Book Description
The book spares no one. Politicians, sports stars, celebrities, corporations, publishers, crossing guards––all fair game. If you are a scumbag or just somebody who they find annoying there is a fair chance you will be on the list.
Politics has long been a passion for Jackie Mason and he is well known for his tough and outspoken position on many issues. He is not one to sidestep an issue no matter how sticky. Together with his friend and collaborator, the well–known divorce attorney Raoul Lionel Felder, he has hosted a weekly PBS talk television series "Crossing The Line" and a BBC radio show "The Mason–Felder Report", and currently he has a weekly talk show on the Comcast Network.
Customer Reviews:
Useful in only one regard.......2007-09-26
Perhaps I'm just getting too old... I can vaguely remember back in the early days of television when some of what Jackie Mason said was actually funny.
But the only way this book could been any worse would have been if Alan Derschowitz had done the editing and Ann Coulter's face had been on the cover. (Although, to be fair, Neither Mr. Mason nor Mr. Felder is very much less unappealing to behold than Ms. Coulter)
Still, this book did add something to my store of knowledge. Based upon the definitions given in the introduction, I can now state with some authority that:
1. Anyone who either buys a book written by a faded borscht belt comedian and a celebrity divorce lawyer for more than 39 cents on a remainders table OR takes seriously anything contained in said book - is a schmuck.
2. Anyone who actually writes such a book as this one AND puts his own name on it - is a putz.
okay read.......2007-08-24
It is an okay read, but I won't recommand buying it. Borrow it from the library or something.
The incessant whine of the privileged has never been so shrill.......2007-07-12
Imagine if you will that you are at a dinner. Your host is a rather amusing Republican; and he may have been a liberal in his youth, but that only makes his current political stance all that more forceful. He begins with a few light jokes, some witty repartee and then drags you into a longwinded and ultimately self-righteous sermon about everything that is wrong with America. Now imagine that he's Jewish or at least knows enough Yiddish to fake it. That's the essence of this book.
As with Goldberg's 39 People Screwing Up America, this is one of those books from the Republican Shriek Factory. Forget about Bush committing us to a fruitless war and practically legitimizing torture. Forget about the blank check that Bush got from a Republican Congress to keep this war going. Hell forget about Ann Coulter, Bill O'Reilly, FEMA or Ken Lay from Enron. No, in this world, the worst human being is Al Gore (who is lying - so sayeth the ancient Jewish comedians without humor) and Al Sharpton. Oh and of course we can't have a book like this without slamming on Barbara Streisand.
Even Goldberg threw in a few personalities that we could all agree on - like Barbara Walters dumbing down the news.
But this book is just a combination of smug and defensive from beginning to end. And even better, it's new but it reads like an old NY Post article. These guys still think that Bill Clinton's sex scandal is more odious than Bush's war. Only no one died in that sex scandal and at this point I thought no one cared. ANd Bill Maher? Yep, he said that the 9/11 terrorists weren't cowardly. The factg that bravery and cowardice have really nothing to do with their actions is second nature. Nope, you have to call your enemies cowardly. The words "evil" or "vicious" are only accurate; so why bother with them?
This is a book that was old before its time. Had it been published in the early part of the decade when Bush could do no wrong and his willing cheerleaders sang his praises, it might have been a hit; especially among those who think that throwing in a Yiddish word or two is the height of comedy (ie. goyim). Now it's just sad.
Milding Amusing At Best.......2007-06-09
Lighthearted approach to some heavyweight topics. It's a very quick read about dozens of people, places, organizations, countries, governments that don't measure up to he way Mason and Felder's look at the world and the way it oughta' be. Mason does comedy standup about world events, so maybe he's qualified in his contributions to the written slam fest. -But who's this Raoul Felder? -A "celebrity divorce lawyer," reads the book jacket. One might ask: "What's his world-view expertise?"
In any event, the book's stacked with truly cutting opinions and soft-touch humor about personalities from Barbra Streisand, Barry Bonds, Bill Clinton, Ray Nagin, and even Pablo Picasso...to entities like the NCAA, Afghanistan, the French, and the New York Times. Plus criticisms about automatic toilets and sinks? True, this topic has not been overlooked. The casual funniness balances the biting lampooning in ways that only Mason can effect...without venom or hate. You can sort of tell which parts were Mason's and which were Felders.
Regularly, they parlay a compelling "Jewish" flavor to the work by including references to Jewish events or people or words. The authors often pepper in terms like feh, meshpucha, yenta, et. al. I don't exactly know the meaning of these words; but somehow, they worked for this reader. Ah, but, then, too, the title of the book is "Schmucks!" What should we expect? Is it light Jewish humor packaged for Gentiles. [The copyright for this book is by Krapatakin? Might there be some kind of hidden humor here only the writers would know about... (!?)]
Mason and Felder confront the notion that "...just because a person is absolutely first-class in one field does not mean [he/] she should be respected in another," the point of a couple of pages on Susan Sarandon. Maybe this says it all, as "Schmucks!" is all over the board, definitely overly-political [however lite] in its scope, and is only marginally amusing. It's Not at all "material that will leave you crying with laughter," as the dust cover promises; but it is interesting, with a lot of "yeah, I agree with that" reader reaction.
Funny .......2007-06-08
Very funny book. A welcome break from all the bad news, lately.
Utterly redunkulous and schmucktacular...in a good way!
