5 comments about From Mother and Daughter to Friends: A Memoir.

1. Bottom line of this book is how can any celebrity treat their mother like dirt and not have anything to do with her for 9 years just over one stupid TV interview. I guess Jennifer does not have a forgiving bone in her body. She dumped her own mother and began clinging to Courtney Cox as her surrogate mother. If anything, Jennifer is the needy, whiney and insecure and selfish person here - not Nancy Aniston. Nancy has gone through horrifying things in her life and did not have a nervous breakdown and was able to care for and nuture Jennifer and what did Nancy get for that? A big, fat kick in the rear. Children are not perfect and neither are their mothers. Talk to each other and work things out is what you do. There are too many children who are treating their parents this way nowadays. Why? Because they don't want to be bothered - they don't want to spend time with them as they are too busy with their own lives and family. It is sickening. Family values have gone out the window. I think Nancy wrote a true and honest heartfelt account of her life which does include Jennifer whether Jennifer likes it or not. Nancy has every right to write a book if she wanted to. Everything is not all about Jennifer. What? Jennifer becomes a movie and TV star so her whole family has to stop existing and speaking?
   Pa-leeze...



2. i think this is a great warning to women who give their whole life away to their husbands and leave nothing for themselves.
   I feel bad that Jen's mom would reveal too many intimite details of her life. Nancy shouldn't have revealed as much as she did and I get the impression that she hid a lot of facts
   from us. I feel for Jen and I like her even more now because of the book. Her mom did a good job of portraying jen in a good light and i do hope they can reconcile. I've heard that they have. I also hope that Jen can help her mom financially, since it is hard to be a full time mom and that rat ex of hers left her with hardly anything.



3. Nancy Aniston is a very bitter woman. Her memoir is written with such condescension about her family and friends that one wonders if her psycho bable camaflages her self centered personality. It is clear she is jealous of her daughter's celebrity status and wants the world to know how responsible she was for Jennifers talent, only to be rejecterd by Jennifer in favor of hangers on and Jonnie come- late-lies. (lies?, that's interesting how that spilled out.)) The memoir is revenge against Jenifer, and is ugly and in bad taste.



4. This is one of the most trite books I have ever picked up to read. The entire story is that of a desperate woman trying to understand why her famous daughter no longer desires a relationship with her...well it is obvious! She sold her out once during a television interview and in her attempt to rekindle the relationship she sold her out again by writing this trashy novel.
   Throughout the book she attempts to appear deep, when really her writing comes off worse than a beginning writing course at a community college.
   This book is a serious waste of time and money, and frankly if I were Jennifer Aniston I wouldn't bother with a mother like that either.



5. I just finished this book, and I can't believe the reviews I've seen here. Did I read the same book as the rest of you? It seemed to me to be a thoughtful, sincere effort to understand the sad estrangement from her only daughter. One television interview warrants 8YEARS OF SILENCE? Give me a break!!! While the actors on Friends are certainly talented, no one deserves that kind of money! Her mother did without all those years, supported her, emotionally and otherwise, and this is how she is treated? I don't think the mother is self-centered, egotistical or borderline, at all. It sounds to me more like you're describing her daughter. I'm a firm believer of "Karma", and I really believe this will come back around to haunt Jennifer. I would give anything to have my wonderful mother here to talk to. I think Nancy Aniston has done a courageous job of "getting on with her life". I totally recommend this book. Karol Santiago

2 comments about Improv Ideas: A Book of Games And Lists.

1. It isn't often that you can find one book that will work with 8-12 year olds and also with adults, but the exercises in this book can easily be adapted for all ages. They could also be used in a regular classroom setting to encourage critical thinking about circumstances, emotions, or they can be placed in a historical setting. I especially like having the CD of the printed pages to work with. A "must have" piece for teachers of all ages.



