Europe (World Tourism Directory)

Book Description

This unique book offers a comprehensive analysis of the changing role of government with respect to domestic technology development in eight countries in both the developed and the developing world. The author distinguishes between those countries which can be classed as creators of new technologies (Japan, Korea and Israel) and those which possess the potential to create new technologies (Singapore, Malaysia, India, South Africa and Brazil).

The author details the fiscal and non-fiscal policy measures each country employs to stimulate investments in R&D in the enterprise sector. He finds that, for financial instruments such as tax incentives and research grants to succeed, a strong emphasis also needs to be placed on non-fiscal policy measures. The most important of these is human resource development which is emphasized as an integral component of successful innovation policy. The book is written in a manner which allows the comparison of results between each country.

Book Description

Research and Innovation Policies in the New Global Economy analyzes the evolution of research and innovation policies in the world's leading countries. The last decade has witnessed a radical transformation of the landscape shaped after World War II, as described in the seminal collection edited by Richard Nelson in the early 1990s. Even though national systems have inherited different institutional arrangements and trajectories, analyses show three major converging trends in their public policies: a retraction from support to large firms and programs and a shift toward small to medium enterprises and the innovation infrastructure; a growing focus on public research and training capabilities; and a redesign of public intervention with the growing role of regions and states on one hand and multinational authorities on the other, particularly in the European Union.

The authors, all leading scholars in innovation research, provide thorough analytical descriptions of the national innovation system in their country and set that system in historical perspective. Each chapter is written so the reader can easily make comparisons between countries and regions. Six major issues are identified and addressed in each chapter:

• the dynamics of universities and their relations with the economy
• the evolving role of defense R&D and other large public programs
• the growth of technology policies and the innovative capabilities of SMEs
• the changing rationale for government laboratories
• the growing role of regions in fostering innovation
• the capability of government to adapt to rapid changes in innovation systems.

This essential book will be of interest to scholars and students of science, technology and innovation policy, management, institutional economics and managers of research and innovation policies at a national and local level.

Book Description

Hundreds of the most ridiculous rules lawmakers have ever put into writing, drawn from actual city, state, and federal statute books. Find what has been forbidden about keeping pets (cats require tail lights in Sterling, Colorado), fishing and hunting, marriage, going to school, and much more. 128 pages, 75 b/w illus., 5 3/8 x 8 1/4.

Customer Reviews:

Law-makers: Lighten Up!.......2002-03-19

Not a law book, not a reference...Just a reminder that when it comes to making the rules, it's easy to get carried away!

With election season upon us, it's good to be reminded that it's possible to look pretty silly when you try to regulate everybody's behavior all the time.

This is a book just for fun, filled with humorous illustrations.
Send a copy to your favorite politician!

Save your money.......2000-11-24

I purchased this book as a gift for my mother-in-law, a retired judge. It is fortunate I previewed the book before I sent it on, or she would have sentenced me to the workhouse. This book is an absolute waste of time and money.

The author apparently collected statutes from a variety of sources, and spends 90 pages usually listing one sentence summaries with no reference and little organization. Examples from this book include:

"In Marblehead, Mass., it is illegal to cross the street on Sunday, unless it is absolutely necessary."

"In Atlanta, it is against the law to secure a giraffe to a telephone pole or a street lamp."

And it goes on and on. Forget about this book, and save your money.

Book Description

Piano Girl is the story of one woman's accidental career as a cocktail-lounge piano player. Sometimes poignant and often hilarious, this engaging memoir reveals the comedies, tragedies, and mundane miracles witnessed from the business side of the keyboard. A pianist in lounges and lobbies around the world, Robin Meloy Goldsby tells her story by connecting the people she has met with the places she has played and the pianos she has known. Along the way she discovers the human side, for better or worse, of her audiences - mobsters and moguls, the down-and-out and downright scary, and ordinary people dealing with life in extraordinary ways. Her tale provides insights into the art and craft of piano playing as well as inspiring lessons in life as Robin pursues her dreams on her own terms.

