GUARDS! GUARDS! Sees some night-time prowler turning (mostly) honest citizens into something resembling small charcoal biscuits. In MEN AT ARMS, there's a murder to be solves so that the world-weary Captain Vimes can be married at noon and retire happily ever after. And in the Discworld Howdunnit FEET OF CLAY, someone is murdering harmless old men and poisoning the Patrician ...and the golems are committing suicide ...*Which is flat and rides through space on the back of four elephants who stand on the shell of an enormous turtle, as everyone knows.

    To test the facilities he’s hosting a reunion for his old school (none of his ex-classmates can remember him, but what the heck, it’s free). He is so busy showing off that he doesn’t notice that another group have invited themselves along – a collection of terrorist mercenaries who are occasionally of more danger to themselves than to the public.And they in turn are unaware that Inspector MacGregor has got wind of their activities. Within twenty-four hours Gavin’s dream has blown to the four winds, along with a lot of other things.Dress Casual. Bring your own bullets.

    But Makoto has a secret, and if rival Tsugumi, or anyone in the school, finds out, it could ruin Makoto's life, dragging Ito down as well!

    A collection of final drafts - jokes, characters and scenes that didn't make it into Father Ted series, along with an introduction to each episode by the authors, which explains how the insane plot lines arose.

    Anyone ever crushed by a loved onewill instantly be able to relate to this inner saga. Brought to you by the1999 triple Eisner nominated artist of Lenore, Roman Dirge. This bookpromises to be slightly disturbing yet funny in it's own special little oddway.

    Takes a humorous look at inspirational self-help books by providing hundreds of depressing nuggets of wisdom.

    In 1987 Ronnie retired from the stage and screen, but the occasion of his 70th birthday prompted this collection of his work, which may surprise some people who were unaware of his vast talents as a writer. The collection includes his early radio and Frost on Sunday sketches to classic monologues and immortal songs, his (almost) silent films to his final situation comedy, Clarence.

    Here, she brings her charming illustrations of cats to the subject of Pre-Raphaelite painting.Well-known works by such artists as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Ford Madox Brown, Edward Burne-Jones, and William Holman Hunt can be viewed in a new and entrancing way when their protagonists are endearing cats. The Beggar Maid takes on a particularly touching relationship with King Cophetua, while Medea gives new meaning to the word enchantress as she prepares the ingredients for a spell. Were ever two creatures so frightened and so abandoned as the poor cat princes wickedly imprisoned in the tower or two lovers as sad and stoical as the young officer cat and his fiancée on the eve of the Battle of Waterloo? With black-and-white reproductions of the original paintings that inspired these illustrations, the book offers irresistibly delightful comparisons to a great period in art history.

    It will be several weeks before he leaves the town in the final episode of this six-part series, following a terrifying ordeal at the hands of his toad-loving, hygiene-obsessed relatives. Welcome to the sinister, hilarious world of the 'League of Gentlemen', populated by a cast of distinctly warped individuals, all played by three members of a four-man writing team.The League started life in the early 1990s, evoking old-style revues with their name and their tuxedo-clad performances. The material, however, bore little relation to that of genteel 1950s performers - the League's dark, twisted sketches have seen them likened to both Monty Python and David Lynch. After winning the Perrier award at Edinburgh in 1997, and before turning their attentions to television, they produced 'On The Town With The League Of Gentlemen', a Sony award-winning series for Radio 4.This welcome release from the BBC Radio Collection contains the complete series, and is an essential purchase for the many fans of the television version who missed the earlier incarnation. Many of the storylines are similar to the TV version, but there is plenty of material which will be new to listeners, including characters who did not make it onto the screen - and for anyone new to the League, the radio edition easily stands on its own as one of the best comedy series of recent years. Running time approx 3 hours. - John Oates

    This collection contains: "Asterix and The Black Gold"; "Asterix and Son"; "Asterix Versus Caesar"; "Asterix and the Magic Carpet"; and "Asterix and Obelix all at Sea".

    Full of hearty rancour, they form a scathing chronicle of the upper echelons of postwar English society.

    Listen how the idea first came about and what it was like to be part of the production. This also includes an interview with Douglas Adams, the indispensable guide to the 'guide'.

