Videohound's Epics: Giants of the Big Screen (Videohound's)

Customer Reviews:

A great purchase........2003-04-13

A great videohound book is one where you enjoy reading the reviews of even the movies you either haven't seen or don't like. This book falls into this catagory. It is informative and also intellegently written. I have little tolerence for ignorance so when I say a book is good it is. Don't be afraid to spend the money on this one. It is a good purchase.

Informative, but..........2001-10-30

Overall, a very informative book...most of the time (thankfully) right on the dot in its analysis but sometimes inaccurate. Some glaring examples: In "The Right Stuff", it correctly makes the statement that the film risked making President Johnson into something of a caricature, when mentioned he was throwing fits over little annoyances. On the other hand, in "55 Days at Peking," it depicts in a photo caption 'Charlton Heston (playing Marine Major Matt Lewis) eyeballing a German Baron (Kurt Kasznar) while his lover Natalie (Ava Gardner), the Baron's wife, looks on' which is incorrect. In the movie Kurt Kasznar was playing the Russian Minister to Peking (not as a German Baron) and Ava Gardner plays a Russian Baroness who's husband, (and certainly not Kasznar's wife) committed suicide because of her affair with a Chinese general. Other mix-ups and some annoying inaccuracies occur in different parts of the book, which could have been avoided with proper research and perhaps, more time?

But overall, a good read and guide for films which you might otherwise just pass up.

Study of Great Films Mc.......2000-07-04

I found the book most informative. In My opinion Mr. Hopp did an excellent job in selection and explanation of epic films.

Good overviews of some great films.......1999-05-13

The first review posted on here about this book is a little harsh...it does appear that the book was put together quickly, but considering that, it is an enjoyable collection of reviews, trivia, and other information on "epic" movies. The book looks good, the reviews are for the most part interesting (particularly in the way they relate the films to the idea of the "epic"--they're not just your standard "thumbs up, thumbs down" reviews), and the trivia and quotations are nice touches. All in all, better than many of the "movie" review books out there.

Don'y Buy It.......1999-01-11

The fact that Saving Private Ryan is one of the movies reviewed in this book shows you how much of a quickie it is. There are many grammatical errors, the reviews for each movie are short and dull, and most of the time the whole damn story is told. Don't make the mistake I did. What a waste of 20 bucks.

Average customer rating:

Great reading!

An excellent overview of 50 years of LA music

Great book despite fetish politics

A great book despite fetish politics

Fascinating, exhaustive critical history of L.A. music scene

Waiting for the Sun
Barney Hoskyns
Manufacturer: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Rock | Musical Genres | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Entertainment Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0747537860

Amazon.com

British rock historian Barney Hoskyns, author of Across the Great Divide: The Band and America, examines the long and twisted rock and roll history of Los Angeles. The Beach Boys, Buffalo Springfield, The Doors, Little Feat, The Eagles, Steely Dan, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell and others (right up to Black Flag, The Minutemen and Guns N'Roses) populate the pages of this comprehensive and extensively illustrated book.

Book Description

Barney Hoskyns's glorious landscape portrait of Los Angeles and its music is at once broad in its reach and deep in its research. The definitive story of a dysfunctional artists' community, Waiting for the Sun begins its journey in the jazz joints of Central Avenue in the 1940s, and comes to a halt with a chilling image of 1990s hip-hop LA annihilated by its own attitude--and wondering which phoenixes will arise from its ashes. Along the way we encounter Chet Baker and Brian Wilson, Johnny Mercer and Jim Morrison, Iggy Pop and Ice Cube, Gram Parsons and Charles Manson, Barry White and Beck. And in their company we come to know Los Angeles itself: a bleached, irrigated dreamscape that has fostered some of the most unpredictably creative work of our times.

Customer Reviews:

Great reading!.......2006-02-25

You know you have a great rock book when it manages you to get interested in a subject you do not really like such as the LA rock scene (in my case)...Anyway Hoskins writes in the typically excellent way most NME writers do and have done and has managed to get me interested in this very important rock scene which i before knew very very little about. Like most british rock essays it is somewhat pretentious and over-exhaustive but then you are not dissappointed at all.

