5 comments about 3D Math Primer for Graphics and Game Development (Wordware Game Math Library).

1. Didnt learned too much from it, the explanations are very briefly specially in some chapters
   
   For example, in the Collision Detection chapter (aka Geometric Tests, Chapter 13), he just throws the equations and miss important points to the complete understanding of the solution for the problem.
   
   For example, in the explanation of Intersection of Ray and Plane, he just says that the parametric ray is p(t) = Po + td and the plane equation is p . n = d, then you need to solve (Po + td) . n = d, and the explanation is just it
   
   He doesnt explain why a plane is defined by p . n = d, and why the dot product of all points in the plane and the plane normal will give the same number, and doesnt even explaning the meaning of that number (which is the plane distance from the origin along the normal, or in other words, the closest point in a plane to the origin)
   
   All the others geometric tests explanations are made in the same way, he just throw the equations and some picture and you have to find out yourself. I was only able to understand the chapter cause i already had a good understanding of that subject, but for that guy with zero knowledge in the subject who bought this book for the first time imagining it would be a good introduction for geometric tests, he will have a hard time
   
   Others chapters are the same way too, for example, i was hoping to understand barycentric coordinates from this book, but as always, he just throw you some equations
   
   Maybe i misjudge the book, but thats my impression so far
   
   If money is not your problem, buy it, but dont expect it to be your ultimate source for your doubts, you will probably have to look in another sources



2. Hi, i am a college student at Bozeman, Montana, MSU. If you do not know, the computer science course in Montana (of all places) is in the highest Tier in the nation. (That means our school competes with MIT). I can tell that this book is great. Sure there are some funny things about it, but for the most part, everything is good in this book. I really like how much stuff is covered on matrices. Not everyone gets to take Matrix Theory (Linear algebra) so this book does a decent job of explaining matrices. And especially explaining Quaternions.



3. This is a must read for anyone wanting to jump into 3D graphics programming, the book is full of content, full of useful source code, and very accessible to the average reader.
   The only gripe I would have is that there is a steep learning curve a few chapters in, once you finish writing the vector class the content in the next chapter is much harder. It's not impossible to pick up, but there is a definite difference in difficulty.



4. The greatest problem for a lot of us that want to be great programmers is that we're terrible mathematicians. And the greatest benefit of this book is that it explains it in a way anyone can understand it! I absolutely love this book. Before you even start to think about DirectX, OpenGL, whatever - you should read this book COVER TO COVER.



5. I picked up this book and within a week I was working on my own 3d engine. The explanations are very clear. This book is great for ANYONE. This is the book you are looking for!

4 comments about 101 Improv Games for Children and Adults.

1. To start off, I am the author of the book so take the "star review" for what it is. I just wanted to give you a little more depth to what this book is about in case you are looking at purchasing it. First I will tell you that I've had over 12 years experience of not only performing improv and owning a troupe, but I've been very lucky to teach improv to people of all ages and walks of life. I will be up front with my statement that no ONE person can teach you everything about improv. I learned from many people and took what I liked to form my style and beliefs. It is that style that is in my book and I encourage you to look at several books if you are really serious about it.
   
   My book starts off as an introduction for teachers looking at adding improv to their lessons. This is mostly aimed at school aged children, but I use the same practices for Adults. The publishing company wanted to add this to their "101 _____ for Children" series so I fitted everything for that. I got them to add the "Adults" part so potential readers who were older wouldn't turn away. I've outlined a lot of stuff on how someone who knows very little about improv can teach it (at least teach it my style) and have tried to include everything I would do in front of a class. This same information can be used by the reader to learn the basics.
   
   I ended the book with tips for Advanced people. Again, these are theories of mine gained over watching and performing with people 2 to 5 shows a week every week for over a decade. These tips not only include how to stretch yourself, but also some hints on what to look for when forming your own troupe.
   
   In the middle is the 101 games promised in the title. This being the first book I wanted to have a strong list of "beginners" games and warm up exercises, but there are still plenty of games for all levels of players to be found. The games listed are all what would be called "Short Form" games, the type you would find watching Who's Line Is It Anyway?. There was a second book planned that would include more of the tougher games and a section on Long Form, but I'm not sure if that book will ever be published.
   
   If you are a very seasoned improv actor this book will only have a few games that you might not have tried yet, and I don't know how much you'll get out of the "beginners" section. But I for one feel that you never stop learning about improv and there is some very good stuff throughout the book. And if you are in the early stages of improv learing, there is no doubt that you'll find a lot of stuff to take with you on stage.
   
   If you are a teacher looking at having fun in the classroom, this book is... well, it's hard to say "perfect" because I'm biased. But it works very well in the classroom. And not just for theatre teachers. I've had several teachers who tell me that they use it for helping with creative writing and other types of learning that require more imagination. Another teacher told me that they use improv early in the year to get everyone used to being in front of the class and not being embarrassed about themsleves or speaking in the class.
   
