1 comments about Producing Great Sound for Film and Video, Third Edition (DV Expert Series).

1. I've read Jay Rose' articles in the various video trade magazines, and am glad to have this book. What I've read so far is great and will be very helpful in my work. Thank you, Jay.

5 comments about The Cannabible Collection.

1. This is simply an amazing collection. I had previously owned the full-sized, hardcover version of these books, but donated them to my fraternity. When I saw that there was now 3-pack of miniature versions, I knew I needed to re-acquire them.
   
   Each book has a general theme. The first focuses mostly on strains that can be found in Amsterdam, with some from California, Hawaii, and Canada. The second book specializes in only organically grown strains raised and bred in California. The third book is a combination of the first two, but still tends to lean its focus towards Cali strains again. While the third book does re-visit a couple of the more popular strains, there are very few repeats so you don't don't worry that its going to get repetitive.
   
   Along with the amazing pictures and microphotography, there are also a number of articles spread throughout all three books with information on marijuana, breeding history of specific strains, and marijuana culture.
   
   I'm fairly certain that Jason King is the luckiest man alive and definitely has the best job I've ever heard of. I just thank him for sharing his knowledge and experience with the rest of us.



2. I am a fan of Jason's, and have read a lot of his smoke reviews. He is awesome at describing the nearly indescribable. However, I received the first batch of these books and promptly book two fell apart. No biggie, Amazon sent me a replacement set. After receiving the replacement set, book one promptly fell apart, as well.
   
   As I was really soured by this particular set of books, I asked Amazon if they would make me a deal on the Cannabible Deluxe version, to which I received NO REPLY! Amazon really sucked on this order as far as I'm concerned. READ YOUR EMAILS AMAZON! For not doing so in my case -- AMAZON sucks donkey!
   
   As for Mr. King. . . the info is awesome, the pics are drool-worthy, but if you're going to do this, damn-it, do it right! Mr. King considers himself a cannaboisseur, and he may be, but to be one requires a heightened agenda, and this set of books is bottom-shelf, low-rent, and basically not worth the effort. AVOID THIS AT ALL COSTS! If you can't afford the real, hardback set or the Cannibible Deluxe, read them at the bookstore (which may be better in the long-run).



3. Well you could if you wanted to but I think tobacco is probably better for your health. Jason King is the undisputed Cannabis Connoisseur of the world! The way he captures not only the visual beauty of the buds and plants he so loves, but he goes into detail about the very soul of these fine herbs. He does so armed with extensive knowledge as to the heritage, strain, and history of all these buds, but also with the passion to do so like no one else.
   
   What makes these books stand out has to be the little side stories commenting on everything like the benefits of vaporization, the importance of reducing the negatives of life on the human body and soul, the proper care of cannabis, a discussion on the positive and negative effects of cannabis use, medical uses, horticulture, botany, and all around living well.
   
   This small collection is great for the casual cannabis caterer. But the full hardcover editions of each Cannabible would be a better choice for the true Connoisseur of Cannabis!



4. If you are familiar with the Cannabibles or are interested in purchasing them, I would say go for it. If you love fine quality herb, and want to know more about it then definately get these books.
   
   Jason king really knows his stuff, and his photography is at times breathtaking. The photos and strain reviews are interspersed with very interesting and insightful articles concerning all aspects of God's sweetest medicine. I guaruntee that if you are not a cannisseur you will definately consider yourself one after a thorough purusal of the Cannabible series.
   
   As to this mini version, I docked a star because they are abridged. None of them have the forewards, which in the case of the second and third volumes are well worth reading. Also a few of the strains present in the large counterparts are omitted.
   
   If you must get this one for economic reasons, or portability (these are considerably smaller than the originals) then by all means get this. However if you can shell out the dough for the larger ones than I would highly (pardon the pun) reccommend getting the complete set so you get the full experience.
   
   The quality of these books is quite fine, well made in a sturdy box and the pictures, although smaller than the full editions are nonetheless vivid and drool-worthy.
   
   Happy toking. erh...I mean reading. :)



5. Overall I give the collection 4 stars for all that it does well - even though it is not entirely what I had hoped it would be. This is a good collection for entertaining people interested in cannabis, but it is not as informational as I had hoped it would be.
   