An excellent overview of 50 years of LA music.......2000-12-27

Barney Hoskyns' "Waiting for the Sun" is a superbly written and illustrated history of the Los Angeles music scene from the Second World War through the early nineties. There aren't many really good books about popular music around, but this is one of them; in fact, I'd say it's the best book yet written about a music "scene" (as opposed to a particular artist), even better than Jon Savage's "England's Dreaming," which recounts the explosion of punk in the U.K. in the 1970's.

The story moves effortlessly through the progression of musical styles that have flourished and often cross-pollinated each other in Southern California -- small-combo jazz, R&B, early rock & roll, surf music, folk-rock, psychedelia, country rock, heavy metal, punk and rap. The book includes lively portraits of the many famous (and infamous) people who have been a part of it, like Phil Spector, Ricky Nelson, Sam Cooke, David Crosby, Neil Young, Sonny Bono, the Beach Boys, Jim Morrison, Gram Parsons, Charles Manson, Randy Newman, Steely Dan, X and NWA, but also discusses many talented people who never quite made it to the big time, or who lost their way before realizing their full potential. Hoskyns is quite good in describing the business side of the music scene, and in relating events outside the music scene (for example, the booming aerospace industry, the surfing craze, the development of a "San Francisco sound," and the riots of 1965 and 1992) that had a significant impact on it.

In tracing the development of popular music in LA, Hoskyns makes the key point -- though this is hardly news -- that no musical style remains popular very long, and even the most creative and versatile artists simply can't stay on top for more than a couple of years. A handful of artists (Neil Young and Joni Mitchell come to mind) do manage to hold onto a significant audience throughout their careers, but few artists have their level of talent and dedication, and seem to do better by going into production, or management, or the movies, or politics (like Sonny Bono), than trying to rely on an outmoded musical formula.

Another key point is that during the sixties, Los Angeles became the popular music capital of the U.S., if not the world. Los Angeles' preeminence in the industry may be a given now, but even as late as the mid-sixties, many of the top groups lived and worked in New York, Detroit, New Orleans, and elsewhere; as Hoskyns documents, a lively club scene, big-name entertainment companies, sun and palm trees, and growing ranks of like-minded artists, all combined to make the region the entertainment mecca it is today.

This book contains a few small errors, such as repeatedly referring to "Huntingdon" rather than "Huntington" Beach, and ascribing several different publication years to Mike Davis' "City of Quartz," another fine book about Southern California. I also don't understand the significance of the book's lame title, except that it was also the title of the Doors' generally lame third album. Finally, I take issue with Hoskyns' gratuitous bashing of Joan Didion, whose writings on California in the sixties are still -- at least to this Midwesterner -- better than anyone else's.

These minor complaints aside, "Waiting for the Sun" is a superb book, a great addition to the literature on both popular music and Southern California.

Great book despite fetish politics.......1999-01-07

I loved this book, and you might love it also if you can manage to step over its many steaming diatribes against what Barney Hoskyns considers to be racism based on corrupt capitalism.

For example, the Beach Boys' early emphasis on surfing, sun, and fun on the beach is, to Hoskyns, somehow an Aryan fantasy nearly worthy of Adolf Hitler. For Hoskyns there's apparently a racist in almost every woodpile, and most of the woodpiles are owned by evil capitalists.

But the book happens to be a really good, richly detailed history of popular music in LA, well worth reading. The many photographs are terrific. It was amazing to read the descriptions of the very hot jazz scene in south central LA in the 30s and 40s, and I was fascinated by how surf music gave way to the mid-60s hippie scene, and how that scene became poisoned with drugs and many other things, including none other than Charles Manson. There's a wealth of juicy quotes from all kinds of people.

Hoskyns is a very good writer, is very witty and acerbic in his observations, and his apparent familiarity with the music and the people are exceptional.

