Radio Books

America really pulled together to support one another and the GI's overseas and this book is a fine example! I was born during World War II and got an early start with radio. I was only 2 at the time of these letters, but fully understand the impact on the recipients. At 67 I'm still involved in radio as a "Amateur Operator" and involved in message handling during peacetime. Also a history buff of the era, I fully enjoyed hearing of civilians who took the time and in some cases expense to notify families of POW's. They are certainly part of the WWII history and hero lists. Everyone should read this book to appreciate them! KB4IP

As the child of two parents significanlty affected by World War II in Romania, I was eager to read this book. I admit, I knew next to nothing about the underground radio monitoring that went on during the war. I knew a little more (but not much) about POW camps. What I learned from Lisa's book, and from reading and touching the letters in person can't be measured. I can only say I was as touched as I was educated by her beautiful writing and the way she managed to reveal such an intimate part of her family's history without crossing any "boundaries." I thank her grandfather and all who fought with him--for without their efforts, my parents might not have survived. I thank the radio heroes for "doing the right thing" and being as dedicated to their country as they were. We could use more of that these days. Mostly, I thank Lisa for telling the story so well. I look forward to her next publication.

What a delightful book! I read it all in one sitting and could not help but thank the mostly-now deceased participants of this WWII saga, so nicely put together by Lisa Spahr. It was an unknown phase of WWII to me, having been born as a result of my dad's home leave in 1944! But our old radio (local and shortwave) was obviously one of the type used by the numerous Amaetur Monitor Club members during the war. We stand on the shoulders of these giants who came before us, to help each other in this time of crisis. Our thanks and prayers go to these soldiers, the POWs, and the families who helped each other during the perilous war years. Also, appreciation to Ms. Spahr for bringing this story to light!

What more can we possibly learn about World War II? Movies, documentaries, and books by the thousands have been created over the 60 plus years since the war's end. Yet Lisa Spahr has re-discovered a compelling part of the war that has received little attention. Compelling because it captures the best characteristics of Americans: energy, compassion and freedom.

Americans cannot sit still. We conquered a continent, defeated empires and built the greatest country in history because of our boundless energy. World War II Radio Heroes tells the story of how thousands of Americans stayed awake by shortwave radios throughout the night, wrote down the names of captured POWs broadcast by the Germans, and wrote postcards, letters and telegrams to the prisoners' worried families. The book perfectly captures the particular brand of energy that makes Europeans roll their eyes but that makes us distinctly American. But we're not just a bunch of selfish people focusing solely on what's in front of us. We use our energy for the greater good.

The war touched every American family in one way shape or form, from rationing, to air raid drills to the draft. We were all in this together. Virtually every male relative on both sides of my family of a certain age served in World War II, and the war was a major event in both families, as it was for all their neighbors and fellow citizens. Broadcasts from or about a POW touched all who listened because that could be their son or their brother in the hands of the enemy. Hearing the broadcast compelled thousands to do something, even to form organizations, to systematically get word to the families that their loved ones were safe. This compassion that Americans feel for each other is what drove them to listen and act on these broadcasts even though the government discouraged them to. And that gets us to the most important characteristic of Americans that Lisa's story highlights: how Americans exercise their freedom.

The primary purpose of these enemy radio broadcasts was to undermine the moral of the American people. Today we'd call it Information Operations or Psychological Operations. Propaganda was a weapon, plain and simple, and the best way to avoid any risk of it having an effect was to turn off the radio and not listen. And that's what government bureaucrats recommended. But this wasn't Nazi Germany and Americans weren't Germans.

Americans are free, and even when Americans give up some rights as they do during wartime, they have little patience for being treated like children by their government. The most heartening aspect of this story is that it displays The Greatest Generation ignoring governments and doing the right thing. They ignored the propaganda embedded in the broadcasts because they recognized it for what it was. However, they captured the golden nuggets in the broadcasts, the bits of information and recordings of their fellow citizens who were POWs. Not only that, but they formed organizations, that most American of activities, to better monitor the broadcasts and get the word to family members.

Lisa's book captures Americans at their best. You can sense in the letters that Americans at that time wanted to win the war, and they wanted to win it as soon as possible. Why? Because they wanted it over. They wanted their boys to come home. World War II Radio Heroes brings to life this almost forgotten story about World War II, and shows Americans for what they are: an energetic, compassionate and free people.

Lisa Spahr's Radio Heroes bears witness to the kindness and patriotism of a mostly forgotten band of short-wave listeners and amateur radio operators who monitored Nazi Germany's radio broadcasts for news of captured U. S. service personnel, passing on information and hope to the families of the missing. It is a very personal story of discovery, beginning with her grandfather's "war trunk" and growing into a search for those few remaining Radio Heroes who had written so many Letters of Compassion.

