From Energy to Information: Representation in Science and Technology, Art, and Literature (Writing Science)

Book Description

This book offers an innovative examination of the interactions of science and technology, art, and literature in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Scholars in the history of art, literature, architecture, computer science, and media studies focus on five historical themes in the transition from energy to information: thermodynamics, electromagnetism, inscription, information theory, and virtuality.

Different disciplines are grouped around specific moments in the history of science and technology in order to sample the modes of representation invented or adapted by each field in response to newly developed scientific concepts and models. By placing literary fictions and the plastic arts in relation to the transition from the era of energy to the information age, this collection of essays discovers unexpected resonances among concepts and materials not previously brought into juxtaposition. In particular, it demonstrates the crucial centrality of the theme of energy in modernist discourse. Overall, the volume develops the scientific and technological side of the shift from modernism to postmodernism in terms of the conceptual crossover from energy to information.

The contributors are Christoph Asendorf, Ian F. A. Bell, Robert Brain, Bruce Clarke, Charlotte Douglas, N. Katherine Hayes, Linda Dalrymple Henderson, Bruce J. Hunt, Douglas Kahn, Timothy Lenoir, W. J. T. Mitchell, Marcos Novak, Edward Shanken, Richard Shiff, David Tomas, Sha Xin Wei, and Norton Wise.

Book Description

•Shows photographers how to use digital printing techniques to create masterful black-and-white images
•Digital printing is replacing the darkroom-everyone who shoots in black and white needs to know these specialized techniques

Everybody's shooting in black and white-for weddings, for studio work, for portraits and family pictures, and anything that looks great with a classic, documentary style. Digital cameras make it easier to shoot in black and white, but many photographers are struggling to create the sharp, crisp, timeless look of great pictures in this medium. They need Amphoto's Guide to Digital Black and White Printing. From new digital ways to perform traditional darkroom techniques (such as exposure, burning and dodging, and highlight control) to handling duotones, hue saturation, and even "hand coloring" effects...it's all here, in black and white.

Customer Reviews:

Poor Quality.......2005-12-08

To anyone really interested in Digital Black & White Printing, this book will disappoint in two crucial areas. Firstly, the information generated is too superficial and vague to really benefit someone trying to learn and secondly, most of the images displyed are of poor quality. Instead of leaping out at you and making you wish you could have created something equally nice, most of these images leave you feeling that maybe your childhood snapshots were not so bad afterall.

Very little about printing.......2005-11-17

I picked this book up at the library (fortunately I didn't buy it) because I'm interested in printing my black and white images. I was surprised to find that printing isn't addressed until page 147. The section on printing amounted to 10 pages in total, out of 160 pages in the book. The title of the book should be "Black and White Digital Photography" -- the word "Printing" doesn't belong in the title.

the good, the bad.......2005-11-17

At first glance, this appears to be a terrific book for the digital photographer who'd like to try printing in black and white. Unfortunately the author, having been a professional photographer for 25+ years and no doubt has been using Photoshop since the day it was created, assumes that the reader also uses Photoshop 6 or CS. Although he does make a very brief note that there may possibly be other photo editing programs out there, the entire book is Photoshop. Later in the book, the author implies that if the reader is using something other than Photoshop, then it's the reader's responsibility to "interpret" what the author is presenting.

This really doesn't make much sense as the book is obviously directed towards "newer" digital photographers who want to explore black and white. But most of these photographers (having just shelled out a grand for a 6 or 8MP camera and a printer) haven't rushed out and bought Photoshop CS for $700+, rather being content with using low-cost PhotoImpact 11 (closest thing to Photoshop on the market) or Paint Shop Pro X. On the other hand, experienced digital photographers (who most likely use Photoshop 6 or CS) probably wouldn't buy the book because they already know most everything the book presents.

This problem could have been effectively avoided if the author had taken the time to write a simple brief chapter comparing the tools of Photoshop CS, PhotoImpact 11, Paint shop X, et al. Then the reader could easily relate as he/she reads the text.

On the positive side, the book is well organized and presents examples of every software tool used. Although many of the photos are just so-so, there are several that are really outstanding. If the reader can take the time to "interpret" the Photoshop commands that are presented in the book into the software that the reader may be using, then the book is certainly well worth Amazon's $16.47.

one of the best books on digital black and white photography.......2005-07-21

I've seen many of the books covering digital black and white photograhy and I think this is one of the best. The approach is straightforward and there are lots of good examples. After a few times browsing through, I found myself working much more creatively with black and white images.

Of course, I've always been a digital photographer, with no film/darkroom experience. Some people who know more about this style may find George's thoughts and information about black and white photography too simple, but for me it was right on the mark.

