Through Parisian Eyes: Reflections on Contemporary French Arts and Culture

Book Description

This book brings together some of the rich and varied voices that continue to place Paris at the cutting edge of European cultural and intellectual life. From Francois Truffaut to Jean-Paul Sartre, from Eugene Ionesco to Marguerite Duras, from Jean-Francois Revel to Andre Malraux, the book
covers a wide spectrum of figures involved in such areas as film, theatre, poetry, philosophy, and political commentary.
As she interviewed her subjects between 1975 and 1985, British journalist Melinda Camber Porter set out to reveal the people behind the highly cerebral and complex ideas endemic to France and, through her interviews, to test the authenticity of their views and to oblige the "speakers" to make
their thoughts and theories accessible to a general audience. The dominant trends in French artistic and political thought thus emerge vividly in this kaleidoscopic array of portraits: the rise and demise of structuralism, the birth of a moderate feminism, the ambivalent attitude towards America,
French xenophobia, disillusionment with communism, the role of cafe life, cross-cultural influences, the predominance of the French film industry, and much more. The various "speakers" often appear to be in dialogue with each other as they disagree over many issues and discuss each other's work and
contributions.
Alive with the insight, wit, and occasional outrageousness for which Paris is famous, this book evokes the experience of living in a city that retains its historical role as a major international cultural capital and shows why it still nurtures the creative spirit.

Through Parisian Eyes: Reflections on Contemporary French Arts and Culture

Average customer rating:

Through Parisian Eyes: Reflections on Contemporary French Arts and Culture
Melinda Camber Porter
Manufacturer: Da Capo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OT0EF8

Through Parisian Eyes: Reflections on Contemporary French Arts and Culture/00279

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Through Parisian Eyes: Reflections on Contemporary French Arts and Culture/00279
Melinda Porter
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OKGE6U

Professional Techniques for the Wedding Photographer: A Complete Guide to Lighting, Posing and Taking Photographs That Sell (Photography for All Levels: Advanced)
Average customer rating:

The perfect level of detail for a beginner

Only for film photographers

Overrated

Not rocket science

Great Reference

Professional Techniques for the Wedding Photographer: A Complete Guide to Lighting, Posing and Taking Photographs That Sell (Photography for All Levels: Advanced)
George Schaub , and Kenneth Sklute
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0817456023

Product Description

This is the picture-taker s bible on lighting, posing and taking gorgeous photographs that will increase sales and profits. The guide is organized as a thorough and detailed shooting script for a typical wedding day. 144 pages, 8 1/4 x 11

Customer Reviews:

The perfect level of detail for a beginner.......2007-06-12

This book covers all the main topics of wedding photography for the beginner. Not too much detail on camera settings; the focus is more on things you want to be aware when photographing the different parts of the wedding from before the wedding until after the reception. Pictures are great as examples and text is easy to read and understand.

Only for film photographers.......2007-05-19

I got this book hoping for info geared for digital photography, it has none. The book was written when digital photography was just becoming popular. It is good for formal wedding posing ideas, but it gives no technical info for digital photography. All of the info is based on using film.

Overrated.......2007-04-29

I am a beginning photographer but after having reviewed Digital Wedding Photography by Ken Johnson, this book I would say is a distant 3rd. Overall the book is well very simple, well written but low on explaning tecniques. This book dealt with more emphasis on wedding workflow from the dressing room to church and beyond. As a photographer I think we all know that already....I would have been happy if emphasis was put on techniques and tips on how to capture the moment. If this was my first book I may have been impressed with it but sorry folks Ken's book is far more superior in quality overall.

Not rocket science.......2006-07-31

I was hoping for a book that offered some real value - an easy to read, quick to digest volume that provided some real insight. But this is basic content that may be of value to those who have never taken a picture before, most likely using the "professional techniques" verbiage in the title to attract more buyers. It certainly got me!

Great Reference.......2006-06-30

After several years of photography and being frustrated with the results I was getting I finally decided that maybe I did need to read the manuals that came with the camera. After countless hours of trying to decipher what exactly they were trying to explain to me, it became clear that I needed something a little more "user friendly" that would still provide the necessary information to help me get the results I was looking for. After looking over several books I settled on Professional Techniques for the Wedding Photographer by George Schaub. I am not a wedding photographer by trade, in fact I have to be dragged kicking and screaming to a wedding (including my own). I found this book to be quite interesting as Mr. Schaub went through several lighting techniques that can be used not just for weddings but for all portraits. The book was written in a concise manner giving you the necessary theory behind lighting followed up with a real world example with diagrams of where to set the lights. After reading this book I still hate going to weddings and would rather go to the dentist than sit through a session with the new couple showing their wedding photos. But at least I understand how the photographer got the results they did and how I can recreate them to make me a better photographer.

