Digital video (found 16791 titles)

Cybill Disobedience

Authors: Cybill Shepherd, Aimee Lee Ball
Publisher: River Siren Productions, Inc.
Publication date: 2009-08-02
ISBN:
Rating:
Price: $0.00

'How I survived beauty pageants, Elvis, sex, Bruce Willis, lies, marriage, motherhood, Hollywood, and the irrepressible urge to say what you think.'

From wholesome beauty queen to saucy cover girl, from heartbreaking movie star (THE LAST PICTURE SHOW, TAXI DRIVER) to one of television's most loved comediennes (MOONLIGHTING, CYBILL), Cybill Shepherd is renowned as sassy, shocking and sexy. In CYBILL DISOBEDIENCE, she opens her heart with the wit and honesty of a star who's seen and knows it all.

Customes reviews 71

Cybill Does Hollywood (2009-04-11)

Since this book was published in 2000 and there are 70 reviews before mine, I have that "dead last" feeling, but the book is worth a review regardless of the timing.

I enjoyed Cybill in "The Last Picture Show", "Taxi Driver" and "The Heartbreak Kid" and if she could have maintained that level of film art, she could have been an all time great. Unfortunately, three good films does not add-up to a distinguished career, unless you're James Dean.

I never watch episodic television shows, so I have never seen the shows
"Moonlighting" or "Cybill", so I didn't find that last portion of the book that interesting, but I was amused and stunned by all the big egos and pathos in the television business. I'd never want to work there.

About the book itself: I am a fan of biographies and autobiographies, and most seem to be pretty well researched, with a lot of specifics and detail. Cybill's book is done in a much more light and breezy style, as if she were talking directly to the reader in a conversational manner. That's fine, but personally I prefer a book that has an appendix in the back with more factual insight. For instance, Cybill talks about a potential or possible fling with Robert DeNiro while making "Taxi Driver", but there is no mention in the book, that he was either married to or already involved with Diahnne Abbott who played the concession girl in "Taxi Driver". That would have provided new information to most people and would have rounded-out the story.

And that sums up my impression of the book: What is there is fine, but I wish there had been more substance and information to go along with the hi-jinks.

Not too revealing (2008-12-22)

I love Cybill and her outspoken nature. But there's not a lot of introspection here, considering that it's a memoir. Too many chapters are devoted to early life, and not enough to Moonlighting. (Seems as though this may have been edited to death, at no fault to Cybill, but readers cannot be sure.) Also, the book is severely lacking in "dirt."

Perhaps this 2000 release was a bit premature. If you listened to her commentaries for the Moonlighting dvd release in 2005, it sounds as though some significant personal growth occurred in the interim.

I want a tome from Cybill, a complete autobiography. I want her complete honesty and nervy ways, her regrets, if any, her triumphs, her mature, honest perspectives on the Moonlighting turbulence. In the commentary, she admitted to Glen Gordon Caron, "What was my problem?" And they all have admitted to being too young, immature, and just plain inexperienced enough to enjoy the time together. No one doubts that the double standard existed back then, as it still does now, but...haven't her actions and outspokenness changed things? And if not, then she should shout it out loud.

Cybill is nervy enough to get real personal. And while I'm not looking for intimate details recounting sexcapades, again, how about some introspection regarding her major love affairs and marriages? What about her intimate thoughts on motherhood? Does she think things have really changed for women since the advent of feminism? Who were her feminist role models, then and now? How does she walk the difficult lines between being sexy, funny, gorgeous, intelligent and fierce?

Cybill is a woman who could still be quite relevant to this world. She'll never be tired, she'll never be over, I always want to hear her thoughts and opinions, whether I agree with them or not.

Here's hoping she reads this and comes out with something truly personal, honest, introspective and healing. All-encompassing.

Entertaining, but typical Hollywood self-centeredness (2008-11-18)

I think Cybil Shepherd is a talented actress; I enjoyed "Moonlighting" and "Cybil" a lot, and there are parts of this book that are entertaining. However, it's also a good example of the typical self-serving "it's about me" Hollywood mentality. She'd have been wiser to focus more on her career than her bedroom escapades. If nothing else, she should have considered the example she has set for her children. Does she really want her daughters to sleep around and cheat in order to find self worth and then write a tell-all book later? Does she want her son to be the same sort of self-absorbed, insensitive, arrogant man that she (by her own admission) always seems to end up with? Admittedly that may not be applicable at this point, her children are grown, but I think it's sad that an attractive woman would feel it necessary to be promiscuous or to consistently choose to be in unhealthy, one-sided relationships to establish her identity, and it's sadder still that she seems to not regret or have learned anything from it, and in fact brags about it in some places.