Book Description
In preparation for their long-awaited wedding day, Dayne and Katy are determined to keep the ceremony a secret from the paparazzi. Their relationship grows closer and stronger as they plan together, but in the end it takes the help of the Baxter family and many of the CKT kids so that they’ll even have a chance at a private wedding. John Baxter is thrilled that his oldest son will be settling down a few miles away, but he isn’t sure how any of his kids will handle a situation he can no longer run from--the feelings he is having for his friend Elaine. In the meantime, the Flanigan family is struggling with their young boarder, Cody Coleman, Jim Flanigan’s star receiver. After an alcohol overdose, Cody fights for his life. Only God’s grace and a miracle can bring him back from the brink of death--physically and spiritually.
Customer Reviews:
Romantic to da core!.......2007-09-29
A much better series. I was moved. I was bored somewhere in the middle of the firstborn series and was realy praying this would be different. Thankfully it was!
good way to spend an afternoon.......2007-09-15
I read this in one afternoon and enjoyed it. The plot _is_ a bit thin, but Sunrise seems more like a transitional book, mainly written to wrap up the Firstborn series and lay the groundwork for the Sunrise series. As such, it works well. There were some minor inconsistencies (the press is watching the Baxter family to guess where the wedding is, but Katy's parents can take a commercial jet to Mexico with no problems? Wouldn't somebody be watching them, too?) but all in all, I love the book, and appreciated it more after reading Summer.
Sunrise.......2007-09-15
I was very pleased with the product; it was in great condition and arrived at just the right time. The quality of the book was excellent, better than I had expected.
The Baxters continue.......2007-09-13
Karen Kingsbury continues the Baxter family lives. It is a very good read and inspirational. Will keep buying the stories.
Amazing!.......2007-08-23
I read "Summer" the day it came out in stores! It is the best one yet!
S Saffell
Book Description
- In his debut as an author, Denzel Washington shares his personal story of the mentors who helped guide his life.
- Washington pens the introduction for the stories of more than 70 of America's leading personalities in theatre, sports, business, and politics as they tell their life-changing stories of mentorship.
- Contributors include Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Antwone Fisher, Bonnie Raitt, Cal Ripken, Alex Rodriguez, Dick Vitale, Whoopie Goldberg and more.
- A portion of the book's proceeds benefit 4.5 million children currently involved in the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Customer Reviews:
A Push to a Certain Path at a Certain Time...to Reach Our Certain Purpose.......2007-07-22
In "A Hand to Guide Me," American film star and legend, Denzel Washington, sets out shine a light on the 100 year old Boy's & Girl's Clubs of America, an organization of 3,700 serving more than 4.4 million children in all 50 states. Washington's eventual success can be traced directly to the Boys Club in his home town, Mt. Vernon, New York. It was there, by necessity, that he learned purpose, consequences, and how to be a man.
"A Hand to Guide Me" is a collection of short stories by ordinary people from ordinary beginnings, accomplishing extraordinary things. Six dozen people from diverse backgrounds share their memories about role models, mentors and positive influences in their lives. Some are household names like coach John Wooden, director John Singleton, author Toni Morrison, General Wesley Clark and former President Jimmy Carter. Many are alumni of Girls and Boys Clubs of America, while others have taken on leadership roles in these clubs. And some were asked to contribute because there was something to learn from their voice. These are very readable stories ranging in length from two to four pages.
All of the contributors have outgrown a hardship or two to reach a significant level of success and can draw a line from their success to some rock solid foundational experience - sometimes it is a parent, a coach, a neighbor or the inspiration derived from a tragic event.
Washington's resonant message is that we are all extraordinary in our own way but we don't go it alone. There are people on whose shoulders we stand and we, in turn, can provide a shoulder for others.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of America are the center of everything for many kids today, providing a shoulder for millions of kids and making a vital contribution to the future of our society. They are a breeding ground for hope, purpose, and direction - where many have learned strength, confidence, and the freedom to dream...to think big.
Diverse Reflections of Role Models.......2007-06-15
Denzel Washington uses his star power to assemble personal recollections from assorted successful folks (primarily alumnae of the Boys and Girls Clubs Organizations) about the people who shaped THEIR lives as youngsters.
Some of the stories are more interesting and inspiring than others, and I couldn't help but wonder if this volume couldn't have benefitted from more cohesive editing. But the bottom line is that these are positive and uplifting pages that remind us "if you want to change history, start by changing the life of a child."
A wonderful and inspiring read.......2007-04-10
Denzel Washington has captured the most interesting and inspiring series of short stories and memories I have read in a long time. The people on these pages have very compelling stories and are well written.
Useful in and out of the classroom.......2007-04-06
I bought this book to use in the classroom. I teach high school students and I think its really important that students these days read about people who made it in life and have a good message to give to the students. In this book there are so many positive stories and very short stories that students will not get bored.
Washington really pulled it off by making the book and the stories in it the star. One can look at the cover of the book and think that maybe its all about Washington but its not. There are stories from Bill Clinton to Jimmy Carter. It's really a fantastic read and I think it has helped many of my young male students who have been searching for a role model.
My Son.......2007-03-10
I sent this book to my son who is an Army Officer in Iraq...
He recently lost a good man from his group due to an IED
He said ....
"He changed my life and will be with me always"
this book made me think of them ....
my son loves to read so it seemed as though this book would be a good match .....
