Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People

EAN:9780307266224 Label:Knopf Author:Hamish Bowles Binding:Hardcover

I just want to thank Amazon for such quick delivery and perfect condition of the book Perfect. And now I am going back to reading it, can not sleep, can not eat:) Book is just amazing2009-03-30 Rating 5. Thank you!. This is a must for anyone who likes to get ideas for your own home Love this Book!. I find it such a treasure to see into homes of those you admire2009-01-13 Rating 5. . This is a great book Great book!. Show's wonderful photos and inspires you do become a designer2008-11-25 Rating 5. . I love this book, it is absolutely beautiful Great Book!. Everyone with any taste needs to purchase this book!2008-08-22 Rating 5. you have to love decor and fashion to understand this book beautiful book. it is Vogue after all!!!! the book is full of fabulous properties and fabulous people2007-12-30 Rating 4. I went through it already many times and got inspired by it. Buy it f you are a fan of vogue magazine !!!. This unique book of thirty-six spectacular houses and gardens—whose owners come from the worlds of fashion, music, art, and society—draws not only on stories that have appeared in the pages of Vogue and Vogue Living over the past two decades but also on images that have never before been published Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People takes you to these style-makers’ private realms around the world, captured by such celebrated photographers as Miles Aldridge, Cecil Beaton, Jonathan Becker, Eric Boman, Oberto Gili, François Halard, Horst P. Horst, Annie Leibovitz, Sheila Metzner, Mario Testino, Tim Walker, and Bruce Weber, among many others

Sierra Club 2009 Wilderness Calendar

EAN:9780307406026 Label:Harmony Author:Sierra Club Binding:Calendar

This is the most beautiful calendar Very Beautiful!!. I will definately be getting this one again for next year2009-04-03 Rating 5. The calender is ok but the pictures are not nearly as good as the cover Sierra club calender. 2009-03-26 Rating 3. This is the second year in a row that I have purchased this wall calendar Beautiful Calendar. It has some absolutely beautiful pictures and has large enough squares in which to record at least one appointment each day2009-03-12 Rating 4. It is a little on the long side which means you need a fairly large (long) space to hang it. The paper quality is quite good and not thin like some calendars. I will definitely purchase this product again next year. I buy this calendar every year Sierra Club Calendar. The photography and the quality of the printing is consistently outstanding and it supports a very important cause2009-02-02 Rating 5. Buy one. Make it a habit. Matthew. Nice calendar, nice pictures, good cause Good cause, nice pictures, but ... no way to hang it up. But, 2009-02-02 Rating 2. . ding-ding-ding nobody thought about punching a hole in it so that could be hung up. ?. Standard Shipping Cutoff date is DECEMBER 10th at 5:00PM EST. .

The Elements of Typographic Style

EAN:9780881792065 Label:Hartley and Marks Publishers Author:Robert Bringhurst Binding:Paperback

Typophiles will eat this book up; however beginning and even seasoned designers might have troubles with this book Say What?. For one, it's all text2009-03-04 Rating 3. Hardly any diagrams or visual examples to be had. Are you kidding me? One of my crazy design teachers once said "If a book doesn't have pictures then don't read it!". I'm beginning to believe her. It's like reading the directions for the VCR and just as dry. If you've read any of Ellen Lupton's DIY books, then "The Elements of Typographic Style" has to be the anti-thesis. But like most things that are good for you (spinach, brushing your teeth, exercising) it's hard to get through at first. After a couple reads I imagine this book to be more useful. For now I'll keep it in my "to-finish" pile. Check out the "Elements" website to see if this book is for you. This is one of the most beautiful mass-produced books I own, an oasis in my noisy typographical world A book I return to. The content helped me, but I admit that I enjoyed it more for because of what it is rather than what he wrote2009-02-26 Rating 5. This isn't a how-to book: it's a discussion and example of a typographical belief system. . This is a great book for any more advanced graphic design student This book sums it all up. The text is absolutely full of valuable information and will surely be a valid resource for years to come2009-02-14 Rating 5. this book requires some prior knowledge of typography because it doesn't explain some of the more basic terminology, it simply assumes that you already have an understanding of vocabulary and at least have been exposed to some of these ideas in some form. Definitely a must-have for any serious design book collection. . The book is an excellent, not-too-basic review of most important topics in typhography Useful introduction to typography. The writing is very clear and entertaining, the printing and design from the book itself is superb, as it should be expected, given the author's expertise in the matter2009-01-20 Rating 5. I liked the thorough description of serifed, unserifed and greek fonts towards the end of the book, and the glossary of typographical signs at the end. This book is a must for people interested in the subject!. A beautifully structured and clearly written book about high-level concepts of typography and the finest nuances as well Timeless. My design students buy this because it is required for my class then soon discover it is a pleasure to read2008-12-09 Rating 5. They come to class excited about the readings and delve beyond what is required. I am grateful for such passion as Bringhurst brings to this field and shares poetically with us all. Renowned typographer and poet Robert Bringhurst brings clarity to the art of typography with this masterful style guide Combining the practical, theoretical, and historical, this edition is completely updated, with a thorough exploration of the newest innovations in intelligent font technology, and is a must-have for graphic artists, editors, or anyone working with the printed page using digital or traditional methods.