    Vic Reeves wakes up to discover a flock of seven white doves of peace flying around his bedroom, "casting a Disneylike sense of well-being about." However, all is not well; Vic re- awakens several hours later to discover that the doves have stolen his prized bust of Caligula: "a foreboding sense of gloom now hangs over the home". So begins Vic Reeves' Sunboiled Onions, a fictional diary packed with Vic's own paintings and drawings of a month in the mind of one of the UK's most popular comedians. Like his TV series with sidekick Bob Mortimer, Sunboiled Onions has a surreal menace in its humour, reflected in Vic's weird drawings of famous figures, which are often uncannily accurate yet strangely disconcerting with their eyes drawn too far apart. Elvis crops up throughout the book, appearing as Sir Walter Raleigh in King Lear (naked from the waist down, of course), buying fan heaters from Argos with Frank Sinatra and ironing his slacks in his bucolic cottage. Alongside such reveries, Vic deals with the problems of his everyday life: "January 10--Flies swarm around the pork in my attic, so I get rid of it, all 150 lbs of it, in a ditch near B&Q". Along the way, Vic muses on various celebrities and their foibles, including Michael Jackson, Abba, Henry VIII, Eric Morecombe and Richard Nixon. Those who love Reeves and Mortimer will celebrate Sunboiled Onions as another manifestation of the genius of the man they call the Darlington Dadaist. --Jerry Brotton

    Best remembered as English-challenged immigrant Latka Gravas on the '70s sitcom "Taxi", Kaufman also appeared regularly on "Saturday Night Live", did stand-up, and wrestled women. Photos.

    Two fallen angels (Matt Damon and Ben Affleck), sentenced to eternal exile in Wisconsin, are trying to get back into heaven. A renegade cardinal in New Jersey (George Carlin), as part of his "Catholicism Wow!" campaign, has opened a loophole in Catholic doctrine that would give them their opportunity-and, in proving God's judgment wrong, destroy the universe. An abortion clinic counselor (Linda Fiorentino) who may or may not be of holy bloodlines is tapped as the very reluctant savior-and, accompanied by the thirteenth apostle (Chris Rock), a wayward muse (Salma Hayek), and two very questionable prophets (Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith, AKA Jay and Silent Bob), she sets off on a mission to save the world.

    Winnie the Pooh's Valentine Day --Winnie the Pooh's Easter --Winnie the Pooh's April Fools' Day --Winnie the Pooh's Halloween --Winnie the Pooh's Thanksgiving --Winnie the Pooh's Christmas.

    1998 marks the silver jubileeof 1st transmission. Sky Gold is continually re-running episodes and in the US it is 1 of the most popular cable TV programmes on the West coast. Are you being Served is not only a TV classic it is also a cult. To mark 25th anniversary we plan to publish an 'official' celebration book contributed to and endorsed by the writers David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd who will contribute original scripts and behind the scenes photographs as well as personal anecdotes. The book will review the history of programme inclyding how the original idea was developed. There will be character and main actor profiles, and first hand interviews with John Inman, Molly Sugden, Trevor Bannister, Arthur Brough, Frank Thornton, and Wendy Richard. This will be followed by an episode by episode guide including a cast list and original transmission date, features on the secretaries of Young Mr Grace who became famous and quotes and memories from special guests. Finally there will be a section on the feature film.

    Popular in the 1980s, entering the zeitgeist and becoming the hairstyle to have, the mullet is now in decline. The authors examine all areas of the phenomenon, from mullets in pop to advertising.

    The talent agent who worked with the likes of John Belushi, Jim Henson, Phil Hartman, and Dennis Miller reveals how he began at the mail room at the William Morris Agency, working his way to the top.

    Straight from Late Night with Conan O'Brien comes a saucy serving of outrageous--yet eerily plausible--predictions, and the last word on how the world may look on the other side of the millennial divide.

    Already in syndication in The National Post, one of Canada's leading national newspapers, and with a massive online following, it provides outsiders a lighthearted look at the world of the hard- core geek, and allows those who make their living dwelling in this world a chance to laugh at themselves.