   I have a huge love for improv and that is what I tried to put into the book. I can't call it the ultimate Bible on improv because there is no such thing. Improv is like art, everyone knows what they like. This is not only what I like, it's what I love.
   
   I applaud your interest in improv. Learning how to adapt to changing situations is not just a great thing for the stage, it's helpful in all forms of life. I hope that this has been helpful to you in some way and if not I'm sure you can alwayas track me down -- darn internet.
   
   Take Care, Bob



2. As an acting teacher I was thrilled with this book. It has lots of terrific improv games and ideas. I'm inspired and I know my kids will be too.



3. this book is good, has alot of games I plan on trying alot of them.



4. I am acting teacher who owns her own studio called Star Map Acting Studio in New York and there are a variety of classes and workshops children and adults can take so you have to keep things interesting. I found the Improv game book very helpful and full of fun ideas. It kept my classes this summer fresh and new. I can't wait to use it this Fall for my new classes I am sure my students will have fun with all of them.

5 comments about Aerobics of the Mind Cards: 100 Exercises for a Healthy Brain.

1. The 100 exercises for a healthy mind which are mental fitness cards developed by the Attainment Company,Inc. are a very good means of helping each person address the growth of brain functioning. These are divided into twelve categories such as (1)wake up your brain, (2) creative problem solving, (3)art and imagination, (4)brainstorming (5)double mind and seven other similar and helpful categories. The hundred versions of activities in themselves are an incentive to action and can be used in any order so that a monotonous routine may be changed to a desireable action. The steady use of this approach will help form the concept of keeping abreast of the expansion of knowledge and reduce obsolesence to the same degree that the entire population faces. This text should stimulate many people in the middle age and the elderly to reconsider their life style in order to move with knowledge expansion in a very constructive manner and to live a more composed life.



2. I just love the Brain exercise cards. I wish I had known about this product sooner. I use these cards with my mother who is showing early signs of dementia. The cards are fun and enhance the time my mother and I spend together.



3. I've been usingthese cards with one on one conversations with the elderly people in my church and it's opened up avenues of good conversation. I've used them in a couple of small groups I lead and you can almost hear their brains working as they reflect on the questions, work the puzzles. In fact they have "aha" experiences as they solve the puzzles and cry out "Amazing, I did it!" with great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Several in one group want to get the cards for themselves.



4. I work with seniors and used these cards with one who had stayed sharp and wanted to continue that way. Was able to pick out the ones she could handle more easily re declining sight and arthritic hands, and we had plenty to work with. She found them both fun and challenging, as did I -- despite the fact that I'm in my early 50's and she's in her late 90's!!



5. I had brain surgery two years ago and have had slight memory problems since then. I ordered these cards after seeing a PBS show on brain plasticity and thinking that I might improve my memory with exercise (not just doing the same type of brain game over and over). These cards give you all kinds of ideas to work different parts of your brain, in groups or by yourself. I not only have improved my memory, but also my focus and mental alertness. I have receommended them to many other friends and and we're just in our fifties!

5 comments about Bridge Basics 1: An Introduction (The Official Better Bridge Series).

1. Mike Lawrence is quite simply the best bridge teacher-author ever. All of his books are of consistently high quality, including his 'Look over my shoulder while I play' books such as "Dynamic Defense", "Play Bridge with Mike Lawrence" and "Play a Swiss Team of Four with Mike Lawrence." These books are not only wonderfully instructive and well written, they are FUNNY. The vignettes at the table are described with such wry detail that the reader feels pangs of loss when these books end. Unfortunately, this book, which contains no bridge, and concentrates on describing humorous table vignettes, is NOT FUNNY. Disappointing, but I felt much better after only a few pages of "Card Combinations."



2. I have studied with all four of Audrey Grant's previous series: the Club, Diamond, Heart and Spade books and I think, for basic information, Bridge Basics 1 is the best. It is not only easy to read but easy to understand. With her charts and practice lessons, one can learn a lot about bridge without ever taking a class.



3. We have several books on beginning bridge, but this is the best one. It is easy to read and has excellent applications. By the time you read this book, and work through applications, you should be ready to play. I



4. As a bridge teacher, I use this book exclusively for my new students. Not only does it teach the basics, but involves the player in the play of the hand right from the start. If you want to learn the best card game in the world, reading this book is the right start.



5. I am a brand new bridge player and I found this book very easy to follow and understand. There are numerous examples and illustrations. Quiz answers are explained very clearly. I would highly recommend it for the beginner

3 comments about Mensa Exercise Your Mind Math & Logic Puzzles (Mensa).

1. This book is a workout for the mind. It covers many logic puzzle types, and by the time you're done with a set, you feel like you've mastered a new skill. I wish they'd put one of these out every year!



