Learning Maya 5: Foundation

Book Description

Maya is the first choice of digital content creators producing award-winning games, 3D animation and visual effects. Built on a procedural architecture called the Dependency Graph, Maya offers incredible power and flexibility for generating digital images of animated characters and scenes.

Learning Maya 5: Foundation takes you through over twenty project-focused lessons that offer hands-on experience with key tools and techniques.

This book introduces you to the following topics:
* The Maya User Interface
* Working in 3D space
* NURBS (spline) Modeling
* Polygonal Modeling
* Keyframes and Motion Paths
* Trax(TM) Non-linear animation
* Forward and Inverse Kinematics
* Surface Deformations
* Cameras and Lights
* Shaders and Techniques
* Particles and Dynamics
* MEL (Maya Embedded Language)
What you need to use this book:
* Maya Complete(TM), Maya Unlimited(TM), or Maya Personal Learning Edition(TM) version 5 software
* A DVD-ROM or set-top player

Project One: Bouncing Ball
Quickly get your feet wet by animating a basic bouncing ball. Add a squash and stretch, create a ring of fire using a particle clip effect, then add sparks as the ball hits the flames.

Project Two: Jack-in-the-box
Learn the basics of modeling, animating, and rendering a scene. Use Maya Artisan(TM) tools to sculpt Jack's face and to paint a color texture in 3D. Refine the scene's rendering using IPR (Interactive Photorealistic Rendering).

Project Three: Space Battle
Starting with a more in-depth look at polygonal and NURBS modeling, this project sets up a motion path animation, complete with Opti-FX explosions. Use Maya Paint Effects(TM) to create a realistic starfield.

Project Four: Primitive Man
Using Maya's Trax non-linear animation, you cycle for a bi-ped Inverse Kinematic skeleton. This lesson will also explore basic character skinning and deformation.

Project Five: Salty the Seal
This project brings together the skills developed in earlier lessons into a more complex scene where you learn how Maya lets you fully integrate modeling, rendering, and animation tasks.

Customer Reviews:

Perfect..........2005-09-09

This book is a perfect manual for everyone who want learn maya... projects are detailed and let you learn the most important things to start with 3d world

This is where to start.......2005-04-23

I'm not sure I understand some reviews I've read here. Maya is not wordpad and yes you will be searching for menu buttons sometimes, yes sometimes you'll have to go back and search but the step-by-step approach works great to get your hands on the software and actually create something that works. If someone had told me i'd one day be for instance creating spaceships, animating them, creating special effects i'd have never believed them! The fact that you are working on projects and not examples makes the difference : you have the final animation rendered on the DVD so you know where you're heading...even if you only get there by the end of the day...or the week! I learnt so much doing all the tutorials and I can assure you this is money well invested. Of course it's better to do a week training (why not a personal instructor 12 hours a day?), but if you can't afford it this book is like a personal teacher at home almost for free. I would recommend trying to go as far as you can with books and then get training, you need time alone doing the research by yourself anyway. Yes you might get stuck, yes you're gonna scream sometimes wondering where you went wrong, but using Maya does not come for free. Nevertheless, I can tell you that when things start coming together, when you do the final render of one of the projects you will be rejoiced. A must buy for starting learning Maya in my opinion.

Worst Book EVER!.......2004-12-01

The book tries to work from a step-by-step process. BUT, the authors don't tell you where some of the buttons or menus are. Even after learning Maya I went back to the book expecting the tutorials be easier, but no. PLUS, they miss some steps that are vital.
P.S. Do Not go to Sam Houston State University for their Art program! Waste of Money.

An okay book.......2004-05-04

I really looked forward to this book because of the reviews I read on it. I originally purchased the Maya 5 Fundamentals and to be honest, beside the boring DVD that accompanies the book, I like the Maya 5 Fundamentals book better. Admittedly the Maya 5 Foundation book got me a little further but the tutorial lessons have no personality. Just follow these steps to achieve this. No real explaination on why.

Good but not great.......2004-03-20

This is a great book for people who have a lot of time and patience, and can stand to go methodically through a lesson. For the rest of us, this is a good (but not great) primer to learning the basics of Maya.

While the book is not without its problems, I think I would disagree with some of the harsh criticisms of other reviewers. This book really does deliver on its title, it gives you the proper "Foundations" to start doing more serious work in Maya. To anyone who's read it thoroughly, it does give you a very good insight into Maya theory, it discusses the "node system" and dependency graphs, which allow you to create procedural animations very easily, and are the basis for how everything is done in Maya.