Book Description
The personal trainer to such celebrities as Halle Berry, Christian Slater, and Angela Bassett presents his amazing five-week program for achieving a celebrity body by working out less and eating more.
If you're eating three meals a day, exercising an hour or more a day at the gym, and not getting results, you're eating too little and working out too much.
Harley Pasternak's Five Factor Fitness shows the five moves for the five/five-minute workout cycles (totaling twenty-five minutes) five days a week. Pasternak explains how to do this at home or at the gym through detailed instructions and illustrations. He includes recipes and a five-week meal plan for the five meals a day, and each meal takes just five minutes to prepare. Nothing in the recipes requires a trip to a specialty or health food store.
In five weeks, you'll have the celebrity body you've always dreamed of, and it won't have taken much of your time.
Download Description
The personal trainer to such celebrities as Halle Berry, Christian Slater, and Angela Bassett presents his amazing five-week program for achieving a celebrity body by working out less and eating more. If you're eating three meals a day, exercising an hour or more a day at the gym, and not getting results, you're eating too little and working out too much. Harley Pasternak's Five Factor Fitness shows the five moves for the five/five-minute workout cycles (totaling twenty-five minutes) five days a week. Pasternak explains how to do this at home or at the gym through detailed instructions and illustrations. He includes recipes and a five-week meal plan for the five meals a day, and each meal takes just five minutes to prepare. Nothing in the recipes requires a trip to a specialty or health food store. In five weeks, you'll have the celebrity body you've always dreamed of, and it won't have taken much of your time.
Customer Reviews:
5 Factor Fitness and 5 Factor Diet.......2007-10-04
I find that a number of ingredients in the recipes are not available in Australia, and although the prep time for the meals is said to be 5 minutes, I would say 15 mins is more like it (prep and clean up included)- BUT all recipes have FLAVOUR! I have also adopted his 5 essential ingredients for a meal ie protein, fat, low GI carb, fibre and a beverage - it really keeps you full for longer! The exercises are great, but I add another 30 mins cardio in the end as I had a fair level of fitness before I started and feel I can do a bit more. The one day a week off concept takes the stress out of being good 100% of the time and is much more sustainable over the long run!
A different route, but the same ol' thing.......2007-10-01
I enjoyed this book. I got some useful tips from it. But I had some issues with it. To begin with, the author said it's not a diet. Why, then, is his other book called "The 5-Factor Diet"?
He also said that soup is an okay food. Well, yes. If you make your own perhaps. But no ready-made food that I'm aware of has more sodium in it than soup. The only exception is low-sodium soup and that tastes putrid. And, as we all know by now, salt (sodium) causes bloating and water retention and that's not good. Whether or not it's an issue with blood pressure, I'll leave that to others more qualified to discuss. I personally try and keep it at a minimum. I hate bloat.
He also said that meal replacement drinks are okay. I say some of them are. Most are not. Why? They have lots of trans fats and other ingredients hidden in them that I personally would rather not deal with.
The low glycemic foods interest me. I can buy into that. It's not the fat or other things that create a big ol' fat body, it's the sugar. The sugar comes from all sorts of places like potatoes and other foods. So by cutting down on those things, you can indeed lose weight and feel better.
Now to the 25-minutes a day exercises. I buy that. Twenty or twenty-five minutes of good intensity exercise most days will make you feel better and you can lose weight. No one needs hours of exercise unless they want it. I've lost weight on no more exercise than that. And a combination of cardio and weights is fine. Twenty minutes in the morning makes my day much better and I highly recommend it.
The way he cuts the workouts up into chunks is great. And you truly get a decent workout. He even splits the core up. I've never done that before but I can go along with it.
I don't think this is much different than other plans. The way the exercises are cut up into chunks is appealing and I like that. Most anyone can do that without giving up much.
The diet part, well, you may or may not like it. You will have to buy a different type of food and you will, as another reviewer said, have to spend some cash. It's not a cheap "diet".
I've found that people who go on a low fat diet tend to eat more and gain weight. So I don't cut my fat to the bone anymore. A certain amount of fat is needed for many reasons, which I won't go into. But I advise you to read "The Great Cholesterol Con" for further proved information on this subject.
If you want to lose weight and feel better, read the book. You can take away what will help you and forget the rest. That's what I did. There's no easy solution. And everyone seems to think he or she has the right way to go about it. Then months or years later, the method is proved to be false.
Moderation is the key. I know of no other answer. Coupled with the right sort of exercise, a person can enjoy good health and normal weight.
Wonderful Fitness Book.......2007-09-29
This book is a great read. Really smart nutrition info. I've already reached my goal weight through diet and exercise and I use the fitness program to maintain. My body is definitely more toned and my abs are tighter and jiggle free. Despite the smart nutritional information, I don't follow it. Thankfully that hasn't impeded my muscle tone. I just eat the proper amount of calories for my weight and activity level (you can look it up online).
Love the exercise plan!.......2007-09-10
I have been following the basic exercise plan in this book since June. I do at least 30 minutes of cardio if not more though. The weight training portion of this book is great. It shows a photo of exercise and then gives you a mental clue so you have the right motion (Example: lift weights as if you are cheering for your favorite team). Now that I can do!
I have not tried the diet. I did read the chapters but when I looked for some of the items in the store I didn't have any luck. I live in Alabama, not California so some of the stuff is just not available here! Instead I have been following a no sugar/low carb diet and have lost 30 pounds.
