons. The choices are necessarily subjective, and much of the text is funny, filled with references to pop culture, music, TV and film. Pick your idea of the 10 worst Christmas songs on the radio, and see if your list compares with theirs.

The authors include scads of trivia and the inside scoop on holiday history and traditions you may never have heard of.

As you enjoy the nostalgia you'll also find useless but fascinating stuff like this: Somebody figured out that Santa has to visit 91.8 million homes in 31 hours, which means he has to make 822.6 visits per second and travel at 650 miles per second. Whew!

This would be the perfect book to have on hand for guests at Christmas, and it would make a great conversation-starter. It's fully indexed, and the bibliography includes quite a few Web sites for follow-up.

CHRISTMAS'S MOST WANTED is a reference book about Christmas customs, traditions, songs, films, evergreen trees, music, cards, foods, and a lot more.

Do you associate a certain film with Christmas? Well, this book gives detailed information in the chapter called Holiday Movie Classics. Some of the old movies mentioned are: Holiday Inn (1942), Christmas in Connecticut (1945), It's A Wonderful Life (1946), The Bishop's Wife (1947), Miracle on 34th Street (1947) and White Christmas (1954). With each film, a brief summary of the storyline is given and all of the actors are named. I have to say that was my favorite chapter.

You can also learn about the tradition of mistletoe, sending cards, singing carols, how Santa's reindeer were named and questions you never even thought to ask!

The book answers a lot of questions and I thought it was well researched, but this is primarily a secular book so don't expect many religious topics. Most of the religious references are in the chapter called Nollaig Shona which is Merry Christmas in Irish. The two references that I found to the Magi (Wise Men or Three Kings) was in a paragraph about the song, "Twelve Days of Christmas." In the song, the Twelfth Day is the Epiphany, the day that the Three Kings brought gifts for the Baby Jesus. (That's the reason that many of us leave our Christmas trees up until, January 6, which is the twelfth day of Christmas). The other reference was about a piece that was done by Dave Brubeck.

The word Christmas comes from two words put together. They are Christ's Mass.

This book will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit as you learn everything you wanted to know about Christmas but are afraid to ask! I highly recommend this as a read for yourself and a stocking stuffer for others.

This book is a real treat. It's a lot of fun to read about all the different kinds of trivia in here. I love holiday music, and it talks about all the great ones, and some new ones I haven't heard of before! And the movies and cartoons, brings back a lot of childhood memories.

Tons of short, fun, interesting snippets of holiday information. Just perfect to pick and read for a few minutes. This book is the perfect holiday "bathroom" book, and I don't mean that in a bad way. There's something in here for everyone, and tons of short, fun, and interesting trivia about Christmas. As the other review said, you can read a chapter or two then come back to it later.

Leave it out for guests to read, too. It makes Christmas more fun!

im anxious in going off to college in the fall. this book great in explaining how college is different from high school and how to succeed. there were informative and comedical lists such as "books that they expect you to read before you get there" and "how studying is better than sex". just a awesome book in general and recommend it to any high school graduate that is off to college in the fall.

I've looked through several other College Survival guides, but this one is the best. Every tip is a list, and it takes much, much, more information then any other college guide and condenses it all into easy to read lists. In here it has the basics and much more supplimental information too. Get The Naked Roommate for a basic college survival guide in a more organized format. Then read College in a Can for all the things not covered in that book, much of it is more irreverent. This book feels more like a magazine and in between the really helpful college survival information are fun lists just to get you into the college mood like "Best College Movies".

You can't use this book for every decision you have in college, such as choosing a major or career (I highly recommend Cool Careers for Dummies), but it will give you an overview of those things so when you later get a book on those subjects and do more though research you can have that feeling of knowing the basics. This will eliminate that feeling of plunging in the middle without a clue.

Because this book isn't as structured as some, you can't buy this book without The Naked Roomate.