I think the real point of this book is to get the user comfortable with all of the features capabilities (and quirks) of the program. If you've ever tried to learn Maya just by clicking on the menus and trying to figure it out intuitively, you'll soon realize that it's not effective at all. Maya is such a complex piece of software that all user intuition goes out the window. This book walks you through step by step in modeling, animation, and rendering examples. It's often easy to want to skip parts that look obvious, but 90% of the time you end up having to go back to it later. The best way to read this book is to go through it, actually following every step, and reading every instruction or note. If you do, you will know the basics of Maya in and out. I think that it's a good philosophy for starting to learn such a complex piece of software, because you'll have people who learn just enough to get by, and try to move on to more advanced topics and either hit a wall because they encounter a situation they don't know how to deal with, or end up with sloppy and inefficient results.

There are some things about the book that I dislike. The detail of this book is very uniform. Pretty much all topics are covered in the same depth. Some of the trickier elements I found in the early lessons were doing NURBS surface attachments, which were covered somewhat cursorily in the book, and the Joints and Skinning sections were covered in thorough but uneccessary detail. The trick is that the way Maya is designed, it makes some things that seem simple (like joining two surfaces) very very hard and error prone, while some things while even complicated conceptually, like adding bones to a mesh and making it move around, are really pretty straightforward and intuitive. The book goes through everything at pretty much the same level of detail, and doesn't take the nature of Maya's design into account . Of course everyone is going to run into their own specific problems, but I think they should have made more of an attempt at finding the "tough spots", or common mistakes and focusing on them in more detail, and explaining exactly what to do to remedy them and why.

Also, it is not a book on graphics/animation/modeling *theory*, it is a book on Maya, and Maya alone. You may get some basics of general computer graphics concepts, but only because they coincide with learning Maya ;)

Book Description

* Market-specific to financial services * CD Rom providing KAM analysis software, and access to further support. * Practical tools, both in the text and the CD-ROM Building on the success of Peter Cheverton's generic book, Key Account Management, (now in its third edition), Key Account Management in Financial Services follows a broadly similar structure but is aimed at sales and marketing people in the financial services (FS) sector. Designed for practitioners and managers responsible for implementation, the focus is on "making it happen," using real examples to illustrate tools and models, and to highlight success and failure. The book takes the readers through a developing process of understanding, analysis, planning, implementation, and performance monitoring, matching the development over time of their own plans. It is intended to be used as a "before, during, and after" guide to practical implementation. Targeted narrowly on financial services, the book addresses the changing environment and the new imperatives for KAM -- the rising cost of sales, regulatory bodies, globalization of customers, new customer organizations; the buying process in Financial Services; "Competitor Replacement Strategies," a particular feature of the FS market. Also included are a much expanded section on E-commerce and the Internet, and one on the management of non Key Accounts, vital to the success of any KAM strategy in these markets

Customer Reviews:

A Solid Effort!.......2005-05-25

Editor Peter Cheverton is a guru of KAM, and this book somewhat modifies and tailors his basic KAM approach to fit the needs of the financial services industry. The tailoring is slight, mainly a matter of streamlining the style, although that is welcome. One brief but very useful section discusses the importance of dealing with and through intermediaries. In fact, many financial services vendors work through intermediaries, distributing their products or services through banks, insurance companies, mutual fund companies or others. Cheverton and his co-editors, Tim Hughes, Bryan Foss and Merlin Stone, usefully point out that it is important not to consider the intermediary as the customer. Instead, the vendor should look through the intermediary to the final user and assist the intermediary in developing an offering that suits the needs and preferences of that end user. People who have read Cheverton's "Key Account Management" will learn little new here, but we believe that those who have not - particularly those in the financial services sector - will benefit from this shorter, easier book.

Key Account Management in Financial Services; Tools and Techniques for Building Strong Relationships With Major Clients. (CD-rom Included).

Average customer rating:

Key Account Management in Financial Services; Tools and Techniques for Building Strong Relationships With Major Clients. (CD-rom Included).
Peter Et Al Cheverton
Manufacturer: Kogan Page Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000N640DE

Book Description

International experts present up-to-date reviews concerned with relevant basic and applied sciences of major species, principally members of labiatae, umbelliferae and compositae. Features detailed accounts of oil composition genetics and the activity of oils against a wide range of organisms. Includes a survey of biotechnological methods for the production of oils and a complete analysis on the economics of world trade in volatile oils.