While I still have a bit more to lose, my body is in great shape due to this book. The strength training has made a tremendous difference in my appearance and in how I feel. Very glad I purchased this book! It was much cheaper than paying a personal trainer a few days a week!
Just the other day while I was at the gym someone asked me who my trainer was? When I said I didn't have one and never had they seemed shocked. They replied with "but you're doing all the right things and you look great". I pulled out the book and said 16.95! You can't buy 20 minutes with a trainer for that!
If you are looking for an exercise plan that you can fit into your busy day--this is the one!
Gets you motivated.......2007-09-01
This exercise program is clearly demostrated. For once, I look forward to doing exercises in the morning. They don't take long and you can actually feel their effectiveness from day one. Each day changes routine so you don't fall into a rut. Am not an exercise freak, gyms are hard to get to, so this program worked out fine for at home. Not much equipment to invest in and his eating program was what my doctor had already prescribed. I'll up date in a few months to give feedback and extended benefits of program.
Amazon.com
John Berendt's Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil has been heralded as a "lyrical work of nonfiction," and the book's extremely graceful prose depictions of some of Savannah, Georgia's most colorful eccentrics--remarkable characters who could have once prospered in a William Faulkner novel or Eudora Welty short story--were certainly a critical factor in its tremendous success. (One resident into whose orbit Berendt fell, the Lady Chablis, went on to become a minor celebrity in her own right.) But equally important was Berendt's depiction of Savannah socialite Jim Williams as he stands trial for the murder of Danny Hansford, a moody, violence-prone hustler--and sometime companion to Williams--characterized by locals as a "walking streak of sex." So feel free to call it a "true crime classic" without a trace of shame.
Book Description
Shots rang out in Savannah's grandest mansion in the misty,early morning hours of May 2, 1981. Was it murder or self-defense? For nearly a decade, the shooting and its aftermath reverberated throughout this hauntingly beautiful city of moss-hung oaks and shaded squares. John Berendt's sharply observed, suspenseful, and witty narrative reads like a thoroughly engrossing novel, and yet it is a work of nonfiction. Berendt skillfully interweaves a hugely entertaining first-person account of life in this isolated remnant of the Old South with the unpredictable twists and turns of a landmark murder case.
It is a spellbinding story peopled by a gallery of remarkable characters: the well-bred society ladies of the Married Woman's Card Club; the turbulent young redneck gigolo; the hapless recluse who owns a bottle of poison so powerful it could kill every man, woman, and child in Savannah; the aging and profane Southern belle who is the "soul of pampered self-absorption"; the uproariously funny black drag queen; the acerbic and arrogant antiques dealer; the sweet-talking, piano-playing con artist; young blacks dancing the minuet at the black debutante ball; and Minerva, the voodoo priestess who works her magic in the graveyard at midnight. These and other Savannahians act as a Greek chorus, with Berendt revealing the alliances, hostilities, and intrigues that thrive in a town where everyone knows everyone else.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is a sublime and seductive reading experience. Brilliantly conceived and masterfully written, this enormously engaging portrait of a most beguiling Southern city has become a modern classic.
Customer Reviews:
oustanding read.......2007-09-21
This was a very well written and funny historical book. Inspired my recent trip to Savannah Georiga, to actualy visit some of the places described in the book.
Hello Savannah!.......2007-09-18
One of my favorite books. I am one of the few that actually liked the movie as well as the book. The book goes into great detail much more then the movie. The characters are so crazy I actually considered moving to Savannah...seriouly! An excellent read, highly recommended!
Nothing special.......2007-09-03
First, the characters are somewhat interesting in the way that many alcoholic, affluent types are, but the storyline never weaves them together in a way that makes the book itself intersting. Second, the author is trying to strike a balance between 1. historic integrity and theme, 2. his first account experiences, and 3. what might make for an interesting read. I think he relies heavily on his first account experinces at the expense of history and an interesting story. My real motivation for finishing the book was to see if I knew any of the characters - I grew up not far from Savannah.
Non Fiction.......2007-09-03
Truth is stranger than fiction.
The bizarre cast of characters in Savannah, Geporgia, or thereabouts has to be seen to be believed. This is probably why it makes a decent book, as any novelist would have been happy to come up with stuff as whacky as guys walking invisible dogs, and other oddities, as well as having an interesting murder mystery in the middle of it.
Plenty of Evil, but "Good?".......2007-09-03
So, having survived my 10 and 11 year old daughters' recent Girl Scvout trip to Savannah for the pilgrimage to visit the Juliette Low birthplace, the troop leader(one of my best friends)and I decided to revisit the book we read a few years ago for our book group. I didn't really like it much the first time. I enjoy nonfiction, but I've come to since learn this book isn't all "non fiction" anyway. Lots of artistic license taken here!
Savannah is a beautiful old city, very historic and charming. I usually first think of Ellen O'Hara when I think of Savannah, being a big GWTW fan. BUt while on my first trip to Savannah, the Mercer name and Jim Williams' name as well is mentioned over and over on various tours of the city and local cemetaries. You can't help but be reminded of the book, especially if you've read it before your visit. It had been a few years though, so not all the locations/squares of the various famous homes mentioned in the book were very fresh in my mind.