    Collected here are the six scripts which made up the first series of that BBC comedy by the makers of Mrs Merton.In these pages we are invited to follow the high points of the Royle social calendar; the preparations for Denise and Dave's wedding, Mam's new job at the bakers; Dad's knock-off jeans purchase, and Antony's trips to the fag shop.Owing more than a nod to its Ps & Qs counterpart Abigail's Party, The Royle Family echoes Mike Leigh's play in its claustrophobic representation of life in small-time Britain. The focus this time is on the working--or not working--class. The hearts and voices of the show's ensemble cast made the Royle family spring to life; but the actors' blueprint was already well established, and the flavour of the series is immediately evident in these scripts. It's true--character dialogue is lifelike to the point of an-afternoon-with-Auntie-Marge tedium, but salvation comes when the blackest of comedy undercurrents strolls among the minefields of small-talk and resigned suffrage.Aherne and Cash have certainly demonstrated rare talent in their ability to reproduce these folk from the real world-but you may find yourself wishing they'd had the nerve to go on to comment on the society represented-instead of leaving the reader/viewer to do that work themselves.In any case, fans of The Royle Family know exactly what they are getting with this compendium (the only extra inclusion being a short introduction from the writers). For them, it's true, there may be few surprises--but certainly, a lot of laughs. --Helen Lamont

    Chris Morris' surreal and inventive questions brought out the very best of eccentric aristocrat Sir Arthur Streeb-Greebling - a character whom Cook had carried with him through 'Beyond the Fringe' and 'Not Only... But Also...' to his latter years. These five interviews recall Streeb-Greebling's early years (sent to prison at the age of four by his father) and his life before and after the incident with the eels. It looks back at his days of extreme comfort in a Japanese POW camp and his attempts to mediate in the Rodney King LA riots. Streeb-Greebling discusses his habit of strangling business partners, reveals his plans to capitalise on his discovery of the fossilised remains of the infant Christ and attempts to begin an extremely tedious anecdote about bee-keeping.

    Why? Because clearly, he goes on, we have Shakespeare's texts, but nobody knows what to do with the improvisation that is the basis of the Commedia dell'Arte, despite massive documentation. This book by Fava, one of the few living master teachers of Commedia dell'Arte, is the first aesthetic and methodological study of the traditional Italian theater form--the first to describe, in a precise and practical way, what Commedia is and what it should be. The mask--as object, symbol, character, theatrical practice, even spectacle itself--is the central metaphor around which Fava builds his discussion of structure, themes, characters, and methods. Drawing on twenty years of research conducted through his work as performer, director, mask maker, and scholar, he offers extensive practical, philosophical, and technical guidelines to performing the stock characters of Commedia, observing its structure, extracting its poetics, exploring its themes, and using the mask. A densely layered text combining historical fact, personal experience, philosophical speculation, and passionate opinion, and including copious illustrations--period drawings, prints, and color photographs of leather Commedia masks made by Fava himself--The Comic Mask in the Commedia dell'Arte is a rich work of singular insight into one of the world's most venerable forms of theater.

    Faggot to You, Michael Thomas Ford continues his exploration of contemporary gay life. He does not shy away from personal revelations--he recalls his own traumatic high school experiences but recognizes that, years later, he's happier and, more importantly, a great deal more attractive than his classmates--but also offers insight into more political issues such as religion and politics and Wynonna Judd. Never abandoning his caustic wit, Ford is honest to a fault and does not suffer fools or dog-haters lightly.

    The Rothschilds of Peckham cause untold trouble—and laughs—in their bid to become millionaires. This collection covers the first five series' of the hilarious BBC sitcom and has new material, including the Trotter Dictionary, revealing Del's novel command of the English language. The Nag's Head Pub Quiz allows you to test your knowledge.

    Like a dream it is familiar on surface, but somehow you know, something is not right. The comforting cartoon images seem inviting at first. That is until they get to the punch line. You find out soon that Arsenic Lullaby 's cast of characters have nothing better to do than make each other miserable. Voodoo Joe, Liquid Sam, Edgar, and others live in what can best be described as the bad neighborhood of Saturday morning cartoons, and they like it there.Includes Arsenic Lullaby No's 1 through 6 published from December 1998 through November 1999

    While we wait on Gabriel's horn to sound, Barbara gives women an external telescope with which to view their often difficult world.

    This is the third volume in the Little Sod series about life as seen through the eyes of a toddler.

    

    His parents retired and moved to Florida. That doesn't mean his family isn't still in Jersey. In fact, he sees both sets of his grandparents every Sunday for dinner. This is routine until he has to tell them that he's been offered a dream job. The job he's been waiting for - marketing executive - would take him away from his beloved, but annoying, grandparents. He tells them. The news doesn't sit so well. Thus begins a series of schemes to keep Nick around. How could he betray his family's love to move to Seattle for a job, wonder his grandparents? Well, Frank, Aida, Nunzio, and Emma do their level best, that includes bringing the lovely - and single - Caitlin O'Hare as bait.