Book Description

Dave Dragavon meets his match in the sapphic-leaning Pandora.

Customer Reviews:

Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03

An itinerant adventurer happens to be the son of a dragon. They grow up to be the big lizards after awhile, as long as they survive being hunted down by their own parents. Prevents population problems and all that.

Here, Dave Dragavon, back from Earth, gets tied up with a ship full of female pirates, a couple of sorcerors, and an amorous centaur.

Amusing adult comics.......2006-09-18

The story starts with Dravagon hung out to dry after some daddy found him messing with his daughter (messing that we see in full anatomical detail). He's released by a beautiful female swashbuckler, and offers his carnal best by way of gratitude. Then, when danger arises, his savior turns into a friendly demon who dispatches the threat. The male demon, in turn, must in turn be dispatched with a wave of his "magic wand" in a willing female partner.

OK, you get the idea. There's a fair-to-middlin' fantasy story here, with drawing better than some you'll see. The story moves along well, so that each scene provides another opportunity for intimate groping, poking, prodding, smooching, and slurping between variable numbers of people - or something like people.

Decide what you want: physicality or fantasy. If the former, you've come to the right place. It's all good fun, consensual and only a little kinky. If you want swashbuckling that mostly stays buckled, keep looking.

//wiredweird

Willingham in true form.......1999-10-26

As a fan of The Elementals, Bill Willingham's 80's comic, I was thrilled to finally be able to get Ironwood. Now, remember that Ironwood is an Eros comic so there is TONS of gratuitous sex in this edition. Willingham's artwork absolutely soars in black in white. Get this for the dragons and monsters alone. The lush scenery and beutiful, and the sleek, curvy figures make it a great read. The main character makes a brief appearance in the aforementioned Elementals. Again, very adult content. Not a normal comic book. A tad violent in places. Willingham is currently working on Coventry, which is of a similar quality.

A really good fantasy story... if you don't mind lots of sex.......1998-08-24

This is a really good comic book, with a very interesting fantasy story with many unique characters and ideas. There were many ideas in this story that I wished to use in my AD&D campaign. 4 armed trolls, flying ships, etc. And it comes complete with lots of very well drawn naughty sex, so you can get... many uses out of it. Fantasy game ideas, enjoying the full story, or enjoying the pictures. So anyhoo buy this book if you want to see fantasy with a twist.

Walt Kelly's Pogo Romances Recaptured
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Walt Kelly's Pogo Romances Recaptured
Walt Kelly
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster (Paper)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0671221841

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Walt Kelly's Pogo Romances Recaptured
Walt Kelly
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000I13HO2

Book Description

The premiere biography and reference work on Mike Hodges takes the reader on an in-depth journey through this influential director's career. It explores decades of life in Hollywood and British filmmaking. Included are: a brief view of Hodges' childhood, education, and television work; the making of Get Carter, his first impressions of the novel, writing the screenplay, and casting and shooting in Newcastle; a look at Pulp, and the glamorization of gangsters; the cult '70s sci-fi classic, The Terminal Man; Flash Gordon and Morons From Outer Space, Hodges' big-budget blockbusters; the controversial A Prayer for the Dying; the award-winning Black Rainbow and Croupier; and much more. Here, too, are never-before-published pictures from Hodges' own collection and an introduction by Michael Caine.

Book Description

Teaching Kids Recorder offers a hands-on, innovative and engaging approach to teaching recorder to elementary and middle-school students. The approach bridges rote learning and literacy while building the physical skills needed for success in playing the recorder.

Learn techniques on readiness for recorder, choosing and obtaining instruments, organizing the classroom, building tone and technique, increasing repertoire from one note to many, and integrating the recorder into many types of music class activities.

Discover simple ways to meet the complex challenges involved in teaching the recorder.

Download Description

Discover simple ways to meet the complex challenges involved in teaching the recorder.

