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The world of computer graphics books is filled with fat, pricy tomes that are frankly little better than rehashes of the manual. "Advanced Renderman" is a completely different sort of book.

While Renderman is the ostensible subject, the authors actually cover the entire graphics workflow-- and explain the "why" of it all. Their section on anti-aliasing, for example, is concise, complete, and makes clear the implications of all those little doo-hickeys in 3DS -- you remember the AR explanation better, because its based around how rendering works, rather than how a particular application works (which may change in the next rev, anyway)

Smart guys, smart book-- highly recommended.

This is a great book, written in clear and understandable English. It proivded me (a novice) great information about the RenderMan interface. Not only did it provide a reference to the various API calls, but it also includes an introduction to the basic maths behind it, as well as chapters that discuss CG in general. A thoroughly well written, useful and informative book. It is indespensible for any RenderMan user and in fact, for any CG artist.

This book is written by six renowned professionals in digital lighting field. Even you are not a shader programmer, chaper 1 and 13 show the aesthic architecture of lighting composition and tell us the beauty of 'Photosurrealism'. The depth of each paper is just amazing and you can find more beautiful tecnical information from other papers written by the same authors.

I am a moderate after effects user.. There are quite a few things that are not so easy to grasp.. This book explains everything, in depth, in terms anyone can understand.. You do not need to be sitting at the computer to follow their tutorials, to learn how to do a new skill (very nice, I am not a huge fan of reading, and being on the computer..).
I'd say this is the best recource available for after effects to date.
If you found The creating motion graphics series to be annoying / time consuming, get this book, it renders it all down to an easier and faster learning experience.

As soon as you open up any chapter of the book, you'll feel like one of the authors pops up out of it, sits down next to you, and starts a sumptuous private session specially for you, seamlessly and enthusiastically tapping around your key board like a flamboyant percussionist. You never have to be worried a bit about the seeming finickiness of the program. This teacher never seems to forget his pains-taking beginner days. Not only does he give you a complete sense of how After Effects works from scratch, but he inspires you to expand your imagination, play with the program freely and cut open your own way. It really takes you out to the scene! You know what's wonderful? He does all these things sipping coffee, chewing gum, joking to break you up, and, now and then, sighing in admiration of the program. Get the book. You'll find a life-time teacher, and a precious, mind-evoking friend. It's guaranteed!

After Effects is a very powerful and complex program, and for a beginner, such as myself, it is quite intimidating at first. The After Effects Bible not only provided clear explanations and tutorials that allowed me to get started, but it also enableld me harness more of the programs potential. Most importantly, it motivated me to "think outside the box" and to use the program in new ways. If you are going to use After Effects then you really must read this book.

Antipodes of the Mind is a classic of a relatively-new field, the psychological study of visionary experiences.

A tour-de-force of science and storytelling, well-organized and lucid in its expression, Antipodes has generated a lot of buzz on entheogen-related internet message boards and is much in demand among readers who can shell out the $35 ticket to its exquisite entertainments. It's a book that challenges the beliefs of materialists and mystics alike, on a subject that has received much too little attention because of the difficulty of accessing it. There are areas of the mind which are as hard to reach as the depths of the oceans, Shanon reminds us, but life similarly flourishes there.

As a person interested in literature, in stories and images, one of my favorite aspects of Antipodes is the hundreds of accounts of visions that pepper its pages. Each is like a koan, or a poem, or a distilled adventure film. Some of them are Shanon's own, and others from his many respondants; all are accompanied by carefully-considered analysis.

