Book Description

"You can't win races without working harder than the other guy."

A blazing ball of contradictions and a genuine original, Ted Turner has been labeled a philanthropist and humanist, a fascist and a racist, a madman and one of the canniest entrepreneurs of all times. Hard-driving and hypercompetitive, he has amassed one of the world's largest personal fortunes, only to give much of it away to liberal causes, including $1 billion to the United Nations.

As "Terrible Ted" has proven time and again, behind his outrageous public persona lies one of the most highly disciplined and creative business minds ever. Beginning with a family billboard advertising company, Turner forged a global media empire, and in the process revolutionized television broadcasting. He pioneered the Superstation concept and founded CNN-the first 24-hour, all-news network-along with more than a half-dozen cable channels. Starting with the Atlanta Braves baseball team, Turner also assembled one of today's most lucrative sports conglomerates.

Ted Turner Speaks brings together hundreds of quotes drawn from a wide array of sources. Hear straight from the maverick's mouth the secrets of his phenomenal success in business, entertainment, and philanthropy. Here is just a sample of what you'll find inside:

"Exposure to defeat is a very important thing. Anyone who doesn't look to get beaten is doing a disservice to himself. "

"I may look like a clown doing back flips at a baseball game, but I'm a very deadly serious person trying to accomplish things just for the satisfaction of accomplishing them."

"I bet you're all wondering what it feels like to be a billionaire. It's disappointing really. . . . I've learned that great wealth isn't nearly as good as average sex."

"I give [the networks] hell because they don't serve the public interest. They look at the viewer the same way a slaughterhouse looks at pigs and cattle. They sell them by the pound to the advertiser-the same way they sell ham hocks and spareribs."

"My desire to excel borders on the unhealthy."

The world listens when TED TURNER Speaks

"Losing is simply learning how to win."

"The worst sin, the ultimate sin for me, in anything, is to be bored."

"I just love it when people say I can't do something. There's nothing that makes me feel better, because all my life people have said I wasn't going to make it."

"When you're little, you have to do crazy things. You just can't copy the big guys.

To succeed you have to be innovative."

"Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell, and advertise."

This book has not been prepared, approved, licensed, or endorsed by Ted Turner. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Needs a somewhat more critical eye of Ted
The book dishes out Ted Turner's wisdom, but leaves an important fact neglected: after becoming rich, Ted Turner's mind cracked and slipped away into bipolar disorder, and since then Turner has been running around making boneheaded comments about Christianity, concocting oddly New Age and semi-delusional programs like "Capt. Planet," and using his money to give himself a platform to be a [fool] in front of the United Nations (where he gave a speech about how monotheistic religions should be abandoned because, well, human beings put their pants on one leg at a time) and Brown University (where he extolled the Sept. 11 hijackers as visionaries and courageous men). The true story of Ted Turner ranks with the tragic tales of Howard Hughes and John Nash, once-brilliant men whose lives were ruined by mental illness. It's amazing that Ted Turner has been able to use his wealth to propogate bizarre ideologies that come straight from his diseased, psychotic mind, and no one has had the courage to point out that Turner is afflicted with a psychotic disorder and his New Age, so-called "humanistic" ideas are really just delusions brought on by a chemical imbalance. Of course, Fox News routinely lets us know all the [foolish] things Ted Turner says... ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Terrific Lucy Memorabilia Book
Let me start with the complaints. The prices that the items have designated to them are very off. You can easliy go to a flea market or an online auction and get most of the things at least 25% cheaper than they are listed as being worth in here. Maybe the prices are so high because the guy never planned to update it, but an update is what the book needs. After the 50th Anniversary of I Love Lucy there was a ton of stuff released. In all honesty a For The Love of Lucy Pt.2 book could be made, after all the book is 7 or 8 years old. Now moving on to the good stuff about the book. This book includes so many Lucy items that were made available from early on in her carrer to after her death that this book would be a great conversational piece for when you have any company. Each page is filled with stuff from cards and comic books, to dolls. This book is perfect for any Lucy fan who is or isnt collecting Lucy stuff. Overall this book is great, but updating it would be nice.

Lucy Lovers Will Love This!
Talk about complete! "For the Love of Lucy" is the ultimate book for fans and collectors of "Lucy" memorabilia. Filled with beautiful color and black & white pictures, along with helpful text and value estimates, this compendium will keep any fan busy for hours. I'm not a collector, but I found it thrilling to sift through all the pages and see the many different things out there. This would be a great birthday or Christmas gift for any Lucy lover you know.

wymans gem
Ric's does a beautiful job on this book. I get the feeling he really loves Lucy! Ric is a true fan. The photos and information on Lucy are outstanding!

Gorgeous to Look at!!!
This book is full of photos of beautiful collectibles on Lucy - magazines, posters, toys, all sorts of memorabilia. It is wonderful to the Lucy fan to use a something of a check list. The one flaw is the absolutely ridiculous prices Wyman says some of these things are worth. I recently bought the 40s picture frame photo he says is worth $75 for $4! Many times I have paid less than a third the price he says these things go for. Wonder if he jacked up the prices expecting they would eventually fetch these rates in years to come. Still, this is a gorgeous book and he certainly does have an outstanding collection on Lucy.

Awesome book!!
This is a wonderful Lucy book. I love her and what she did. This is wonderful for any Lucy fan and it shows lots of memorabilia. Buy this book!! ... Read more

Book Description

Warm, funny episodes, each complete with the perfect recipe from the life of America’s favorite mother-in-law from the hit comedy Everybody Loves Raymond

In Are You Hungry, Dear?, Doris takes her signature line from the show and makes it her own in a program that pairs hilarious stories and dramatic turning points from her fascinating life with delicious recipes from her kitchen. She shares the lessons learned in two marriages and numerous love affairs, her struggles with her own family, and her heroic efforts to build a career and raise a son on her own. Those who love feisty, judgmental, opinionated Marie Barone will see how Doris is all that and more: tough, sweet, brave, direct, and vibrant. Listeners will embrace the unforgettable life of this very open star, and relate to the issues--like ageism in Hollywood, sex in the senior years, and her daughter-in-law’s imperfect meat sauce--that Doris cares about passionately.

