Order Man and Superman: A Comedy and a Philosophy

Shaw turns Don Juan on its head in this analysis of the "Don Juanita". We know what attracts men to women, but what attracts women to men, though similar, is far more complex. Shaw has a great sense of irony and a wonderful grip on what makes people tick, and here he uses those gifts to give us a topsy-turvy Don Juan masterwork.
I chuckled all the way though this and just could not put the book down. There's plenty of comedy to be found in romantic attraction and Shaw manages to find all of it. Though it's a very humorous work, there's also a serious message that will leave every reader with something to think about.
George Bernard Shaw created numerous masterpieces over the span of his writing career. He has the distinction of being the only person to ever be awarded both an Oscar and the Nobel Prize for Literature. He was a very humble and conscientious man, a political activist and a vegetarian. His conscientiousness shows in his work by his inability to write meaningless fluff at a time when fluff dominated the stage. His trademark is his classic use of ample humor in dramas with serious subject matter. It takes a special kind of genius to be able to pull that off as flawlessly as he did.
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Where To Buy Picture Yourself Learning Corel Paint Shop Pro X2, 1st Edition

After recently purchasing Corel paint Shop Pro Photo X3 I found that all the menu choices were confusing and overwhelming. I bought the book as a guide even though it was written for Photo X2 instead of X3. Now I am able to get started on some of the features of the software that I wanted most. With a thourough table of contents in the beginning of the book, you can easily find the pages with answers to your Questions.Get more detail about Picture Yourself Learning Corel Paint Shop Pro X2, 1st Edition.

Shop For The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Book: The Complete Guide for Photographers

If you want to learn how Lightroom works, and not just how to tweak a slider, this is THE source. I teach Lightroom ([...]) around the country to professional photographers, and there is, as of now, no other book I'd recommend to the pros with questions about Lightroom. As LR3 rolls out, it still will be useful, however I'm sure Martin Evening will be introducing his version for LR3 soon.

The book not only explains the controls and the effects they create or, in some cases, repair, but has nifty sidebars that show tricks and tips on keyboard shortcuts so you can speed your way through the editing process, which is, I think, the most time consuming and costliest part of a photography job. Buy the book! I don't leave home without it.Get more detail about The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Book: The Complete Guide for Photographers.

Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self

I purchased this book without looking inside first and was terribly disappointed. I purchase many books on fashion and this is, by far, the worst one yet. It is a total waste of time. This young man spends far too much time attempting to educate the reader in his fashion terminology than actually giving tips on fashion. I would definitely not recommend it for anyone, unless you are interested in writing a new dictionary to replace Websters.Get more detail about Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self.

Canon EOS 40D Guide to Digital Photography, 1st Edition Review

This is a very well written and informative book on an excellent camera. It gives you great insight into the operation of different functions and why they are used. I have had my camera for a year and have learned things since getting the guide that I had no idea about.Get more detail about Canon EOS 40D Guide to Digital Photography, 1st Edition.

A Cognitive Psychology of Mass Communication, Fourth Edition Top Quality

This is the 4th edition of this volume. Harris provides a nice overview to media psychology. I think the book is mistitled because it does not really deal with cognitive psychology (as a cognitive psychologist would define it). For example, there is limited discussion of factors influencing attention to TV or the cognitive representation of media stories or even how media stories are comprehended. Rather, the book really looks at social psychological approaches to the media (e.g., models of advertising effectiveness, motivations for watching TV, effects of TV violence etc). The volume is an excellent introduction to what is often referred to as media psychology, but I do think it is mistitled. Also, there are topics that are missing from the volume. For example, there is a growing research literature on factors influencing the entertainment value of a TV show or movie and that literature is not discussed in this book. I do use it as a textbook in a undergraduate seminar I teach and the students generally enjoy the book, but it is a textbook, but it does an excellent job at introducing readers to the psychological study of the media.

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Piano Notes: The World of the Pianist This instant

I begin with a paraphrase from Rosen's book, "A review should cultivate a certain humility before a really fine pianist and writer." Rosen is both. In fact, the man is so talented as to be somewhat intimidating. Not only is he a world-class pianist, he has written volumes on various musical subjects, holds a doctorate in French literature from Princeton, and has served on the faculty at the University of Chicago. He is one of America's remaining public intellectuals.
Rosen's earlier works, "Sonata Forms," "The Classical Style," and "The Romantic Generation," have all entered the canon of works that are absolutely essential for the well-informed musician and critic. "Piano Notes" takes a lighter approach: it is part memoir, part anecdote, always highly opinionated, with some choice gossip thrown in. Often, his tongue is firmly planted in cheek. In other words, it's great reading.
In relatively few well-chosen words, Rosen offers his considered opinions on topics as diverse as Bach performance, piano tuning and regulation, shenanigans in the recording studio, piano conservatories and competitions, the uses and misuses of concerts and recitals, and the best method of piano practicing for pure technique--reading while practicing, but scrupulously avoiding poetry and "really admirable prose" because these interfere with the rhythm of the music. "The most useful, I have found for myself, are detective stories, sociology and literary criticism. However, any reading matter that distracts the mind without engaging the senses or the emotions too powerfully will work." (p. 40).
Rosen believes the traditional piano recital, complete with grand piano, darkened hall, and the costumed pianist as high priest, is on the way out, largely because of the relative ease of acquiring fine recorded performances of most of the repertoire. I for one hope he's wrong. There is something marvelous, as Rosen points out, in caressing those ivory and ebony keys, and having music come out. The person who has never experienced that will never understand the blissful expression on the faces of so many pianists when they can share music with others. But those of us lucky enough to have felt music flow from our fingers and to have placed themselves and others under its thrall, will completely understand when Rosen when rhapsodizes of the pianist's fetishistic need for physical contact with the ebony and ivory, and of the inexpressible beauty that results.Get more detail about Piano Notes: The World of the Pianist.