I'll quote an example almost at random that shows how he organizes and evaluates the stories he has recorded, and that then moves into the realm of personal experience and the kind of poetic profundity that Lorca termed "duende":

"An experientially distinct category (of figures seen in visions) is that of individuals who do not have a name but who do have a specific, well-defined identity. Often, the figures seen have a distinct presence and those who report seeing them feel an intimate link or identification with them. Invariably, in both indigenous and non-indigenous contexts, this phenomenon is attributed to the figures seen being reincarnations of the Ayahuasca drinker's past lives. Putting the interpretative speculations aside for now, I would like to underline the special force of the experience in question. The first time this happened to me was before I had heard of such experiences from other people, and it was clear to me, instantaneously and without any doubt, that the old man who appeared before me in the vision, a lonely shaman in the icy tundra of Siberia was, while still being himself, me." (P.116)

Shanon rightly places ayahuasca visions within the realm of artistic experiences that one may have. He compares them to pieces of classical music in their richness and complexity, and in the esthetic pleasure they can give. Without them, he implies, the world would be a poorer place.

The book of Mr. Benny Shanon is an exploratory travel, something like Darwin or Humboldt discovering new landscapes and bringing back quantities of samples of unknown species. And beginning to shape a quite new theory of... life on the surface of the earth. Ayahuasca seems to be a continent. But the more exciting for me (as an artist) is the depth of the insight it gives on a faculty, the poetic power of the human mind, which is often misunderstood or described only in "romantic" terms. That "seeing" and "creating" and "understanding" and "loving" are not necessarily separate activities, but are crossing their efficiencies, when our mind is at its higher (and also in its "simpler") mode : that is the poetic mode of the mind. This book of Mr. Shanon is nothing less than the opening of a new "library" in the knowledge of this power and its ethics. Thanks. (Sorry for my bad english)

This book consists of an extensive psychological-phenomenological description and discussion of the Ayahuasca experience. It is based on the author's firsthand experiences with Ayahuasca (an Amazonian-psychoactive brew), as well as on interviews with a great number of people. I find it very interesting and thought-provoking, and recommend it to anyone who finds interest in human consciousness and the riddles it presents. The author's attitude is committed, on the one hand, to science and to serious Western standards. On the other hand, the author holds genuine respect to his targets of research: Ayahuasca, the people who use it, and the traditions associated with it. This results in a rich and complex perspective, raising some important questions regarding the Western-scientific worldview and the boundaries of knowledge and wisdom.

This is the type of writing you only get from experienced business writers. This is not magazine type writing..this is highly thought provoking and very well written. Every Congressman in America should read this book....if they did they would realize big business is not where its at. Good read!

To anyone who wonders why things aren't stable any more (and I mean everything from businesses to social relationships), this book is the Rosetta Stone. Blankenhorn takes Moore's Law from an obscure, techno-driven curiosity and maps out exactly how it continues to pulverize our social and commercial expectations. If you've ever scratched your head over why the American dream never seems to materialize in the marketplace, this book makes sense of it all. An enjoyable read, too, from the irascible journalist who's never been afraid to tell it like it is.

Dana has produced an excellenbt book on Moore's Law, perhaps the most determinative "Law" of the end of the 20th Century. Technology isn't easy, but this book is an easy read about the how and what and why of computer technology. Good for teenaged kids too.

Susan Gaines's Carbon Dreams is the best science novel I've ever read. The characters, the intense excitement as a major discovery unfolds, the comradery, the jealousies and cutthroat infighting brought back memories fond and not so fond of my 38 years as a chemistry prof. The sacrifices her major character has to make for the sake of her career are heart-breaking and, unfortunately, rather realistic--science is still not very kind to women in America.
Often when I read novels involving science I must suspend disbelief and overlook major flaws in the author's understanding of science. Not so here--Gaines's science is impeccable. This is particularly remarkable when one considers the breadth and richness of the scientific tapestry she weaves.
The conflict between basic research and applied technology and the ethical questions this raises at the practical level are handled realistically and brilliantly.
If you want to get a feeling for how science works, this book is a good place to start.