Average customer rating:

Video for kids curriculum guide
Donna Dager
Manufacturer: The Community School of Music and Arts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B000713XKQ

Uncompromising Chess: The Games of Viktor Kupreichik, with a Biography
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Uncompromising Chess: The Games of Viktor Kupreichik, with a Biography
Gene ; Suetin, Alexei McCormick
Manufacturer: Chess Digest
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MDHMII

Average customer rating:

A worthy addition to a collection

Excellent all-around reading

Uncompromising Chess
Alexander Belyavsky
Manufacturer: Everyman Chess
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Chess | Board Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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Endgame Tactics: A Comprehensive Guide to the Sunny Side of Chess Endgames

ASIN: 1857442059

Customer Reviews:

A worthy addition to a collection.......2000-12-26

This is a book that I without hesitation recommend. Part of this is my belief a player can never have too many chess biographies; chess biographies, particularly if you play those systems as a useful shortcut as to how to handle those positions; and a tool as a general understanding of chess. Chess biographies are for me the best reason to collect chess books. They never go out of style as opposed to openning books, they are great tools to how to handle a very idiosyncartic system of preparation, and you can get a feel for how a strong player looks at chess. Chess biographies can give a short cut in the opennings that the master plays. In this case Beliavsky plays Queen pawn openning as white and closed Ruy Lopez and open Sicilian as black. As a tool for understanding chess chss biographies are at their best. Using analysis from New in Chess you get a real sense of how Beliavsky approaches positions and how he understands chess. As a chess biography the book succeeds on all levels. The only reason why I gave it four stars rather than five stars if that there are so many great books in this genre that this book must be of the level of Fischer and Keres to get the highest standard.

Excellent all-around reading.......2000-01-01

One of the best modern game collections I've read. There are 71 well-annotated games, with a reasonable amount of historical and biographical text. Belyavsky wins or draws all games, but I can't criticize this feature, since his opponents compose a virtual Who's Who of international chess since 1972 (this date knocks out Fischer, of course; Anand seems the only noteworthy absence). The annotations are highly instructive from the point of view of contemporary opening theory; I particularly liked coverage of the Closed Spanish and various Open Sicilian systems. Belyavsky is candid about subjects like playing slumps, fatigue and time pressure, which are sometimes glossed over. He also provides many brief but informative anecdotes about famous players. One game I really enjoyed, for instance, was Belyavsky-Polugayevsky, Moscow 1979. The reader gets a mini-course on Polugayevsky's famous Sicilian variation, some glimpses into a GM's home preparation laboratory, and some sharp tactics countered by inspired defense, concluding with an aesthetically pleasing endgame. Ken Neat's translating and editing are solid (he also contributed some analysis), and the book's binding is sturdy (unlike some of Cadogan's fatter volumes).

The Next Global Stage: The Challenges and Opportunities in Our Borderless World
Average customer rating:

Provides both businesses and governments with a game plan for handling new challenges.

Good Analysis of Intl Trade by Regions

Visionary Views of the Evolving Region-State Consistent with Friedman's Flattened World

read 'the world is flat' instead

The Next Stage Is Here Now

The Next Global Stage: The Challenges and Opportunities in Our Borderless World
Kenichi Ohmae
Manufacturer: Wharton School Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The End of the Nation State: The Rise of Regional Economies

ASIN: 013147944X

Download Description

"Globalization is a fact. You can't stop it; it has already happened; it is here to stay. And we are moving into a new global stage.

A radically new world is taking shape from the ashes of yesterday's nation-based economic world. To succeed, you must act on the global stage, leveraging radically new drivers of economic power and growth. Legendary business strategist Kenichi Ohmae¿who in The Borderless World, published in 1990, predicted the rise and success of globalization, coining the very word¿synthesizes today's emerging trends into the first coherent view of tomorrow's global economy¿and its implications for politics, business, and personal success.

Ohmae explores the dynamics of the new ""region state,"" tomorrow's most potent economic institution, and demonstrates how China is rapidly becoming the exemplar of this new economic paradigm. The Next Global Stage offers a practical blueprint for businesses, governments, and individuals who intend to thrive in this new environment. Ohmae concludes with a detailed look at strategy in an era where it's tougher to define competitors, companies, and customers than ever before.

As important as Huntington's The Clash of Civilizations, as fascinating as Friedman's The Lexus and the Olive Tree, this book doesn't just explain what's already happened: It offers a roadmap for action in the world that's beginning to emerge.