This note from my 18 year old grandaughter says it all:

Grandma-
I got your book AND I just finished reading it. It was really funny, I
liked it a lot. I've already loaned it out to a friend! Its definitely
coming with me to college and I can put some of the funny lists on the
walls. Anyway, just wanted to let you know I enjoyed the book! Thanks a
bunch!

My daughter, a college freshman, read this book cover to cover. Lots of straight talk on everything from dealing with roommates and developing good study habits to handling sex and drugs, delivered in user-friendly bite-size chunks, rendered with wit and a real sense of what kids need to know. There's some entertaining fluff in between the no-nonsense tips and techniques for handling the transition to college life. Especially liked the 101-book reading list - a daunting but valuable heads-up on what it takes to achieve cultural literacy in the 21st century. A treasury of useful stuff for the college-bound (and for those aging parents who wish they could wind the clock back 30 years and try it again!).

Got this for my daughter, an entering freshman, because it packs boatloads of info into easy-to-digest lists on every possible topic. Practical, real-world advice on everything from study habits and reading lists to sex and drugs. Straight talk delivered with humor and real understanding of what the college-bound kid is about to face. Some of the lists are just for fun, which makes the rest of the "advice" -- like a daunting list of 101 books she should read by the time she graduates -- easier to swallow.

This book is the baseball fan's dream. Packed with almost every record imaginable, even to statistics about the umpires, it is an organized chronicle of the firsts in baseball. Records for minor league teams and by a teenager are also included. Hours can be spent in poring over the contents of this book; it is both a history of the game and a giver of credit to many players who rarely get it. I enjoyed every page.

This book contains the most discriminating baseball facts
imaginable. It is written for the baseball buff. For instance,
the first night game of baseball was recorded on 9-2-1880.
Mack holds the record as the longest manager in baseball's
history. Babe Ruth has the most bases. If there is any
fact concerning baseball, it will be listed here in all
likelihood. This book would make a wonderful gift for
any baseball enthusiast. There are previous versions
so that it has been battle-tested over the years.
Without question, the work is a collector's item.

If you're like me and thousands and thousands of other baseball fans, you love arguing about who was the best player at a particular feat, be it home runs, batting average, stolen bases, etc. The updated version of this book covers this and much more. Everything among standard records is here, along with time capsules of the period from the 1870s until now, and summaries of each season's World Series. For example, the National League originally wanted to vote in the DH back in the 1930's, but the American League didn't want it! There are enough records listed in this book to keep virtually all "stat-heads" happy. Records by position, obscure records, even a section on all-time minor league records, they're all here.

One minor flaw I noticed in the 2003 edition. Nemec doesn't always keep things completely updated. A mention of Gregg Jefferies, the ex-Met lists him as still active, even though he retired a couple seasons ago. Last season Shawn Green broke the single game total bases mark in an early season game, and yet Joe Adcock is still listed as the holder of that record.

Still, if you love baseball records you will love this book. It's full of those and quite a bit more.

I've picked up four editions of this book over the years, including the 1999 one. It's interesting to me, and fun, to watch how Nemec manages to incorporate new records and new developments in the game and at the same time maintain the book's basic structure. He even added a new era a couple of years ago--but so neatly I wasn't even aware of it at first. It also brought out the first study I've ever seen on pitchers' batting records. I'd guess there'll be another new edition in 2000, and it'll be interesting once again to see how all the wild new developments in this past season are interwoven.

I still have my dingy 1989 copy, which helped me get through a boring summer that year! (I was only 14 at the time)

Still, all these years later, even though some of the records have changed, and there are new ballparks and teams, I still refer to my old copy all the time, especially in December and January, when it seems like spring training will never arrive!

Not just a trivia book (though fear not; you will certainly find plenty of that, such as the last wood stadium, the best one-eyed players, the toughest batter to strike out on Tuesday when the bells ring)- more of a baseball history book, humorously told and colored with fabulous stories- truth is crazier than fiction, after all. I am overjoyed to see that this book has been updated... can't wait for the 2001 copy.

A great book!