Best General Broadcasting
Tolkien's three-volume epic, is set in the imaginary world of Middle-earth - home to many strange beings, and most notably hobbits, a peace-loving "little people," cheerful and shy. Donald Barr has described it as "a scrubbed morning world, and a ringing nightmare world...especially sunlit, and shadowed by perils very fundamental, of a peculiarly uncompounded darkness." Sixty unremarkable years have passed since his triumphant return from the orcmines, where he outwitted the horrible Gollum and carried off his magical ring----a feat that cannot go forever unavenged.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I'll keep it brief, this is not a review of the actual story but of this specific edition."
"I did a ton of research and decided upon this version (ISBN 116-1749849-2513827), illustrated by Alan Lee and published by Harper Collins in June 2014 (I am adding these details because the Amazon.com site does not make it clear what this version is). The only drawback is that the facsimile pages of the Book of Mazarbul was not included, which I found to be surprising and a bit disappointing Also, the ring inscription and the Gandalf "rune" are printed in black rather than silver and red. Probably the main issue is the clear plastic slipcover, which is barely bigger than the book itself, and it is difficult to slip the book back inside it after taking it out."
"The font size seems to be based on the length of the books, the longer the books are, the smaller the font is (I suppose this was in order to keep them pocket-sized as well as consistent with the sizes of the other books throughout the set)."
"Most readers shouldn’t have an issue when you consider how comfortable the book is to hold in one hand. It’s a matte vinyl material that has a leather feel with recessed and stained cover lettering. After reading The Hobbit, with no special care, there were no creases in the outer binding."
"The copy I received, however, has a fairly significant manufacturing defect in that the pages of 'The Hobbit' were not cut properly."
"A terribly thick pocket book with dense letters offsets all the convenience this form of book should bring to us."
Beginning with his journey from the small town of Moncks Corner, South Carolina to his headline grabbing interviews with celebrities like Justin Bieber, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, and Hillary Clinton, he shares how he turned his troubled early life around by owning his (many) mistakes and refusing to give up on his dreams, even after his controversial opinions got him fired from several on-air jobs. “After meeting this young man I was impressed by his real desire to be relevant and his genuine yearning to leave meaningful footprints in the sand, this book is just that: a young man passing on relevant knowledge and experiences to help others better their position in life. “South Carolina has produced some really beautiful, talented, smart, upstanding citizens…..and Charlamagne!” --Stephen Colbert.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Self-help, or otherwise, this book had so much valuable information about getting through life told from a man who at best I knew from seeing him on VH-1 and listening to the Breakfast Club. As I listened to this book, I felt like I was sitting in a room and he was telling me what was wrong with me, how I got there, but most importantly that I had the power to get myself out and into a better situation. The kind of cry you have when you thought you had run out of tears and where you feel it in the pit of your stomach. I had been praying for guidance and God in his wisdom lead me to purchase your book and it is one that will be prominently on my bookshelf, in my headphones and on my iPhone."
"This book should be mandatory reading for pretty much everyone, but ESPECIALLY teenagers today."
"As an African American I say this a must read for urban youth but also for anyone of that matter seeking a practical approaches to day to day life supported by the raw experiences of the author who overcame many adversities to be able to share his testimony and have built a platform that has been so influential in bringing information from various aspects to the forefront."
"This was a great read."
"started off a little slow, but I really enjoyed the read, enjoyed some of the lessons, and just hope it reaches those who need to read it about a Black guy, kind of lost, parents who loved him, father who regardless of his relationships with the overall family, he was one hell of a father."
"Very informative and enlightening read."
"this book told me what I already knew, yet helped me realized damn....im hella lazy and mostly procrastinating."
A touching, funny, heart-wrenching, and triumphant memoir from one of the biggest names in radio, the host of The Bobby Bones Show , one of the most listened-to drive time morning radio shows in the nation. Abandoned by his father at the age of five, Bobby saw the radio as his way out—a dream that came true in college when he went on air at the Henderson State University campus station broadcasting as Bobby Bones, while simultaneously starting The Bobby Bones Show at 105.9 KLAZ. From Mountain Pine To Your Morning Drive . Millions of radio listeners nationwide tune in every morning to The Bobby Bones Show , the most popular country music show in America.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"If youve been a listener for a while then you have heard most of the stories but it was also cool to get a glimpse into Bobby's head about what he was going through/feeling at certain times of his life .."
