Hollywood's Latin Lovers: Latino, Italian and French Men Who Make the Screen Smolder

Customer Reviews:

Delicious Dishes Of The Male Variety.......2000-11-07

Long before Antonio Banderas donned The Mask of Zorro, the Latin Lover was a Hollywood staple: the ludicrously sensual seducer characterized by Rudolph Valentino, Ramon Novarro and Cesar Romero. Fernando Lamas once voiced his frustration with being cast as a cliché. "They seem to think all Latins make love all day long," he said in 1961. "I assure you that isn't true. Once in a while I read a book!"

You wouldn't know it by reading this book. A swooning tribute to Hollywood's leading lotharios, its profiles are light on insight, serving merely as an excuse to print some appealing archival pictures. In modern times, Thomas laments, the Latin Lover has been slowly emasculated by the "gorgonlike gaze" of feminists, leaving just one amigo to fill his well-stitched boots: Banderas. "He is at once leather and lace," she writes, "merging uninhibited animal beauty with a teasing finesse." That's enough to make any guy want to hide behind a mask.

Great pictures, sexy reading, buy one and invite the gals over to dish & drool. Guys, just close your eyes.

This is a Great book.......1999-07-08

When I went to the Virgin Bookstore in Orlando, I was browsing through and this book caught my eye. I've seen the others before but Desi Arnaz is one of my favorites. For a man who never gets credited for some of the greatest innovations of television, the book captures the positive image of Desi Arnaz.

Talk about sexy! These guys are still hot!.......1999-05-04

I couldn't resist picking up this book because the cover was so fabulous. I thought it was just going to be about vaqueros, but no-- Thomas hunted down the best picutres of latin stars (including French and Italian men)-- they're incredible and so are the stories she tells. I saw the review in People magazine, so I knew it would be good, but this book is a keeper. How can I give it 6 stars? Thanks Victoria Thomas!

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Italian Film: A Who's Who
John Stewart
Manufacturer: McFarland & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0899507611

Book Description

This is an encyclopedic reference and filmography to the nearly 5,000 people, Italians and foreigners, who have been involved in Italian filmmaking since 1896. Each entry provides brief biographical information on the person, along with full filmographic data on his or her films in Italy or for Italian filmmakers. The annotated title index includes Italian titles (and year) and English-language titles and alternate titles where appropriate. Conjoined to all of the title index references (to serially numbered personal entries), with the exception of acting credits, are mnemonic codes indicating specific areas of production (e.g., director, producer, camera, music, etc.).

Book Description

The basic principles of blues piano explained for the intermediate-level pianist in an easy-to-grasp fashion.

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding, musical, and playable method.......2007-07-23

There realy are not many great methods for the blues out there, but Tim Richards is thorough and goes into the required detail to show you how each blues style works.

The examples are very playable, suiting more or less an intermediate level pianist. Richards is one of the few take-away instruction teachers to be concerned about fingerings, and takes the trouble to suggest good ones. His playing instructions work very well and add a dimension that you don't often get in these method books - he has a great insight into the chords, and the notes and the way they fit the music. The breakdown of theory is very well explained, if sometimes overdone. But he never floods you with scales without showing you how to apply them - that in itself is a good thing!

Richards' choice of music is impeccable, and calssic blues standards of af all styles are presented from boogie, to funk, slow blues, and some jazzy numbers. And he shows you music in a number of keys so you aren't stuck to one or two and get a work out in the other keys. I found the music very playable, and well sounding, although I didn't always find the improvising instructions that intuitive.

The historical background he gives is accurate and informative and the pictures of blues and jazz legends really make this book interesting.

My criticism of the book is that it should have stretched up to the more advanced techniques of the blues - where the top players are, like Oscar Peterson, for example. That is its dissapointment - a teacher as good as this who dedicated the time to work a out a progressive and different course in blues shouldn't have stopped at the middle level. He surely should have stretched us, his interested audience up to the highest level.

But this should not stop you from using this very useful and inspiring book - I Thank you sincerely Tim.