    Who Put the Skunk in the Trunk? is a collection of stories that shows the difference between those who resign and those who rejoice when reality bites. Readers will be encouraged to choose joy, to find hope, and to discover the abundant life Christ offers all who follow Him. Author and humorist Phil Callaway -- once described as "Dave Barry with a message" -- employs his revealing and hilarious style to remind readers that "It's always darkest just before the fridge door opens."

    Spike Milligan has carefully selected scores of very personal photographs to illustrate his intriguing family history, from his birth in India in 1918, his childhood, Army life, and the story of his career to the arrival of his own family, creating a fascinating record of his amazing life.

    Contains scripts from Series 1-5 6 in each. Turn book over and around and you get the Trotter Dictionary Trotter > English 1st Edition

    Mom goes out for the evening and leaves Dad with the sleeping baby. Dad thinks he'd better just check on the sleeper--but then he trips and falls down the stairs. (Pulling a tab both makes him fall and generates a clatter and a groan.) In case all the ruckus woke baby up, Dad sneaks back upstairs, and stands on the cat's tail... you get the picture. Several loud disasters later (some more realistic-sounding than others), the baby is still asleep. But so is Dad, and Mom comes home to find that the baby has been woken up by his snoring! Kids will giggle at all the funny noises and pull-tab fun with full-page, cartoonish illustrations. The battery is replaceable, but realistically the cardboard pull-tabs are not going to last forever. Still, we don't feel we need to whisper when we say this would be a fun and worthy gift for families with young children. (Ages 4 and older) --Richard Farr

    Presented here are the tall tales The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, What Stumped the Bluejays, The Story of the Old Ram and other stories and essays that have made Twain the most loved of American authors.

    Jeff discovers a flabby, less-than-scary vampire who prefers milkshakes to blood.

    In this episode Lum's arch rival, an alien named Ran, pays a visit to Earth -- and uses drones, clones, love potions, alcohol, food fights, and more to wreak havoc. As this installment proves once again, nobody combines imaginative, zany story lines with romantic comedy like Rumiko Takahashi.

    Their book is an exploration of the idea that culture reached its apogee with "Star Wars" and has been going downhill ever since.

    This book peers into her hilarious life, revealing humorous moments of unstable adolescence. Luann is syndicated in more than three hundred newspapers.

    Following the popular "MAD about the Movies" comes "MAD about TV, " a moronic compilation of the best and worst MAD television satires.

    It has been developed from surveillance notes The Sandman kept in a pink box at the back of his wardrobe during his 21st year. The story begins two weeks before his 21st birthday when he overhears a loud noise at the Gumleys' (his nextdoor neighbours). What he sees when he investigates is so curious he decides to place the Gumleys under observation. The deeper he digs the weirder the Gumleys appear...Pleasant Avenue is Sandy's rite of passage. He discovers secrets give you power and having money stretches your pants. We encounter gambling, assault, sex, death, mental decay, treason, a 21st birthday party, more eavesdropping than you can poke a stick at, and yet, in true Sandman style, nothing seems to happen. There are more characters and more similes than ever before, but by the time the plastic lid is removed from the tupperware container that is Pleasant Avenue, we find the same unsatisfying vegetables inside. Perfect.

    Little ones will love this mischievous little mouse as he struggles to fall asleep in Nighttime Is Just Daytime with Your Eyes Closed. Not until Papa explains that God gave us a wonderful gift in sleep -- called dreams -- does Piper discover that he can see things in his sleep he could never see while awake. In Piper's Night Before Christmas, discover a touching message about a hyper mouse who learns the true meaning of Christmas. And in Lowry's latest release, Piper Steals the Show, Piper's wild adventures at the circus finally teach him that stealing hurts others as well as himself. Enchanting, full-color paintings will delight parents and children alike as they read these books or follow along on the enclosed CDs narrated by Mark Lowry.

    Garfield’s not getting older…he’s just naturally crotchety. The curmudgeonly cat puts n his bifocals and looks at geezers, wheezers, and the chronically challenged in this oddball ode to aging.

    Umeya is so poor that he's got nothing in his fridge except mayonnaise to eat with the rice!