Summer Party

Book Description

Meet the

COBBLE STREET COUSINS

• Lily, who wants to be a poet •

• Tess, who wants to be a Broadway star •

• Rosie, who wants a little cottage with flowers by the door •

The cousins' parents are coming home! Of course Lily, Tess, and Rosie are looking forward to seeing their parents, but they're also sad about leaving their cozy attic room in Aunt Lucy's little blue house on Cobble Street -- and each other. So they plan a summer party to welcome their parents back and to cheer themselves up. But it's Aunt Lucy's boyfriend, Michael, whose wonderful surprise makes the party really special.

Customer Reviews:

Summer Party is a Blast!.......2003-10-29

The book Summer Party is by Cynthia Rylant. A quick summary of Summer Party is that three girls named Tess, Rosie, and Lily live in their Aunt Lucy's attic for the summer. At the end of the summer, the three girls plan a party for their family. They're at the party with Japanese Lanterns, entertainment, and fortunes. After the party, Michael, Aunt Lucy's boyfriend asks, "Aunt Lucy will you marry me?" I would give this book to my friend Renee because she loves the summer.

Texturing: Concepts and Techniques (Graphics Series)

Average customer rating:

Good book, but not on texturing
The One Book
Ed Sertab, Associate Professor of 3D Animation
Lots of mapping theory, no texture painting

Texturing: Concepts and Techniques (Graphics Series)
Dennis Summers
Manufacturer: Charles River Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1584503009

Book Description

Texturing: Concepts and Techniques is about the aesthetics and design issues of creating and using interesting textures for digital 3D animation. This beautifully illustrated, full color book teaches artists how to create stunning and convincing textures using the popular 3ds max TM , Maya Â® , and LightWave 3D Â® programs. It describes the theory behind many aspects of the software, to give artists a deeper understanding of the technology, and its past, present, and future. It helps readers understand the limitations that 3D animation places on creating quality imagery, and details the artistic techniques behind creating convincing textures, not just realistic or photorealistic ones. The tutorials and techniques included throughout the book don't just show users how to recreate a texture, but take them deep into the tools of the programs to help them really understand how and why they work. After working through the tutorials, users will be able to take their skills to the next level and create their own stunning textures!

Customer Reviews:

Good book, but not on texturing.......2006-12-10

The funny thing about this book with TEXTURING across the cover is that it seems to cover everything *except* what I'd consider texturing. It has a really good discussion on basic art design principles, then extensive coverage of lighting, color, materials, shaders, and even UV mapping, but nothing on actually creating textures!

In any case, I still recommend this book. All the materials it does cover it covers well. There are really nice color pictures throughout the book, which really helps given the topics.

One thing to note though is that after presenting some topic, the book generally tells you how to accomplish that in Max, Maya, and Lightwave. If you use one or more of those tools, then great, if not, then I think the discussion will still be useful, but obviously you'll get a little less out of it then those who do use those tools.

The One Book.......2005-10-20

If you can only have one book on texturing/shading this is the book you would want. As a teacher I look for information on how to do things but more importantly, why. This is an amazing book with depth and breadth to suit the novice, the adept and the expert. You will discover the roots of the science and art of texturing in addition to the how-to.

Ed Sertab, Associate Professor of 3D Animation.......2005-06-21

If you are a freelance professional or a student of 3D you are going to find this book very useful. Every year I have to review several books to try to find a teaching tool that is clear and concise. This book hit the spot.

The book fills two vital needs. Not only will you learn to use the color and lighting tools in your program, but if you need to get up to speed on the other software packages that are covered, this book is the answer. The book covers Maya, 3D Studio Max and Lightwave!

If you work for various clients you will find this is a great reference to help get going regardless of software used in most of the production studios you would encounter. If you are a student or have just graduated, this is a wonderful tool to keep handy and help convert from one package to another, fast. There is just enough background or theory to let you understand what you are doing with the tools, as well as actual useful examples that reinforce the instructions in the book. But, wait, that is not enough, what I really appreciate, is that Mr. Summers actually talks about the "Gotchas" and traps that seem to be inherent in all 3D packages. These are the little undocumented software "features" that usually take hours or days of experimentation, e-mails to colleagues, or digging through the underbelly of the internet, to uncover or understand.

Now two things that bother me about the book, and hence the four stars instead of five, are the name of the book and the errors found in it. Now, the errors are all minor and I never found an error that was so bad as to make a lesson unusable (like I have found in so many other books and online tutorials), but I would believe that by now publishers should be able to find good technical editors. Which leads me to the title.