Buy this book if you want to learn blues piano!.......2007-02-07

This is, by far, the best blues piano book out there. Mark Harrison's book is also good, but more as a quick guide for those who already have some chops and some understanding of theory.

Richards' book is a full course in Blues theory and practice and as such, you have to work through it. I've been at it for 14 months now and have just finished the second chapter. The material is perfectly paced for a pianist of my level (about Gr. 2-3, RCM, 30+ years ago). The pieces are fun to play and jam packed with important ideas and blues cliches. I'm really starting to see the beginnings of true hand independence that works , not only when I play memorized pieces, but that I can invoke when trying improvisations!

If you want to play professional-level blues piano in a month, then this is not the book for you. If, however, you live in the real world and are prepared to work at it, this book will do more than show a few riffs or tricks. It will give you a deep and firm foundation in popular piano improvisation in general, and blues in particular. I estimate I'll be another couple of years with this book and I can't wait to get back to it!

This book is a work of genius. Thank you, Tim Tichards!

Just what I was looking for ...........2007-02-01

This is a great book! I'm a beginning/intermediate piano player, I went through the first two Alfred's All-in-One Adult piano books and really enjoyed them (and recommend them!). But I found myself at a fork in the road: I was happy to continue memorizing "pieces", and practicing "technique", but I found myself wanting to know more about improvising. I play drums in a blues band, and I've had some music theory for keyboard percussion, so I'm not a total musical-novice. I tried out some other books (Mark Harrison's "Blues Piano: Hal Leonard Keyboard Style Series", but it's still a little over my head, perhaps in a year or so it'll be good for me. Also "David Bennett Cohen Teaches Blues Piano: A Hands-On Course in Traditional Blues Piano", but it really didn't light my fire either, and if I recall correctly, didn't have finger markings which I still find helpful.) This book pulls it all together for me: some blues music theory, some blues history, clearly-marked "assignments", a CD included, (a spiral binding that lays flat on the stand!) ... I'm hooked!

The Best self-learning blues piano book.......2007-01-22

I've flipped and browsed thru many blues piano books but this one takes first prize. Lots of graduated examples, a CD, and cool historic photos and notes. Big thumbs up. Get it if you want to learn dem blues!

A must have.......2005-06-21

I'm not a good pianist but I'm playing blues bass since more than 20 years.
I did purchased a lot of books, but this one is really the best. When my teacher saw it, he immediately ask where he could purchased it.

A lot of songs, exercises and explanation
The book is not only about improvising, it's also about all kind of left-hand pattern and I know what I'm talking about. The example on the CD are also great

Book Description

Unlock the mystery of blues improvisation as you develop an understanding of different blues styles and express yourself through your music. Contains scores of exercises designed to get you playing the blues.

Customer Reviews:

Unique guide through pro tricks.......2005-06-11

I think the reviewers are being a little harsh on this book. It never professes to be a 'Blues Piano for the complete beginner' text - it's called 'Improvising Blues Piano' which implies that a certain amount of knowledge has already been reached. It's actually a pretty rare resource, because it is a very accomplished blues player offering his advice and personal tricks and methods for improving playing. More importantly the playing and taste on this cd sounds great and miles away from the plodding cliched beginners stuff on most collections.

Doubtless, the pressure was on him by the publishers to make some concession to the 'absolute beginners' audience but on the whole it's a great book/cd combo because it tries to teach stuff that music instruction books usually can't tell you - things like which scales real blues players prefer to improvise with, or good techniques for learning new intervals. If you've already done a beginners book and want to start playing stuff that actually sounds good then take this book on as a resource - you'll delve in and out of it but it'll be a good friend as you bring style and art to your playing.

too many gaps to be useful.......2004-01-03

Mann's book begins by laying a basic groundwork in chords, scales, bass lines, and theory, and then moves on to cover the differences between various styles. There is enormous ground in between that is left uncovered, and I was unable to get much out of this book despite doing the exercises and listening to the accompanying CD. The book doesn't have enough examples fully written out, and the examples on the CD are too difficult for a beginner to imitate (though I will admit the possibility that I simply don't have the talent...). Mann should have taken us step by step, adding one element then the next, and showed us the steps in music notation as well as by example.

