Customer Reviews:
The Queen of Bohemia is just that!.......2005-08-18
This is a great period piece about the lifr of a woman at the turn of the century through the depression. It gives a great look at the lifestyle of the people who were at teh front of the movements for workers rights, women's rights and the other social causes of the day! Louose Bryantis a wonderfully, delightful and colorful pereson.
Great Book.......2005-07-20
This book is a very thoroughly researched account of the life and times of Louise Bryant. There are been discrepencies about her actually birth date, but I found her family on the 1900 Census for Nevada and she is listed as being born in December 1886 instead of the guess year being 1885. Although Louise lied about her age, I highly doubt a 13-year-old girl would try to keep her actual age a secret.
Mary Dearborn's "Queen of Bohemia".......2005-06-07
Louise Bryant, like other figures of America's radical past, such as Eugene Debs, "Red" Emma Goldman, and her husband, Jack Reed, barely register on the radar screen of popular consciousness. Often radicals are expunged from American history textbooks or presented in watered down cartoon fashion, giving students the impression that the story of the United States has been one long tale of moderation and conservatism. Indeed, while almost every child knows the story of Helen Keller told through "The Miracle Worker," very few are aware that as an adult she was a militant socialist and feminist with an FBI file.
Louise Bryant was one of those talented young people who came of age in the teens and twenties of the 20th century; a generation dubbed by Gertrude Stein as the "Lost Generation." She was a talented journalist with a socialist bent, but a strong sense of objectivity in her writing. Her "Six Red Months in Russia" was a first hand account of the Soviet Revolution of 1917, and while overshadowed by Jack Reed's "Ten Days that Shook the World," it is a much more accessible and human story of those events. She interviewed all the principal players (Lenin, Trotsky, Kerensky, etc) as well as important female revolutionary figures such as Maria Spiridonova and Aleksandra Kollontai. Her later re-entry into Soviet Russia during the Civil War to find her husband just before he died is a heroic tale in itself. After Reed's death Bryant continued to work as a journalist producing one of the first interviews with Benito Mussolini.
Mary Dearborn's "Queen of Bohemia" is a compassionate portrait of Bryant, taking aim at many of the unkind myths repeated by back-biting leftists of her's and subsequent generations, typified by the Emma Goldman quote, "Louise wasn't a communist, she only slept with one" (originally stated by Max Eastman and later retold by Goldman). For them Bryant was never pure enough in her commitment to radical causes. Dearborn also draws attention to the role Bryant's beauty played in her appeal and in the way some harshly judged her. Many of her harshest critics seem to fault Bryant for getting older and losing that beauty.
Much of the heavy lifting, in terms of research, may have been done by Virginia Gardner for her Bryant biography, "Friend and Lover" (Dearborn acknowledges her indebtedness to Gardner's research), but "Queen of Bohemia" delves into areas of Bryant's life less well examined in "Friends and Lovers" and draws more overtly feminist conclusions about her importance. The appeal of Louise Bryant is the exciting and ultimately tragic life she lived. Her place in the cosmos of American radicals is ultimately a small one, but she blazed a path through it by the sheer force of personality. Dearborn's biography draws the reader into Bryant's orbit. Bryant's charisma radiates from the pages and the excitement of her world is compelling.
For anyone who has been even mildly intrigued by Diane Keaton's interpretation of Louise Bryant in the movie "Reds" I recommend "Queen of Bohemia" as a well written biography of a fascinating and dynamic woman who lived an authentic, vital life.
Book Description
As a top crew chief in NASCAR Winston Cup racing, Larry McReynolds has guided drivers such as Dale Earnhardt, Davey Allison, and Ernie Irvan to victory. His is a story of single-minded determination to succeed in the top tier of racing, regardless of setbacks. McReynolds, who is now a popular FOX broadcaster, brings a fresh perspective and fascinating stories that include radioing Earnhardt instructions where to accelerate in a turn, and getting bawled out in the NASCAR trailer by series boss Bill France for speaking his mind. This is an unparalleled insider's look at NASCAR racing.
Customer Reviews:
Straightforward and Interesting.......2004-04-12
The book provides good insight into the trials and rewards of auto racing. You get the feeling that Mr. McReynolds is right beside you recalling his life in racing. He comes across as genuine guy and you will have a greater appreciation of what it takes to compete in this sport.
