Dance Books

The Season 2 companion to Supernatural is a nice way to check back on certain developments you may have forgotten about different episodes and the characters. I also own Season 1 and plan to buy Season 3 - it's great to read about the behind the scenes goings on and how the cast and crew work around any drawbacks that occur.

I love Supernatural. Anything Supernatural gets an automatic 5 million in my book. I love the extra detail included in each companion that gives more facts on the creatures and the explanation as to why the writters decided to make the brothers go after them. Dean and Sam are the BEST!

Thank you for sending the book so timely and in the great shape it was promised that it would be. 5 Stars

This is an awesome book to have for fans of Supernatural!! I highly recommend it.

The Supernatural Season Two Companion is brilliant. Much like the first companion, it has lots of episode information, quotes, and behind the scenes looks. It also contains episode insights from Ackles, Padalecki, and Eric Kripke. The quick facts and episodic music listings are particularly my favourite. The "Did You Know?" bits are always insightful and really interesting. And, needless to say, the coloured image inserts are awesome.

Overall, I have been really happy with the seasonal companions so far. I look forward to the the third with great interest.

It is the best teaching tool I have seen so far. The videos are great and the descriptions are very precise. I would recomend to anybody to start first with the other CD roms of the Tango Discovery Series, cause this one it is really advance.

I bought it just to watch this two great performers of this beautiful dance, give lessons as they move.

I love it. It has great information and the videos are superb.

It is a master piece for understanding the underline concepts of this marvelous dance

It is amazing how easy it is to improve your dancing by watching the videos and the explanations, cause then when you go to practice, you know what to do and what you are looking for in the exercises.

Taxi Driver was one of the seminal films of the seventies. It broke many boundaries with its use of violence, and it was critically applauded. It was, in my opinion, one of the best films ever made. The script is fascinating, especially to read the bits which were left out of the film.

taxi driver by martin scorsese is a true masterpiece of american cinema.the screenplay written by paul schrader,is one of the best screenplays ever written.the story is about a new york city cabbie who gets tired of seeing all the criminals and scum that the city has to offer.he's a loner who is just trying to make friends and help people out.as a result of all the madness he sees on the sreets,he grows violent and courageous.recommended.

O.K. we all love the film. Martin Scorcese's portrait of a loner slowly slipping into his own obsession with the horrors of inner-city life is seminal, and is still great viewing. De Niro's performance is brilliant as are his supporting actors. However...it is not until one reads the screenplay by Paul Schrader that the film comes to life. It is written almost like a novel, with directions that give the reader new insight and appreciation into the workings of the film and Travis' state of mind. Not only is it a great compliment to the film, it is actually better than the film. When I first saw 'Taxi Driver' I was blown away (along with all those pimps and drug dealers at the end), when I read the screenplay a new appreciation of the art of screenwriting was revealed to me. If you ever want to give someone who is interesting in writing films a present, give them this. Give them the film too. Make them watch the film, then make them read the screenplay, then watch them weep.

Travis Bickle is a social pariah. He can't sleep and needs something to do, so he decides to work the night shift as a New York City cabbie. Travis ruminates (in his journal?) about his difficulties making companionships in his life as well as his dislike for all the filth on the streets. Travis's loneliness, a more concrete manifestation of his alienation problem, is a driving force for his nose dive into psychosis. He hates what he sees in the city until Betsy (Cybil Sheppard) appears as a beacon of light on the street dressed in white. His pursuit of Betsy describes his manic quest for unobtainable companionship and purity. Yet, while his behavior indicates his loneliness, Travis consistently doesn't really know why he keeps behaving badly and often sabotages his own attempts to end his loneliness. For example, his date with Betsy is made unbearable by poor choice of movie. Loneliness is the emotional manifestation of the alienation Travis experiences; it is both a source of great pain and a source of psychosis. He does not understand common social topics, such as popular music, politics or love. His failed attempt at conventional companionship with Betsy leads to his warped effort to be a knight errant for young prostitute named Iris (Jodie Foster).