Get in the Van: On the Road With Black Flag (2nd Edition) Immediately

Henry Rollins is a interesting character, Very Anti-Social it seems at times, This book gives you the insight into the Hardcore Punk Lifestyle, being on the road, the violence involved, Including some cool pics, and info, especially on my favorite(way better than Black Flag IMHO) The Misfits. The Famous Motley Crue Story is in here.Get more detail about Get in the Van: On the Road With Black Flag (2nd Edition).

Perfect Digital Photography Best Quality

Jay Dickman and Jay Kinghorn are wonderfully talented men. This book is an inspiration and I found, a necessary technical text to have in my, library as a reference. It has taught me post capture skills in photoshop and lightroom and about equipment and accessories for in camera work. It is a book for the serious amateur and those looking for advanced, in camera and post capture technique. Jay Dickman gives wonderful insight into the power of photography and the techniques that help to make it so. His Images are inspiring and make you want to go discover the world and do a better job photographing it! He gives great advice in dealing with people, as well as equipment, technique, some amazing ways to use lighting and how to shoot some zany situations, I was awe struck by his police car shot and how he accomplished it, amazing! you certainly learn how the pros do it! Jay kinghorn gives step by step instruction into post capture, in Lightroom and Photoshop. You will learn about colour management, the art of printing, editing, file types, image resolution, creating great black and whites and much, much more! I found this book informative and inspiring, it's not a book to sit and read from cover to cover in one hit, its an inspiring text book and a must have, for me anyway, as a guide, reference and inspiration!Get more detail about Perfect Digital Photography.

Perfect Digital Photography Get it now!

Jay Dickman and Jay Kinghorn are wonderfully talented men. This book is an inspiration and I found, a necessary technical text to have in my, library as a reference. It has taught me post capture skills in photoshop and lightroom and about equipment and accessories for in camera work. It is a book for the serious amateur and those looking for advanced, in camera and post capture technique. Jay Dickman gives wonderful insight into the power of photography and the techniques that help to make it so. His Images are inspiring and make you want to go discover the world and do a better job photographing it! He gives great advice in dealing with people, as well as equipment, technique, some amazing ways to use lighting and how to shoot some zany situations, I was awe struck by his police car shot and how he accomplished it, amazing! you certainly learn how the pros do it! Jay kinghorn gives step by step instruction into post capture, in Lightroom and Photoshop. You will learn about colour management, the art of printing, editing, file types, image resolution, creating great black and whites and much, much more! I found this book informative and inspiring, it's not a book to sit and read from cover to cover in one hit, its an inspiring text book and a must have, for me anyway, as a guide, reference and inspiration!Get more detail about Perfect Digital Photography.

Hollywood Babylon--It's Back Buy Now

Darwin Porter, the great fabricator of biographers, has outdone himself here. This is a total work of fiction.Get more detail about Hollywood Babylon--It's Back.

David Pogue's Digital Photography: The Missing Manual Order Now

I bought this book based on the many positive reviews on Amazon, and I found it useful with a readable, engaging style.

But it is FULL OF MISTAKES that should have been caught before it went into print, and will confuse many readers, especially beginners. This book is way below the standard of excellence set by other books in the Missing Manual series.

Here are some examples:

Writing about Landscape Mode, the author writes that it sets "Large Aperture, creating a large depth of field ...". The fact is that Landscape Mode sets Small aperture, which is what creates a large depth of field. (A Large Aperture actually creates a shallow depth of field.)

In discussing Manual Mode, the author wrote "That's full automatic", which is just the opposite of the truth.

In discussing lenses, he writes "Telephoto means 'zoom.' " This is incorrect; not all telephoto lenses are zoom lenses, nor are all zoom lenses telephotos.

And the list goes on! For a complete list of errata submitted (so far) by readers, go to:[...]Get more detail about David Pogue's Digital Photography: The Missing Manual.

Digital Nature Photography: The Art and the Science Decide Now

I have been a John Gerlach fan for many years and still have amidst my photo gear a typewritten exposure guide that he handed out during a seminar I attended many years ago in Orlando. His emphasis then, which is repeated in this book, is an emphasis on getting the picture right in the camera - not depending on Photoshop to "rescue" haphazard results. Exposure and sharpness are critical and he demonstrates how to achieve the results. Comments on equipment are interesting since he shoots Canon and his wife who is now his partner in these endeavors shoots Nikon so you can gain insight into both systems. He will also reference Sony and Pentax now and then but on a more limited basis. Tips on composition are also quite helpful.