New economics for a borderless world: Why Keynes' and Milton Friedman's economics are history¿and what might replace them
Leveraging today's most powerful platforms for growth: From Windows to English to your global brand
Technology: driving business death¿and rebirth: Anticipating technological obsolescence¿and jumping ahead of it
Government in the post-national era: What government can do when nation-states don't matter
Leadership and strategy on the global stage: Honing your global vision and global leadership skills

Customer Reviews:

Provides both businesses and governments with a game plan for handling new challenges........2007-01-07

Both business and political science college-level readers seeking to understand the new opportunities and challenges of a closely-knit global community will find THE NEXT GLOBAL STAGE: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN OUR BORDERLESS WORLD outlines a radical new worldview evolving from the nation-based economic picture of the past. Kenichi Ohmae is a business strategist who published THE BORDERLESS WORLD in 1990, which predicted the rise of globalization: here he explores the new players of this world stage, and provides both businesses and governments with a game plan for handling new challenges.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Good Analysis of Intl Trade by Regions.......2006-06-04

This is a well-written analysis of international trade. The title would be more accurate if changed from "Next" to "Present" Global Stage. Ohmae brings today's trade into clear focus, and (like a geographic economist) helps us understand that "global" trade is indeed limited by regional characteristics such as location, infrastructure, etc. Although nothing dramatically new is found, I would recommend it to students of business or economics to help understand global trade and economics as they "really" occur.

But the actual "Next" global stage will probably not resemble Ohmae's suggestions for less government and more freedom of international exchange rates. It will more likely include such characteristics as John Maynard Keynes' 1944 call for the establishment of a central world bank and a universal currency, the Bancor. Ohmae's suggestion that we adapt English as a universal language is really nothing new either. And his proposed causal relationship between "less government" and . . . "prosperity" in successful regions of the world grossly missed the fact that more powerful "world" governance structures and international compacts and trade agreements in fact have dramatically helped buttress trade and commerce in these very same regions.

But do read it ... it is worth your time and very informative.

Visionary Views of the Evolving Region-State Consistent with Friedman's Flattened World.......2006-06-03

Although globalization is a rich topic worthy of several volumes, it's a bit of a shame that corporate strategist Kenichi Ohmae's book duplicates much of the same thesis of New York Times foreign affairs columnist Thomas Friedman's huge best seller, "The World Is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century", a book I admired last year. Both authors deal with the phenomenon of a flattened world, a macro-level regrouping of economic forces which occur periodically on a global basis. Friedman explains that the burgeoning global fiber-optic network has transcended national borders and corporate entities to the point of starting a new structure for the economy, specifically the outsourcing of the U.S. economy's service and information-technology work to India and other developing nations. Based in Asia, Ohmae is obviously not as keen on outsourcing but more on the factors that have made outsourcing so attractive to the U.S., i.e., why has such hubs of cost-effective productivity sprouted in Asia. This is how his orientation differs from Friedman's.

The author's personal observations come from his work with individual companies in India, China, and Japan. From this perspective, he believes strongly that one of the most important developments for the future is the emergence of "region-states". The antiquated concept of "nation-states", along with the accompanying protectionism related to such political sovereignty, is being rendered obsolete in the global economic marketplace. As borderless centers of economic activity, "region-states" have all the practical building blocks for growth, such as a sizable population and an efficient transportation infrastructure. Ohmae points out that such entities can be seen forming in the Shuto-ken (Greater Tokyo) metropolitan area of Japan and Guangzhou (Canton) in China. They exhibit viable socio-economical units that create what Ohmae calls a "virtuous circle", i.e., an openness to outside ideas and people with various backgrounds and skills. This is the cultural characteristic the author considers vital in order for companies to thrive.

On a broader plain, there are a number of defining features to "region-states", chief among them the expeditious flow of communications and capital, which obviously attracts corporations and consumers. What Ohmae does well is paint a picture of the global economy not only driven by new technologies but also where knowledge has become the new currency. He is particularly insightful into how the future may look if the transference to the "region-state" fully occurs. Corporate leaders will need to be visionaries rather than just bottom-line-oriented consensus-builders, and strategy has to be mapped out to make greater sense of the chaotic new world. The author rather idealistically states that what will have greater value for leaders is sharpening their predictive skills in ascertaining upcoming trends, innovating quickly without all the data normally expected, and creating an environment where the norm is changing circumstances and extracting relevant information out of the clutter. I think Ohmae would have somewhat more credence if he could have given more practical advice on how to do this other than encouraging them to walk into the light. Nonetheless, his book makes for stimulating reading on the dynamic transformation in progress.

