5 comments about Flash 5.0: Graphics, Animation & Interactivity.

1. This is the best reference book ever! I followed the book step by step and learned many Flash shortcuts and details that I can't find in other books. I try to work on one sample in this book. However, there are some codes wrong in my application and I couldn't find the error. So, I got enough guts and sent the author an email. the author replied me the next day, and helped me to solve the problem. He also explained my mistake. Pretty cool!



2. This is a good and useful book, but it could be better.
   Each function is presented first with explanatory prose, then with step-by-step instructions. The explanatory prose doesn't make any sense until after going through the step-by-step instructions.

   After a few chapters, I decided that "Flash 5 Hands-on Training" (0201731347) was easier to understand, so I switched books.

   Neither book, however, gives clear instructions on how to create navigation buttons. I had to spend hours of trial and error.

   Nor does either book explain how to make input boxes and provide feedback for an educational program. I am having to purchase a few more Flash 5 manuals and hope that at least one of those manuals will help me.




3. This is a good and useful book, but it could be better.
   Each function is presented first with explanatory prose, then with step-by-step instructions. The explanatory prose doesn't make any sense until after going through the step-by-step instructions.

   After a few chapters, I decided that "Flash 5 Hands-on Training" (0201731347) was easier to understand, so I switched books.

   Neither book, however, gives clear instructions on how to create navigation buttons. I had to spend hours of trial and error.

   Nor does either book explain how to make input boxes and provide feedback for an educational program. I am having to purchase a few more Flash 5 manuals and hope that at least one of those manuals will help me.




4. This is a good and useful book, but it could be better.
   Each function is presented first with explanatory prose, then with step-by-step instructions. The explanatory prose doesn't make any sense until after going through the step-by-step instructions.

   After a few chapters, I decided that "Flash 5 Hands-on Training" (0201731347) was easier to understand, so I switched books.

   Neither book, however, gives clear instructions on how to create navigation buttons. I had to spend hours of trial and error.

   Nor does either book explain how to make input boxes and provide feedback for an educational program. I am having to purchase a few more Flash 5 manuals and hope that at least one of those manuals will help me.




5. Flash 5.0 GA&I is a great book from James Mohler, a leading multimedia specialist. The book covers enough detail for more advanced flash animators but is easy to read and understand for beginners. The book covers everything from the layout of Flash to integrating it with your website. Mr. Mohler not only shows you how Flash works, but also the intricacies of digital graphics. I think this last point is very important because it helps beginners grasp some of the concepts of digital graphics, which they can take with them when they learn other digital multimedia. This is an all-around great book for people interested in learning Macromedia Flash and digital graphics.

No comments about SolidWorks 2007: The Basics with Multimedia CD.

No comments about Introduction to the Mathematics of Operations Research with Mathematica®, Second Edition (Pure and Applied Mathematics).

5 comments about The Art of Flash Animation: Creative Cartooning.

1. There are few books out there that cover using Flash as traditional animation medium, and even fewer that are any good. The Art of Flash Animation is another book in the "not so good" column.
   
   The fact that this book came from a small publisher like Wordware means you don't get a lot of the frills you'd expect in an animation book. The illustrations are a bit sparse and in black & white. There's no CD of examples or finished files. A lot of the projects he mentions can be found on his website, which I wasn't particularly impressed with; especially the audio on his personal cartoons.
   
   Even though the book spends a lot of time talking about animation and Flash, not a lot of usable information comes out of it. A few tidbits of animation knowledge come out, but still the best advice this book gives is to read The Animator's Survival Kit. I don't need a $23 book to tell me to buy a $20 book.
   
   The Flash instruction is also rather lacking. If you've never touched Flash before in your life, you might learn something. If you already have a working knowledge of the program, you won't learn a thing.
   
   All in all, it's quite a bit of money to spend on such a small amount of learning.



2. When I first started taking my flash animation class, it was, unfortunately, before this book came out. I was a bit concerned that it might be just like all of the other books and only focus on one thing, or two, but avoiding the main topics. I was very much mistaken. I read this book & found that it, not only, covered all of the topics and such concerning flash animation, but it also went into some cartoons as well. I would rate this book a 5 star, because that's just what it is, a 5 star. I think that it was wrong of this novel to be rated a 2 star, I consider that an insult. I would encourage all who are looking into flash animation and cartooning to grab a copy of this book. It will not only teach you what you want to know, but it will keep you awake, unlike most of the other boring flash books. Enjoy the read, people, I did! ^-^



3. I have been trying to learn to animate, draw, model, 2d, 3D . spend time as and when its available on books, software, pencil and paper.
   I try my hand at Maya, Anim8or, Flash, ToonBoom, Blender .. anything that lets me draw and animate.
   I started looking at Flash recently with renewed vigour. I picked this book up along with a few others.
   