Nikon D80 Digital Field Guide

EAN:9780470120514 Label:Wiley Author:David D. Busch Binding:Paperback

Easy read, great pictures and examples, right size to carry with you A must have for D80 owners. Good price not availalbe in stores2009-02-15 Rating 5. . This book is chock full of photos taken with a D80 and it explains photography and photography and camera lingo in plain terms An exemplary primer. The concepts ramp up in a clear and concise fashion2009-01-12 Rating 5. This book is a MUST HAVE for any D80 owner A MUST-HAVE. The author says that this is not a substitute for the owner's manual, but it really is2009-01-11 Rating 5. . and so much more. This book can be read by someone without much knowledge of the D80, or even SLR's for that matter, and end up understanding how everything works and being a whiz at the controls in just a few days of reading. The advantages of this book is that it is all in color and has actual real pictures so you can see which button or feature you're trying to master. The owner's manual is black and white, doesn't have actual pictures in the diagrams, doesn't go into anywhere near the depth that this book does. One last benefit of this book is that after the chapters that explain what the Nikon manual should have done. . there are sections on how to get better pictures and different techniques. You're able to see how to take your photography to the next level after you learn how to use and utilize your camera. This book is always in my camera bag everywhere I go. . This is exactly what I was looking for Long waited for!!!. Amazing book2008-12-15 Rating 5. Beats any DVD , anytime !!! My skills are totally improved after reading this book !!!. I like this book because it explains clearly the intricacies of this camera Nuts and bolts. Unlike the camera manual, this book is written with the beginning photographer in mind2008-10-25 Rating 4. . Having trouble putting down your Nikon D80 long enough to read the manual? Slip this convenient, full-color guide into your camera bag instead You'll find big, clear color photos to help you identify the camera's many controls, complete information on using each button and dial, and breathtaking examples of the results. Then discover step-by-step recipes for shooting terrific photos in more than 15 specific situations

Master Shots: 100 Advanced Camera Techniques to Get an Expensive Look on Your Low-Budget Movie

EAN:9781932907513 Label:Michael Wiese Productions Author:Christopher Kenworthy Binding:Paperback