read 'the world is flat' instead.......2006-05-24

this book is very similar in scope and theme with the world is flat, you may almost think one copied from the other, but this book's info and presentation are much inferior, the world is flat is a much more enjoyable and informative read

The Next Stage Is Here Now.......2006-04-30

Yes, this is a borderless world in many respects and these boundaries will continue to thin. Author Keniche Ohmae has
been around, writing "The Borderless World" in 1990, among
other books. He's studied and researched economic global interdependence and its ramifications for many years, having written his first piece of work in the early 1970s. Some of
his point from his book "The Next Global Stage" are:

Concept of the Region State:

This trend had been in the making for a long time. Author
Ohmae has devoted a sizeable portion of "The Next Global Stage" to this topic. Economic interests of a region have been, are now, and will continue to supersede governmental nation-state interests. Mr. Ohmae listed several regions (cities and geographical areas) that are currently experience and will continue to see tremendous growth and prosperity. This growth is happening literally right in front of us. Everyday I see
the changes. I live in one of these cities noted by Ohmae and see the physical, attitudinal, and economic changes, first-hand. It's an education to observe and experience this
rapidity of transformation.

Although I do believe in a rising tide lifting all the boats, this rapidly expanding pie isn't all-inclusive, as it can't realistically be in the real world. I personally see major outsourcing, 100% Foreign and Joint Venture investing, Capital Flight, and FDI to build infrastructure and provide training
for local employees and feed a local tax base. I do believe this is a win-win situation for most. Not every case is however, win-win. Currently in Vietnam for example, certain foreign companies negotiated with the government to build factories and pay local workers below minimum wage. Two governments were competing for these companies, and the
cheapest labor costs attracted them to come. The result: strikes because of bare-subsistence wages and long working
hours to the point of exhaustion. This book, like most,
focuses on only certain portions of the pie.

The Post National Era:

The diminishing significance of national governments and the lessening role of the nation-state has become abundantly clear as of 2006. This phenomenon is still evolving from its incipient stages. As global economic interdependence and international economics and trade become the primary issues
and concerns in the relationship between two or more countries (nation-states), one question to consider is: what will be the role of the political governments?

It's not a simple question, but the answers are practical. Governments will facilitate trade relations, protect the
general interests of the nation-state with issues such as currency valuations, protect its population (workers) and *certain* industries. This is the role of a Fiduciary. Governments will increasingly utilize economic policy and
trade more and more as leverage, when necessary. And much moreso than in the past.

We should ask, as the world flattens, "Whose interests are
being served?" Industries and corporations? Or individuals? The answers should be both, and the symbiotic ratio should be scrutinized. Is the individual a participant, or a voyeur?
Are these two mutually exclusive? No.

There are many positives to the next global stage we are entering. One benefit, is mobility. Fortunate in some circumstances are the industries that are much more mobile
and have the ability to relocate and operate, produce, and manage, elsewhere. An example noted by Ohmae was the current U.S. administration's stance on stem cell research. Stem cell research is highly restricted to placate the far-right-wing Christian conservative base. However, the U.S. is not the
only option for these companies, and some have relocated
outside of the U.S. to do R & D. These domestic as well as
other foreign companies are making gains in their research. Pacifying a domestic political base had not only local and domestic consequences, but also allowed for a global
alternative and consequences. Decades ago, it wouldn't
have been so easy. There is choice, with more transparent borders. Ohmae discusses what we are latently aware of, and
the beauty of this book is that he gets deeper into the mechanics, and more importantly to where we are headed in the near and long-term future. Ending agricultural subsidies
seems prudent. Many still resist in this. In the future,
they may or may not. A good point the author reminded us of
was the the fear of Japan by the U.S., not so long ago. "Look out. The Japanese are buying everything." Not so, today.
The world has changed, and nations and industries that adapt will survive and prosper. Those that don't constantly adapt, will die out. Now, after years of dismal circumstances, Japan is on the rebound, according to most. What is the number one reason: Japan changed. They had to. We all have to. The
Post National Era = Less Influence of Keynesian Economic Policy. As the world has evolved this makes sense. "The
Next Global Stage" is a highly recommended, informative,
great read.

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