Walt Disney: Hollywood's Dark Prince : A Biography

Customer Reviews:

Helpful if only to balance the company line, but ..........2006-11-16

Other readers have pointed out the flaws in this book, most of them dealing with errors of fact and the author's tendency to spin yarns from a few disconnected pieces of Disney's life. While it's true that he's done that, he also has unflinchingly laid bare the abuse in Walt's early life (which is glossed over in other authorized bios) and how he reacted to it.

If Eliot really wanted to do a number on Disney, he might have charged many other things, but even he doesn't dare suggest that, for example, Disney's interest in the Mouseketeers was anything other than absolutely normal paternal interest. (He does suggest, from one photograph reprinted in the book, that Disney may have had an affair with Dolores del Rio, but there's absolutely no substantiation for that in the text.)

I personally am a huge fan of all things Disney and a great admirer of Walt Disney himself. His achievements were so towering that it seems petty to worry about his less-than-perfect side. When Eliot refers to `careers ruined' at Disney Studios, he's speaking of employees who felt stifled by the atmosphere and who did not receive as much credit as they would have liked for their achievements. But Disney made it plain from the beginning that he was going to promote the Disney name and nothing else, and it worked beautifully. Anyone who was looking for more personal glory had the option of leaving, and many did. Those who stayed had to know what the rules were.

The one new revelation here that I have to admit intrigues me is Eliot's assertion that Disney's favorite breakfast, when he ate alone at his studio desk, was fresh doughnuts dunked in scotch. (Eliot claims Disney's drinking was excessive.) Photos of the aging Walt Disney show him with the red cheeks and bloodshot eyes of a habitual drinker. So perhaps Eliot is right about this.

However, if Walt really did begin his day with fresh doughnuts dunked in scotch (I can't explain why, but I find this endearing), and every bio of him has already stressed his extreme dependence on cigarettes, well, to me the wonder isn't that he died as young as he did, but that he LASTED as long as he did ... And how lucky for all of us that he did.

I thought parts of this bio were genuinely interesting, but it did not make me love Disney less, just sympathize with him more.

Serious Credibility Issues.......2006-09-06

I'm not saying don't read this book, just take the author's pronouncements with a grain of salt. It is a fascinating subject that deserves better research, but at least the book's negative conjectures help balance out the corporate suppressions found in the authorized biography.

In the first chapter, the author informs us that Elias Disney (Walt's father) got married in the spring of 1888 and his first child (Herbert) was born later that year. Elias soon got bored with the tedium of having a new baby in the house and enlisted to fight in the Spanish-American War. Seven days into basic training he became disillusioned and was given a medical discharge for a suspect knee. He returned to Florida in time to see his Florida orange grove destroyed by a record frost in the spring of 1889.

The problem with this account is that the Spanish-American War actually happened ten years later (from April-August 1898). This is one of the few assertions in the chapter that can be easily checked. If Eliot was that careless or indifferent about his research, one is reluctant to credit his more "out-there" conjecture, like: "Because paper and pencils were rarely available, Walt improvised, usually with a piece of coal on toilet paper. That was all he needed to pass a free hour sketching the gentle farm animals he considered his only true friends. He especially loved the feeling when they brushed up against him while he lay in the tall grass trying to capture their likenesses".

It is hard to imagine any biographical subject prone to as much distortion as Walt Disney; for corporate reasons or for personal ones. So readers would be advised to read ANY Disney biography for its entertainment value, not for its historical accuracy or objectivity.

Than again, what do I know? I'm only a child.

I grew tired of this book very fast.......2005-08-14

If you don't know anything about Walt Disney and you want to know more don't let this be the first book you read. Read, How to be Like Walt or Walt Disney: An American Original. Then read this book if you want. It does give more detailed information on events like the strike by his employees or that he was a hard task master, which you can get from any other book and not this one.
First this book wants you to look at Disney in a negative way. Why we like to see the bad in people I do not know. I mean yes he had flaws but this book wanted to bash Disney's image all together. Then a lot of so called facts are not hard evidence which makes the book seem like a tabloid trash book. Like for example he tries to prove that Disney was 10 years older than he really was. That makes no sense because when he changed his birth year on his passport so that could be 17 to get into the army, Disney looks like he's 15 or 16 years old. He looks very young. He doesn't look like he could be 27. Maybe if he had said 2 years instead of 10 I would have believed that but 10 years is a large gap. A person does a lot of changing in 10 years.
I don't know about you, but if I do great things in my life I don't want someone trying to discredit my good deeds by posting my flaws in a book. I'm human and I have flaws, I don't care if you know, but if I did some good some time, I would want that to be my legacy. I think it should be Walt's to. He was a genius. We love him.