For the beginner or occasional filmmaker, this is a great book Great help to visualizing your film. Essentially it is an encyclopedia of master shots, a hundred of them2009-02-20 Rating 5. Most are illustrated with stills from various films and with 3D models created in Poser 7. The author provides details about how the shot is set up, the feeling the shot is intended to convey and pertinent information. Kenworthy deliberately stays away from things like lenses, equipment, lighting and so on. His point is that the shots can be accomplished with any kind of camera. It is the point of view that matters and the action that establishes the meaning of the shot and advances the story. Master Shots is definitely an aid to the beginning filmmaker or those who shoot only occasionally and could you a bit of assistance in visualizing how to tell their story. For a very reasonable cost, you have a hundred classic master shots diagrammed and explained for you. Good deal. Jerry. I have no intention of shooting a movie, but I was interested in this book as a way of extending my visual literacy You'll never see movies in the same way again. Quite simply, this is a great book for exposing the visual grammar that underlies the business of telling a story in film2009-02-19 Rating 5. It's as concerned with the mechanics of storytelling as it is with the business of filming. A great and surprising present for movie-loving friends. I'm currently sitting on page 96 of this book and its driving me crazy Vague and effortless photo material. This book utilizes frames from existing films with computer storyboards2009-02-14 Rating 1. What drives me crazy is that the descriptions aren't detailed enough to get a visual understanding of what is occuring in the storyboards and screengrabs. A demo dvd would have been nice to accompany the volume or at least a time code where you can go to the screenshots yourself to see exactly how the shot is played out. Or leave out the screen shots and put in more detailed storyboards. I'm a film student and I was REALLY excited to receive a copy of this book Good. But not exactly all "Advanced", nor practical for Beginners.. I realize this book is not about certain shots being limited to a particular example, but also giving you ideas to expand on2009-01-22 Rating 3. However, I was slightly disappointed. Don't get me wrong, this book is still helpful, but I'm having a hard time understanding who this book is MAINLY targeted towards to. First of all, even if you follow the "techniques", your low budget film will still look low budget if you don't have the proper equipments (and believable actors, lighting, script, and the list goes on. . ) That's reality. This book alone is not going to give you that "expensive look on your low-budget movie". That's just a marketing tool. Just be aware of that. (This is not the reason I'm giving it a 3 stars!) If you do have a dolly track, Steadicam, or crane, THAT will give you an "EXPENSIVE" *LOOK* -- however, if you're trying to convey a STORY using those tools, then there has to be a meaning to it or feel natural; or else the audience will feel disconnected. That's what this book is here to help you with. It's all about the e-MOTION. (Get it? The motion has to convey the emotion. ) The author mentions about using long/short lens, focus pull, dolly. etc, so you better really have that ability down first or know the basics. If you try to go hand held on a consumer camera, unless you're going for the Blair Witch/Cloverfield style, it's still going to look BAD. As far as camera techniques go, it just uses the same, common, existing shots several times (it could just be a simple motionless long shot, or tracking/panning and coming to a halt; but just used in different examples). If you're looking for mindblowing innovation, this is not it. I guess when I heard the term "camera techniques", I had the wrong expectation of thinking it would be several camera tricks; for example, like "The Vertigo effect" (dolly zoom). However, the techniques in this book rely heavily on directing the actor's movements (and sometimes post editing and using props/location/lighting shadows; I thought this book was supposed to teach CAMERA techniques? I mean sure, all those things are crucial to a cinematographer, but it doesn't necessarily pertain all to the camera itself). It will keep using things like dolly, long/short lens, low/high angle, close up, etc, but what this book goes over briefly is basically the motivation of when to use them. There's a lot of recycled shots, but the only difference is the situation. The shots are broken down for these categories: Ch. 01: Fight Scenes (8 shots total) Ch. 02: Chase Scenes (10 shots) Ch. 03: Entrances & Exits (8 shots) Ch. 04: Suspense, Searching & Creeping (9 shots) Ch. 05: Dramatic Shift (9 shots) Ch. 06: Revelations & Discoveries (9 shots) Ch. 07: Shock Horror (9 shots) Ch. 08: Directing Attention (7 shots) Ch. 09: Car Scenes (7 shots) Ch. 10: Dialogue Scenes (8 shots) Ch. 11: Arguments & Conflict (8 shots) Ch. 12: Love & Sex Scenes (8 shots) If you don't know how to shoot a person in a car scene (have the camera in front of the car, backseat, or passenger side. . ) and need "advanced" help from this book, then you really shouldn't be a DP. I mean, there's some really useful examples and subtle tips in this book, don't get me wrong, but I just find some shots to be a little redundant or so basic that it's not even worth mentioning (or cause it to receive an applause from the viewer to say, "Wow, that looked advanced. ") The 3D model (made with Poser 7) picture, with only arrows pointing, and only two or three screen STILLS at most, from the actual movie, wasn't really helping me to fully understand, especially when I'm not familiar with the movie. I thought it was kind of strange, and somewhat humorous, for the sex scene shots, they would actually make female 3D model fully nude and detailed (hide this away from your kids! Will somebody please think of the children?!? Sorry. ), while the male 3D rendering has his pants on (not that I'm complaining or anything about the latter). I almost think the 3D renderings were just something the makers enjoyed doing for themselves. Even some movies I were familiar with, the author explains it differently or there were discrepancies with the 3D diagram (Romeo + Juliet, the camera was panning around, so shouldn't it be showing arrows instead of three different camera set-ups and cutting between them?). The book contains brief short paragraphs of the explanation than being in-depth. For some shots, the author doesn't even mention what the movie is from. It would have been better if he had the movie title (and possibly the timecode for the scene) next to the screen stills, just for better organization, instead of sometimes being mentioned in the paragraphs. Sure, if this was a drawing art book then stills are fine, but for movies. . not quite. Some were quite obvious and a 3D model was totally unnecessary. I mean, camera placement is pretty evident just by looking at the still picture; however, if you haven't seen the movie before, it's a little difficult to understand what the movement exactly is. It would have been nice if this book came with a DVD-Rom with sample clips of the movie or clips of the 3D models! I'm sure costs would be a problem, but I wouldn't mind paying extra for it. The author obviously knows his stuff. I don't hate this book. However, I think it could be a lot clearer in some examples, especially the 3D models and stills, and be more consistent on the order of explaining and which movie it is from. Moreover, focus on a certain target audience (maybe add a "level of difficulty" rating of what the author thinks on each example) than try to be too broad with obvious basic/repetitive examples or too complex to pull off without having the right setup. Overall, I think this book is targeted more towards people who already understand the basics of filmmaking and willing to invest on the essential tools to truly fulfill these shots (do not rely on hand held shots), but just can't come up with anything besides keeping the camera still on a tripod and cutting between them. For professional cinematographers, this will just be a nice reference, a "reminder". After further review, I guess I wouldn't mind giving this book a 4 stars. The author at least doesn't ramble, doesn't use too much jargon, and gets to the point. The book doesn't feel outdated and uses mostly contemporary movies such as Children of Men, Minority Report, Fight Club, Terminator 3 (Not sure why he used the worst one out of the series), Amelie, Crouching Tiger, etc. . I am in awe of this book Best of Its Kind. And I think I have the chops to be a good judge of its worth2009-01-19 Rating 5. I have directed four feature films, and couple of dozen primetime TV shows and rock videos; taught directing for thirteen years at a leading filmschool (Chapman) and given seminars on "how to direct the camera" in eleven countries on three continents. I have also written my own universally well-reviewed, how-to book on directing - "First Time Director". Kenworthy has a deep and broad understanding of how to direct the camera. In this book, he analyzes more than hundred different shots - most of them using a moving camera - and he is absolutely, spot-on accurate in describing the dramatic impact - the feel - of each shot. This makes the book as much about story as camera. His analyses are well written and easy to understand. And most important, the visual tools he uses to illustrate how to execute the shots are highly effective - better than I have seen in any how-to book on directing, including my own. Anybody with a basic understanding of camera and lenses can pick up this book, study it, and start taking giant strides towards becoming a master of visual design for motion pictures. If you want to make movies that like the directors whose films Kenworthy uses to illustrate his points: Kubrick, Spielberg, Lucas and Cuaron, to name a few, this book is a great place to start. Master Shots gives filmmakers the techniques they need to execute complex, original shots on any budget By using powerful master shots and well-executed moves, directors can develop a strong style and stand out from the crowd. Most low-budget movies look low-budget because the director is forced to compromise at the last minute

Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn

EAN:9781596680982 Label:Interweave Press Author:Carol Sulcoski Binding:Paperback

This is a really good book, even if you only use it as a reference Knitting Socks With Handpainted Yarns. It explains the types of handpainted yarns (3 categories) and then explains how to apply that in order to choose stitch patterns2009-02-18 Rating 4. There is extensive work about avoiding pooling and how to remedy situations. The patterns are interesting, including pattern stitches for the three types of handpainted yarns. The photos are clear and gorgeous, and show the patterning beautifully. All in all, it's worth the money, whether using it for patterns, or for a reference in order to use Yarn XYZ. I really love the book Fast Shipping!!!! A++++. 2009-01-27 Rating 5. Since I love to knit socks It was souch great to have!. I'm as easily seduced by good handpainted yarns as the next knitter, but I admit I've been flummoxed about what on earth to do with them A Top-Notch and Much-Needed Book. Knitting plain socks bores me, and plain stockinette socks often pooled, or striped in ways I didn't like2009-01-27 Rating 5. Patterned socks were more fun to knit, but I couldn't always get the patterns to play well with the color changes. This book is not only a repository of excellent sock patterns specifically designed to tackle those issues, it also includes an excellent technical/theoretical/inspirational introduction that has allowed me to see a way out of the woods. I will finally be able to knit through some of the handpainted sock yarn that's been sitting in my stash and mocking me for years. I think a lot of us needed this book, and I'm happy to report it's well done. For a knitter who already loves socks, this one is a must have looove it!. There are a lot of patterns in this book with some very interesting construction techniques, plus an intro about color that could help out a rainbow2009-01-19 Rating 5. Maybe not the best for a beginning sock knitter, but certainly something to drool over. Even though the patterns in the book assume you're not making your first sock, and even though it's not crammed with "how-to" material, I found plenty of excellent information about the nature of handpainted yarns Plenty of info for beginning sock knitters. The introductory chapters (all that stuff before the patterns) increased my knowledge about sock yarn exponentially2009-01-18 Rating 5. Providing technical guidance as well as fun, creative patterns, this resource tackles handpainted yarns, identifying the many challenges—and many opportunities—they provide for knitting socks Focusing on how to make the most of these much-loved yarns, it explains how to design projects with hand-dyed material versus other types of yarns, how to avoid the pitfalls of pooling and splotching, and how to combine multicolored hand paints with other types of yarns. Fresh, modern sock patterns from a variety of contributors illustrate their successful techniques, showing that with creativity and a little technical know-how, knitters can fully take advantage of these beautiful, yet sometimes tricky, yarns

Bead on a Wire: Making Handcrafted Wire and Beaded Jewelry

EAN:9781581806502 Label:North Light Books Author:Sharilyn Miller Binding:Paperback

I started beading and making jewelry about 6-8 months ago GREAT FOR BEGINNERS!. Although I started with woven projects, I found myself wanting to get more involved with wiring projects, as they were so beautiful2008-12-02 Rating 5. Ive taken classes and took one in making a caged bead. Then I bought the book and found the technique in the book was much nicer and had a more professional look. . Also I liked the part about antiquing the wire with liver of sulfer, as I didn't even realize that this could be done. There were many more techniques that the author goes through and Im very happy I invested in this book as it's great for beginners. . I recently decided to start making jewelry, got on Amazon and started looking at book reviews WOW. This one seemed to be really popular, so I ordered it sight unseen and I havent been disapointed2008-11-17 Rating 5. Its a beautiful book. Has great pictures and easy to understand directions and her jewelry is amazing. She shows you how to wrap wire around wire. She even shows you how to twist it using a drill. It does take a little practice to get good but what an awesome effect. She also shows you how to do twisted jump rings. I don't think anyone would be disapointed with this book. Another great one I found at book store was Creating Wire and Beaded Jewelry by Linda Jones. . When I ordered this book, I was looking mostly for some basic techniques to help me with some beaded browbands (for horse bridles) that I had gotten into making Great book, set me on fire!. While it was minimally useful for that, it sure inspired me! I rather promptly ordered some basic wire-working tools and I've spent way to much in the last few months on beads, tools and wire2008-10-09 Rating 5. I have a bunch of new earrings I love to wear, several new necklaces, I have designed pieces for most of my female Xmas giftees and I'm considering starting to sell my work! I honestly have to credit this book for a great deal of that, as the author's rather pure but very approachable perspective appealed greatly to me, and her instructions in the basic techniques were so followable, I jumped right into making my own designs without doing any of the projects verbatim, although I did use them for inspiration and pointers. My style is not exactly the author's style, I find some of her pieces a bit too visually busy/fussy for my taste, but they are lovely and well made and I could not have asked for a better introduction to this new world of jewelry making. It's a pretty book, too! If you are at all interested in an artistic approach to wire wrapping and beaded jewelry, I don't think you can go wrong adding this to your library. I read the other reviews and think what else is there to say My two cents worth.... 2008-10-03 Rating 5. but I have to put in my two cents worth anyway. This was my second wire working book in my library (it has since grown to encompass other more advanced aspects of jewelry wire applications, particularly with chains and stone wrapping). And yet it is my FAVORITE to review techniques, practice some aspects that I don't use often, and more. Why? Because the detailed information AND wonderful photographs that go with the descriptions. The statement Miller makes on page 59 - "When it comes to designing and making jewelry, I always keep three principles in mind: creativity, wearability and durability. " I now live by these words in my own designs and feel that Miller had and continues to have her finger right on the mark when it comes to jewelry design of the times. She shows us how to make each wire style correctly and strong. Her projects are all doable, utilizing techniques she describes in the first half of the book. The classic and probably timeless beauty of the pieces are first rate. I am thoroughly charmed, pleased with my purchase, and grateful for this reference/idea book that it really should be rated more than 5 stars. If you have to buy only one book on wire use in jewelry design - this is it!!!. This book had many pieces of jewelry to make with good directions Beads & Wire. Very informative2008-09-04 Rating 5. Jeanne, NJ. Magazine editor and popular author Sharilyn Miller knows the jewelry making audience like no one else In this latest book, she shows crafters of all levels how to get in on the popularity of jewelry and beading, with: -An in-depth section on design and construction techniques that makes it a snap to get started -More than 20 step-by-step bead and wire jewelry projects, including gorgeous earrings, necklaces, brooches, and bracelets It only takes a few basic steps to start making fashionable jewelry that's guaranteed to trigger compliments.

