Writers and alcohol have long been associated-for some, the association becomes unmanageable. Drawing on rare sources, this collection of brief biographies traces the lives of 13 well known literary drinkers, examining how their relationship with alcohol developed and how it affected their work, for better or worse. Focusing on examples like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Charles Bukowski and Raymond Carver, the combined biographies present a study of the classic figure of the over-indulging author.

"Women stars in Hollywood were invariably in one of two categories," said director Otto Preminger. "One group was made up of women who were exploited by men, and the other, much smaller group was composed of women who survived by acting like men." Beginning with silent film vamp Theda Bara and continuing with icons like Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe and Raquel Welch, this study of film industry misogyny describes how female stars were maltreated by a sexist studio system--until women like Katharine Hepburn and Bette Davis fought for parity. The careers of Doris Day, Brigitte Bardot, Carole Landis, Francis Farmer, Dorothy Dandridge, Inger Stevens and many others are examined, along with more recent actresses like Demi Moore and Sharon Stone. Women who worked behind the scenes, writing screenplays, producing and directing without due credit, are also covered.

In chapters entitled 'The Hell of Healthy Food', 'Why you Shouldn't Diet', 'The Light-hearted Side of Weight', 'Daft Diets', and 'Food Philosophy', Aubrey Malone has collected a hilarious compendium of witticisms on the greatness of grub, from thought-provoking reflections to laugh-out-loud observations. This handy, pocket-sized book is a must-have for all those guilty epicureans and gorging gourmets wanting some food for thought.

This book offers a history of films with Biblical, spiritual, and supernatural themes. This volume follows the evolution of one of the Hollywood's longest running thematic concerns. From the silent era to the present, Sacred Profanity: Spirituality at the Movies examines the rich diversity of films with spiritual themes-films that reflect our own fascination with the divine and supernatural, while evoking the specific times in which they were created. From Birth of a Nation to Angels and Demons, Sacred Profanity discusses over 180 films with an insightful, movie lover's approach. Coverage encompasses Biblical stories like King of Kings; films about spiritual characters, such as The Nun's Story; foreign masterpieces like The Seventh Seal; movies that incorporate spiritual symbolism, such as Taxi Driver and Cool Hand Luke; horrifying visions of the Satanic like The Exorcist, and controversial works like The Last Temptation of Christ. The book also looks at the history of Hollywood's attempt to maintain moral order through censorship, as well as the growing influence of filmmakers' own spiritual beliefs on the movies we see. Comprises discussions of 184 films with religious, spiritual, or supernatural themes Includes quotes from over 100 actors, producers, directors, and critics Presents 22 seminal images from Biblical epics, films featuring priests and nuns and also films dealing with symbolic sacramental themes Offers an extensive bibliography of print and online sources for further reading Provides a comprehensive filmography of all movies discussed in the book

Punctilious to a fault, Sidney Lumet favored intense rehearsal, which enabled him to bring in most of his films under budget and under schedule. An energized director who captured the heart of New York like no other, Lumet created a vast canon of work that stands as a testament to his passionate concern for justice and his great empathy for the hundreds of people with whom he collaborated during a career that spanned over five decades. This is the first full-scale biography of Lumet, a man generally regarded as one of the most affable directors of his time. Using the oral testimonies of those who worked with him both behind and in front of the camera, this book explores Lumet's personality and working methods.

This reference helps readers navigate the perilous odyssey those of an LGBTQ orientation had to face in an age less enlightened than our own, when an attraction to members of the same gender could lead to horrendous abuse. Just as American society has changed dramatically from decade to decade, so has queer cinema. Taking us from a time when LGBTQ characters were often represented as either caricatures or figures of farce, this lively yet authoritative reference explores the sea change ushered in by such stars as Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich in the 1930s and '40s, androgynous figures such as Montgomery Clift, James Dean, and Marlon Brando in the '50s, and closeted gay men such as Rock Hudson and Liberace, whose double lives were exposed by the scourge of AIDS. Included are alphabetically arranged entries on stars, directors, films, themes, and other topics related to queer cinema in America, including films and persons from outside the U.S. who nonetheless figured prominently in America popular culture. Entries cite works for further reading, sidebars provide snippets of interesting trivia, a timeline highlights key events, and a selected, general, end-of-work bibliography cites the most important major works on the topic. A timeline highlights key events in LGBTQ cinema history. An introduction overviews the history of queer cinema in America. Alphabetically arranged reference entries provide fundamental and critical information about films, directors, actors, themes, and other topics related to queer cinema in America. Fascinating anecdotes bring LGBTQ cinema history to life. Sidebars provide interesting trivia. Entry bibliographies direct readers to additional sources of information.

No self-respecting dog owner should be without a copy of this book of quotations about man's best friend. Compiled by dog lover Aubrey Malone, The Little Book of Dog Quotes brings together hundreds of quips and quotes about canines. Actors, writers, politicians - even Sigmund Freud - all famously share an appreciation for those faithful friends who have left a lasting impression not just on our lives, but on our language and laughterlevels too. This collection of quotes is humorously illustrated by the cartoonist Richard Jolley. If you and your best friend want a good laugh, this irresistible little book is just what you need. A dog wags its tail with its heart. Martin Buxbaum A Canadian psychologist is selling a video that teaches you how to test your dog's IQ. Here's how it works. If you spend $12 on the video, your dog is smarter than you are. Jay Leno What's the difference between a dog and a cat? Dogs have owners. Cats have staff. Fay Weldon If a film of mine wasn't going well I always put a dog into it. It worked every time. Walt Disney

Hilarious travel quotes covering everything from parking tickets to the ash cloud"" ""The average airplane is 16 years old. And so is the average airplane meal." --Joan Rivers""" ""I always sit at the back of a plane. You never hear of a plane backing into a mountain." --Tommy Cooper" For those who suffer road rage, agoraphobia, vertigo, and frustration at being kept waiting at ports, airports, taxi stands, train stations, bus stops, and so on, here is a chance to both relieve the agony and laugh out loud. This hilarious compendium of witticisms will be savored by hardened travelers, from thought-provoking brief sketches to laugh-out-loud observations on the muted joys of getting from A to B--or NOT getting there, as the case may be Illustrated with funny cartoons, this handy pocket-sized book is a must-have for any traveler or transportation enthusiast.

Aubrey Malone was born in Ballina and lived there until his father, the well-known solicitor Hugh Dillon-Malone, retired in 1969 and the family moved to Dublin. Ballina Stories and Poems is a mixture of fact and fiction in which he reminisces on the people and places he encountered during his formative years.

Many wise words are spoken in jest but many more stupid ones are said in earnest, as this book demonstrates. How about this comment on a football match from Cristiano Ronaldo, for instance: 'The reason we lost is because we didn't win.' Or Ian Wright's, 'It took a lot of bottle for Tony Adams to admit he was an alcoholic.' Or Dave Woods' remark, 'The silence is getting louder.' It makes you think, doesn't it? There are many others: 'Abstinence is the thin end of the pledge.' 'A comedian who repeats old gags is a clear case of the tale dogging the wag.' 'It is kisstomary to cuss the bride.' 'Cannabalise legalis.' A cavalcade of equally regrettable utterances form the basis of this melange of spoonerisms and spectacular ignorance. Aubrey Malone has written a bumber of nooks.