The book lacks a discography, despite Mann's repeated exhortations to listen to blues performed live and in recordings.

On the other hand, the musicianship on the CD is excellent, and includes half a dozen example performances in various styles that are worthy of an audio CD by themselves. Mann clearly knows his material, and has a background imparting it to others in person.

Ok, but you can do better........2002-09-24

Martan Mann can most definately play piano. The accompanying CD may almost be worth the price to hear him play. However, you're looking for instruction if you're reading this. I don't want to slam his product too hard. I'll just say he doesn't teach well and there's not allot of real meat here for beginners. I've also purchased Andrew D. Gordon's 100 Ultimate Blues Riffs. Riffs in all keys with many many different basslines and virtually zero instruction. Then, finally, I got my hands on something I absolutely love and can recommend wholeheartedly to anyone without a vast musical background who wants to play the blues. Check out the book/cd combos level 1 and 2 by David Bennet Cohen. You won't be dissappointed. I just ordered "Improvising Blues Piano" by Tim Richards and am very excited about it as well. One more you might look into.

Rich but flawed.......2000-11-27

This is not a book for beginners or even intermediate players. I have taken piano for 10 years and I was mystified by much of the theoretical information. Turns out even my piano teacher, who majored in theory, had difficulty figuring out what was going on. What became clear as we puzzled it out was that Mann often left out steps in theoretical reasoning, or bent classical theory rules, or threw in some esoterica that even someone advanced in theory would find challenging. If it weren't for my piano teacher's help, I would have been at a loss and very frustrated. As it was, I wonder what Mann can have been about. Is he one of those who can play but not explain the steps in a learnable fashion? Or is he out to dazzle the poor initiate? With my teacher's help, however, I have learned a lot about theory applied to blues style and this and the exercises have been quite useful. I didn't find the CD much help, since the text is not keyed well to the CD. However, Mann plays a compelling blues piano. Wish I could play like him. Final assessment:This book will deepen your experience with blues theory significantly but isn't easily accessible or user friendly.

Teach Yourself To Play Blues Piano.......2000-06-15

This book assumes that the reader can read music and has a basic understanding of music theory. It provides useful exercises and examples of various styles of blues piano. More importantly, it provides an explanation of the exercises and examples, as well as practical advice as to how to master them. The CD which accompanies the book contains recordings of the author playing the examples in the book. Timing and feel which are especially important in playing blues music are very difficult to transcribe correctly and more difficult for a student to correctly interpret. Being able to listen to the CD minimizes these problems. This is a good example of what music self study guides could and should be.

Customer Reviews:

Fascinating.......2007-05-15

Reading this book while visiting a friend in Azerbaijan, I could not put it down. The incredible history of this small country and the current issues both told in a very entertaining narrative that can't be found anywhere else.

A solid historic book.......2006-05-05

This is one of the rare historic books reflecting the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict from both sides. It is reach in historic and political facts, and also reflects the author's own eyewitness of the war.

Also in this book, Mr. Goltz makes it clear in the book his unfriendly relations with Azerbaijani government, and criticizes the structure of the gorevnment, and it's adiministration which lead to series of strategic mistakes.

A must read on Azerbaijan.......2006-02-15

Thomas Goltz's book on Azerbaijan is unique, for many reasons. First, he was among the few western journalists to be and actually live in the Caucasus when hell broke loose in the conflicts of the region. Secondly, He speaks the language, bringing him across cultural barriers that even Russian-speakers encounter though they seldom know they do in the non-Russian partso the former USSR. Third, Goltz has a smell for the events of the country and understands the backdoor politics.

In the final analysis, no serious book on Azerbaijan has been written since Goltz published Azerbaijan Diary. This is sad, since his book mainly covers the transition from communism over the brief popular front period into the Aliyev era - and a lot has happened since.

