Fun Run and Other Oxymorons: Singular Reflections of an Englishman Abroad

Book Description

Why is it that a man with a vacuum cleaner just has to discover exactly what it is capable of sucking up? And have you ever wondered why cars parked outside massage parlours contain dogs? Why Monopoly is the root of all evil? Why every man should own a circular saw? Or wondered what it's like to sleep on a waterbed when drunk?

Joe Bennett is an Englishman abroad. With prose as clear as sunlight he illuminates normal life. The result is abnormally funny. He celebrates simplicity, and lacerates pomposity. Among his many topics are consultants, cappuccinos, karaoke, therapy, apostrophes, dogs and golf.

In his own words, 'If anything holds these observations together it is that I like people but not in herds. I distrust all beliefs, most thought and anything ending in ism. Most opinion is emotion in fancy dress.'

Enjoy the company of this old-fashioned wit, whose sparkling vignettes highlight the absurdities of life.

Customer Reviews:

This book is a hand's down must have in your book collection.......2004-07-11

Joe Bennett's humour has a way of making you smile even when you don't want to! Bennett's witty and original way of explaining everyday occurences has an effect that makes you think how funny (and strange) life really is. Get this book!

Fun Run Entertains.......2000-07-28

This is a largely funny collection of short, independent anecdotes, fictions and would-be essays by columnist Joe Bennett. Funny as they are, however, Fun Run is more than a humor book.

There's serious work behind Bennett's crafted silliness and brilliant satire. His columns methodically strip bare every institution, social trend, and public figure that carry the scent of pretension - himself included.

Fun Run looks at cappuccinos, government speak, home repair, vitamin therapy, Russian fishermen and American foreign aggression. In the process, Bennett plays with a range of styles and tones, at turns didactic, absurd, ironic and thoughtful. His range is so broad that readers who like predictability might disapprove. I didn't.

I enjoyed how Fun Run changed rhythm, tone and thematic scope with each column. I usually put books by columnists down after 15 minutes because they become predictable and repetitive. I stayed with Fun Run for a good evening - it captivated me with its variety.

Fun Run is a fun read. It entertains and enlightens, and Bennett has a tremendous command of language.

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Singular Forms (Sometimes Repeated)
Agnes Martin , Drew Daniel , Deyan Dudjic , Gia Kourlas , Mark Taylor , Robert Irwin , Douglas Wheeler , Carl Andre , Robert Gober , Felix Gonzalez-Torres , Donald Judd , Ellsworth Kelly , Sol Lewitt , Richard Long , Brice Marden , Bruce Nauman , Robert Rauschenberg , Robert Ryman , Frank Stella , and James Turrell
Manufacturer: Guggenheim Museum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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In Pursuit Of Perfection: The Art Of Agnes Martin, Maria Martinez, And Florence Pierce

Beyond Geometry: Experiments in Form, 1940s-1970s

Agnes Martin: Writings

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A Minimal Future?: Art as Object 1958-1968

ASIN: 089207308X
Release Date: 2004-04-02

Book Description

Singular Forms (Sometimes Repeated) examines the impulse toward reduction, restraint, and lucidity in postwar art. Drawing on the Guggenheim's exceptional holdings of minimalist painting and singular sculpture, Singular Forms begins with Robert Rauschenberg's historic White Painting (1951), a stark, monochrome canvas. This seminal work establishes twin trajectories in the development of contemporary art: the elimination of all extraneous details to achieve an art of pure, essential form, and the attention to issues of perception. After a prologue including other examples of radical, monochrome paintings by Ellsworth Kelly, Frank Stella, and Ad Reinhardt, Singular Forms explores how these parallel artistic strategies were manifest in Minimalist and Conceptual art of the 1960s and 70s through the work of Carl Andre, Dan Flavin, Donald Judd, Sol LeWitt, Agnes Martin, and Lawrence Weiner, among others. Minimalism's impact on subsequent generations of contemporary artists begins with Postminimalism, which utilized the movement's deliberate paucity of formal means to explore a range of concerns including process, the dematerialization of the object, the performative nature of art, and the structural properties of light. Artists such as Bruce Nauman, Richard Serra, James Turrell, and Richard Long are included in this section. What follows are artists schooled in the deconstructivist tendencies of Postmodernism--such as Robert Gober, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, and Roni Horn--who resuscitated Minimalism as a style, infusing its unitary, nonreferential forms with content to bring to the fore trenchant cultural issues. Singular Forms concludes with recent work that shares the look of classic Minimalist art, but uses it to communicate deeply personal, political, or poetic messages. Also examined is the reach of Minimalism and Conceptualism beyond the visual arts into film, choreography, music, design, and architecture.

