Book Description
Authors Luca Palmerini Gaetano Mistretta have comprised the first literary work on the Italian horror film industry, allowing producers, directors, screenwriters, make-up artists and actors an opportunity to express their views.
Customer Reviews:
Nice glossies - Decent book for the genre.......2006-04-26
Next to the Cathal Tohill book, this is about the best you're gonna find concerning Italian giallo and horror. Many of the films described are also now available on DVD so you can judge for yourself. The only big flaw is that the titles are in Italian so you better get yourself a good translator or be prepared to look them up on the imdb.
I also find the review by JJJJS of Toronto to be utterly bizarre. Why would one review a book for a genre one doesn't like to begin with? What a waste of time!
This is for fans only, since more obscure titles by directors I've yet to discover are included, as well as photos and color stills from the various films. If you don't appreciate this kind of film then stay away.
A fine book on Italian thrillers.......2006-03-04
It's been a while since I've read this, but it still sits on my shelf (where the life span of "unimportant" books is very small. A lot of the information presented will be well known by afficionados, but for people who are mildly interested in learning something new about Italian cinema -- this is the book for you.
Fellow degenerates...your reference book!.......2004-01-04
This book is essential reading for any fans of 'degenerate cinema' such as myself, though it may be a little difficult to navigate for newer delvers into Italian Horror, for reasons already mentioned in previous reviews; the films are only referred to by their Italian titles, without the translations. But that's no reason to stay away from this, or you'll miss out on some really great interviews, especially those involving Dario Argento, Lucio Fulci as well as many others. There are some great insights into the Italian filmmaking of the 70's/80's, and getting it straight from the parties involved makes for fascinating reading. I can assure you, you'll be surprised and delighted at some of the discussions. Rivalries are exposed, some trash talking and - finger pointing - abound. Great stuff from the wonderfully strange world of Italian Exploitation. Pick this up!
One of the top three on the subject - the others, also highly recommended, are Broken Mirrors/Broken Minds: The Films of Dario Argento and Eaten Alive!
Wow, utterly useless!.......2003-10-21
If you enjoy fast-forwarding to the goriest death scenes and watching them over and over again... or if you think that X Italian horror-movie heroine is SUPER HOT when she's dead, then you'll enjoy this book. The most horrifying thing about it is the fact that it's a book for Eraserhead-tshirt-wearing angry loner fanboys COMPILED by Eraserhead-tshirt-wearing angry loner fanboys.
The directors give uninspired interviews (not surprisingly), and the actors bring absolutely nothing to the table (also, not a surprise). It is vaguely - and I mean REALLY vaguely - informative, but really... unless you want to impress your friends with pointless trivia, go elsewhere.
The introduction pretty much says it all - the authors/editors are obviously the guys who sat behind you in film class and guffawed every time boobies appeared on the screen. They also seem unaware that Ray Bradbury lifted "Something Wicked This Way Comes" from Shakespeare's "Macbeth."
A terrible experience. Avoid like the plague.
If you are into italian horror, you have to get this........2000-09-17
It's true that only italian titles are included here and this makes reading quite frustrating (for instance, the italian title for the recently released on DVD "Autopsy" is "Mache Solari"!). Of course, there is always IMDB to find out the film's english title. The point is that the interviews included here are very good with very few exceptions (the Terence Stamp interview is a joke). Argento's is great and so is Fulci's. David Warbeck gives a very good interview too and check out Tom Savini and Gianneto De Rossi. There is also a great interview with Argento's muse, Daria Nicolodi, a good reason alone to buy this book.
All in all, this book maybe flawed, but if you are into this thing, you got to have it.
Average customer rating:
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Practical Percussion: A Guide to the Instruments and Their Sources
James Holland
Manufacturer: The Scarecrow Press, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Percussion
| Instruments & Performers
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General
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All Titles
| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
| Stores
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ASIN: 0810856581 |
Book Description
If you have ever felt the pulsating beat of the timbales, those electrifying steel drums native to Puerto Rico, or the reverberating sound of the djembe, the wooden hand drum born in Africa, then you know the power of percussive instruments. One shake of a rain stick or a few scratches on a washboard has the ability to turn an ordinary song into something far more profound. The intent of this volume is to guide researchers, students, and those with a general curiosity about percussion instruments in their efforts to expand their understanding of this dynamic and wide-ranging group of instruments. This revised edition of Practical Percussion includes a revised and expanded list of manufacturers and suppliers, additional entries and photographs, and an index.
