No comments about Rape Investigation Handbook.

2 comments about The Investigation.

1. Not meant for anyone younger than 18. But definitely a play that every single person on the planet should experience. If nothing else, it will remind you of how dangerous the world can be if we don't take care of each other, and what will happen again if we continue to turn our backs on the horrors that still go on today.
   As an actor who has had the opportunity to perform a production of 'The Investigation' I offer a word of warning. This play will upset you, anger you, and destroy you. Merely reading the words on the page is bad enough, performing them - trying to re-emulate what really happened turns you inside out. As my director said - 'You'll be glad you did this, you'll be even gladder when it's over'. What is contained within the pages of this play is the human condition at it's absolute worse. You read about the ones who survived - and what they had to do in order to survive, and you read about those who were just 'following orders'. And the question you ask yourself when you are finished reading this is not 'What would I have done?', but, 'Would I have survived?'



2. One of the most powerful readings of my life. I'd never heard of Weiss though I knew about the holocaust. Thinking of the death of millions of jews, gypsies, communists, mentally retarded and other 'undesirables' is always hard. A Series of Cantos from the transcripts of trials of Nazis in Germany after WWII. Weiss focuses on inviduals from this mass of innocent victims producing a tale to chill the heart, make any human cry and fill up with rage at the same time. The monstrous nazis have no shame or sense of guilt. Those who have survived the butchery give their case to the derision of those in the dock. Prosiac in language, overwhelming in tragedy. The sadistic ... Nazis are exposed. The simple humanism of their victims is eloquent and the reading is unforgettable

3 comments about Blind in One Ear: The Avenger Returns.

1. I have long been a fan of the Avengers series (particularly the episodes with Diana Rigg) and very much a fan of the dapper Mr. Steed aka Patrick Macnee.
   
   His autobiography is fascinating in recounting his childhood with a drunken, horse-trainer father and a beautiful, lesbian mother. His mother soon after his birth leaves his father and moves in with her lover, Evelyn and the young Patrick is ordered to refer to her as "Uncle Evelyn" and instructed to wear kilts, never trousers. Evelyn's estate held a surfeit of women of her persuasion and young Patrick's life there was a delicious farce in the reading, although I'm sure it was not in the actually living it.
   
   His story unfolds as he attends Eton and is, shortly before graduation, expelled after finally being caught in his book making and pornography endeavors. Once a young adult and working to become a successful performer the book loose some of its force.
   
   He seems to spend an inordinate amount of time in pursuit of and in enjoyment of "wine, women and song" and the telling, although lighthearted and witty, becomes more sluggish.
   
   The descriptions of the Avenger years is short and could have benefited by a little more length.
   
   All in all, a testament to the resiliency of the human animal, that Macnee finally matures into a responsible, caring individual (it does take him a while, though) in spite of a very weird and slipshod childhood.



2. Patrick Macnee has finally arrived at peace, in the autumn of his life. If he'd arrived sooner, perhaps we'd see a richer Patrick. Rich, in terms of fullness of having properly explored life as it was meant to be lived. As Patrick admits, much of his life was spent in a whirlwind of chasing loves that could not be, as he had no direction in life. A testament to us all to prepare and support our children well emotionally, to face the hurdles that inevitably will lie before them. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and wisdom, Patrick. Your insight into life is much appreciated.



3. Many years ago I read the works of J.P.Dunleavy and believed all of his characters to be fiction (excepting the Ginger Man of course). Patrick MacNee brings to life, a childhood filled with characters so outrageously bizarre that I must now reread Dunleavy. And that is the best compliment that I can give. As the remainder of his life is rather plodding, it pales in comparison to his early years. A little more detail on The Avengers would have been nice too. The language can at times be a little pretentious but then, so could MacNee.

No comments about Tragedy: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions).

5 comments about Ann-Margret: My Story.

1. Ann-Margret gives us a wonderful and candid portrait of one of the most fascinating actresses in the business, her strengths and weaknesses, her wins and losses in both her professional and personal life. I have a great deal of respect for her as an actress, a lady and a woman. A good read.



2. She has always been one of my most favorite entertainers. She is a truly remarkable woman and reading this book reinforced that fact. I enjoyed every page. Well done, Ann-Margret!



3. This is a really good book well written, flows nicely and great story.



4. This review is based on hardcover 1994 publication...

   Accomplished actress, entertainer, wife, daughter, mother -- Ann-Margret writes an informative, entertaining autobiographical picture of her life, loves, losses, heartaches, and continued triumphs. Candidly, this performer tells of her successes but is also honest about her bouts with alcohol - and her triumph over the illness - more than once. It is interesting to note pride in her heritage from Valsjobyn, Sweden, her birthplace... with a close and loving relationship with her parents and their immigration to the US.

   To read Ann-Margret's autobiography is to cry, laugh, & cheer... reading of her downs but mostly ups, with her loving husband and manager Roger Smith, who battled his own nerve disease to remission, and remained at Ann-Margret's side to support her personally and professionally, through hard times and more good times. The loss of her father to cancer; the death of Elvis Presley; her accidental fall from a platform at a performance in Lake Tahoe and finding the astounding strength and determination to come back to the entertainment world so quickly from so many injuries suffered in that fall... tells of the inner strength, stability, astuteness, professional, unselfish and loving human being that is Ann-Margret, who always keeps her positive focus within reach.