2. This puzzle book, like the blue Mensa Challenge Your Mind Math & Logic Puzzles, is a FANTASTIC collection of puzzles! You don't need any prior knowledge or skills to succeed with this collection, just brain power and a pencil. They are challenging and lots of fun! There is a wide variety of puzzles in this book - some of the same type as the ones found in the blue book, some new and different ones. These are not your standard logic puzzles; there are no words involved other than the instructions. I REALLY wish Tuller and Rios would come out with a 3rd edition of these!



3. Excellent book covering wide range of puzzles.
   
   It's much like the blue book (Mensa Challenge Your Brain Math & Logic Puzzles) - same authors, format, number of pages, etc. Only the puzzles are different :)
   
   So, you get around 75 pages of mostly well-known puzzles and 20 pages of answers.
   There are typically between 8 and 20 puzzles of each type, although there are some extremes such as End View (30 puzzles) and Kakuro (only 6).
   
   The puzzle types are:
   
   - Alternate corners
   - Battleships (classic, lighthouses variant, minesweeper variant)
   - Black and White
   - Cross Sums (Kakuro)
   - Dominoes (Domino Hunt)
   - End View (ABCD)
   - Fences (Slitherlink)
   - Half-Dominoes
   - Hex Loops
   - Lighthouses
   - Minesweeper
   - Number Place
   - Rain Clouds
   - Skyscrapers
   - Snaky Tiles
   - Spokes
   - Square Numbers
   - Square Routes
   - Tents
   - Worms

5 comments about The Demon Soul (Warcraft: War of the Ancients, Book 2).

1. Loved the whole triology... even my girlfriend who hates WOW, read these and liked them, that is a rating by itself. A must if you like the genre.



2. This book is a little slower than the rest. It has a lot to offer on the mythos and back story of warcraft, but it is very slow for this genre of book.
   
   I almost didn't read the third book after reading this one. But you have to remember that this is the "second act" of a play. This is setting up the final conclusion you get in the third book.
   
   The third book brings a lot of closure to the story, and a lot more of the lore of warcraft. I enjoyed the three as a set. If you like the warcraft books, grind your way through this to get to the third book. Afterall, not all of the lvl 1-60 is fun either is it? You do have to grind from time to time. :)



3. This book continues on from the earlier book, The well of eternity, i was so wrapped up in the story of the first book this was not a let down at all. I weas turning page after page so unravel the story. i can admit some sections began to repeat themselves slightly but i did indeed finsh this book within a week.
   
   A fantastic read and continuation of the war of the ancients series.
   
   4/5



4. As the second volume of the trilogy, it is an excellent continuation of the history of Warcraft and explains a lot about why things are the way they are in the game. Highly recommended



5. This was the best trilogy I've ever read. I actually enjoyed these books more than I enjoyed LOTR. Got the first book with my collector's edition of World of Warcraft a long time ago and after reading that I had to buy the 2nd and third. If you like Warcraft at all, you will love these books. If you don't like Warcraft at all, you may still enjoy them.

5 comments about Phil Gordon's Poker Box Set: Phil Gordon's Little Black Book, Phil Gordon's Little Green Book, Phil Gordon's Little Blue Book.

1. This box set will cover the absolute beginner up to a fairly strong player. Gordon writes in an engaging and lively style and admits his bad moves when he plays them. Like the titles say, these are little books, so they are quick reads. Great for reading a few pages before bed. That does make them a little less dense with helpful information--combined with writing style and size, Harrington's books seem fuller. The green book is probably the one that you will be refering back to the most as it deals with core play, with the blue book a close second for information on particular situations. Like most books out there, it focuses most of its ink by far on tournament play. I wish it had more information on shorthanded and low-stakes cash games. The black book does touch upon low-stakes games, but really glosses over strategy there.
   
   BTW, if you are living abroad, this box set is a great deal. Not only do you have a bigger discount than buying the three books individually, but also the box set counts as one item when shipping, not three. So saved ten dollars on shipping.



2. I have won a number of important hands after reading this book. It let's you know what the pros are thinking. I know a lot of ambitious amatuers have this book. Pick it up, read it and apply it!



3. For begginers and expirience players!
   
   The black book: Begginers
   
   The green book: Expirienced
   
   The blue book: Professionals



4. Excellent three book set that starts Black)with a beginners guide. The Green book is or will be a classic. Blue present problems and solutions. A great read.



5. hi all,
   
   i have read the first one of the three and i haver just start reading the green book, i think they are very useful to starting players because he aproximate us to the mind of a poker player.
   
   he knows how to take the attemption of the reader and you can read it very fast because it is very easy to read and very interesting.

5 comments about Java(TM) Puzzlers: Traps, Pitfalls, and Corner Cases.

1. You really have to be a language weenie to care about many of these. If you're looking to become a better programmer, or simply to be entertained, this probably isn't the right book.