The book itself is a montage of "Life in Savannah." Jim Williams, the "Lady" Chablis, Danny Hansford, Lee Adler, Minerva, Jim Odom and Mandy, Luther Driggers and Serrena Dawes, The Married Ladies' Club and Sonny Seiler are interesting enough characters. My problem with the whole story was really that I didn't like or feel any sympathy with any of these characters. Except maybe Uga. I'm partial to English Bulldogs. But really, there was no plot, except for the killing of Hansford and the subsequent trials of Jim Williams. I found little to laugh at concerning Chablis; in fact I was not a little repulsed by her behavior. I can handle a drag queen, but so ill mannered and ill behaved! I wouldn't want to be aquainted with anyone like that! I didn't really like John Berendt's "character" either. I guess the voyeuristic tone was supposed to be engaging, but I really had a difficult time getting through this book for a second time without falling asleep.
Every city has its characters and intrigues, even small historical ones, like Savannah. If you go, visit Bonaventure Cemetary--it truly is a beautiful and haunting place. Forget about Williams and Hansford and the "Lady" Chablis, though. Don't let their spirits ruin your visit to a lovely historical city. The intrigues that went on in the founding and growth of the city (i.e. the ban on liquor, lawyers and Catholics, the pirates, the Gordon and Low families, literary greats Flannery O'Conner and Conrad Aiken, [who did get cursory mention in the book] the Civil War history as the gift the city became to save itself, etc.) are much more interesting than the Peyton Place soap opera presented in this rather sullying book. Not bad writing, but a little dull, if you ask me. I just wasn't all that interested in these folks and their problems. They seemed to be dedicated to creating them.
Book Description
Priceless--yet practical--ideas and insights from the master of portrait photography
* Ready-to-use insider tips for photographers at every level
* Author teaches across the country and is renowned for sharing his secrets
Michael Grecco is one of the best-known celebrity photographers in the world. His beautiful, insightful work is all around us--on movie posters, in advertising, on magazine covers, everywhere. "I delight in inspiring people," he writes. "I want them to stop, think, and feel." Now Grecco shares the secrets of great portraits with photographers at every level, in Lighting and the Dramatic Portrait. Sections on cameras, illumination, film and digital, creativity and conceptualization, connecting with the subject, and having a point of view, plus intriguing case studies that show "how I got that picture," make this book a resource photographers will use again and again through the years. Whether the subject is a star or a soccer mom, Grecco shows how to add artistry, drama, wit, humor, and personality to their portrait.
Customer Reviews:
It's a book for beginners........2007-09-10
I'm totally not impress with that book. Their is almost no contain in. A couple nice lightning idea, but nothing to really improve your skill if you are an advanced photographer.
It's a book for beginners.
wonderful peek into the world of reknowned pro photographer.......2007-09-01
This book is everything I had hoped. I wanted to see how the "big guys" get such gorgeous shots. It's true that just owning an expensive dSLR does not make you a professional, it takes practice, lots of photo shoots, and, most importantly, an eye for creativity. Grecco is an extraordinary photographer. I know I'll probably never be photographing celebrities or have the budget for a clan of assistants and high price lighting equipment, but some of his techniques I can certainly adapt. This is a wonderful book with enough tips and beautiful images to inspire any photographer.
Good beginning book.......2007-08-26
This is a good beginning lighting book, and it includes a helpful introduction to lighting terminology, techniques, and tools. Unlike many portraiture books, this one focuses more on editorial rather than consumer portraiture. As such, the illustrations are edgier and more conceptual. The book is pretty thin on substance, however, and rather high on ego. A good introduction, but nothing more. Hicks and Schultz's book Photographing People; Portraits, fashion, glamour has much better lighting diagrams and a lot more technical variety and instruction.
A wonderful aproach, not so technical and not so philosophic.......2007-08-13
In this book, Grecco show us pictures and the creation ideas about them.
The lighting set-ups is only top view, but in his text, Grecco explain how create each image, the concept and techniques.
A good book for photographers that love portrait and want learn more about this photography segment.
A little too much!.......2007-07-28
The pictures, techniques and equipments used are topnotch. The pictures are topnotch as well but this is really not a book for the run of the photographer. This is hollywood style photography. Impressive techiques and styles but with not much of a practical value for amateurs and hobbyists I would say. I don't think this is something suitable for all so you need to be careful about this book. There are better portrait photography books out there that are more suitable for the majority.
Book Description
Secrets of a Hollywood Super Madam is a book about my 13 years owning and operating an Escort Empire that serviced the sexual secrets of the rich and famous. I wrote this book to tell my fascinating story and answer the three questions I get asked the most: How did you get started as a Madam? Where did you find the girls? What was it like in prison? I walked the walk, and now I talk the talk . In this book, I tell you my story and my secrets while speaking from my heart. This book is so racy, traditional publishers would not touch it. I could have "cleaned it up" and "been discreet", but I wanted to tell you my whole story and, quite frankly, why shouldn't I? After all, why sugarcoat it? There simply was no "safe way" to write my story. It was gritty, nasty, salacious, sexy, frightening, horrifying, dangerous, deadly, and above all, deliciously decadent. You'll see a lot of famous names in these pages and learn many secrets, and experience the emotional roller coaster ride that was my life-a life full of the risks I took while evading the watchful eye of law enforcement, a life that includes my dark journey through the walls of hell while being placed in the most severe prison in the state of California, a life that will surely convince you not to try this at home. This book is a true testament of my life, my secrets and my ability to survive.