2. Cross-referenced and indexed twelve ways, Improve Ideas packs a cd-rom filled with printable PDF files of every list with a compendium of games which have been compiled and created by the authors so its contents won't be duplicated elsewhere. Improve ideas for up to 4 players provide would-be actors with plenty of acting options.

No comments about Control Systems for Live Entertainment, Third Edition.

3 comments about Light on the Subject: Stage Lighting for Directors and Actors - And the Rest of Us.

1. I'm guy who likes the technical. This book leaps right into the technical with hopes that you'll swallow it whole. That is not a non-technical approach. Far from it. It overwhelmed even me, who was ready to get into the nitty-gritty. A few more diagrams and a little more patience would have made the first part of the book better.

   The second part of the book, which concentrates on theory, is more fun, mostly because of the anecdotes. I wish Mr. Hays had been more generous with the anecdotes, because they are informative as well as interesting. What comes across loud and clear is the artistry of not only lighting designers, but the entire tech crew.

   I have not read any other books on theater lighting, but this book was certainly more informative than classes I have taken. I can't endorse it fully, since most left-hand pages are nearly blank-- Hays puts short quotes by novelists in that describe light in terms of emotion. The quotes would be better in their own section. And it is not as "non-technical" as advertised. However, all this is probably compensated by, for most theater people, the handy glossary which includes pictures of different kinds of lights-- invaluable!

   I hate to give anything a mixed review, but hopefully you can determine from the description above whether this is the book you are looking for.




2. This is an excellent introduction to the world of Lighting Design for the non designer. It is an enjoyable quick read as well. Its a great way for someone in the theatre to understand what Lighting Designers and technicians auctually do.



3. As a theatre lighting proffesional I found this book to be very enjoyable and the antidotes were lively and easily related to. A general good book with very little technical jargon and stories that you'll tell to a hysterically laughing crew at cue to cue's!!! A must for designers and the rest of the industry!

5 comments about Colored Museum.

1. If anyone knows where to find a video of "The Colored Museum" that was aired on PBS in 1991, any advice would be appreciated!
   My email: carlahealy@aol.com



2. If anyone knows where I can by a VHS please email me at warnerbaker@hotmail.com. Thanx



3. I love this work and remember seeing a theatrical production of it on PBS' Great Performances. Does Anyone Know Where I Can Buy A Video Of This Production?

   My email address is wtellis@nyc.rr.com

   Thanks




4. The creative and imaginative pen of Geroge C. Wolfe "paints" a canvas of honesty through humor and reflection. How often do we get to laugh at ourselves while educating yourself and others? I have used The Colored Museum in teaching liturature to my urban students and it provided a vehicle that allowed them to express a deeper understanding of themselves. Very seldom does that happen.



5. George C. Wolfe's play details the African-American experience, shocking the reader more and more. This shock is meant to portray the outrage and sheer madness that the situation of blacks in America provokes. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, sometimes electrifying and political, this play is a masterwork that attacks various issues in African-American life.

5 comments about The Mercy Seat.

1. Leave it to Neil Labute to provide a view of September 11th that has little to do with waving flags and stalwart heroes. On the contrary, his tale deals with people too self-absorbed and cowardly to act in any way other than that which satisfies their own immediate desires. They realize they are in the middle of a national tragedy, and they want to be brave and selfless, but it's not in them. This is a situation that probably occured all over this country in the days following the attacks, but of course was never reported. Deception and adultery don't make good press in a time when we're all supposed to be united and courageous. LaBute shows us the truth, ugly though it is. A worthy read.



2. ...of course, with plenty of LaBute's sometimes heavy-handed misanthropy. I originally began reading LaBute's plays after seeing Bash, and while I'll say that that one is better (everyone should read it!), I'll say that Mercy Seat is second only to that play for honest-to-god squirm-in-your-seat disgust at humanity's...human-ness.
   