Historians may come around to write books on this period. But no book is likely to be published on this era that physically makes you feel you were there both, when the Popular Front took over power in parliament; or when rockets came crushing down on Azeri positions in Karabakh.

Great book on caucasus region .......2006-01-21

This a a great source of informaiton for those who are interested to learn more about Azzerbaijan and it's relations with the neighbouring countries.

Strongly recommended!.......2006-01-21

It's a great book about Azerbaijan and it's history. Very comprehencive review, great illustrations. Definitely recommended.

Average customer rating:

Abolutely Superb!

Rogues to Riches (First Quest)
J. Robert King
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1560768258

Customer Reviews:

Abolutely Superb!.......1998-04-21

A fast paced book about fantacy, hopes, and trickery. A humorus book that everyone should read!

Azerbaijan Diary A Rogue Reporter's Adventures in an Oil-Rich, War-torn, Post-soviet Republic

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Azerbaijan Diary A Rogue Reporter's Adventures in an Oil-Rich, War-torn, Post-soviet Republic
Thomas Goltz
Manufacturer: M.E. Sharpe Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000VWHLOU

Average customer rating:

The Quest : Rogues to Riches
J. Robert King
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000Q65FBW

Product Description

Publisher: Wizards of the Coast (February 1995) Language: English

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The Rogue and the Rich Girl
Christine Pacheco
Manufacturer: Silhouette Desire/ Silhouette Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000NQ6OZG

Rogue And The Rich Girl (Premiere) (Silhouette Desire, No 960)

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Rogue And The Rich Girl (Premiere) (Silhouette Desire, No 960)
Christine Pacheco
Manufacturer: Silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Avon ANEW CLINICAL 2-Step Facial Peel

ASIN: 0373059604

Customer Reviews:

:).......2001-03-03

Nicole Jackson owns a compnay that was started by her father. Her work is that of a mediator. Her company is in jeopardy right now and the only way to salvage it is to go to a very remote island and talk to the governor there. She has been hired to make sure that her clients plant gets up and running. There has been political opposition to this plant and rebels have caused problems. No airlines will fly to the island. Nicole hires Risky Business the one company that specializes in flying where no one else will.

Ace Lawson owns Risky Business and agrees to fly Nicole to the island, but he is also against the plant and plans to get her to change her mind in mediating for the company. Only when they get to the island all heck breaks loose and Nicole's life may be in jeopardy and Ace was paid to protect her. Ace hates what Nicole's company is doing, but he can not help being attracted to the woman. Now they are hiding out in the jungle and have no choice but to spend every waking minute together.

Book Description

When geologist Chuck Fipke discovered diamonds on the Barren Grounds near Yellowknife in Canada's Arctic, international mining companies almost immediately began to stake claims to the minerals: pure "ice" diamonds untainted by bloodshed and war.

These diamond lands are home to the Dene, Native peoples who have hunted, fished, and lived on these grounds since time immemorial. To mine these lands required the agreement of the First Nations, the Inuit, the mining company, and two levels of government. Ellen Bielawski was part of the negotiation team that painstakingly put together a deal to satisfy all involved, and Rogue Diamonds is her provocative and insightful telling of this intense time. From closed-door meetings in town to sacred ceremonies on the land, Bielawski weaves a thought-provoking story.

Average customer rating:

A wonderful read!

About diamond mining and much more...

Rogue Diamonds: The Rush for Northern Riches on Dene Land
Ellen Bielawski
Manufacturer: Douglas & McIntyre
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 1550549502

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful read!.......2003-12-14

I loved this book! Its subtitle, "The Rush for Northern Riches on Dene Land" gave me the expectation this was primarily a book about exploitation of land and people. I thought I would learn about mining, its harmfulness to the environment, and greed-motivated manipulation of the Dene. Well, I did learn about these things. But I also learned much more.