Plus, the book is very well-edited. I don't recall a single typo, although it's full of goofy British spellings and expressions, things like calling a beeper a "bleeper." But it adds to the book's charm.

Hoskyns obviously worked hard and long on this, and it's really enjoyable.

A great book despite fetish politics.......1998-12-28

I loved this book, and you might love it also if you can manage to step over its many steaming diatribes against what Barney Hoskyns considers to be racism based on corrupt capitalism.

But the book happens to be a really good, richly detailed history of popular music in LA, well worth reading. The many photographs are terrific. It was amazing to read the descriptions of the very hot jazz scene in south central LA in the 30s and 40s, and I was fascinated at how surf music gave way to the mid-60s hippie scene, and how that scene became poisoned with drugs and many other things, including none other than Charles Manson. There's a wealth of juicy quotes from all kinds of people.

Hoskyns is a very good writer, is very witty and acerbic in his observations, and his apparent familiarity with the music and the people are exceptional.

Hoskyns obviously worked hard and long on this, and it's really enjoyable.

Fascinating, exhaustive critical history of L.A. music scene.......1998-09-04

"Waiting for the Sun" is an intelligent, informative, and very entertaining critical history of the Los Angeles pop music scene from the late 1940s through the 1990s. Real-life characters as diverse as Jim Morrison, Brian Wilson, Neil Young, Henry Rollins, Sly Stone, Kim Fowley, John Phillips, Ice Cube, Phil Spector, Axl Rose, Lou Adler, Charles Manson, Rick Nelson, and James Ellroy (and others too numerous to mention) are discussed and examined, painting a nightmarish portrait of Los Angeles as a city of dreams and decadence. Highly recommended for pop music fans, cultural historians, and those fascinated with the noir-ish allure of the City of Angels.

JOY Comes in the Morning: A Book for Those Waiting for the Sun to Rise

Average customer rating:

Life has it's Ups and Downs
Power Packed Little Book
Not only joy, but peace and faith as well.
Joy In The Morning brings joy and encouragement anytime!

JOY Comes in the Morning: A Book for Those Waiting for the Sun to Rise
Marjorie Meachum Fedor
Manufacturer: Xulon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1931232385

Customer Reviews:

Life has it's Ups and Downs.......2002-08-04

"A roller-coaster read!"
"I'm lost, found, lost, found....!"
The "Reunion" chaper was very nice and I feel the mountain just as Marj does"

Power Packed Little Book.......2002-06-17

This little book has a whole lot of power to heal and uplift packed in its tiny binding. It is an awesome gift for those who are struggling and in need of encouragement. But even if you are not in need of encouragement, you will still be encouraged!

Not only joy, but peace and faith as well........2002-06-07

This book is full of the peace and faith that drives this woman's life. To have such faith that God is always at work in your life, even when you feel so alone, is one of God's true blessings to us. She shares this peace and love with everyone whose life she touches. She is truly a special child of God!

Joy In The Morning brings joy and encouragement anytime!.......2002-05-21

Yep, she's been there - done that. Anyone who has experienced the dark days of discouragement (who hasn't!)will find a soft, sweet cushion of comfort from someone who knows.

Lady in Waiting / Islands in the Sun / Southwind Song (Encore Romances--Three Complete Love Stories)

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Lady in Waiting / Islands in the Sun / Southwind Song (Encore Romances--Three Complete Love Stories)
Allison / Sommerset, Judith / Tavare, Gwedoline Potter
Manufacturer: Modern Promotions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000TYYKHQ

Average customer rating:

Waiting For The Sun
Mary Craig , and Craig
Manufacturer: Hodder & Stoughton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Human Rights | Politics | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0340721995

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Waiting for the Sun
Alison Lohans
Manufacturer: Red Deer Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 088995240X
Release Date: 2002-09-10

Book Description

Waiting for the baby is like waiting for the sun to come up - it takes its own sweet time!

