Kicking Against the Pricks: An Armchair Guide to Nick Cave

Book Description

Nick Cave is the only artist to emerge from the post-punk era whose career can compare with legends such as Bob Dylan or Van Morrison, with a string of acclaimed albums including Junkyard, The Boatman's Call, and his most recent epic, Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus.

Kicking Against The Pricks chronicles in depth these diverse personalities and the musical landscapes that Cave has inhabited, with a penetrating commentary on his themes and influences.

Book Description

This Handbook brings together in one volume an international panel of distinguished authors who tackle the vast topic of the dissatisfaction with education systems worldwide. This collection of chapters attempts to provide a comprehensive definition of the reasons for discontent. Split into two parts, the first part begins with descriptions of the origins of the modern system of public education in various countries and regions. Emphasis is put on the engineering of public education to respond to political and economic requirements of the State. This is followed by a description of how changes in the requirements of the State have led to efforts to adjust to modern education, without radical transformation. The second part describes radical changes in the foundation and structure of life and thought in modern societies, and then argue that education systems must be transformed radically in order to serve changed societies. This volume will define the boundaries of future debate on the radical transformation of education systems.

Customer Reviews:

The dark side of a brilliant show........2006-05-08

Mark Dawidziak's first attempt at a history and critique of the Kolchak mythos was Night Stalking: A 20th Anniversary Kolchak Companion (Image Publishing, 1991), sparsely distributed and now a collectible. Aided by Kolchak creator Jeff Rice, he then wrote Grave Secrets (Image, 1994), the first Kolchak novel since Rice's novelization of Matheson's Night Strangler teleplay. Rice was pleased with Grave Secrets, but not with Image's dismal distribution. He withdrew literary rights to the character.

Details are in Dawidziak's Night Stalker Companion, a heavily revised and updated version of Night Stalking, and a well-structured chronicle of the rise and fall and afterlife of Carl Kolchak, a hard-boiled reporter who investigates supernatural and extraterrestrial crimes. Dawidziak interviewed all key players, and while he accentuates the positive, he does not eliminate unpleasantries. Kolchak would expect no less from his biographer.

Kolchak first appeared in The Kolchak Papers, an unpublished 1970 horror novel written by newspaper reporter (and actor) Jeff Rice. Rice submitted it to Richard Matheson's agent, who sold TV movie rights to ABC without first signing Rice. Rice had hoped to adapt it himself, but the agent had already secured the teleplay assignment for Matheson. Dawidziak adds, "It's important to note that Rice does not in any way blame Matheson for what he views as shady Hollywood dealings."

Dawidziak's Dan Curtis comes off as a bit of a bully, or at least possessed with a Hollywood ego. When ABC bought the rights to Rice's book, Curtis was executive producing the last season of that network's Dark Shadows. "'I wanted to say good-bye to it so bad I couldn't see straight,' Curtis reflects. 'We got around to the last year and I was completely tapped out ideawise. And we ended up with some dreadful stories during that last year. It was like being in jail.' " Dark Shadows did afford Curtis the opportunity to direct a feature. Dawidziak cites House of Dark Shadows (1970) as Curtis's directorial debut, followed by Night of Dark Shadows (1971).

When Barry Diller asked Curtis to produce The Kolchak Tapes as the TV movie, The Night Stalker, Curtis requested the director's chair. It had already been given to John Llewellyn Moxey (Horror Hotel 1960, aka The City Of The Dead). Curtis didn't interfere with Moxey's authority on set (and it was a happy set), but he'd grumble to McGavin, "Will you look at the setup Moxey has here. What's he doing?" [Curtis contradicts this version of events in his interview on Night Stalker/Night Strangler DVD, claiming that he was offered the director's chair but turned it down, and that he himself sought out Moxey.]

Despite Moxey's setups, The Night Stalker was a ratings success when it premiered in January 1972. So too The Night Strangler, its 1973 sequel. Curtis got to direct. Rice was less fortunate. ABC press kits and trade ads hadn't credited Rice for the first film. Rice lobbied to script the sequel, but was given the runaround by network and studio execs. Instead, he wrote the novelization for Matheson's teleplay. Dawidziak says of Rice's original deal, "No sequels or series could be made without Rice's permission." Apparently, Rice didn't press his advantage.

The Night Strangler ended with bad blood between Curtis and lead actor Darren McGavin. Near the end of the shoot Curtis "was berating the crew something awful." McGavin defended them, then quit. Curtis insisted he stay for closeups, but McGavin replied, "You've got enough film. Make your movie. Goodbye."