Book Description
An innovative book on game-winning strategy for players at the intermediate level--from a master chess coach. Every truth about chess must be coached in context, and the book's interactive teacher-student dialogue does just that. Weeramantry teaches how to think during a chess game. 300 diagrams.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Book for Beginners.......2006-05-28
This is an absolutely wonderful first or second book on chess (first in case someone already taught you the basics). Much of the winnings moves I ever make still come from this book. It is well-written; the advice is clear and straightforward.
Just go through the first lesson - home away from home - and fall in love with it.
It should be reread every now and then, just to be on top of it. I love it.
Nice instructive book for beginner/intermediate player.......2005-09-08
I have read more than a dozen instructive books on chess and find this a nice easy read with games and commentary that provide a well focussed view of the lessons that Mr. Weeramantry is teaching. These include the basics such as strong outposts, weak color squares, etc. Once the student has digested classics such as Chernev's Logical Chess Move by Move, he/she is ready for this book. Has elements of Silman's The Amateur's Mind, but at an easier level. Good for Class C player and below I think.
Recommendable to advancing beginners.......2004-12-16
It's a shame that some of the young readers do not enjoy this book. I think so because my nine-year old son has benefited so much from reading it and I consider the author is successful in educating essential chess principles.
I bought this book for my son along with GM Chandler's "How to Beat Your Dad at Chess", when he finished learning how to move pieces and began to play more tactically. I thought Chandler's is a great read to begin with, but contrary to my expectation, my son was riveted more to this one. He read the book for six months, made it half-tattered and has become the strongest player in his grade at school. He now beats unguarded adult players such as his class teacher and me.
This is a small book so it doesn't teach all you need to know to gain chess mastery. But it seems to me that everything in this book is absolutely necessary to become a strong player. I highly recommend this book to any advancing beginners, not just for kids.
Not for the average kid.......2004-10-25
I have read several books on chess and think of myself as an average kids who plays at his elementary school Chess Club. The book is not easy to understand because it moves from one thing to another to quickly. It does not build on one idea to the next and asumes that you know a lot of stuff already. If you are very advanced then maybe this book is for you. Otherwsie forget it.
Mixed Up.......2004-09-14
I have decided to write some reviews on the books my fahter picked for me and ordered. This was one of the worst of them. Mr. Weramantry who I have reaseared has never written another book on chess since this one. I am glad.
The book jumps around too much without explaining things in it so that you can understand it. The book says the writter is some big time chess teacher but he doesn't know doddily when it comes to putting his teaching into words. I found the book hard and difficult for a kid who has been playing on his chess team for over a year at his school and is ranked as number 2.
Book Description
Chess is a mental game, but you don't have to strain your brain to learn the basics—not with this guide that shows you how to play. Teach Yourself VISUALLY Chess covers how to set up the board, how each piece moves, opening strategies and variations, attacking themes and common sacrifices, and more. Photos of the board let you see strategies in action. For hands-on practice, you can even set up your board and make your moves as you learn. With this book and practice, you'll be saying "Checkmate" in no time.
- Concise two-page lessons show you all the steps to a skill and are ideal for quick review
- Each move or tactic is clearly explained
- Explanations accompany each photo
- Color photos and diagrams show key positions, strategies, and moves
- Helpful tips provide additional guidance
Customer Reviews:
Very effective presentation.......2006-12-15
Most chess books for beginners are simply awful. It's quite refreshing to see a book like this. High resolution photographs of the board really make a difference. The writing is remarkably clear and free of jargon. Lots of great players unfortunately are ineffective teachers. Not so here. The author has his chess accomplishments, but more important he has taught the game for 30 years. It makes a difference and it shows.
What impressed me most is how far the book will take you. There are the usual basics. Some very effective sections on openings, middlegame, and endgame play, including a section on the five steps to victory that you won't find in any other beginner's book on chess. If you casually compare this volume to the other chess books for novices, you'll quickly agree that this is the way to go.