All in all it's well written, and I did enjoy the parts where she talks about what she learned about the movie industry from Peter Bogdonavich and the stories about Orson Welles. It would have been a better book if she'd stuck to that sort of information. I do agree with the idea that the movie industry (and business world in general) tends to be male-dominated, but it's hard for me not to believe that at least some of the difficulties she faced were the result of her own self-absorbed attitude. There is a price to pay for just doing whatever you want without considering the consequences.

An okay read if you like gossipy material.

The Cybill Strikes Back! (2007-05-07)

I wanted to read this book mainly to see what Cybill would say about Bruce Willis and Moonlighting, one of my all-time favorite shows, and although I was left wanting more, she does give a few interesting tidbits about them. But even if she hadn't this would still be a page turner.

Most references to Cybill Shepherd by the media over the years have been negative. I just wanted to hear her side of her story for a change and I have no problem with this so-called 'B-list' actor making a few bucks in the process.

While I don't approve of or agree with everything Cybill says she's done or believes in, this little book is a small interesting slice of history and a record of how things work behind the scenes of the modeling and acting professions. The message I got is 'proceed with extreme caution - or better yet choose another career.'

Also, my belief that Hollywood culture is depraved in general remains unshaken after reading this. And you certainly can't blame it all on Cybill Shepherd.

Even so, I appreciate what I believe is Cybill's candor about herself, the people she's met and her experiences which is written with a witty humor and a verbal style I appreciate.

You Know...She May Be A B-List Celebrity But This Isn't That Bad A Book (2005-10-16)

I don't know what compelled me to check this out from the library since I didn't really know who Cybill Shepherd was, but she kept me reading with her honesty and `dang-it-it's-true' breed of self-flattery. In this autobiography, the star of the '80's TV hit Moonlighting (when she mentioned Moonlighting, I was finally like, "Oh, I know who she is...") candidly talks about the cut-throat world of Hollywood, tells about how Hef, of Playboy fame, stole images from her nude scene and improperly published them, talks about an affair with Elvis (who "charmed" her by telling her in one of his pill-popping hazes about the time a doctor gave him an injection directly into the pupil of his eye!!!!!) and throws caution to the wind and dodges claims of skankhood by talking about a seemingly unending series of affairs with scores of married and unmarried men, from her beauty queen teen years in Memphis, well into her fifties. Shepherd name-drops and that's the making of this book since it's most interesting when the focus is not on her. She tells about having Orson Welles as a long-term house guest, about how she introduced Elvis to certain amorous technique, tells of clashes with Bruce Willis, whose ego was a match for her own, and provides tell-all revelations about some of the biggest stars in the movie business during the 1970's. Shepherd is also doggedly committed to certain feminist causes and gives ink to her views on them. This book is definitely a celebrity stroking her ego, but it's not dull or preachy and since it can be read in about two hours, it's not a bad way to spend a free afternoon.

Apple Pro Training Series: Final Cut Pro 7

Authors: Diana Weynand
Publisher: Peachpit Press
Publication date: 2009-08-21
ISBN: 0321635272
Pages: 600
Rating:
Price: $54.99

Completely revised for Final Cut Pro 7 and featuring new footage from TNT’s hit show Leverage and the international music creation event Playing For Change: Peace Through Music, this best-selling, Apple-certified guide provides a strong foundation in all aspects of video editing. Renowned author Diana Weynand starts with basic video editing techniques and takes you all the way through Final Cut Pro’s powerful advanced features.

Each chapter presents a complete lesson in an aspect of video editing and finishing, using professional broadcast footage. After marking and editing clips to create a rough cut, you’ll learn how to trim and refine the cut before moving on to complex tasks such as adding titles, creating transitions and motion effects, applying filters, and working with multi-format and multi-camera footage. The book covers Final Cut Pro’s exciting new features, including iChat Theater support, the redesigned speed tools, and sharing projects on a Blu-ray disc.

• DVD-ROM includes lesson and media files for over 40 hours of training

• Focused lessons take you step-by-step through professional, real-world projects

• Accessible writing style puts an expert instructor at your side

• Ample illustrations and keyboard shortcuts help you master techniques fast

• Lesson goals and time estimates help you plan your time

• Chapter review questions summarize what you’ve learned and prepare you for the Apple Certified Pro Exam

Customes reviews 14

Solid training! (2010-08-22)

Very impressed with the thoroughness of this training book. I've been using Final Cut Pro for about a year and felt that I was not progressing in ability. Within 10 minutes of opening this book I learned 5 things that have made me faster and a better editor. I highly recommend this book.