If Curtis comes off a bully, Rice sounds paranoid. Rice tried vainly for years to launch a series of Kolchak novels and comic books. He sees two factors blocking him. Publishers "keep trying to acquire the rights for pennies and balk at paying Rice nearly anything at all, doing their best to keep Rice from doing any writing if possible." And Rice fears "that deals are fashioned with the intention of keeping Kolchak locked up and off the market."

Rice has reason to be paranoid. He first learned of ABC and Universal's plans to produce a Kolchak series from the April 24, 1974 issue of Daily Variety. No one informed Rice about a series in the works, even though his contract forbade a series without his permission. Rice tried to coax Universal into buying the rights it was exercising, while simultaneously working on script ideas for the show and a contract for future novelizations. When in August Rice's attorney requested that Universal "settle the rights question," Rice was barred from the lot. His calls were no longer returned. His novelization deal collapsed. Rice finally filed suit in March 1975, shortly before Kolchak was canceled. The suit was settled nine months later. Rice never "made it" in Hollywood, either as scriptwriter or actor (his promised role in the first film had also fallen through). Perhaps he was branded a troublemaker. Today he's a certified paralegal.

While McGavin loved The Night Stalker film, he had no desire to do a series (he had a thriving career in TV movies). McGavin only relented because Universal agreed to let him produce. Once he was on board, Universal turned producing chores over to Paul Playdon (Dan Curtis was uninterested). Determined to keep Universal to its word, McGavin acted as de facto producer. The tug of war between "producers" created turmoil and tension. Playdon quit after two episodes. Replacement producer Cy Chermak failed to ease tensions. Long hours and all night shoots only increased pressures. By February McGavin was begging network and studio to cancel the show. Dismal ratings granted his wish.

Yet Kolchak survived. An inspiration for Dawidziak while he was still an undergrad journalism major, the author is amazed by the many reporters he's met over the years who've expressed similar sentiments. Kolchak also inspired The X-Files, which McGavin dismisses as a humorless ripoff.

Dawidziak confronts other rumors that have plagued fans for decades (such as Curtis's plans for a feature film), making this a juicy and enlightening book. Yes, there's an episode guide. And some errors. Dawidziak says of The Night Stalker's initial 33.2 household rating: "about one out of every three people in the United States was watching Carl Kolchak track Janos Skorzeny." No, because a household rating does not indicate how many individuals per household are viewing. Nor even "about" how many.

The index is inadequate. While many of the names and titles in the text are only mentioned in passing, often as past credits, I'd want them included. The index even excludes some key textual references to Rice.

Pomegranate Press is a fine publisher for The Night Stalker Companion. Founded in 1986 by Dark Shadows actress Kathryn Leigh Scott to self-publish My Scrapbook Memories of Dark Shadows, its success induced her to release additional Dark Shadows books (all beautiful, lavishly illustrated, and informative). Pomegranate's Dark Shadows contacts likely aided Dawidziak. Dan Curtis, composer Bob Cobert, and actress Lara Parker all worked on both Dark Shadows and the Kolchak mythos.

Pomegranate has a curious custom of listing deceased actors in its Dark Shadows books, with date of death. The Night Stalker Companion follows tradition with its own R.I.P. page.

Best Companion Book for the Best Series ever...........2002-10-21

I own both made for TV movies and all 20 episodes. Darrin McGavin was perfect for the role of Kolchak. I waited every week for a new episode, and was scared every minute as I watched them. The shows/movies not only keep you in suspense, but make you wonder; did it really happen? (if you do not understand that last statement, you never watched the show/movie.) Mr Dawidziak did a fantastic job of writting this book. Every angle is covered from the movies and shows. The stories behind the shows are very interesting. I have the 25th Anniversary tribuite issue. There are interviews with the surviving cast plus photos, biographies, and an episode guide are only part of this compendium. Carl Kolchak is a character that will live forever, read this book and you will want to watch the series. And for those X-filers out there, you need this book: because it is the inspiration for the X-Files.

