Spanish Colonial Silver Coins in the Florida Collection (Florida Heritage Series)

Book Description

An astounding book... a resplendent result... an amazing anthology that chart the fashion trends as worn by the youth of Britain from the mid70s to the present day... —Dazed and Confused Thirty years of candid fashion as worn by the innately stylish... —Arena Works both as a visual pop culture history lesson and a reminder of how such transient cultures still influence today's fashion... —The Guardian Incisive images... All that is outre, alarming but ultimately trendforming... adeptly portrays 3 decades of youth culture... —Time Out A unique account of the aesthetic choices of British youth, a comprehensive guide to three decades of styledriven subcultures. Here is a unique collection of portraits of distinctive individuals, their looks, their styles and their very personal statements.

Product Description

Do you remember The Dark Knight Returns and Watchmen? The polybagged premium craze? The death of Superman? Renegade superheroes Spawn, Pitt, Bloodshot and Cyberforce? When vigilantes spilled blood by the gallon and those were the good guys? If you love the comic books of the 80s, 90s and 00s, read all about the sometimes glorious, sometimes gory era of comics known as The Dark Age)! Featuring interviews with Dark Age greats Todd McFarlane (Spawn), Dave Gibbons (Watchmen), Jim Lee (X-Men), Kevin Smith (Clerks), Alex Ross (Kingdom Come), Mike Mignola (Hellboy), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), J. OBarr (The Crow), David Lapham (Stray Bullets), Joe Quesada (Daredevil), Mike Allred (Madman), Dennis ONeil (Batman: Knightfall) and others! With a color section spotlighting highlights and lowlights of The Dark Age! Written by Mark Voger, with photos by Kathy Voglelsong.

Customer Reviews:

Far from a masterpiece.......2007-04-04

Whatever these other reviewers were inhaling at the time that they posted their reviews...I want some. Because they loved this book MUCH more than it warranted.

I love books about comics. I have a particular interest in the 1980s-2000 and the rise of Image, the rise of glitter, and the spectators' rush to the false gold of comicbook collecting. The Dark Age by Voger promised to go into detail about all of this -- and these other reviewers said it delivered as much, which is why I bought the book -- but it didn't happen. This isn't an inclusive book about a fascinating era; it's a clip book, with a bunch of short interviews and short articles. Lots of pictures in its 165 pages...you're looking at maybe 90 pages of prose. And I think I'm being generous at that.

An example of where The Dark Age fails? You'll find a longer article about the executive producer of the Batman movie than you will about ANY of the comic creators. There are huge gaps in information -- some of the most important publishers, writers and artists of the age aren't even interviewed...hello, Rob Liefeld, how are you, Neil Gaiman?...while Alice Cooper warrants a full page of blather.

It's worth buying if you can get it at a discount. Just be aware of what you're really purchasing.

A MAGNIFICENT HISTORY OF COMICS DARKEST PERIOD.......2006-07-14

The Dark Age is a magnificent look at the comic book industry of the late 80's through the mid 90's. While not an "official" age, the term Dark Age works first two describe the change in tone of many characters from their more boy scout, truth, justice, and the American way roots, to a darker, grimmer, do-what-it-takes style, perhaps best epitomized by Frank Miller's watershed `Batman: The Dark Knight Returns". But Dark Age also describes the state of the comic book industry. Driven by greed and spurred on by speculators, the comic book industry teetered on the brink of destruction thanks to the mindless waves of multi, poly-bagged, foil, hologram, and die-cut covers, and trying to create instant collectibles.

Writer Mark Voger points to DC's "Crisis on Infinite Earths" as the start of this dark age and provides a synopsis of each of the twelve issues along with notes on who died and other events. Voger interviews artist Dave Gibbons about the creation of "The Watchmen", the book that allowed us comic fans to say, "See! Comics aren't just for kids and nerds!" Gibbons discusses what went into creating these new characters as opposed to using the actual Charlton characters they were based on.

Much of the content of "The Dark Age" is in the form of interviews with creative talent and Voger truly shines in this area. One of my favorites is his interview with longtime DC writer and editor Denny O' Neil who was the editor of the Batman titles during the "Death in the Family" and "Knightfall" storylines. Denny discusses how the Jason Todd Robin character really took on a life of his own and even he was surprised by the results of the fan voting that resulted in Robin's death.