Customer Reviews:

Cocktail Hour Stories From a Smart Charmer Who Knows Her Way Across the 88s.......2006-07-31

You won't learn anything technical about piano playing from reading this book, nor is there an abundance of great profundity, but darn if I didn't breeze right through this book, not missing a beat and enjoying every page.

Here's how it is: Imagine meeting a smart, attractive woman at a party, learning she makes a respectable living playing piano in lounges, lobbies and private parties around the world, and finding that she can tell charming, frequently quite funny stories about her most memorable adventures and misadventures plying her trade, dealing with a colorful mix of memorable clients, bosses, co-workers and weirdos.

Never boring, this woman--with her compelling yin-yang mix of insecurity, spunk, humbleness and bravado--knows how to tell a bright, tight story, keeping things light-hearted with her sharp sense of irony, but grounded in a passion for her work and the artistry she struggles to refine, understand and appreciate amidst the jumble and chatter of cocktail hours and an audience that may or may not be listening to the witty nuances (or occasional stumbles) of craft she shares with the world.

If you think you'd enjoy spending a few hours with that kind of woman--content in knowing she's never going home with you and that her most intimate and revealing stories are bound to be reserved for that someone very special who is not you--then you will likely enjoy this book as I have. And from ever on you will feel a special connection when you come across a piano girl plying her art. You will be one of those who listens in a knowing way, having a special respect for her work, respect she deserves and will likely truly appreciate.

(And don't forget to make note of the Piano Girl's large brandy snifter tip jar: It's for no-obligation cash, not damp napkins with your hotel room number scrawled on it!)

Great reading!!.......2006-07-28

Robin Meloy Goldsby's PIANO GIRL is a treasure! Her writing style makes you feel like she is talking with you in person! I could hear her music, laughed with her and enjoyed her adventures! If you play piano, love music and grew up in Pittsburgh it is a must read! I am excited to listen to her two CD's!

Entertaining.......2005-12-18

This is a wonderful book. It will make you laugh, it will make you feel sad. You will learn about what it is like to be a piano player in a hotel lounge. You will travel with the author to several US cities, the Caribean, and Europe. But above all, you will enjoy Robin's insight into human nature.

America's answer to Bridget Jones' Diary.......2005-12-14

It's Bridget Jones with a soundtrack-absolutely laugh out-loud funny. Piano Girl is the hilarious tale of a young woman seeking fame and fortune as an actress/musician. Robin Goldsby takes us from Nantucket Island to the Island of Manhattan and beyond as she provides a ringside seat to the best and worst of the world's cocktail lounges, hotels and bars. We watch her maneuver into-and out of-every relationship imaginable, from naughty to nice. I could almost hear the piano music, beautiful and full of life, as Goldsby recounts her remarkable years in the music biz. I'm waiting for the release of the soundtrack . . . along with the movie.

an amazing read.......2005-12-11

From the moment I opened this book I was deeply captivated. When I finished it, I wanted to give Robin a hug for a wonderful accomplishment. But she's about 4, 587 miles away.
Whenever Robin discusses her life in piano music,she will be able to say, without hesitation, "When it comes to piano music, I wrote the book on it!"
wayne richards pianist/vocalist chicago

Piano Girl: Lessons in Life, Music, and the Perfect Blue Hawaiian

Average customer rating:

Piano Girl: Lessons in Life, Music, and the Perfect Blue Hawaiian

Manufacturer: Backbeat Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GTUKFA

Average customer rating:
Population Policy Reconsidered: Health, Empowerment, and Rights (Harvard Series on Population and International Health)
Lincoln C., M.D. Chen
Manufacturer: Harvard University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0674690036

Book Description

Recent years have seen a boom in animation-an expanding market that is luring writers who have an eye toward the future and an eagerness to work in a medium where the only limit is the depth of one's imagination.

Award-winning animation writer Jeffrey Scott details the process of developing even the vaguest of ideas into a fully realized animation script. How to Write for Animation is the ultimate guide for anyone with ambitions of writing for the most rapidly developing medium in all of entertainment.