Great Final Cut book (2010-08-04)

I got this within 7 days of ordering it. I am very thankful to have it and its like having a brand new copy that I only paid less then half the regular price.

Kindle edition no Table of Contents! (2010-08-02)

Since Kindle books do not display page numbers or support user-generated hierarchical bookmarks, including the Table of Contents is essential for navigation.

Omitting the TOC from "Final Cut Pro 7" is a mistake that reflects badly on this (otherwise wonderful) reference as well as on Kindle editions. I'll hold out a tiny hope that Amazon and Peachpit Press will correct this major oversight.

Hnads On (2010-04-21)

This book is fantastic for anyone who wants to learn more about the Final Cut Pro program. I Learned more than I thought I would in the first chapter, it has certainly increased my productivity with the quick-ness and smooth-ness that I can now edit video into a rough final cut sequence. I'm a big Hands On learner and this book catered to that style more than any other book I have read on Final Cut Pro.

Excellent Book (2010-03-29)

I love Diana's writing style. This book flows and is easy to follow, easy to learn. She covers all points excellently.
After stating a point or lesson, questions come to mind and it's as if she is reading my mind as she goes right on to answer
those questions. One of the best technical books I've read since 2000. Includes lots of clear color shots as she goes.

Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and The Dawn of the Modern Woman

Authors: Sam Wasson
Publisher: Harper Collins, Inc.
Publication date: 2010-06-17
ISBN:
Pages: 256
Rating:
Price: $15.99

Audrey Hepburn is an icon like no other, yet the image many of us have of Audrey—dainty, immaculate—is anything but true to life. Here, for the first time, Sam Wasson presents the woman behind the little black dress that rocked the nation in 1961. The first complete account of the making of Breakfast at Tiffany's, Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. reveals little-known facts about the cinema classic: Truman Capote desperately wanted Marilyn Monroe for the leading role; director Blake Edwards filmed multiple endings; Hepburn herself felt very conflicted about balancing the roles of mother and movie star. With a colorful cast of characters including Truman Capote, Edith Head, Givenchy, "Moon River" composer Henry Mancini, and, of course, Hepburn herself, Wasson immerses us in the America of the late fifties before Woodstock and birth control, when a not-so-virginal girl by the name of Holly Golightly raised eyebrows across the country, changing fashion, film, and sex for good. Indeed, cultural touchstones like Sex and the City owe a debt of gratitude to Breakfast at Tiffany's.

In this meticulously researched gem of a book, Wasson delivers us from the penthouses of the Upper East Side to the pools of Beverly Hills, presenting Breakfast at Tiffany's as we have never seen it before—through the eyes of those who made it. Written with delicious prose and considerable wit, Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. shines new light on a beloved film and its incomparable star.

Customes reviews 32

Excellent Account of a Making of a Classic (2010-09-02)

FIFTH AVENUE, 5 A.M. by Sam Wasson is a breezy and enjoyable read. It is quite a different book than his first, A SPLURCH IN THE KISSER and, in my view, a superior one. Wasson did phenomenal research (fully cited in his detailed notes) and pulls together much that is familiar and much that I don't believe has ever been printed before about BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S. The first half concerns Truman Capote and his sources for the novella (both from his own childhood and his friends' lives) and the second half concerns the film's development, production, and release. While the "Dawn of the Modern Woman" angle is present throughout, it is not over-emphasized as it is in the media promotion of the book. This is a fairly straightforward factual novel with real life characters given dialogue that usually is drawn from their own recollections or others. There is a fair amount of gossip, but it is never salacious. The author's access to Paramount's production files and his conversations with participants or their spouses turns up a few gems that would otherwise have remained obscure. His diligence points to a dedication that was lacking in SPLURCH. I highly recommend it.

TERRIBLE (2010-08-29)

I ordered this book a month ago to have a nice summer read... NEVER GOT IT! After several emails, I have not heard from the seller and am in the process of disputing purchase. DO NOT USE THESE PEOPLE!!

Full of Surprises (2010-08-26)

This book was fascinating on so many levels. I loved the background on Capote and Hepburn - Wasson gave us just enough information without over saturating and over whelming the reader.
Most interesting was the path to getting the movie made - the many stops and starts and the different writers/directors that it could have went to - and thank God it didn't!
Also - loved the info about "The Little Black dress" - I had no idea about the history of the LBD and couldn't wait to tell my girlfriends.
Really enjoyed Wasson's clever "pun intended" chapter titles.
A super fast and fascinating read!