Each summer day Mollie wakes up, waits for the prairie sun to rise, and hopes that today the baby will be born. Sometimes while she waits, she feels the baby moving inside her mother's tummy and whispers, "Good morning." But it's hard to wait. Waiting for the baby is like waiting for the sun to come up in the morning - it takes its own sweet time. Mollie plans all the things she'll share with the new baby - tadpoles in the stream, clucking chickens, books from the library - but still the baby does not come!

Grandma decides she'll stay overnight to help Mollie pass the time. Finally, in the middle of the night, the baby arrives - a brother! Mollie's parents call him Benjamin. Mollie races to see the baby. His eyes are squeezed shut. His face is wrinkled and red.

"He's ugly!" she announces.

But the she holds her new brother, and he opens his eyes and looks right at her. Mollie can't help but smile. Together, they watch the sun come up, and Mollie decides this is quite enough for now.

Awards and Nominations:

Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award Nomination
Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice Citation
Shining Willow Award Nomination
IBBY Canada Outstanding Canadian Picture Book 2000-2003

Waiting for the Sun to Fill With Courage

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Waiting for the Sun to Fill With Courage
Leonard J. CIRINO
Manufacturer: Albion: Pygmy Forest press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UDBRQS

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Alan & Thora
Alan Bennett
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
ASIN: B0009IINXO

Ducks still waiting for their Sun spot.(Sports)(Washington State must be released from consideration by the BCS before Oregon can accept a Sun Bowl bid): ... from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

Average customer rating:

Ducks still waiting for their Sun spot.(Sports)(Washington State must be released from consideration by the BCS before Oregon can accept a Sun Bowl bid): ... from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)

Manufacturer: The Register Guard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008ISAOW
Release Date: 2005-07-31

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by The Register Guard on November 25, 2003. The length of the article is 949 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Ducks still waiting for their Sun spot.(Sports)(Washington State must be released from consideration by the BCS before Oregon can accept a Sun Bowl bid)
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: November 25, 2003
Publisher: The Register Guard
Page: E1

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Average customer rating:

Waiting for the Sun

Waiting For The Sun
Nancy Broadley
Manufacturer: Press Tige Pub Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1575322536

Book Description

In 1983 Tina and Dan took what they thought would be an exciting trip into the White Mountain Nat'l forest for a working vacation. Through trials and tribulations, Tina discovers she can be stronger than she ever thought possible and what she once took for granted: life; has taken on a new meaning for her.

Join Tina and Dan as they narrowly escape harrowing terror, and face the reality of being alone. A great science fiction read.

Customer Reviews:

Waiting for the Sun.......2001-04-21

Stay out of the White Mountains unless you are very very brave or foolish I think this one could make you think twice about every noise you here!!!!!! Well written story that keeps you on edge start to finish...

Average customer rating:

WAITING FOR THE SUN
MARY CRAIG
Manufacturer: ROUTLEDGE HOLDINGS, INC.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KUQEGO

Book Description

It's a laugh riot as you wend and weave your way through 40 seriously silly mazes. Clever combinations of tricky mazes and goofy cartoons, these "mazoons" are sure to tickle your funny bone and boggle your brain at the same time. There's only one right way to solve these labyrinths of laughter, but don't be fooled into thinking they're easy! Beware of twists and turns and crazy confusions designed to lead you down the wrong path. Don't get taken to the cleaners by the "Washing Maze-chine." The answer to "Maze-stache" might just be right under your nose, and to solve one pool-shaped puzzler you'll have to "Think or Swim." Several "What Is It?" mazes add to the fun--featuring paths with letters on them so that when you complete the maze successfully you've spelled out the answer to a cartoon puzzle. Once you get started you'll be "maze-merized!"

Customer Reviews:

Lol,My Uncle made this book.......2006-02-14

Hi its me Hunter Hearst Helmsly,some idiot hacked my account so im using this kid thing.I love this book and the person who made it is my uncle

A Welcome Twist.......2002-07-10

Regardless of your age, this book of mazoons (a combination of maze/cartoons) is fun from start to finish. It is wonderful to see an artist create a new twist on an ageless form of entertainment. Mr. Hall's book shows that, rather than thinking outside of the box, sometimes it is better to get rid of the box all together.
You won't find computer generated square puzzles here. Each one is unique and original. I can't wait to see what tickles his fancy next.

