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Radio Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Radio
The Splendid Table's How to Eat Supper: Recipes, Stories, and Opinions from Public Radio's Award-Winning Food Show
Published in Hardcover by Clarkson Potter (2008-04-08)
Authors: Lynne Rossetto Kasper and Sally Swift
List price: $35.00
New price: $18.24
Used price: $18.00

Average review score:

Lots of Great Stuff, but overproduced
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-26
I am a regular listener to The Splendid Table, have been for quite a few years. I have also cooked out of Lynne's original book, The Splendid Table. I bought this cookbook after hearing her do the 450 degree oven bit on the show.

There are a lot of nice recipes and good information in the book, but I can't recommend it. It is very overproduced. There has to be at least one text box per page. The hints aren't given enough context. It is sort of like listening to the show but WITHOUT all the great depth of knowledge that you get out of the interviews. The references to stuff learned on the show seem to be very surface.

Sorry Lynne, but that's my view.

Cooking Like A Pro
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-15
I love this no nonsense and flavorful cookbook. I appreciate that the theory or thinking behind these recipes is given and that you are given the tools to improvise. I have made some of the best soup ever and I am so thankful for the "almost homemade" stock recipes as it has freed me from making my own (I know that this wasn't what Lynne and Sally intended, however). My kids are now roasted veggie junkies and I love my fish sauce. The book does tend to make you a Splendid Table groupie (you can podcast all the episodes FYI) which isn't a bad thing.

Learned a lot in a short time
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-04
It's a like reading a cross between Alton Brown and Barefoot Contessa. It just has a lot of useful suggestions, techinques, and tricks that I am anxious to try. I do listen to the show - but frankly I thought this book was more interesting. I'm going to work my way through the book trying what appears to be easy to do recipes for the weeknights.

I plan to purchase many copies of this book as a Christmas gift for the many cooks I know. I think they will appreciate the ideas.

Favorite new book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-02
Here is a collection of great recipes with lots of food and cooking tips tossed in--all enjoyable and informative reading. I have more fun reading this book that its difficult to put it down to get into the kitchen.

Our New Favorite Cookbook!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-24
This is the first (and only) cookbook we've ever had which is as much fun to read as a fast-paced, well-written novel...plus, it has great, color photos! If you're a fan of public radio's "The Splendid Table", you will love this cookbook. If you've never had the pleasure of listening to Lynne Rosetto Kasper spin culinary gold from the straw of everyday ingredients, "How to Eat Supper" will probably get you to tune in to your local NPR station and enjoy the show. We have made quite a few of the dishes from this cookbook already, and each one was an unqualified success. The recipes are clear and easy-to-follow. Many, if not most, feature alternatives where, with the change of a few ingredients, you can re-invent the dish for a new taste experience. The tips scattered throughout the book are excellent and useful for cooks of all levels. I can't think of one way to improve upon this cookbook...unless it is to receive it as a gift rather than buy it. "How to Eat Supper" is a must for anyone who likes to cook...or eat.

Radio
Follow the Music: The Life and High Times of Elektra Records in the Great Years of American Pop Culture
Published in Paperback by Jawbone Press (2000-08-30)
Authors: Jac Holzman and Gavan Daws
List price: $18.95
New price: $11.49
Used price: $10.00
Collectible price: $125.00

Average review score:

A great read about the little record company that could
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-30
I bought this book for the CD. Most of the Elektra catalog is out of print and was never re-released on CD. The CD is great, though I would have liked more international folk music. There's only one foreign language song on the disc. The book itself turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. While I am only about one fifth of the way through it, I'm finding the story of Elektra Records fascinating. I didn't realize (or, more likely had forgotten - you know what they say about the 60s) how many big names in rock got their start there. A great read about the little record company that could.

great book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-21
Great book for those that enjoy the inner workings of a record label,its history and the people that made it happen.If you dig musicology this book is a must read.

Simply the best
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-20
I have read my share of music industry books and this is by far the best one. And what is inspiring is that you do can make good business in this industry and still keep your integrity, just follow Jac Holzmann's example describe in this book. Awesome read!