   Here in America, the gimme-gimme capital of the world, it's easy to pretend you don't see the poor, the sick, and the war-ravaged (especially since they're across the ocean). Then on Tuesday, September 11th, 2001 America got a huge wake-up call--we were the war-ravaged for once. The Mercy Seat, set on Wedensday, September 12th, is a multi-layered examination of just how deep our image of concern for fellow man really went in those troubled days. According to Neil LaBute, not very far.
   
   LaBute's play is the story of Abby Prescott and Ben Harcourt, two self-absorbed New Yorkers--that is, they were a day ago, before "9-11". Did the tragedy that befell their coworkers, friends, and family change their attitude? Not at all. In fact, their selfishness is what saved their lives; if Ben hadn't been cheating on his wife, they would have actually been at work like he told his wife.
   
   With brutal honesty and the kind of cruel, biting wit, LaBute shapes the morning of September 12th and asks the sort of questions many Americans pretend they don't think about: If something doesn't affect you personally, does it affect you? Are your loved ones really more important than yourself? If you could, would you erase everything for the chance to try again--do it "right"--no wife, kids, responsibility?



3. I'm fascinated by arguing and the dynamics of arguments. The part I liked best about Labute's "Your Friends and Neighbors" was the arguing between Ben Stiller and Catherine Keener. That argument only lasted for about five minutes, so the fact that Mercy Seat is an hour-long argument is treat for someone like me.
   
   This play has only two characters, and it is extremely fascinating and extremely complex. Ben Harcourt is Labute's typical Aaron Eckhart character. But I think that Abby Prescott's character type is new for Labute. She's a very smart, and seemingly genuine and nice woman.
   
   Labute says in the introduction that this is his first play solely about relationships. He does an excellent job. My only recommendation is to skip Labute's introduction to the play until you've read it through once. It's an extremely cool intro, but I feel that it gives away too much of the plot.



4. Labute has once again proved to be one of the great authors of the 20th/21st century. His style allows one to grab into characters, not only because of their actions, but because they are one of our own. These people remind of us us. Of ourselves. We see things we do not like, but must understand. The Mercy Seat is just the latest example of an amazing work, but one of the great American authors around today.



5. Labute masterminded "In the Company of Men," "Your Friends and Neighbors," the absolutely brilliant, "The Shape of Things," now brings to the stage, "Mercy Seat". Set the day after September 11, "Mercy Seat" is the story of Ben Harcourt and Abby Prescott. Set in Abby's downtown apartment, the play explores their relationship and selfishness in light of a national tragedy. The ending, as any play from Labute--comes as a surprise, sadly, the climax is somewhat of a let down. I'm not going to give away the ending and I'm well aware of what the relationship is there to show/represent, but I think my biggest problem with, "Mercy Seat" was that I didn't care about that characters, through out the majority of the play there fighting or nagging at each other. It got to the point where I would rather them shut up, than reveal anything to progress the story. I like the idea behind "Mercy Seat," the thought that two people could be a couple of blocks away from this disaster and be so caught up in themselves... I just don't think it was executed as well as it could have been. In the end, we just don't care--there are bigger and better things going on outside that window and Ben and Abby...well, it seems like they're just there. If you've never read Labute, pick up a copy of "Shape of Things," you will NOT regret it. If you've never seen Labute, go out and rent, "In the Company of Men". If you LOVE Labute, go ahead with "Mercy Seat," it's not bad, it's still witty and clever, and the dialouge is just incredible--back and forth, back and forth, he really owns this relationship, but it's just not his best. This is character piece...

5 comments about The Little Capoeira Book.

1. I'll be perfectly honest. With my short attention span I have at times, I havn't done much in the way of practicing through the use of this book. But what I have practiced using it, I was able to figure out easily thanks to the diagrams and explanations in it. This book was also able to make me hold the interest I first had in Capoeria before finding it with the additional sections that talk about the styles history and the philosiphies behind the art.
   