An excellent book to get the basics down but also some great content for those, like me who have been doing this for many years. (47 in my case) The cover shot alone is enough to keep one inspired!

Two areas might disappoint. First, there is little discussion of the use of software like Photoshop. As he points out, there are plenty of books on the topic and he would rather be out taking pix as opposed to siting in front of the computer. The second area that might disappoint is that there are no pictures or illustrations of equipment or accessories. This was less of a problem for me as an experienced photographer but some may wish to see exactly what a particular item such as an "L bracket" for off camera flash or a flash extender looks like. (I understand that given the rapid changes in technology that material may become dated - as opposed to the photos which are timeless!)

I found reference to this book in his column in Nature Photographer and ordered this and the one on landscape photography. Both were worthy purchases.

Get more detail about Digital Nature Photography: The Art and the Science.

Adobe InDesign CS2 Classroom in a Book, MobiPocket Right now

Used book arrived on time in the shape advertised.The product description said it was a library discard so I should have realized the included CD would be hammered.Still satisfied overall.Get more detail about Adobe InDesign CS2 Classroom in a Book, MobiPocket.

Lowest Price Doubt

What a powerful piece. There are only 4 spoken characters in the whole book - yet so much goes on in such a short story/play. It is riveting and superbly written - considering it's only 60+ pages long.

The play takes place in a 1960's Catholic Church School where a nun suspects the priest is molesting one of his students. It's a story about doubt. Did he do it? Was she wrong? Right? You just don't know. You are left with DOUBT. I found that the ending was well suited for this piece and I highly recommend it.
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Low Price Rent: The Complete Book and Lyrics of the Broadway Musical

my daughter loved this gift and was at the top of her list for xmas gifts. She got this along with broadway dvd of Rent and a book by the writer of Rent. She has already finished the book, said it was heartwarming and sooooo interesting. great investment.Get more detail about Rent: The Complete Book and Lyrics of the Broadway Musical.

Save Adobe After Effects CS4 Classroom in a Book

Hi, this book is really great, specially if you are a instructor, because its helps you a lot when you are teaching different students, gradually after each lesson students started to feel achieving a lot, and I was completely satisfied with the seller, as I got the book just right on time without any delay.

regards

Zeeshan J. ShahGet more detail about Adobe After Effects CS4 Classroom in a Book.

Discount In the Studio with Michael Jackson

Billed as a tell all about recording with MJ but there's not a whole lot about MJ in the book. The focus is very much on Bruce Swedien and how great his wife and dog are. It's obvious it was written before Michael's death and then released after his death to cash in on the publicity. It's the same repetitive info and the writing and editing are poor. It will be of interest to recording engineers and a bit to the most ardent MJ fans. It's a shame it wasn't edited better and the focus wasn't a bit more on The King.Get more detail about In the Studio with Michael Jackson.

Cheapest Photoshop Elements 6 for Mac: The Missing Manual

It was a big disappointment opening up the book and seeing the poor-quality illustrations and photo images--no doubt related to inferior paper quality. Photoshop Elements 6 for Mac (the application) is a significant improvement over Elements 4, but The Missing Manual for the former is a serious DOWNGRADE in quality. The photos and illustrations are so poorly rendered that it's sometimes difficult to see any difference between Before and After shots. I was surprised that O'Reilly Press would put out such a book--one devoted to top-notch image quality--with such disregard for clarity in its own photos and graphics. I know they can do better; I own their Elements 4 manual, and there's a world of difference between it and the Elements 6 book. Holding the two side-by-side and comparing identical photos is dismaying. In Elements 4, the images are sharp and crisp; in Elements 6 they are grainy, fuzzy, and washed out. It's as though they used an old dot-matrix printer to generate the images. Until O'Reilly can put out an edition in line with its usual high standards, I would not recommend purchasing this title.Get more detail about Photoshop Elements 6 for Mac: The Missing Manual.

Cheap All Shook Up: How Rock 'n' Roll Changed America

Having been a teenager in the 50s, I found many sections of the book interesting. I especially enjoyed learning some of the hidden racial messages in songs I once thought to be simple love songs. I would recommend the book to anybody who lived during that time and/or who is interested in the background information of the early stars of Rock 'n' Roll and/or the politics behind the music business.Get more detail about All Shook Up: How Rock 'n' Roll Changed America.

Buying Acting for Young Actors: The Ultimate Teen Guide

I have not recieved this Book.
Was it shipped UPS?

I can not give a revue on something I haven't seen,
Martin BeckGet more detail about Acting for Young Actors: The Ultimate Teen Guide.

Buy Back to the Garden: The Story of Woodstock

I found the book an excellent read. Yes, Woodstock was about peace,love and music but it also launched rock and roll into the "big business" of music. The "prima donnas" who wanted special treatment for showing up, the groups that appeared because the promoters wanted to highlight their own acts, the lousy proformances as well as the unforgettable, the Bill Grahams, Wavy Gravys and John Morris' as well as about another 500K who watched, it was all part of the show. Pete let the participants speak for themselves and we found although many a group or performer was launched into superstardom, just as many, it seemed, faded into oblivion. Great book. The background he supplied for many of the performers was an added bonus.Get more detail about Back to the Garden: The Story of Woodstock.