August: Osage County

EAN:9781559363303 Label:Theatre Communications Group Author:Tracy Letts Binding:Paperback

Well written Excellent play!. Touches on many issues of the dysfunctional American family2009-02-20 Rating 5. Letts presents a modern dark comedy while adhering to the traditional play structure. Be sure to check out the poem which the play is named after. See the acknowledgments. As far as I am concerned, AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY is a perfect example of the present state of American theater: it is trying too hard to be like the sit-coms and soaps on TV and screwball comedies in the movies Contemporary American Theater. There was a time when theater would have something profound to say in an artistic manner, such as O'Neill's THE ICEMAN COMETH and LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT, Williams' THE GLASS MENAGERIE and A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, Miller's DEATH OF A SALESMAN and THE CRUCIBLE, Brecht's THE GOOD PERSON OF SZECHUAN and MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN, etc2009-02-02 Rating 2. Nowadays we are seeing light-weight plays, such as DRIVING MISS DAISY, THE HEIDI CHRONICLES, EASTERN STANDARD, etc. I'm not surprised AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY won the Pulitzer Prize--so did DRIVING MISS DAISY, and that's not saying much. It is surprising that the Pulitzer Prize once went to a monumental achievement like DEATH OF A SALESMAN and now it's going to something like AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY. Not only has the greed of capitalism ruined Wall Street, but it has also ruined Broadway. When Broadway stops caring about huge profits, then the American theater may regain its excellence. And people like me will start going back to the theater. (Don't get me started on Broadway musicals that are remakes of movies. ) . August: Osage County is Tracy Letts' Pulitzer Prize-winning play, which debuted in 2007 AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY by Tracy Letts. It is typically billed as a dark comedy or tragicomedy2008-10-13 Rating 3. It deals with the reunion of a family in rural Oklahoma after the death of its patriarch. During this time, skeletons come out of closets, and drama ensues. The play features 13 characters, and most of them get a substantial amount of attention from the author. Balancing all these characters is something Letts does particularly well, and this is especially highlighted when there are two and three conversations going on simultaneously. Very few of these characters are the least bit sympathetic. Most of them spend most of their time hashing out their problems in nasty, unpleasant ways. Letts seems to be under the impression that the way to go here is to create as many irreconcilable issues as he can and then not resolve any of them. Some people may think that makes good drama; others will rightly ask, "so what?" and "what's the point?". August: Osage County certainly has its moments, but it's never particularly innovative or impressive. I, for one, am hard-pressed to understand just what about the play was Pulitzer-worthy. By far one of the best plays I've read in a long time, maybe even since my love affair with 'Angels in America A must-read for literature and theatre lovers alike.... ' Bitingly funny and horribly tragic, I've yet to find one disappointed fellow reader of Letts' masterpiece2008-10-06 Rating 5. I saw this play in previews here in NYC and told a friend: This play is going to win the Pulitzer, the Tony, everything A Classic For Decades To Come!. And I was right2008-10-01 Rating 5. The play shocked me on a personal level because so much of what he wrote about this family was MY family. Three girls. Mother who had problems. Absent father emotionally. I was fortunate to see Letts father in the lead role before he passed away a few months later. I don't know how many times I have said over the past 40 years, "If we knew the future, we wouldn't get out of bed. " When those words came out of a character's mouth on stage, my mouth flew open in shock! The Native American in the play also echoed my life. The cousin who was a brother was, in my life, a brother who was a cousin. Yes, Mr. Letts has read my mind and put it into a play. The acting was beyond mesmerizing. The actors are brilliant in each part. The play is 3 1/2 hours long but the hours go by so fast you can't believe it's over when the curtain comes down. You want more! The set is spectacular. The entire evening from beginning to end was the best time I've had on Broadway in my life. You simply cannot miss seeing this play if you're in NYC. If you do you'll regret it. Winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for Drama "A tremendous achievement in American playwriting: a tragicomic populist portrait of a tough land and a tougher people "-Time Out New York "Tracy Letts' August: Osage County is what O'Neill would be writing in 2007. Letts has recaptured the nobility of American drama's mid-century heyday while still creating something entirely original

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/450D For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

EAN:9780470385371 Label:For Dummies Author:Julie Adair King Binding:Paperback

Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12 Great guide. 2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/32009-01-29 Rating 5. 5-5. 6 IS Lens (Black)This is a great book for the novice as well as the established photographer. The Rebel XSi camera is the first big step from the point and shoot camera. Easy step by step understandable reviews of the camera is given with excellent photo descriptions of what is happening. The flow of the books builds your knowledge in a usefull way that gets you started quickly while enjoying you camera purchase. The review of the accompaning editing software gives the novice more knowledge of what the camera can do as well as enhanse the photographic experience. Read the entire book. Will continue to use as a reference. Tom . I must admit, I have always been a little shy of dummies books, but this one in full colour is quite brilliant Very Easy. The author does a very good job of explaining things from scratch2009-01-07 Rating 4. Well done, definitely one of the better books on photography for the beginner to DSLR camera's. There are Dummies books, and then there are Dummies books The perfect book for this Dummie. "Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/450D for Dummies" is pretty close to perfect2008-11-06 Rating 5. Written specifically for the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/450D, it's not just a generic manual with a chapter or some added info on a specific camera, but absolutely specific to this particular camera from cover to cover. And when was the last time you saw a Dummies book with every photo in color? Every single photo in the book is full color - even The 5th Wave by Rich Tennant comics preceding chapters are in brilliant color. This book covers every imaginable feature of the camera, and all the possible settings, with photo examples of their effects. It discusses connecting the camera to a computer to use the software that comes with the camera, and all the ins and outs of taking photos in RAW format, JPEG format, or both. The Rebel XSi is a reasonably priced digital SLR with everything but the kitchen sink included. This book completes the set. I may never get to the other two books I bought on the subject. We'll see. If you’re as excited as we are about the Rebel XSi/450D, you probably can’t wait to start shooting Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/450D For Dummies will show you how to make every shot count! Even if you’re new to digital SLR cameras or are unfamiliar with general photography terms and techniques, this handy guide will show you how to feel comfortable with the controls and start taking beautiful photographs. Don’t worry if you’ve never heard the words aperture, white balance, or ISO