Top Shelf
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-27
One of the best books on the music industry I have ever read. When you read a book about a band or artist, or about an era in music or whatever, what you mostly want is to feel like you were there at the time these people were recording and gigging and just being bands. Follow the Music gives you a first-class seat in Elektra's offices, at its artists' concerts, in rehearsal spaces, in restaurants where biz wheeling and dealing is done . . . You come away knowing Jac Holzman underpaid his staffers and artists, but that he genuinely cared about the quality of music his label put out, and about artists' integrity. I wish there had been as much on Arthur Lee and Love as there is on the Doors, but then the Doors were Elektra's biggest-selling act, so I guess it makes sense that they get the most ink in the book. I also didn't like the way the sections on the MC5 and the Stooges - two of the most important bands in the history of rock - are so short, while the one on Carly Simon is so long. But that's because I like the MC5, love the Stooges and wish Carly Simon would go away. But these are quibbles. I loved the book. How much did I love the book? I don't even like the Doors, save for 5 or 6 of their songs, yet I drank in every word about them, and went back and listened to their debut and L.A. Woman because the chapters on those two albums were so moving.

Worth the price for the CD!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-08
This is a must read for music fans! There is something for nearly everyone here: The story of the founding and growth of Elektra Records (how an energetic young man, Jac Holzman, with a few hundred dollars, good musical taste and a ton of ideas could actually start a thriving record company). The history of many early folk music performers such as Theodore Bikel, Judy Collins, Jean Richie and many others. The story of the creation of Nonesuch Records (a low-cost Classical division). The history of many Rock performers (including Jim Morrison of the Doors). There is even enough technical info about early recording, studio design and Dolby units to satisfy a tech geek (such as myself)! The image conjured up of a young Holzman setting out with a Magnacord P-6 recorder strapped to his Vespa scooter, to record folk music performances in NYC really conveys the "shoestring" attributes of Elektra Records in the early days. At the other end of the scale, the design of studio "B" was perhaps representative of the "excesses " of the rock era.

The copy of this book that I got from Amazon included a "bonus" CD that contains many tracks of early Ekektra performers that have not been re-released on CD. To me, this CD was worth the price & the book was essentially "free"!

It is sad that only a few recordings from the early Elektra "folk period" have been re-issued on CD. This situation is starting to improve, (see my other reviews for some early Elektra folk "gems" that I have found on CD).

Radio
GROL Plus: General Radiotelephone Operator License Plus Radar Endorsement
Published in Paperback by Master Publishing Co (1998-07)
Authors: Gordon West and Fred Maia
List price: $39.95
New price: $39.95
Used price: $33.89

Average review score:

All you need to pass
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-27
Read the book over a two week period and passed element 1,3,and 8. Enough said

Best GROL Study Guide. PERIOD!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-01
This is simply the best GROL study guide on the market. It covers every question in the pool with a brief explanation of each answer. It is perfect for a person with electronics knowledge wanting to get a GROL

I did read one review complaining that only taught the questions. This book is NOT designed to teach you electronics. The FCC GROL exam is a very difficult test that covers a wide range of subjects in the electronics field. Many experienced and educated professionals take, AND FAIL the GROL exam.

This book allows the experienced technician to learn where to focus the knowledge in order to pass the exam. The brief answers provide just enough understanding to jog your memory and bring out what you already learned.

OK
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-12
This book rather than teaching the principles, teaches the question pool. It goes through question by question, just giving the answer and an extremely brief explanation, if any explanation at all. All of the material is covered, however, the book seems best suited for someone with previous radio and/or electronics experience.

If you want to pass the FCC test, study this cover to cover!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-21
I used it to pass the GROL and the Radar endorsement, since the excellent Milton Kauffman book is out of circulation and the last (11th?) edition is not up to date. Get it and pass!

Great
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-28
I like all Gordo material. I used his manuals to pass my amateur radio exams from Tech to Advanced operator. I look forward to passing the GROL exams.

Radio
The Lottie Project (Radio Collection)
Published in Audio Cassette by Cover to Cover Cassettes Ltd (2003-10-01)
Author: Jacqueline Wilson
List price: $22.70
New price: $20.81
Used price: $24.72

Average review score:

Lottie!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-03-04
Lottie's real name is Charlotte, but noone calls her that..... until this 'horrible' new teacher Mrs Beckworth arrives, and doesn't let her sit next to Lisa (who Lottie has saved the best place for), but makes poor Lottie sit next to that swot Jamie. Lottie hates Mrs Beckworth, and sends around humorous poems about trains and teases about Jamie. Lottie's teenage mum, Jo, is having problems with work but suddenly Mrs Beckworth gives the class a project. it is about the victorians and Lottie writes a diary about it. she buys Jamie, who comes her friend in the end, some postcards and everything but then Jo gets a nerdy man called Mark as a boyfriend because she babysits his son, Robin, who is small and shy and has a little stuffed robin toy that his mum made for him before she died. lottie lets him use her felt pens but he just draws a house and his mum and dad and himself. when Jo and Mark go on a love ride on a picnic where Robin is sick, Lottie sees them kissing and bullies poor robin until he runs away from home and then there is a search party because everyone is worried and he gets found and put in hospital and lottie makes him a cake and draws him pictures of birds. lottie suddenly feels bad and crys in her bathroom because she doesn't feel old and hates herself. she even needs the comfort of her old barbies, which are packed away in her drawer and she and jo used to dress them and drive them to posh parties to make them dance, and jo enjoyed this more than lottie! you should read these other books too:
Best Friends, Diamond girls, the bed and breakfast kid, sleepovers, the suitcase kid, the lottie project, clean break, the worry website, girls in love, girls out late, the dare game, the story of tracy beaker, vicky angel, cliffhanger, the illustrated mum and girls in tears, the cat mummy.
I have 56 jaqcueline wilson books because i am a major bookworm and book collector. i have read over 8 billion books in my 10 years of living, and so has my best friend.
so girls, get readin'!

