2 comments about Around the World: Who's Been Here?: Who's Been Here?.

1. Great story about a teacher traveling across different continents and sending letters back. Story includes clues to guess what animal she came across. Great illustrations.



2. This is an excellent book for the classroom or home-schooler. This book is on the National Science Teacher Association Outstanding Trade Books List. Use it for writing, science, or social studies. Lindsay Barrett George is on my "author watch list".

4 comments about GIS : A Computer Science Perspective.

1. This book fills a very important gap in the GIS literature. There are many good introductory book about GIS (try Burrough, for example), but they have been mostly written having a geographer or an earth scientist as their prospective reader. By contrast, Worboys writes for the computer engineer or programmer who wants to understand how a GIS really works inside. The author is a leading researcher on the field, and the book is clearly and concisely written. If you are a computer professional working in the GIS area, you'll find this book invaluable.



2. I was impressed with the authors for their clear and lucid style, assembling and relating diverse topics in a simplistic view, ranging from computer science to philosophy, to present a brilliant holistic view of GIS technical infrastructure.



3. Having read many books of the kind I can state with confidence that this one is the best introductory book on the topic. The authors claim that the book is best-suited to people approaching GISs with a computer-science perspective and/or background and this should be taken into consideration by all prospective buyers. However, the book should still be a most valuable resource to readers from other backgrounds, as it remains the most comprehensive in its domain, and is very readable thanks to the lucid writing style of the authors.
   
   Each chapter except the first, which serves as a general introduction, deals with a particular sub-discipline within GIS. Chapter 2 describes the basics of databases.
   Chapter 3 clarifies important topological and metric concepts.
   Chapter 4 enters the area of field vs. object data models.
   Chapter 5 deals with raster and vector structures as well as with computational geometry and geometric algorithms.
   Chapter 6 moves even closer to the physical computer level and discusses indexes (access structures) and trees.
   Chapter 7 is about architectures (distributed, homogeneous, heterogeneous systems).
   Chapter 8 talks about GIS-interfaces.
   Until that point, the book has a very logical structure with each chapter being the logical extension of the next.
   Chapters 9 and 10 exist only in this second edition and provide some brief excursions into the topics of handling uncertainty and time in GIS respectively. They go into somewhat less detail than the previous chapters, yet are very well written.
   
   Remember that this book is introductory, hence dont expect to learn the intricate details of topics such as databases and computational geometry. The authors manage however, to strike a fine balance between the amount of concepts and methods being presented and the degree of detail to which each of them is analysed. Therefore the book retains its clear introductory character while maintaining a very high informational content. In addition, the authors have done a fantastic job at compiling relevant bibliographies at the end of each chapter where the readers may pursue additional details should they wish to. The graphics and figures are also self-explanatory and do a fine job at complementing the text. Verbosity and typos are scarce if at all existent.
   
   I recommend this book as the most comprehensive overview of, and a very good reference source for, GISs. It will be invaluable not only for newbies but also for mid to hi-level experts who wish to consolidate their knowledge or have a trusted reference. Undoubtedly, an indispensable resource in the library of anyone interested in geographic information systems.



4. I'm not your average GISer. I have a BS in Mathematics and worked for 15 years as a software developer. This book was a required text for the class in Advanced Vector GIS that was part of my MS in GIS. I currently use it as a reference as I work on my PhD in pure GIScience.
   
   This book covers GIS data structures and databases in a way that a Computer Scientist would appreciate. It covers GIS algorithms in a way that an Applied Mathmetician would like. It covers GIS topology in a way that a Pure Mathmetician could learn from. It covers uncertainty in a way that a Statistician would enjoy.
   
   If you are, say a graduate student in mathematics or computer science and want to understand what all the GIS hype is about, you've found a great, concise volume that covers an intense amount of information. If you are a geographer who needs to formalize some language concerning theory and methods for a publication, then this is a good start.
   
   If you are looking for something like "how to delineate a watershed in ArcView 9", skip it and look elsewhere.

No comments about Czech Republic in Pictures (Visual Geography. Second Series).

5 comments about XML in Flash (Sams Other).

1. XML in Flash begins by illustrating the basics of XML and the Flash XML Object.

   In Part I, Flash is used as a teaching aid as you learn the basics of Flash/XML integration.

   Part II covers how Flash works with middleware languages, such as PHP and ASP, as well as performance and optimization. You will also create a Flash message board with a database. Part

   III delves into the advantages of XMLSocket. Hands-on projects include creating a stock market ticker to receive XML data from servers. Finally, the appendixes include invaluable reference information on XML, XMLNode objects, and XMLSocket objects, as well as Frequently Asked Questions.

   The example applications also illustrate the key concepts necessary for understanding the Flash/XML relationship.




2. I bought this book not knowing what to expect, the description promised quite a bit of know-how was contained within. Pleased to say it was well worth it. Prior to getting this book, I'd gotten good with ActionScript and JavaScript but to hook Flash up with any back-end scripting or XML for my clients I've always been calling other people to consult and half the time had to just go with HTML instead.

   I always had a fear of any of those 3-letter languages (ASP/PHP) since the few books I'd gotten on them were way to heavy on programming theory and usually lacking on real world examples, and definitely never had an example of how to connect those things to Flash! There's a good sampling of how to effectively use XML with Flash and working through the examples let me finally understand many concepts that previously had been just out of my grasp.