Borcherds forms and generalizations of singular moduli : (Dissertation)

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Borcherds forms and generalizations of singular moduli : (Dissertation)
Jarad John Schofer
Manufacturer: ProQuest Information and Learning
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Science | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

Citation Details

Distributed by ProQuest Information and Learning

Difference Spaces and Invariant Linear Forms (Lecture Notes in Mathematics, Vol 1586)

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Difference Spaces and Invariant Linear Forms (Lecture Notes in Mathematics, Vol 1586)
Rodney Nillsen
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Differential Forms on Singular Varieties: De Rham and Hodge Theory Simplified (Pure and Applied Mathematics)

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Differential Forms on Singular Varieties: De Rham and Hodge Theory Simplified (Pure and Applied Mathematics)
Vincenzo Ancona , and Bernard Gaveau
Manufacturer: Chapman & Hall/CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

Differential Forms on Singular Varieties: De Rham and Hodge Theory Simplified uses complexes of differential forms to give a complete treatment of the Deligne theory of mixed Hodge structures on the cohomology of singular spaces. This book features an approach that employs recursive arguments on dimension and does not introduce spaces of higher dimension than the initial space. It simplifies the theory through easily identifiable and well-defined weight filtrations. It also avoids discussion of cohomological descent theory to maintain accessibility. Topics include classical Hodge theory, differential forms on complex spaces, and mixed Hodge structures on noncompact spaces.

The Egyptian Mysteries and Their Singular Rites and Ceremonies Pertaining to the First Form of Initiation Ever Practiced

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The Egyptian Mysteries and Their Singular Rites and Ceremonies Pertaining to the First Form of Initiation Ever Practiced
Moses W. Redding
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1425329306

Singular Passage In The Life Of The Late Henry Harris Doctor In Divinity

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Singular Passage In The Life Of The Late Henry Harris Doctor In Divinity
Richard Barham
Manufacturer: Kessinger Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Doctors & Medicine | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 141914734X

Singular Quadratic Forms in Perturbation Theory (Mathematics and Its Applications)

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Singular Quadratic Forms in Perturbation Theory (Mathematics and Its Applications)
Volodymyr Koshmanenko
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 079235625X

Book Description

This monograph is devoted to the systematic presentation of the method of singular quadratic forms in the perturbation theory of self-adjoint operators.
The concept of a singular (nowhere closable) quadratic form, a key notion of the present volume, is treated from different points of view such as definition, properties, relations with regular (closable) quadratic forms, operator representation, classification in the scale of Hilbert spaces and especially as an object carrying a singular perturbation for Hamiltonians. The main idea is to interpret singular quadratic form in the role of an abstract boundary condition for self-adjoint extension. Various aspects of the singularity principle are investigated, such as the construction of singularly perturbed operators, higher powers of perturbed operators, the transition to a new orthogonally extended state space, as well as approximation and regularization. Furthermore, applications dealing with singular Wick monomials in the Fock space and mathematical scattering theory are included.
Audience: This book will be of interest to students and researchers whose work involves functional analysis, operator theory and quantum field theory.

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Need good scripts? Here they are!
Great Resource!

Singular Sensation
Doug Brendel
Manufacturer: iUniverse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Religious & Liturgical | Drama | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Drama | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 059527661X

Book Description

A baby speaks from the womb ... A father speaks from the grave ... The phone rings, and it's God on the line! Anything can happen in these extraordinary, proven-powerful sketches -- each designed to enhance your ministry. 40 surprising Christian drama sketches in a user-friendly format * sketches for 1 actor * mo-memorization scripts * monologues * meditations * comedy * drama * "updated" Scripture readings. Fully indexed and cross-referenced for easy access. Ideal for your church drama group * Christian concerts * special events * camp program * last-minute requests for drama * start-up drama ministries * youth drama groups * Sunday school class * Bible study * any church program you want to enhance or liven up!

Customer Reviews:

Need good scripts? Here they are!.......2003-10-04

There are a lot of collections of dramas for the church out there, but none reaches the quality of freshness and relevance of Doug Brendel's scripts. An author with a heart for those 'in the pews', these sketches will significantly enhance and reinforce the pastor's message, allowing a greater number of hearts to be touched. No church drama ministry should be without Singular Sensation!