Are You Hungry, Dear? is for everyone who loves a laugh, a great recipe, and a true inside glimpse of a very approachable star.
... Read more

Reviews (7)

Hearty and Heart-Felt
Doris Roberts seems to be a very hearty, generally happy woman at least that's what the book conveys. A fabulous collection of her very personal memoirs and stories and advice, it's almost like having a conversation with the archetypical grandmother. But far from old-fashioned and foppish, Miss Doris is downright hilarious at times and speaks with the energy and zeal of somebody less than half her age (in fact, she puts most young people to shame when it comes to fully embracing and enjoying life). Her stories, taking place everywhere from New York theatre to Los Angeles tv to her bedroom, are all colorful and more entertaining than fiction ever could be. You can't make this stuff up! She opens herself up admirably, sharing her personal struggles and her darkest times as well as her triumphs and good days. Throughout, the conversational style of her and Danelle Morton's writing makes you feel more like you are spending time with a friend than reading a book. If you want advice from somebody who has been there before, or colorful tales from the world of entertainment, or a touching autobiography, or an endless source of laughter, or just some fabulous recipes (which the book is peppered with) then this book is for you!

Not a Must-Read for Marie Fans
I love watching Everybody Loves Raymond. I love every character on the show, including Marie. And I've read and love the books by Patricia Heaton and Ray Ramano. There was no doubt in my mind that I'd love this book too.

I'm sorry to say this, but this book has been very disappointing.

The preface is good, where she makes the comment that "when you love someone you feed them." Fun reading. I enjoyed Parts One and Two, each (only) 3 chapters long, which deal with the tv show and motherhood.

That's why I gave the book 2 stars instead of 1.

But from Part 3 on, I've had trouble picking up the book to continue. It's not that it's bad, it's just boring. Much of her career has been in theater, so most of her experiences deal with people and shows in that field. (people I've never heard of.)

I have to be honest...I have not yet finished this book. If, as I continue reading, the book gets better, I'll come back and write a new review. But as of right now, I'm not even sure I'll be able to finish the book.

I was hoping for something more like the books by Patricia Heaton and Ray Ramano. Funny, remininds me of the show, and easy to relate to. This book is nothing like theirs. If that's what you want, don't bother with this one.

If you've been a fan of Doris Roberts for some time, if you know her work and the field she's most experienced in and you can take or leave Raymond, you may enjoy this book.

Memoirs, not an autobiography
This is a collection of reminiscences. If you are interested in show biz memoirs, you'll like this. I like biographies that explain people's minds and behaviors, and I didn't care for this. There are lots of recipes, which is a cute idea, but they all look WAY too complicated.

Lots of laughs and lots of learning
Who knew?
Doris Roberts is one classy lady - funny, ribald, sophisticated - everything her character on Everybody Loves Raymond is not. And, she's a great storyteller, too. This isn't one of those "I wrote it for the $$$" books. She candidly tells her life story with all of its rollercoaster ups and downs. And the chapter on people of "a certain age" having active [physical] lives is worth the price of admission, alone. A great read. A great dame.

Hungry for Something Else
I am a huge "Everybody Loves Raymond" fan and was excited to read star Doris Roberts's autobiography, "Are You Hungry, Dear?" However, the book did not live up to my expectations and left me hungry for something else.

Instead of taking the reader on a chronological journey through her life, Roberts shares various bits and pieces that are linked by a common thread -- loss of people close to her, lessons learned in life, etc. While this approach is novel and somewhat interesting, it does make things immensely confusing. The book seems to be put together in no real apparent order and jumps around so much that it is difficult to follow.

Another irritating factor of the book was its preachiness. While Doris Roberts is definitely a very talented and respected actress, I felt like I was being lectured instead of being introduced into her life's journey. Instead of talking about lessons that she's learned throughout her struggle to become an actress, Roberts shares advice, more advice, and still more advice. There is so much advice in this book that it should be categorized under self-help, not biography.

"Are You Hungry, Dear?" is not a complete loss, however. There are several funny passages and stories throughout, and Roberts offers insights into her dealings with famous actors like Ray Romano, Pierce Brosnan, Cary Grant, Laurence Olivier, and many others. There is great information on the workings of both New York theater and the Hollywood film scene. Unfortunately, the jumpiness and onslaught of advice ruines what could have been a very interesting story to hear. Sorry, Doris. I'm hungry for something else. ... Read more

Book Description

Just as Andy Kaufman subverted traditional forms of comedy, so Julie Hecht, with her distinctive brand of wry humor, successfully subverts the traditional form of wry humor, successfully subverts the traditional form of the interview.During 1978 and 1979, Hecht negotiated and met with Kaufman, following him from an appearance at his old high school to his now-legendary Carnegie Hall performance.The author stood her ground in all kinds of ludicrous situations, waiting for the appearance of Kaufman’s real self, as it that self were some kind of Godot.Her determination and writing talent enabled her to uncover the truth behind many of the stories Kaufman made up for the press, and behind his sometimes poignant artistic aspirations.This is a book of bizarre meetings and often hilarious conversations between a great comedian (who hated to be called that) and his perfect foil — a writer of short stories who found the story of Andy Kaufman’s life to be stranger than fiction.It will entertain and enlighten the many fans of both the performer and the author, and through its surprising dialogue and surreal encounters it will shed light on the evolution of postmodern culture.
... Read more

Reviews (6)

Insight into Man who was Strange, Totally Unique Comic
Julie Hecht followed Kaufman around sporadically over a couple of years, trying to nail down some facts about his inspiration, his life, for Harper's.