Investigative journalism mixed with cheap psychologizing.......2004-09-28

The author's style is prosaic at best, and he often stumbles through sentences like a drunken sailor navigating past barstools in a dimly-lit dive. I really wanted this book to be fresh and fascinating, because, like many Americans who grew up in the 1950s and 1960s, I always thought of Walt Disney as a clever, kindly, and innovative man. Eliot debunks that image somewhat, but he repeats stuff unnecessarily and fails to create a coherent image of his subject.

If you really want all the "dirt on Disney," this book's for you... but don't expect it to be a great read.

A Riveting Account of a Troubled Genius.......2004-01-15

I love the World That Walt Built beyond all reason. I've studied Disney corporate history, I own stock in the company, and I read anything about it I can lay my hands on.

That said, I know how difficult it is to get a true account of Walt Disney. The company has offered up his image of sainthood for years, making it increasingly difficult to get past that glossed perfection. Disney will do anything to protect its image (understandably so) and this applies lavishly to whitewashing Walt.

I found this book a very moving account of a man brutally abused as a kid, who went through life striving through his unique genius to create and secure the childhood he never had. The book charts Walt's many heights of seeing his various visions to fruition, and the subsequent depression once a dream is realized--the cycle of creativity for us all. And if the book dwells on his considerable darkness, well, there's plenty of room for that. Something needs to balance out the company's, and other writers' God-hype about Walt. His shadow is laid out compassionately in these pages, and Walt Disney stands all the taller for it.

Book Description

This unique book has become established as the standard work on the subject since it was first published in 1990. It contains a full range of blocks and patterns to cope with all aspects of lingerie, beachwear and leisurewear. Not only the methods of cutting are explained but also the reasoning behind them so that the information can be applied and adapted to other situations. The new edition includes tips for achieving the best results when taking measurements, optimum fit patterns for close fitting garments, and outstanding patterns for larger cup sizes.

Customer Reviews:

upgrading.......2007-06-08

perfect to complete you cutting skills. a specific book on a matter which is usually superficially examined in pattern making classes.
ok!

Inspired, but dissapointed.......2006-09-07

I'll give it 3 stars, because I got a lot of ideas in this book which actually inspired me. The fact that the patterns doesn't work for me hasn't stopped me from learning a lot from it.

I have followed two pattern design courses and am designing my own clothes which fit pretty well. I bought this book because I also wanted to be able to design a bra, which wasn't included in my courses. Unfortunately the bra block givin in this book doesn't consider the underbust measurement - only the bust measurement itself. The cupsize of a bra is determined by subtracting the underbust measurement from the bust measurement and the support of a bra comes from the snug underbust fit. For that reason I couldn't get the bra pattern to fit me (cup turned out too small, while band too big around body) and I am busy to figure it out myself by adjusting the lower dart to fit my underbust measurement while making a bigger curve towards the bustpoint.

Still the back cover of the book claims that all the patterns has been tested and therefore works. I suppose it could work for someone with a much smaller cupsize (the bust line not much bigger than the underbust).

Also, according to the author's instructions to the bodice block, all women's bust points are at the same height. (half of the nape of neck to waist measurement plus 4 cm's toward the waist). That simply isn't true, so I'm using my own bodice block where you have to measure your (individual) height of your bust point and mark it on the pattern accordingly.

I was very excited when the book arrived in the mail and started working immediately. Unfortunately I was quite dissapointed soon afterwards.

Book Description

Everyone knows Hansel and Gretel - Hansel's the squatty kid with a tuna can strapped over his mouth to prevent it from shattering everything around him; Gretel's the tall, pink-haired schoolgirl in the sailor suit, attacking bullies with her bamboo sword. At least that's Junko Mizuno's version! In this twisted take on the classic fairy tale, the kids' parents run the mountain grocery store, fielding visits from the green girls who grow spinach from their scalps and the 40-foot-tall piglet who slices cuts to order off his big belly. More madness comes with the arrival of Queen Marilyn and her insidious black magic! Can the kids save the day? This novel represents a new phase in Mizuno's art, one marked by psychedelic hues that give the arresting story the feel of a dark dream. This tale from the master of the cute and the grotesque is color illustrated throughout.

Customer Reviews:

Cute, Funny, Shocking, Amazing.......2005-08-28

This is one of my favorites. Junko Mizuno is a great artist. Her stuff is a tad bit raunchy, but thats what makes it so great. The story is adorable, i couldnt stop laughing. I wish the paper had been better quality though, it doesnt do her illustrations justice.