Tropical Soils & Soil Survey (Cambridge Geographical Studies)

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Tropical Soils & Soil Survey (Cambridge Geographical Studies)
A. Young
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Soil Science | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Booker Tropical Soil Manual: A Handbook for Soil Survey and Agricultural Land Evaluation in the Tropics and Subtropics

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Booker Tropical Soil Manual: A Handbook for Soil Survey and Agricultural Land Evaluation in the Tropics and Subtropics

Manufacturer: Longman Sc & Tech
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Soil Science | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Agronomy | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Effects of continuous cultivations and other agronomic practices on soil microarthropods: A unifying concept of agriculture and ecology for tropical agroecosystem ... (Records of the Zoological Survey of India)

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Effects of continuous cultivations and other agronomic practices on soil microarthropods: A unifying concept of agriculture and ecology for tropical agroecosystem ... (Records of the Zoological Survey of India)
S. K Mitra
Manufacturer: Zoological Survey of India
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Average customer rating:

Leaching of pesticides in selected Hawaii oxisols and andisols as influenced by soil profile characteristics (Research series / Hawaii Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources)
Robert Thomas Gavenda
Manufacturer: Hawaii Institute of Tropical Agriculture and HumanResources, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University ofHawaii at Manoa
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Soil Science | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Insecticides & Pesticides | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006QMESY

Tropical soils: Characteristics and airphoto interpretation

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Tropical soils: Characteristics and airphoto interpretation
Ta Liang
Manufacturer: School of Civil Engineering, Cornell University
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Soil Science | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007EY10Y

Tropical soils: Their formation, classification, survey and utilization

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Tropical soils: Their formation, classification, survey and utilization
C Sys
Manufacturer: International Training Centre for Post-Graduate Soil Scientists, Rijsuniversiteit
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Soil Science | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007K3VP4

Book Description

Since antibodies tagged with markers have been developed, immunocytochemistry has become the method of choice for identifying tissue substances or for the localisation of nucleic acid in tissue by in situ hybridisation. Resin-embedded tissue is routinely used and new techniques are constantly introduced. Thus, the novice entering these fields has a breathtaking variety of methods open to him. This labmanual covers the embedding of tissue using epoxy resin methods to the more sensitive procedures employing the acrylics. The possibilities and results are discussed so that an understanding of the techniques can be acquired and appropriate choices made. The various resins available and all steps involved in tissue processing, beginning with fixation, as well as the great variety of labelling methods and markers that are commonly used for "on-section" cytochemistry and immunocytochemistry are described, including detailed protocols for the application.

Book Description

The "precautionary principle"?the idea that society should guard against potentially harmful activities even if some cause and effect relationships have not been fully established-has often been attacked for being unscientific. However leading scientists studying the issue have begun to make the case that the precautionary principle is in fact science based, and that it creates a need for more rigorous and transparent science in examining complex and uncertain environmental risks.

Precaution, Environmental Science, and Preventive Public Policy is the first book to explore the role of science in developing a more precautionary approach to environmental and public health policy. The book brings together leading scientists, legal experts, philosophers, environmental health professionals, and environmentalists to offer a multi-disciplinary perspective on the controversial debate over science and precaution. The book:

discusses the critical need for science in promoting sustainability
outlines the ethical imperative of a more precautionary science and the philosophical foundations of that new approach
considers some of the ways in which the current conduct of environmental science works against precautionary policies
examines how the role and use of science differs across cultures and political systems
provides the components of an approach to environmental science that more effectively supports precautionary decisions

The book also offers case studies that consider various types of uncertainty and sets forth a framework for evaluating and addressing uncertainty in decision-making.

Contributors include Juan Almendares, Katherine Barrett, Kamaljit Bawa, Finn Bro-Rasmussen, Donald Brown, Theofanis Christoforou, Terry Collins, Barry Commoner, Carl Cranor, Stephen Dovers, David Gee, Elizabeth Guillette, Cato ten Hallers-Tjabbes, James Huff, Matthias Kaiser, Richard Levins, Mary O'Brien, Carolyn Raffensperger, Jerry Ravetz, Vandana Shiva, Boyce Thorne-Miller, Joe Thornton, Reginald Victor, and Alistair Woodward.

Precaution, Environmental Science, and Preventive Public Policy presents a broad overview of the role of science in implementing the precautionary principle and makes a compelling case that science should be used not just to study problems but to develop solutions.