Kaufman did appear to have some affinity for Hecht, in contrast to her report of another press interview she witnessed, hanging around for her own time with the performer.

This stripped-down book is almost the word-for-word transcripts of those furtive interviews. Sitting down with Hecht at diners, grabbing a taxi together, Andy let down his guard just enough times to offer up interesting facets of who he was. The interview Julie has with Kaufman's mother is creepily illuminating. Many revelations for the careful reader.

I found it engrossing. Perhaps best enjoyed by readers willing to set aside everything else they've read, concluded about the man.

An inside look at Andy
I believe the savage reviews here are unjustified. Several state that the author was not an admirer of Andy's work. Not true! She mentions 3 or 4 times that she (and her husband)were devoted fans of his comedy. Nor does she attempt to portray herself as a witty "sidekick". Did these folks READ the book? As for the book, it recounts many experiences between the author and Andy which were very, very funny.

Waste of A Book
I bought this book expecting some laughs and insight into Andy Kaufman. What I got was a self-serving book by a very annoying author who basically has nothing worthwhile to say. Andy Kaufman blew the author off for years, presumably because she was (1) annoying and (2) boring. Then, years later after he's dead, she writes a book basically setting herself up as some kind of witty side kick who gave Andy all these wonderful straight lines. No. Actually you bored Andy, were about as much fun as a wet disrag, and will bore anyone foolish enough to but this book. What a wasted opportunity. Hey Andy: you were right in not wasting too much time on the interview.

Enjoyable but short, wrong interviewer, and needs editing.
This short book is worth reading if you want to "hear" Andy converse. Don't expect any analysis or insight from the author. The title is provocative, but not very germane to the book. It should have been edited for punctuation and spelling. Also, I don't think Kaufman needs to be spelled phonetically ("Kawfman") in dialog.

I came away somewhat disliking the interviewer. She did not appear to appreciate Andy's unique performances and talents; rather than displaying the enthusiasm and curiosity of a fan or a scientist, she displayed the boredom of a high school student doing an unwanted assignment. In addition to mundane questions, her various negative comments rubbed me the wrong way, including those against The Twilight Zone and Saturday Night Live, and referring to Andy as an ex-jerk.

That said, I enjoyed seeing a little behind the curtain, such as learning that he would be flattered if you called him an absurdist or surrealist. I do appreciate the author's persistence in trying to get an interview, and he didn't make it easy. We have to make-do with whatever was gathered now that Andy is gone. (I have Zmuda's and Zehme's much more complete books on Andy; I haven't read much in them yet, but they appear good. I also recommend the movie "Man on the Moon." I'm a fan of Jim Carrey, and he did a great impersonation, but Newsweek is wrong in saying that Carrey "may be a better Andy Kaufman than Andy Kaufman." If you compare performances, Jim was somewhat flat, lacking the color and energy of Andy's originals.)

What a waste of an incredible opportunity!
This book made me very sad. Sad for the author, Julie Hecht, who had the most amazing access to Andy Kaufman for well over a year, at one of the peak times in his life, and did absolutely nothing with it. She didn't understand him, she didn't appreciate him and she certainly didn't think he was very funny. Hecht manages to record a lot of banal conversations with Kaufman - but very little of it is interesting, new or enlightening. The fact that it took her over 20 years to even publish what was supposed to be a short story for a magazine, illustrates how little she understood or appreciated Andy (or Bob Zmuda). Most likely this book was whipped up upon the release and success of Man On The Moon. Ms. Hecht is in dire need of a sense of humor, this book is not worth the time of anyone who already appreciates Andy Kaufman. ... Read more

Book Description

Charles Kuralt's classic bestseller is now on audio!

Featuring Charles Kuralt with an introduction by Wallace Kuralt

"To read the front pages, you might conclude that Americans are mostly out for themselves...but you can't travel the back roads very long without discovering a multitude of gentle people doing good for others with no expectation of gain or recognition."

In this collection of short audio essays, Charles Kuralt takes us from the countryside to the big cities to introduce us to the fascinating people and places that only he could find. Kuralt captures the humor and compassion of ordinary people leading extraordinary lives.

From the best selling book On The Road With Charles Kuralt, these classic stories represent Kuralt's defining, and perhaps finest, work. Never before released on audio, this collection ensures that his unforgettable voice will be heard by generations to come. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Like a ride with an old friend
Charles Kuralt had the gift of seeing a story in the littlest thing. He took the thread of everyman's life and wove a tapestry of America and then gave it as a gift to us.

I loved re-discovering America with Charles Kuralt!
After reading this book, I felt a sense of renewal and satisfaction that there are still candles lending their beams to the world. I picked up this book for a report at school. I thought that it would be just another boring book that we are often forced to read in school. Wrong-O! I loved it! From the team that had lost every single one of its games to the train depot that served soldiers during WWII, I found myself emersed in each of the stories. Each of these average Americans had a not so average story to tell...

Great stories of everyday people who inspire and amuse
This is a wonderful book that recaptures the many stories from his on the road segments for TV. He finds the most interesting people and places; his stories tell of the inner passions of ordinary people. Another great book with similar stories--and great pictures--is Positively Connecticut by Diane Smith. She says she was inspired by Kuralt's work.

Terry ... Read more

Book Description

This book recounts the author's hilarious (and sometimes serious) experiences as network censor on "Saturday Night Live, " the most controversial program on television. Bill Murray, Billy Crystal, Mike Myers, even Eddie Murphy--he said "NO!!" to all of them. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Lack of structure foils potential
It was with great anticipation that I awaited my copy of this book by former NBC censor William G. Clotworthy. However, I was quite disappointed. While the work is rife with information and anecdotes about Mr. Clotworthy's work at NBC, and in particular on Saturday Night Live, the lack of an index - or, for that matter, chapters - made it nearly impossible to navigate and rendered virtually worthless as a difinitive reference book. My advice is to invest in a pack of Post-It notes upon purchase. That said, the book is well written and a quick read. And a note of thanks to its publisher 1st Books for taking the care to get this book to the public. Without their help, it's quite possible that this book would have only existed in manuscript form in Mr. Clotworthy's desk drawer.