Purchase Special Makeup Effects for Stage and Screen: Making and Applying Prosthetics: Making and Applying Prosthetics

This book is awsome! I wish I had it when I was in fx school. Lots of helpful hints and very easy to follow. Packed with more up to date tecniques. Good for people starting out in the industry.Get more detail about Special Makeup Effects for Stage and Screen: Making and Applying Prosthetics: Making and Applying Prosthetics.

Order Special Makeup Effects for Stage and Screen: Making and Applying Prosthetics

This book is awsome! I wish I had it when I was in fx school. Lots of helpful hints and very easy to follow. Packed with more up to date tecniques. Good for people starting out in the industry.Get more detail about Special Makeup Effects for Stage and Screen: Making and Applying Prosthetics.

Where To Buy Lighting Design Basics

If you are looking for a beginner lighting course, this books is just what you need. It goes through lighting applications per room/area, explains how to calculate foot candles, but if you want to read more about lighting plans, layouts, electrical requirements.....I would say - keep looking.

This is a good quick resource with little technical detail.Get more detail about Lighting Design Basics.

Shop For But Is It Art?: An Introduction to Art Theory

I ordered this book at the beginning of january (around the 4th or so) because I really needed it for a class, but by the time i got it the class was nearly over and I no longer had any use for it. I received the package around the 23rd or so-- thts weeks later than expected and I was already receiving shipments from items on amazon that I had order like a week after the book from this buyer. However, the book, upon [late] arrival, was in good condition-- as promised.Get more detail about But Is It Art?: An Introduction to Art Theory.

Acting Is Everything: An Actor's Guidebook for a Successful Career in Los Angeles, Expanded Gold

This was the first book I bought upon arriving in LA to chase the dream, and I am very thankful for the wealth of information included in this Hollywood "bible"! As a matter of fact, I wish I'd read it way before I got here, as I would've been much better prepared for the business that is this show business. I highly recommend it to anyone who's ever dreamt of making it in Hollywood, especially for those who are planning on moving here. So many budding actors come having no idea what to do once they get here, and especially of the expense involved in establishing yourself, finding representation, networking, and taking various classes, workshops, and seminars to boost your resume and get your name out there. This can be a tough town, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed at times, but any and all planning you can do in advance to allow you to be smarter and more strategic about your career is absolutely beneficial, and I feel this book is without a doubt a great first step in what will hopefully be an exciting and fulfilling journey. Thanks so much Judy!!Get more detail about Acting Is Everything: An Actor's Guidebook for a Successful Career in Los Angeles, Expanded Gold.

How to Cheat in Photoshop CS4: The art of creating photorealistic montages: The art of creating photorealistic montages Review

Very good book. Great step by step instruction. Just a bit over my head.
Not for beginners. Teaches you how to make picture montages (create scenes), doesn't really teach you how to use the photoshop application. Should have intermediate photoshop skills before buying this book. Upon completion of book you will be an expert at photoshopping.Get more detail about How to Cheat in Photoshop CS4: The art of creating photorealistic montages: The art of creating photorealistic montages.

Traveling Music : The Soundtrack to My Life and Times Top Quality

In this book you'll find out about Neil Peart the man... not just the drummer. A man who speaks to you as if you were his travels companion. A close look to his life after the tragedy. A must read.Get more detail about Traveling Music : The Soundtrack to My Life and Times.

The Arts and the Creation of Mind This instant

Elliot Eisner has written a wonderful book about why arts are important for education- not as a supplement but as a way to learn. Recommended for anyone teaching children!Get more detail about The Arts and the Creation of Mind.

A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs Immediately

Small book, easy to carry and lovely to read. My husband is taking his time, reading each poem and absorbing. Highly recommended for contemporary poetry lovers.Get more detail about A Fine Romance: Jewish Songwriters, American Songs.

Garcia Best Quality

This book is an excellent read for anyone who is interested in the 60's as played out in San Francisco regardless of whether or not you're deeply interested in the Dead and Garcia. The author writes about his subject knowledgeably, retains a sense of humor, and has a real appreciation without being overly reverent about Garcia's contributions to the world of music. The quotes and anecdotes from the people in Garcia's life help keep the book engaging. It's the kind of book you miss when you finish it.Get more detail about Garcia.

Singing Out: An Oral History of America's Folk Music Revivals Get it now!