"I've been debating suggesting the book to a friend, because I constantly recommend the radio show to her, but I don't know how engaging the book is to someone who doesn't know BB through his radio show."
"Good book, most if not all the stories I had heard before but Bobby goes into more detail than on air."
"Loved all of the stories in the book, from growing up in a small Arkansas town, to how he got started in radio to meeting all the celebrities."
"I found myself getting lost in this book, feeling like I was reading my best friend's story. It only took me about a day and a half to finish this book but it was time well spent."
"This book truly touched my heart, as I too was a child of a teenage mom, and the thought that her live might have been better if I had not been born has crossed my mine a lot as I was growing up."
"He is vulnerable in telling his story and it's obvious that he is telling it to not only show the reader that they aren't alone out there, but he's telling it so he won't feel alone in his journey through life."
"Anyone who is looking for something; a sign, a message, an epiphany, an 'ah-ha moment' should take the time to read this book. Don't read it just because it's a #1 best seller, don't read it because someone has forced your hand, or you have given into peer pressure."
Best Radio
Beginning with his journey from the small town of Moncks Corner, South Carolina to his headline grabbing interviews with celebrities like Justin Bieber, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, and Hillary Clinton, he shares how he turned his troubled early life around by owning his (many) mistakes and refusing to give up on his dreams, even after his controversial opinions got him fired from several on-air jobs. “After meeting this young man I was impressed by his real desire to be relevant and his genuine yearning to leave meaningful footprints in the sand, this book is just that: a young man passing on relevant knowledge and experiences to help others better their position in life. And stop asking questions about my butt.” --Lena Dunham. “Charlamagne is a great friend.....after you threaten to punch him in the face a few times.” --La La Anthony. “South Carolina has produced some really beautiful, talented, smart, upstanding citizens…..and Charlamagne!” --Stephen Colbert. “Charlamagne is a f*cking asshole, but he's my favorite one."
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Self-help, or otherwise, this book had so much valuable information about getting through life told from a man who at best I knew from seeing him on VH-1 and listening to the Breakfast Club. As I listened to this book, I felt like I was sitting in a room and he was telling me what was wrong with me, how I got there, but most importantly that I had the power to get myself out and into a better situation. The kind of cry you have when you thought you had run out of tears and where you feel it in the pit of your stomach. I had been praying for guidance and God in his wisdom lead me to purchase your book and it is one that will be prominently on my bookshelf, in my headphones and on my iPhone."
"This book should be mandatory reading for pretty much everyone, but ESPECIALLY teenagers today."
"As an African American I say this a must read for urban youth but also for anyone of that matter seeking a practical approaches to day to day life supported by the raw experiences of the author who overcame many adversities to be able to share his testimony and have built a platform that has been so influential in bringing information from various aspects to the forefront."
"started off a little slow, but I really enjoyed the read, enjoyed some of the lessons, and just hope it reaches those who need to read it about a Black guy, kind of lost, parents who loved him, father who regardless of his relationships with the overall family, he was one hell of a father."
"Very informative and enlightening read."
"Awesome Book."
"It's informative, funny, inspiring and empowering as my review title states."
Best Radio
Tolkien's three-volume epic, is set in the imaginary world of Middle-earth - home to many strange beings, and most notably hobbits, a peace-loving "little people," cheerful and shy. Donald Barr has described it as "a scrubbed morning world, and a ringing nightmare world...especially sunlit, and shadowed by perils very fundamental, of a peculiarly uncompounded darkness." Sixty unremarkable years have passed since his triumphant return from the orcmines, where he outwitted the horrible Gollum and carried off his magical ring----a feat that cannot go forever unavenged.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"I'll keep it brief, this is not a review of the actual story but of this specific edition."
"I did a ton of research and decided upon this version (ISBN 116-1749849-2513827), illustrated by Alan Lee and published by Harper Collins in June 2014 (I am adding these details because the Amazon.com site does not make it clear what this version is). The only drawback is that the facsimile pages of the Book of Mazarbul was not included, which I found to be surprising and a bit disappointing Also, the ring inscription and the Gandalf "rune" are printed in black rather than silver and red. Probably the main issue is the clear plastic slipcover, which is barely bigger than the book itself, and it is difficult to slip the book back inside it after taking it out."