Really cool great book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-07-13
This is such a fantastic book! It's about Charlie who lives with her mum Jo in a flat. Her mean teacher, Miss Beckworth wants the class to do a school project on the Victorians.
"Boring!" she thinks at first, but gradually she likes it more
and more. She writes a project and wants to keep it private.
Her project is about Lottie and how she copes with her frustrating life. First she's an ordinary eleven year old girl
living with her family in a cottage but then she has to leave school and get a job as a nursery maid. The children she looks after are such naughty little monkeys and she doesn't lke this job.
Stupid snooty swotty boy Jamie Edwards is so annoying to Charlie. YOU'VE GOT TO READ IT IT'S SUCH A BRILL BOOK!!!!
Don't call this book stupid. Honestly, don't. If you think it's
stupid, read "Best Friends" or "Vicky Angel" or "Girls in tears". THEY'RE the stupid books. OK, so that's all I want to say.

lottie or charlie im so confused!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-12-20
charlies life is really changing. Her teacher is mean, makes her sit next to Jamie Edwards,and assigns a "dreary" projecton the "dreary" victorian period. So charlie decides to create a diary for her project, and creates Lottie, a Victorian nurserymaid, and history comes to life.

charlies mom is also causing trouble in her life. Charlie thinks she has a boyfriend, and that can't happen!!!!!

i loved this book and how Charlie brought Lottie to life.
i would recamend this book to anyone.

~tara~

Lottie Project-what a book!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-07-16
I have read many books from Jacqueline Wilson, and have admired her ability to express how kids feel, what they want. This is all true. Being a kid, i have lots of friends that match those in the story. This book, Lottie Project, is one of my favourite books she wrote. I know how it feels to be forced to write a project, but i have never wrote a project, that like Charlotte's, matches my own daily life.
In school, i have just learnt about the Victorians, and told my teacher, Miss Battram, about the book. She too admitts that it is a good book and should be added into the Victorian learning program for year 5 next year.
Everyone can see that Jacqueline Wilson has shown us how an 11year old girl's life can be similar to a maid in the Victorian times, and how they coped with it.
This book is really great for everyone to read, maybe single parents should take a peek in this book too as it will tell single parents how their child feels when they start dating someone else. then, they can talk it through with their child, so mistakes like in Lottie Project, that Charlotte Enright had to cope with, will not happen.
Furthermore, this book is very good to be used in Victorian sessions in school, seeing as the book is very funny, and still useful in teaching about a 11 year old girl's life in the Victorian times.
Rita Teo Bangkok Patana school, Thailand

A Wonderful Favorite!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-08-16
This is definitely one of my favorite books. I guess sixth graders will enjoy it most, but parents will also enjoy it too. Jacqueline Wilson really knows how to get into the world of 11-year-olds.

Charlie Enright has a lot of problems at school. Her new teacher is strict and mean. She assigns the sixth-graders a Victorian project right at the beginning of the year. Also, she makes Charlie sit next to Jamie Edwards, which Charlie isn't sure she likes or hates.

She also is having problems with her friends. They have abandoned the 'We Hate Boys Club' and are now very interested in boys and not paying much attention to her.

And her home lifes not that wonderful either. Her single mother has just lost her job, but she finds another one quickly. It turns out that she has fallen in love with her boss and Charlie has got to stop her. Somehow. Someway.

Will Charlie's problems ever end? Read this great book to find out!