Another important event in the Dark Age was the rise of Image Comics and the artists who founded it. This may be comic's darkest period. Suddenly every hot artist also decided that he was a writer as well and we had shelves full of comics that featured impossibly proportioned heroes in comics that were basically 22 splash pages long. Artist Greg Capullo, who was pushed into some of Marvel's top books when guys like McFarlane, Liefeld, Lee, and Silvestri left talks about the state of Marvel at that time and why he eventually chose to join Image's ranks. Sadly Mr. Capullo, like so many of these hotshot artists, just doesn't get it. He complains that after these guys left marvel started emphasizing the character over pushing the artist's talents. Don't you just think that Jack Kirby is spinning in his grave! These characters have been around for decades and will still be around long after these "hot" artists have come and gone. It is precisely this type of egomania that almost destroyed the industry.

Other interviews in the book feature James O' Barr, Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee, Mike Carlin, Erik Larsen, and Mike Mignola. To Close things, Voger lists the Top 10 best and the top 10 most ludicrous books of the Dark Age. In a twist of irony, Superman #75, in which the character dies, makes both lists. The Dark Age is an absolute must read for comic fans, especially those who were fans during this very unique period of comic book history.

Reviewed by Tim Janson

An inherently fascinating historical survey of this increasingly popular storytelling artform .......2006-04-05

Enhanced with the photography of Kathy Vogleson, The Dark Age: Grim, Great & Gimmicky Post-Modern Comics by Mark Voger offers a cornucopia of information on writers and illustrators of comics and graphic novels in a kind of "film noir" tradition. Hallmarked by dynamic artforms and story lines of graphically portrayed blood and violence, these comics and graphic novels originated as adult (or at least older adolescent readers) counter-culture alternatives to the more sedate and "politically correct" mainstream comics. The Dark Age is an inherently fascinating historical survey of this increasingly popular storytelling artform that has since established itself firmly enough to spawn film and movie adaptations. The Dark Age is strongly recommended reading for comic and graphic novel buffs with an interest in the history and growth of this particular segment of illustrated literature.

An overview of when comics went "dark.".......2006-03-14

In the mid 80's there was a drastic change in the world of comics. Books like WATCHMAN, THE DARK KNIGHT RETURNS, and CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS came on the scene and industry took a turn. No longer were comics aimed at a young audience, superheroes were now "dark avengers" now inhabiting worlds where death and violence were commonplace. Mark Voger does a fine job of presenting an overview of this period in this book. The book itself is a potpourri; it sacrifices order for a scattershot mix of interviews, synopses, and commentaries. Exceptionally well-illustrated and with tongue firmly planted in cheek on many occasions, Voger keeps things moving and the book never gets boring. While the obvious candidates for inclusion are here (Alan Moore, Frank Miller, Todd McFarlane) are all included; it's nice to see creators like Doug Murray (THE NAM) and Dave Lapham (STRAY BULLETS) getting a few pages as well. THE DARK AGE really captures both the grand and the goofy with aplomb; from Spiegelman's incredible MAUS to the ridiculous poly bagged, multiple cover, sales ploys that eventually crippled the industry. It's all here; not an in depth examination, but rather a reader friendly overview of the last big change in comics.

A must have!!!!!.......2006-02-09

If you are amazed by the gorey era of comics, look no further but this book. The amazing detail, the great interviews and the unique pictures make it a must have. Obviously the author knew what he was doing. That book was my most well spent money ever.
Great source of information. A must have!!!

Book Description

Especially for armchair (or throne room) travelers and trivia buffs, Uncle John has compiled over 300 pages of interesting stories, little known facts, and gossipy tidbits about the Lone Star State. This outsize state has no shortage of tall tales, colorful characters, and strange tourist attractions, and readers in any room in the house will be fascinated with the doings of Ima Hogg, George and George W., the Great Mosquito Festival, the first oil well, the Confederate Air Force, Larry McMurtry, LBJ, ZZ Top, Nolan Ryan, the Cadillac Ranch, the Dallas Cowboys (and Cowgirls), and much, much more.

Customer Reviews:

A bowl-side companion.......2006-01-31

The UNCLE JOHN'S BATHROOM READER series presents collections of one- and two- page trivia that are perfect for reading when diversion is required.

The PLUNGES INTO TEXAS volume focuses on a wide range of Texas lore, covering history, celebrity, food, politics, travel, and other bizarre bits of esoteric information. There are smidgens about the origin of Big Tex, the down-and-dirty personal life of Sam Houston, the ghostly cat who haunts the capitol, and the legality of dinning on road kill.