I had to make myself finish this book (2010-08-25)

This was the book to have honor of being my first Kindle book. I love Audrey Hepburn. I've seen this movie more times than I can count. I started with great hopes for the book. About one-quarter of the way into the book, I lost interest. Read two other books and made myself go back and finish this book. When I start removing books from my Kindle to clear the clutter, this will probably be the first to go.

I regret I bought this book. Oh, and the last 20% of the Kindle book was his thanks and notes for the book, which I just skimmed - reading only what seemed interesting. I was glad to get to this point so I would be done with this book.

It really seemed to have little substance. He tried for witty headings - like "Does Edith Head Give Good Costume." That was the first heading that seemed strange to me in a book about an elegant lady but on I read. I think the last such header was "The F'g Song" - statement made by a studio person (I would go back and get the exact name/affiliate, but I don't have enough interest in the book to look for it) about "Moon River." I have no problem with profanity or sexual content, it just seemed strange an author would use such headings in this book.

All in all, it was a boring book.

Reads Like A Good Novel (2010-08-23)

Excellent book which reads like a good novel, interesting all the way through. Added to my pleasure by viewing the Paramount Centennial Collection DVD Set of the movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's" with an outstanding cast starring Audrey Hepburn. The two: the book and the DVD Set combine for pleasurable reading and viewing.

The Civic Potential of Video Games

Authors: Joseph Kahne, Ellen Middaugh, Chris Evans
Publisher: The MIT Press
Publication date: 2009-06-30
ISBN:
Pages: 63
Price: $14.00

This report focuses on the civic aspects of video game play among youth. According to a 2006 survey, 58 percent of young people aged 15 to 25 were civically "disengaged," meaning that they participated in fewer than two types of either electoral activities (defined as voting, campaigning, etc.) or civic activities (for example, volunteering). Kahne and his coauthors are interested in what role video games may or may not play in this disengagement.

Until now, most research in the field has considered how video games relate to children's aggression and to academic learning. Digital media scholars suggest, however, that other social outcomes also deserve attention. For example, as games become more social, some scholars argue that they can be important spheres in which to foster civic development. Others disagree, suggesting that games, along with other forms of Internet involvement, may in fact take time away from civic and political engagement.

Drawing on data from the 2006 survey, the authors examine the relationship between video game play and civic development. They call for further research on teen gaming experiences so that we can understand and promote civic engagement through video games.

The Filmmaker's Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide for the Digital Age

Authors: Steven Ascher, Edward Pincus
Publisher: Plume
Publication date: 2007-09-04
ISBN: 0452286786
Pages: 832
Rating:
Price: $25.00

The authoritative guide to funding, preparing, shooting, lighting, editing, finishing and distributing your film or video

Widely acknowledged as the "bible" of film and video production and used in courses around the world, this indispensable guide to making movies is now updated with the latest advances in high- definition formats. For students and teachers, the professional and the novice filmmaker, this clear and comprehensive handbook remains the reliable reference to all aspects of moviemaking.
• Techniques for making narrative, documentary, corporate, experimental and feature films.
• Working with high-definition and standard-definition digital video formats, including DV, HD, and HDV.
• Extensive coverage of video editing with the latest nonlinear editing systems.
• Thorough grounding in lenses, lighting, sound recording, and sound editing.
• The business aspects of financing and producing movies.

Written by filmmakers for filmmakers, this book will give you the skills you need to take your dreams from script to screen.

Customes reviews 24

Don't buy a used copy of this book! (2010-07-24)

If you buy a used copy of the book, you might get sent an earlier edition. This book is subtitled "A comprehensive guide for the digital age" but the version I got didn't have that subtitle. It was printed in 1984 and only deals with analog concepts.

Great Advanced Shooter's Bible (2010-07-23)

This covers everything for both film and analog & digital video including High Def.

This is a great book for the serious prosumer or pro. I am learning professional video at present and I've read half way through this book and I would say out of the many other books and numberless websites I've read this book has given me about half of my useful knowledge and covered everything in other books I've read so far except the consumer grade silliness. It gives really great explanations of technical stuff like file formats and codecs, compression, organization and camera movement to name a few examples. I like to understand stuff for myself and not just take the author's word for something, and that's how this book works. I especially like the useful examples and analogies.

If you are a non-tech Consumer making Point & Shoot home videos and just want a quick, easy, color picture guide to video then you don't want this book although it still could be handy for a reference.