Radio
Right Ho, Jeeves (BBC Radio Collection)
Published in Audio Cassette by BBC Audiobooks Ltd (2000-05-08)
Author: P.G. Wodehouse
List price: $22.70
Used price: $44.99

Average review score:

Baccarat and Milady's Boudoir
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-03
"Right Ho Jeeves" was first published in 1934 in the UK, though was first published in the US under the name "Brinkley Court". The book is set in England and features Wodehouse's best known creations : Bertie Wooster and his valet, Jeeves. Bertie is the book's wealthy, good-natured and rather dim narrator. He's a member of the "idle rich" and, rather than having to work for a living, lives off an allowance provided by his uncle. He spends much of his time in the bar-room of the Drones Club, is fond of the occasional wager and has an appalling dress sense. Luckily, Bertie has Jeeves, to look after him. Without Jeeves, Bertie's life would be a mess : he makes an excellent hangover cure, his bets usually win and is intelligent enough to rescue Bertie from nearly any situation. He disapproves of Bertie's more garish items of clothing, and will - occasionally - take it upon himself to deal with the offending item.

The book opens with Bertie's return from Cannes, having spent two months on holiday with his Aunt Dahlia, his cousin Angela and Madeline Basset - Angela's best friend. Arriving back at his flat, Bertie is surprised to learn that Gussie Fink-Nottle has been a frequent caller in his absence. Gussie, an old school-friend of Bertie's, is something of a reclusive character : he doesn't drink, looks rather like a fish, prefers country life to the city and is a noted newt-fancier. Gussie has apparently fallen in love, and has - wisely - taken to visiting Jeeves for his advice on how to win the young lady's heart. However, following a disagreement with Jeeves about a white mess jacket purchased in Cannes, Bertie decides to take over Gussie's case.

By sheer coincidence, the object of Gussie's desires is none other than Madeline Basset - who, after the trip to Cannes, has returned to Brinkley Court (Aunt Dahlia's stately home). Bertie sends Gussie off to the stately home in question - though his motives aren't entirely noble. As well as spending time with Madeline, Gussie will also be delivering a speech at the local grammar school's prizegiving day - a job Aunt Dahlia had intended for Bertie. However, when word comes through that Angela has brokern off her engagement with Tuppy Glossop, Bertie and Jeeves race off to the countryside to offer their support. Naturally, Bertie's attempts to ease smooth things over land everyone in a great deal of bother.

A very easy and enjoyable read.

Love and scheming
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-22
If there's one thing Bertie Wooster should never do, it's make elaborate plans to bring estranged lovebirds back together.

And he demonstrates just why in the second full-length Jeeves novel, a screwball disaster saga that sees Bertie confidently trying to fix people's lives. Of course, things go horribly wrong, and Wodehouse's arch, nutty look at what happens next is an absolute gem.

When Aunt Dahlia summons him to Brinkley Court for a prizegiving, Bertie sends his newt-fancying friend Gussie instead -- especially since Gussie is enamoured of a girl staying there, the soppy Madeleine Bassett. But when Bertie hears that his cousin Angela has broken off her engagement to Tuppy Glossop -- and his aunt is in need of money -- he rushes down to assist all his relatives and pals by advising them to feign such sorrow that they're unable to eat.

Unfortunately his plan falls through, and they manages to enrage the cook Anatole to the point where he storms out. Even worse, the prize-giving is a disaster and the wrong people end up engaged -- and pursued by homicidally angry exes. Only Jeeves' formidable brain can somehow save the day -- and Bertie's behind.

P.G. Wodehouse made a pretty good living off of spoofing the upper crust of England, and the subtlely intlligent servants who bail them out. "Right Ho Jeeves" is a prime example of his writing -- some small mistakes rapidly balloon out into a crazy tangled mess, which only an intelligent manservant can rescue Bertie from.

Much of the book's charm comes from its complex plot and series of disasters (such as Tuppy's homicidal rampage). And as usual, poor Bertie finds himself the object of young ladies' affections -- in this case, the appallingly goofy Madeleine thinks he's madly in love with her, when she's not rambling about fairies and bunnies. If there's a flaw, it's that Jeeves' final solution is a bit limp.

But Wodehouse's writing is what really makes the book timeless. It's arch and wry, whether he's describing basic actions ("He leaped like a lamb in springtime"), or goofy dialogue ("But if you were a male newt, Madeline Bassett wouldn't look at you. Not with the eye of love, I mean").

Jeeves and Bertie are the perfect comic team -- Bertie is proud, goofy, and not terribly bright, while the quiet Jeeves is a towering intellect with wry wit. And they're backed by a colourful, small cast of nutty aristocrats, schoolboys, sharp-tongued aunts and cousins, newt-fancying fish-faced men, and a girl who talks about how "every time a fairy sheds a tear, a wee bitty star is born." Yech.