"The font size seems to be based on the length of the books, the longer the books are, the smaller the font is (I suppose this was in order to keep them pocket-sized as well as consistent with the sizes of the other books throughout the set)."
"Most readers shouldn’t have an issue when you consider how comfortable the book is to hold in one hand. It’s a matte vinyl material that has a leather feel with recessed and stained cover lettering. After reading The Hobbit, with no special care, there were no creases in the outer binding."
"The copy I received, however, has a fairly significant manufacturing defect in that the pages of 'The Hobbit' were not cut properly."
"A terribly thick pocket book with dense letters offsets all the convenience this form of book should bring to us."
Best Biographies of Actors & Entertainers
Put them together and you have the funniest, most heartfelt, and most inspirational memoir on survival, success, and the importance of believing in yourself since Old Yeller . Kevin Hart’s life uniquely qualifies him to write this book by also having a beginning. But Kevin Hart, like Ernest Hemingway, JK Rowling, and Chocolate Droppa before him, was able to defy the odds and turn it around. And that man happens to be the biggest comedian in the world, with tours that sell out football stadiums and films that have collectively grossed over $3.5 billion. His films, including Kevin Hart: What Now?
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"With a father who was a criminal with substance abuse problems and a mother who was basically raising him on her own in a tough Philadelphia neighborhood, Kevin could have been a bitter, resentful victim of the system. Don't get me wrong, this book is laugh out loud funny, but what kept me reading through the night were the amazing insights and the overwhelming sense of gratitude exuded by Mr. Hart."
"For starters, the writing in 'I Can't Make This Up' is impeccable, feels like conversation with Kevin Hart, himself. There were several instances throughout the early reading that I felt myself wishing that I could reach through a time portal and give that kid a hug. Likewise, I find it courageous and at times, unsettling that he chose to disclose his entire truth, including the ugly parts."
"a phenomenal job by Kevin Hart!"
"But I also care about the technicalities of writing because a good story can go terribly wrong if it is disorganized, under-thought, poorly written, rushed, you name it. I Can't Make This Up: Life Lessons delivered on every level for me. And finally, the story: thorough, interesting, free of indulgent self-flattery, brutally honest, raw (by "raw" I mean without frivolous embellishment--what you see is what you get), inspiring, and it may or may not go without saying: hysterically funny despite consistently challenging--even devastatiing--life circumstances. The example he sets in accepting his downfalls, righting his wrongs, transforming his approach to relationships and life, and moving forward with his "grind" with life lessons in tow is commendable."
"I would recommend this book if you want to know more about Kevin Hart or if you're looking for a well written book that is raw and real with a bit of self help lessons included."
Best Books on Cassette
A humorous and practical approach from one of the most successful voice-over actors in Hollywood. Patrick Fraley, one of the most successful voice-over actors in the industry, has performed in thousands of TV and radio commercials, 27 feature motion pictures, including The Fisher King , and has lectured and taught at more than 100 schools.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"This "professional guide" is really for everyone; speakers, lecturers and teachers who want to enliven their speech; actors who want to make additional income in radio advertising or who want to expand their on-stage presentation; parents who want to read stories to their kids with real impact."
"Great advice on the nature of the voice over business and how to create and do more than just survive in the biz."
"I consider myself a premier voice actor with great abilities but Patrick Fraley really taught me more than that, he taught me to dig into the acting side of the business and learn exactly what steps to take to prepare and train yourself to CATALOG your voices you create."
"...and he is truly the master journeyman of this trade."
Best Radio Reference
Use with ARRL s online Exam Review for Ham Radio. Welcome to Amateur Radio. Radio and Signals Fundamentals. Electricity, Components, and Circuits. Propagation, Antennas, and Feed Lines. Amateur Radio Equipment. Communicating With Other Hams. Licensing Regulations. Operating Regulations. Safety. As you complete each chapter of this book, use ARRL's online Exam Review for Ham Radio to help prepare you for exam day. Once you've finished this book, use the online service to take practice exams with the same number and variety of questions that you'll encounter on exam day.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Some of the other books that I see concentrate more on passing the test by learning the test questions than actually teaching the material."