If you are a Pro you definitely want this book and it's possible you might not need another except for books specific to certain areas or equipment. This book covers in moderate to heavy depth everything from planning to budgeting to lights to sound recording to editing to marketing.

Bottom Line: I highly recommend this book! (Make sure and get the latest edition - as of 7-2010 it's 3)

A good Handbook for the Business End with some How To's (2010-05-30)

This book is actually well put together as a review of equipment and doing the business end. However it does not have a very in depth chapter of the "How To Do This" from the storyboarding or from a cameraman's point of view, there are some pointers but not as much as I had hoped for in that area. Still a good read so far.

Yes it is worth the read, especially if you want to put together a production company.

Good General Overview of How Movies are Made (2010-04-21)

Great Deal for Aspiring Indie Filmmakers
I recently purchased and read the 832 page monster known as The Filmmaker's Handbook. This book is pretty awesome for anyone looking to make their first documentary or fictional film. The book covers everything from the equipment used to the different roles of the crew. This book is somewhat up to date and includes most of the current digital technology but also deals with traditional film as well. It is written to inform the reader of how the film industry works and some of the fundamentals required. It isn't a substitute for formal film school but this is a great read for amateurs.

Likes
- Covers audio quite well
- Very plain talk, explains industry terms well
- Covers tons of topics

Dislikes
- It didn't cover a whole lot on specific shots
- While it's not completely out of date (2007), it references HD-DVD and HDTV as new technology

Nothing better! (2010-03-16)

Awsome resource. This book has everything you need to know about filmmaking from codecs to lighting. If you want to learn about film/video, buy this book.

Crosswords for Kindle, Vol. 1

Authors: Puzux
Publisher:
Publication date: 2009-12-14
ISBN:
Rating:
Price: $0.99

Crosswords for Kindle, Vol. 1, allows you to play interactive crossword puzzles directly on your Kindle!

Puzux is the first company to bring quality interactive content to Amazon's Kindle. Working with renowned crossword writer Myles Mellor, our aim is to deliver the best in mind-games to your Kindle whenever and wherever you are.

Crosswords for Kindle includes five complete crosswords for you to solve. You can save your progress and any point, check your answers and get the full solutions for your puzzle. You can also try a sample of our Sudoku puzzles, which are offered through our books on the Kindle store.

For more crossword books and interactive Sudoku on your Kindle, search for Puzux in the Amazon store.

Please note: These puzzles are for the Amazon Kindle device, and will not work on Kindle software for other devices. In some countries the Kindle is shipped without an internet browser, which is required to play the puzzles in this book. To check whether the browser is available in your location please visit Amazon's Kindle Website and follow the "Live outside the US?" link.

Customes reviews 12

Missed the target (2010-08-30)

I picked up volume 1 with the hope that, with some patience, it might turn out better than others had reported. I wish I had not wasted the $.99. It was slow, clumsy, and completely unsatsifying. When I had the first puzzle 2/3 completed, it inexplicably reset itself and I lost all of my hard-won entries. Then it crashed my Kindle when I tried to return to my homescreen. No fun. Don't bother.

Froze my Kindle browser. (2010-08-14)

I bought this knowing that the Kindle is for books so it probably wouldn't be fantastic, but just something different to kill some time. I finally figured out how to change clues and enter answers, which turned out to be quite a pain, only to discover the second time that I used it my browser was completely frozen. I saved the game once and was able to play again another time, but when I saved it the second time it completely locked up my Kindle. Now when I go to my browser I can only see the crossword puzzle, but I cannot click on anything including log off or help. I have emptied my cache, cookies, rebooted, nothing works. Be careful, it might be a problem with my Kindle, but I haven't had any other problems before this one.

Terrible (2010-08-08)

I'd give it a zero if I could. Not easy to use. Frustrating! I love crosswords and was excited to see this, and the price was right. I should have bought a cup of coffee instead.

Not worth it (2010-07-17)

I thought that the Kindle's interface would lend itself to crossword puzzles; it does not. Adding a letter requires refreshing the screen, as does moving the cursor. It was not easy to simply view a clue without making a guess. Lastly, and most irritatingly, the pop-up with the clues covers the bottom third of the puzzle making it nearly impossible to solve that portion of the puzzle. I would not purchase this series again, nor recommend it to anyone.

Pass on this (2010-05-13)

I like my Kindle and I like my crosswords, but the Kindle is not a platform for crosswords. Think different, think iPad.