   If you want a book on Capoeria that will hold your attention for a good long time, than you'll deffiantley want this one! Just don't assume that you'll be able to catch on to the style immediatley though, this book also proves that Capoeria isn't something you can pick up right away. ;D



2. great read for people new to capoeira that want to have a more comprehensive review of the history, music, and game. also has an interesting review of a conference that discusses capoeira in US and Europe, which is very useful to read to learn about the different trends and mestres around. definitely recommend it!



3. I found this book to be an entertaining and informative read which discusses the game of capoeira on many levels from the philosophy through to movements and drills. It's a well rounded book and I reccomend that you give it a read if you are interested in capoeira (and even in philosophy).



4. I grant I'm starting out but this book has amazing insight on the philosophy and moves. Reminding that creativity is as important as learning the moves that have come from those before us. He also gives exersies that can be done when a person can't get to the roda of his instructor/mestre. After this book I'm gonna have to read more books about capoeira as well as from Nestor cause he was able to explain more than I thought could be put in a book.



5. This book has been out for quite a while now and even now, in 2006 the book is still helpful. I'm new to the Capoeira lifestyle and reading this book has been extremely helpful in gaining more knowledge about the history as well as the many different movements involved with this awesome martial art.
   
   I definitely recommend this book to newbies and more seasoned capoeristas. I may be a little "slow" but while the illustrations are great, I got a little confused when trying to "flow" through the movements but by reading, you'll figure it out and they'll begin to feel right.
   
   Hope this helps...enjoy!

5 comments about Forensics: The Winner's Guide to Speech Contests.

1. I have competed and coached on the college level for over a decade now. This is very basic stuff that may help a new coach or first time student. It does not give much insight for an experienced person.



2. Obergs books have turned me from a shy student with a speech impediment to a National Tournament Orator. Definately a great buy!



3. I just think that this book is an excellent scource for any young debater, interper, orator, extemper, or any other typ of speech you could possibly imagine. I myself have competed and succeeded in many tournaments, and I can honestly say that reading this book has been one of the reasons!



4. This book provides all the basics to winning forensics competitions. It provides information on nearly every event, excluding CX and LD debate. I found it to be very helpful for constructing winning oratories and extemp speeches. This is a great beginning to winning your events, although most of the winning part is still up to you.



5. While perhaps not an essential book for the general reader, this book is an important resource for the many high school forensics competitors. It includes general information about how to present yourself, as well as specific chapters on each event. There are chapters on debate, student congress, oral interpretation, and public address. Unfortunately, no amount of reading about being a good speaker can make you one, but this book provides a helpful beginning

1 comments about Stage Design: A Practical Guide.

1. I bought this book to use in a stage design class, and there is a lot of basic explanation for sketching and modeling as well as illustrative pictures.

3 comments about Just Deal with It!: Funny Readers Theatre for Life's Not-So-Funny Moments (Readers Theatre).

1. This book is great for teachers, parents,grandparents and others who enjoy seeing kids learn a new skill. Reader's theater allows them to jump into interpreting a script with a minimum of "baggage." They don't need props or a stage; they just read their parts and learn to become someone else. The author suggests making copies of a script for groups, so it becomes a great activity book for a get together of kids. The kids in the book are naughty and nice, thoughtful and not. The young readers learn about human nature, conflict resolution, and how to cope with parents, while having fun pretending. Great fun!



2. This book features abundant humor that naturally appeals to kids, yet tickles adults, too. The plays are suitable for simply reading aloud or full dramatic performances and are "just right" in length - long enough to be make a point and brief enough to capture attention. I'd recommend this book for a variety of settings, including classroom, home, and youth groups. Kids will love it!



3. I bought this book for my daughter's fourth grade class, and her teacher had them perform several of the readers' theatre plays. The students had great fun, enjoyed the humor, and learned several lessons about dealing with not-so-fun situations. Diana Jenkins is a master when it comes to writing about and relating to kids. I highly recommend this title for teachers and parents who want to make reading/acting fun for upper-elementary/middle school students.