Books on folk singing are few and far between, so it is good to have this edition which has interviews with about 63 of the best folksingers around, although some have passed on by now. The format is done by comments in sections covering subjects such as: define folk music, early collecting, Greenwich Village, the Red Scare, the folk boom in the 60's, folk-rock, nu-folk and the power of music.
There is an introduction by Pete Seeger and short biographies of the interviewees, a discography and an index.
Included interviewees are such people as, Don McLean, Arlo Guthrie, Oscar Brand, Judy Collins, Ronnie Gilbert, Holly Near and of course Pete Seeger plays a prominent part. Some refused to be interviewed -Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Bruce Springsteen and Alan Lomax. Missing are groups such as the Kingston Trio, The Brothers Four and The (original) Highwaymen. They were deemed by most of the interviewees as not legitimate folksingers, even though they popularized the genre for many of the others.
There are some interesting facts to learn, such as Country Joe McDonald crediting Pete Seeger with inspiring his " I'm Feel-like-I'm-Fixin'-to-Die Rag".
Even though this book was published in 2010 and many of the interviewees were still alive, more than half the interviews are from ones done in the 70's. I was really expecting some recent thoughts which would have been appealing. Still this book serves its' purpose of teaching about the folksong genre.Get more detail about Singing Out: An Oral History of America's Folk Music Revivals.

Grand Obsession: A Piano Odyssey Order Now

The book is disappointing for two reasons: first (and most importantly) the author can't write poetry or emotion. And second, the author, like so many other 'artists' in our society, finds herself compelled to tell the reader how to vote. I borrowed the book at the library, and stopped reading at page 92 (see below). Perhaps there is a dramatic change in the second 2/3ds of the book, but I doubt it. I am grateful that I didn't pay for it.

The book is essentially identical to "The Little Shop on the Left Bank," which is a far better story and a far richer read. This book starts with a story of tree selection in the Austrian Alps, but this section is ever so slightly tone-deaf. You sense the author is trying to be poetic, but doesn't quite pull it off. I believe this is correct-the author is a professional (;)) journalist, and it shows. Her prose style is very matter of fact. And throughout the book, her attempts at non-journalistic writing seem equally strained. She clearly is not used to telling stories or writing prose.
Curiously, unlike a well writtn journalistic article, the book is suprisingly short of interesting or informative facts. Rather, it is a personal biography. But like many biographies today, it is a biography by appointment book-merely a list of her trips (usually for her full time work), with mentions of piano shopping interspersed. This form of biography seems common-I have seen it in international affairs (books by Wesley Clarke and Richard Holbrooke concerning the Bosnian War read like a series of meeting notes-as if a meeting schedule has anything remotely interesting to say about history), but just because it is common doesn't make it good.
This would be forgiveable as a light read on a lazy afternoon (assuming you are interested in the subject matter), if it weren't for the second point: her awkward infusion of politics. I had vague hints of this throughout the book, but the first overt mention occurs on about page 55, where the author describes interacting with a fellow piano buff online, and mentions that they 'disagree politically' (she is an idealist, she'll have you know). How or why political opinions are mentioned either in a book about piano shopping or on a piano internet site is beyond me. This type of political posturing, where it really has no reason for mention, is something modern artists (and, for some reason, modern artists from the East Coast) are prone to, so unfortunately the reader is forced to endure it. Readers like myself have learned to 'pick our battles' in this regard, and this mention was fairly subtle, so that while I noticed it, I glossed over it, and paid no more heed.
On page 92, however, we read the following. Immediately after the World Trade Center attack, she describes her favourite piano blog site. "Politics was almost never discussed here before, but now it is clear that many Piano World members voted for George Bush and are very conservative."

It is inconceivable to read the opposite sentence: "Politics was almost never discussed here before, but now it is clear that some Piano World members didn't vote for George Bush and are very liberal." In other words, it is only people of a particular political bent that would inject their personal viewpoint into a book that has nothing to do with politics.

Furthermore, you may disagree with me, and feel that the injection of politics where it doesn't belong is entirely fine, but it is impossible to not be struck by the awkward method in which it was done. Her phrase brings the infamous quote from Paula Kael to mind ("Nixon couldn't have won: nobody I know voted for him")-the same presumption, the same sociological cluelessness, the same unquestioned assumptions.
And this awkwardness is tied in, I believe to my original observation -the author's poor skills in expressing emotion or writing poetry. Thus, at page 92, I gave up. I wasn't really learning much about pianos, and what I was learning (the author's travel schedule) wasn't especially interesting. I have no interest in being criticized for my voting preferences in a book about piano shopping, so I will be returning the book to the library. fortunately, I paid no money for it.

I highly recommend, as mentioned, The Piano Shop on the Left Bank. Also A Romance on Three Legs is good. Give A Grand Obsession a pass.

SkGet more detail about Grand Obsession: A Piano Odyssey.

David Busch's Canon Powershot G10/G11: Guide to Digital Photography, 1st Edition Decide Now

I purchased the Kindle version of the book to read on my iPad(with Kindle), but when I attempted to send it to my iPad I recieved and error. The publisher prevents this book from being viewed on anything but an Amazon Kindle, which is unfortunate, since the the Kindle reading experience on an iPad is far better than on Kindle itself.Get more detail about David Busch's Canon Powershot G10/G11: Guide to Digital Photography, 1st Edition.

Understanding Audio: Getting the Most Out of Your Project or Professional Recording Studio Right now

I am the guy at the mixer when music is recorded or performed live. I'm one of those who need to know WHY and HOW things are done so I can produce the best sound. This book answered those questions about both analog and digital audio with clear descriptions and simple yet effective graphics.

This is NOT a simple generic overview; it is a solid "get this concept into your head" kind of audio engineering reference (with only a touch of optional illustrative math) useful for non-engineers who want to do a better job of producing or recording music. It will definitely help you avoid mistakes and get better results when recording in a studio or mixing live.