Customer Reviews:
very interesting!!.......2007-10-01
really enjoyed reading about the life of a madame. told in detail what these men requested for their dates(and believe me... they were upfront with that!) the names of people involved were interesting also...yes names you will recognize. hope she writes super madame II. one of those guilty entertaining reads. couldnt put it down until i was finished.
Need to edit the book first before sending it to publish.......2007-09-07
The book contains plenty of juicy bits on the sexual habits of those famous Hollywood celebrities but it is poorly written, with plenty of grammatical and spelling errors. I was surprised that the author did not proof read or asked someone to edit the book for her first before publishing it. I just don't seem to understand why the author needed to add in the part on her love for the animals, especially in chapters which have no complete link to her love for her pets. Out of the blue, a short paragraph on her love for her animals just popped out of nowhere... and it can be quite "painful" (or rather irritating) to read at times.
But I do marvel the courage of the author in writing this book. Salute!
Did anyone proof read this?.......2007-07-06
About as enticing as a tabloid cover although far less well written. There were numerous typos and the sentence structure was horrid to the point that it distracted from the storyline (if there were a storyline). The flow was disjointed and Ms. Gibson is not much of a story teller. There could have been potential, sadly that was never tapped into.
Absolute Hypocrisy.......2007-06-04
The people-- Gil Garcetti and his evil cronies who put this woman in jail should be thrown into Chowchilla and allowed to be abused from the inside out.
I heard her on Howard Stern and my heart went out for this poor woman.
Prostitution happens in every corner of this country every day. Men with money buy women cars, houses, jewelry in order to have sex with them and women gladly pursue and reciprocate these advances.
The worst examples are professional athletes who have sex with thousands of women every year. THIS IS PROSTITUTION as those who don't have fortune and money won't be having sex with these women.
Women who target doctors, lawyers, producers those with high net worth are prostitutes. This happens in the most conservative of places.
Men who make themselves out to be moral high road or even discreet bastards and never even allude to being tolerant to this when they are in fact the most perverse customers should be sent to Chowchilla and have their teeth punched out as this poor woman did, so they can feel what it's like to be a customer and then completely turn away when she gets into trouble. What cowards. Despicable.
It makes my blood boil when she said she had politicians from Texas use her services and when she was placed in death row Chowchilla did nothing to protect her, it makes me livid.
Someone who is a madam, a prostitute, solely a drug abuser does not belong in a prison with murderers, baterrers, rapists and the mentally insane.
These people are not insane and do not belong in prison. Escorting is a white collar crime which threatens no one, needs to be legal, taxed and regulated as in the Netherlands, exists in every way; it's not just street walkers and escorts. It's women pursuing those with money to pay for them. Those who don't pay for them get nothing. And that's mainstream society.
Madams are simply providing a service that will always be there. Whether you're a football pro having sex with "law abiding females" who sit in a cubicle all week and then have sex with the athlete merely because they have fortune and fame, or a christian coach providing coeds to Tyrone so he'll join his football team, prostitution exists and there is an enormous double standard.
What's amazing is that pornos are being made thruout the US for a salary of a few hundred dollars, it's on film and that's okay, which is fine with me. But what they did to this woman is absolute evil and those involved WILL rot in hell. And I pray that the section of hell they're in is Chowchilla.
Good lots of name dropping.......2007-05-31
You want real names of clients? you got them! ben affleck and sylvester are in here, with very vivid details. this book was interesting, but story after story i just wanted to hear about her jail time as the book went on, so i skipped to it. not a book you have to read in order, but very interesting, my friends are lined up to borrow it!
Average customer rating:
- One Eyed Visionary
- Great book, intresting facts, great, candid shots!!!!
- For Photograghy Fans Too!
- Photo by Sammy Davis Jr.
- Great photos complement this wonderfully written book!
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Photo by Sammy Davis, Jr.
Burt Boyar
Manufacturer: HarperEntertainment
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0061146056
Release Date: 2007-02-06 |
Book Description
Sammy Davis, Jr. will forever be remembered as one of America's finest entertainers. An all–around performer who could sing, dance, and act, Davis broke racial barriers in the entertainment world and became the only non–white member of the Rat Pack. Only now, however, is Davis's talent as a photographer finally being recognized. In this previously unpublished collection of black and white photography, readers will be fascinated by Davis's portrayals of A–list performers, iconic world leaders, and scenes from everyday life. Davis's subjects include dozens of classic celebrities–such as Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Paul Newman, and James Dean–who are often photographed at their most casual and revealing moments.
Accompanying the pictures is an assortment of remembrances by Burt Boyar, a longtime friend and traveling companion of Davis who collaborated with the entertainer on both of his autobiographies. Through a series of memorable anecdotes, Boyar reflects on Davis's many achievements as well as the private moments they shared as friends. Along with Davis's candid shots of ordinary life–from a group of children laughing to a baseball game at the Washington Monument–these stories reveal a side of the performer far removed from his Rat Pack persona.
The release of this book will also coincide with the release of Burt Boyar's upcoming documentary, Sammy Speaks, created from his extensive archive of taped conversations with the star.
Customer Reviews:
One Eyed Visionary.......2007-09-25
Few have personified the phrase "self-made man" as did legendary entertainer Sammy Davis, Jr. (1925-1990). The world remembers Davis for his varied and extraordinary accomplishments as an actor, singer, musician, dancer, and comedian.