Regards, David.

Save your money.......2005-07-15

If you know anything at all about digital imaging, save your money and don't bother with this book. This is a book in which Mr. Schaub tells us such useful things as: "Art and craft are delicately balanced in every stage of creating a black-and-white image. Your goal is to produce images that will touch the viewer and express your artistic vision." He then proceeds to illustrate his "artistic vision" with some pretty lame examples. It seems he spends a lot of time in the woods because many, if not most, of his examples involve various kinds of vegetation. Some of his "improvements" tend to trash a fairly good starting image, though a few of his improvements do, in fact, improve.

On page 57 he informs us that "A digital image is composed of (are you ready for this?) pixels." The rest of the book is pretty much at this level. On page 148, which has the title "Paper For Your Printer," Mr. Schaub tells us that "An inkjet printer creates an image composed of dots that are literally sprayed onto the paper." He then explains that "Matching ink and paper can be a daunting problem," but fails to give us any information that'll help solve the "daunting" problem. Basically, what he suggests is mucking around with paper and ink combinations until you find one you like.

This book is a real shame. It could have been so good and such a help, but it started fizzling on the very first page.

Schaub, George. Amphoto's guide to digital black and white printing; techniques for creating high quality prints.(Young Adult Review)(Book Review) : An article from: Kliatt

Average customer rating:

Schaub, George. Amphoto's guide to digital black and white printing; techniques for creating high quality prints.(Young Adult Review)(Book Review) : An article from: Kliatt
Joanna Solomon
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Kliatt, published by Thomson Gale on September 1, 2005. The length of the article is 526 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Schaub, George. Amphoto's guide to digital black and white printing; techniques for creating high quality prints.(Young Adult Review)(Book Review)
Author: Joanna Solomon
Publication: Kliatt (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 39 Issue: 5 Page: 41(2)

Article Type: Book Review, Young Adult Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

500 years ago in the Tensho Era of Japan, a man was born who defied the will of a demon; a man who had the gods of good on his side; a man destined to battle evilhis name was Kabuto. Somehow, Kuroyasha Douki, the vile Black Night Demon, escaped his prison in hell and returned to the earthly plane to wreak vengeance on the family-line of Kabuto. None can escape his deadly magic and masterful skills with the blade; however, the gods of the North, West, East and South band together to help Kabuto stand for justice. With the questionable help of a diabolical talking sword that his own father forged, Kabuto may live another day to see his own sons born

Book Description

More Charles Kuralt's American Moments takes us on a wonderful, joyous exploration of Americana with this second volume of never-before-available spoken-word accounts of what makes the United States so special.

An American Moment with Charles Kuralt -- a timeless series of television essays about uniquely American people, places, and ideas -- was Kuralt's last project before his death on Independence Day, 1997. In this rare and special recording, Kuralt visits: Noah Webster's House, the makers of the red, white and blue barber's pole, a hospital for eagles, the sequoia forest, the road less traveled, and more.

A remarkable collection of pieces that remind us of Charles Kuralt's unmatched ability to capture the extraordinary aspects of ordinary lives, More Charles Kuralt's American Moments warms the heart and touches the soul.

Another Day in Showbiz: One Producer's Journey
Average customer rating:

A Legend

Wonderful showbiz biography.

A great read about Showbiz

I loved this book

Great showbiz insider's tale

Another Day in Showbiz: One Producer's Journey
Pierre Cossette
Manufacturer: Ecw Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 155022557X

Book Description

This autobiography tells the story of an unassuming young man from rural Canada who worked his way to the top of the world of glitz and glamour, galvanizing the music industry in the process. Detailed are the life and career of Pierre Cossette, who, after much wrangling and hair-pulling, convinced the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences to let him produce the Grammy Awards on television for the first time in 1971. Cossette offers his vision of the industry, detailing the stars, directors, and producers; the movie, TV, and record companies; and the art, creation, and exhibition of the breathtaking stage productions. With inimitable style, Cossette transformed the Grammys into an international spectacle on his own terms.

Customer Reviews:

A Legend.......2004-12-11

Pierre Cossette is a true legend in Show Business. I recommend this book for anyone serious about a career in show business. He has helped so many new artist and their careers. An excellent book.

Wonderful showbiz biography........2004-07-17

Behind the scenes peeks into the inner-workings of show business are often self-congratulatory, full of tired insights and recycled anecdotes, and little more than glorified puff pieces. The arrival of Pierre Cossette's "Another Day in Showbiz" is all the more a truly welcome addition to the biography canon in that it both offers a plethora of quotable stories and a real attempt by its author to explain how an insider rose from being an outsider to becoming the proverbial insider without losing humility or a wicked sense of humor.