It was Great!
The book was ver informative and funny about all of SNL and its cast over the years. I strongly recommend it!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (33)

An interesting inside look at the television news business
I enjoyed this look at television news from a woman's point of view. I've always admired Lesley Stahl, but knew little about her personal life. Her book is honest, and she is very forthcoming about how she was more career-driven than family-driven, and left much of the childrearing to her husband. It was slow in a few spots (harping quite a bit on Ronald Reagan) but all-in-all well worth reading!

An "insider's" view of Washington
Lesley Stahl does a very good job of combining her remembrances of the men who occupied the White House and her own career as a CBS News correspondent.

Her descriptions of all the presidents, and those nearest and dearest to them (both personally and publicly) are exactly right - from the paranoia of Richard Nixon on down. She stops with George Bush, probably because she wasn't in the Washington press corps anymore when Bill Clinton moved into the White House.

Combined with Ms Stahl's description of Washington's inner circles over the years is a somewhat detached description of her years with CBS News and with her family. Her personal story is not badly written, but I didn't really get a sense of her feelings toward her parents or her daughter, although her love for her husband comes shining through. On the other hand, her various friendships, battles, and other interactions with Dan Rather, Bill Plante, and others in front of and behind the camera at CBS News are very well done; I got a good sense of what these people are actually like - more than what I see of them when I watch the news.

It's truly a shame that Ms Stahl's description of her family life isn't as natural as the rest of her book. I had the pleasure of meeting her a few times when I was working behind the counter of the now-defunct Crown Books store a block away from the White House. I found her to be a warm, friendly person who spoke very naturally and lovingly about her daughter and other personal (but not TOO personal) topics - quite at odds with the impression I got reading her descriptions of them in her book.

Even with all that I've mentioned here, I would still recommend it.

An Exceptional Memoir!
What an interesting read! While most bios take you from birth through an unremarkable (and lengthy) adolescence, Stahl starts the book (and her life, by her own declaration) at age 30. Then - boom! - we're immediately thrust into Watergate (she was dating Bob Woodward at the time), where Stahl was the only TV newsperson covering the initial - and seemingly un-newsworthy - burglary.

From there, we're taken into each subsequent presidency - from Nixon to Bush Sr. - and shown how personnel, presidents, their staffs, and technology shaped TV news coverage of historical events.

The product of CBS news' affirmative action plan (along with Bernie Shaw and Connie Chung that year), Stahl was promoted in the early '70s to the Washington bureau. We are treated to an indepth account of her professional and personal triumphs. Of course, she occasionally goofed, which she comically relays, as well.

With each chapter titled for a president and first lady - Reagan gets two! - Stahl gives us the stories-behind-the-stories: correspondents outwitting each other for the scoop; Barbara Bush's surprisingly icy remarks and actions; Stahl's assessment of unsuccessful presidents; one White House staff that was hell-bent on getting rid of Dan Rather; the point when CNN emerged as the true news leader. That we get all this juicy, inside stuff is a testimony to the author. Only someone as busy as Stahl could supply it - she and her teased and hairsprayed "helmet" of a hairdo wore many hats: Chief White House Correspondent, Face the Nation host and America Tonight co-host during the Gulf War - at one point, all three at the same time!

If you wonder why George Bush's presidency is the last chapter of the book - how could she resist Clinton's escapades? - it is because her memoir is meant only to tell the story of her most well-known beat: the White House. Believe me, you get a lot! And after years of hard work at CBS in Washington, Stahl at long last - after years of waiting and, I think, unfairly having to audition - earned the 60 Minutes gig and relocated to New York.

If you enjoy books of a political nature, but told in an easy-to-understand manner, you'll find Stahl's respect and humility toward world news - and life - a pleasure to read. I highly recommend it.

LESLIE STAHL EXPOSED, BY HERSELF
When the name Leslie Stahl is mentioned, thr first thing that comes to mind is that serious, tough interrogator from CBS News, who has hosted various news formatted shows over the years. I always thought she was harder edged than say, Diane Sawyer.

In "Reporting Live" we discover, quite to our surprise, that Ms. Stahl carried around the same insecurities and problems as many of her viewers, that she did not have it "So together" as one might be tempted to assume. That in effect, she is as human as the rest of us, only she has a more visible job.

No one would have believed that a woman of this news caliber would allow herself to be so dominated by a controlling mother who obviously believed it was more about how one looked than what you knew. For the remainer of tidbits like this, I suggest you read the book. It is a really good read.

Poor Abridgment of a Good Story
Listening to this abridged audio has motivated me to want to read the book.

Although I did enjoy listening to Stahl read the book herself (you could actually "hear" her smile !) I found that this abridgment was awkward and poorly done. It was choppy and many loose ends were never tied up (like Stahl's husband's bout with depression). I particularly disliked the way it did not segue gracefully from one topic to another but abruptly changed topics.

I did like hearing about the minutae of her reporter's life and a lot of insider information about the presidents. I was fairly horrified to hear of Reagan's apparent mental decline during his years in office. Very scary.I also liked Stahl's honest opinions about many of the CBS brass. I am sure not all of them appreciated it.