But hardly anyone outside his circle of friends and family has been familiar with his photography--until now. With this hefty book, interspersed with reminisces by longtime friend Burt Boyar (who co-wrote Davis's autobiographies Yes I Can and Why Me?), his old fans and a new generation can revel in hundreds of images that reveal yet another significant facet of Davis's far-reaching talents.
Though Photo lacks the singular thematic focus of books published by such photographer-celebrities as Dennis Hopper and Gerry Spence, that's no drawback for this posthumously published volume. Rather, it pulls the reader into the exciting world of nightclubs, casinos, and Beverly Hills homes in which Davis moved, mostly from the late 1940s through early '70s. A voracious shutterbug, he took his photography seriously: his compositions are strikingly iconic, employing sophisticated use of line and form. Yet, his pictures are mostly snapshots--in the best sense of the word: they capture their subjects spontaneously, and his joie de vivre suffuses his work. Think of it as a highly stylized family album packed with candid portraits of "Rat Pack" pals Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford, and Shirley MacLaine, as well as other famous friends like Nat "King" Cole, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, Sidney Poitier, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Jerry Lewis, and Bill Cosby.
Among the more touching aspects of this book are the portraits of his actual family: his parents, his second wife May Britt and their children, and his third wife (and widow) Altovise Gore Davis. The most poignant are the many shots of actress Kim Novak, the first great love of Davis's life, who was forced by Columbia Pictures studio chief Harry Cohn to break off their relationship (interracial relationships were strictly taboo in 1950s Hollywood, not to mention in society generally).
One photograph, despite its matter-of-fact framing, is particularly chilling. Through the window of a passenger train en route to Miami, Davis snapped a picture of an elderly white gentleman on a station platform holding a cigarette, standing before a pair of double doors over which the foreboding phrase "WHITE WAITING ROOM" is painted. Davis's photographic abilities and inclinations were such that we see a mostly glamorous world through his eye. Thus, when we arrive at this jarring image, it's impossible not to apprehend it from his point-of-view--and also not to feel the sense of injustice that he must have experienced in the Jim Crow South as he clicked the shutter.
As Davis's show business career took off, many venues--even north of the Mason-Dixon Line--were happy to let blacks perform onstage; but the same headliner artists weren't even permitted to drink at the bar, use a dressing room, or occupy one of their hotel rooms. Photographs from Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial, and portraits of politician friends Senator Robert Kennedy and President Richard Nixon, give silent witness to Davis's largely forgotten achievements as an outspoken civil rights advocate.
Photo is a coffee-table book that won't spend much time on the coffee table if your houseguests are anything like mine. Because of a car crash in 1954, Sammy Davis, Jr., was left with only one eye. But what an eye this cat had!
Great book, intresting facts, great, candid shots!!!!.......2007-08-09
This book is so fun. It has so many candid great photo's, really intresting history on Sammy Davis Jr. and his relationship's. I really enjoyed this book. Great coffee table book.
For Photograghy Fans Too!.......2007-06-22
I originally picked up this book as a curiosity and found its links to a bygone era utterly fascinating. The subject matter, i.e., rat pack photos were wonderful but the photographic mastery of Davis Jr. is, I think, equally as stunning. A look into Davis Jr.'s remarkable life is given by him in the way, like other great photographers, he insightfully choses to document and communicate with his subjects through the lens. Again, like many great photographers, the images are powerful and soft, crisp and dazzling. More talent revealed from a man who had more in his baby finger than most of us have coursing through our entire bodies.
Bravo. Well done.
Photo by Sammy Davis Jr........2007-05-28
An excellent "coffee table" book that graphically recalls the fifties and sixties, and the hedonistic style of the Rat Pack and Sammy's many friends and colleagues. Beautifully captures the mood and style of the period.
Great photos complement this wonderfully written book!.......2007-04-21
An extremely fun book that reminds the reader of a very happy period of US entertainment history (including old Hollywood, the Rat Pack, and more). Lets the reader see Sammy's world from the camera's view, and what a great world it must have been. Boyer is a talented writer and put together a fabulous collection of photos. A perfect book for the coffee table that includes some great stories to go with the rare photos. A must have for any fan of mid-century Hollywood.
Book Description
A NEW BEGINNING: Hollywood actor Dayne Matthews and Katy Hart are married and living in Bloomington, Ind., where Dayne has found a solution to his on-camera love scenes--he wants Katy to star in his next film. Katy wins the part and is cast opposite her super-star husband. The story of a small town girl’s dream come true is too much for the press to resist, and in an effort to appease them, the couple agrees to a 12-episode reality show. It seems like the perfect compromise but by the time they finish filming the movie, they feel cracks around the edges of their marriage. Now they face an uncertain future, and possibly the end of everything that truly matters to them.
AN UNFORGETTABLE SUMMER: The Baxter family learns that Ashley and Kari are both pregnant, but an ultrasound reveals that something is wrong with one of the babies. As the summer progresses, the sisters pray for a miracle while trying to face the unthinkable. It’s in this trying season that they must all learn the lesson God has been trying to teach them--He is still in control, and He will be with them regardless of the outcome.