Romeo and Juliet (Folger Shakespeare Library)

EAN:9780743477116 Label:Simon & Schuster Author:William Shakespeare Binding:Mass Market Paperback

I loved this book Loved It. Its Shakespeare at his best2008-10-20 Rating 5. Great edition of this timeless classic. Innocent love is the most pure Can Love Conquer All?. 2008-07-06 Rating 5. and the sight of those who are in that beautiful whirlwind of its hypnotic clutches is a sight to behold. Is it true? "Is youth wasted on the young. " Sometimes, sometimes not. Romeo and Juliet is the most known western love story of all time. Why? This is not an easy question to answer, however, personally, I would never go back to those extremes of pure love; that game playing, jealousy, love-making so innocent,(wonderful) and the relationship inevitably ending in tragedy. What makes this 500 year old love story one of a kind is its "truth", that we are essentially envious beings, and pure love is something we all either unconsciously or consciously yearn for. . and attempt to destroy. Shakespeare was a clever fellow: with the sacrifice of these two lover's, at last, the feuding families ended their years of fighting. . the Montague's & Capulet's. Peace fell upon Verona. Does true love always end in tragedy? A good question. Shakespeares' classic is considered a "love story"; but the Bard revealed pure love's true irony. . young love so pure, so intense, so true, the god's become envious and tragedy is pure love's ultimate end. Very sad, but very true. As the cliche' goes: "Nothing ventured nothing gained. " Re-read this beautiful story and reflect that true love just might conquer all. I'm not a believer in love at first sight, so I always thought the premise was a bit silly Shakespeare is forever. I didn't come to love this play until I taught it to a group of ninth graders during my semester of student teaching2008-07-02 Rating 4. I had read the play in school, but was never given the opportunity to do more than merely read it. My students were encouraged to act it out and to watch clips from several versions to see how a different director's perspective could change the story. The most fun day was when the class divided up into Montagues and Capulets and hurled Shakespearean insults at each other. People get scared of the language, but that's really the best part of Shakespeare. Revel in it! . "Romeo and Juliet" maintains pace until the very last page The supporting actors shine.... Audacious crashing of the enemy's ball, love at first sight, underground marriage, fateful killings of Merkutio and of Tybalt, exile, ruse with Juliet's death, life-threatening return to Verona, killing of Paris and the double death make it as eventful as any Shakespearean play2008-06-07 Rating 4. The first pages of Scene I set the tone. The rapid-fire wordplay exchange between Sampson and Gregory will be echoed in the puns throughout the play. The speed with which the servants' brawl escalates to the brawl of their masters will be repeated when the two youngsters, having met at the evening ball, immediately fall in love and the same night decide to marry. The spirit and imagination of the two minor characters, shining especially bright against the clumsiness of the two pater familias, will resurface in the colorful if bawdy Merkutio and the bold old Nurse, dangerously close, respectively, to Romeo and Juliet. Merkutio and Nurse are the most playful characters of this play. Like Richard in "Richard III", Porter and Weird Sisters in "Macbeth", Fool in "Lear" or Iago in "Othello", they are the recipients of the most animated spirits. While Romeo and Juliet advance the narrative, these supporting characters create sparks for the moment. I enjoyed the play more for these sparks than for the larger movements of the plot. I'll admit that the only reason I purchased this book was so that I didn't have to carry around my twenty pound Literature book A Student's Review. I purchased ths particular copy because it had many of the same interpretations as my Literature book did, so I could carry this little two ounce book around instead2008-06-04 Rating 4. For all instances, it worked very well. I could read this book along with the movie and follow along flawlessly. I could read the interpretations along the left binding and see exactly what people meant when I couldn't figure it out. I did, however, have two problems, which is why this is only a four-star review. The first thing I noticed was that even if there were little explanations on the left side, the right side didn't give you a clear indication of what was being translated. You had to actually be confused enough to look to the page on the left, and then you had to find line numbers, which I found extremely irritating. Another thing I found annoying was that only the bare minimum was actually translated. On further inspection of our ninth-grade Literature book and this book, I found that the Literature book actually went into more detail, with examples, alternate word orders, etc. Overall, this is an especially great book to purchase if your English teacher suddenly sticks you with Romeo and Juliet two weeks before the end of school. And even if she didn't. :D But if you're only at the age of fourteen or fifteen, try to stick with your Literature book. I didn't have any trouble, but there are definitely MORE modern interpretations in your Lit book, solely to help with the fact that you're not at a senior or college level yet. Even if you're only purchasing to get rid of the back strain, you won't regret it. Each edition includes: Freshly edited text based on the best early printed version of the play Full explanatory notes conveniently placed on pages facing the text of the play Scene-by-scene plot summaries A key to famous lines and phrases An introduction to reading Shakespeare's language An essay by an outstanding scholar providing a modern perspective on the play Illustrations from the Folger Shakespeare Library's vast holdings of rare books The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D C. , is home to the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's printed works, and a magnet for Shakespeare scholars from around the globe

David Busch's Nikon D60 Guide to Digital SLR Photography

EAN:9781598635775 Label:Course Technology PTR Author:David D. Busch Binding:Paperback