"Even though you could simply memorize the questions from the FCC test bank, you'll be missing out on a great amount of information that's useful to the new ham operator."
"After the training material, there is an excellent glossary, the complete exam question pool (with correct answers indicated), as well as a supplementary chapter on choosing a ham radio. Excellent graphics -- lots of tables, charts, photographs, and line drawings. As much as I love my e-Ink Kindle, this is the sort of book that is better in paper and in a large format. Table of Contents for the course material -- Radio and Signals Fundamentals; Electricity, Components, and Circuits; Propagation, Antennas, and Feed Lines; Amateur Radio Equipment; Communicating With Other Hams; Licensing Regulations; Operating Regulations; and Safety."
"Or, you can go to hamtestlone.com, pay about the same amount of money and, after studying diligently, in a week pass the course. I HIGHLY recommend getting the book AND signing up for the course. I have NO affiliation with hamtestonline.com other than 10/15/2016 took and passed my Extra Class license exam."
"You will find yourself opening the book to your current topic while you surf the web on related questions, and rather than damage the binding trying to get it to lay open, the spiral binding lets you easily just lay the book flat ... and it keeps your place."
"If you want study material that will teach you everything you need to know to pass the Technician portion of the exam, this book is it."
Best Radio History & Criticism
Blaring the Cream anthem “I Feel Free,” WBCN went on the air in March 1968 as an experiment in free-form rock on the fledgling FM radio band. “Alan’s book traces WBCN’s unassuming birth from the ashes of a classical music station in 1968, through its heyday as the ‘Rock of Boston’ in the ‘70s and ‘80s, to its demise in 2009, when, Alan writes, the station was ‘drained of its blood in the consolidated radio industry of the new century.’ To recount the story, Alan interviewed most every personality involved and willing to speak on the record.”— Boston Globe.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Anyone who loved and listened to this late great radio station will appreciate what's been written here, fondly remembering the DJs and volunteers who staffed the enterprise over the years and the amazing MUSIC that held it all together. It was on 'BCN that I was first exposed to everyone from Robert Johnson and Richard & Mimi Farina to Jonathan Richman and Joy Of Cooking to Spirit, Love and Pentangle to Peter Ivers, White Noise, the Velvet Underground, Frank Zappa's Mothers Of Invention, Steve Reich, Sun Ra and the outer reaches of the avant-garde. I can still remember moments and highlights from the early days, like one late night when a DJ whose identity I can't recall was creating this crazy sound collage that flowed on for some forty minutes interspersing the Firesign (not "Fireside") Theatre's third album with snippets from Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin's "Je t'Aime (Moi Non Plus)" and Ravel's Bolero and an obscure spoken word composition by Takemitsu that I didn't hear again for over three decades. By the time I graduated from Milford High School (Charles Laquidara's alma mater, FYI) in the Bicentennial year of 1976 and left the area to go to school in San Diego, the "American Revolution" was finished as far as I was concerned and I'd already started exploring other stations at the low end of the FM dial, college stations out of Brandeis and Brown Universities which kept the torch of truly freeform radio burning brightly as WBCN inched closer and closer to the mainstream as the years drew on."
"This book blew me away for it's depth and rendering of the decades where BCN ruled the radio universe."
"If you're a person "of a certain age" who grew up listening to WBCN in the 1970's and 1980's, this is an amazing read that paints a fantastic picture of what was going on on the other side of the microphone (or turntable)."
"The reason I do not give it 5 stars is there is some conspicuous details missing and I am guessing it is due to Mr Alan carefully editing a few details to protect his friends."
"I can remember finding 104.1 as I lie in bed turning the thumb dial on the side of my TRANSISTOR radio, the single, nipple-shaped plug embedded in my ear, and wondering if I had tapped into one of those mythical Mexican border stations Wolfman Jack was rumored to have broadcast from."
"I worked in Boston Radio during much of the time covered, and am still in touch with a couple of people mentioned (Capt. It was good to have to complete story filled in on what was "the" Boston Radio station for many, many years."