From LBJ to Red Adair to ZZ Top, stories about the movers and shakers of the Lone Star State offer the reader quick snippets to amuse and entertain while other business is at hand. No Texas home should be without it.

Plunges Into Texas: Uncle John's Bathroom Reader (Bathroom Reader Series)

Average customer rating:

Plunges Into Texas: Uncle John's Bathroom Reader (Bathroom Reader Series)
William Dylan Powell
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MU4JNW

Book Description

* Helps beginning and intermediate users gain the upper hand on the world's bestselling professional 3D graphics software, which is used by an estimated 170,000 animators in film, television, games, and other industries
* Covers the essentials, such as the 3ds max interface, navigation, and
* display tools, then moves on to modeling, modifiers, mapping surfaces, rendering, using lighting, and creating 3D animations
* o Clear explanations, example projects, and lots of illustrations help readers get up to speed fast
* o Explores the substantial updates and enhancements to 3ds max
* o Author has written more than twenty computer graphics and animation books

Customer Reviews:

Why was this book written?.......2007-02-25

A book in the 'Dummies' series written for Studio Max is a bit strange. The 'Dummies' books are pretty much written for people who barely know how to turn on a computer (my mother, for instance). Studio Max is a professional-level 3D application designed to create visual effects for games, movies and TV productions. Why would someone who barely knows how to turn on a computer buy a professional-level 3D application? Answer - they have just downloaded a pirate version of Studio Max from a warez web site.

The book follows Shamms Mortier's standard formula of filling the pages with padding, and hope that the reader is stupid enough not to notice its padding, all the time almost no information is being given out - because the author has no idea how the software works himself.

Avoid all books written by R. Shamms Mortier. The sooner publishers realise this guy has no idea what he's doing, the better. Even the manual that comes with the software is far better than this waste of paper.

A Great Book for 3DS Max Dummies like me........2004-02-15

This is a great book for getting started in 3DS Max 5. I am almost finished with it and have found it to be a great help in learning the program. Some areas could be explained perhaps a bit better, but I was able to follow those areas and the rest of the book fairly easily.
This book is not for the advanced but is for those with very little experience in the program....like DUMMIES.
A great place to start if you want to learn this program.

Max 5 for Dummies -- Do You Really Want This Book?.......2003-07-22

Caution, reader. Caution.
Buying this book means you have absolutely no knowledge of 3ds Max or any knowledge in 3D whatsoever. The author spends a lot of time spelling out what a polygon is, what normals are, etc. If you already know this stuff, get another book. Another thing to be aware of is the chapter's sub-heading are often goofy and have no relation whatsoever to the content of that section; this often makes scanning the pages a little difficult. Humor is good, but I'm not sure I want to go there with such a complicated program.

Finally, the lessons here certainly get you on your way, but this is by no means a definitive guide on workflow and procedures. The tutorials are a bit shallow at best. If you know anything at all about Max or 3D in general, skip this book.

3ds max 5 for Dummies leaves much room for improvement.......2003-03-16

MY BACKGROUND: I'm a Project Manager for former division of EDS and like to DirectX program for fun. I previously had never touched any version of 3ds max/Direct Studio (and had never touched any equivalent software for creating 3-d objects).

MY REVIEW: Though this book has been very useful in helping me learn 3ds max 5, too often this book starts listing functions with no examples on how to use them. One example of this is chapter 14 in the NURBS surfaces section and beyond. There are over 40 functions listed with descriptions but there is NOT EVEN ONE example on using them.

Also at times I ended up consulting the 3ds-max-5 user reference to understand how to use a function that they allegedly had step-by-step instructions for; I'd then discover that they left out a very IMPORTANT step.

The biggest benefit of this book is that it DOES come with 3ds max 5 for a 30 day trial for a relatively inexpensive price; adding the fact that there are not many 3ds max 5 books out there, I rated this a 3 since, I must admit, that I've come a long way in learning how to use 3ds max 5, even though I needed to consult the 3ds-max user-reference a little more often than I should have.

This should be your first book to learning 3dsmax 5........2003-01-15

This book is a great confidence booster and teaches you the basics so that you can create your own art in 3dsmax 5. It is VERY user friendly and the info is clear and useful. If you want complicated, headache inducing tutorials, search else where. To gain a better understanding of 3dsmax, in plain English, buy this book. Read from cover to cover for best results.
* Friendly note to 3D egg-heads: This book does not cover scripting.