Average customer rating:
Precaution, Environmental Science and Preventive Public Policy [A book review from: Environmental Science and Policy]
A. Bednarek
Manufacturer: Elsevier
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000RQZ51G

Book Description

This digital document is a journal article from Environmental Science and Policy, published by Elsevier in 2004. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:

Book Description

The critically acclaimed laboratory standard, Methods in Enzymology, is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. The series contains much material still relevant today - truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.

Molecular Evolution Producing the Biochemical Data part B is a continuation of methods published in Part A (1993, volume 224). The work is a very methodological look at markers, templates, genomes, datasets and analyses used in studies of biological diversity.

* One of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry since 1955
* Frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike
* Truly an essential publication for anyone in any field of the life sciences

Average customer rating:

Not a very good Christmas Story

Tough to get through

Great for Long Drives on the Road or Snowy Nights at Home

#1 for Christmas

A GREAT GIFT FOR CHRISTMAS STORY FANS

A Christmas Story: The Book That Inspired the Hilarious Classic Film
Jean Shepherd
Manufacturer: Broadway
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Comic | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash

Wanda Hickey's Night of Golden Memories: And Other Disasters

A Christmas Story (Two-Disc Special Edition)

A Fistful of Fig Newtons

The Ferrari in the Bedroom

ASIN: 0767916220
Release Date: 2003-10-28

Book Description

A beloved, bestselling classic of humorous and nostalgic Americana—the book that inspired the equally classic Yuletide film.

The holiday film A Christmas Story, first released in 1983, has become a bona fide Christmas perennial, gaining in stature and fame with each succeeding year. Its affectionate, wacky, and wryly realistic portrayal of an American family’s typical Christmas joys and travails in small-town Depression-era Indiana has entered our imagination and our hearts with a force equal to It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street.

This edition of A Christmas Story gathers together in one hilarious volume the gems of autobiographical humor that Jean Shepherd drew upon to create this enduring film. Here is young Ralphie Parker’s shocking discovery that his decoder ring is really a device to promote Ovaltine; his mother and father’s pitched battle over the fate of a lascivious leg lamp; the unleashed and unnerving savagery of Ralphie’s duel in the show with the odious bullies Scut Farkas and Grover Dill; and, most crucially, Ralphie’s unstoppable campaign to get Santa—or anyone else—to give him a Red Ryder carbine action 200-shot range model air rifle. Who cares that the whole adult world is telling him, “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid”?

The pieces that comprise A Christmas Story, previously published in the larger collections In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash and Wanda Hickey’s Night of Golden Memories, coalesce in a magical fashion to become an irresistible piece of Americana, quite the equal of the film in its ability to warm the heart and tickle the funny bone.

Customer Reviews:

Not a very good Christmas Story.......2007-05-13

Having read this book, I was very disappointed. I was sorry that I bought it. It is not like the other four books authored by Jean Shepherd. It was written after the movie and is just a cheap way to generate more money.

Tough to get through.......2007-03-30

Somehow I could not get into the voice of the book. I know the author also narrated the movie, but I just could not get to hear his voice when reading the book. I thought I would, but no. I didn't find it terribly entertaining. As head of AUDIN Web Design, I had a tough time getting others to appreciate the value of the great piece of work. I would have to say, it just doesn't meet up to the movie.

Great for Long Drives on the Road or Snowy Nights at Home.......2007-03-17

Just like the television show! If you liked the show then you'll want this! Goes much more in depth than the TV show, and it's much longer. Listening to the set, you'll be able to imagine that you are actually out there with Ralphy and his brother.

Also makes a great gift anytime of the year!

#1 for Christmas.......2007-02-15

I gave this book to my 34 year old son for Christmas, and he loved it! He did have fond memories of the TV movie, so that made it a little nostalgic, which is always nice at Christmas. He thought the book version was just as good if not better--very funny and sweet, loads of fun to read, and the message of the story was very meaningful to him. Didn't we all have special childhood experiences that continue to hold some mystery and magic for us, and that we enjoy re-visiting when we're reminded of it? The feeling of deja and nostalgia about our youthful years is kind of hard to describe, but it's very special. I highly recommend it for yourself or for a gift.

A GREAT GIFT FOR CHRISTMAS STORY FANS.......2007-01-26

If you're a fan of the movie, "A Christmas Story," you'll enjoy this book. It was the basis for the popular film which is now a seasonal classic. I bought it as a gift for my son, and of course I had to read it myself first. If you cherish the memory of Ralphie's visit to Santa, his pink bunny outfit or the Bumpus hounds theft of the turkey, you'll probably love reading the source of all those moments. I highly recommend it and look forward to presenting it to my son on his birthday!

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