Innocence Goth.......2005-02-21

A Goth twist on the Grimm brother's classic, this Gretel is the sword-wielding daughter of Mr & Mrs Sakazaki, who own the only grocery store in a small town surrounded by mountains. Her twin, Hansel, the more diplomatic of the pair, sports a tin-can for an oxygen mask (he is the "brain" to Gretel's "brawn"). Everything goes well in the pair's life until the grocery store's suppliers refuse to sell Hansel & Gretel's parents any more food for their store. Armed with Gretel's sword and a mission: The twins search for both the answer to this mystery -- and something to eat!

I like Mizuno's colorful, yet Goth characters, which are both charming & a little frightening! 128 worth-reading pages (not including the paper dolls & sticker sheet). Rated "M" for mature. Adult manga readers who like this will also enjoy her other classic fractured fairy tales: Cinderalla & Princess Mermaid.

Junko Mizuno's Hansel and Gretel - Book Review.......2003-06-04

an interesting comic book with a twist to the children's story, hansel and gretel. it's colorful drawings by artist junko mizuno is accompanied with simple english, easy to understand. contains cartoon nudity that may not be suitable for the young ones. love the paper dolls and stickers that came along.

Book Description

Ludwig Bemelmans--legendary bon vivant and raconteur, and author of the Madeline stories as well as the surprise success of last year, Hotel Bemelmans--lived life like a character in a novel. Wherever Ludwig went and whatever he did--letting Parisian criminals baby-sit his daughter, getting caught with his toenails painted red by the Gestapo, or discovering the only restaurant with toilets in the Amazon Jungle--his escapades are guaranteed entertainment.

When You Lunch with the Emperor collects Bemelman's work under the headings of Childhood, Work, and Play. Readers will enjoy their lunch with the Bemelmans!

Average customer rating:
When You Lunch with the Emperor: The Adventures of Ludwig Bemelmans (The Adventures of Ludwig Bemelmans, When You Lunch with the Emperor)
Ludwig Bemelmans
Manufacturer: Peter Meyer, Overlook
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000QNDPS0

Product Description

Book Description Ludwig Bemelmanslegendary bon vivant and raconteur, and author of the Madeline series as well as the surprise success of 2004, Hotel Bemelmanslived life like a character in a novel. Wherever Ludwig went and whatever he didletting Parisian criminals baby-sit his daughter, getting caught with his toenails painted red by the Gestapo, or discovering the only restaurant with toilets in the Amazon junglehis escapades are guaranteed entertainment. As Anthony Bourdain says of this new collection, "Whether writing about the backstairs misadventures of cooks and waiters or travel to faraway lands, Bemelmans is always funny, insightful and dead on target. No one has ever surpassed the master." When You Lunch with the Emperor collects Bemelmanss work under the headings of Childhood, Work, and Play. Readers will enjoy their lunch with the Bemelmans! About the Author Ludwig Bemelmans (18981962) wrote and illustrated more than forty books. He wrote for Hollywood, owned restaurants, designed sets for Broadway, and painted everything from magazine covers to hotel frescos. Born in the Austrian Tyrol, he was sent to America at the age of sixteen after he shot a head-waiter at his father's restaurant.

Book Description

What the book covers: Flash ActionScript 'X' For Dummies covers the essentials of creating interactive, animated content using the scripting language associated with Flash.
Updated coverage of the new version: This fully updated edition covers all the changes to the scripting interface and language that come with Flash 'X'.
Series features: Features to-the-point explanations and step-by-step instructions that have made Dummies the choice for readers around the globe.

ABOUT THE CD-ROM
The CD includes author-created material including all examples used in the book as well as a fully functional Flash ActionScript application. The disc also contains programs to augment ActionScript including trials of Macromedia Fireworks, Dreamweaver, and Freehand as well as sample lessons.

Customer Reviews:

I agree...useless.......2007-04-20

if you don't believe try doing the exercise on page 316, you won't get past step 4. It's like they left out a few steps to the exercise.

Very thorough index & easy to use Table of Contents........2005-07-19

A previous reviewer stated that this book is 'useless'. To prove her point she said the following regarding one of this books instructions: "For example, an instruction would say: Click Actions>>Movie Control and then double-click "goto". Sounds simple, except there is no Actions>>Movie Control>>goto. I don't understand how an entire book could be published with so much improper information."

That woman just trashed this book. It just doesn't seem fair to me. I don't know about you but to me it seems plain mean and stupid. Like she's blaming the book for her own shortcomings. Maybe she is and maybe she isn't but in reading a technical book (even one for dummies) some common sense and critical thinking on the readers part must be assumed.

Do you know how to use an index? I do. And consequently I know where the Actions panel is. It's conveniently located with all the other panels under the "Window" menu. If you don't believe me just look it up for yourself. In this books 19-page index. Where it's listed 16 times. Or a quick look at the Table of Contents tells me that on page 32 I'll find information on "Navigating the Actions Panel" and "Opening an Actions book".