A Good Read.......2003-08-20
I must admit that I was not a Larry McReynolds fan when I bought this book. I am also not a fan of the race broadcasts on FOX, on which Larry McReynolds now broadcasts. I bought this book because I am always trying to see all sides to any story. And I wanted to hear Larry's story.
I found this book to be informative, honest, and it has really changed my view of Larry McReynolds. I found myself almost crying right along with him as he told about the deaths of Davey Allison and Dale Earnhardt, and the near death of Ernie Irvan.
I have gained a world of respect for Larry McReynolds and, while I am still not a FOX fan, I have become a Larry McReynolds fan. It's nice to know that a good, hard working man can succeed, excel and have a great story to tell.
I recommend this book to any racing fan.
BOOGETY BOOGETY BOOGETY TO THE CHECKOUT!.......2003-01-25
I read books at the gym while getting my cardio in, and this book was an awesome read! I'd start, and the next thing I'd know it would be an hour later, and couldn't wait to get back to the gym to keep reading it.
Larry Mac is why you love NASCAR- Hard working, tell-it-like-it-is. I loved his stories about "visiting" the NASCAR trailer, finding that extra edge, the drivers he raced with, and his account of his career and history with racing from the beginning to the broadcast booth. I have great appreciation for someone who worked that hard, with that much dedication, intensity and passion.
Larry Mac tells it like it is, and like the other reviews, he does it with professionalism and dings the people needing dinged, even himself without being malicious. That is what I liked most about the book-Larry's way of telling the story how it should be told, not censored. It reads like Larry is sitting next to you, telling you the stories.
Ironically, we heard at the Winston Cup preview after meeting some crew members of various teams, how some people in NASCAR's negative attitude is towards Benny Parsons, only to come home and read what he said to Larry Mac. Well Larry, it's the passionate and colorful people like you and DW that makes the Fox broadcasts so awesome and fun to watch. You "done good"
TV Sports.......2002-12-27
I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting, fun, and full of anecdotes about NASCAR. His "Big Picture" includes the 18 months he spent with my favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt. Part of the book is what we see on TV, but the better part is how NASCAR and broadcasting work behind the scenes, and what it does to family and friend relationships. A really great read. I didn't want to put it down.
Great Insider Info.......2002-11-26
Larry Mac's story of his decades in NASCAR is a true joy to read. He doesn't hold back but is not also out to flame everyone.
He tells it like it is with everything from drivers to owners to how he bent or broke the rules.
All in all, its a great insiders perspective of the sport.
Average customer rating:
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Hollywood Musicals Year by Year
Stanley Green
Manufacturer: Hal Leonard Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Broadway Musicals - Show by Show
ASIN: 0634007653 |
Book Description
Whose singing voice was substituted for Marjorie Reynolds in Holiday Inn? What movie was the first to combine live action with animated cartoon characters? What movie did Marlon Brando first sing in? These and thousands of other interesting facts about Hollywood's favorite musicals are answered in Hollywood Musicals Year By Year. Following the success of Broadway Musicals Show By Show, this book provides a world of information, facts and trivia about cinema's favorite musicals. Beginning with The Jazz Singer and moving through the 80's, this book documents more than 300 movies. Each entry includes the screenplay writer, producer, director, choreographer, cast list, song list, release date, plot summary and interesting notes surrounding the production, cast and spin-offs that the movie inspired. The book also contains many photographs of memorable moments in celluloid history. Written in Stanley Green's down-to-earth, one-to-one style, this book is a pleasure to read and a virtual encyclopedia that no movie buff should be without.
Average customer rating:
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Encyclopaedia of the Musical Film
Stanley Green
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Voice
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ASIN: 0195054210 |
Book Description
This indispensable guide is the reference book for anyone interested in musical film. Its fact-packed, alphabetically-arranged pages include over 1600 entries covering not only the most important actors, composers, lyricists, directors, choreographers, and producers but also the most
memorable songs and best-loved films.
Beginning in 1927 with The Jazz Singer--the first part-sound motion picture--the film entries provide brief plot outlines, behind-the-scenes information, all the songs from the particular film with the names of the singers (including songs ultimately cut from the film), roles played by the
particular actors and actresses, plus names of composers, lyricists, directors, and collaborators, and much more.
The volume also features listings of Motion Picture Academy nominations and winners, British and American film title changes, who played whom in what films, and a general bibliography and discography. Now in a newly revised paperback edition, it offers updated information on the people
included in the book, additional films under existing entries, and the most recent Academy Award winners.