As a woman receiving her doctorate in geochemistry this year, I
have to say this is the absolute best portrayal of how science works in the real world that I've read. Ms. Gaines is wonderful
at communicating the passion, enthusiasm and obsession that come
with stretching the limits of the known. She also accurately presents how funding can subtlely shape what science gets done
and some of the difficult choices women face in higher academia.
I'd like to believe the possibilities for women are not as
limited as are presented here, but I think in the early '80s
it's an accurate portrayal. She also presents how self-centered
and emotionally stunted scientists can be. A difficult book, but
I liked this book so well I bought two copies (on my very
limited student stipend) for fellow female graduate student
friends of mine.

This would also be wonderful discussion book for book clubs.

While I believe that women will find this novel more to their liking than most men, I don't consider that a failing, but rather a choice by the author/publisher. Rather, I should say, it will be compelling reading for women who understand the dilemma of having to choose between traditional romantic life and a demanding and absorbing career. Gaines does a good job of weaving together the difficulties inherent in both parts of life, and especially excels at descriptions of scientific procedure and theoretical pondering, while keeping the pace lively and engaging. This is a masterful first novel, especially considering its rather ambitious scope. My only criticisms are that some of the scientific descriptions are repetitious rather than illuminating (extensive diagrams would have been interesting) and I felt that the main character was a bit too ambivalent about her resolutions and the author allowed that ambivalence to carry too much weight at the end of the novel. Still, this is a trivial criticism considering the accomplishment of the novel as a whole and its unique and interesting view of a world that we rarely see. I liked it so much I bought three additional copies and sent them to friends who are scientists. I recommend it highly.

This book, by a prominent medical researcher and practitioner, is one of the most well written and interesting of it's type. In fact, I was unable to put it down once I started reading. Initially interested in possible hazards of electropollution, and also medical uses of electric current, I learned quite a bit from Dr. Becker's book; and I found myself asking more questions, and looking for other sources. Written for the layman, this book is authoritatively referenced with all the professionalism you would expect from a man of the author's caliber. Highly recommended!

Others have summarised this astonishing book. It is most unfortunate that the title and cover imply a sensationalist book. It is sensational - but in the sense of new knowledge unknown to most of the Medical fraternity and I write as aa senior MD! This is the most important medical book I have read and I nearly ignored it because of its lurid presentation.

and with any luck, will be in the future. Robert Becker is an M.D. and research scientist with impeccable credentials--he discovered the minute electric currents, applied to bone fractures, will heal breaks that weren't knitting (and before his treatment, amputation was the only alternature for non-unions.) As noted below, this book is illumating. The author goes a long way toward finding a scientific basis for acupuncture, homeopathy, and 'faith' healing--at the very least, they involve the electromagnetic field in and around the body. He details the opposition he has encountered through the years from the close-minded, who, through the all-too-human combination of ignorance, arrogance, blindness and politics, have hindered his work (and 'scientists' are always extolling the open-minded superiority of science over all else!) He makes no secret of his disdain for the likes of self-appointed witch-finders like James "the Amazing" Randi. In the last half of the book Becker discusses electropollution, the possible harm it can do to people, and how to reduce or elimate your exposure. An eye-opening book that will be enjoyed by those interested in the failures of modern medicine (and 'failure' is indeed the right word, since the medicine profession has had to admit that doctors are the third leading cause of death in the U.S.)

An EXCELLENT intro to these kinds of drugs - there are very few books which cover this subject comprehensively for the layperson. Most books are either overly technical or too simplified. This book is a nice balance for those who want to know about these new "miracle" drugs with some detail. It's a bit outdated and doesn't contain much information about the newest drugs - but it's still a must-read.

I read Gorman's book and was impressed by it. Its not overly technical, but specific enough to explain what you need to know. I would recommend this book as a first or second choice for any mental health consumer on their quest to become "self educated." All persons with serious mental illness have a duty to themselves to become self educated about their illness, the drugs used to treat their condition(s) and reading books like "The Essential Guide to Psychiatry drugs" by Jack Gorman is a fine place to start.

Dr. Gorman provides the general public and, the medical community, information on psychiatric drugs NOT found in the gazillion other books of this type on the market. I strongly suggest this book to patients currently taking medication or considering it. You will be glad you read it.