Travis's descent into psychosis descent ends in a trail of destruction and blood. To save Iris from her life of prostitution, he becomes an army of one. All pimps and Mafiosos in his way die a brutal death. After an unsuccessful suicide attempt, Travis dies quietly on the couch as the authorities enter the building. Then, the strange denouement begins. The ending must be seen as a brief flash of his life. The closing scene reflects how Travis would like his life to be remembered. Director Martin Scorsese utilized a similar method in "Last Temptation of Christ" when Jesus sees his life as would be if he got down from the cross. In movie time, the scene takes about a half hour, but the scene only takes a flash to play in Jesus' head prior to his actual death on the cross. Similarly, Travis does not really become a savior or hero, but dies in a self-induced blood bath. During last scenes of Taxidriver, Travis dreams himself as a hero who makes amends with Betsy, receives a grateful letter form Iris's parents and makes friends with his fellow cabbies. The last scene is just a pre-morbid flash in his mind before his lights go out for eternity.

Taxidriver is set in the pre-Giuliani streets of New York, depicted with all its sin and psychosis. Nighttime in New York is filled with explosive violence, pervasive cynicism, and ubiquitous prostitutes. Director Martin Scorsese even indulges himself in such small details as a depiction of a street drummer, traveling gun salesman, and failed store robbery as side trips in Travis's long journey. Travis's disgust for the streets is depicted in his need to clean the semen and blood off his seats after his shift is over.

Several small events act as act harbingers to his own violent rampage. Travis is made to listen to a customer's (played by Martin Scorsese) ravings while the philandering wife's silhouette is visible from the street. The customer discloses to Travis the merits of the 357 magnum and what it will do to his wife when he shoots her. Also, while innocently shopping at a local grocery store, Travis successfully breaks up a robbery.

Awesome movie. What a cast: De Niro, Shepherd, Albert Brooks, Harvey Keitel, Peter Boyle. But the best character may be the streets of the city themselves. Scorsese gives the cold pavement of New York an actual living presence in the movie. Smoke, water, blood, grit.

This positively has to be one of the best written screenplays of all cinematic history. In this text lies a story of desperation, loneliness, and insanity. Paul Schrader has not only captured the mentaility of a sociopath, but the emotions and profound thoughts of a man, driven to insanity by not being able to understand a world unlike his own. If you love well written screenplays, Taxi Driver is a must have!

First published in 1987, "Tending The Heart Of Virtue: How Classic Stories Awaken A Child's Moral Imagination" by Vigen Guroian (Professor of Theology and Ethics, Loyola College, Baltimore, Maryland) illustrated and illuminates how fair tales and fantasies educate the moral imagination throughout childhood. Now in a new edition from Oxford University Press, a new generation of parents and teachers can benefit from what Professor Guroian has to say about the beneficial ethical and moral implications and embedded teachings in such literary classics as Pinocchio; The Velveteen Rabbit; The Little Mermaid; The Wind in the Willows; Charlotte's Web; Bambi; The Snow Queen; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; The Princess and the Goblin; and Prince Caspian. Of special note is Professor Guroian's bibliography essay that concludes this seminally informed and informative literary inquiry and study. "Tending The Heart Of Virtue" is a welcome and highly recommended addition to academic and community library reference collections and supplemental reading lists in the fields of Literary Studies, as well as Philosophy & Ethics.

The themes of classic stories have not been improved upon over the years. As well as awaken a child's moral imagination, they also reinforce character traits with biblical origin and timeless application. I also recommend Storybook Mentors, Grown-up wisdom from children's classics for families, teachers and counselors, and all who love classic literature.

This book is a classic "must read" for all parents who want to instill solid character into their children. Guroian reviews many of the "classic" fairy tales and reveals the unbelievable distortion that has occurred with modern day translations, abridged versions, and animated movies. Time after time, Guroian traces the same awful conversion from the original Christian virtues and values to the quicksand-like obsessions with physical beauty, romantic love, and self. Reading his book gives parent's the truth about why fairy tales are so important for "tending the heart of virtue" in their children. For children reading the original fairy tales, they will see themselves and the deeper reality of things, complete with good and evil components, in a framework of an interesting and powerfully written story. In subsequently reading the original Pinocchio (covered in the book) to my two boys (8 and 10); we were all absolutely "stunned" by Collodi's brilliance, his language, and the truth that this great classic reveals about ourselves.

Don't miss this one. You and your children will benefit immensely.

Professor Guroian's latest work provides the reader with a challenging prescription for developing moral excellence. The framework of the Aristotleian notions of intellectual and moral virtue give an ancient and yet ever so modern perspective to his understanding of the practical science of ethics illuminated by fairy tales and modern children's literature. Those who are responsible for the young will do well to make frequent reference to this book.

I stumbled across this book a few years ago when browsing through the various sections on Amazon's web site (it was in the National Public Radio section). The reviews sounded interesting, so I took a chance. I am so glad I did.