Looking forward to reading the book! ... Read more

Book Description

Claire Danes traces the New York native's enviable life and career-from her childhood growing up in New York City's trendy Soho district with hippie-artist parents to her successful first year studying at Yale University to her long-term relationship with Australian rocker Ben Lee. Special attention is paid to the critically acclaimed but short-lived television drama My So-Called Life. Included are commentaries on the characters, episodes, and critical and popular reactions to the show, as well as an account of the fans' ongoing efforts to keep it on the air. Also covered are Danes's performances in films including Little Women, How to Make an American Quilt, Home for the Holidays, To Gillian on her 37th Birthday, William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet, U-Turn, The Rainmaker, Polish Wedding, Les Misérables, The Mod Squad, and Brokedown Palace. This biography will appeal not only to the millions of Claire Danes fans and movie buffs worldwide, but also to television memorabilia collectors and the scores of people who still adore My So-Called Life. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

lovely
i thought this book was lovey, but then ... i am just obsessed with claire and love anything that has to do with her. at least i enoyed reading it tremendously. ... Read more

Book Description

Making Waves captures the spirit and courage exhibited by the 50 greatest women in television and radio.It highlights the pioneers, both well-known personalities and behind-the-scenes movers, who've made it happen.Those featured were selected by the AWRT membership, based on their industry impact, audience influence, assistance in advancing women, and vision for the future.Honorees - from Lucille Ball to Oprah Winfrey, from Barbara Walters to Martha Stewart - are treated with a biography, photos, and a personal essay recalling the defining moments of their careers.New insights into these women's lives and careers will surprise readers! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Wonderful for Education & Empowerment!
Women have come a long way in many fields, in part, because of the efforts of many of these 50 courageous women. This is a wonderful book, fascinating backgrounds and photos of our most beloved pioneers. It would also make a lovely gift for any young woman starting out who doesn't even realize the opportunites she has now because of those who went before and blazed the trail. Congratulations, beautifully done!

Inspiring!
These women paved the way for all women in media today and forever chaged the landscape of what we hear and see. They have influenced our culture and served as inspiring role models for women. Their stories of perserverence and triumph should make us all grateful for the wonderful women who came before us to open the doors of diversity in all career areas.

Amazing Stories
This book tells the inspiring tales of some of the most remarkable women of our time who would not be discouraged when told that they could not make it in a man's world. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

Not worth the paper it is written on
Poor Ozzy (well, actually he's fabulously rich, but you know what I mean). The beast he and Sharon created with the TV show "The Osbournes" means everyone is out to cash on his new level of fame and popularity. This book is a worthless cash in on Ozzy, and it's not even very good.

Sure, there are parts of Ozzy's early years I've read about in here which I hadn't found elsewhere, but the author hasn't looked very far. This book is a rehashing of other biographies, quotes from magazine articles, and observations of "The Osbournes" TV show. It smacks of being thrown together as quickly as possible. The author repeats some points ad nauseum, and there are even factual errors in it (the book says Metallica opened for Ozzy in 1983, when in fact this did not happen until 1986).

If you're interested in Ozzy, buy something else.

Same old, same old.
This book is like all the other unauthorized Ozzy books, with slight variation. If you are interested in reading about Ozzy, try "Ozzy in his own words", at least it is more accurate and truthful, not hearsay and taken from context in interviews. Dont get me wrong, this wasn't particularly a bad read, just a been there, done that type thing. It is VERY similiar to Sue Crawfords book, except this was a bit more "fun", meaning it has fact pages of each family member, it has quotes, it has quizzes, make for a little more interesting of a read if you are going to read the same stuff you have read before. This book happens to have more information on "The Osbornes" the MTV smash hit than Sue Crawfords book too.

Buy a different Ozzy biography.
This book is a repetative waste of time full of sentences and paragraphs that begin, for no apparent reason, with the word "And" or "But". The Ozzy and family exploits are mentioned over and over throughout. Between exploits there is only Chris Nixons' gushing tribute to what a great father/husband/person Ozzy is now that he's concured drugs and alcohol. I enjoyed the Ozbournes on MTV. I didn't need a recap. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Great Book!
It's obvious this guy is a weatherman, not a professional writer being paid to turn an ordinary life into something that sells books. The book isn't weighed down with lots of pretty words or meteorology lessons. It's simply written as a story of Gary England's life, and what a life that has been! As a young girl I was always fascinated by tornadoes, and at one point seriously considered being a meteorologist. After reading England's book I'm convinced I couldn't have handled the politics and pressure. I hated turning each page because it only brought me closer to the end of the book. I'm sure Gary has lots more stories to tell, and I hope he writes many more books to tell them! I'll gobble them all up.

One of the neatest things about reading this book is that now when I see Gary England on TV clips saying those now-famous words during the May 3, 1999 Oklahoma City Tornado, "You NEED to be underground to survive this one!" I look at him with a knowledge of his life story and how he got to be where he is, and I'm filled with such respect. Thank you, Gary, for suffering through petty politics to be able to save so many lives.

Great resource of meteorological knowledge
I have not read the book as yet but I would like the opportunity to relate how Mr. England's reputation is in Oklahoma. I worked in the railroad industry for 15 years in Oklahoma which is greatly affected by weather extremes. Our supervisors used to tell us to watch Gary England for weather updates as his was the best in the state. Mr. England never failed us.

Weathering 2 Storms
As a youngster growing up in Seiling, Oklahoma, Gary England had an idol in television meteorologist Harry Volkman. Flash forward 40 years. As a youngster growing up in Oklahoma City, I had an idol in Gary England. This is the first time I have known the entire story of what England has gone through in his 20+ years at KWTV. I have met with and talked to England on several occasions, and I will never know how he keeps his sanity while weathering 2 storms...the weather itself, and the world of television news.

A true perspective in the television industry.
After reading this book, I felt that I was no longer alone in dealings with news directors. I have only been in television weather for 6 years and have had my fill of television business. My hats off to Gary for being able to stave off over a dozen new directors. This book is a must read for anyone wanting to venture into the "glamorous" life of television news, especially any aspiring meteorologist.

What a great book!
Contrary to what some other reviews say, this book is not just full of sensation. I live in Oklahoma, I have seen England work, this stuff is real and his book is accurate. The book is informative and very interesting. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Confidence Is Being Bold Enough To Be Yourself!
America has been known the bastion where you have a right to be different if you have the confidence to stay with your beliefs in the face of societal ridicule. Pioneers end up two ways, some find prosperity by starting new paths, and some end up with arrows in their backs. After reading this book, Howard Stern is a Pioneer that prospers due to his will to be different and confident at work and in life.