Particularly striking is Cossette's willingness to reveal his failures in addition to his many successes. A man whose winning track record includes celebrated productions in Las Vegas, on television, on Broadway and throughout the music world could easily have omitted his duds, but his candidness helps make the book resonate all the more as an instructional primer on the entertainment industry. The clear lesson here -- that it is persistency that can and does succeed -- is hardly unique to Cossette, but his cheerful yet no hold's barred spin on it gives the reader a glimpse that they could never have been privy to prior.

Getting rejected by Angie Dickinson with a romantic overture might not be something most would boost of, but the author's ability to see it as a reality check and to move forward is a perfect example of his self-deprecating style. Then again, his success with woman has obviously been quite good as witnessed by his glowing words for his current wife. In fact, his clear love for her, as well as for the other key woman in his life, is one of the book's strongest suits. Despite, or perhaps because of, his tremendous success, the obvious tenderness of the man serves as a winning example of a "nice guy finishing first."

To call him a true renaissance man may sound like a cliché, but it is perfectly apt. He knew everybody before they were anybody. Among the many highlights of "Another Day in Showbiz" are lengthy sections on his career in Las Vegas (where he not only began the tradition of the lounge singer, but booked Ronald Reagan and nearly every star of the era), an odd but telling encounter with Howard Hughes, his dealings with superstars ranging from Andy Williams to Celine Dion, his Broadway success with "The Will Rogers Follies" (including some interesting Marla Maples' anecdotes), the founding of his Dunhill Records label, and of course the book's main highlight -- his producing the Grammy Awards telecast for 35 years.

The manner in which he was able to convince a reluctant television network to air the Grammys live for the first time nearly 35 years ago is a perfect example of juggling, risking and trusting your guts. Incredible as it may seem today, there was no real interest from the network brass in such a telecast. Again though, Cossette's persistency and obvious smarts paid off. Cossette has been rightly referred to as "The Godfather of the Grammys," and anyone who reads this book will probably want to kiss his ring -- and want to go into "Showbiz."

A great read about Showbiz.......2004-07-17

I loved this book.......2004-07-17

Funny, interesting, juicy. One of the best books on the music industry I've ever read.

Great showbiz insider's tale.......2004-06-26

I've been reading "insiders" books on the entertainment industry for decades, and can't remember having as much fun as when strolling through Pierre Cossette's "Another Day in Showbiz." I think the first thing I'm drawn to when reading an autobiography about someone in the industry is how many times I'll stop and go "Wow" after seeing a juicy anecdote. This book is just loaded with them.

For example, the tale of how he got Ronald Reagan to do his one and only stint in Las Vegas is a gem. Even better is the story of how Howard Hughes kept trying to meet with Cossette, but kept canceling. Hughes was able to get two police cars to intercept Cossette at the airport, dragging him away to security to deliver a personal message from Hughes, apologizing for being unavailable.

I think I learned the most while reading the section about how Cossette turned a small-time, industry only event like the Grammys into one of the biggest annual events on TV. As the networks kept rejecting it, he was finally able to secure a deal with ABC to put it on live, providing he could get Andy Williams, Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin to host. Apparently, the network was worried about those "long haired hippy-types" on primetime, so a squeaky clean host was needed. Well, Cossette was able to pull some strings, get Williams on board, and get the Grammys on the air.

Other highlights range from the poignant -- he's pretty frank about his strengths as well as weaknesses -- to the absurd. The anecdote about Ringo Starr meeting Lucille Ball comes to mind, in a meeting of superstars too weird to make up. Other tales involving Celine Dion, Donald Trump, Sammy Davis Jr. and Ann-Margret are woven in nicely, and you never feel like he's name dropping but that he's just having fun retelling stories that will put a smile on the face of even the most jaded reader.

I suppose my biggest feeling upon finishing was a sense of being inspired. His climb from humble origins to the top of the pack involved amazing drive and an ability to tackle hurdles while overcoming the countless nay- sayers who told him what couldn't be done. These are issues I think we all have to deal with in our lives, and reading of his rise made me feel that if you dream big enough, there's little you can't accomplish.

Anyone interested in how "the biz" really works will like this book, especially with its breezy style that honestly makes you feel like you know the man by its end.

Poker Tournament Tips from the Pros: How to Win Low-Limit Poker Tournaments
Average customer rating:

Respectfully Disagree

Useless!