Customer Reviews:

Worth it all the way!.......2007-03-08

I'm in the process of writing a proposal for a new animated series and though familiar with writing in general have no experience in animation. Scott's book is a clear, step-by-step primer and is a terrific source of info for the beginner. Every writer approaches his work differently, of course but I find Scott's one-block-at-a-time method of putting together a solid animated story to be highly efficient while leaving room for a good deal of creativity and fun at the same time.
When I feel my energy and ambition start to flag a bit, opening up Scott's book and reading a couple of pages is a great way to get the fires burning again. He writes in a clear, friendly style that neither condescends nor misses any of the major questions a newbie might have.
"How To Write For Animation" is obviously the product of a highly experienced pro - which is much to the benefit his readers.
Highly recommended.

Like having a coffee with your pal Jeffrey..........2007-01-21

I didn't know who he was before buying the book but you bet I learned who he is and what he's done. Great person to read and learn from. The book was very inspiring but specially was technically estimulating to the level that for the first time in my life I think I can give it a shot and write something. He explained writing the script not as an art but a science. Most of the times when he mentioned that writing is also an art he refered to this a "something that takes years to develop" so instead of making me feel bad about this, he went ahead and taught me the basics, the basic structure, the basic approach and it was killer to have some actual samples of his work the reinforcing his words. The books is technical so dont expect an "about my life" book which is great... it's clear that Jeffrey has forged his talent and reputation by his work and not by saying how great he is. The book starts technical and ends in a more conversational way when Jeffrey tells you his "points of view" on different media types including internet. One thing I would love to ask him is to release an updated edition or even a new book on writing for a) writing for the internet and b) full length picture writing. When he wrote this book, internet animation was booming, now it's here so, some advice from him on this regard would be useful.

A MUST READ for anyone interested in animation writing!.......2006-04-12

I am a published comic book writer developing an idea for an animated series and have been thoroughly impressed with `How to Write for Animation'. In it, Jeffrey Scott takes you through the entire process of animation writing, and provides examples for every step. He demonstrates how to write a premise, beat outline, outline, and script. He then tells you how to make contacts in the industry, including finding an agent. What I especially like about the book is the wealth of information Jeff shares on how to develop a series idea, including writing a bible and pilot script and how to pitch the idea to Hollywood.

A previous reviewer misstates Jeff as saying that writing a feature is impossible. This is not the case. What Jeff did write was that `to the best of my knowledge, at the time of this writing, no spec animated screenplay has ever been sold or produced'. He goes on to write, `Someone IS going to sell an animated spec one day and it might as well be you.' (Emphasis added). This book will equip you to do just that.

For those of you wanting to take the next step in your animation writing career, I highly recommend Jeffrey Scott's Cartoon Writing Apprenticeship Program offered through his website (www.jeffreyscott.tv). In this program, you learn directly from the master and I can tell you from personal experience that Jeff does an incredible job of teaching you how to improve and polish your writing.

The book and the apprenticeship program are incredible resources to help you succeed as an animation writer.

a letdown - really mostly for TV series writing.......2006-04-05

I was disappointed in this book since it focussed almost exclusively on creating TV series scripts, and drew virtually all examples from one of Scott's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles scripts. When it comes to features, there's only a small chapter and Scott basically says 'Forget about it - no film scripts have ever been bought from outside a studio - they're only developed in-house by execs.' There's also only one paragraph devoted to creating 'direct-to-video' projects, and no mention whatsoever of strategies for writing for independent films or any less 'orthodox' ways to get your work seen and developed.

Given all the other glowing reviews I read, I expected more.

Awesome!.......2005-10-06

I'm a boring lawyer who had an idea for a cartoon series swimming around in her head. I found this book, followed it to the letter, developed the idea, pitched it, and now have a major animation production company who has purchased an option for the show. Mr. Scott even took the time to respond to an e-mail I sent with a question. This is a great and simple to understand resource for anyone with the ideas and gumption to go for it. Thanks Mr. Scott!