It is funny, I have always loved the Night Stalker series and did not know this book existed. I flew to Seattle, Washington to tour the underground city I saw on the 2nd Movie, "The Night Strangler" and at the end of the tour in the gift shop was this book, hidden in the corner. They told me they use to make reference to the show during the tour, but for the last decade or so, no one knew What they were talking about. This came up because when they asked why we were on the tour, my frined told them I made him come on the tour because of the Series. (It is true) :-)

Long live Kolchak!.......2002-03-12

The Night Stalker was almost the forerunner of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, both in subject matter and humorous handling. It ran out of steam after a mere twenty episodes (and its forerunner pair of top-rated T.V. movies), and has ever since been nothing more than a cult favorite, unknown to everyone but its small circle of ardent fans.

Mark Dawidziak has done us all an immeasurable favor by keeping the legacy alive, introducing Carl Kolchak to new generations of viewers who might otherwise never hear his name. His wonderful book contains interviews with the principals responsible for bringing Kolchak to T.V., both before and behind the cameras, and the best available pictures from the series.

For those who are already Kolchak fans, an invaluable resource and a welcome walk down memory lane. For those who are not (yet), a proper introduction to the original supernatural super-sleuth.

Carl Kolchak is back in style!.......2000-10-19

Mark Dawidziak has put a lot of work into this companion, which documents the development and demise of a television series before it's time. I remember all too well those Friday nights from 1974-1975 watching Kolchak: The Night Stalker in my youth. Dawidziak's book does not disappoint. The book is full of documentation and photos, not to mention it's documented confirmation of Kolchak: The Night Stalker television series' influence on Chris Carter's The X-Files. Personally, I still think The Night Stalker was a better series. It's too bad Dawidziak didn't have more episodes to work with, due of course to the show's premature cancellation.

Almost everything you want to know about Kolchak.......2000-10-12

I ran across the night stalker on cable a couple of years ago. Despite it's age I found I really loved the show. It has a great mix of humor along with the 'horror'. (the horror is the most dateable bit).

This book gives you great background to the series (and why there is so little of it) and the actors. It also includes a fully detailed episode guide and a critical evaluation of each episode.

For people who enjoy the night stalker or who want to know more about the show or actors/producers you can't go wrong with this excellent guide.

Book Description

Special Edition Using Microsoft Project 2002 gives you direct answers about how to put a project schedule together with this best-selling project management software. It's organized to follow the project cycle of initializing and developing a plan, implementing the plan, tracking and analyzing progress, adjusting to changes and unforeseen events, and preparing the final reports. You'll find step-by-step procedures for using Project's features, plus you'll get help with common problems.

Customer Reviews:

Proxy Purchase.......2005-08-29

This product was purchased for another user within my organization. I don't have any personal experience with the item, however, I have purchased an earlier version of this book for the same user and am assuming that he is content with the purchase.

Allot of Info but no files to practice with.......2003-02-15

This books contains allot of information. Unfortuantely, there are no practice files that come with the book and the screen shots are very hard to view as they have been reduced for the book. You can find the same information in other books that provide practice files for you to try out the different processes and features of Project 2002.

Best overall Title for Project 2002.......2003-01-01

I approached this book knowing nothing about Project 2002 Professional or Server, and have yet to run into an issue with Professional that this title couldn't answer for me. Information is presented in a through, easy to understand manner with pictures and illustrations when needed. Almost all information one needs to create efficient Project timelines and collaborate the data with others is easily found using the very filled out table of contents, index and page section markers.

The book also advertises coverage of Project 2002 Server and Web Access, and although it does present the material, it does so in roughly 130 pages out of the 1123. The content on the server installation/configuration tends to be light and does not cover much more than the Project Server 2002's on-line help and read-me, whereas the content covering web access and the web project center were better than other books coverage that I looked at and were sufficient to answer many of my questions and get me underway in the right direction.

Overall, this book has fulfilled the cover's promise of being "the only Project 2002 book you need". There is no doubt that it will answer all your Project 2002 Professional questions, and completely get you going on the server and web sections.

Can't go wrong.......2002-12-30

With the special edition series you cannot go wrong.
This edition for Project 2002 is on the top of the range. All areas are covered to the professional level and the index is always a great assistant, if you have to find something.
I will start my collection of this series for other MS products.

Using Microsoft Project 2000 (Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

Great for my needs
Too much theory
thorough, accurate, clear, comprehensive
A MS Project 2000 Book must have.