   I was hoping for something that would share more useful information about different strains of cannabis: growing characteristics, preferred growing mediums and environments, indoor-outdoor height, potency, nutrient preferences, etc. I keep hoping somebody will produce something like a world wide seed catalog, but written by unbiased connoisseurs and growers who are personally experienced with growing the various strains and with their medical properties and effects.
   
   On the positive side: The photography was great and there were some really interesting articles in the books as well. Also, the price is fantastic for all that you are getting, and the presentation value is very good (including the nice slip case).
   
   One major drawback for me however was how repetitively the author constantly preaches about how "outdoor organically grown" cannabis is so universally superior to every other possible growing alternative. It's fine that he believes that so adamantly, but I didn't feel I needed to hear those same beliefs repeatedly hammered home on virtually every single page of the book(s) and I was really tired of hearing about it only halfway through the first book.

1 comments about Erotic X-Treme.

1. This book lives up to its title. With a strong fetish and bdsm element, it depicts a multitude of the most 'interesting' situations all photographed in ways that bring out the model's personalities whether they be submissive or dominating in nature.
   The only downside is the page sizes are a little small, and some images are printed many to a page in a thumbnail style.

2 comments about Bear Men 2009 Calendar.

1. If you have an appreciation for Bears & Cubs (Hairy Men) you'll love this calendar. Full of many types of real men in all shapes and sizes. If you don't like real men with real bodies, this isn't the calendar for you. My only complain is they extended the pictures beyond the fold in the center which makes the pictures bigger but it's looks kinda odd.



2. Hot guy on front, but fat, ugly men in the rest of the calender! Deceitful! Shame how females get the short end of the sticks when it comes to quality, hot looking male calenders.

5 comments about Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats.

1. A woman's hat speaks long before she utters a word. So it says on the inside flap of this beautiful book of black and white photos of Black Women in Church Hats. From the first photo of Beth Hopkins and her mother to the last photo Sanclary Saunders with her hat, "without no veil," we are treated to respectful photos from the artful lens of Michael Cunningham.
   
   Mr. Cunningham's artistic eye is what really makes this book. Well, his subjects do too and Craig Marberry's text adds to the book, but it's really Cunningham's artistry that makes this one of the best contemporary photography books I've seen in a long time.
   
   The women pictured in this book all have hattitude and believe me, it's a good thing to have and it's catching, I know, because after spending a delightful couple hours reading the stories that accompany the photos, with Billie Holiday playing in the background, I knew I didn't have any good hats and I have a lot of hats, baseball hats, floppy hats and a safari hat or two, but nothing really cool. But I'm gonna get a cool hat or two. Every woman owes herself a cool hat.
   
   Reviewed by Stephanie Sane



2. Mike Cunningham pictures are outstanding! Wonderful book to give to someone as a gift.
   
   K.B.



3. The photographs of these women and their remarkable hat is fascinating. I really like the interviews with the ladies, and the unique stories of their lives and times.
   
   My only disappointment was that the picture are not in color. I would love to have been able to see those plumes and feathers in all their glory!



4. Orginally, I purchased this book as a gift and after browsing through it, I decided I had to have a copy of my very own. The photography in this book is excellent. The photographs are shot in black and white in order to focus on the church hats. The stories behind the hats are amazingly beautiful. I will never look at a black woman in a church hat the same ever again. I learned that each hat has a story that must be told.



5. I love to wear hats. I grew up in the South. My Mom wore hats to church every Sunday. She absolutely loved hats! Therefore, when I became of age I too became a hat person! It was like a family tradition. All the girls in the family dressed in hats on Sunday.
   I love hats so much, I wear them every day of the week. During the week I usually wear cowboy hats or something sporty. However, on Sunday, it the dressy going to church hat. And if you are into hats, you will know what I mean about the, 'church hats'.
   Being raised in the South, you were'nt completely dressed when going to church until you put on your hat and heels. To this day I do not go to church without a hat.
   This book, Crowns, really takes me back. It's a wonderful book. It is on a table in my home and it makes for great conversation with visitors.
   FANTASTIC BOOK!!!!!
   