The title says it all If you own a D60, buy this book. If you have bought a Nikon D60, you need to buy this book to quickly learn how to use it2009-03-29 Rating 5. . Written by a Nikon expert, this book clarifies not only the functions of D-60 but also explains the general concepts of photography Must have companion for Nikon D-60. D60 is an entry-level DSLR and most of its users are either amateurs or new photography enthusiasts who are graduating from a point-and-shoot camera to real photography2009-03-03 Rating 5. And Dave Busch has kept this fact in mind while writing this guide. This is literally a complete guide. It starts right from opening that camera box to connecting the cable to computer, and what not. You can skip over these details and come to the chapters detailing the photography concepts and how to best use them in your D60. Remember, it is NOT a Field-Guide. Chapters are NOT divided by settings for Macros, sport mode, nature etc. Rather it is very well divided into Understanding the Menu, Getting Right Exposure, Advanced tips, Lenses, Lighting etc. Initially I was a bit disappointed by the book, since it is not a field-guide, but later I realized that this approach has helped me to get a good hold of the concepts and now I am able to play around with my camera and its settings, rather than just memorizing them. There are also suggestions for buying the accessories, lenses, troubleshooting and preventative maintenance. Everything is well-explained using lots of pictures, which helps a lot. After all, it is a guide for a DSLR. !!!!. As a new photographer I was very excited to get my D60 and eagerly read the enclosed manual which only confused me Great Info!. I needed to understand much of the jargon and basic features and this book was the answer2009-02-22 Rating 5. It was easy to understand and offered basic information without being a copy of the manual. I'm not done with the book yet, but what I have read and reviewed is excellent for anyone with a new Nikon D60 Satisfied. I've always used a Point-N-Shoot and now I'm ready for even better pictures2009-02-21 Rating 4. This book is full of information that will help me achieve my goal. Good, concise and to the point Good Exlpanation Of All Thing Functional. Execllent explanation of all the D60 functions2009-02-19 Rating 4. Easy reading. Have you unpacked your new Nikon D60 digital SLR camera and want to get started right away taking great pictures? "David Busch’s Nikon D60 Guide to Digital SLR Photography" will show you how, when, and, most importantly, why to use all the cool features and functions of your camera to take eye-popping photographs Introductory chapters will help you get comfortable with the basics of your camera before you dive right into exploring creative ways to apply the D60’s exposure modes, focus controls, and electronic flash options. More comprehensive than any of the pocket-sized camera guides, this book is chock full of hands-on tips for choosing lenses, flash units, and software products

How to Draw What You See (Practical Art Books)

EAN:9780823023752 Label:Watson-Guptill Author:Rudy De Reyna Binding:Paperback

This is a pretty good book to start Beginners. I gave it only 4 stars because "drawing for dummies" had a lot more techniques and easier directions for about the same2009-03-30 Rating 4. Nice, thorough lessons on the fundamentals of drawing Great Fundamental!. 2009-03-08 Rating 4. . clever and helpful diagrams that are unique for text such as this. I'm in the process of teaching myself to draw/paint and striving for more creativity and find this book helpful in that it has instructions for drawing what you see howto. Even though it is helping me with drawing basics, its presentation is flat and sort of uninspiring, perhaps because there is no color in it and the pictures tend to be somewhat traditional and staid2009-02-14 Rating 3. I find myself wanting to say to the author, "Thanks; I'll try that; it should help me draw. . but could you break out, dance around a bit or something?" . Good introduction to the fundamentals of drawing Good Introductory Text . With this and supplemental help from a few other texts the student should be able to get their drawing off to a good start2008-12-21 Rating 4. In addition to this you may want some subject specific drawing texts. Jack Hamm ,famous artist's figure drawing etc. . and most of all draw as much as you can! Have fun!. This book was purchased for an out of state school Book For A School. It was delivered but I have no idea how good it is2008-08-29 Rating 4. . •A best-seller for 35 years • A timeless classic that has taught generations of artists—and will teach generations more When it was originally published in 1970, How to Draw What You See zoomed to the top of the publisher’s best-seller list—and it has remained there ever since "I believe that you must be able to draw things as you see them—realistically," wrote Rudy de Reyna in this introduction. Today, generations of artists have learned to draw what they see, to truly capture the world around them, using de Reyna’s methods

