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I found the "editorial reviews" to be a little bit biased given they also contributed to either the book itself, another book by the same authors, or have collaborated with the authors. That being said, Chris and Trish Meyer are two of the most influential Motion Graphics trainers in the industry. They know their stuff and are open to feedback, comments and the like. For example, Chris and I recently corresponded regarding the Volume One book. He was really responsive, professional and considerate. You can't beat that kind of value.
This book picks up where the first left off. I call it, more of the essential skills you need to be a professional After Effects motion graphics producer. This book is for BEGINNERS. Anyone with little to moderate experience might find Volumes One and Two to be a bit beneath them. The way I look at it, Chris and Trish are just being thorough. They have several books out that address the entire motion graphics production creative and technical process. This book falls in between Volume One and After Effects in Production.

Trish and Chris Meyer have done an outstanding job on the entire series of Creating Motion Graphics. Learning graphics software from instructional books is an unappealing task, and through painful experience, I have learned that most are not worth the paper they are printed on. This series is a stunning exception to that rule. The style is thorough yet straightforward, building skills progressively from chapter to chapter, tutorial to tutorial. All three books in the series are packed with demonstrations of all the technical aspects covered, and each example builds upon what has been covered in previous chapters and tutorials, allowing you to absorb and integrate the techniques through experience using them.

I have both of the Meyer's previous books on AE because they are the gold standard in useful AE information. I've learned more practical and applicable info from those books than any other AE source, and their stucture and info layout is head and shoulders above 99% of most of the other graphics related software books I've bought over the years.

I come to AE with an illustration and Flash animation background, so I was a newbie to the world of desktop digital video production for broadcast. The Meyer's have cleared up a world of questions that have cropped up along the way.

But, on to the specific reason for my glowing assesment of this new title:

I needed to composite an animated character, created in Flash, within an AE comp. My problem was that, after following Macromedia's instructions for exporting the animation with an alpha channel, every tiime I brought it in to AE, the alpha would not work, leaving me with an un-wanted background color. I searched high and low through the Flash documentation, the web, even posted my question on Macromedia's Flash User-to-User forum, but no one was able to answer this question.

Enter Creating Motion Graphics, Volume 2.

The complete problem and solution (setting the background color of the Flash movie to a transparent color - THEN exporting as video) is explained in clear and concise detail on pgs. 276-277.

If I had any hair left, the Meyer's would have once again saved me from pulling it all out.

When I find solutions to Flash problems in a book for AE, that even the Macromedia user-forums don't touch, I take it as a pretty strong indicator these folks know what's important, and why.

Of course, this doesn't even touch on the value of the other 398 pages (I just got the book and haven't had time to really read in depth yet), but you get the idea.

Buy the book. Period. And invest in the other two - if you're interested enough in this stuff to lay out the $$ for AE, you'll get a BIG return on your investment in all 3 books.

The Fats of Life is mostly about storage fats, fats as an energy source, fats as adipose tissue. It's not about structural fats. So it doesn't have much to say about fats as components of cell membranes in, say, the eyes or brain. Nor is it about fats as the source of building materials for such vital messenger molecules as prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes.

It's mostly about such things as fat storage depots, the special locations where fats are stored. It tells a great deal about fat storage depots in animals as varied as hares, humans, bears, seals, camels, horses, lions, stoats, birds and squirrels. It also tells a great deal about fats as the energy source during hibernation, migration or other times when food supplies are chancy. And it discusses digesting, transporting and using fats as an energy source, as insulation and as protection for vital organs, from an evolutionary viewpoint

The book is meant for a lay audience, not scientists, so it lacks references. Sometimes this causes problems. For example, the book says that eating sugar is not an important source of weight gain in humans. But there is no reference to support this claim. There are chapter notes at the end of the book. Otherwise, there is no bibliography. There are eighteen black-and-white illustrations.