"Right Ho Jeeves" is a hilarious, tangled farce of love, money, jealousy, dinner jackets and the mating rituals of newts. Absolutely priceless, from start to finish.

cure for the blues.
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-10
got the blues? melancholia got you in its grip? the prospect of death got you down? jeeves to the rescue! nothing like a good wodehouse read to cheer one up. problem is, the man wrote just short of a million books, and not all of them are good. so where to start? right here, with this book. of all the wodehouse books i've read, this is my favorite, the most consistently entertaining. just what the doctor ordered to smash you in the funny bone and get a smile going on the old face.

Classic British Humor...Hysterical!!
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-24
If you love Monty Python, Faulty Towers, and the like, you'll love RHJ. The glowing reviews on this page are spot on. This is timeless stuff. And Cecil's reading (if you incline towards the recorded version) is terrific. Laugh out loud funny. I adored every moment!

Very good, sir.
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-13
It is rare that I derive such pleasure from a book, but Right Ho, Jeeves, gave me a delightful surprise. Not only does Wodehouse make an art of the satirical novel, but in the process wraps the reader up in the witty speech of Bertram Wooster and his strange arrangement of friends, family, and butler. Bertram, or "Bertie," as he is commonly known, stumbles through the entire novel with the idea that he alone must bear the weight of being the sole aid to his friends' problems. Despite several attempts at a kind reprimand from Jeeves, his personal servant, ("I beg your pardon sir... What I intended to say, since you press me, was that the action which you propose does seem to be somewhat injudicious."); Bertie continues to give it his best. Among other things, Wooster implements the best intentions while attempting a match between old friends, but with little success: "All he had to do was propose." "Yes, sir." "Well, didn't he?" "No, sir." "Then what the dickens did he talk about?" "Newts, sir."

Despite the playful banter, colorful characters (such as a sensitive French cook), an inept yet lovable narrative voice found in Wooster, and of course, Jeeves, behind all is an incredibly clever satire on the "upper crust," so to speak. Although, admittedly, many readers cannot associate directly with the early-middle twentieth century, one cannot help but feel the idle, privileged and somewhat clueless lives of the English aristocracy seep from the pages of Jeeves. Wodehouse does a wonderful job of capturing the lives of people who have nothing better to do then dabble about ridiculously in the lives of one another.

Indeed, Wodehouse does much to reflect the over-privileged lives to which Bertie and company cling to so humorously. However, what might have become a novel filled to overflowing with hilarity and drama is brought back down to a more substantial level with the constant subtle humor and patronization brought in by Jeeves. "Jeeves, don't keep saying `Indeed, sir?' No doubt nothing is further from your mind than to convey such a suggestion, but you have a way of stressing the `in' and then coming down with a thud on the `deed' which makes it virtually tantamount to `Oh, yeah?' Correct this, Jeeves." The nature in which Bertie and the rest are virtually ignorant to Jeeves' little jibes such as this shows clearly the statement of Wodehouse, how the aristocracy is too self absorbed to notice even the slightest. In short, this is a wonderfully clever novel, which keeps the pages turning with quick wit and snappy humor. I highly suggest it.

Radio
My Name's Friday : The Unauthorized but True Story of Dragnet and the Films of Jack Webb
Published in Paperback by Cumberland House Publishing (2001-06)
Author: Michael Hayde
List price: $18.95
New price: $12.53
Used price: $11.63

Average review score:

The Man Who Made Joe Friday and So Much More
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-31
My Name's Friday is an enjoyable romp through the world of Jack Webb. From his days portraying hardboiled radio detectives Pat Novak and Johnny Madero to Hollywood Success, Failure, and a big comeback, Friday takes us through the highlights and lowlights of Webb's life.

Michael J. Hayde comes to the book with a great deal of respect for Webb and his work, which is an essential element in a work such as this. Hayde's work first and foremost is a Webb fan book. He gives a synopsis of each of Webb's movies and then provides a critique of them. While appreciating Webb's contributions, Hayde spares no criticism of the late 1950s Dragnet episodes, Pete Kelly's Blues, and other less than successful Webb projects. While I don't agree with all of Hayde's criticism (I loved the "Night School" episode and he didn't), his criticisms are reasoned and measured rather than spiteful. Whatever criticism Hayde has for Webb is mild compared to the well-deserved critique he slams down on the 1987 Dragnet movie with Dan Akroyd.

If there was one criticism I'd had of Hayde's book, it was where he went from TV fan to armchair psychologist, buying Webb's statements that he didn't miss having a father around as a youth. I actually after reading the book and of Webb's difficulty letting himself act believably on screen particularly in romantic scenes, as well as history of broken marriages might not have been influenced by never having a father around. Kind of off-topic from the subject of the book, I know. However, if one is going to engage in psychology, it shouldn't be done haphazardly.