   The book addresses the newbie. teaches traditional style animation using Flash. which involves quite a few things.
   
   character design
   Character construction
   Thumbnails
   storyboarding
   Camera shots
   sound track
   acting etc..
   which are general pieces, and then specifics on Flash such as,
   
   basic tools to get the characters into flash,
   symbols, scenes,
   library
   rigging etc.
   
   This is a nice walkthrough of all the tools you need as part of mastering the trade. I would think this is a very good primer. Gets you going. then you go fill the gaps, build on it. The book provides an overview of the various stages , very simple and easy to read. The style of writing is more like that of a fellow student trying to figure out things.
   
   I wouldn't say this is 'the' book, but certainly provides a good starting point.



4. The book is really informative and well written; it is aimed at beginners in Flash animation, but also advanced users will benefit from the principles presented here. I read it from start to finish while on holiday and could comprehend everything though I did not have my computer with me to try everything out at once.



5. This is a book more so about TRADITIONAL animation techniques. It hardly touches on using flash to animate. If you want to learn how to use Flash to animate look elsewhere. In fact, this book isn't even that good of a traditional animation book. I would like to return this book to writer...in person.

No comments about Panama In Pictures (Visual Geography. Second Series).

No comments about The WEB Collection Revealed Standard Edition: Adobe Dreamweaver CS4, Adobe Flash CS4, and Adobe Fireworks CS4.

5 comments about Complete Idiot's Guide to Macromedia Flash 5.

1. David Karlins actually sent me an e-mail because of my last review about this book (below this one). He was very concerned that it didn't meet my expectations and was willing to reimburse me for the book since I had unfairly expressed my utter disappointment in it.

   Well, the truth is, it does EXACTLY what it claims to do and at an unbeatable price. And the fact that the author is so sincerely interested in delivering a book that satisfies ALL it's readers just blows my mind!

   It DOES do an adequate (and sometimes superb) job of walking you through the basics of Flash and getting you familier and comfortable with its simpler features.

   And it does this in a humouristic fashion, unlike may of the technical textbooks we've all had to suffer through.

   Yes, I did review this as a major disappointment because of it's lack of 'complete' coverage, but really, this book does everything it promises to do in a comprehensive and simple way so even the BIGGEST idiots can learn to master Flash.

   I give it 5 stars for what it is: A beginners introduction to Flash 5.

   If you're beyond the beginners level (as I am) and on to intermediate, than this book's not really for you. Read my other review for some good recommendations.

   Finally I'd like to say: Kudos to David Karlins for having the humility and sincerity that most authors lack. He really cares about delivering his promises and raising the level of todays web through educating. Cheers!




2. Well no, I don't consider myself a complete idiot; "I am a "Power User" of my PC, and of the Internet. I know what I am doing". Or so I thought! But I purchased Macromedia's Flash 5 software because I wanted to design that website full of innovative and eye catching animation. I wanted it to be noticed. To be recognised as a leader in the field of web site design. But, I was overwhelmed by the program. I didn't know where to start.

   "So", I thought, "I have to get back to basics. Lets assume I am a complete idiot. Where do I go from here?"

   To tell you the truth, there was only one place to go. The Complete Idiots Guide to Macromedia Flash 5, by David Karlins, illustrated by Paul Mikulecky, joined my "essential reading" collection.

   Without being pretentious, the book treats you as a complete idiot. It really does get down to basics. True, it does assume you have a smidgen of computer knowledge, (well if you don't, and you have brought Macromedia Flash 5, you really are dreaming the impossible ).

   I am half way through the book now. I am taking it easy. I really do want to learn all about Flash 5 and this is the book that's teaching me. But I need to absorb it all. The book is easy to follow, full of information, tips and guidance, and it takes you through each step, each level of "Objects", "Groups", "The Stage", "Frames", Timelines", "Layers", Animation", "Interactivity", "Movies", at your own pace.

   The first thing I found out was, there is a lot to learn about Flash 5. That is why I am taking my time.

   But this book is teaching me. I recommend it. It doesn't treat you as a complete idiot. What it "does" do is recognise that Macromedia Flash is a powerful, but complicated tool to master. You will need time and a helping hand to master it. The time is your own. The Complete Idiots Guide to Macromedia Flash 5 is the helping hand.

   I brought this book from Amazon.com's UK site at Amazon.co.uk. It is my pleasure to write such a good review.