This is a terrific book -- I'm currently ordering my *third* copy of it as I keep giving copies away! It's not only interesting scientifically, but is an excellent piece of science writing, on a par with books such as Diamond's "Guns, Germs and Steel": information clearly presented in the context of a narrative that makes for unputdownable reading. (I read this book from cover to cover in a couple of sittings, whereas I usually browse most science books.) One of the most interesting aspects of the book (to me) is the discussion on the reasons for human obesity, and the fact that the accumulation, metabolism and distribution of fat in humans (even "thin" ones) is vastly different from that in other mammals. I would recommend anyone who believes models of fat metabolism based on rodent models to take note of this book. Additionally, Pond is able to speculate on evolutionary biological issues in humans in a logical and rational fashion, without falling into the excesses of evolutionary psychology.Pond also points out how much our "fat phobic" society has limited scientific investigation into both physiological properties and gross anatomical details of adipose tissue (no, it's not just a big inert blob!)

This is a good, solid synthesis of what we know (or rather, what we should know) about patterns of lipid acquisition, storage and utilization by plants and animals. The author uses lots of examples of lipid adaptations in wild animals, and covers everything from seasonal changes in the adipose tissue of reindeer, to the fatty acid composition of crayfish eye cell membranes. Brief, concise reviews of lipid synthesis, transport and oxidation are given, as well as a discussion of the diversity of fatty acids and their various origins, properties, and functions. A good portion of the text is devoted to understanding why lipids are so important, and how they function as storage molecules, membrane constituents, and cellular messengers. These functions are illustrated with examples of the roles of lipids in migration, hibernation, starvation, reproduction, the immune system, and human obesity. Of particular interest is the way in which the reader is encouraged to consider fats as very important, critical biological molecules, whose reputation has been unfairly maligned by the general public (and many scientists) for hundreds of years. This book is a critical new addition to any lipid/biochemical library; it is informative, current, interesting, and well-written. It is of utmost usefulness to any biologist studying lipid metabolism, and should certainly be read by anyone who has not yet realized that lipids are fascinating and important molecules whose appreciation is long overdue.

The author writes with supreme knowledge on the subject of fear, it's causes, it's origins, it's nature. Biologically and emotionally, he takes us step by step through this sordid emotion, leaving us with a better understanding of our nature. Though a bit too technical at times for the average reader, still an excellent study and an emotional journey through our darkest side. I was anticipating a bit more advice on how to overcome fears, however, and would have preferred more discussion in that area. I recommend this book for anyone interested in human emotion.

I highly recommend this book as an intelligently written, well researched account of fear, our first emotion from birth. As the previous reviewer commented, this is not a self-help book and makes no pretensions to that. Thankfully (as I find most self-help books excessively subjective and "feelings-based"), it an academic and objective study of what fear is to a human. I am a fan of the horror genre, hence my initial interest, but I recommend this to anyone, as it is neither dry (very readable) nor exclusive to my interests. One of my favorites on the subject.

I like it. It is easy for the lay person to understand. Accessible. Well written. Relevant

This book, written by physicist Eugenie Vorburger Mielczarek and science writer Sharon Berstch McGrayne, covers the wide-ranging role of iron in living organisms ranging from the early forms of life to the plants and animals of today. The treatment includes not only sufficient scientific background material to explain the processes, but also interesting details about the investigators who were involved in the key discoveries along the way. It is aimed at general readership and reviews studies which are not widely known to nonspecialists.

The result is a fascinating story of way starting from the way in which life may have first emerged in an oxygen-poor environment at thermal springs in the sea, possibly involving complex organic molecules containing iron and sulfur. Later, as plants evolved to be capable of photosynthesis, the oxygen content of the atmosphere gradually increased. This had a huge impact on both the chemical composition of the oceans as well as leading to the evolution of complex plants and animals. The way in which iron plays an essential role in facilitating the efficient use of oxygen to provide energy in animals is discussed in this book in a way which would enable the nonscientist to grasp the fundamentals of these processes. In addition, the dramatic dire consequences to plants and animals growing in iron-deficient environments is pointed out.