Still, the book is incredible fun as a fan resource and provides a rare glimpse at a radio and TV genius that's been typecast as a stiff clown. Read it to recapture a vital part of America's television history.

An excellent look at a unique person and his style
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-16
This is an excellent book. While not a true biography, it does take a look into Webb's personal life because Webb was such a workaholic that it had an effect on all that he did and who he was.

Unless you're an old time radio fan like me, you may not know that Webb started early and young. He had many outstanding shows before Dragnet and even Dragnet started in 1949 on radio. For a while, it was on both radio and television at the same time.

Webb was in many ways a brilliant man. Yet he had many failures --- both in his business life and certainly in his four marriages.

To say he was an interesting man may be an overstatement. But his body of work is so extensive, that one has to be impressed.

I started to become interested in Webb when looking for metaphors for my own writing. I didn't want to use stuff that everyone knew. And I kept hearing them on his old radio shows --- especially the ones written by the incredible Richard Breen.

I liked Webb's delivery and unemotional approach to acting. In most people, that would be considered bad acting. But somehow with Webb it was something special.

This book makes Webb and his entire career, his stock of actors and his many incarnations come to life. While his life was short, he accomplished so much.

Dragnet started on radio in 1949 and still today, in 2007, I know of no one who doesn't know what it means to hear, dum - de-dum -dum. And few people do not know of Dragnet and at least seen it on television. To me, that's amazing.

This book dwelt mostly with Webb's body of work and not his personal life or his personality. It does deal with it to some extent. But if you're interested mostly in that area of Webb's life, you might prefer another book.

The book has an excellent and exhaustive appendix that included a list, along with dates and other valuable information on each show on both radio and television. The appendix also includes other valuable informations. Well worth saving.

For Dragnet fans and Webb fans or those who are interested in radio and/or television history, this is a must-read. Oh, it has lots of great photos too.

Highly recommended.

OK, but...
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-09
I found this book to be an OK read. The only problem I had was that toward the end the tone of the writing shifted as the author sought to be a Jack Webb apologist. There are excuses made for the way the Dragnet of the 60s portrayed drug users, and there's almost an indignant tone taken over Dragnet spoofs such as the Dan Ackroyd film and even Nick at Nite promos!

The reason the Dragnet of the 60s became such a ripe ground for spoofing (besides the rapid fire patter) was indeed the portrayal of drug users. The series basically equated marijuana use with LSD and heroin, which is a laughable premise. The author's defense of the "Blue Boy" episode was particularly humorous. I remember seeing one of the participants of the drug party in that show actually physically trying to climb the walls. Talk about heavy-handed and unintentionally funny!

That said, I still found the book worthwhile reading, I'm a fan of Dragnet, both for Jack Webb's innovative style of shooting and the campy humor. It was interesting discovering things about Webb's radio show and some of his films that I had not previously known. I was easily able to overcome any minor annoyances with the tone shifting at the end.

Great book if you are looking for the what the title describes
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-18
I bought this book expecting fluff based on the reviews. I am a big fan of Dragnet the radio show but did not think the book would cover much of it in depth. I was wrong. Although it spends more time discussing the television series and movies, I was happy with the information on the radio show.

This book details the Dragnet radio show, both Dragnet television shows, and Mark VII movies. It does this through the central person in all of these productions, Jack Webb. However, the reader also learns about the regulars on the shows, and we get to know a bit about them as well.

"My Name's Friday" does not claim to be a biography on Webb and if that is what you are looking for, this is the wrong book for you. If you are looking for a bio of Jack Webb, there are many other books that you would probably enjoy more. However, If you are interested in the multiple incarnations of Dragnet and Pete Kelly's Blues, this is the book for you.

In addition to the main text, the appendixes include titles and brief descriptions of each Dragnet radio and television show in addition to police terms used in the shows and movies.

The facts...and much more
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-25
This is a must if you are collecting the radio shows, original TV series, or the '67-'70 version. A lot of the 50's series is on DVD, but they are scattered on all sorts of compilations. This book helps keep track of what you've got. I particularly enjoyed hearing from the extras that Webb used religiously.

But beyond Dragnet, there's a lot of interesting stuff here, how Webb was a jazz nut, including his foray into recording with his spoken-word "You're My Girl" album.

I think it's very interesting how he worked with ex-wife and her husband on Emergency! Many paramedics credit Emergency! with inspiring them to join this service. He obviously loved police and emergency services and his hometown. It makes you wonder, if Webb had lived, what his creative reaction to say the LA riots and the OJ trial would have been.