It was a joy reading an unbiased book on Howard Stern. I enjoyed his radio show once in awhile but admit I have had to tune it out and off now and then too. The book gave interesting information on the salaries of his staff and inner workings of Radio and TV Stations and how programs acquire airtime.

I agree with author who never trashes Howard Stern but actually gives a good picture of him and his struggles to being a Top Radio personality. I admire Howard's sheer determination to work hard at job, support his family and talk about anything.

I really enjoyed learning how the Stations Sponsors who advertised on his show were impressed with his professionalism and interest in knowing and learning everything about their products and services they were selling. This is a true mark of an honest man living up to his job as a professional.

I was surprised to learn that Infinity did pay off his FCC fines to avoid problems with a merger later. I feel Howard has been a pioneer with the airwaves and first amendment issues to the public benefit not to anyone's detriment.

Since losing his marriage and wife as well as Jackie the Joke Man it is not the same show. But is still entertaining. I now use it as one of three stations I use walking in the morning. I find National Public Radio more enlightening, Jim Quinn for more thoughtful and Howard and crew interesting and delightful on entertainment issues of our day.

In the end, Howard learn to be confident in his own ideas, own behavior and always paid attention to his sponsors, people who helped him and mutual friends and professionals. I believe having supreme confidence in you like Howard Stern demonstrates every day. Those seeking to banish him just need to tune him out or off, but not remove him in anyway

Howard Stern : King of All Media.
It pretty much is a factual account of Howard Stern's life from his childhood days to his days in Detroit and WNBC radio. Nothing risque is really discussed. I would recommend it to someone who is looking for a viewpoint of Howard's life other than Howard. The author neither supports or chastises Stern, but presents the facts without any bias one way or the other, and that's nice to see in journalism. It's definitely worth checking out.

Good insights into Stern's history.
I found this book to be informative to Stern's rise to fame and fortune. Nothing really groundbreaking or unbelieveable, just the facts. A very quick, but honest look at Howard's personal life. How he keeps everyone at bay and tries to isolate himself from the world at this house, which is understandable. Private Parts offers more humor, but a lot of the same stuff, of course.

For the Howard Stern fan who has everything -- almost.
I found Paul Colford's book interesting, well-written, and entertaining. I have all of Howard Stern's books, videos, CDs, and a large collections of magazine articles and such. King of All Media is a nice addition to my collection. But don't take my word for it. Go to the nearest bookstore and check it out for yourself. Then get online and order it for less $$ from amazon.com. ... Read more

Book Description

Bedford-Stuyvesant and Harlem, the only son of a man who worked hard to support his family, but also tyrannized them with violent outbursts and regular beatings. His childhood made Johnson tough and angry-and fueled his determination to be a successful black man in a white world. Eventually, he became one of the biggest names in New York television news. A man about town, the father of four, Johnson had money, fame, and success. Then something happened. His mother, whom he loved dearly, died in his arms, and his father was diagnosed with lung cancer soon after. Stunned, Johnson stepped back and realized that he had been so driven to succeed that he had forgotten the values-and the people-that truly mattered. But there was still time. So he quit his lucrative job and hard-won career to take care of the father who had tormented him so many years ago. ONLY SON is that story, the tale of a father and son who must untangle the bitter memories of their past in order to say goodbye...with love. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

"Famous People" made me laugh and made me cry. . .
If you ever feel nostalgic for the '60s - or any other good times and special friendships in your life - read this book. McClanahan is funny as can be, generous, and sentimental. You can only love it! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Must Buy!
Bravo Aileen Joyce for a brilliant book on one of my favorite talk show hosts! I feel as if you were telling me the story in person! What a wonderful author you are and one that I'll be keeping my eye out for. By the way, any new books on the horizon? Job well done and I recommend this book to everyone!

Book Was Outstanding - Pearl@aol.com
Book was excellent. Glad I bought it. Will read it many times and pass it on to family & friends.

I thought it was a great book.
Iloved the book but that was probably because i love Jerry Springer. I NEVER miss his show. It makes me laugh and i kinda think Steve is cute. Ilike how he gets up in everyone's face. But this isn't about the show It's about the book and all I have to say is I loved the book!

I dont like books that were written without permsission
The overall story was good with a few minor glitches.....but overall I will only give the book a ONE STAR because AILEEN DID NOT have permission to write this book.....However.....Jerry does have his OWN auto-biography coming out in November...I suggest you read THAT one.....I bet that AMAZON wont have the guts to leave this post up.....THANK U!!!

MOUSEY ... Read more

Book Description

A witty, critical memoir--in print and on a DVD disc--of a life in front of the cameras and of the evolution of television news by one of America's leading TV journalists.

A generation of television viewers grew up watching Garrick Utley as he trekked to the far reaches of the Earth for NBC-News. What is life as a foreign correspondent really like? Is it all glamour and adventure? In this wise and witty memoir, Utley reveals what life is like behind the camera. He takes us from the battlefields of Vietnam to the backwaters of Belize, from communist Russia to revolutionary Rhodesia, in search of the most riveting, most important news stories out there.

But Utley's story is far more than a personal memoir--it's a sweeping history of network news. Utley reflects, in particular, on how the correspondent's role has shifted as centralized control, advanced technology, "infotainment," and profit margin have altered the way television networks operate and television news is reported. Packaged with a DVD of memorable Utley reports and dramatic footage from the heyday of network news, You Should Have Been Here Yesterday is an indispensable tour of the business and excitement of television news. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Essential Reading for News Junkies
The title calls one attention to the past; the effect of the book is to ponder the future. This is a book well worth reading. It gives weight to the contention that the best way to describe, or teach, history is to describe a series of incidents involving real people. Mr. Utley does that and ties the incidents together not only by personal experience, but also by two more important themes. One is the development of imagery in his craft; and the other is the incremental yet accelerating advance of technology in broadcast news.