Average customer rating:

How to Write for Animation
Jeffrey Scott
Manufacturer: Overlook Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NW80HU

Book Description

You've dabbled with design in school and on the job, and you feel comfortable with Photoshop and other design tools. You're no graphics expert, but you're no newbie. Now you find yourself with a cool job opportunity in the entertainment industry (or are trying to break in) and you need to prove your design chops, fast! Photoshop CS2 for Advertising and Marketing: Secrets from an Entertainment Advertising Insider isn't your standard Photoshop how-to book. Combining essential Photoshop techniques with professional insights into the workings of major studios as well as advice on how to navigate the minefields designers may encounter there, author and noted designer, art director, and popular UCLA Photoshop instructor Daniel Sorenson teaches you everything you need to know about working as a designer for entertainment advertising and marketing. Using a series of real-world projects-- including a trade ad, an anime illustration, a movie poster, CD cover art, an outdoor ad campaign for a major new sitcom (bus sides, kiosks, billboards, subway posters), and more--this book covers the Photoshop tools, features, and tools you need to hone your graphic skills and easily take on any marketing design project. To get more information on Daniel check out www.danielosorenson.com.

"From the practical to the aesthetic and from business advice to Photoshop tutorials – Daniel's book is based in extensive real world experience garnered over years of working with the most critical clients under the tightest deadlines. This book offers insights and advice that I’ve never seen shared in print before. I can’t wait to read it from cover to cover."
Katrin Eismann www.photoshopdiva.com

Customer Reviews:

Photoshop CS2 for Advertising and Marketing: Review.......2007-03-28

I don't get this book. If this is supposed to be work from an entertainment industry insider, then there is a lot of bad movie posters out there. When you shell out good money for a book, you want to be educated and, especially in this genre, be astounded with great work. Sadly this book lacks on both fronts.

The book covers different forms of advertising such as anime, magazine ads, music promo, billboards and movie posters. Each really are entertainment advertising media, but let's face it, anime is a style of art, magazine ads could easily be for cars - same for billboards. I have seen posters used for many forms of advertising. And CD work? It would be more telling if I saw DVD covers being produced in this book.

I get the feeling that its all over the place and as a result, the outcome is scattered, not indepth and gave me no new insights into new ways to use Photoshop. talking about paths with the pen tool really belongs in a self education or overview book of Photoshop. This book should have said, hey, we used Photoshop to create these great promo's and talked more about what does and doesn't work from a marketing point of view. That would have been more interesting and informative.

Awesome.......2007-01-05

Wow . . . what a great textbook. I say textbook because it is so insightful and helpful that I often refer to it.

Only five projects are included (with files on cd) but each project is so packed with industry insights and professional advice that I feel the book paid for itself after the first exercise.

A worthwhile purchase if you are looking for industry insights from a true professional or exercises that come with full, detailed explanations with an eye toward the professional industry.

No Pie-In-The-Sky Cookbook.......2006-07-02

There are quite a few Photoshop books that offer step-by-step (cookbook) techniques, but Sorenson's text is at the top of my list. He offers real-world techniques and projects along with insight about how entertainment advertising really works.

If you've ever wanted to know "why" as well as "how", PSCS2 for Ad and Marketing is the way to go.

And you have a real project to complete, this is the book to grab from the shelf!

A Valuable Resource.......2006-04-01

Professor Sorenson's book is engagingly written. This would be an excellent textbook for college advertising design programs. There are no "cheap tricks" here (no flashy, tacky techniques); just a solid, sequential working method for Photoshop that actually works! Sorenson's examples and mini-tutorials are spot on. As a kind of bonus, the reader will also gain an understanding of entertainment marketing. I'm in a position to know; I run an entertainment advertising agency.

Good but not really what I expected.......2006-03-29

I bought this book thinking that it was going to contain like more tutorials and more expalnation about how you could use photoshop for advertising, it of coarse covers how you might advertise a magazine a CD cover etc.. but at least for me didn't help me that much as I expected, maybe I had great expectations of this book.

A good thing is that in includes a CD with the images he used for the examples in the book so you can experiment with them, I gotta say it is kind of long for reading but that is not a problem for many people.

If you are a experimented designer, or a photoshop guru this may work for you, but if you are an itermediate or amateur in photoshop, you should consider another option.

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