AN EMOTIONAL FAREWELL: The Flanigans continue to draw closer to their only daughter, yet Bailey struggles to find her way amidst the turmoil of adolescence. She has always made good decisions, but she wants to experience more of life. Her friendship with Cody Coleman--the young border staying with the Flanigans--continues to blossom in this summer after his graduation. But when Cody decides to enlist in the Army, he’ll have to say goodbye to the family he’s come to love and the girl he’ll never forget.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful!.......2007-10-04
This book, like the rest of this series, leaves you wanting more. Such a wonderful story, and a great writing style, make this an touching book. I am and will probably always be a fan of Karen Kingsbury!
Another wonderful book from Karen Kingsbury.......2007-10-01
This latest book in the Sunrise Series about the lives of the Baxters from Karen Kingsbury did not disappoint me .It was one of the most thought provoking story lines yet .Ashley was told that she would have a baby with a profound fatal birh defect .Her sister , Brook, is a doctor and looks at things from a medical standpoint and this puts her at odds with her faith and Ashley's beliefs when she tries to influence Ashley to take the easier ( as she sees it) way out.It is a beautiful story with issues that we all deal with at one time or another in our lives .Karen's books teach us how to look at life biblically and prayerfuly.I can't tell you what a huge impact her writings have had on my life.
Summer.......2007-10-01
A continued best of Karen Kingsbury. This series is another winner! Don't know how I am going to last till next spring for the next one.
Moving & touching book, but so sad.......2007-09-29
This book by Karen Kingsbury is probably one of the hardest that I've read. I will admit that I bawled my eyes out while reading it, so be prepared. It's a must read for Karen Kingsbury fans though!
Cooool Reading.......2007-09-29
A much better series. I was moved. I read this And the first one in like the equivalent of 1 micro minute (3days) - wink.
Book Description
For over 50 years, Richard Avedon (b. 1923) has captured the creative genius of our time with dazzling insight and incomparable style. Spanning the artist's entire career, from the late 1940s through his most recent work, Richard Avedon Portraits offers a superb selection of his photographic portraits.
With uncompromising directness, Avedon portrayed his subjects against a white background, with no extraneous details to distract from the essential specificity of face, gaze, dress, and gesture. This challenging innovation, coupled with the artist's intense interest in his subjects and mastery of his craft, resulted in mesmerizing portraits-among them Truman Capote, Willem de Kooning, Samuel Beckett, Francis Bacon, and Marilyn Monroe, as well as the uncelebrated Americans of his project, "In the American West"-that rival the greatest works in the portrait tradition.
Richard Avedon Portraits is published to accompany a major exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. With its innovative accordion-style design and superb reproductions, the book is a virtual stand-alone mini-exhibition in its own right.
Customer Reviews:
A Caution for some ... nude photographs.......2007-08-23
This book is absolutely exquisite. The photographs are stunning and insightful If you are not familiar with Avedon's male nudes--I wasn't--you should be aware that many of them are full frontal and not in any way prettified, pornographic, or erotic. I include this because none of the other reviews mentioned it. Had I been more familiar with the book's contents, perhaps I would not have left the book out on the kitchen counter for the wrong (adult) friend to unfold it before I did!! Yeah, I know, I should have known better . . . . Duh.
A work of art keepsake........2007-03-23
I bought this book for my photography friend for Christmas. She was blown away. From the moment you open the package, it is clear this book is worlds apart from your standard photography book. Every photo is frame-ready. I highly recommend for the picky photography enthusiast.
A New Direction For Coffee Table Books.......2006-12-27
The format allows for a stand-up display down the entire length of a coffee table! Pretty cool if you ask me;
Got this as a christmas gift for my art-school-grad photographer/niece. It caused something of a stir when the holiday guests started to look at everyone elses presents.. Along the lines of "Don't let the kids look at that book" and "Let me see it' and "Ewwww".
Beyond art book, beyond photography.......2006-01-01
It is not really a book, but an art object: accordion folded and neatly ensconced in a box, its heavy cardboard structure makes it a durable thing, one that transcends the notion of a mere "book." It is an object of intrinsic beauty and the mere holding of it in one's hands conveys the good taste, fine quality, and the superb craftmanship that were blended to create PORTRAITS.
One side of the fold contains text -with some pictures- and the other the portfolio of portraits. Maria Hambourg and Mia Fineman collaborate in the essay "Avedon's Endgame," which presents, analyzes and brings into focus the extraordinary talent behind the portraits; and Richard Avedon gives us a touching essay called "Borrowed Dogs," in which he addresses some of his unquiet talents. The other side is one's private gallery of 27 pictures (including the covers) to be savored at home, each image a meticulous print. In all it is an extraordinary performance by those involved, and a jewel to possess.
Avedon has pushed the borders of his art far beyond picture taking: a master psychologist, his portraits are potent statements about the soul and the fears and the anger and the dilapidation and the triumph and the humanity of his subjects. His pictures are so intense and revealing that the viewer cannot remain neutral. The diptych of Clarence Lippard, a drifter, makes one see more than we have any right to ask for: because if we must view the horror of a wasted life on one panel we must also accept the defiant triumphalism and humor that the second panel conveys. Waste no pity on Mr. Lippard, he asks no such thing from you.
I shall often return to this jewel for solace; and for a jolt about the meaning of being alive and a human being.
Many great portraits ..........2005-10-14
... but it's not a book. I personally did not care for the strange format, which has a sleeve, a back and a front cover, and a sort of concertina arrangement of the intervening text and pictures.
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