   
   Joyce Marshall-Hamblet

5 comments about Angkor: Cambodia's Wondrous Khmer Temples, Fifth Edition (Odyssey Illustrated Guide).

1. This is, without doubt, THE must-have guide to the Angkor area. Dawn Rooney writes with clarity, thoroughness and a balanced view of the monuments without talking down to (or over the head of) the reader. Some books on this area read like travel brochures, others like snobby scholarly textbooks. Ms. Rooney's book strikes the perfect balance between the two.
   
   I'm a research-aholic about my travel, and collect guide books by the dozens. This is one of the best I've read anywhere, about any area.
   
   This revised edition features tons of full-color photographs, good maps and many, many touring tips. I especially liked the fact that she talks about when to visit certain areas, where the best photography opportunities are, along with what makes each temple/monument unique.
   
   The first portion of this book gives a "just-the-right-depth" overview of the history of the area, plus overviews of the artistic styles, royal lineages, construction methods, restoration efforts, etc. Then the second portion goes into detail about each monument - grouped into logical touring sequences.
   
   I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you've been searching for a guide book to the Angkor area - end your search now. This is the one.



2. After 6 days in Siem Reap with a licensed guide, this book is 'Cliff Notes' to what the guide tells you. I don't recommend touring the temples without a licensed guide, unless you want a quick, superficial tour. The only book that contains info on the temple Koh Ker (3 hours from Siem Reap, built in 900 AD) & the Preak Toal Bird Sanctuary (2.5 hours by boat across Tonle Sap Lake). If you want to truly enjoy & understand the carvings, the history (Buddhist & Hindu) & culture of what you seeing, read this book before you depart (it's too heavy to take), hire a licensed guide (not a driver who cannot legally take you inside the temples) who is trained to explain how the temples were built (different materials & methods) & what the carvings depict (Hindu mythology, Buddhist kings). Then when you return, reread the sections on the temples you visited... and it will bring back a flood of images & memories. Floor plans are confusing, pictures scant, but her historical descriptions & distances are accurate, lesser known, less touristy temples are included for the adventurous or art lover.



3. Excellent, up-to-date info. on all sites; very detailed and accurate text on history and culture. Very informative for architects, historians, and other people interested in more profund knowledge/ facts. Far better than the other guides I've read!



4. One of the best guides that I have read. Very good background, history, religion,and description of the sites. In short, a great book.



5. This book is an absolute necessity for visiting Angkor, at least if one has an interest in archaeology. In fact, knowing what I know now, I would have skipped hiring a guide and just rented a bicycle with this book as my guide. It is comprehensive, well-illustrated (although the illustrations are not always tied to the adjacent text--my most serious complaint about the book), and has the right balance between academic and popular interest. It is well-worth the extra weight involved in taking it along to Asia (I wish they had used cheaper paper and binding to make it lighter, but then the pictures wouldn't have been so inviting). Maps and organization make it easy to use, although the index sometimes is off by a page or two--perhaps they didn't update it all from the 4th ed. At any rate, it is far superior to all other guides I found on the subject.

5 comments about Stiletto.

1. this is primarily a historical narrative running from WW2 to the present - using fashion, and stiletto heels in particular, as a structuring element.. the various, and often conflicting, power complexities embodied and represented by stiletto heels are well illustrated with frequent quotes and cultural references, but (surprisingly to me) these were not the focus of the book. this is not a book about cultural paradox
   
   i really enjoyed it! being born in the 1975, i now have an expanded sense of the cultural liberation experienced after the survival-centric shadow of world war 2 - the new delight of living for the pleasure of life - glamorous hair, bright colors, vespas, espresso, butter.. and stiletto heels. from here, the narrative traces the various responses to, and co-option of, the technology-enabled spiked heel. metaphorical for the period overall.. maybe
   
   there are lots of great pictures and illustrations - and the large format book is an aesthetic pleasure overall. just 4 years after publishing (2004 -> 2008), the "now" perspective is fairly dated, both fashion and culture-wise. i found this things-are-changing-quickly (!) discovery informing and exciting. and again, this is primarily a historical narrative - not an up-to-the-minute cultural dialogue
   
   with more compelling analysis, more "aha" insights, etc - i would have given this book 5 stars. as it is, it's a light and interesting read - easily enjoyable in one or two sittings