Customer Reviews:
A good buy.......2007-03-18
So far I own two books of this writer, and I do not regret buying any of them. This book is in the normal GAMBIT publications size, while "Chess Recipes from the GM's Kitchen" was smaller (and with fewer pages).
In this book Mr Beim highlights specific topics of chess strategy, such us : The bishop pair, static and dynamic features, symmetrical pawn structures, transition to an endgame, etc.
For each one there is a separate chapter which includes:
1)A few words about what the chapter to follow will be dealing with.
2)Advises - principles - guidelines, where apropriate. For example in the chapter about static and dynamic features we are presented with the general ideas - strategies of each side. In some chapters I would like to see more of this part.
3)Analysed games as examples : These are well chosen, and the analysis is usually minimized to the area of interest, which makes it easy to follow and focus on the ideas.
4)Exercises. 10-15 for each chapter, not too easy, and some of those really tough. However I solved some of those without including anything from the chapter's knowledge into my thinking process. So I guess I would solve those without reading the chapter...
To sum up: Very good book, well writen and with a structure that is not tiring to follow. However I gave it a 4, as I got the impression that this writer has a lot to say, but wants to say it in many volumes. For example, dynamic features are covered in detail in another book of his, which he already knew he would write ("How to play Dynamic Chess", I think, which I will buy, it's a great book). I am happy I read it and will read it again, I gained valueable knowledge from it, but if I had to pick only 1 out the 3 mentioned, I would pick the one on Dynamic Chess, and if I had to pick only 2, my 2nd would be the Recipes.
Superb teaching.......2006-07-05
I got this book after buying the next on Mr Beim's series - How to play dynamic chess. This is powerful stuff... While not for beginners, Mr Beim's style is very methodical and will be useful for players of different levels, from club on up. I particularly enjoy the exercises at the end of each chapters. Looking forward to his next books!
High Quality Guide to Middlegame Training.......2005-02-15
Having previously enjoyed Beim's first book (Chess Recipes from the Grandmasters Kitchen) I was quick to buy Lessons in Chess Strategy. It is truly excellent. Beim's enthusiasm for the subject, combined with his deep knowledge, makes this a text-book on strategy that will surely benefit any intermediate level player.
The material is divided into 124 tasks, and the positions are well-chosen to illustrate the appropriate themes, such as passed pawns, space advantage, zugswang, pawn structures and so on. There is a laudable balance of nice positions from past and present.
Beim is clearly an experienced trainer - as in Chess Recipes he really cares about the reader comprehending the material.
Book Description
A unique and comprehensive approach that covers every aspect of the game, this manual offers players a goldmine of insights and tips. It focuses on the major topics relevant to every game: combinations, analysis, formulation of a plan, opening a play, and endgame technique. 294 illustrations.
Customer Reviews:
Not bad, just not as instructive as it seems.......2003-06-19
I had been planning to purchase this book for months and finally borrowed a copy from a friend.
Well, I'm glad I didn't buy it. The book is not bad. It is certainly appropriate for the audience named in the intro (1450-1750 USCF). The problem is that it's all either too easy or too hard to learn from.
What I mean is that the lessons are either rudimentary reviews or terse introductions. Though the book is not formatted this way, it's really a series of very brief problems. If you have seen the problem before, it's a review. If you haven't, there is not enough information for you to get it from the book, so you'll have to work at it on your own. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is not what I'd call instructive.
There is a lot of information squeezed into 133 pages. The book is certainly not a waste of money. I think it's most appropriate to someone who was quite proficient several years ago, maybe even a tournament player, and recently returned to the game. If that describes you, this book might remind you of a lot of what you used to know.
For me, however, the book is a disappointment. The fonts, the lay-outs, the diagrams, the binding, the organization--it all feels as if it should be very enjoyable. But for each section I've attempted, I've glided past the problems with which I am already familiar and quickly become mired in details that are over my head.
Similarly, while the book is filled with a great deal of wisdom, very little of it is convincingly demonstrated for the skeptical.
The main benefits to me were in the 36 combinations exercises (few of which I was able to solve without turning to the solutions) and the 26 endgame problems (which were admittedly somewhat instructive).