Using Microsoft Project 2000 (Special Edition)
Tim Pyron , Rod Gill , Laura Stewart , Melette Pearce , Winston Meeker , Toby Brown , Ira Brown , and Jo ellen Shires
Manufacturer: Que
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0789722534

Book Description

In an increasingly complex world, the necessity for greater flexibility and understanding of project management is coming in to its own--even though most people manage projects as part of their other duties. Special Edition Using Project 2000 provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the features, functions and best practices of project management, by thoroughly covering the industry's leading project management tool. This book provides you with a firm grasp of the installation, configuration and troubleshooting of Microsoft Project. You will learn to schedule tasks effectively, track costs, review and distribute information (especially Web distribution), project analysis, juggling multiple projects effectively, and customization, including macro and VBA integration.

Customer Reviews:

Great for my needs.......2003-05-29

I teach Project and I needed to get more in depth with the software. This book was great for that. I cannot recomend it for absolute beginers who dont "get" software programs quickly. If you are an advanced user, yet never worked with this particular program, you will like it also.

Too much theory.......2002-02-27

The book is supposed to be used for basic, intermediate and advanced users, but is not able to reach its objective. Probably this is the reason it iss so big (1289 pages).
Although it comes with a CD, it doesn't use any of the examples that are in it and doesn't propose any exercise, making difficult to understand how MS Project 2000 works.
The result is a lot of theory and no hands on.

thorough, accurate, clear, comprehensive.......2001-06-14

That about sums it up. I've used Project some, and have looked at several other books before this one. This book provides the detail and clarity to get the ideas across. One particular example ... effort driven scheduling and fixed units versus fixed duration, etc ... a tricky topic, and this book does it better than any other. Best book I've seen on the subject!

A MS Project 2000 Book must have........2000-10-24

This is a very well written book. The writers of this book understand program management and program management software even though Microsoft does not. The writers explain very well how to use the product and warn you of areas that I consider short comings of Project. I plan to use this book as a text book for teaching MS Project 2000. The book would not be good for self teaching beginners.

Effective Executive's Guide to Project 2000: The Eight Steps for Using Microsoft Project 2000 to Organize, Manage and Finish Critically Important Projects

Average customer rating:

Great book, to the point, clear and complete!
User friendly with reading ease
If you've already read step by step, DON'T get this book!
Takes the Monster Out of the Closet
An ideal "how to" reference for project managers.

Effective Executive's Guide to Project 2000: The Eight Steps for Using Microsoft Project 2000 to Organize, Manage and Finish Critically Important Projects
Stephen L. Nelson , Pat Coleman , and Kaarin Dolliver
Manufacturer: Redmond Technology Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0967298113

Download Description

Microsoft Project 2000 is a program used by project managers to organize and outline plans to efficiently complete projects. Written specifically for busy managers and executives, this book shows how to schedule tasks, identify and assign resources, present projects, and troubleshoot problems using Project 2000 without having to learn every nuance and special feature of the program. An eight-step process highlighting the fundamentals of Project 2000 offers advice for organizing, implementing, and finishing pressing projects. Real-world solutions for dealing with practical problems such as scheduling uncertainty, project complexity, and cost monitoring are also included in three appendices filled with troubleshooting tips for the busy professional.

Customer Reviews:

Great book, to the point, clear and complete!.......2006-07-06

I bought the electronic version of this book because it looked good, it was cheap and I needed it to prepare some training for the people in my department. It turned to be a great reference with all the complete information needed to start using the software from scratch, and even with some advanced information. It shows everything you need to start using the software like a pro. I only found one backside. I like these types of books to have some practice files to follow up. In this way, I learn while using the software. This book does not have any accompaining files.

User friendly with reading ease.......2002-11-13

Order this book for my team of extremely busy managers. They love it! Truely user friendly for non-technical people. Easy large print for those whom need it. Great practical examples, charts and graphs. Well written and topics are logically in order.

If you've already read step by step, DON'T get this book!.......2001-02-19

Taking the advice from the other's who reviewed this book, I bought it. Although I'd just finished Step by Step for Project 2000, I was looking for more concepts and principles behind PM for executives. This book was nothing more than a refresher for me. Its poorly written and the average user picking up a MS Project book for the first time would be lost. Stick with step by step books....

Takes the Monster Out of the Closet.......2000-10-30

I've always found project management and project management software to be intimidating. This book, however, makes it all very clear and much less ominous. Not only is the Microsoft Project 2000 software thoroughly discussed but essentials of project management as well. I highly recommend this book to anyone new to managing projects or to the person who has so far found project software the equivalent of the Monster hiding in the closet.