Like most people, I have been bombarded with the "Disney-fied" versions of most of our children's classics, where all the characters are cute and there are several shades of gray when it comes to the moral or point of the story. I had forgotten how dark the original fairy tales were and how clear they were about good and evil. The part of the book about Guroian's college class and a fourth grade class' reading of Pinochio reminded me just how much children really understand and how clearly and, sometimes, simply they view the world.

Reading this book has prompted me to find copies of the original stories. What an interesting discussion it would be to compare adults' and children's understanding of the how the original versions of the stories differ from the more recent or animated versions.

A fantastic book about the fastest growing area of DVD releases at the moment, TV series! With breakdowns of cast and guides to the best episodes and releases I only hope enough credit goes to the website [...] who helped TV Guide put this book together!

Fantastic resource for anyone who likes watching reruns and is interested in contemporary tv culture. There are loads of forgotten facts in this book for all the classic tv shows and new ones for current programs. This is an inheritently readable book that belongs next to everyone's tv!

The descriptions of the shows are priceless--they brought back so many memories! And the guide covers a lot of shows that are new or still running, like 24 and ER. I'm not even a serious DVD collector, but the book gives great trivia about all my favorite shows (when they aired, what the names of the original stars were, which episodes went down in TV history). This book is really a history of TV in America, and it covers so many different categories that it really does solve the gift problem for just about everyone on my Christmas list. They won't be able to read just one or two of the listings; once they start in, the trivia will have them hooked. It's organized like a reference book, but It reads like an entertainment magazine.

If you are a tv junkie like me, this book is a blast. It's a handy offline reference to all the shows now available on DVD, and it's filled with lots of trivia and lists. Be ready to shop because the book will make you want to buy even more DVDs for your home library...

This book isn't perfect (I'd rather have more pictures of DVD set covers than old TV Guide covers, for instance, and the descriptions are a bit dry in places), but it IS cool to have a handy-dandy reference like this to use when you can't get online to look up the info. Good to take to the store or keep next to the TV. And if you read the fine print, you'll see that this book was made with the help of data from TVshowsonDVD.com, which is the best place I've seen online for that sort of info. Cool 'dat, and maybe for the next edition of the book TV Guide will work more with that website's staff to talk more about what's new, what's not out (any hints as to why), and what's expected to come soon. You know, show more of the TV-DVD enthusiast in this book...there's a lot of us out here!

The only problem I had with this book is that I was on a short vacation with my family and was constantly being dragged away to go have some fun. I couldn't wait to get back to it.
Brian Gari is a terrific writer and storyteller. I felt as if I were right there with him and could almost taste the pain, joy, heartbreak and excitement as he navigated his way through that incredible experience.
One of the best things about this book is that it tells a great deal about what the theater on Broadway is like. I would say that almost all of us out here in the hinterland have no idea how a play gets to Broadway. If you're interested in that aspect, this book will enlighten you.
If you want to read a good book, try this one.

When Brian Gari goes into reminisce mode, two things happen: You feel like you were there, and you feel his joy/pain/frustration/laughter/amazement at how the Broadway business worked back then, and frankly not much has changed except the budgets. Brian has crafted a wonderful book, that frankly, would make a great movie, or Broadway show itself. If you love the innerworkings of show business, you will love this book.

The musical that I once collaborated on opened Off-Broadway and never did make it to Broadway. Mr. Gari's book reminded me of just how difficult the "process" was.
The lyricist fights with the script writers, the composer fights with the lyricist (At least Mr. Gari, lyrics AND music, didn't have to fight that fight) and everyone fights with the director - who usually wins. And, of course, EVERYONE knows how to make the show work - but no one is on the same page.
A noted Broadway composer once grinned and asked me, "How do you like the process?" He knew!
Congratulations to Mr. Gari for bulling his way through the nonsense and the egos and getting to Broadway, and congratulations for his very enjoyable book, filled with pain and laughter. All prospective Broadway writers should read this book - and then take some time to brace themselves for a roller coaster ride to the theater.......
My thanks to Brian Gari for a fine reading experience.

If you're a "Theater Queen" ( or King ! ),don't make any immediate plans once you start reading Mr. Gari's book, because you may not want to put it down for a while.
It's the engrossing tale,told from the inside, of the creation of a musical from the germ of an idea to Opening Night ( or Nite ! ) on Broadway,to, sadly, its closing not too long after. You get to see the very real people and the process behind the making of a musical.
Brian Gari documents everything so thoroughly that you just may see your own name in the book - - or at least that of a friend !
Recommended.