Average customer rating:

3ds Max 5 Fur Dummies (Fur Dummies S.)
Shamms Mortier
Manufacturer: Wiley-VCH
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Nonfiction | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books

All German Books | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books

German | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 352770101X

Average customer rating:

Mixture of useful and less useful ideas

100 Bridge Problems
Mike Cappelletti
Manufacturer: Cardoza
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Bridge | Card Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Poker | Card Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Bridge World's Test Your Play

Play or Defend: 68 Hands to Test Your Bridge Skill

The Hands Of Time: The Most Exciting Bridge Deals ever Played!

The New York Times Bridge Book: An Anecdotal History of the Development, Personalities, and Strategies of the World's Most Popular Card Game (New York Times Bridge Series)

Matchpoint Defense

ASIN: 1580421245

Book Description

Mike Cappelletti, who has impressive credentials both as a bridge expert and as a poker authority, believes that the enlightened solution-or "preferred view"- to many difficult bridge bidding problems can be determined by applying poker tactics such as intimidation or bluffing at the bridge table.

In this book, Mike discusses one hundred classic bridge problems often recommending an exciting course of action. The reader will learn to appreciate the possibility, and in some cases, the likelihood of human error or misjudgment, and to consider deceptive bids that gamble on a miscalculation or a misguess by the opponents.

Customer Reviews:

Mixture of useful and less useful ideas.......2006-12-30

I liked Sections A and B. They were useful. The other stuff is the (ego centric) authors own ideas taht most players wont have use for.

Don't just evaluate your hand, think about what the other players will respond. Walk the Dog. Bluff. Pass. Psych. Bidding only, no play of the hand.

A New Approach to Play and Defense: 100 New Problems-In Matched Pairs-To Play Both Ways (Kantar on Bridge , Vol 2)

Average customer rating:

Tough and good
Good collection of problems

A New Approach to Play and Defense: 100 New Problems-In Matched Pairs-To Play Both Ways (Kantar on Bridge , Vol 2)
Edwin B. Kantar
Manufacturer: Griffin Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Eddie Kantar Teaches Advanced Bridge Defense

ASIN: 1882180089

Customer Reviews:

Tough and good.......2007-05-15

Harder than most of his other books on play. The emphasis is on counting and visualization, not some exotic squeeze.

There are 100 hands, 50 declarer and 50 defense. The problems are paired in the sense that each "theme" is presented once as a declarer play problem and then later as a defense hand, with teh hands slightly changed.

Emphasis on counting, reading signals, visualization, and thinking about how the play will unfold. Will pard be endplayed? Is forcing declarer a good idea (maybe he's trying a trump coup).

Excellent book for avnaved players or ambitious Intermedaites

Good collection of problems.......2007-02-15

These problems involve thinking about pitfalls and the bidding, rather than using rare squeezes.

How suits break
Losing control
Overruffs
Entries
Visualization

Good set of problems

Fall of the Cards: 100 Bridge Problems and Fantasies

Average customer rating:

Fall of the Cards: 100 Bridge Problems and Fantasies
Donald Parson
Manufacturer: Little, Brown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000R6YZ30

Average customer rating:

100 Bridge Problems

Manufacturer: CARDOZA PUBLISHING U
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GTE092

Book Description

Kevin Liles rose from intern to president of Def Jam Records in only nine years. Today, at age thirty-seven, he is executive vice president of the Warner Music Group and has helped discover and direct the careers of stars such as Jay-Z and Ludacris.

Liles' meteoric climb from urban street kid with hip-hop aspirations to one of the most successful and influential executives in the music industry is far more than a rags-to-riches story. It is a tribute to Liles' incredible work ethic, wisdom and confidence in doing his thing his way -- the hip-hop way.

"Every real success story in hip hop comes down to the same thing: someone who finds the will, focus and drive to achieve," Liles writes in Make It Happen: The Hip-Hop Generation Guide to Success. "It doesn't matter if you are male or female. It doesn't matter what race or religion you are. It doesn't matter what hustle you choose." What does matter, Liles says, is that you fight against the odds to realize a dream and be the best that you can be. You empower yourself and make it happen.