Beautiful Art Work and Lots of Fun.......2002-05-16

I just got my copy of Super Silly Mazes and I am really enjoying it. It says for kids 9 to 12 years old, but I'm a kid much older than that ;). The integration of cartoons and mazes (thus "Mazoons") is a unique idea. You can see the influence that Mad Magazine had on Jody that he started reading at an early age. His new book is a lot of fun and I recommend it highly, even though I'm his biggest critic...and also his dad. :)

Book Description

Excel is the most sophisticated spreadsheet program available, making it easy for you to create a variety of analyses and calculations for personal and professional use. However, this program is much more than just an electronic version of an accountant’s green sheet, and mastering even the most basic functions can be a challenge.

Excel Workbook For Dummies is specially designed to give you the hands-on experience you need to start using this great program with confidence and efficiency. This guide is packed with hundreds of exercises that walk you through the ins and outs of Excel at your own pace. You’ll have all the tools you need to:

Enter spreadsheet data
Format, modify, and print your spreadsheet
Copy and correct formulas
Create date and time formulas
Use math, statistical, lookup, and logical functions
Chart spreadsheet data
Add graphics to the spreadsheet
Manage and secure your data
Perform what-if analyses
Generate pivot tables
Publish spreadsheets as Web pages
Add hyperlinks to spreadsheets
Take advantage of Macros and Visual Basic Editor

Included is a bonus CD-ROM full of useful features, including sample files for all exercises in the book, a variety of important Excel tools, worksheets, and templates for financial planning, and a trial version of Crystal Xcelsius to get you started making progress and becoming an Excel expert!

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Download Description

Start using Excel spreadsheets, formulas, and charts - practice exercises make it easy See how to Set up, format, and edit basic spreadsheets Create a variety of formulas for finance, date and time, math, and more Calculate return on investments or loan amortization Master data analysis with pivot tables Turn spreadsheets into Web pages and master hyperlinks

Customer Reviews:

excel for dummies.......2007-02-23

Fast delivery, but missing CD. However the CD was sent timely fashion.

Average customer rating:

The best book for charts
A Great Book For Learning About Charts

Excel Charts For Dummies
Ken Bluttman
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Databases | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0764584731

Book Description

Excel is the most popular tool for number crunching on the PC, but the challenge is in putting a meaningful face on those raw numbers. That’s where Excel Charts For Dummies comes in. Ken Bluttman will show readers how to professionally display data in presentation-quality charts. But he’ll go beyond showing readers how to create attractive charts—he’ll explain why to use specific charts in particular circumstances. Lots of real-world examples will show “the good, the bad, and the ugly” of Excel charts. He will cover the whole range of charts in step-by-step tutorials—whether it’s pies, scatter plots, or PivotCharts. He’ll show how to embed graphics and pictures into charts; then use them in impressive PowerPoint presentations or Microsoft Word documents. He’ll also show how to use charts for statistical analysis—and how charts can skew the stats and deceive. This book will feature a 16-page full-color insert of the best Excel charts “works of art.”

Customer Reviews:

The best book for charts.......2005-08-28

I never created charts and with the help of this book, I can create charts effortlessly. Once again, author Bluttman has made difficult computer concepts easy for everyone, including someone like me, who actually has a phobia when it comes to complicated computer applications. I plan to purchase all of the books by Author Bluttman, because he is a gifted, clear and helpful writer.
I highly recommend this book.

A Great Book For Learning About Charts.......2005-06-17

Excel Charts For Dummies is a great guide for making charts. All the different chart types are fully explained with instructions on how to make them. I wasn't too experienced with how to format charts, but now I am can apply great colors and schemes. The book has a bonus color insert with many examples of stylized charts. Well worth it!

Average customer rating:

Excel Charts For Dummies
John Nicholson
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N7GLM6

Average customer rating:

Excel Charts for Dummies

Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 1417676701

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