Not enough content for the price

Poker Tournament Tips from the Pros: How to Win Low-Limit Poker Tournaments
Shane Smith
Manufacturer: Cardoza
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1580421032

Customer Reviews:

Respectfully Disagree.......2004-06-06

I disagree with the other reviews on this site. This book is targeted for the tournament novice. If you are out there winning thousands of dollars in poker tournaments, then you obviously don't need this book. However, for someone who has no idea how a live poker tournament works, this is an excellent reference guide. Yes, some of the advice falls under the category of "duh" (e.g. "Fold marginal hands"), but I've played in several tournaments and many live games, and have made a lot of money off of the people who don't follow the advice outlined in this book. Notice the subtitle is "How To Win at Low Limit Poker." The key word is "Low Limit." This book is not for high rollers. However, it does provide sound strategies that, when coupled with experience, can produce winning results. I've won two online tournaments employing some of the basic strategies in this book. I'll admit it is a bit pricey for the content, but it is a cheap investment if you make the cost back with a winning hand or two. This book coupled with Larry Phillips "The Tao of Poker" forced me to look at how I was playing and my decision making process. What might be common sense advice to one player may be news to another.

Useless!.......2004-02-08

I agree with the previous critic. Anyone looking for specific tournament poker tactics with example hands will be disappointed. The book amounts to nothing more than the type of common sense, but practically useless, advice that a father might give his young son before his very first tournament. Anyone who finds this book insightful instead of thinking "Duh!" at every turn of a page, should probably not play in poker tournaments just yet, since all the information given is purely and exclusively common sense advice.

Not enough content for the price.......2003-07-25

This book is very poorly written. It is as sickening to endure as a high-school pep rally. "You can do it! Keep trying, you'll get there! Rah Rah Rah". There is a lot of useless blather and no real content or strategy for playing in poker tournaments, just lists of general and vague advice. It is mostly just a bunch of quotes from professional players taken from other books, magazines, etc. I don't think the author interviewed any of the people she quotes in the book, and if she did, it is not apparent. Also, this book addresses mostly re-buy tournaments. Freeze-outs are mentioned in passing, but not really discussed. Then again, nothing in this book is really addressed anyway. If you are a beginner do what I did: Go to your local bookstore, buy a cup of coffee and read this thin tome (140 pages or so) in about an hour and put it back on the shelf. If you are an experienced tournament player, just get the coffee and skip the book.

Intermediate Microeconomics: A Modern Approach, Sixth Edition
Average customer rating:

Great Book

terrible economics book

Fantastic Textbook

Good Ec Book

Very confusing

Intermediate Microeconomics: A Modern Approach, Sixth Edition
Hal R. Varian
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0393978303

Book Description

Unrivaled in its unique combination of analytical rigor and accessibility, Intermediate Microeconomics: A Modern Approach has garnered one of the broadest adoption lists in the market. Now appearing in its Sixth Edition, Professor Varian's hallmark text is better than ever, featuring new treatments of game theory and competitive strategy, and a variety of new illustrative examples. Modern, authoritative, and above all crafted by an outstanding teacher and scholar, Intermediate Microeconomics, Sixth Edition will expand students' analytic powers and strengthen their understanding of microeconomics.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book.......2007-08-26

Great book. Very useful. I have the textbook still in shrink wrap, and the workbook that goes along with it. I want to part with it. Sctops140 at aol dot com for details. I purchased it for a microeconomics class at Beloit College. The workbook helps understand the concepts explained in the textbook.

terrible economics book.......2007-02-23

As many others have noted it contains very few numerical examples. I didnt have the workbook so maybe that would have helped, but so far this book is completely useless. I wouldnt recommend this unless you really love the pure formulas an no examples. If its required i guess its better than nothing

Fantastic Textbook.......2007-01-10

We used this textbook in my intermediate micro class at Cornell University, and I have to say, it is quite possibly the best textbook I've had. I'm more of a math person myself, and this book did a wonderful job of fleshing out the concepts with mathematical examples. Definitely recommended!

Good Ec Book.......2006-12-13

This is the standard intro-level economics textbook at Harvard, and it is well written. Covers all expected topics to good depth, with excellent examples. A reasonably suitable book for reading, and a simply useful textbook. Recommended.

Very confusing.......2006-12-04

I have use this book for my undergraduate class. It is too confusing to understand anything I read.

Intermediate Microeconomics: A Modern Approach Sixth Edition

Average customer rating:

Intermediate Microeconomics: A Modern Approach Sixth Edition
Hal R. Varian
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: B000O50LXC

Average customer rating:

Intermediate Microeconomics: A Modern Approach, Sixth Edition
Hal R. Varian
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MERZYS

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