Radio
Passport to World Band Radio, New 2007 Edition (Passport to World Band Radio)
Published in Paperback by International Broadcasting Services (2006-12-01)
Author: Lawrence Magne
List price: $22.95
New price: $4.97
Used price: $3.49

Average review score:

This book has everything.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-20
This book has all the information you need to find where the various shortwave stations are located and what will be on at different times. I am happy I got it to go along with the shortwave radio that I purchased.

Passport to the world
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-29
This is one of the books I included in the present I bought for my 20-year-old grandson along with the Sony Broadband radio. This book is interesting and opening the world of broadband radio to my grandson. He finds it very useful.

Got to have if you are interested in S.W. radio!!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-04
I have been reading this book for 10 years, & find it invaluable for any info about new & old equipment.Great info about stations & broadcasts from around the globe & program schedules.Also good info for newcomers to sw. Highly reccomend as a gift for anyone that you might want to share your hobby with.

Passport to World Band Radio
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-13
Exelent, Idon't know why people by brand new books, thers amazon
Jose

Very full of information but ...
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-24
.. also full of confusing graphical pages so you can not resolve what is the comercial and what article!

Once again the graphical arrangement of comercial, articles, content for example which you can not find quickly and the the rest of the book is not in accordance with the technical content of the book!

After some time of digging you can find everything what you need but again: it is very confusing book becuse of the similar colours of the comercials and articles!
For stars because of that!

It is more accurate for local frequecies than WRTH!

Enjoy anyway!

Radio
The ARRL General Class License Manual for Radio Operators (Arrl General Class License Manual for the Radio Amateur)
Published in Paperback by Amer Radio Relay League (2007-03)
Authors: Arrl and Ward Silver
List price: $24.95
New price: $16.47
Used price: $18.03

Average review score:

Great Content Review
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-07
I am just another voice adding my opinion to an already well reviewed book. I bought this book and ran through it pretty quickly to prepare for the general exam. It is laid out fairly well (not by question set though) and the pool in the back is great. The book boasts detailed question explanations which it does, just not right next to the question. Each question references the page number in the book which has the information relating to the question. So, it references where you can find the answer but does not explain each individual question separately. However, there is another book put out by the arrl I think that does that, the Q&A general book. I like this book because I want to learn how to be a better operator and not just how to pass a written multiple choice exam. Anyways, great book and amazon has had it on sale for some time now, so pick it up and upgrade, you will be glad you did. With a little work, you could upgrade in a few weeks tops.

Best of the Exam Cram Books
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-31
I used the ARRL book for my General - as the only study source, as I wanted to actually know the material, not just memorize answers. I nailed the exam, with 1 wrong. That's not to suggest that that's the only way to pass the exam, but it is a comment on the quality of the material. It is well laid-out, taking the reader through a nice progression of topics and a nice progression from basic to more difficult concepts. I also find that the manual is nice to keep on hand as a reference.

amazing book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-21
this book is amazing. the material is easy to follow and allowed me to pass my test first off. a must for anyone who wants to pass their general class licence.

Good reference book for getting your General License
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-19
If you are going for your General License, you need this book. After you have passed, it becomes a great reference tool.

The only book you will need
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-09
I just passed the General test using only this book and an exam site online. Same question pool but it was just easier to read the questions online instead of flipping through the book.

Read the book cover to cover. Stop and answer the questions when prompted. Don't move on until you understand the material. Review the question pool over and over. Done.

Please don't just memorize the questions in the book and take the test. You are just hurting yourself and other Ham's who understand the hobby. But I digress...

This book covers every topic necessary to pass the test. The is the second tier of Ham license and the book does expect you to know the basics of amateur radio as well as have a good grasp of basic electronics and electronic theory. It hits heavily on radio wave propagation, electric principles, circuit components and antennas. The intent in my opinion is to really make sure you won't screw up once you start hitting HF bands and start using the higher end equipment.

Buying this for the test is a no-brainer.

The test was much harder than the Technician test but if you study and understand the material presented in the book you will pass easily.