2. This book was so much fun to read but more importantly it surprised me a couple of times ... which is what i expected when i got it ...
   
   Cutting it short, if you are looking for some puzzlers ( some real ones ) get this book, at least you'll have some fun ...
   
   Regards
   Vyas, Anirudh



3. Completing the puzzles in this book will increase your knowledge of the Java language spec. This book was written by 2 of the world's foremost Java experts.



4. This book presents several problems that maybe even expert Java developers never thougt about. Some of them are only curious corner cases, others present tricky behaviours of the language that every developer must be aware of to avoid unwanted behaviours. I warmly suggest this book as a complement to "Effective Java", by the same author.



5. This is an amusing and at the same time amazing book that helps avoiding some very dark corners you might not have been aware of when programming in Java. I used FindBugs to test for some of the pitfalls described in the book in some codebases we had and did I find errors! Go get yourself a copy.

5 comments about Complete Arcane: A Player's Guide to Arcane Magic for all Classes (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying).

1. Not too much in this book impressed me. I really like the Warlock class, anda lot of the new spells are brilliant (and compliment Complete Mage well, too), but all the spells were reprinted in Spell Compendium. The feats are pretty lackluster, the monsters are mostly by-products of the prestige classes, and the prestige classes aren't so special in their own right. So really, it's just the warlock then. Whatever, I got it with Christmas money.



2. This book is crazy overpowered. The Warlock class slowly makes itself invincible level by level. They've got too many hp's, too many save bonuses, too much armor, and they can imbue items w/o the item creation feats???????? WHAT???
   
   Warlocks make clerics look like sissies, and they're not nearly as broken as the prestige classes. This book is great for Players whose DM's have an annoying habit of killing or screwing over their players, but it's a headache for the DM since you have to plan every dungeon and battle around super overpowered casters with no weaknesses.
   
   Dual wand weild--a bard wand user can cast cure critical wounds and fireball every round...



3. This is one of the best supplemets out there. THe best addtion is the worlock class. The feats have a wide range of uses for spellcasters and no spell casters alike. the spells arnt that great but elemental monolith is a great one. Prestige classes are varied and yet again all classes can benifit by taking a level or two of a spell casting class. It is the esentinal tool box fr your arcanist. buy it now.



4. If you bought Tome and Blood before Wizards decided to change 3.0 to 3.5, you already own Complete Mage, pretty much. The feats are the same, the artwork is the same, the only add ons are culled from other books and magazines, basically a reprint all around. The book has the Warlock in it, a class where you can do ranged touch attacks with spell-like augmentations at will in an energy type that has no ER to counter it. Neat. In a sick, out-of-balance way. Run one of these at equal level against a party of 10th or higher and watch them cry when the EXP is so low. I would think facing a 20th level lich with a few minions would be desirable over dealing with a 16th level Warlock with the same minions!
   
   Not the worse buy you could make if you don't have Tome and Blood, the Feats are really good, but certainly not worth the price tag. If you can get it for $10 on EBay you'll be better off.



5. this and the complete mage are both pretty alright books if you have the extra oney to spend. i completely recomend the spell compendium though, much better work. this book is like the 2nd edition AD&D complete wizard updated and split up into two books (this and the complete mage) neither of which are great. don't get me wrong, I am glad it sits on my shelf, but it sits on my shelf more than i use it. it has some decent feats and prestige classes. get it cheap from a seller if possible.

5 comments about New York Times Crosswords for Your Coffee Break: Light and Easy Puzzles.

1. The thing about crossword puzzles is that even hard-core fans sometimes like to do an easy and fun puzzle. These ones are great. An excellent puzzler should be able to complete them in 10-15 minutes or less, a decent puzzler should easily have them done in under 20 minutes. The title is no joke: these really are great puzzles for your coffee break. This little book makes a great stocking stuffer!



2. Well, pretty easy but not THAT easy. Finishing one on a coffee break is probably not something I could always do. They are fun and in a good format.



3. I find crosswords a way to relax and the Light and Easy series are just that. Not too hard, but engaging enough to keep me interested. The size of the puzzles makes it easy to finish one relatively quickly. The book size is convenient for carrying around. The expert crossword addict may find these too easy, but for the rest of us the Light and Easy series are fun. Great airplane/airport activity.



4. Since I am a very enthusiastic crossword puzzler and since I live in an area of the world where they are unavailable, it isn't always easy trying to find something you like on-line. The good news is that the N.Y. Times Coffee Break book is EXACTLY what it says it is......I love it! It is easy but not
   "brain-less" easy. Yes, the puzzles can be done in a coffee break! I only wish there were more puzzles in the book! I know I will finish the book too quickly. Buy and enjoy!



5. This crossword book is WAY overpriced. I only bought it to meet the free shipping purchase amount on another item. I really consider it packing material.