My comedy career began in 1971, which proves I have no comic timing. In 1971 there were no comedy clubs, no comedy agents and not much comedy future. Inspired by Spike Milligan, John Dowie embarked on his comedy career in a time when such a thing was virtually unheard of, and then, just as alternative comedy began to be recognised by popular culture, he quit. And so began his next obsession – riding his bike. Having been blessed (or cursed) with an addictive personality, Dowie quickly realises that what was once a simple hobby – cycling – will soon become something very different... This book follows a similar route to his cycling habits: it meanders from place to place, occasionally gets lost but is unfailingly entertaining. Wending his way through France and Holland, round the lanes of Norfolk and over the hills of Devon, Dowie expertly leads his readers on a delightful journey through the trials, tribulations and triumphs of his life so far.

In the late 1970s, the alternative comedy scene exploded into life in Britain and completely changed the style, subject matter and politics of British stand-up. Contemporary critics talked about it as 'anti-matter comedy' that 'makes you laugh while actually rearranging large chunks of your brain'. This book draws on a wealth of archive material – including unpublished recordings of early performances – and new interviews with key figures such as Alexei Sayle, Andy de la Tour and Jim Barclay, to provide a detailed history of the early scene and an examination of the distinctive modes of performance style which developed. Beginning with its origins, the volume traces the influence of American stand-up, and in particular the significance of Mort Sahl and Lenny Bruce as the originators of a style of stand-up that influenced the British pioneers of alternative comedy. It shows how the opening of the Comedy Store in 1979 provided a catalyst for a new movement, which grew outward from there with the foundation of the group Alternative Cabaret and the opening of the Comic Strip. But it also looks at smaller venues and less celebrated acts that have not been as well remembered, including ranting poets and street performers. Finally, it looks at alternative comedy's legacy, showing how it was the starting point for the UK's thriving and varied live scene, which encompasses anything from small pub gigs to huge arena tours.

This is a general, comprehensive introduction to John Wesley's life and work, and to his theological and ecclesiastical legacy. Written from various disciplinary perspectives, this volume will be an invaluable aid to scholars and students, including those encountering the work and thought of Wesley for the first time.

Revised edition of the authors' Managing business ethics, [2014]

Mother Jones is an award-winning national magazine widely respected for its groundbreaking investigative reporting and coverage of sustainability and environmental issues.

As a theocracy, Zion City maintained a well-disciplined community where life was based upon Dowie's interpretations of Old Testament regulations of moral and religious matters, and by 1905, it had grown to six thousand Dowietes from around the world, many attracted by Dowie's phenomenal healing ministry. This in-depth look at Zion City is not a study of Dowie the man but of the greater Dowie era, with the city itself as the focus of the work.

A concise yet comprehensive account of the origins and evolution of rock music, emphasizing its interaction with social change and cultural trends. The narrative begins with ``the birth of the blues'' and proceeds to discuss the major (and mention the minor) performers and to identify the significant styles. These include Fifties rockabilly, folk/protest, the British Invasion, acid rock, punk/New Wave, and Eighties revivalism. Using a lively, anecdotal approach and pertinent quotes, the author examines the appropriate political, economic, technological, or psychological context of each topic, e.g., the relationship between Dylan's music and JFK's New Frontier. A primary focus throughout is on the contributions of blacks and the role of racism. Paul Feehan, Univ. of Miami Lib., Coral Gables, Fla. - Library Journal.