An ideal "how to" reference for project managers........2000-03-03

Designed for business executives and project managers, Stephen Nelson, Pat Coleman, and Kaarin Dolliver have collaborated to provide an easy to use eight step program of organizing, managing and finishing a project using Microsoft Project 2000. The steps clearly laid out in the Effective Executives: Guide To Project 2000 include learning the language of project management and Project 2000; describing the project in general terms (including start date, end date, and calendar of workdays); breaking the project down into components tasks, specifying task order and relationships; identification and assignment of project resources; reviewing the project for structural soundness and reasonableness; presenting the plan to project team members and management; monitoring process and costs (assuring the project stays on course); keeping project team members apprised of the project's status and communicate important project information and changes to all interested parties. Effective Executives: Guide To Project 2000 is enhanced for the reader with informative appendixes presenting real-world solutions for dealing with the practical problem of scheduling uncertainties using PERT; explaining how to customize Project 2000 so it better fits specific requirements, and more. Effective Executives: Guide To Project 2000 is the ideal "how to" reference for anyone using Project 2000 for their project management needs and concerns.

Mastering and Using Microsoft Office 2000 Integrated Projects

Average customer rating:

Mastering and Using Microsoft Office 2000 Integrated Projects
H. Albert Napier , and Philip J. Judd
Manufacturer: Course Technology
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0538691484

Book Description

People learn best by doing, therefore, this book asks users to act as the executive assistant to the president of an international travel adventure company. Using Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Internet Explorer, NetMeeting, FrontPage, and the Internet, users are asked to set up a marketing conference spanning several days. Step-by-step instructions and illustrations reinforce the real-world demands of the chapters.

Planning and Scheduling Using Microsoft Project 2000

Average customer rating:

Harris Makes it Clear & Easy

Planning and Scheduling Using Microsoft Project 2000
Paul E. Harris
Manufacturer: Eastwood Harris
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0957778341

Book Description

The book is a straight forward practical guide on how to use Microsoft Project 2000 up to an intermediate level in a single project environment. It is aimed at any industry including the building, construction, oil & gas, software development, government and defence.

The book draws on the author's practical experience in the use of project management software and presents workable solutions to real day to day planning and scheduling problems.

The book is written in plain English and has a large number of examples, screen dumps, exercises and a useful index. This book is available in two different book sizes:

Customer Reviews:

Harris Makes it Clear & Easy.......2003-02-02

Paul Harris takes a pragmatic writing approach to explain how to use MS-Project. His book "Planning & Scheduling Using Microsoft Project 2000" can be used as a reference manual, as a learn-it-on-your-own guide, and as an instructor-led training book. He has Americanized the text and all workshop exercises (although I liked the Australian flavor in his prior books on SureTrak and P3).

PSUMP2000 is an extensive work. Packed with oodles of "how-to"s, tips, and warnings, Harris explains the basic and intermediate functions of using MSP, covers a majority of the functions that are available, and adds complexity gradually as the users work their way through the book's 27 detailed chapters of content and reference information. He takes some pretty complicated topics like "how duration, work, resources, and units trade-off with each other" and makes it seem like anybody can learn to use the software. In following of Microsoft's typical style, the software has many different ways to reach a single result. Harris does a good job of pointing these various approaches out to the reader.

One of the nice things about Harris books is that they are functionally organized, not by menu item. So, if you are using the book as a reference manual or help guide, it's easy to find a particular topic since you don't have to know what menu it's called up from-you just need to know the subject that you are looking for. He also provides a list of menus and related sub-menus at the beginning of most chapters for people who cannot remember how to find a particular function.

Admittedly, he did not cover every possible subject on the software or the book would be too voluminous. Intended a basic and intermediate guide on the software, the subjects of inserting hyperlinks, drawings, and workgroups; use of Microsoft's Project Central; resource leveling; Visual Basic macros; how to utilize the customizable fields; and the linking of multiple projects are not covered, but these could be addressed in a future Advanced Features supplementary volume at a later date. An appendix with a Glossary of Terms would be a nice addition. The MSP2000 software package, however, provides a decent glossary.

Having used his books for several years as training manuals for my scheduling classes, I see how effective the workshop exercises are in giving students an opportunity to practice the lessons taught by the immediately preceding text-the only way to really learn complicated software applications. The solutions to the problems may be downloaded at no cost from The Eastwood Harris website.

You may also want to check out Paul Harris' other writings on SureTrak Project Scheduler and Primavera Project Planner (P3).

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