The relatively innocent images once created by the radio sound effects man have given away to powerful images that change public attitudes about fundamental questions. Films and pictures of violence over civil rights riveted the nation's attention on this issue. Films and pictures from Veit Nam, dying soldiers, fleeing refugees, immolated monks and helicopters evacuating the American Embassy, had more to do with creating fundamental changes in foreign policy and military policy than the most reasoned analyses. Mr. Utley describes the maturing of the image vividly because, in most cases, he was there.

The other theme of this book is the effect of technology on broadcasting, or the news business or what ever it is we have now. There are two constants in news. One constant is the event and the other constant is the audience that wants to be informed, or in recent years, wants to observe. The personalities and institutions that inform or televise the events are transient and are largely the creatures or victims of technology. The rise and decline of national network news was much affected by both incremental developments such as the hand-held television camera, as well as step changes such as satellite hook ups. The once venerated journalists of network news are now dinosaurs. We have all of this directly from one of the dinosaurs, our author.

Where is all of this technical development taking the news business? What will be the effect of the Internet, especially broadband, always-on connections? Nobody knows, but Mr. Utley has an opinion.

If watching the news is a ritual or a passion, you will enjoy this book.

News Reporting in Transition
In 1961 when Garrick Utley graduated from Carleton College, the world was a very different place. One major change that has taken place almost without our noticing it is the difference in the way we learn about world events. Mr. Utley started in the earliest days of television news and brings us to today's instant news on CNN and even the Internet. Well worth reading. ... Read more

Book Description

All Ellen DeGeneres wanted to be was funny. She kept her humor clean and steered clear of politics and social agendas, instead honing a quirky, off-center, mistrustful view of the world.

I was coming home from kindergarten--well, they told me it was kindergarten. I found out later I had been working in a factory for ten years. It's good for a kid to know how to make gloves.

If ever there was a more unlikely comic to become a symbol of controversy, it was Ellen DeGeneres. Throughout her career, she balanced her ever-growing success with her desire to keep her sexuality private. How that struggle affected her life and career and ultimately inspired her to come out of the closet, putting her life in the spotlight and her career at considerable risk, forms the emotional core of this biography. And in a broader sense, the controversy caused by Ellen's acknowledged sexuality is a reflection of America's own struggle with tolerance and acceptance.

Ellen examines the repercussions still being felt by the comic as a direct result of her revelations and offers a glimpse of what her future may hold. It details:

Ellen's colorful family history, which includes a swashbuckling pirate ancestor

How her conservative father turned his back on Ellen when he learned she was gay

The personal tragedy that became her greatest inspiration

Her secret life in the gay bar scene during her stand-up days

The women Ellen has loved

Her life as a gay crusader ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A lot of good info, but it reads like a newspaper
I'm giving this book 4 stars, because I'm a huge fan of Ellen, and as far as I can tell, this is the only biography available.If there were a few more biographies available, I'd probably only give it two stars.

This book reads like a newspaper written by a mediocre journalist.Or a compilation of a bunch of articles from Us or People.It's really annoying to read because of that style.

But, it does contain a lot of good information.It answered most of my questions that I had about Ellen.It doesn't have any direct interviews with Ellen, but I don't think that Ellen is going to say any more about her past than she has.In one book, Ellen says, "I can't remember anything about my childhood."And, I think that's probably true.That's probably why she makes a bunch of jokes about everything, because she's got a horrible memory.

And, this book is mostly about the TV sitcom, Ellen.Probably about 75% of it is about the sitcom, and the biography ends after the end of the show.So, since she's got a talk show, this book is really dated.And, three of the chapters are dedicated to various co-stars of the TV sitcom, so this book really isn't a 100% Ellen book.

So, if you're a huge Ellen fan like me, you will probably want to dredge through this book.For everyone else, I'd recommend passing on it and waiting for Ellen's next biography to come out in a few years.

Not the real story of Ellen
Ellen; I would like to hear your real story. You know something like "The Truth" by Ellen; would be nice. From what I can tell; the author did an unauthorized book as she never seems to meet Ellen directly. I bet Ellen didn't even get a dime for this book. UGH! Another case of glam/slam by a writer trying to cash in on a person that had the guts to stand up for their own truth! (...)

CHEAP REHASH OF MAGAZINES, NEWS ARTICLES AND VIDEOS
I bought this book expecting a carefully researched, full biography on Ellen. Instead it was basically a rehash of magazine articles, videos, and news stories about Ellen and her Coming-Out. The author did not even interview Ellen, so we don't get a true, direct-source picture of Ellen's life. Instead, we have old information taken from other sources and condensed into this book. It doesn't sound like the author interviewed Ellen's closest friends and associates, either; I got the impression that a lot of the information was third- or fourth-hand, not directly from the sources. This book is crassly commercial and written at the time that public interest in Ellen was at its peak. It reads like a fan magazine and its sole purpose was to make money, not to provide an insightful biography of Ellen DeGeneres. I would only recommend it to those who no longer have access to the magazines and videos about Ellen's show and her coming-out.

wanting more..
I am an admirer of Ellen and applaud the difficult decision she had to make in order to live her life her way.This book, which was a fast read, left me wanting more.

Who is Ellen.What are her likes and dislikes. The book was a chronograph of her professional life and while she is"still a work in progress" it would have been nice to know alittle more about who she really is as seen through the eyes of friends andfamily.