Finally, this book addresses the mystery of animal migration in birds and other animals. This unusual phenomenon appears to be associated with earth's magnetic field in some cases. The discovery of magnetite (a crystalline form of iron oxide which is magnetic) crystals in the brains of some birds and fish points to a possible mechanism whereby magnetic effects can be associated with the direction-finding capabilities of some organisms. The ability of organisms to "maufacture" magnetic inorganic crystals certainly does appear remarkable.

Thus, readers of this book will be exposed to a engrossing treatment of the many ways in which the element iron has played an essential part in important biological processes and phenomena.

a book which comprises in a language accessible to all many different and important discoveries about the necessity for iron on the earth. many fascinating interviews with the scientists who did the research. It teaches much about a variety of disciplines; chemistry, biology, geology, physics, oceanography and others. very interesting and easy to understand. IF the composition of the world and its organisms fascinates you, you must read this book.

This fascinating book is about the often-neglected but vitally important roles of iron in biology. Each chapter is discreet, easily read, exciting, and thought-provoking. For example, until reading this book, I did not realize that the growth of prehistoric life was limited by bacteria's ability to acquire iron. A chapter describes how early life used reduced iron for energy because oxygen was not yet available. Other, more modern chapter topics include biological magnets, hemochromatosis, and the devastating effects of iron deficiency anemia in 3rd world.

Koenig's book has the rare quality of being both readable and scientific. He presents credible data showing how religion benefits people's mental and physical health. This approach is quite unlike the anti-scientific rant of anti-religious treatises like Wendell Watters' book Deadly Doctrine, which relies mainly on anecdotal evidence, personal bias, and theoretical speculation. Instead, Koenig uses controlled studies to prove his points. I'd give him a few extra brownie points for managing to show a Christian attitude to people like Watters, whom I find maddening.

I came across this book while doing research for religion and psychology. I would like to say that this is a great book. The effect of religion on mental and physical health is approached with a very critical and great perspective. Buy it without a doubt.

The research is surprising. What we mental health professionals have been presuming for all these years seems false! Religion, according to this author, does appear to have benefits. I'd like to read more about this area.

I have suffered from mercury amalgam poisoning. This book covers a great deal of important scientific inquiry into this important issue. It describes the danger of mercury vapor (as opposed to leaking solid mercury) and details exactly how the mercury is taken in through the nose, and also through the nerves, and crosses the blood-brain barrier going directly to the brain! If you really want information on micromercurial poisoning, you will find it in this book.

The only problem is that you have to be really dedicated to the issue to read this book. The book seems to be a fairly poor translation from the original Swedish. Items are repeated, and the entire book seems to meander, switching from one topic to another, then later back again. Patience is needed, but the info is there and is valuable.

Patrick Stortebecker goes into a great amount of detail explaining HOW mercury is transmitted from amalgams to the brain. From a medical standpoint, this book should convince any doctor who is willing to read it, how serious amalgam poisoning really is. Other books I've read on amalgam poisoning never really explained how mercury reaches the brain. They just assumed it did. This book proves it! This is a must read for anyone who needs a medical explanation to how mercury travels from the teeth to the brain and bloodstream. The book is a dry read (clinically unemotional) with a purely medical tone. The author was an associate professor to neurology and reads somewhat like a medical book rather than a novel. Be prepared to digest it slowly. The Swedish translation is a bit rough. If this book doesn't convince you or your doctor of the dangers of mercury poisoning, then nothing will.

Christmas time this past year I was told that I had heavy metal poisoning from dental amalgams. After many months, many doctors and thousands of dollars trying to find an answer,in this book I found descriptions of all my symptoms that I had not found in other books. He told about how it effects the brain and every cell in the body. This book is very detailed and well researched. I found information in this book that I didn't find in other books or doctors. I am now recovering after amalgam removal. If you have amalgam (mercury fillings), and are having health problems this could be the answer. It was mine.