Product Description
On-the-go Instrction Because your time is valuable... All Audio All on the go! Beginning level instruction is presented in an all-audio format on 4 digitally-recorded CDs. You have the opportunity to learn on the go, taking advantage of time normally wasted. Study in your car, while exercising, doing yard work anywhere you can safely listen to a CD player. No accompanying books are needed to help you complete the lesson activities. Why can t learning be fun? It can! Linguaphone has chosen to present the allTalk series in an entertaining, soap-opera format. No dry old teacher with a monotone voice putting you to sleep, you follow the adventures of a visitor to a Spanish-speaking country as she interacts with individuals in a variety of interesting situations, learning the language and beginning to understand the culture. Actually learn the language Tired of spending money on language courses that don t work? Did you ever think the problem could be with the course and not you? With Linguaphone s unique learning sequence: Listen, Understand, Speak, you will find yourself actually using the language in no time at all! You are presented with a unit of the language, it is then broken down and explained to you, then you put it back together with greater understanding than just repeating what you may not have understood in the first place. . . . and learn it well! The all Talk methodology not only teaches well, but will have you speaking and understanding basic spoken Spanish in no time at all. Other popular all-audio courses require four times the cds, four times the money and four times the time to do what Linguaphone s allTalk Basic does with 4-one hour CDs.
Book Description
The first easy-to-follow guide to achieving beautiful results with these fascinating garden features. Containing the most up-to-date, sound and practical advice, it will teach you how to build or improve a rockery, make a scree or sink garden, and choose the right plants to liven up your patio or backyard, with a special A-Z feature of rock garden plants. You'll also learn about water, water features, lighting, aquatic plants and fish. Complete with full-color charts and photographs.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent reference book covering aspects of water gardening.......1999-07-31
This book is an excellent reference for the beginner or expert rock and water garden enthusiast. This book shows how one can build a pond, stock it with plants and fish and contains a good compilation of rock plants with which to surround the pool. There is also a section covering lighting of the pond and water garden problems. Highly recommend it.
Average customer rating:
- inaccurate and badly written
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NYC Rock
Mike Evans
Manufacturer: Sanctuary Publishing, Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 186074446X |
Book Description
This book tells a story, making the connections through rhythm & blues, folk and funk, disco and punk, to the contemporary cutting edge, tracing a musical evolution spanning five decades that is a microcosm of rock'n'roll itself.
Customer Reviews:
inaccurate and badly written.......2004-02-05
This book is a frustrating read for anyone vaguely familiar with the history of rock 'n' roll in the United States. Its definitely directed towards a British audience, and it often sounds like the author has never even been to New York--although I'm sure he has. At one point he calls New Jersey one of the outer boroughs of New York City! However, this little mistake is symptomatic of the book's other major failing--lack of editing. Phrases like:
"establishing a reputation as being part of New York's avant garde" (pg. 91) are typical. He has a strange obsession with hyphenated adjectival phrases as well. The following paragraph can serve as an example of bad editing and bad research:
"Despite the blue-collar no-nonsense rock of Springsteen and the fist-raising right-on righteousness of Lennon, the lumbering giant that was progressive stadium rock, led by Zeppelin, along with its smoother-sounding country cousins and well-meaning singer-songwriters seemed to have set the pattern for rock as we know it in tablets of stone. Indeed, its detractors were calling it 'Stone Age rock', played by musical dinosaurs. And its detractors were many."
(The detractors were vocal, but not many when compared to the number of fans these bands had.)
However, I think the real danger here would be to buy this book in the hopes of learning about New York City's rock music. There are so many mistakes and misstatements, it would be a horrible place to start. On pg. 9 he claims that "an honesty of approach and lack of pretension" characterizes "a New York attitude generally." (!?) Although I'm not sure what "honesty of approach" means anyway, it's somewhat shocking that anyone would characterize New York as not pretentious.
I understand the need to write a book quickly to fulfill a perceived void in the market (apparently rabid Strokes fans desperate to understand the rock-crit mumbo-jumbo surround the band), but this book only disappoints.
Book Description
For most people, the game of blackjack provides excitement and entertainment--and somewhat erratic results. Although we may know the basic rules and even a few strategies, most of us still manage to lose our stakes time and again. Now, gambling columnist and blackjack expert Mike "Bootlegger" Turner has written the perfect guide to help the average player turn the tables.
