5 comments about Film Production Management 101: The Ultimate Guide for Film and Television Production Management and Coordination (Michael Wiese Productions).

1. Details, details, details....the things that determine the effectiveness and efficiency of a production office. Deborah Patz provides us with a concise, well written and wonderfully organized, must-have guide for anyone just entering or working in, the film production office, from PA through PM. An invaluable tool for Producers as well, packed with accurate, step-by-step details!



2. "If you have produced a low-budget independent movie and want to apply for a job with any Hollywood Production Company, this is the book that you MUST read before you go in for the interview. It explains the way that Hollywood Motion Picture Productions are managed." -- RMS



3. This book is written mainly from the point of view of the Production Manager (PM), and since the PM is really at the pivot point of the entire production process, this book gives us a great view into every step of that process. If you want to know what happens when they make movies, read this book.



4. In development on a new feature film, this book has proved to be very helpful. From setting up the production checking accout, to offering a few dozen production forms, it is proving invaluable.



5. From what I have already read from the book, it seems to be a clear and understandable read, not to mention the content is professional and applicable to the subject matter. In other words, this book was not written by amateurs. They have had experience in this field, and this becomes useful for the reader, especially for college students who want to get into this field. Great buy and it came highly recommended by my Video Productions Management professor!

3 comments about MP System Dynamics.

1. I have heard that there are only a few books out there for system dynamics, so I want to cut this one some slack. However, what I want in a book is many detailed examples, and this book simply does not have that. It has quite a bit of explaining, but in my opinion, one example is worth 1000 words. The examples it has tended not to be inclusive.
   
   Considering the content, the text is quite readable.
   
   This would be a good supplement if the professor did plenty of practice problems in class. As most (of mine) do not, I really do not know how to do problems.
   
   Another thing that irks me about this book is that it does not have answers, not even selected answers, in the back. Therefore, I have no idea if I am doing the problems correctly.



2. If you haven't extensively reviewed the material seen in this book beforehand--in the form of classes and/or thorough notes or examples---assignments will be hell to do.
   
   The book has examples for one case of one type of problem. Any deviations from that and you'll be left scratching your head for hours--very unhelpful examples.
   
   Bad explanations and bad examples--terrible book.



3. Very good book. Helps model systems, program in MatLab, solve differential equations, and more.

1 comments about Introduction to Solid Modeling Using SolidWorks 2008 with SolidWorks Student Design Kit.

1. I'm always looking to save money. As a graduate of ITT, I'm trying to learn solidworks on my own. Many companies in the area are requiring SolidWorks experience. The only reason that I paid this much for a solidworks book, was to obtain a free copy of the SolidWorks Student design kit as is stated in the description. What a BIG SURPRISE I had when I learned that this is not true. YOU DO NOT GET A FREE COPY of the Solidworks Student Software. Someone should let you know.
   
   For 300 plus pages, the book is NOT worth the money. The book covers nothing in detail on how to apply Solidworks and provides little or no illustrations of SolidWorks. All of his illustrations show sketch I, CirPattern I, etc. vs. sketch 1, CirPattern 1. I question whether the author has ever taught a class on solidworks. The book is very poorly written and provides only the very basics in information. The drawing section does not address DimXpert, any tolerances, multi-part configurations / views, etc. THe assembly section does not address multi-configuration, in context parts, propterties, external references, etc., all of which I found some information from the SolidWorks tutorials.
   
   The author does a lot of assumptions. You can not learn on assumptions. There is no enclosed CD with instructions or models. He does more talking than teaching. I tried to contact the author to obtain information from the book, good luck in finding anyone that can help you...

5 comments about HVAC Equations, Data and Rules of Thumb.

1. This book did not live up to my expectations, yet over the years I have used it on occasion. Typically, for conversions, steam tables, general rules of thumb. If you have studied for the PE exam, you probably have most of what this book has to offer.



2. I am a recent grad and working in a engineering firm where I am constantly looking for rules of thumb, helpful design guidelines, and data pertaining to my projects. This book offers a wealth of hvac information that is organized and extremely valuable for entry hvac engineers.



3. In my opinion it's a good book for aquiring knowledge about the Design, Common Systems, codes.... For students as well as for designers also it's helpful for adopting the systems and requirements in the fast growing world.



4. This book is filled with alot of information that will come in handy for an entry level HVAC designer because it contains all sorts of fundamental equations as well as rules of thumbs that the industry uses. It's also great when you're not sure of something and it's there for a quick look up. The book is nicely laid out for convience.



5. This is a handy desktop information tool. I use it frequently while designing HVAC and other mechanical systems.

5 comments about Creative Projects with LEGO(R) Mindstorms(TM).

1. I've read both this book and Dave Baum's Definitive Guide and both are excellent. I enjoyed Baum's book more because it caters to an older audience: Baum seems to be writing to an older reader, there's an emphasis on the programming aspect of Mindstorms, and there are more semi-advanced projects.
   Erwin's book is a thousand times better for children. The brilliant full-color pictures blow away Baum's black and white book. Erwin is a genuinely interesting author and obviously loves teaching.. Anyone who wants to teach a class with Mindstorms should take a look at the book, because it's full of great "this didn't work, but THIS did" anecdotes.
   Ultimately, this never really goes above that level. Teachers and younger students should purchase this book, because it's a beautiful guide and will inspire quite a few youngsters. For the robotics engineers, programmers, and older geeks who wish that they'd had Mindstorms as a child, check out Baum's Definitive Guide - it's definitely more of what I was looking for.



