Comedy starring Rowan Atkinson as Walter Goodfellow, a well-meaning vicar of the parish of Little Wallop, who is so obsessed with writing the perfect sermon that he is oblivious to his wife Gloria's (Kristin Scott Thomas) dallience with her brash golf instructor, Lance (Patrick Swayze); neither does he notice that his daughter Holly (Tamsin Egerton) has a different boyfriend every week, and his young son Petey (Toby Parkes) is the whipping boy for the school bullies. Enter Grace (Maggie Smith), the answer to the family's problems - a sweet grey-haired old lady, the charming and discreet new housekeeper, who has her own unique definition of keeping house - and a very unusual way of solving problems.

BBC adaptation of the novel by Charles Dickens. Nigel Havers stars as the eponymous young hero, who is cruelly thrown out into the world to seek his fortune. Along the way he meets a rich assortment of oddball characters who could only have originated from the quill of Dickens, played by a supporting cast that includes Freddie Jones, Liz Smith and Patricia Routledge.

Liz Smith, once called the nation's favourite fictional grandmother, is a familiar face to all TV and cinema viewers. She is most often recognised for her role of Nana in The Royle Family. OUR BETTY is Liz's life story - from her cosseted yet lonely childhood with her beloved grandparents (her mother died giving birth to Liz's stillborn sibling), through the war with the WRENS, marriage and children, divorce and poverty, long years working in dead-end jobs such as in a plastic bag factory, until her heavenly escape of evening acting classes provided the chance for a career. While working at Hamley's one Christmas ('I was one of those tiresome people who stop you and beg you to try samples of this and that'), she received a phone call from a young director who wanted to make an improvised film. His name was Mike Leigh and the film Bleak Moments. From that point, when Liz was 50, her career took off and she has worked with some of the most famous names in the entertainment business. OUR BETTY is, like its author, original, amusing and fascinating on the struggles, hopes and successes endemic of a life in front of the camera.

For twenty-five years, Charlotte Curtis was a society/women's reporter and editor and an op-ed editor at the New York Times. As the first woman section editor at the Times, Curtis was a pioneering journalist and one of the first nationwide to change the nature and content of the women's pages from fluffy wedding announcements and recipes to the more newsy, issue-oriented stories that characterize them today. In this riveting biography, Marilyn Greenwald describes how a woman reporter from Columbus, Ohio, broke into the ranks of the male-dominated upper echelon at the New York Times. It documents what she did to succeed and what she had to sacrifice. Charlotte Curtis paved the way for the journalists who followed her. A Woman of the Times offers a chronicle of her hard-won journey as she invents her own brand of feminism during the 1960s and 1970s. In the telling of this remarkable woman's life is the story, as well, of a critical era in the nation's social history.

The quintessential book on the wedding dress, newly revised and updated in a collector's edition, is an exciting look at the variety of luxurious wedding dresses, which both celebrates and reveals their beauty, sophistication, and romance. From Jacqueline Kennedy to Grace Kelly, Oleg Cassini's designs are synonymous with the world's most glamorous women. The same electrifying elegance resonates with his magnificently crafted bridal gowns. This informative presentation discusses every aspect of the wedding dress--the ultimate expression of a bride's personality and the focal point of her day. This book showcases a wide range of styles by such fashion luminaries as Cassini, Chanel, Dior, Armani, and McQueen, among others. The beautiful fashions, photographed by such notable photographers as Patrick Demarchelier, Benno Graziani, Horst, Arthur Elgort, Milton Greene, David LaChapelle, and Irving Penn capture the effervescent spirit that is associated with the wedding dress. The Wedding Dress begins with an overview of the sumptuous wedding gown, chronicling its history from royal weddings to today's celebrities. The book presents a variety of silhouettes--from elegant Empire-style floor-length gowns to flirty short dresses and sophisticated suits. The same electrifying elegance resonates, whether an informal ceremony, a formal evening affair or a spontaneous trip to City Hall. Also featured are some of the best weddings in the world, including celebrity, society, and high fashion weddings. This stylish look at the wedding dress is not only an essential resource for the bride-to-be but for everyone interested in fashion.