I recommend Better Chess for Average Players instead of this book. Or if you're not yet ready for club-level play, try something much simpler, like Ron Curry's Win at Chess. And consider the Mammoth Book of Chess.
Great Introduction to chess fundamentals!.......2002-07-31
This book provides an "all-in-one" chess course aimed at students in the 1300 - 1750 rating range. It covers tactics, opening principles, strategic ideas (i.e. outposts, minority attack, weak squares, doubled pawns, isolated pawns, etc. etc), endgames, and practical playing tips (i.e. training, managing the clock, nerves, etc.).
All in all this is a pretty decent book. None of the 21 lessons goes into heavy detail, but rather provides a quick overview on each topic. The motivated student would probably then want to seek out other more advanced texts to further expand on the topics.
Best chess book I've ever read!.......1999-05-07
From the first page you get the distinct impression that these guys who wrote this book know what they are talking about. I've never read a book that so profoundly affected my game on all fronts! Opening, middlegame, endgame have all been improved by my reading this book. The bibliography is filled with useful books that you can read to take you even further into the realms of chessdom. Guys if you want to improve your rating then this is THE book! I kid you not.
Average customer rating:
- NICE BEGINNING BOOK
- Not As Good As Chess For Beginners
- Not As Good As Chess For Beginners
- Not As Good As Chess For Beginners
- Not As Good As Chess For Beginners
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Chess Self-Teacher: Eight Lessons with Quizzes and Reviews
Al Horowitz
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Chess
| Board Games
| Puzzles & Games
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Puzzles & Games
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0060922958 |
Customer Reviews:
NICE BEGINNING BOOK.......2006-01-05
This is a pretty good starter book for those who feel they might want to sart playing this wonderful game. It, in simple language, sets up the basic beginning moves, and covers some of the basic openings. Recommend this one for beginners and for those who would like a good, basic review.
Not As Good As Chess For Beginners.......2001-09-08
No,I wouldn't say this isn't a good book,but it's not near as good as Chess For Beginners.Horowitz does good elsewhere though,so let me suggest that you draw your attention to some of his other books.-Richard Bryant.
Not As Good As Chess For Beginners.......2001-09-08
No,I wouldn't say this isn't a good book,but it's not near as good as Chess For Beginners.Horowitz does good elsewhere though,so let me suggest that you draw your attention to some of his other books.-Richard Bryant.
Not As Good As Chess For Beginners.......2001-09-08
No,I wouldn't say this isn't a good book,but it's not near as good as Chess For Beginners.Horowitz does good elsewhere though,so let me suggest that you draw your attention to some of his other books.-Richard Bryant.
Not As Good As Chess For Beginners.......2001-09-08
No,I wouldn't say this isn't a good book,but it's not near as good as Chess For Beginners.Horowitz does good elsewhere though,so let me suggest that you draw your attention to some of his other books.-Richard Bryant.
Average customer rating:
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How to Beat Granddad at Checkers
John P. Cardie
Manufacturer: Lifevest Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Checkers
| Board Games
| Puzzles & Games
| Entertainment
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Educational
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| Study Aids
Alzheimer's Disease
| Disorders & Diseases
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ASIN: 159879390X |
Product Description
An entertaining, easily understood "How To" book that teaches "sound strategy" for BOTH Checkers and Life. This Book is highly endorsed by the President of the American Checker Federation, Youth Counselors, Educators and wise old Grandparents. It helps Young People to develop "forethought" which should aid them in making right choices as teenagers and young adults. This charming and highly readable little book, can drastically improve a child's reasoning ability and assist them in improving both their Math and Social Skills.
By encouraging Grandparents and Grandchildren to regularly have " Board Meetings", this educational manual helps to close the multi-generational gap - thus, improving the quality of both their lives.