WHYNOT READ A MAGAZINE?
AS AN ABSOLUTE ADMIRER OF ELLEN AND DESIRING TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE REAL LIFE OF ELLEN DEGENERES, I WAS VERY DISAPOINTED TO READ A BOOK THAT HAD NO IMPUT FROM ELLEN DIRECTLY. THIS BOOK WAS TOO INVOLVED WITH THE TRIALS ANDTRIBULATIONS OF THE GOINGS ON OF HER SHOW, THAN THE PERSONAL EVENTS INELLEN'S LIFE.OVERALL THE BOOK WAS WELL WRITTEN, BUT VERY UNEVENTFUL. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Who is she kidding?
Please! As if we the TV audience could not see where real arrogance and hypocrisy lie and on whom! We can spot real compassion and humility from a mile apart, and these qualities are nonexistent in this Tv host! She is nothing but arrogant, inhuman and insensitive with her audience! Please!

Outstanding
I read this book and I profoundly recommend it. This book gives people that little push we sometimes need to get to where we want to be. I found it to be very inspiring to women in general because she struggled a lot and never gave up. This is how she has reached the point she is at now, which is mere success. I highly recommend it not only as a great book, but as a confidence and self-esteem boost.

Entertaining and good example of/and for the latino women
As a journalist and a latina woman when I read this book I really feel identify with all the troubles that Cristina had to deal altrough her career and with all the cultural things that we bring with us as working latino women that succeed. To all the latino women that want to do something in a country like the US or those who want to be successful in the media, this book its a good reading and encourage, to have an idea of what we can deal with in the same journey. Writing in the same way that Cristina speaks the reading of the book it's quick and entertaining, you simply can't stop reading it.

Excellent
I really enjoyed this book because she spoke of all the struggles she had to face as a woman, wife and as a mother. I really can compare myself in certain things with her because right now I am struggling as a mother and as a wife. But she let me feel that someday I would reach my goal. She gave me an inspiration with this book. I am going to recommend the book to my sister because when I like a book, I usually do that. ... Read more

Book Description

John Michael ‘Ozzy' Osbourne has been an icon for over thirty years, but of what? Of metal fans for being the wild vocalist of Black Sabbath and a hugely successful solo artist? Or is he an overblown rock casualty? Or a successful cartoon figure created by his marketing-genius wife? In the 1970s he was breaking all the rules and still is. In 2002 he is breaking all the records in the US as the star of The Osbournes, a fly-on-the-wall-documentary about his family that has beaten all previous MTV viewing figures. Here, the ‘tattooed, former booze-ridden, former drug-crazed sex god' is seen as the far-from-average husband, and father of teenage children. This is I Love Lucy meets

The Simpsons by way of The Addams Family and the public loves it!In this diverting, fast-paced read, Sue Crawford charts the extraordinary life and times of Ozzy Osbourne, with huge affection and wit. Hard-core metal fans will not be disappointed either. Ozzy is a true original, and we may be no less surprised and delighted than the man himself to find him still alive and well in the new millennium.This fascinating biography is that rare thing a genuine page-turner.With 32 pages of color photographs, and a full discography and chronology, Ozzy Unauthorized is a comprehensive, mind-blowing study of the past, present and, with its specially commissioned astrological chart, even the future, of a true survivor and a real star. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Half a diary of a madman
A good Ozzy biography is long overdue. Unfortunatly this is not it. The main text is sadly lacking in details including places and events. Ozzy's headlining show at the Donnington Monsters of Rock (16th Aug '86) doesn't get a mention and neither does his performance at the Port Vale festival (1st Aug '81) where he famously stood in for Black Sabbath. Almost crimainally, Ozzy's second guitarist, Jake E. Lee doesn't even receive a name check and is passed off as "...the first decent player that came along."
Positive notes? The discography section at the back is wonderfu. It's just a shame that the rest of the book is not as well researched.

An excellent biography on Ozzy Osbourne
While I don't know the accuracy on all of the facts, this was a book I enjoyed reading. It gives you the real story, and quotes by members of Black Sabbath, Sharon Osbourne, and other people Ozzy is associated with; not rumors of Ozzy being a psychopath and Satanist as some sources claim. At the end of the book, there is a complete discography, including reissues and imports of Ozzy's solo albums and with Black Sabbath. There is also a great collection of photos in the middle of the book. I would definitely recommend this if you are a fan, or just interested in Ozzy Osbourne's life story.

"Must" reading for Ozzy's legions of fans.
Ozzy Unauthorized by biographer Sue Crawford is an informed and informative charting heavy metal icon and unforgettable personality Ozzy Osbourne. Enhanced with 32 pages of photographs, a full discography and chronology, a specially commissioned astrological chart, this succinctly written biography offers a candid, no-holds-barred study of the man whose latest achievement is bringing record ratings to MTV as the star of uniquely irreverent "reality" documentary "The Osbournes." Ozzy Unauthorized is "must" reading for Ozzy's legions of fans.

Knew a little, learned a little.
Well, never being a true fan of Ozzy himself, yet enjoying his unique voice and solo music, I got this book to pass the time. That was all it was, a time passer. Being an animal lover I was disturbed about his antics of biting doves and bats heads off, but catching a few episodes of MTVs "The Osbornes" I liked the way he was and what he put up with with his own cats and dogs. I.E. cleaning up after them, walking them and showing genuine affection. But throwing animal insides back and forth at concerts, shooting every last one of his chickens, stabbing his aunt's cat... didn't settle well with me. Of course his drug and drink stupors are obvious and well known. But this was UNAUTHORIZED, and most of the authors words are either hearsay or from interviews she has seen of Ozzy. Maybe I will try the 'Ozzy in his own words' bio and take his own word for it. There wasnt anything else new to learn, same stuff that has been around for decades. The one great thing about this book is it has a listing of all of his recordings, films and even all of his tatoos. Why there is a big astronomy chapter of sagittaris and how it relates to Ozzy is beyond me, I couldnt even finish that chapter, it was so ridiculous. I think she should have left it at the simple fact that he was born in December and a sagittaris. But the book is OK if you have nothing better to read.

Shallow
OF course this book is shallow. It don't comment about Ozzy pals, the vreative process in Black Sabbath or his solo records, about Zakk Wylde, Randy Rhoads, Bob Daisley, Tony Iommi, sales figures,nothing. ...