Great Resource!.......2003-10-04

Doug Brendel has produced an invaluable resource for our Drama Ministry. We have used his material to great success. Our church is a seeker oriented church and thus has many non-believers/seekers in the house. On many occasions we have had people come up to our actors and say how touched they were by the content as well as the performance. I urge any church or Christian actor who is looking for fresh relevant material to work with to consider this collection.

Singular Voices: Plays in Monologue Form

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Singular Voices: Plays in Monologue Form
Playwrights Canada Press
Manufacturer: Playwrights Canada Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

United States | Drama | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Drama | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0887545106

Book Description

Some musicians work their whole lives for a hit song, but it never happens. Some musicians have that magic hit only once. These are their songs and stories. 36 unforgettable hits complete with background information. Songs include: The Birds And The Bees * Book Of Love * Eve Of Destruction * Harper Valley P.T.A. * Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye * Sea Of Love * Sukiyaki * To Know Him Is To Love Him * and more.

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50S & '60s Style
Polly Powell , and Lucy Peel
Manufacturer: World Publications (MA)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1572151722

50S & 60s Rock 'N' Roll Classics (Easy Piano (Warner Bros.))

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50S & 60s Rock 'N' Roll Classics (Easy Piano (Warner Bros.))

Manufacturer: Warner Brothers Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Product Description

Travel back in time to the '50s & '60s rock 'n' roll era with this easy piano collection arranged by Richard Bradley. Titles include: Blue Suede Shoes * Earth Angel * Rock Around the Clock * Shake Rattle and Roll * Splish Splash * Blue Velvet * I Only Want to Be with You * I Want to Hold Your Hand * Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini and many more great songs that will take you back down memory lane.

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'50s and '60s Style
Polly Powell , and Lucy Peel
Manufacturer: Grange Books Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1856274403

Hard Bop Piano: Jazz Compositions of the 50s and 60s

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Wonderful transcriptions of exotic tunes

Hard Bop Piano: Jazz Compositions of the 50s and 60s
Evan Sarzen , and Evan Sarzin
Manufacturer: Gerard & Sarzin Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Book Description

A collection of compositions by leading pianists of the period, virtually all of which receive their first printing here. This collection sheds light on the hard bop style and makes the innovative work of eight jazz composers accessible for study and performance.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful transcriptions of exotic tunes.......2000-07-14

Hard Bop Piano is a unique and extremely valuable collection of rarely played and largely under-appreciated tunes by some of the finest jazz pianists of the 50s and 60s. The authors present a number of pieces by the likes of Randy Weston, Herbie Nichols and Andrew Hill, each of whom carved out an utterly distinctive and instantly recognizable style for himself during the heyday of hard bop. Weston and Nichols, in particular, were extremely fine composers, each with a flair for off-kilter rhythms and unexpected, charming melodies; and the inclusion of their work alone would make this an essential addition to any jazz lover's library. The transcriptions are unusually good, and often include not only the basic melody and harmony of each tune, but also elements of their original recorded arrangements. This book would make a wonderful gift for any jazz pianist, regardless of their level of expertise.

Hits of the '50s and '60s - The Songs of Leiber and Stoller: for Violin

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Hits of the '50s and '60s - The Songs of Leiber and Stoller: for Violin

Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Songbooks | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0793591880

Book Description

Includes 14 catchy classics: Charlie Brown * Hound Dog * Jackson * Jailhouse Rock * Kansas City * Love Me * Love Potion Number 9 * Loving You * On Broadway * Ruby Baby * Searchin' * Stand by Me * Yakety Yak * Young Blood.

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Modern 50S And 60S

Manufacturer: NAi Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 905662007X
Release Date: 1997-02-02

Book Description

Edited by Hans Ibelings.

Pop The Question - 50s & 60s (The Game Series)

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Pop The Question - 50s & 60s (The Game Series)
Music Sales
Manufacturer: Music Sales Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Trivia | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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Product Description

The Ultimate Pop Trivia Card Quiz Game! Guess the name of the band or artist from a series of clues.

The first player to guess wins that card and whoever has the most cards at the end wins the game! Pop The Question 50s & 60s contains 104 artists and bands from the 50s & 60s era, from Harry Belafonte to The Who.