Book Description
101 SAMPLE WRITE-UPS FOR DOCUMENTING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS A Guide to Progressive Discipline & Termination There's no escaping problem employees. But with 101 pre- written disciplinary write-ups at a manager's fingertips, there is a way to escape the headaches, anxiety, and potential legal trouble of performance review or counseling sessions. These ready-to-go documents eliminate the fretful second-guessing about what to do and how to say it. Expertly written, they cover every kind of problem -- substandard work quality, absenteeism, insubordination, sexual harassment, e-mail misuse, and more. In addition, readers will find a complete explanation of the entire disciplinary process and (as a last resort) 18 sample termination letters. The disciplinary process outlined here is not about punishing employees into submission. Rather, it focuses on easing tension, opening up bilateral communications, and providing helpful direction on turning problem performance into positive output. It's a complete toolkit for handling disciplinary problems in a fair, responsible, and legally defensible way. PAUL FALCONE (Valencia, CA) is director of employee relations and labor relations for City of Hope National Medical Center. He is the author of The Complete Job-Finding Guide for Secretaries and Administrative Support Staff (Amacom) and 96 Great Interview Questions to Ask Before You Hire (Amacom).
Customer Reviews:
from 1998- almost a decade old.......2007-10-05
This book was published in 1998 and you can tell. While there are a few good examples and verbiage that can be used again, it is ultimately outdated. Take it from a practicing HR professional; you cannot use the majority of these in your workplace. You may be able to use the ideas and reasoning behind the documents, but the verbiage will need updated.
Mark Marker.......2007-03-14
A SUPERB AID FOR MANAGEMENT. IT LEAVES NO ROOM FOR DOUBT IN THE EMPLOYEES MIND WHEN THE "LETTER" IS PRESENTED TO THE EMPLOYEE. MANY OF MY TEAMMATES WANT TO BORROW THE BOOK, BUT I SAY GO GET YOUR OWN. THEY PROBABLY WOULD NOT HAVE GIVEN IT BACK SO QUICKLY IF AT ALL.
Great help to new supervisor.......2005-07-27
The book really helped me document unproductive behavior and coach errant employees.
a solid step-by-step guide to progressive discipline.......2004-09-14
As a manager of a new, small organization, we had no real procedures to document and follow for disciplining under-performing employees. This books gave me a good outline of the steps to follow and some of the theory behind the steps. It also provides many sample write-ups for a variety of situations.
It is not by any means a "5-course dinner" on progressive discipline, but it will give you a good basic foundation from which to start--especially if are in immediate need for something to hold you over until you can invest the time and money in setting up a more in-depth process.
As another reviewer has written, best to consult an HR expert for the details, especially those particular gray areas you may encounter. Also, I find this a good companion to the performance appraisal book by Dick Grote entitled "The Performance Appraisal Question and Answer Book". In fact, I would consider both these books as a small business manager's "starter set" for HR basics.
Easy to use for templates and ideas.......2004-06-29
I know Paul Falcone personally. I have talked with him in the past at a career workshop and afterwards. He is a consumate Human Resources executive who understands the issues regarding the documentation of employee problems and assisting employees and managers to work better together.
If an HR or line Manager needs to document an employee problem, this book assists the practioner for samples and ideas of how to write up a report for the file, letters for the employee, etc. This can also be used as a guide for managers who need to document the actions of direct reports. As an HR practioner, I recommend you consult your HR department along with using this as a tool.
Books:
- Star Wars: The Annotated Screenplays
- The Big Book of French Songs: Popular Songs, Movie Hits, Musical Theatre Songs, Folksongs
- The Big Lebowski: The Making of a Coen Brothers Film
- The Catholic Crusade Against the Movies, 1940-1975
- The Complete Films of Clark Gable (Repr)
- The English Patient: A Screenplay
- The Fan Survival Guide : 50 Ways to Meet Your Favorite Celebrity
- The Film Experience: An Introduction
- The Films of Jacques Tati (Picas Series 40)
- The Films of Michelangelo Antonioni (Cambridge Film Classics)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Classroom Instruction That Works: Research-Based Strategies for Increasing Student Achievement
- The Master Cleanser
- Screen Acting: How to Succeed in Motion Pictures and Television
- Paul: The Mind of the Apostle
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- The Verbally Abusive Relationship: How to Recognize it and How to Respond
- The Plane Truth for Golfers
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- Shanghai and the Yangtze Delta: A City Reborn
- The Book of Proper Names: A Novel
Eaten Alive!: Italian Cannibal and Zombie Movies
Immoral Tales: European Sex & Horror Movies, 1956-1984
Italian Horror
Book of the Dead: The Complete History of Zombie Cinema
Don't Torture a Duckling