Daniel Pharr presents us here with a comprehensive book about all things lunar. He starts with the basic lore about the phases--about the properties of the waxing, full, waning, and dark moon. He goes on to talk about moon signs and what they mean; he describes the personality traits of people born under each moon sign, and goes even deeper by detailing how a person born under each sign will likely react and feel as the moon enters each of the zodiac signs. For example, if your moon sign is Aries, you might have some struggles when the moon enters watery Cancer; having that knowledge can help you deal with the emotions. Pharr advises keeping a moon diary in which you keep track of the moon's sign and how your mood and energy levels are affected by it. Included is a lunar ephemeris; with a little bit of math you can determine the moon's sign at any given moment.

This is a great book to use to follow our emotional attunement as the transiting Moon changes signs. Some interesting and illuminating insights into the natal Moon in signs, too! If you love the Moon, you'll love this reference! There's a very useful appendix with a lunar ephemeris and a glossary of terms.

i absolutely loved this book it expalins what to do in each moon phase and when the moon goes into a different sign,it explains about how when the moon is in each astrological sign how it effects you depending on your moon sign,it would be great tool for writing spells too

Since the class book I have seems to make you search for the formulas, I needed a book that was a quick reference. This book is easy to read. It's more of a reference book than a teaching book. I like having it to review over what the class book doesn't explain to well.

I needed a quick reference to my Solid States class. This books puts the information I need right at my fingertips. While my class book is more detailed, this book gets to the point and is a great refresher for those needing to remember the points of semiconductors.

As a new grad student, this book, and the others of the series, provide a wonderful working basis for making and analyzing semiconductor devices devices. I highly recommend this series of books for any researcher in the semiconductor field.

If you're hoping for a detailled breakdown for accomplishing finished renderings, there are much better books on the market. The author recommends some good starting markers and sets some color recipes down, but he rarely works 'tight', so if you're looking for a step by step process leading to a tight comp (as most aspiring commercial artists) shop elsewhere. Even in the better rendering books (arch. rendering books), they rarely address problems of flesh tones and getting edgelights, so I give this book 3 stars just for being in color and trying to cover the material he did. I just wish he took some more time with his 'examples'. He's so loose, he's bad.

I have bought this book used from leslie36@optonline.net,the book was brand new.I recommend this seller.The book i s very helpfull.

I am 13 years old and have always liked drawing. About 2 years ago i ditched crayola markers and got some good ones, Prismacolor, chartpak, Pantone....the list goes on and on. Anyway, i came across this book at a used book store at the airport in Wisconsin. When i first looked at it, i thought the title was dumb. Then, when i looked into it i saw that it was filled with color. The latest book i had bought was Rendering with Markers, it was a older book and was pretty boring. This one was different though, i had to buy it. Now i have had it for 6 months and look at it about once a week. If you are starting out with markers or familar with then this is a great book for you.

I knew I was going to enjoy this book when I found on page three attribution of Ivan Illich's Medical Nemesis. This book chronicles the history of iatrogenic illness, which continues and remains inevitable as medicine is practiced in the US.

The only fault I find with Medical Harm is the cursory mention of hysterectomy, the second most commonly performed surgery in the US. And the most unwarranted and damaging surgery. Surely that merits more than a mention.

This is a valuable book, but I was puzzled to find that, although the authors discuss "ritualistic surgery" and "fads," they make no mention of male infant circumcision - an extremely painful, permanently harmful, and medically worthless procedure that has been abandoned (if ever accepted) nearly everywhere in the civilized world. Although they discuss tonsillectomy, now rightly recognized as worthless, they seem almost determined not even to consider whether infant circumcision is an example of what they term "unnecessary surgery." For the information of readers I am an anthropologist with a medical degree and have been conducting research on this subject for more than two years.

For anyone involved in the healing arts, the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) recent report on preventable errors could not have been a surprise. The book MEDICAL HARM...is an excellent and comprehensive look at the subject of iatrogenic illness and injury. It gives some valuable history that makes the IOM report more understandable. This book should be required reading for every health professional, medical and nursing student, hospital administrator and board member.