Bootlegger's 200 Proof Blackjack begins by explaining the basics of blackjack. It then analyzes the most effective strategies for increasing your odds of winning. Included are discussions of money management for strategic and advantage play, tips for avoiding common pitfalls, and a unique section on using the casinos' promotional money to play. For more passionate players, the book offers simple instructions on the best card-counting system for novice counters. Throughout, easy-to-follow tables and card hands illustrate strategies. And an added bonus, each book includes a pocket-sized "Quick-Reference Guide" that you can use at the tables.
If you enjoy walking out with the casino's money, as well as your own, Bootlegger's 200 Proof Blackjack is the place to start your winning education.
Average customer rating:
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Bootlegger's 200 Proof Blackjack
Manufacturer: DEEP BOOKS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Blackjack
| Gambling
| Puzzles & Games
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ASIN: B000GTEVQY |
Book Description
- Completely updated for all the new tax laws
- Capitalize on every deduction!
- Sole proprietor, corporation, or partnership?
The Ultimate Guide to Running a Tax-Efficient Home-Based Business
The advantages of operating a home-based business are countless, but what many owners don't realize, and are often not prepared to handle, are the host of complex tax issues surrounding a home-based business. The completely updated Fifth
Edition of J.K. Lasser's Taxes Made Easy for Your Home-Based Business clarifies the current tax environment with regard to home-based businesses, and shows you how to make the most of the new tax laws.
This perennial guide answers home-based business owners' questions, with a special focus on the changing tax laws and deductions for the home office. Expert advice and in-depth insights will help you avoid costly mistakes and take advantage of opportunities you would otherwise miss.
Critical coverage will help you:
- Navigate the details of the new tax laws and IRS rules
- Increase your knowledge of deductible expenses
- Keep your records up to IRS standards
- Organize and run a home-based business for maximum tax benefits
- Make filing easy by utilizing sample tax forms
Customer Reviews:
The best starting point for Home-based Businesses.......2004-01-18
This book, without any doubt, is the best starting point around for those of us who are starting a home-based business. However, words of warning:
-This is a reference. Do not assume you know all there is to know to your particular situation only by reading it. There is no good substitute for an accountant to help you with your business taxes, if not on an on-going basis, at least in order to get you going the first time you do your biz taxes.
-Watch for past editions. I ran into the 4th edition, and given changes in tax legislation, it is unwise to base any decisions on outdated (tax) information. Make sure you always read the latest edition of this book.
This said, I highly recommend this book for any business owner starting his/her business from home. It will give you a very good perspective on what to expect, what things you can change/improve to take full (and legal) advantage of the benefits the tax legislation offers to small business owners.
Excellent Introduction to Taxes For Your Home-Based Business.......2003-07-30
"J.K. Lasser's Taxes Made Easy For Your Home-Based Business: The Ultimate Tax Handbook For the Self-Employed" by Gary W. Carter is a great book for home-based business owners and especially for those who operate as sole proprietors.
I found the first chapter, "Legislative, Administrative, and Judicial Authority" a bit slow and skipped most of it. (It's well-written and authoritative. I just don't care too much about the internal workings of the tax system).
Discussing the Supreme Court, Carter writes: "...the Supreme Court has complete discretion over whether it will hear a case. A party requests a hearing by Writ of Certiorari. If at least four members of the Court believe the issue is of sufficient importance to be heard by the Court it will grant the Writ (cert. Granted). Most often, however, it will deny jurisdiction (cert. Denied). ..."
But, it sounds like denied Writs aren't completely bad. Carter continues: "Furthermore, even when the Supreme Court steps in and handles a tax case, its decision often has the effect of muddling the issues rather than clarifying them, leaving us even more confused and bewildered. ... [Y]ou can see that the answers to tax questions often are not clear-cut. Sometimes, when the IRS says no, the courts say yes; or some courts say yes and other courts say maybe. Having an appreciation for this puts you at an advantage when dealing with the IRS. You should never submit to an IRS agent's adjustment of your returns unless it is backed up by appropriate authoritative support. The next section tells you how to find the various sources of authority."
Carter then shows us how to learn about tax law using online and other resources.
A good section of Chapter One for those facing an audit is "The Audit Process And Your Appeal Rights." But, if you aren't facing an audit, you can probably skip that section also.
Another section of Chapter One I found useful was "Letter Rulings," which discusses how taxpayers can ask the IRS in advance how certain transactions will be treated. (There is a fee for this service. The fee can be more than $5,000, but Carter tells us that for those with income under $150,000 the cost is only $500. And, for business owners asking about business-tax topics, the fee is also $500, if the company's annual revenue is $1 million or less.)