   (Ohh, by the way, "Smidgen" is England English for "a small amount", ).




3. The book is easy to understand and very straight forward. The author obviously has teaching skills beyond the ordinary. Especially loved the bright orange and yellow tear out shortcuts page!



4. If you think Flash is too complicated to learn, then you might enjoy the approach taken by the author of this book: simple, funny, and easy to follow. And if you are already familiar with the basic concepts, then you can use it is a valid quick reference!



5. If you're just starting out with Flash, or even if you've been using it a while but haven't explored all its features, David Karlins' book will prove to be a useful addition to your library.

   The things I like best about this book are

   1. David has a friendly, uncomplicated way of explaining things, so it's all easy to "get."

   2. You really could be almost a technological idiot and still be able to use this book to do some fun animations with Flash, because every tool and animation technique is covered, and each item is broken up into bite-size bits.

   3. The Tips and Nitty Gritty Stuff is a good way of presenting useful key information that you can refer back to and refresh your memory as you need to.

   4. Flash is fun to work with anyway, and breaking it up the way David does here makes the technical aspects of animating in Flash so easy to digest, you'll be a Flash wizard in no time.

   Well, maybe not a wizard. This book doesn't cover much ActionScript, and that's where the real Flash wizards dwell. But as a way to giving you a solid foundation to all the ways you can have fun working with Flash, you could do a lot worse than to buy "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Macromedia Flash 5," and you'd probably have a lot less fun getting your basic Flash chops.

2 comments about The Illusion of Life 2: More Essays on Animation.

1. The title of this book is misleading. Whether it is intentional or not, I am not sure. I would like to make it clear that this book is not related to "The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation" by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston. Frank and Ollie's book is the animation bible, and anyone who is serious about animation should own it.
   
   This book, "The Illusion of Life II by Alan Cholodenko," is a collection of overly theoretical essays that have little bearing on the craft and art of animation/storytelling.
   
   I would highly recommend getting the "The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation" by Frank and Ollie instead of this book.



2. With this wildly eclectic yet controlled collection of essays, Alan Cholodenko accelerates and expands his project of reanimating film studies in and through animation studies and the rigorous theorizing of animation.
   
   In the 1991 precursor to THE ILLUSION OF LIFE 2, Cholodenko upset the classic logic of animation as a subspecies of film and instead posited film, all film, as a form of animation. Polemical and challenging (yet, paradoxically, in some sense obvious), this assertion was and continues to be well-defended by both Cholodenko's perspicacity and his enviable expertise in `poststructuralist' and `postmodernist' thought.
   
   This new publication even further diversifies the implications of its contributors' efforts, as they analyse the concept of animation in relation to the history (and future) of war, the military, the cityscape, cultural exchange, old and new media, marketing, self-identity, the soul, life, death, intellectual property, and the very physical nature of the universe that surrounds us.
   
   The essay's subjects range and connect in a wide array: from manga to Blade Runner; from anime cuteness to military flight simulation; from The Lion King's controversial authorship to its metaphysical subversiveness. Meanwhile, an estuary of theoretical wellsprings feed the book from sources Aristotle to Zizek. Do not count on every essay following a theoretical bend, but do count on each one being meticulously researched and placed informatively in a wider nexus of animation history and scholarship.
   
   As these essayists contour the late 20th century's variegated wave of animation, they move in-between disciplines and distinctions, upsetting those disciplines and distinctions, all the while richly theorizing and animating the subject of animation itself. If you're ready to let it take you, THE ILLUSION OF LIFE 2 makes for an exciting ride- as challenging as it is fun.

2 comments about GIS for Health Organizations.

1. Following the style of her previous "Managing Natural Resources with GIS", this book provides some vignettes on the use of GIS in health related fields. There is not a great deal of detail, although she provides some references for additional research. The book is well illustrated with full color images and the price is right.
   (...)
   If you are looking for some details on how GIS is being applied, this may be a good book to read, but you can find many similar items on the ESRI web site (or the sites of any of the popular GIS software producers).



2. GIS for Health Organizations gives a very nice overview of the uses of GIS in the health environment. But, it does also seem to present mostly projects that use products developed by ESRI (which makes sense since they also publish the book). So, this book begins to seem like an ESRI brochure that you had to pay for, especially since the demo software included does not use the examples from the book. Overall, it is a nice quick reference of current uses for GIS, for the numerous programs that ESRI has helped develop for health care operations, and to get a quick overview of one of the GIS software applications on the market. A look at the ESRI website may yield the same information though, so actually buying this title may not be for you.

No comments about Customizing SolidWorks for Greater Productivity.