Now I know what you're thinking. That's rocket science there and I must be some kind of genius. Well, it's not rocket science and, sorry to say, I'm no genius. It's just a little common sense and a willingness to take responsibility for my part of the learning process.

In case you're wondering, I don't know the author. I wish I did. I was just looking for a good beginner's ActionScript book and came across this one. In deciding on whether or not to buy a book I'll look at the Table of Contents and the Index. Maybe you do too. I guess that's why Amazon lists them. They both seem pretty thorough to me in this book.

Useless.......2005-06-17

ActionScript is the key to doing cool stuff with Flash, but the key this book provides doesn't fit the lock. For example, an instruction would say: Click Actions>>Movie Control and then double-click 'goto'. Sounds simple, except there is no Actions>>Movie Control>>goto. I don't understand how an entire book could be published with so much improper information.

Average customer rating:

EASY TO READ

Flash ActionScript for Dummies
Doug Sahlin
Manufacturer: For Dummies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0764508318

Book Description

This one-of-a-kind title provides the quick and easy way to get up to speed with Macromedia's incredibly popular and robust scripting language for Flash. Flash ActionScript For Dummies covers Flash ActionScript, the hottest scripting language since JavaScript, and shows you how to create interactive Web applications with a minimum of time and effort. This friendly guide shows you how to tap interactivity to create online surveys, forms, e-commerce applications, Web navigational tools, and the flashiest buttons on the Web. Plus, the book includes CD-ROM packed with a library of original Flash ActionScripts.

Customer Reviews:

EASY TO READ.......2001-11-10

Loved this book. ActionScript was such a mystery to me but this book really made it easy to understand. I am an instructor and technical writer who has been called on to teach Flash. The Actionscript stuff had me stumped; but this book really helped me pick up a few tricks that really are impressive.

It is the only book I ever read on the subject that is not boring. This guy definitely has a sense of humor!

Product Description

Piano Music. Includes all the major, minor (natural, harmonic, melodic) & chromatic scales -- plus additional instrucitons on music fundamentals.

Mel Bay's Complete Book of Exercises for the Pianist

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Mel Bay's Complete Book of Exercises for the Pianist
Gail Smith
Manufacturer: Mel Bay Publications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Perfect Paperback

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ASIN: 0786620838
Release Date: 1996-09-01

Product Description

This benchmark text includes hundreds of exercises by great composers including Hanon, Czerny, Brahms, Chopin, Wieck, Phillip, and many others. Gail Smith has composed the ultimate palindrome finger exercise containing all the 120 known patterns for your five fingers! Give your fingers the best workout ever. Pieces range from easy to very difficult.

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Play Where the Puck Is Going to Be

Strategic solutions for a familiar problem

Confronting Reality : Doing What Matters to Get Things Right

Look! A FOREST!!!

Excellent Business Book!

Confronting Reality: Doing What Matters to Get Things Right
Larry Bossidy , and Ram Charan
Manufacturer: Crown Business
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Every Business is a Growth Business: How Your Company Can Prosper Year After Year

ASIN: 1400050847
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Amazon.com

In their 2002 bestseller, Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan identify why people don't get results: they don't execute. Bossidy and Charan are back with another stellar study on organizational behavior that shows how companies can succeed if they return to reality and examine every part of their business. Confronting Reality is based on a simple concept, but many companies approach strategy and execution in a surprisingly unreal manner and even the simplest of measurement methods, like the business model, are not applied correctly.

Cisco, 3M, KLM, Home Depot, and the Thomson Corporation are just a few of the companies that Bossidy and Charan examine. To demonstrate how to examine a business using the business model, Bossidy and Charan map out external variables, financial targets, internal activities, and an iteration stage (defined as a time to "make tradeoffs, apply and develop business savvy") to prove how a dynamically evolving business model will help improve performance.

"The version of the business model we have developed is a robust, reality-based process for thinking about the specifics of your business in a holistic way. It shows you how to tie together the financial targets you must meet, the external realities of your business and internal activities such as strategy development, operating tactics, and selection and development of people."

Larry Bossidy, retired chairman and CEO of Honeywell International and Ram Charan, author of What the CEO Wants You to Know and Profitable Growth Is Everyone's Business, have once again shed industrial-strength light on how to run a successful business. --E. Brooke Gilbert

Amazon.com Exclusive Content

Amazon.com Interview: Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan

Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan are back with Confronting Reality to show how companies can succeed if they get back to reality and examine every part of their business. Amazon.com senior editor E. Brooke Gilbert interviewed Bossidy and Charan to discuss the current business climate, their new book, and future projections.
Read the interview.