The amino acids in the human body are proving to be potent healing substances. This book reveals the findings of research in the 1980s and 1990s on the beneficial role of the aminos in Alzheimer's, cancer, depression, heart conditions, stress and many other disease states.

The different amino acids are discussed in chapters according to type: Aromatic, Sulphur, Urea Cycle, Glutamate, Threonine and Branched Chain. Their food sources, nutrient interactions and proven benefits are given in detail.

The therapeutic functions of specific aminos include pain relief (Phenylalanine), fighting addiction (Tyrosine), treatment of Parkinson's (Methionine), heart protection (Homocysteine), herpes killer (Lysine). Many of them also play a part in immune stimulation or as anti-oxidants.

There are three appendices: 1. The Problems of Vegetarianism. 2. The Much Maligned Egg: The Best Amino Acid Food. 3. Continuing Breakthroughs in Amino Acids. This informative book with its good news concludes with an extensive bibliography, a glossary of terms and an index.

Everyone can benefit from the use of supplemental amino acids. This excellent book shows how to integrate them in one's own health management programme. Similar helpful books include The Amino Revolution by Erdmann and Amino Acids In Therapy by Chaitow.

The Healing Nutrients Within is a must if you want to stay healthy. It's about proteins and amino acids. Amino acid deficiencies and inborn errors of amino acid metabolism are important causes of diseases, some of them deadly.

Problems with amino acids may cause mental or physical illnesses or both. So you should own this book if you want to have a sound mind in a sound body.

There is a separate chapter for each of the amino acids found in the human diet. And there are an amazing hundred-plus pages of scientific references.

This book strikes at the core of nutritional know how. If your serious about fueling your nutritional knowledge base and intrested in real world application of that data. This boook is for you. Really, this is not an light reading. This book is chock full of information that you will keep going back to. This is a book that you keep for life! After you read this book the benchmark is raised.

I do drink more than I should but I have no intention of quitting. I have been taking my vitamins like advised in this book. I can't say I feel any better or worse. I think the point is to NOT get sick, that would be the only way to know if it's working.
As for the person who said they have a drinking problem and need to abstain, the authur makes no qualms about the fact the book isn't suppossed to address these kind of problems. It is only to help you to drink as healthy as you can, if you choose to drink.
i'm glad I bought this book.

No, we aren't talking fairy tales. This is more a situation where someone a long time ago said something was true and its been repeated for so long that everyone believes it. Beyerlein explodes a few of these old wives tales along the way. Helpful charts tell you how long to wait after eating to begin drinking, what foods are okay to eat while drinking, what are liver killers and other helpful information. This book is intended to be a guide for drinkers. It isn't intended to help people who don't drink or want to quit, although some of the information on supplements would be good info for anyone. Loompanics has a real wide variety of books that they publish. Check out their site or call 8003802230.

The most informative book you can own if you drink. I drink often, so sometimes I over drink, the "life-force nutrients" (available at drugstores or health food stores) mentioned in this book can help you protect your health. This is not a book for those who need to stop drinking. If you are able to continue to drink, but still occasionally over-drink, this book can help your 'day-afters'! I tell all my friends about this book. I enjoy wine, sometimes a little, sometime a lot, either way, I no longer loose a day because I had too much to drink the night before.

I find this book well organized ,with a lot of informations about the community,the town of Buffalo,nice old pictures and very good food,real food for real people.I appreciated expecially the chapter about bread and bakery and some appetizers,anyway all recipes are put down very clearly and it is evident that before writing everything was tested many many times

This book is great for anyone who collects Junior League cookbooks. It has beautiful pictures and little history tidbits about Buffalo. The recipes are diverse and easy to do. I can't live without the "Sherry Chicken for a Crowd" and the "Potatoes Foster" - both great for entertaining!

This cookbook is a five star winner. I have tried many of the recipes and they are all great. I love the artwork and I also enjoy reading about the history of Buffalo. A must have cookbook for all collectors of Junior League Cookbooks.