3. This book is a MUST HAVE if you plan on working with XML within Flash. The book covers all the details of working with ActionScript and XML. I started out with little knowledge of ActionScript and working with the ActionScript associated with Flash's XML objects and methods. The authors explain almost every thing so clearly, that you understand not only how to work with the XML objects and methods, but how to work with ActionScript. I've found that there are quite a few errors that cause things not to work, which kind of bugged. But with my new knowledge was able to correct the bugs. .... I gave it 4 stars because it was enjoyable learning, easy to understand and I was able to do what I wanted...Learn XML in Flash, I would have given it a +5 if the errors wouldn't have been there.



4. To be fair, I am giving them 3 stars. I purchased this book months ago to get me started with XML in Flash. I have not read the whole book, and gave up rather easily. I am not saying the book is bad, I just wanted to say that if you tell your readers the web site will be an "invaluble resource for learning the ins and outs of using XML in Flash" you might want to offer more than just the source code.

   "[URL]will also have message boards and Frequently Asked Questions so you can find quick answers to any questions that need answering."

   Please go to the website and look for yourself.

   [URL]

   The page was last modified 3/25/2002 and here it is months later.




5. If you are new to coding, and want to learn about the XML objects in Flash, and how they interact with PHP, ASP and Java, this book will more than get you started. Very well commented source code also.

No comments about Multimedia Producer's Bible: Managing Projects and Teams (Bible).

No comments about Professional Graphics Programming in the X Window System.

2 comments about Macromedia Flash MX 2004 Games Most Wanted.

1. As a physicist, I immediately turned to the parts that incorporate physics. Like the friction of a billiard ball on a pool table. I grew up on Pong, and the rich texturing here is so amazingly removed from that! The discussions on how to collide two balls may not be fully correct to someone who had to deal with impact parameters in classical and quantum mechanics. But it suffices well in the book's simulations.

   Another chapter deals with using gravity, and will be useful to some of you. Takes the mystery out of incorporating at least a simple gravity in your games. Maybe it is nothing profound, but the results are very slick. And achieved with relatively little source code, which is thoroughly explained in the narrative.

   The level of detail of the physical simulations here does not approach that of some games by Activision and Electronic Arts, of course. But those are games developed with multimillion dollar budgets and teams of programmers. This book is suitable for you to develop a game by yourself.




2. Honestly this book is a steer clear. Sure it has some examples that are usefull but the explanation of the code is horrible. For someone like myself who has experience in Java, C++, PHP, VB.NET, HTML and more i found this book very difficult to follow and understand.
   
   I have since got FlashMX game design Demystified by Jobe Makar and would have to say 5 stars for that book. That explains everything properly and even teaches you the basics in mathematics and physics which was a good brush up for myself. I also like his use of OO programming so that code is resuable and he also goes lightly into using xml for building objects such as levels.

3 comments about Hot-Wiring Your Creative Process: Strategies for print and new media designers (VOICES).

1. HOT-WIRING YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS: STRATEGIES FOR PRINT AND NEW MEDIA DESIGNERS tells how to recognize and believe in creativity, using inspiration past and present to evaluate work, develop new experimental applications for standard tasks, and more. Any designer who would streamline creativity and develop more efficient work habits will find HOT-WIRING YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS comes packed with tips on how to put into practice an array of creative techniques.



2. Being creative is very difficult for me. The movie actor and singer Judy Garland was called "one take Judy" because she could act a scene or record a song perfectly in one take. Creativity doesn't come that easily for me. Sometimes it becomes so difficult that I want to give up, close up Photoshop and just write computer programs for a living. Programming is comforting. There are rules to follow and as long as you don't break them, your program will work. But eventually, I find myself back into Photoshop trying again to be creative. If you want to be a professional artist, you need to be creative "on demand" and, to make things even more difficult, the project concept is usually not yours. So what do you do? I am always in search of that "secret" which will help me become and, even more importantly, stay creative. One thing that can help, until you find that magic pill, is to study how other artists are creative.
   
   This book, by Curt Cloninger, has some very useful ideas for increasing your creativity. He uses quotes, tidbits and interviews to share his and other artists' creative process. He begins by breaking down the creative process into four steps; predesign, design, development and implementation. He discusses how each step is influenced by the needs of the artist and client. He then shows several ways to stay creative from brainstorming to using a set of cards by Peter Schmidt called Oblique Strategies: Over One Hundred Worthwhile Dilemmas.
   
   Another source of creativity is what has been done before. Cloninger discusses how to recognize good design and ideas from history and how they might be applied to your current project. He then moves on to software and grids. He tells you not to be afraid to use these tools to free you to be more creative especially when you use the software in ways it was not originally designed for.
   
   Next, he discusses five realms of design; media constraints, audience needs, client needs, professional ethics and aesthetics. Finally, he tells you it is OK to fail. According to Cloninger, failure is what leads to successful creativity.
   
   Curt Cloninger is a successful artist, designer, author and instructor in Multimedia Arts & Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. His previous books include Fresh Styles for Web Designers: Eye Candy from the Underground. His artwork has been featured in popular publications such as How Design and FILE.



3. I have several books designed about creativity and this is the best one that I've read. It is filled with solid information, not gimmicks.

1 comments about LightWave 3D 5 Character Animation f/x: Create Images That Come To Life!.

1. I suppose if you like flipping through 100 pages to find something that could be explaned in one paragraph, it's a great book! The book goes into a fair amount of depth, but not on a lot of things.

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.