Kevin Liles presents ten rules of business success, which range from "Find Your Will" and "The Blueprint" to "Don't Let Cash Rule" and "Play Your Position." As he outlines his philosophy, Liles shares how he put his principles to work, chronicling his journey to the top and the stories of others -- executives, artists, mentors and friends -- he has worked with along the way.

Make It Happen is both an American success story and a guidebook for the road to having a career and a life you love.

Download Description

"Kevin Liles rose from intern to president of Def Jam Records in only nine years. Today, at age thirty-seven, he is executive vice president of the Warner Music Group and has helped discover and direct the careers of stars such as Jay-Z and Ludacris. Liles' meteoric climb from urban street kid with hip-hop aspirations to one of the most successful and influential executives in the music industry is far more than a rags-to-riches story. It is a tribute to Liles' incredible work ethic, wisdom and confidence in doing his thing his way -- the hip-hop way. ""Every real success story in hip hop comes down to the same thing: someone who finds the will, focus and drive to achieve,"" Liles writes in Make It Happen: The Hip-Hop Generation Guide to Success. ""It doesn't matter if you are male or female. It doesn't matter what race or religion you are. It doesn't matter what hustle you choose."" What does matter, Liles says, is that you fight against the odds to realize a dream and be the best that you can be. You empower yourself and make it happen. Kevin Liles presents ten rules of business success, which range from ""Find Your Will"" and ""The Blueprint"" to ""Don't Let Cash Rule"" and ""Play Your Position."" As he outlines his philosophy, Liles shares how he put his principles to work, chronicling his journey to the top and the stories of others -- executives, artists, mentors and friends -- he has worked with along the way. Make It Happen is both an American success story and a guidebook for the road to having a career and a life you love. "

Customer Reviews:

Would this book be appropriate for middle schoolers?.......2007-04-20

I teach middle school in a diverse setting, and I'm interested in perhaps brining this book into my classroom. Is there any content in it that would be inappropriate for that age group (sexual content, profanity)?

..........2006-12-13

I had been waiting for a success book to be written for the hip hop generation by the hip hop generation, along came Kevin Liles.

Given Kevin's high position in the music industry he was able to give insight from on the hustle it took to get there and the hustles hes observed of others. Might I add that that point in itself, his observation of others hustles, is what saved this book from being an autobiography (that wouldnt be a bad thing anyways).

Normaly I dont like too many stories in success books but Kevin is definitly the exception. From lessons learned playing Guts with Lebron James to that reasoning behind his reaction to Dame Dash barking on him on the infamous scene of The HardKnock Life Tour.

The one thing I like about this book also is that it wasnt all about getting money. It wasnt materialistic as most success books. Work hard, play hard seems to be able to sum up his philosophy.

The principles and attitudes Kevin shares arent simply for someone hoping to make it big in music either, they can be applied in anywhere.

A good read and full of insight.......2006-03-30

I was surprised I bought this book but wasnt disappointed when I did. It is not something I'd generally think I would enjoy but Kevin tells an interesting story and one worth reading. He takes you inside his culture and it is an eye opening journey that I am glad I took. His tips we've heard before but bear repeating and overall the message is a really good one. I enjoyed this and you will too.

hip-hop generation guide to success.......2006-03-22

Great book. I give it out to my clients. Excellent for young adults trying to find appropriate direction and alternatives for their lives and future. Liles makes one realize that with hard work, one can make a difference for themselves. The only complaint is that I wish he would write a book of guidance for teens with more simplistic language so that it can be read by various grade levels.

GREAT BOOK..........2006-03-11

I was skeptical at first, thinking that it was another book in which the author boasts about how great they are. That said, I was proven wrong, (which goes to show, you CAN'T judge a book by it's cover). I wish that I had a book like this when I was younger, one that illustrated exactly how one should embrace their career.

Mr. Liles was definitely a go-getter who made his own destiny happen. Throughout his journey, Kevin illustrates his determination to learn the business; he lived and breathed hip-hop, it is something he has to be a part of. You get to see and understand his success as well as what he considers his blunders (which are minimal)and the lessons he learned in making them. All while climbing to the top of Def Jam Records.

I suggest that if you are looking for a gift for that up and coming graduate (High Schooler, College Grad), especially one who seems to be heading toward the creative path, I would purchase this book for them. I stand corrected, I would purchase this book for anyone who clearly wants to understand what it takes to get to the top (whether it's through a company if not their own business).

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books