James D. Walrath, Ph.D.
K3BEN

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

As an old-time radio fan who has just recently discovered the magic of Don McNeill's "Breakfast Club" program (and WHY aren't there more surviving recordings of this series currently in circulation among collectors?), I thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Doolittle's new book. I found it to give fascinating and in-depth looks into the "behind-the-scenes" workings of the show, the network and sponsor difficulties with the TV version, and the careers and private lives of the McNeill family and the various cast members. I found the section regarding Kay McNeill's (Don's wife) mental and physical decline from Altzheimer's Disease to be particularly poignant and heartbreaking...especially considering what a vibrant person she seemed to be prior to her illness. In a previous review, Mr. Slobb criticizes the book for treating Don McNeill as if he were God...I respectfully disagree. The book deals with the two personas of Mr. McNeill....How he could seem outgoing on the program and be quite introverted, even sullen, in real life. However, after reading the book one gets the impression that Don McNeill was basically a fine person. After working with Mr. McNeill for a number of years and numerous broadcasts, Mr. Slobb's complaints are that Don McNeill never spoke to him, or that Don gave Mr. Slobb "cheap" Christmas presents....I don't think that those issues really put Don McNeill into the "ruthless S.O.B" category. Unlike fellow "morning man" Arthur Godfrey, who truly alienated his cast members and had some very ugly parting of the ways, most of Don McNeill's regulars stayed with him for YEARS. There were male and female singers who would leave the show to get married and raise families, tour on club dates, go into the service, etc. Don had a friendly "open-door" policy with these departed singers.....Most of them would return to fill in when their replacements would be out sick, on vacation, etc., and these "pinch-hitting" former regulars were always made to feel welcome. I'm sorry to digress from the book itself, but I felt that the preceding needed to be said. I found this book to be enlightening, interesting, inspiring and a LOT of fun...sort of like an actual "Breakfast Club" broadcast! I recommend it highly!

The Don McNeill Breakfast Club was a comfort of home, a memory of cherished moments sitting by the radio with my family. When I heard that a book had been written about the program I had high expectations. I was more impressed than I could have imagined. Not only did I feel a stronger sense of who Don McNeill was, I also gained perspective on American History through radio, which was so perfectly encompassed in The Breakfast Club. For anyone who remembers the lazy mornings by the radio, or for anyone who is interested in American culture and history, this book is a must!

Although I am old enough to have been able to remember Don McNeill's Breakfast Club I have only heard of him, and wanted to learn more about this popular radio show. Author John Doolittle has done an excellent job in bringing out the personality of Don McNeill. Don was a devoted family man who, despite an extroverted personality when interviewing people, was more of an introvert away from the show. Don was devoted to the midwest and chose to keep his show in Chicago from various downtown locations. I would say the primary reason for the success of the show was his sincere interest in people in addition to his willingness to pay the price in preparation time. Those who filled in for him found out there is more involved than chatting with members of the studio audience. The silent prayer and the march around the breakfast table were interesting staples of this show that I wasn't aware of. Don McNeill was a sincere man both on the show and in his private life. The CD that came with the book I bought provides interesting snippets on some of his shows and was especially interesting to listen to after having read the book. Don McNeill was a giant of radio who had a lot to contribute to other people and did.

This is a fascinating journey back through radio and american history.

The "Breakfast Club" was a morning radio program staple in hundreds of thousands of homes across America beginning in 1933 until its final broadcast in December of 1968. Don McNeill hosted this program which was completely unscripted and involved a lot of studio audience participation. Now John Doolittle has memorialized that unique and beloved radio show host and his program in Don McNeill And His Breakfast Club. Here is the history of a man and a program that developed an enormous and loyal listenership in an era when broadcast radio was the major daily mass media for information and culture in the country. Doolittle's informative, enthusiastically recommended history is enriched with the inclusion of an accompanying CD with sample clips from the show to give the reader an authentic flavor of what the program was like and why it became (and stayed) one of the most popular components of morning radio.

I used to have a copy of this book that I brought with me on overseas travels. Whenever I needed a laugh I could just sit down and read some of the radio plays in here, some of the funniest material I've ever read. They're no less funny for having been copied and redone in the decades since they were first broadcast (often by the Marx Brothers themselves) and it is so easy to hear the voices of Chico and Groucho reading their lines.

A great book!

This remarkable set of radio scripts from 1932-1933 almost brings the fast-talking Marx Brothers back to life. It seems that these scripts could only be performed by Groucho and Chico Marx in their hilarious and fast-insulting style. The scripts bring many laughs as the detectives go forth to flirt with women, uphold justice, and insult the stuffed shirts. These scripts bring many smiles, but are also a little depressing as no known tapes exist of these long-forgotten radio broadcasts from the pre-television era.

If I hadn't been a merchandiser for WaldenBooks when this priceless gem was published, I probably never would have heard of it. What a loss that would have been for me. If you've seen any of the Marx Brothers' movies, you'll actually hear their voices (and honks) as you read these hilarious scripts. You'll love it. One word of caution, though. Make it a point to read it before you climb into bed with your significant other, or you'll soon find yourself ejected for disturbing their rest with your frequent outbursts of laughter.