Pop the Question - 50s & 60s: The Ultimate Pop Trivia Quiz Game! (The Game Series)

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Pop the Question - 50s & 60s: The Ultimate Pop Trivia Quiz Game! (The Game Series)

Manufacturer: Music Sales Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1846091136

Pop/Rock Oldies: 48 Favorites from the '50s, '60s and '70s

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Pop/Rock Oldies: 48 Favorites from the '50s, '60s and '70s

Manufacturer: Creative Concepts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0634045903

Book Description

Featuring nearly 50 tunes, this collection is a must for every fan of good old American pop and rock. Includes: Crimson and Clover * Dizzy * Donna * Good Vibrations * I Fought the Law * Iko Iko * Joy to the World * Let's Stay Together * The Name Game * Nights in White Satin * Respect * Shout * Sincerely * (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay * Teen Angel * Tequila * Travelin' Man * A Whiter Shade of Pale * Young Blood * and more.

Book Description

The story of Tsukushi, an average teenage girl with the courage to stand up for her rights. Despite all her trials, she finds herself in a love triangle. Will she ever find her special someone and live happily ever after?

Customer Reviews:

Additional evidence humor is relative.......2001-08-20

MUNICIPAL BONDAGE is suffused with wit, but merely sprinkled with humor. Alford seems to be in search of an Andy Rooneynesque mien, but in most of his contrivances, he makes light of people rather than the absurdity of the situation.

One's inability to acquire certification as a dog groomer, cement mason, cosmetologist or for that matter, dentist (which he did not attempt), has little intrinsic humor. The author seems oblivious to the fact nearly all occupations have an associated degree of skill. If his attempts to milk humor in these predicaments had been primarily self-deprecating, that's one thing but more often than not, he devined for after-the-fact thinly veiled, ridicule, which was patently unfunny. Now, if Clifford the curmudgeonly cocker spaniel had bitten him as he deserved during the groomer's exam, that would have been funny. This book is not Lucy and Ethel in the candy factory.

I don't mean to imply the book was without its moments. Illuminating the idiosyncratics one might encounter in everyday life such as his adventures with Manhattan bed and breakfast proprietors or fraudalent psychic advisors, was funny, though not necessarily, of the 'rolling in the aisles' variety.

Similarly, his lists of "what if's" ranged from mild amusement to banality. Many of the references have not held up well over time. Only the over the hill like me, or someone who has spent way too much time watching classic television is likely to "get" the humor in a dog who becomes pope requesting an audience with June Lockhart.

Essentially, the ratio of chuckles to grimaces was not sufficient to rate this book any higher.

Laugh out loud funny.......2001-04-18

This is one of the most hilarious books I have ever read bar none.

First, Alford provides some incredibly witty accounts of different "investigations" he conducts in New York City, such as hiring a clutter consultant, trying to get some fake heirlooms auctioned off at Sotheby's, trying to find a good bed and breakfast in Manhattan, hiring a nude housecleaning service, etc. In between each of these stories are some hilarious lists, such as "What if Frank Sinatra taught acting at UCLA" or "What if unemployed actors worked at banks instead of restaurants". The whole thing is great.

I found myself consistently laughing at some of the things Alford did in his investigations, such as gauging what happened when he asked the nude housecleaners to do things like bleach his tub or wash his windows from the outside. All in all, this is a very satisfying book for any fan of humor.

Yes.......2000-08-05

Yes. That's all I'm going to say.

Highly Entertaining!..........2000-07-12

...in my opinion! Essays in the style of David Sedaris. The author takes tests for proficiency in dog grooming, hairstyling, and cement mixing. He invents an odd snack that he attempts to sell at a street fair. Best of all (oh, the best!) he investigates the listings for "Bed and Breakfast" operations in the middle of New York City and actually stays the night in several! Quaint country inns are one thing, but the middle of Manhattan? I loved this book and will seek out his other book pronto!

great read.......2000-02-11

This is a very amusing read. I don't know much about Henry Alford, but I wish he would keep cranking out things like this.

Municipal Bondage: One Man's Anxiety-Producing Adventures in the Big City

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Municipal Bondage: One Man's Anxiety-Producing Adventures in the Big City
Henry Alford
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IG4BII

Average customer rating:

Municipal Bondage: One Man's Anxiety-Producing Adventures in the Big City
Henry Alford
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000K1MPFC

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