Adobe Flash Professional CS5 Classroom in a Book

Authors: Adobe Creative Team
Publisher: Adobe Press
Publication date: 2010-05-29
ISBN: 0321701801
Pages: 384
Rating:
Price: $54.99

Those creative professionals seeking the fastest, easiest, most comprehensive way to learn Adobe Flash Professional CS5 choose Adobe Flash Professional CS5 Classroom in a Book from the Adobe Creative Team at Adobe Press. The 10 project-based lessons in this book show readers step-by-step the key techniques for working in Flash CS5.

Readers learn what they need to know to create engaging interactive content with Flash CS5. In addition to learning the key elements of the Flash interface, including panels, timelines, and frames, readers learn how to work with graphics, create and edit symbols, modify text, add interactivity with ActionScript 3.0, and incorporate animation and sound into their projects. They also learn how to prepare and export their finished projects for publishing. This completely revised CS5 edition covers the new text engine, Deco drawing tools, Spring feature for inverse kinematics, video enhancements, and more.

The companion DVD includes lesson files so readers can work along with the book, as well as 2 hours of video tutorials from 'Learn Adobe Flash Professional CS5 by Video' from video2brain and Adobe Press.

“The Classroom in a Book series is by far the best training material on the market. Everything you need to master the software is included: clear explanations of each lesson, step-by-step instructions, and the project files for the students.” —Barbara Binder, Adobe Certified Instructor, Rocky Mountain Training

Classroom in a Book®, the best-selling series of hands-on software training workbooks, helps you learn the features of Adobe software quickly and easily. Classroom in a Book offers what no other book or training program does—an official training series from Adobe Systems Incorporated, developed with the support of Adobe product experts.

Customes reviews 4

Do not buy for Kindle (2010-08-17)

The content of the book is excellent for beginners, but the whole book is centered on going through step by step lessons which use the sample files included on the CD which DOES NOT come with the Kindle version. I've been given a refund and I will buy the paperback version instead that does include the much needed CD. Until the Kindle purchase include additional downloads of the needed material, don't waste your time purchasing. On a very positive note, Amazon customer service was very helpful and prompt in responding to me.

Good book but NOT a reference book. (2010-08-05)

This is a good book to read through to get a review of Flash and some of the new CS5 features. It is most definitely not a reference book, however. I had a nice DVD with some video learning courseware included. If you want a decent book to run through some examples to remind you of things you forgot about Flash and the Flash IDE and get some exposure to new CS5 features, it is worth it. I would recommend getting it, reading it and reselling it. It is not the kind of book you keep as a reference, but it is worth running through once at least.

Adobe Flash Professional CS5 Classroom in a Book (2010-06-26)

This books is clear written, classroom focused, and useful for begineers and medium-level Adobe Flash Professional CS5 users. The companion DVD tutorials are also useful for students.

Great Way to Learn Adobe Flash CS5 (2010-06-03)

With the new recent version of Flash CS5, there are lots of new upates that Flash designers are looking forward to, mostly the improved ActionScript interface, better "bones" animation, improved text rendering, improved physics, better cur points for shape tweening, etc.

All the new features are explained in detail in this new version of the every popular Adobe Flash book. The classroom in the book series has been the defacto standard in learning Flash and all its new version updates over the years. This book is no different, the author goes through all the great new features and explains them beautifully and in great detail.

Table of contents:

Chapter 1: Getting Aquainted
Chapter 2: Working with Graphics
Chapter 3: Creating and Editing Symbols
Chapter 4: Adding Animation
Chapter 5: Atriculated Motion and Morphing
Chapter 6: Creating Interactive Navigation
Chapter 7: Using Text
Chapter 8: Working with Sound and Video
Chapter 9: loading and Controlling Flash Content
Chapter 10: Publishing Flash Documents

I really enjoyed chapter (lesson) 6 focusing on interactive navigation. No matter what web technology you use on the web, you always need a navigation system and this chapter really explains it well. The author first talks about the various methods flash designers/developers can create navigation menus with Flash and with other technologies (CSS and JavaScript) and then goes into the example that shows a really neat way of using interactive movies, invisible buttons and a little AS to create a cool looking, visually pleasing menu.

The author also really explains ActionScript 3.0 very well when needed in certain chapters. Its hard to explain some techniques in Flash without covering a little ActionScript and the author really explains exactly what is going on and helps the newbie on how AS does and works with the examples discussed.

This is the best book on learning the basics of the newest version of Flash (CS5) and all the new features as well. A great buy!