2. Cursed by feminists, loved by the advertising industry, and casting a spell on men, the high-heel shoe that has been christened as the stiletto has to rank as the best invention in the history of humankind. As this book clearly is, and as a further testament to the genius of its designers and marketers, special museums should be built that not only contain the stiletto designs of the past, but also busts of the likenesses of Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, Salvadore Ferragamo, Andre Preugia, and Charles Jourdan, among many others. These architects of the foot have brought women higher status, literally and figuratively. When women put them on, they are saying that they are in control of their poise, their confidence, and their future: that they make the choices for themselves. Stilettos can be worn either as a cloak, masking successfully the wearer's true intentions, or as a beacon, daring or challenging others to approach them. Those who take up the dare usually do so on their knees: such is the power of the stiletto. It is the perfume of the sole, with the length of heel a measure of its musk. And for those occasions when their wearers find themselves in a horizontal configuration rather than a vertical one, stilettos are the love handles of the feet. In this position there is no possibility of swollen ankles or equines, only the completion of something that the stiletto, with its exquisite and bewitching aesthetic initiated with subtlety and skill.



3. For anyone interested in sexual iconography or the history of fashion this book is a must-have for the library. Stiletto high-heeled shoes, much maligned and disdained by afficionados of banality and practicality and anxious medicos who specialize in feet, have outlived and survived all critical attacks meant to make them go away and have a continuing allure despite the fact that it takes practice and balance and mindfulness to walk gracefully in a pair of these lovely, sculptured shoes which are the sexiest footwear ever created. There is even a series of exercises designed for actresses and models to strengthen the feet and legs to make wearing stilleto heels more comfortable and, hence, more fun. And this fine book by Carolyn Cox explains what all the fuss and bother is about and why anyone in her right mind would want to wear a pair of stiletto heels. The large format allows for excellent photographic coverage as well as historic images from the 1950's and 1960's when stilleto high heels, first fashioned in embryonic form by Roger Vivier for Christian Dior, and then further elaborated into the thin, elegant spike we know today, came into their own as a staple of high fashion as enduring as Chanel's "Little Black Dress" which, like a pair of stiletto heels matched with a business suit or an evening dress or a blouse and skirt -- especially a pencil skirt -- is never not elegant. Stiletto heels are pre-eminently feminine and, once you've learned how to walk in them, pre-eminently exciting to wear. Their distinctive click-click on a hardwood or linoleum floor is music to a fashionista's ears. They elongate the legs like no other shoe on Earth, raise the wearer above her customary level of vision and, when worn by someone who truly loves them and is at home in them, radiate a sense of majesty and self-possession and power and sexual self-awareness and just a hint of danger which is elegant, crisp, business-like, decisive, distinctively powerful and the very opposite of obscene or tawdry or clownish or dull or wishy-washy. This is the best book I know of for the reader who wants to immerse herself (or himself) in the history, development, cultural and psychological significance, construction techniques and aesthetic principles of stiletto heels. Once you've read it you'll understand why this shoe design, which seems at first so counter-intuitive as something to walk in, has such a lasting appeal for millions of women world-wide. And you may also come to realize that a well-made pair of stiletto heels is a thing of beauty in itself, formal and geometrically pure in linear design, softly curved and bitingly sharp at the same time, still but poised by shape alone for motion, a delight for the sense of sight, which they can easily saturate. Perhaps the final reason for the lasting appeal and enduring love of stiletto high heels is the reason given by John Keats: "A thing of beauty is a joy forever."



4. I loved this, there was alot of great history and sayings associated with the Stiletto. Stiletto's are the ultimate in Feminity and this books shows it. Gorgious color plates, tons of great tidbits of facts, lovely photography. Perfect for the Stiletto Enthusiast. [...]. Stiletto's are the power of Feminity and dates back to a long rich history of the Shoe.



5. This is a beautiful, smart, and fun book. I have never been a shoe fanatic and was at first skeptical when I received this book as a present, but I was pleasantly surprised as soon as I opened the cover. I loved all the history, whimsy, and gorgeous illustrations found in this book. This is a great one to give as a gift and will add a stylish touch to every library. Anyone with even the slightest interest in fashion, cultural history, or designer footwear will go crazy for STILETTO.