It walks you from the origination of sound, through the mics and DI boxes, into the mixer components, through parametric or graphic equalizers, to effects, recorders, amplifiers and speakers. It even explains electricity, decibels, meter scales, sampling rates, A/D and D/A conversion, studio acoustics and playback concerns. Each detail is explained in language that lets you understand what is going on. I'm confident now when I walk up to a mixer board or recording deck.

This book transforms an audio signal from a nebulous sound to a visual and mental object that I can manipulate. Even after I read the entire thing, cover to cover, I find myself going back to it often, using it as a reference or a refresher whenever I had a question. It will never be far from my DAW and encourages me to read more Berklee Press books.
Get more detail about Understanding Audio: Getting the Most Out of Your Project or Professional Recording Studio.

Lowest Price Room Full of Mirrors

Room Full of Mirrors was an excellent biography of Jimi Hendrix. Author Charles R. Cross conducted extensive interviews with everyone he could find who knew Jimi; and the story that emerges is one of a sensitive musician who couldn't handle his sudden fame, and was leading a wild life of excess that culminated in his tragic death from an accidental overdose of sleeping pills. His story is told very fairly, without being too judgmental, but also without white washing over Jimi's human faults and foibles.

-------------
Way up in my tree I'm sitting by my fire
Wond'rin' where in this world might you be
And knowin' all the time you're still roamin' in the country side
Do you still think about me?
==========================

Cross did an excellent job of sorting and filtering many conflicting accounts of the life of this complex artist. He didn't seem to have any particular axe to grind, but would take sides if he felt that one version of the story had more merit than another. For instance, the woman who was with Jimi when he died was not the most credible witness and Cross casts doubt on her account of Hendrix's final hours.

---------------
Hurrah I awake from yesterday
alive but the war is here to stay
so my love Catherina and me
decide to take our last walk
through the noise to the sea
not to die but to be re-born
away from a world so tattered and torn....
forever...
=======================

There are plenty of little scenes that illuminate just how a shy kid from Seattle became the madman genius guitar slingin' Voo Doo Child. Jimi decided he wanted to play guitar at a young age and would "practice" for hours, even though it was just a broom he was holding, pretending it was a guitar. Later, he would show just as much dedication with a guitar, playing it upside down because he was left handed. His father thought he should play it the standard way, and when his dad came home during the middle of Jimi's wood shedding he would have to flip it over. This versatility no doubt came in handy, as he later learned to play it with his teeth or behind his back.

--------------
Oh! Move over, Rover
and let Jimi take over
Yeah, you know what I'm talking 'bout
Yeah, get on with it, baby
That's what I'm talking 'bout
Now dig this!
Ha!
Now listen, baby
============================

Seattle was a city of diverse ethnicity that exposed him to Black Music, but also primitive rock and roll like The Kingsmen, famed for a cover of Louie, Louie, that seminal rock and roll anthem. One of the local clubs where he got his start was called the Spanish Castle, and he would pen a song about it. Later, he joined the military and was stationed in the South. This led to him playing the R&B circuit and going out on the road, playing with groups such as Little Richard and the Isley Brothers. He picked up a lot of tricks and there were showdowns with great guitarists that Jimi Hendrix lost, but he took his defeats as inspiration, and developed his own style, based on the blues but at the same time transcending it.

--------------
Blue are the life-giving waters taken for granted,
They quietly understand
Once happy turquoise armies lay opposite ready,
But wonder why the fight is on
But they're all bold as love, yeah; they're all bold as love
Yeah, they're all bold as love
Just ask the axis
========================

Woodstock, The Monterey Pop Festival, The Plaster Casters, London--it is all here in a Room Full of Mirrors. One of my favorite stories is one where Jimi goes back to his old High School--Garfield High--and asks to hold an assembly to address the students. He was unable to get a guitar, and found that without one he was too shy to speak much. The students were annoyed at this strange hippie, and could see no reason why they should've listened to anything he had to say. It is a very sad scene, but you can't help but wonder, if only he had a guitar, they would have heard him talking with it and known that he had a lot to say.

-----------
If you can just get your mind together
then come across to me
We'll hold hands an' then we'll watch the sun rise
from the bottom of the sea
But first

Are You Experienced?
Ah! Have you ever been experienced?
Well, I have
=======================

Charles R. Cross has written a compelling biography of Jimi Hendrix, and the only thing I can say bad about it is that I would have liked to have read much more about his guitar playing and music, but there are plenty of other books and DVDs that plumb the depths of that subject.