A celebration of legendary restaurateur Elaine Kaufman and her renowned Manhattan creative melting pot. Have dinner and drinks with Woody Allen, David Black, China Girard , and more . . . Elaine's was a world-famous New York restaurant that became home to writers and celebrities. Owner Elaine Kaufman was known to be "New York feisty," controversial, often rude, always blunt, with the flare of Gertrude Stein and Dorothy Parker. Elaine was highly respected and also frequently feared, and Elaine's the restaurant received the public's love and praise time and time again. Woody Allen held a regular table there, and Elaine's was even featured in Allen's Manhattan and Billy Joel's song "Big Shot." Throughout the years, Mick Jagger, John Lennon, and countless celebrities, politicians, socialites, private eyes, athletes, artists, and the biggest names in Hollywood became Elaine's regulars. Most emphatically, Elaine's raison d'etre was to nourish "starving writers" with encouragement, introductions to Pulitzer Prize winners, and free food and alcohol. These struggling authors responded to Elaine's support with profound gratitude. Elaine passed away in 2010, forcing the restaurant manager to close shop shortly after. "There is no Elaine's without Elaine," she decreed. However, the memories remain and are recalled by a variety of Elaine's regulars in this moving, oftentimes amusing, collection of personal essays. Spend a night or two at Elaine's with . . . Woody Allen, award-winning director David Black, award-winning author Per Bjurman, Sweden's leading music writer turned sports writer Steve McPartlin, television host and radio sportscaster China Girard, former Ford model and Grammy-nominated musician Jessica Burstein, award-winning photographer Jodi Garner, Broadway producer Elaine Madsen, Emmy Award-winning director Curt Block, sportswriter and publicist Ash Bennington, reporter and editor And many more!

A sherry-sipping typist, a tongue-tied schoolteacher and a would-be pop star are among the sad cases trapped in suburban South London in the debut film from director Mike Leigh, later known for 'Abigail's Party' and 'High Hopes'. Cast includes Liz Smith, Sarah Stevenson and Mike Bradwell.

The complete series of the British sitcom created by Roy Clarke following the adventures of a man who inherits a dilapidated country house. When Henry Mann (Barry Stanton) takes possession of guest house The Laurels he also assumes responsibility for its staff and residents. From alcoholic Duncan (Bernard Bresslaw) to Dolly Delights (Patricia Brake), who is suspiciously popular with the men of the house, they are an unruly brood and Henry struggles to cope. Fortunately, Hamish Ordway (Fulton MacKay), an ex-Water Board official with a passion for poking his nose into other people's business, has just moved in and is only too happy to help Henry get a handle on events in the house...

`This book will serve well a diverse audience - in policy formulation and practice determination at all levels - who are committed to the nation's health and well-being' - Dianne Willcocks, Vice Chancellor, York St John University Critical Thinking in Health & Social Care is designed to equip practitioners with the knowledge and tools they need to critically examine practice in their own workplace. The book presents a range of different approaches, which have particular relevance in the context of health and social care. Each approach is explained and grounded in practice using case studies, problem-solving scenarios and workplace examples. The practical tools which form the core of the book are contextualised by an exploration of what constitutes knowledge and evidence and the types of assumptions which are commonly held and which have a bearing on practice. This is an essential text for advanced post-graduate health and social care students, and for those who are moving into more senior and strategic roles. Critical Thinking in Health & Social Care provides an array of tools which can be used to challenge and change existing practice and to solve problems. Stella Jones-Devitt is Head of Subject for Health Studies and Community Engagement at York St John University. Liz Smith is Programme Leader for Health Professional Studies, Faculty of Health and Social Care, University of Hull

From Jacqueline Kennedy to Grace Kelly, Oleg Cassini s designs are synonymous with the world s most glamorous women. The same electrifying elegance resonates with his magnificently crafted bridal gowns. This book showcases a wide range of styles by such fashion luminaries as Cassini, Chanel, Dior, Armani, and McQueen, among others, featuring such notable photographers as Patrick Demarchelier, Benno Graziani, Horst, Arthur Elgort, Milton Greene, David LaChapelle, and Irving Penn who capture the effervescent spirit that is associated with the wedding dress. This volume begins with an overview of the sumptuous wedding gown, chronicling its history from royal weddings to today s celebrities and presents a variety of silhouettes from elegant Empire-style floor-length gowns to flirty short dresses and sophisticated suits. Also featured are some of the best weddings in the world, including celebrity, society, and high fashion weddings. This stylish look at the wedding dress is not only an essential resource for the bride-to-be but for everyone interested in fashion.

A collection of Christmas episodes following the Royle clan. The programme is centred around dad Jim (Ricky Tomlinson), mum Barbara (Sue Johnston), daughter Denise (Caroline Aherne), son Antony (Ralf Little), nana Norma (Liz Smith) and Denise's partner Dave (Craig Cash) - a laid-back family who depend on state benefits as their source of income. The family spend most of their time gathered in the living room and sharing every-day conversations, often with comical results. Episodes comprise: 'Christmas With the Royle Family', 'The Royle Family at Christmas' and 'The New Sofa'.

All four series' of the British television comedy about the feuding Brandon family. Uncle Mort (Robin Bailey) constantly argues with his sister Annie (Liz Smith), who in turn can't stand her husband Les (John Comer). The only thing that unites them is their determination to turn their laid-back son Carter (Stephen Rea) into a go-getting executive before he marries his fiancée Pat (Anita Carey).