We learn that a letter ruling is actually a contract between the IRS and the taxpayer. So, getting a letter ruling is better than just asking the IRS for general about how something should be treated. And, Carter tells us that because a letter ruling is a contract between that particular taxpayer and the IRS, we shouldn't rely upon someone else's letter ruling to determine how our similar transaction will be treated.
So, if you have a question about how the IRS will treat a certain transaction that means a great deal to you, asking for a letter ruling will clarify the situation for you and provide certainty. You won't wind up at your Writ's end in the process.
Chapter Three introduces the reader to the basic business structures: Sole Proprietorships, Partnerships, LLC's, C-Corporations, and S-Corporations. Various advantages and disadvantages of each business structure are discussed, along with options for retirement plans and information about dealing with health insurance.
A large section of the book discusses the home office deduction and home-specific expenses. For example, deductions for daycare providers are covered as are the rules for being able to claim a deduction for the use of your home.
One chapter covers IRS form 8829, "Expenses For Business Use of Your Home" in detail and another chapter covers automobile deductions.
Chapter 12 works a comprehensive example, showing a sole proprietor's tax returns, including the IRS Form 1040, Schedule A, Schedule C (the heart of a sole proprietorship business), Schedule SE (for Self-Employment tax), Form 4562 "Depreciation and Amortization," and Form 8829.
The chapter "Other Common Business Deductions" covers deducting meals, entertainment, computer software, magazine subscriptions, and books.
For example, we learn that the Section 179 deduction (which allows a taxpayer to write-off as a current year expense the cost of certain assets that are normally depreciated over a number of years) doesn't apply to software, because Section 179 only applies to tangible property, and software is intangible.
Carter writes: "If you purchase books for business or investment purposes having only short term value (a tax guide like this one, for example), you can deduct their entire cost in the year of purchase. Books of a more lasting value are seven-year property for depreciation purposes. ... Because books are tangible personal property, they qualify for the Section 179 election if they are purchased for business purposes...make the Section 179 election by putting them in Part I of Form 4562..."
Carter gives a great quote from lawyer and writer John Grisham: "It's a game. We [tax lawyers] teach the rich how to play it so they can stay rich-and the IRS keeps changing the rules so we can keep getting rich teaching them."
If you want to learn how to play the small business tax game, "J.K. Lasser's Taxes Made Easy For Your Home-Based Business: The Ultimate Tax Handbook for the Self-Employed" is an excellent resource. Don't feel you must read this book cover-to-cover. Just jump around finding the stuff that's specific to your own situation.
Peter Hupalo, Author of "Thinking Like An Entrepreneur" & "How To Start And Run Your Own Corporation: S-Corporations For Small Business Owners."
A must for budding entrepreneurs.......2002-12-05
Offers numerous ways to save money on taxes for home-based businesses by educating on deductible expenses, types of accounting methods, how to manage record-keeping, and the latest tax laws to name a few. Lots of examples make the book easy to understand. A real eye-opener.
Books:
- Queen of Diamonds: The Fabled Legacy of Evalyn Walsh McLean
- Red Carpet Diaries: Confessions of a Glamour Boy
- Reflections: Life After the White House
- Rich in Good Works: Mary M. Emery of Cincinnati (Ohio History and Culture)
- Richard & Philip: The Burtons : A Book of Memories
- Rothschild: A Story of Wealth and Power
- Sara and Eleanor: The Story of Sara Delano Roosevelt and Her Daughter-in-Law, Eleanor Roosevelt
- SAVING BODY & SOUL: THE MISSION OF MARY JO COPELAND, CD INCLUDED
- Seeking the Secret Place: The Spiritual Formation of C. S. Lewis
- Seinfeld: The Making of an American Icon
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Animal Farm
- Blindness
- Bootmaker to the Nation: The Story of the American Revolution
- Black Women in America
- Bastard Prince: Henry VIII's Lost Son
- Classical Electrodynamics Third Edition
- Birds and Light
- A Life of George Westinghouse
- Communities in Economic Crisis: Appalachia and the South
- A Natural History of Ferns
Six Red Months in Russia
Ten days that Shook the World (Penguin Twentieth-Century Classics)
Romantic Revolutionary: A Biography of John Reed
So Short a Time; A Biography of John Reed and Louise Bryant.
Reds (Special 25th Aniversary Collector's Edition)