2. This book is a great introduction to the world of LEGO Mindstorms robots. I've been working with the LEGO Mindstorms kits for about 6 months, and I've often been frustrated by the lack of detail in the manuals for the kits. This book provides quite a bit of the missing information. For instance, it explains that you lose your firmware if you take your batteries out of your RCX for more than a minute or two (I wish that I'd seen that in a manual somewhere!). It provides a broad overview of alternatives to programming in RCX code, together with examples from each alternative mentioned for comparison. These coding examples are discussed in the text and they are also included on the accompanying CD. In addition to the coding examples, the CD also includes videos and stills of the robots described in the book. The book includes descriptions of a broad range of robots, from the very simple Acrobot robot featured in the Constructopedia, to robots designed by school kids, to robots designed by parent-kid teams, to advanced robots using IR communication and data logging. In each case, Erwin provides the details of the development process, how the robot was first conceived, how it was developed, and how the design problems were identified and solved. This approach makes the book much more than a simple code cookbook- -it explains to parents, teachers, and older kids how robots actually come about. Scattered throughout the book are "Asides" that explain various topics such as LEGO geometry, how to calculate gear ratios, understanding compound gear trains, programming decisions, etc. The book includes appendices of useful information, a bibliography, an excellent glossary, and an index.



3. In the fall semester of 2003, I taught a special topics course in robotics at Mount Mercy College with two students. A Lego Mindstorms kit was purchased and in the first segment of the class, the students built a robot and programmed it to move around the halls. We then moved on and used a more advanced robot in the remainder of the class, because I did not consider the Lego kit to be sophisticated enough. From some of my professional communications, I learned that entire college classes are being taught using only Lego Mindstorms kits.
   After reading this book and evaluating the projects, I am now completely convinced that Mindstorms kits are all you need to teach a robotics class. Some of the projects in the book are a giraffe that simulates feeding, a flashlight follower, a robot painter, robots that communicate with each other, a machine that makes bubbles in response to stimulation, an infrared fax machine and even a submarine. To get these projects to work, it is necessary to solve some of the standard problems in Artificial Intelligence (AI). For example, the giraffe and all other animals require that the standard problem of getting a robot to walk be solved. The flashlight follower requires that the robot be able to dynamically process sensor input, using it to make decisions. Standard problems in machine-to-machine communication must be solved when the actions of a robot are in response to what another has told it.
   The robots can be programmed using visual basic, robolab or NQC (Not Quite C). Robolab is a visual development environment where many of the actions are coded by connecting icons. The visual basic and NQC languages have many differences from their true counterparts, basically, they are stripped down versions with altered syntax.
   Legos are one of the most mind-expanding toys that children can use. Applying some of the concepts in this book, they can be used as learning tools for some of the most complicated tasks that we can try to do, making a machine do intelligent tasks.



4. It's a great book. But the Mindstorms microproessor is now NXT -- it has been updated. Until this book is updated, you'd be better off to find a good book which is based on the NXT system.



5. I have an eight year old that loves Mindstorms and needs the step-by-step instructions that Lego generally provides. Looks great for older kids.
   
   Also, its NOT NXT.

4 comments about Introduction to Mechatronics and Measurement Systems (Engineering).

1. This is an Ok book for mechanical engineers interested in learning the basics of mechatronics. The book provides a very basic introduction of electronic devices and gives the reader a flavor of the field of mechatronics. However, if you are a seasoned engineer with a basic understanding of electrical engineering, you will need something else.

   In my opinion, this book has been written at a level that is appropriate for junior engineering students and it is not suitable for a practicing engineer with some real-world experience.




2. For a seasoned mechanical engineer, this book is next to useless.
   Most of the book consists of explaining fundamental concepts that should have already been acquired in mechanics and electrical circuits classes (or books).

   Although the sections covering the fundamentals such as circuit components, signal processing, etc. are well written, very little attempt is made at "tying it all together". The "real world" case studies lack any detail or insight that help in actually getting the job done. I want to know how I can make *this* bag of circuit components control *that* gear motor according to *this* equation,etc.

   Final Points:
   1) Useful only as a survey of the field.
   2) Makes a good coffee table book.
   3) Too expensive (like most engineeer textbooks).




3. This book is perfect for a mechanical engineer with very little background or experience with electronics.

   The chapter on microcontroller programming and interfacing is also a good introduction, and it presents all of the important aspects of this important area.

   I don't recommend the book for electrical engineers or others with lots of electronics and microcontroller experience.




4. This book is exactly as the title describes and introduction to mechatronics. The content is not detailed enough even for a undergraduate engineer. It,s a book fun to have with the real stuff. Nothing as modelling ans simpification technieuqs is given. The emphesis is to much on theory and not practical designing. To much digital processing.

1 comments about Astronomy: Journey to the Cosmic Frontier with Starry Night Pro DVD, version 5.0.

1. The product was new and in perfect condition, as stated by seller. The product arrived quickly and promptly. Wonderful product and seller!

No comments about Engineering Design: A Project Based Introduction.

No comments about Linear State-Space Control Systems.

2 comments about Basic Blueprint Reading and Sketching (Delmar Learning Blueprint Reading).

1. This book is excellent for teaching the basic's of blueprint reading. Great illustrations, and assignment sheets. Would highly recommend it for employee training !!

   John Berkey.

   Chief Quality Specialist,

   PCB Manufacturing Operations,

   Fluke Corporation.




2. This continues to be the best training material available for mechanical type blueprints available. Lessons are short enough to be almost self study. Each chapter builds seamlessly on previous chapters.