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic

EAN:9780618871711 Label:Mariner Books Author:Alison Bechdel Binding:Paperback

This is a good graphic memoir I probably would have loved if it were not in the graphic novel format good memoir in the wrong format for this reader. Alison Bechdel is a skilled storyteller and graphic artist2009-03-07 Rating 3. I don't know if she's a skilled writer because she relies on her drawings to evoke the Victorian monstrosity of her childhood home and the girly dresses she abhorred. The words she uses are effective in moving the story along emotionally and temporally but without the drawings, the story is half told. I almost feel as though this should be reviewed as a film instead of a book. Bechdel does a good job depicting a family caught up in the social upheavals of the 60s and 70s. She is honest about herself and the conflicts between childhood memory and adult perspective and understanding. I like her honesty. The way literature and popular culture are woven into the story feels natural and essential. One example of when I would have preferred a more traditional narrative was description of Greenwich Village at that point in history. I'm from New York and spent a lot of time in the Village during that period. I didn't need to know any more about the significance of Christopher Street or the post-Stonewall atmosphere of NYC. Maybe that is a weakness of the book: is the audience too narrow? I guess I'll know the answer to that question when my well-read but decidedly non-urban, mostly straight book group discusses this next week. (They like Persepolis, but I had the same misgivings with that book. ) I suspect I am just the wrong audience for graphic novels. If I run across any essays or other writings by Alison Bechdel, I will be happy to read them. And when they make the movie, I'll buy a ticket. Ultimately, this read was pleasant but frustrating. If any graphic novel could have satisfied me, Fun Home would have - and didn't. It isn't Bechdel's fault. She's written a good graphic memoir that is, for me, lacking the emotional depth of a good memoir Didn't think I would like the graphic novel genre, but I really did Suprisingly good. Well written and well illustrated2009-02-06 Rating 5. . plus, a quick read. I didn't even know what a graphic novel was until recently, and only read this at the urging of a good friend and avid reader who is very selective in the books she recommends If all graphic novels are this good, I'm sold!. I had this idea that graphic novels would be comics for adults and in some way "dumb down" reading2009-02-05 Rating 5. Not so with Fun Home. The combination of great writing and well-done illustrations just increases the story-telling effect. Bechdel is able to show important things in the drawings that might have been hard to describe in the writing. . especially at times when the writing is from a younger child's viewpoint. The illustrations show a lot of what is going on. . that a child wouldn't recognize. Bechdel is laugh-out-loud funny at times, makes up interesting words that truly should be added to the dictionary, and tells a compelling story. I'm recommending this book to all my family and friends. If all graphic novels are this good, I'm sold on the genre. (but I expect it will be like any books. . takes great writing to make them work. ) and I agree that it's probably best NOT to know the story line ahead of time. . makes for much more interesting and sudden twists. Kathie Hightower, coauthor of Help! I'm a Military Spouse -- I Get a Life Too! 2d Edition. This is the first comic book I've read in, oh, 50 years Astounding!!. It's brilliant! 2009-02-05 Rating 5. I needed this book for class Thanks!. It came quickly and was in the condition that I was promised2009-01-29 Rating 5. Thanks!. In this groundbreaking, bestselling graphic memoir, Alison Bechdel charts her fraught relationship with her late father In her hands, personal history becomes a work of amazing subtlety and power, written with controlled force and enlivened with humor, rich literary allusion, and heartbreaking detail. Distant and exacting, Bruce Bechdel was an English teacher and director of the town funeral home, which Alison and her family referred to as the "Fun Home

Exposure Photo Workshop: Develop Your Digital Photography Talent

EAN:9780470114353 Label:Wiley Author:Jeff Wignall Binding:Paperback

This series is good - but lots of repeat from book to book Not bad. Chapter 1 and 2 usually cover title subject - the rest is just general camera stuff - well written but repeats2009-02-16 Rating 4. Buy only the one you want to learn about. This book, authored by Jeff Wignall, is a most through review of the many aspects of the methods of exposure in different situations exposure explained. From the most basic point and shoot digital camera to the advanced dslr camera formats, you can get from the primer stage to a semi-advanced elaboration of the in's and out's of exposure2009-01-26 Rating 5. The correlation between ISO, speed, aperture, depth of field, ramifications of flash, night photography, etc. is explained. This is a book that you should keep on the shelf as a source of reference, and refer to it always. "Exposure Photo Workshop" is a WONDERFUL reference book to have available when you're determining how to handle any shooting situation A difficult subject...beautifully explained!. Exposure settings have always been hit and miss with me2008-12-11 Rating 5. Sometimes I will take the easy route of shooting in the Automatic mode, but it's more satisfying to be able to have more creative control over the results - and actually know what you're doing! This book has numerous color photos with an explanation of the approach used leading up to each. The description of the final settings used accompanies each photo, i. e. - lens, shutter speed, f-stop, ISO and whether handheld or tripod. I found myself looking at each photo and trying to guess the settings used before I actually read them. I learned a lot from this and improved in my guessing as I progressed through the book! In keeping with the "workshop" portion of the title, "Assignments" are located throughout this book to give you practice on what you've read. There is also a website you can access to share your photos with others and share comments. It's safe to say I will be revisiting this book quite often. I'm so happy that I bought this book Good Choice!. It has really helped me better understand how to get the right exposure2008-09-04 Rating 5. He uses good examples that just make it click. If you are interested in going further with photography you need this for the shelf. I would highly recommend this series of photography books {Photo Workshop) Exposure Photo Workshop: Develop Your Digital Photography Talent. I purchased the full set and they have all been excellent2008-09-01 Rating 5. The book arrived quickly and in excellent condition. Named One of Shutterbug Magazines Top Digital Imaging Books of 2008! Capturing an image and getting the right exposure is critical and Jeff Wignall recognizes exposure as the secret for creating an image that captures a vision and shares it with the world When you apply his techniques with patience, experimentation, and a focus on the outcome, you will begin creating images that reveal not only what you saw, but how you felt when you saw it. In fact according to Shutterbug magazine Exposure Photo Workshop “may be the best book yet written about exposure

The Death and Life of Great American Cities (Modern Library Series)

EAN:9780679600473 Label:Modern Library Author:Jane Jacobs Binding:Hardcover

Living in Detroit in 2009 I find the book quite relevant since we are now on a journey to remake the city Always relevant. 2009-03-31 Rating 4. I bought this book as a required reading for school Great read. It was very easy to read and covered many interesting topics2008-08-29 Rating 5. I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in learning more about the urban environment. In an age when architects and planners were spouting all kinds of brave-new-world nonsense (or mindlessly absorbing it, or even worse - building it), Jacobs burst onto the scene with an incredible dose of sanity mixed with common sense and wisdom, carefully observing the urban environment and drawing a host of remarkably sensible conclusions The triumph of common sense. For some reason we architects seem always at risk of believing our own nuttiest fantasies2008-06-07 Rating 5. Jacobs is a perennial corrective. Still relevant, still useful Read it! . 2008-05-15 Rating 5. . and still ignored by the common city engineer. Our city's planners need to re-read this sucker. This is a book that relates to designers, and city planners as well as the "un-educated" Read it. Reading this book will certainly inform one on the purpose and importance of city planning2008-04-20 Rating 5. Thirty years after its publication, The Death and Life of Great American Cities was described by The New York Times as "perhaps the most influential single work in the history of town planning .