   Ann-Margret's career began at an early age; even though a "natural talent", her success came with a lot of very hard work, high standards, and fortitude based on a mannerly upbringing and strong support by her parents, friends and husband Roger Smith. Ann-Margret describes in her bio a close and soulmate relationship within the scope of personal as well as professional essence with legendary Elvis Presley. Her upbeat description and tales of her co-stars, including "Duke" John Wayne; Claudette Colbert; Bette Davis; George Burns; directors, producers, along with many supportive individuals.

   Her range of talent is wide -- in song, dance... acting on stage, movie screen and television, along with her comedy performances among which are Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Lucille Ball, and the great George Burns. Acting roles she assumed were highly challenging and to her credit she glowed with each performance, in differing genre delving into in-depth characterizations -- her repertoire includes but not limited to "Bye Bye Birdie", "Tommy", "Streetcar Named Desire", "Carnal Knowledge", "The Two Mrs. Grenvilles".

   This reader has always been a fan of both Ann-Margret and husband Roger Smith, ignoring the tabloid garbage... cheering and admiring the fortitude of both of these talented persons and their lasting relationship...

   And to Ann-Margret I say... thank you for writing your biography, even though it took me some years to get to reading it among my large collection of books. And, I am so glad I did... I am proud to be a "forever fan" of yours. God bless you.




5. I had the audiotape version, read by the author, and was surprised at how hokey it sounded, given that she is an actress. I mean, I expected a better reading. Not sure how well it represents her, but the book makes her come across as a bit shallow. I've enjoyed her movies, but found this book a bore.

4 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Public Speaking (2nd Edition).

1. It is simply impossible to escape speeches, so we must learn to accept them as well as doing them....
   This is knowledge that cannot be passed up.
   Some people do like 15 minute speeches out there(in society) but if it is not catchy, it then will bore many to death.
   Learn what this book has to say and then get live experience
   in doing speeches. Doing speeches for many is not fun because
   of the critics, and because of the nervousness one gets when one is being stared at by multitudes of people. Ones best bet at first is to do speeches for kids, to be an elementary teacher because little kids see bigger people with respect and this helps one with confidence...id say that 85 percent of those little ones see one as a role model so start there and use these principals that this book has, then move up to older kids and adults. No book is perfect and no review on here has the perfect information for you but my words might only change some out there or simply just one person, and that is okay too. Get this book, because no one in the classroom and not even in your neighborhood will tell you what to do before, during or after your speech preparation/presentation.
   
   We can overcome the speech kryponite nervousness by having tons of (LIVE)practice. Another comparison, speeches are just like driving or playing chess, and that is that with practice one will only get better. So get this book and make a difference in your speeches. One of the great thing that these "Idiot books" have is that they tell you everything there is to know, it is normal if they miss an element or two but that is natural but these books tell you the meat and potatoes of things.



2. Let's face it, you can never become a master public speaker by reading books alone. There are only two things you can do to become a master -- and take this from someone who after years of training is finally on the right track -- first, find a good personal coach (you may be able to write off the cost; check with IRS), and second, practice and do so in real settings, not just in front of your bathroom mirror!

   That said, this book can help you get started if the thought of public speaking makes you hungry for two Big Macs, i.e., makes you nervous. The chapters are laid out nicely, guiding you through the various components of giving a speech as well as techniques on how to control your emotions. What I found most beneficial was the part on preparation. I was always too lazy to prepare and my instinct was to improvise, but this book showed me how to overcome that tendency and think about what I was going to say.

   In all earnest, you don't need to read this book or any other book to become proficient in public speaking, but if a book helps you calm down and gather your courage, this book should be on your shelf.




3. I just got this book about a week ago, Its hard to put down. It is full of great hints and tips. It is very easy to understand and enjoyable, they start every chapter out with a joke. Not only does it help you learn to get your audiance's attetion, but it helps you keep it with hints on writing your very own speech (wether it be informative, pursasive, or comical), it also helps you get over stage fright. I could go on for along time, but my fingers hurt. I hope you enjoy the book! (FYI-Great for ferencics)



4. This book will help the reader in the development of public speaking skills, use of presentation equipment, and all the basics. The book has ex- cellent guides and does emphasize practice. Very helpful and good for the novice and beginner. In conjunction with a Toastmaster club, this book is more helpful.

No comments about Moving Toward Life: Five Decades of Transformational Dance.

2 comments about The Flu Season.

1. This brillaint 2004 Oppenheimer award winning play by Will Eno is dark, funny, and disturbing. It echos his later pulitzer prize nominted work "Thom Pain" with its destruction of the fourth wall and piercing commentary on life and love. Its the kind of play that makes you think and feel.



2. the play arrived packaged brilliantly and in a timely fashion very very new! thanks for the professionalism

1 comments about Dorothy Donnelly: A Life in the Theatre.

1. I was fascinated to read about the life of this woman who was truly a wonder of the American theatre - at various times, she was an actress, director, producer, playwright and songwriter (whew!). Her roles in Candida and Madame X are still remembered today but for some reason there seems to be little out there about her today (and if you know of more, please email me). I loved this book and NOT just because it was the only book I could find on this woman, but also because the photos, bibliography, chronology and index make a very well-rounded and researched publication. Well worth the expense, one of my favorite books about little-known, but fascinating, figures of the theatre world.

No comments about Entertaining America: Jews, Movies, and Broadcasting.