For everyone who thinks making it in show business looks easy, Brian Gari has provided an unusually candid and entertaining account of its highs and lows.

Brian conceived a musical called "Late Nite Comic," based on an eventful personal relationship and convinced others that the show should be produced. He recounts in fascinating detail the excitement of bringing the musical to life tempered by the many disappointments borne of competing egos and creative differences. Especially interesting is the parade of actors and actresses who were considered for roles in "Late Nite." Some names are familiar to Broadway fans. Equally compelling is the story Brian tells of pouring his heart and soul into song after song about his ill-fated love affair, some of the effort coming after it became clear even to him that "Late Nite Comic" was troubled.

The story ends on a very positive note as Brian details his efforts once the show closed to record and promote the score. The reader can't help but notice that once Brian assumed promotional responsibilities for his material, awareness of the show increased. To this day, the original cast album of "Late Nite Comic" remains available, a tribute to Brian's determination and the appeal of the music itself.

Brian writes terrific pop tunes. Reading this story and his commitment to getting his music heard is refreshing. He is one of the good guys and you can't help but pull for him. Seldom is passion pursued with such vigor. It's too bad "Late Night Comic" did indeed bomb in New London. But in its wake it at least produced this excellent, readable and informative book.

If you like Broadway and cabaret performing , you have to own this book.

Roger Schmelzer

This is an adorable love movie for anyone. It's witty humor and charming story combine into making it the perfect romantic-comedy! It's great for watching any time, or even when you're feeling blue! It's sure to lift the spirits!!!!

I have been a fan of this movie for years and have seen it well over 500 times. Although I found three minor erros in the transcript while I read the book, It was still great.

...and will never be surpassed. There's nothing i can add. This simply has to be seen to be believed.

I have seen this movie several times, and I still like it. Each time I review this movie, I can gain different thinking. You'll love it if you have it.

As a screenwriting instructor, I'm always looking for material that will help my students understand the language of story. This is it!

I thought the original was great.. this is even better. The art work is stunning and Audrey Wood tells a great tale. We have been reading this book every night for 3 months! LOL
It is aboutthe root children (who are really flowers) and the jaunt into the world thru spring, summer and fall.. then back into the ground for the spring.
As a Pagan I found this a lovely story about the seasons, Mother Earth, and the beauty of nature!

Heather mama to 5

This book has beautiful depictions of seasonal characters (Cousin Summer, Aunt Spring, etc.) The story is magical in it's description of the changing seasons. It would make a very nice gift, as well as a special addition to your child's own library. Our 3-year-old adores the story and is mesmerized by the illustrations. Definitely one of her favorites!

Being very familiar and in love with the 1902 version of this book, I didn't know what to make of this new version, at first. But it grows on you! I especially like the way Mother Earth is portrayed, not as a Grandmotherly figure, but a beautiful woman maybe in her early thirties - an image of fertility and fruitfulness. The illustrations are lush and a bit overdone in places, but they represent the bounty of the seasons well. The introduction of Aunt Spring, Cousin Summer, Uncle Fall and Old Man Winter is different than the original, but not offensive or upsetting even to a die-hard fan, like me. The text is shorter and, for that reason, may appeal to younger children who can't sit through Sibylle von Olfers' word-ier original story. Overall, when I compare the two, the 1902 original has a certain charm that is hard to deny. Von Olfers' illustrations are simple and the text is straightforward, although a bit wordy. This new remake is beautifully done and has a different feel altogether: it's lush, full of life, color and movement. Audrey Wood has taken a risk to remake such a beloved classic, but I believe she made a good effort and successfully made it her own. I can't say it's better than the original, but I like it!

This is a beautiful book! The artwork in this book is among the best I've seen in a child's book. It's a wonderful version of a classic story & the words flow like poetry. It's a great starter book to introduce young children to the wheel of the year & the changing seasons.

The only flaw is the typeface is so artistic it is sometimes hard to read, just read slowly & savor each word.

You'll love this book, go ahead & buy 2 copies! You're going to want to share it with everyone you know!

This is a rare find for those with Earth based spirituality/religion. The illustrations are lush and detailed, and the story is a perfect introduction for children to the Wheel of the Year.