Are You Experienced? by Jimi Hendrix
Axis: Bold as Love by Jimi Hendrix
Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix
Band of Gypsys by Jimi Hendrix
First Rays of the New Rising Sun by Jimi Hendrix
Guitar World -- How to Play the Best of the Jimi Hendrix Experiences Electric Ladyland (DVD) by Andy Aledort
Guitar World: How to Play The Jimi Hendrix Experience's Axis: Bold as Love by Andy Aledort
Heavier Than Heaven: A Biography of Kurt Cobain by Charles R. Cross
Hendrix: Setting the Record Straight by Edward E Kramer & John McDermott
Jimi Hendrix: Electric Gypsy by Harry Shapiro & Caesar Glebbeek

---------------
Well, she's walking through the clouds,
With a circus mind that's running wild,
Butterflies and Zebras,
And Moonbeams and fairy tales.
That's all she ever thinks about.
Riding with the wind.
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Low Price Monte Zucker's Portrait Photography Handbook

Monte is a great photographer, here he has shared his knowledge to all the readers, a must read. Helped me create some of the stuff you see here: [...]Get more detail about Monte Zucker's Portrait Photography Handbook.

Save Beauty Imagined: A History of the Global Beauty Business

This book is thoroughly researched and beautifully written. It was exciting to read the histories of all of the favorite brands, but what really impressed me was how the author dealt with complex issues of gender and ethnicity in the beauty industry in such a readable way. He shows that global beauty products are more than skin deep, they go to the core of how we think about ourselves.Get more detail about Beauty Imagined: A History of the Global Beauty Business.

Discount Fela: This Bitch of a Life

This was a down to earth book....
I enjoyed it very much, and have been a fan of Fela's music for at least 20 years..
A good book about an outstanding Artist......behind the scenes of the problems in Nigeria and how
Fela's life and the times, influenced his music....
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Cheapest Can't Buy Me Love: The Beatles, Britain, and America

Informative read on the Beatles, providing insight into each album (and many individual songs). Puts the Beatles and their music in historical/cultural/social context, adding to my already deep appreciating. Author does get technical about music - not too much, but I am not a music geek, and so I glanced over these parts. I read library copy and purchased a copy to give as gift.
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Cheap Finding Lost: The Unofficial Guide

The book is quite interpretive, well written and well researched. Many questions were answered and connections disclosed that were heretofore unknown.Get more detail about Finding Lost: The Unofficial Guide.

Buying Jean Arthur: The Actress Nobody Knew

John Oller's excellently researched, finely written book on this legendary actress is as relevant today as when it was published in 1997. I saw the book in a store when it first came out and did not buy it then; I regretted that since, because I never found a copy (thinking our library system might have it; they do not). I was surprised to see, considering that it was published 12 years ago, that Amazon still carried a new edition and that I did not have to buy a used copy. It's very informative, with the filmography in the back, which is why I considered buying it to begin with. I've since watched several movies of hers and John Oller's book was more than useful as a guide in that regard. It also fills in the blanks in her life (without being gossipy or overly speculative) as to how she lived between films and during her lengthy retirement. I especially found the section on "Stephanie Blake" fascinating, since I never heard of the show and since many of the co-stars went on to more successful projects. It is a highly recommended book.Get more detail about Jean Arthur: The Actress Nobody Knew.

Buy Kazan on Directing

Order this book. You won't be disappointed. It's like sitting in a directing class with the master. You get to read his personal notes and inner feelings about working with Brando, Leigh, T. Williams, A. Miller, Malden, Steiger and more! Not just memories from an older Kazan, but his thoughts while in rehearsal or on the set. Anyone who works with actors or aspires to direct, should read this wonderful book. Definitely five stars.Get more detail about Kazan on Directing.

Purchase Songwriting: Essential Guide to Lyric Form and Structure: Tools and Techniques for Writing Better Lyrics (Songwriting Guides)

I learned much more than I thought was possible to learn. Great, clear explanations yet very in-depth. Book provides plenty of appropriate exercises which are good for beginner or advanced. My skills grew practically with every page of the book. Note: DO the exercises! They are difficult at first but you really build creative muscle and feel like you understand lyric writing inside out. Also, the examples are mainstream yet interesting and not at all cheezy. Some books with cheezy examples really make it a chore to learn. This book has smart cool examples. In summary, awesome. So far the best of about 8 songwriting books I own.Get more detail about Songwriting: Essential Guide to Lyric Form and Structure: Tools and Techniques for Writing Better Lyrics (Songwriting Guides).

Order Build Your Own Acoustic Guitar: Complete Instructions and Full-Size Plans

I am a professional guitar maker who learned the craft primarily with the wonderful Cumpiano/Natleson text. I own nearly every modern book on the subject.

This book is nicely produced. It makes great use of clear, well lit color photographs. It touches on every subject from wood selection to alternate finish methods with concise and accurate information.

What appeals to me about this book as an experienced luthier is that it offers several "new" (to me) methods to accomplish various tasks. I have found some of these to be quite useful. You see, I live in a rural area and have little contact (at least not regular contact) with other luthiers so my career has been filled with lots of trial and error.

For example, I like to install pearl inlay on my guitar necks and headstocks. It is usually in dark wood (ebony, rosewood). It is very difficult to trace the pattern on this wood in such a way that it is clearly visible when excavating the cavity to accept the pearl. Kinkead showed me a clear and simple (aren't all the tough problems solved by simple solutions?) solution. Mask the area with WHITE masking tape and then trace with a pencil. Cut the pattern out with an x-acto knife and viola! You have a crystal clear pattern that is easy to see when routing the cavity.