The Animator's Survival Kit--Revised Edition: A Manual of Methods, Principles and Formulas for Classical, Computer, Games, Stop Motion and Internet Animators

Authors: Richard Williams
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Publication date: 2009-12-08
ISBN: 0571238343
Pages: 352
Rating:
Price: $35.00

Customes reviews 127

Good, but... (2010-08-27)

I liked this book, but I wish he had separated his autobiographical commentary from his thoughts and tips on animation.(The other artists he's encountered and worked with are fascinating, and it always seemed like there was more to tell, but it was like he suddenly remembered, "oh yeah, I'm writing a book on animation.") I would have gladly read an autobiography on Richard Williams. The cartoons of him with the other artists, especially the one where he gets yelled at for asking about listening to music while animating are classic!

So, yes a lot of great tips on animation, stuff I never imagined. I just wish it was pared out. I don't think it's as well organized as it could have been. Some things he mentioned he would do in the early part of the book, he never really got to. It could have been edited better. I'm not getting down on him. I actually learned A LOT of things from him. Just in a round-about way.

If you're a teacher or student of animation - this is a MUST HAVE! (2010-07-31)

The best part of this book is its recognition of the PROCESS of learning something as marvelously complex as cartoon animation. It is filled with anecdotal views of what and how one learns to do it all better and more believably. It also captures the skills and determination of many of the great artists from the golden age of animation.

It is also unapologetic about being entirely about cartoon (drawn) animation, even though the author does recognize that most of the principles he discusses have validity to all forms of animation.

As a teacher (and student) of animation, I enjoyed reading this book from cover to cover. The first 20 pages are a useful summary of the main historical moments in the development of animation, and the next 15 are all about Life Drawing skills, and the next four talk about basic animation timing. The first real anecdote of many breaks in at this point, and then the author returns to direct information exposition thereafter, but these anecdotes can often make it somewhat distracting to find the useful bits amongst the reminiscences.

Nevertheless, it's worth the read in spite of the editorial comments, and sometimes because of them. The included DVD (I have the expanded edition) is fun to watch, and brings to "life" some of the examples discussed in print.

An Animator's Must Have! (2010-07-28)

As an Animation graduate student, I can tell you that this item is a necessity for any aspiring animator. I frequently refer to it for all my projects and school work.

Expanded edition!, magnificent.. (2010-07-04)

I am very grateful for the infinite knowledge that gives us the mentor Richard Williams for completing its publication. Thanks ...

Essential for all animators (2010-06-22)

This book is absolutely vital for any animator who is learning their craft. Even if you are an advanced animator the author has crucial tips and techniques to make your animations really come to life. Identifying where lines are supposed to go or even finding ways to cheat the system in order to make your cartoons goofier or more vibrant, this book is a must have. It doesn't matter if you are doing 3d modeling or compositions in After Effects, techniques in this book are universal and are passed down from masters of animation.

Easy Crosswords for Kindle, Vol 1

Authors: Puzux
Publisher: Puzux
Publication date: 2009-12-14
ISBN:
Rating:
Price: $0.99

Easy Crosswords for Kindle, Vol 1, allows you to play interactive crossword puzzles directly on your Kindle!

Puzux is the first company to bring quality interactive content to Amazon's Kindle. Working with renowned crossword writer Myles Mellor, our aim is to deliver the best in mind-games to your Kindle whenever and wherever you are.

Easy Crosswords for Kindle includes five beginner-level crosswords for you to solve. You can save your progress and any point, check your answers and get the full solutions for your puzzle. You can also try a sample of our Sudoku puzzles, which are offered through our books on the Kindle store.

For more crossword books and interactive Sudoku on your Kindle, search for Puzux in the Amazon store.

Please note: These puzzles are for the Amazon Kindle device, and will not work on Kindle software for other devices. In some countries the Kindle is shipped without an internet browser, which is required to play the puzzles in this book. To check whether the browser is available in your location please visit Amazon's Kindle Website and follow the "Live outside the US?" link.

Customes reviews 12

Sample does not work (2010-09-04)

Downloaded this to try, as some "games" are not interactive. Sample goes straight to location 20, end. I don't think I will try it...

Decent puzzles (2010-09-02)

After a few days, Puzux finally works with the new kindle. Puzzles are fairly easy. I wish there was a way to actually download them to the kindle, but as far as I can tell, you have to go on-line to play.