My proposal for a better world: make a package of this book together with Gideons'Bible and stick it onto hotel drawers everywhere in the planet! No wonder this is the surviving marxism, the ideology and enchantment of insulting boredom and its favorite characters. The book's a gem, a nugget. No wonder, too, it is rare and shaped to match the conoisseurs. Waldorf Tecumseh Flywheel and Emmanuel Ravelli are but the finest profiles of the western finest comedy tradition, navigating from naïve and deliciously childish circumstances up to blasting chaotic humor inferno. This is a book to taste like the best wines: one entire case at the time and with no hang overs...never ever! Groucho and Ravelli are stowaways as the ship arrives in New York. They were caught by the Captain but are confounded with a famous adventurer, Sir Roderick by an unaware airheaded socialite (they've had stollen Roderick's luggage and his name was printed on the tags). As the captain wanted to apologyse he says:

Cap - Pardon me.... Groucho - Now what are you going to beef about, captain? Cap - I want to apologyze, sir. I had no idea you were Sir Roderick Mortimer, the explorer. Groucho - Well, it came as a surprise to me, too.

Reading this book is just like watching a classic Marx Brothers movie. There are the same hilarious jokes, the same wacky conversations between Goucho and Chico. In fact, some pieces of dialogue in this book made it to the movies! As you read, you will be amazed at these comic geniuses and their perfect sense of comedic timing. A definite must for all Marx Brothers and comedy fans.

"Using the invaluable information inside George
McKenzie's suite of excellent products, I took a
bit different path. I incorporated George's great
advice with what I learned from Trout & Ries in
their excellent books, and here's what I did...

I took what's inside George's excellent resource
and adapted it to a specific need I had ...

Rather than send out a bazillion PR releases to
lots of folks who might not want my news, I
concentrated just on folks in my target market.

Using George's stellar advice, I attracted 42
international business people and marketers to a
project I was doing, instead of trying to attract just
strictly reporters. Why did I do that? To also gain
access to their knowledge, reputation, (and their
customer lists.)

So I "killed two birds with one stone' by following
this path. My recommendation to you is that you
actually LEARN why George's strategies are so
powerful. Spend some time on your strategy,
and then use George's excellent and proven
techniques to differentiate yourself from all of the
crazy noise in the marketplace, and then you'll
best serve your own desires as you grow.

All the best to you -
Chip Tarver
Author, "First Contact Secrets" ... How to Meet
Anyone for Any Reason at Any Time"

This, like a couple other products of George McKenzie's that I have purchased, was very useful and provided me with more information that I hoped for. It saved me a lot of time and a lot of money, had I just learned from trial and error, which I would have done if I didn't come across this. I've been recommending it to friends as well as other students in the MBA program I'm currently enrolled in. (Yes, I'm in an MBA program, but this was more practical and useful than my marketing classes!)

That's George McKenzie's promise, and with this series of cassettes, he shows anyone how to use the mass media to do it.

This is the only "free publicity" program I know of that takes you inside the nation's newsrooms -- and inside the heads of the people who actually decide what gets on the air and in print.

You get a perspective of how people in the media think, and you learn the most effective ways to present your story in a way that will appeal to them -- ways that will result in thousands of dollars worth of free advertising.

His interviews are conversational and easy to listen to, but packed with dozens of tips that anyone can use. This series is definitely worth five stars if you ask me. Anything George does is going to help you, and this one is no exception!

George has covered all the bases in this awesome four hour audio seminar. His guests are all experts from different media such as radio, television, newspaper, public speaking and the Internet.

Each interview was just fascinating. Each person revealed the inside workings of their respective media. Normally, when you read a publicity book its all about how to get in the newspapers. But this seminar series went into depth about all the major media.

I got the most out of the section about news releases. For example, the tip on about how to find a local angle has helped me in writing my first news release.

I specifically used the "piggybacking" technique, which allowed me to write a dynamic and interesting release WITHOUT having to come up with any "news" of my own. That was genius! (By the way, now I watch the local news and read the local paper with a totally different mindset)

I had been spending a lot of money (thousands of dollars) using all kinds of different paid media and in 30 minutes I got the same results for FREE using the press release strategy that was revealed in the audio seminar series.

I give this product an enthusiastic five stars. You will too!

David Frey, Author,
Make Straight A's in School

I've got a majority of George's information and cassette products including Inside Stuff and once I started listening I didn't want to stop because you picked up many tips and "angles" without a lot of fluff and filler. The Public Relations campaigns shouldn't be as intimidating or expensive as some firms want you to believe. If you are a self-starter, then you should be able to take this information and capture the publicity that you need for your product or service on a more economical basis. And you can do it without looking like a beginner or making silly mistakes. Get it and use it.