Radio
Arrl Ham Radio License Manual: All You Need to Become an Amateur Radio Operator (Arrl Ham Radio License Manual)
Published in Paperback by American Radio Relay League (ARRL) (2006-06)
Author: Arrl
List price: $24.95
New price: $17.30
Used price: $17.29

Average review score:

It works buy it
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-09
Bought the book; Read Part of the Book; Went over ALL questions and just got out of the Exam in Reading Pa. One wrong. 90%. You will PASS. I did

Good, quick resource
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-05
I bought this book and used it and passed the exam 100%. I studied and mastered a chapter per day about for a week and took the exam and was more than prepared. Read the book, do the questions, then do online practice exams and you could get your license in 2 weeks tops. Great book. There are alternatives, such as the Q&A but I actually wanted to know how to be a ham rather than just how to pass the exam. Personal preference.

score 100 on the test with this book....
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-01
I just passed the technicians test (like 4 hours ago!) with a perfect score and this book is the reason why. All you have to do is go over all the questions a couple of times and the test will be a breeze. I also own the Technician's Manual by Gordon West and while that is a fine publication, I found the ARRL manual more to my liking. 100% first try - this book will make it happen.

Great book to learn to be a HAM.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-29
If you want to learn to be a Technician class amateur radio operator, this book is a must read. The Gordon West Q&A book will teach you to pass the test. This book will teach you to be a Ham.

Morse code is not required anymore. Get you license!

Excellent!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-10
I used this product to obtain my Technician license and it worked perfectly. Every topic is easily laid out in a clear, concise fashion, and the question pool at the back of the book is well-organized. The material is also presented in an interesting and unique way, so you will not tire of learning. Highly recommended!

Radio
" Star Wars " : The Original Radio Drama (Star Wars - the Original Radio Drama)
Published in Paperback by Titan Books Ltd (1995-04-20)
Authors: Brian Daley and George Lucas
List price:
Used price: $16.85

Average review score:

You'll like it or Hate it.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-25
I have loved this since I was a kid. I only have it on tape (I'm old). Once you get used to the actors and once you stop trying to compare it to the movie, you will like it.

The only scene I hate is the one where Vader is torturing Leia. It is laughable. Actually, you should listen to it because I guarantee you will laugh it is so poorly done.

A wonderful story for the whole family
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-04
I remembered listening to this production on NPR when I was a kid and now that my own children have discovered Star Wars I decided to share this version with them on a recent trip to visit grandma. We loved it! The Star Wars story is expanded and the writing and voice acting is so well done that it will keep the kids and adults entertained. Our trip seemed almost too short because we enjoyed listening so much.

Don't waste money on a DVD player in the car. Stories like this one are much more entertaining and leave the special f/x to the imagination.

Excellent Companion to the Movie
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-30
I recently wrote a review for the Return of the Jedi adaption on NPR which I gave a mere three stars. I cited poor directing, acting and lack of added material.

These complaints cannot be levelled against this, the first of the NPR dramatisations.
The acting is spot on, with Perry King providing a rougher verion of Solo that goes over well, as opposed to the next two adaptions where it begins to grate. Mark Hamil and Anthony Daniels are naturally perfect at the characters that defined them for a decade and more after the original trilogy finished. Bernard Behrens does a surprisingly good Ben Kenobi, and Brock Peters likewise with Vader. They are not Alec Guinness and James Earl Jones, but they're good enough not to cause problems.

The direction is great, and I never found myself noticing the obvious radio 'cues' which tell the listener what is happening. THe music and sound effects are good and the pacing is not rushed, unlike ROTJ.

And as for added material? Deducting front and end credits gives us roughly five and a half hours, nearly triple the length of the film. The vast wealth of extra material is great and never seems out of place.

In all I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in the Star Wars original trilogy.

A long time ago...
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-07
In 1981, the phenomenally popular movie Star Wars was adapted into a radio drama. The series ran as 13 half-hour episodes. This being about three times as long as the movie, a lot of extra scenes were added, especially back stories for many of the characters. The only actors from the movie that reprised their roles from the movie were Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker and Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, but most of the actors taking over the other roles do a good job. Most Star Wars fans will probably enjoy this.

Splendid Radio Adaptation of Star Wars, Episode IV
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-06-10
I have fond memories of myself eagerly awaiting each installment of this fantastic radio drama adaptation of the original "Star Wars" film back when it aired originally in 1981. Brian Daley did an excellent job via his superb scripts giving us more details of the relationships between Luke Skywalker and his Tatooine friend Biggs Darklighter and between Princess Leia and her father on Alderaan. We also learn here how Princess Leia obtained the technical plans for the Death Star. Both Mark Hamill and Anthony Daniels give superb performances of their screen characters, Luke Skywalker and C3PO respectively. However, the rest of the cast is just as fine with a fine - if somewhat restrained - Darth Vader voiced by Brock Peters and Ann Sachs as Princess Leia. Both the sound effects by Ben Burtt and of course the original film score by John Williams are absolutely splendid. This is a spellbinding radio drama that should appeal to diehard fans of "Star Wars".


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