There are many similar examples. I find this book to be my new go-to book after the Cumpiano text. As far as how effective it would be for a newbie, I can't say for sure as I haven't built a instrument from beginning to end following this text. However, based on the quality of illustration, information and my familiarity with the subject, I see no reason why a new student could not successfully build an instrument following this text alone.

Congratulations to Mr. Kinkead. There are many books on this subject but few that are worth the price. His method is economical, practical and clearly expressed. I recommend this book highly to those interested in the craft be they experienced or new to lutherie.Get more detail about Build Your Own Acoustic Guitar: Complete Instructions and Full-Size Plans.

Where To Buy The Real Book - Volume I: Eb Edition

I have found Amazon.com very good at delivering books very promptly and at very good prices which is why I use them as my primary vendor. I'm going to offer some final thoughts on the Real Book Series. The Hal Leonard Corp has endeavoured to produce a legitimate Real book for Jazz Musicians. As previously mentioned it's not perfect but neither was the 5th edition, and no doubt in a few years time we will see a 7th edition but for now I'll make do with the 6th edition. I have purchased all 3 volumes in B Flat, E Flat, Bass Clef and C Concert. Here is what I note about the new Hal Leonard volumes, there are 143 tunes missing from volume 1, 170 missing from volume 2 and 159 missing from volume 3. That's 472 tunes in total missing in comparison to the earlier 5th Edition (Volume 4 perhaps?) but to counter this loss Hal leonard have added about 508 totally new tunes so its not a complete disaster (new numbers include some very nice classics such as `Nuages', `Night in Tunisia', `Beyond the Sea', `Jump, Jive & Wail' and so on. I'd say their is about 3 dozen classic standards missing from the new edition numbers such as `The Shadow of your smile' vol 1, `Sweet Georgia Brown', `Blue Moon' vol 2 and `Stars fell on Alabama' vol 3. These are personal favourites so these are going to be loose sheets at the back of the new real book. I count approx 1360 tunes in the present Real Book series so plenty to be working on and still a good selection of standards to choose from.

If jazz musicians don't buy these books and choose to use the illegal PDF's and under the counter previous versions it's unlikely that the Hal Leonard Corp will consider it financially viable to produce an improvement on this edition, also your doing a disservice to the musicians and their families who rightly deserve the royalties for their works. Its not like these books are expensive to buy and they are well worth having for what they give you. Most working/gigging musicians in the know are aware of the importance of the Real books and the impact they have had over the last 3 decades.
Get more detail about The Real Book - Volume I: Eb Edition.

Shop For David Busch's Canon EOS Rebel T1i/500D Guide to Digital SLR Photography, 1st Edition

I have learn a lot from this book about my camera and I recommend this book to everyone with this camera.Get more detail about David Busch's Canon EOS Rebel T1i/500D Guide to Digital SLR Photography, 1st Edition.

What Stories Does My Son Need?

I enjoyed reading the author's suggestions for movies, however, I was confused why the author would include the movie Forrest Gump in the category for 4th to 6th grade. There are some scenes in the movie that are definitely not age-appropriate to that group. A mistake? Therefore you may need to judge for yourself each of the movies suggested and not show them to your children without previewing them yourself.Get more detail about What Stories Does My Son Need?.

The Perfect Wrong Note: Learning to Trust Your Musical Self Review

Well I must say I don't agree with the other reviewers at all. I'm a product of reasonably intense musical training and now a piano teacher (up to college age students). I read this book on the recommendation of a colleague of mine but ultimately I found it deeply dissatisfying. First of all, Mr. Westney's descriptions of harsh, belittling "traditional" teachers recall nothing I experienced, nor anyone else I know. Mr. Westney takes several chapters setting up these straw men which he will then knock down with his approach. Sometimes his examples just don't make sense -- he quotes extensively a student of Kullak and Taussig (from 19th century, not exactly timely) who feels intimidated by her teacher's demonstration because her own playing paled in comparison. (Incidentally you can find similar feelings of inferiority from Chopin's pupils -- all with the deepest respect and devotion to the master.) In Mr. Westney's example, the student preferred harsh criticism without examples played at the piano so she, ummm, didn't have to hear just how far she had to go??

His description of teaching is so over-simplified, I started to wonder if Mr. Westney assumes all students (as well as teachers) are alike. A successful teaching approach adapts to the multi-faceted needs and personalities of the students: some are perfectionists, some try hard but don't quite make it, and we shouldn't ignore that, yes, some are lazy. But in Mr. Westney's eyes, everyone is a winner and if they don't go on to brilliant musical careers it must be their teacher's fault.

The book improves tremendously at the discussion of the master class, which I agree in its typical format has deep flaws and really exists more for the audience than the student in the hot seat. And, yes, the "master" is "on" more than the student, but that's pretty obvious to anybody who's participated in one. I don't entirely agree on his solution, but I think it's a good start and something music conservatories should consider.

Ultimately I think the audience for Mr. Westney's book is adults returning to the piano, looking to free themselves and make music. But please -- skim over the first half of the book, lest you be tempted to play the victim and groan about how your musical creativity was stifled by teachers with high standards.Get more detail about The Perfect Wrong Note: Learning to Trust Your Musical Self.