Anna is a beautiful woman, who is the queen of dance. Her dream is for
her fantasy man to worship her on the dance floor, while becoming her
knight-and-shining-armor. She wants nothing more than to find her perfect
dance partner, but searches for only the best. Jamie has all the moves,
and Anna craves for much more than dancing. She found her perfect man,
and does everything in her power to crown him king of dance, while she
places a royal leash around his neck. Jamie signs a contract, under the
influence of the exotic Anna in her graceful charm, but never read the
fine print. Romance begins on the dance floor as Jamie, and Anna cover
the room with hot, sparking fire. Katherine Warwick takes the reader
on an entertaining adventure, filled with love in the air, while romance
blossoms as sweet as a rose bud. Jamie learns about Anna's culture,
and Anna must learn about his, while their dancing is set to pounding
rhythms. As the author describes the characters in this vivid love
story, they come to life. Vibrant dancing lights up the room in this
electtrfying, sensual story. I would recommend this novel to teens,
and adults who love dancing and music, with a blend of romance.
Heartthrob Jamie shows off all his moves as Anna becomes his dancing
sensation. "Wilde" is as delightful as "Shall We Dance" with Richard
Gere, and Jennifer Lopez. The story sparkles with the music as
entertaining as "Flashdance." Jamie, and Anna create a sizzling
performance on the dance floor, guaranteed to grab the reader's
attention as if we were viewing "Dirty Dancing" with Patrick Swayze.

Geraldine Ahearn, A.I.O.M.
Author of 6 books/ CCRN
Author Geri Ahearn, INC.
Lifetime member ABI Women's Review Board

A tension soaked ride of fulfillment. One passion is the dance, the other, the heart's desire to be loved for yourself. And for Jamie, the only thing that was not changeable was the dance. He lived it, breathed it, and there would never be anyone or anyway he would change that fact. Until he met Anna and found someone stronger than he was in almost every way. With both used to each having absolute control, compromise is a hard learned lesson for them both.

I just got done reading a book about war vets and then after that a book that was very discriptive in a groteque way- so when I started reading the book my first thought was ok another book about a spoiled rich girl and the guy who is going to tame her-I am happy to say that once I got into the book my opinion changed.

The story flowed like music, the moods changed like the dance numbers and the courtship of the main characters played out its own tango. This book takes you into the dance world and makes you feel the need to play some music and get up and dance yourself. I read the book in one sitting and enjoyed every page.

I am looking forward to reading more of Katherines books.

Do you love dance? Ballroom Dance? Then you'll love Katherine Warwick's novel "Wilde". She uses very vivid descriptions when the characters are dancing. When reading, you can actually see them dancing. She tells a great story of love and dance. Well told and very descriptive. She takes you on a 'Wilde' adventure of two people learning two different cultures and each other.

Thanks Katherine!

Anna and Jamie are the Princess and the Pauper brought to life in this novel. Written to grab your attention and not let go until the end.
You can feel the intensity of the characters as if they were in the room with you. I will read it again and again!!! Katherine has the heart to write a great read! Thanks Katherine!!! :)

If you're trying to break into news on the AM/FM dial, this is a book that you must read and follow. It helps you format the way most of Radio Broadcasting does it today.

Ten years ago, I had the privilege of taking introductory radio writing from Mr. Block while earning my master's degree in journalism at Columbia University. If memory serves, Mr. Block also revisited my spring semester radio news course as a guest editor and instructor. He was a tough and fair instructor -- one of the many highlights of my year at 116th and Broadway.

Mr. Block's book has been indispensible to me ever since. Every so often, I reread a chapter to keep my writing fresh, and to jolt me out of the workaday rut so many reporters and anchors inhabit. Television news works on two levels, the words and the pictures, and it is a challenge and an art to make the two levels work together!

Whether you're a journalism 101 student or a seasoned professional, it never hurts to have this book on your desk (and occasionally at home!). Your viewers, producers, photographers, and managers will thank you!

This is the bible of broadcast news writing. Well organized. I'm a 25 year veteran of broadcast news and I still find information in this book that improves my writing and reporting.

This book should be required for every broadcast writing class. I have learned so much from just the first chapter alone, that it has even changed the way I write personal notes. Thanks Mr. Block for inspiring those of us who want to be great writers instead of celebrity newswriters.

To paraphrase Mr. Block, "if newswriting is easy, then you're doing something wrong." This book is for the lover of action verbs and simple words. You're taught to think and to see the beauty of simple writing. And if you want to be GOOD, you must learn to TELL a story. After you read this book, the news will likely not sound the same.