Terrible customer support from Puzux (2010-08-23)

I will never download another game supported by Puzux. After 5 email attempts and 30 days, I still have unresolved issues. AVOID PUZUX

Constantly on the internet... (2010-07-26)

No sample of the actual puzzle made me mad, but seeing as I've always loved crossword puzzles I figured "how bad could it be?" and this probably was it.
When I downloaded the full "book" the page where the sample let off said something about if this was a sample, play some for free here - this was NOT in the sample!
I tried it out though and found that to solve the puzzles you needed to be on the web the whole time. You need to register on their website (haven't been a member for long enough to know whether they spam me or not), and then you get to start playing.
And here's the other thing: the puzzles are way too simple! I get these clues, to a crossword puzzle not even in my native language, and I figure it all out before I would an easy puzzle in my own laguage.
Basically: no sample, doesn't work on the plane or if you're in a country with no whispernet, and it's all way too easy.

I love these Kindle versions of crosswords (2010-05-17)

I have never been into crossword puzzles before, but since this was only 99 cents, I thought I'd give it a try. I love the way you can check your entries. It tells you which letters are right and which are wrong so you can delete the wrong ones and continue working the puzzle. It took me a few minutes to figure out how to use this as I kept trying to type the letters in the squares whereas you type in the hint dialog box. You also have to make sure your browser is in Advanced Mode, and Java is turned on. Once I got it working, it is great. Be sure to save your entries often as my Kindle glitched a few times and reset, and I lost some entries. If you have never tried crosswords or found them too hard, this Kindle version might be easier and more fun than printed book crosswords.

Mass Effect: Retribution

Authors: Drew Karpyshyn
Publisher: Del Rey
Publication date: 2010-07-21
ISBN:
Pages: 336
Rating:
Price: $7.99

Humanity has reached the stars, joining the vast galactic community of alien species. But beyond the fringes of explored space lurk the Reapers, a race of sentient starships bent on “harvesting” the galaxy’s organic species for their own dark purpose.

The Illusive Man, leader of the pro-human black ops group Cerberus, is one of the few who know the truth about the Reapers. To ensure humanity’s survival, he launches a desperate plan to uncover the enemy’s strengths—and weaknesses—by studying someone implanted with modified Reaper technology. He knows the perfect subject for his horrific experiments: former Cerberus operative Paul Grayson, who wrested his daughter from the cabal’s control with the help of Ascension project director Kahlee Sanders.

But when Kahlee learns that Grayson is missing, she turns to the only person she can trust: Alliance war hero Captain David Anderson. Together they set out to find the secret Cerberus facility where Grayson is being held. But they aren’t the only ones after him. And time is running out.

As the experiments continue, the sinister Reaper technology twists Grayson’s mind. The insidious whispers grow ever stronger in his head, threatening to take over his very identity and unleash the Reapers on an unsuspecting galaxy.
 
This novel is based on a Mature-rated video game.


From the Paperback edition.

Customes reviews 11

Another excellent chapter in the Mass Effect saga (2010-08-31)

Well-written story delving into the aftermath of the outcome of Mass Effect 2, regardless of how you end the game. Doesn't really give any spoilers, but nicely blends the side stories of Revelation and Ascension with the storylines of Commander Shepard, particularly in ME2. Looking forward to the next book!

Suspenseful, Gritty, and I Was Left Satisfied (2010-08-29)

Being a fan of the two previous Mass Effect novels by Karpyshyn, I found that his most recent novel was, at least, just as satisfying as the others. I'm not going to say that it was spectacular, because it wasn't, but it certainly entertained me and I would recommend it to readers of the previous novels. Looking forward to the next one!

Best Mass Effect Book Yet (2010-08-27)

First of all I am a big fan of the Mass Effect universe so my review may be a bit biased. This book is my favorite Mass effect book because I think it fuses with the game best. The book shows a lot of interesting insight into the Illusive Man, showing some of his true character the games only hint at. The action is often and well described. Much like the other books, the book is very much about the crime underworld of the mass effect universe. Anyone who likes crime books, sci-fi books, or Mass Effect should love this book.

Recommended for all Mass Effect Fans (2010-08-22)

Ive read and played everything ME related and this book delivered to my expectations, great story, great addition, more insight into the game world events and characters (the illusive man,Aria,Captain Anderson,the Reapers) i really hope that ME3 ties the characters of this series of books to the gameplay and i have a feeling that it will (as i assumed after the ending of this book) all in all,worth ur money and time

Excellent book. (2010-08-16)

Great continuation to the story. Love the way Drew writes and i can't get enough of the ME universe. I've read the first two novels along with playing both games completely and always impressed with how fully realized the ME world really is. This particular story was great and really sets the stage for whats to come in the conclusion. Can't wait!

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 331 332 333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 360 361 362 363 364 365 366 367 368 369 370 371 372 373 374 375 376 377 378 379 380 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 396 397 398 399 400