5 comments about The DAM Book: Digital Asset Management for Photographers (O'Reilly Digital Studio).

1. This book was recommended by several people before I purchased it. I thought I had a good grip on my archiving and management system...I was wrong.
   
   
   This book is a tad dated now but its principles are still standing strong.
   
   I would recommend this to anyone who is making images.
   
   
   
   
   
   Fashion Photographer David Paul Larson
   [...]



2. Overall, this is a good book that thoroughly covers all the essentials of putting together a system and practices to organize and preserve your photo collection.
   
   On the hardware side, he shows excessively expensive harddrive setups, when 2TB Western Digital MyBooks are dropping under $500. (Such statements are always relative to the date they're made -- 18 months from now that might be 4TB for $400.) I do agree with some comments he makes about RAID not being such a hot idea. The increasing size of individual drives is making the time it takes to reconstruct a failed drive in a RAID configuration reach absurd levels. When it took five or more drives to assemble 1TB, RAID seemed pretty clever. It's time has passed.
   
   On the software side, he pushes Bridge plus iView MediaPro. That may have been the hot setup when the book was published, but Lightroom is gaining converts at a high rate. A 2nd edition revised to center on Lightroom would be good. At the very least, he'd need to explain exactly what Bridge + iView MediaPro can do that Lightroom can't and why it matters. I believe Lightroom alone offers a much less convoluted system then that combination.
   
   Finally, for a book whose entire point is organizing and preserving photos, it has a curious hole. If your photo archive is all of your family's pictures, as opposed to a wedding photography business, how do you ensure it will outlive you? He makes a few remarks about how having things well organized will make it easier for your family, but that's it. Thinking about such things proves I'm getting to be an old fart, but it strikes me as a major omission in a book on this subject.
   
   My criticisms shouldn't detract from my original statement -- it's overall a good book. Even if I don't follow his exact hardware and software recommendations, he made me think through whether my combination was completely sound. I've changed how I was doing some things, and changed some of my ideas about what I plan to do in the future, as a result. It's the best and most thorough book on the subject available to date.



3. If you're an amateur or a professional getting into digital photography you need to sit down and read a book like this. Managing your photographs (your "assets") is necessary and it will help you find, print and publish your work.
   
   This book isn't 100% up to date but the book's web site is a nice supplement with active discussions.



4. This is a must-have book for photographers who are amassing a large collection of photos.
   
   I needed to read it 2 times before getting a feel for how to impliment it.
   
   Great strategies and it has now changed my workflow completely and for the better
   
   Money very well spent (although it cost me many thousands more since I also updated my computer, server, and softward to impliment this)
   
   Regards, Dean



5. This is a good book. It is very helpful in determining how to organize photographs. It also is a give a good review of Bridge. It would be nice for the book to be up dated to cover CS3.

5 comments about Movie-Star Portraits of the Forties.

1. I bought this book because it reminded me of my mother, who loved the movies. She used to buy the star magazines of the times and cut and pasted three scrapbooks with pictures, some of which I recognized in this book. My kids played with the scrapbooks, which got a little ragged, so I threw them out....oh, the unsentimentality of youth. I would love to have the books now, but since I can't ,Movie-Star Portraits of the Forties comes in a nice second. The pictures are beautiful and even if you don't remember the stars, (I do), you will enjoy the glamour and real sexiness of those movie stars of yore.



2. If you like black and white portraits your at the right book; a source of inspiration for my photography assignment.



3. If you love old style Hollywood photography this book is a must for your collection. My only wish was that it showed some of the lighting and techniques used to take the images. But as far as a straight forward picture book goes even if your not a photographer you'll enjoy the great looks and drama from the past.



4. Beautiful pictures! They sure don't make stars like these anymore. Wonderful glamour shots, men & women. Bygone era but at least we have these gorgeous photos to remember or to discover.



5. if your looking for book with old hollywood glamour pictures
   this is the book for you. You cant go wrong 30+ photos of mostly dead actors and actresses

No comments about Stars and Cars of the 50's (Photography).