All 25 episodes from the British sitcom written by and starring Caroline Aherne and Craig Cash. In the first series, we are introduced to the domestic conflicts of the Liverpudlian Royle clan, with Aherne as Denise, daughter of Jim (Ricky Tomlinson) and Barbara (Sue Johnston), and soon-to-be-wed-to boyfriend, Dave (Cash). In the second series, Denise has now married Dave, but the Royle family sofa is no less crowded for that. The third series sees the addition of Denise and Dave's first child which brings its share of new trials and tribulations to the semi-inert world of now-grandparents, Jim and Barbara. The 1999 and 2000 Christmas specials are also included as well as the five one-off episodes: 'The Queen of Sheba', 'The New Sofa', 'The Golden Egg Cup', 'Joe's Crackers' and 'Barbara's Old Ring'.

E-learning is a new, exciting and increasingly popular way of learning for health and social care professionals, both in the pre- and post-qualification stages. However, many people are apprehensive about what it involves and whether they will be able to study effectively in this way.

This book is designed to help students and their tutors to become acquainted with the issues and methods around being an online learner in health and social care. It gives practical advice and provides guidance on developing skills and attitudes for successful online learning within health and social care. Based on the authors' experience of teaching online, the book includes numerous tips and case studies. Topics discussed include:

• skills and responsibilities for successful online learning
• the virtual learning environment and using online resources
• clinical, professional and communication skills online
• assessment and evaluation.

Being an E-Learner in Health and Social Care is essential reading for all students undertaking online courses or continuing professional development in nursing, public health, social work, social care and health psychology.

Miserly money lender Ebeneezer Scrooge (Patrick Stewart) does not believe in the spirit of Christmas; he is bad-tempered and unpleasant to everyone he meets, including his loyal but badly underpaid clerk, Bob Cratchit (Richard E. Grant). Then one Christmas Eve Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him that three ghosts will arrive that very night and attempt to show him the error of his ways. Scrooge is shown visions of Christmases past, present and future which force him to reconsider his selfish lifestyle, but is it too late for him to change his nature?

`This book will serve well a diverse audience - in policy formulation and practice determination at all levels - who are committed to the nation's health and well-being' - Dianne Willcocks, Vice Chancellor, York St John University Critical Thinking in Health & Social Care is designed to equip practitioners with the knowledge and tools they need to critically examine practice in their own workplace. The book presents a range of different approaches, which have particular relevance in the context of health and social care. Each approach is explained and grounded in practice using case studies, problem-solving scenarios and workplace examples. The practical tools which form the core of the book are contextualised by an exploration of what constitutes knowledge and evidence and the types of assumptions which are commonly held and which have a bearing on practice. This is an essential text for advanced post-graduate health and social care students, and for those who are moving into more senior and strategic roles. Critical Thinking in Health & Social Care provides an array of tools which can be used to challenge and change existing practice and to solve problems. Stella Jones-Devitt is Head of Subject for Health Studies and Community Engagement at York St John University. Liz Smith is Programme Leader for Health Professional Studies, Faculty of Health and Social Care, University of Hull

This juicy extravaganza of a book is at once a star-studded memoir, a mouthwatering reminiscence about great food and great meals, and a very special kind of cookbook by Liz Smith, bestselling author and surely America's most beloved gossip columnist (indeed, perhaps the only gossip columnist ever to be universally beloved). Here, great dish and great dishes are artfully blended with anecdotes and spiced with Liz's inimitable sense of humor, instinct for a great story, and joie de vivre to produce a life-loving, sometimes bawdy, and always utterly captivating read.

As everybody knows, nothing goes better with a good meal than a little juicy gossip, and no one puts the two together better than Liz Smith, the acknowledged grande dame of gossip, who traces here her gradual education in haute cuisine, as well as her unashamed taste for down-home, stick-to-the-ribs cooking.

When it comes to food, Liz Smith has seen it all (and eaten much of it). She has watched Nicole Kidman devour a basket of bread before a full dinner at New York's glamorous Four Seasons restaurant and not gain an ounce. She has eaten al fresco off the hood of a car with Mike Nichols. She has been tempted by fattening cookies sent by Renee Zellweger. She has talked biscuits and gravy with Julia Roberts and eaten Elizabeth Taylor's trademark Jailhouse Chili and Chipped Beef a la Krupp Diamond.

No food snob, Liz Smith revels in such dishes as Elvis Presley's favorite sandwich (peanut butter and banana) or Frito Pie (you'll love both these once you've tried them). But she is equally fond of haute cuisine, of four-star restaurants, and of great gourmet experiences. She shares with the reader all this and much, much more, eating, as she puts it, "high and low on the hog," from her favorite Chicken-Fried Steak recipe to Deep-fried Turkey (real men deep-fry a turkey, they don't roast it) and her classic Lobster Rolls recipe, with a pause for her advice on how to make the perfect margarita to wash it all down. From Kate Hepburn's brownies to pigs' feet, Liz not only names names but shares their most treasured recipes, as well as taking the reader on a gourmet tour of great meals.

As Liz herself says, "Reading about food is the next best thing to eating it. People seek companionship, comfort, reassurance, a sense of warmth, and well-being from food. Maybe they can get some of that from this book."