Bielawski writes with the heart of a poet and eye of an anthropologist. The reader gets to know well the key players in this negotiation process. As a result, I became intrigued by certain people -- their aspirations, traditions and everyday lives became important to me. It's hard not to get attached when descriptions are as apt as this one:

"Avi is a mensch, warm and fast-talking. He leans into each discussion, sleeves rolled up, collar open, as if his exuberance and determination alone will take us to agreement. Ideas bubble out of him. Often they have little immediate bearing on the clause we are discussing. The way Avi works, that doesn't matter. One never knows where solutions will come from." (page 102)

I also learned a lot about Canada's Arctic. Bielawski's vivid descriptions of the geography triggered colorful and detailed images in my mind's eye. For example,

"We walk on old land, geologically the oldest on the planet. The bush seems endlessly wild, untouched by the surficial forces of modern life. Our feet cling to rock outcrops that are scored with the tracks of glaciers. The rock is rose-pink in colour, its pastel faces mottled with lichen and moss in every shade of green, grey, black and white. In its clefts and crevices, Labrador tea, blueberries and cranberries, even spruce find a foothold. To the impatient eye, the rock holds no trace of our passing. But if you look carefully, you see the worn patches. People have walked this way for centuries, if not millennia." (page 14)

Parts of the book read like a personal journal, with Bielawski's experiences and feelings giving the story a liveliness and warmth. These sections were my personal favorites.

"I've brought nothing in my pack except a few dry cookies, almonds and chocolate. These I put on the table with the freshly cooked meat, fish and bannock. The women look at my skimpy offerings as if I am daft or a child." (page 95)

About diamond mining and much more..........2003-12-10

I also learned a lot about Canada's Arctic. Bielawski's vivid descriptions of the geography triggered colorful and detailed images in my mind's eye. For example,

Parts of the book read like a personal journal, with Bielawski's experiences and feelings giving the story a liveliness and warmth. These sections were my personal favorites.

Of course, the main focus of the book is the process of negotiation that takes place between those who want the diamonds mined and those who do not. It is a captivating and poignant story that kept me reading when I should have been doing other things. I highly recommend this book. Read it yourself and then share it with your friends. If you are like me, you will never look at diamonds the same way again.

Average customer rating:
Rogues and riches
Rick Lucas
Manufacturer: Vixen Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: B0007EWP8O

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ROGUES TO RICHES

Manufacturer: G.P. Putnam's Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H1T51C

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Useful supplement to Harvard Negotiation Program's new book...

A must!

Harvard Business Review on Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (A Harvard Business Review Paperback)
Harvard Business School Press
Manufacturer: Harvard Business School Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Harvard Business Review on Effective Communication (Harvard Business Review Paperback Series)

Harvard Business Essentials Guide to Negotiation

Harvard Business Review on Decision Making

Harvard Business Review on Managing People (Harvard Business Review Paperback Series)

Harvard Business Review on Leadership (Harvard Business Review Paperback Series)

ASIN: 1578512360

Book Description

Leading Minds and Landmark Ideas In An Easily Accessible Format

From the preeminent thinkers whose work has defined an entire field to the rising stars who will redefine the way we think about business, The Harvard Business Review Paperback Series delivers the fundamental information today's professionals need to stay competitive in a fast-moving world.

Managers at every level, and in every industry, must balance various working styles, build efficient management teams, and develop sharp negotiation skills to remain competitive. Harvard Business Review on Negotiation and Conflict Resolution offers a selection of the best thinking on negotiation practice and managing conflict in organizational settings. A Harvard Business Review Paperback.

Customer Reviews:

Useful supplement to Harvard Negotiation Program's new book..........2005-12-24

This book offers articles on negotiation and conflict resolution, but has no overarching theory to it. The individual chapters are all well-written, however. I especially liked "5 ways to keep disputes out of court" and "the team that wasn't." These kinds of chapters make the book poignant and show how groups operate under conditions of conflict and high-intensity emotion.

THis book is a useful supplement to the groundbreaking new negotiation bestseller "Beyond Reason: USing Emotions as You NEgotiate" (written by Roger Fisher, who is probably the most influential thinker in the field of negotiation and conflict resolution).

A must!.......2000-06-16

The Harvard Business Review has done it again. A very useful tool for negotiation.

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