The title just does not do justice to the material. There is so much more in the book then just texturing. I find the book more of a good instructional manual or reference for color and lighting in general. For example, in one lesson Mr. Summers covers not only how to use and make layered textures, but also how to create and control displacement maps and backgrounds, without being overwhelming, dryly technical, or worse, confusingly abbreviated, like so many online tutorials.

The book is not a guide on how to paint textures, there are plenty of... well I call them "efforts" to cover that arena. I suggest you find a way to carefully review those books if that is what you are after. Instead, Mr. Summers has provided a way to form that mental map of the software that will allow you to use it or learn it effectively. In today's fast paced job market and in the everchanging academic environment, this could be the edge you need to succeed.

Lots of mapping theory, no texture painting.......2004-06-26

I love to paint textures, so I looked forward to this book. I just want to straighten that out for texture artists.

Customer Reviews:

Forgettable.......2006-09-28

This works well enough, if you're trying to teach a seasonal theme. It covers all the bases for a unit on summer, and the pictures are lovely, but it really didn't do much to capture the imagination (or interest) of this homeschooling Mom or her son.

Get in the Game!: The Girls' Guide to Money and Investing

Average customer rating:

Loved it!
Scored!
Book plus website = financial freedom!
Great for any woman!!
Not for the serious investor

Get in the Game!: The Girls' Guide to Money and Investing
Vanessa Summers
Manufacturer: Bloomberg Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1576600963

Book Description

Get in the Game! targets educating and empowering young women in their twenties in all aspects of money and investing. Written in a fresh, fun, accessible, and informative style, the book spells out when women need to invest, how they can set achievable goals and then find the tools for reaching them.

The book is simple enough for a beginner but savvy enough to be of real value to every reader. No other finance book provides this blend of empathy, humor, and most of all, immediacy. As a mentor to her peer group and speaking from her own experience, author Vanessa Summers is well equipped to help young women develop a sense of confidence and competence about their money matters.

Step-by-step, Get in the Game! shows young women why it is important for them to start investing now. It explains how to define their personal financial identities, control unrestrained spending, and pay themselves first by building three 'adventure backpacks' (retirement, emergency funds, and immediate cash).

Summers explains the basics of 401(k)s, IRAs, mutual funds, and other financial instruments and includes a special section on Internet research. There's even a wrap-up that helps the reader get comfortable with the wealth of information the book shares -- without feeling overwhelmed.

Customer Reviews:

Loved it!.......2006-10-28

This book is great for begineers and speaks at that level. Even if you are an intermediate level you will still enjoy the outline of this book. The follow up book is good too.

Scored!.......2005-04-07

This was an amazing book. I first read it when i was 18. I am not the reason this book is sold out at 4 diffrent borders location aroudn town. This book is Phenomonal and i HIGHLY recommend women in general reading. I give it as a gift all the time. I started with my mom and my sister and they both loved it. The book is very informative and simple to understand. The book ranged from words i had heard before but was to embrassed to ask what they ment- to more advanced ideas and concepts. The book also isn't just about Finanaces it is about finding the blance ina ll aspect of you life. I was motivated and inspired. I got to meet Vanessa and attened one of her Wealth and Sucess workshops and she sincerly belives and backs and lives everything she talks about. She is an amazing person and a great example for us all.

Book plus website = financial freedom! .......2004-11-25

I LOVED this book and was so motivated while I was reading it that I signed up for an online software before I got halfway through! Everybody keeps saying that tracking your spending is the first step to saving money, getting out of debt and building a retirement fund. But I've always found Quicken and Money and all those other programs really boring and complicated. Thank God for moneypants.com. Their cashtracking software is tailor-made for idiots like me who prefer pictures to numbers!

Great for any woman!!.......2003-06-05

Summers is great at introducing her topics in a manner that is not overwhelming. Plus she gives great tips and facts to back up why you should take care of your finances. An excellent read for a recent college grad or your mother.

Not for the serious investor.......2002-03-07

The book was short, light and easy to read. It was also a very superficial treatment of the topic, more of a cheerleading tome than anything else. If you want hard numbers/facts, look elsewhere.

500 Five Minute Games: Quick and Easy Activities for 3-6 Year Olds

Average customer rating:

500 Five Minute Games: Quick and Easy Activities for 3-6 Year Olds
Jackie Silberg
Manufacturer: Gryphon House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

ASIN: 0876591721

Product Description

Quick and Easy Activities for 3 to 6 Year Olds-Enjoy five-minute fun from the author who brought you the popular series Games to Play with Babies, Games to Play with Toddlers and Games to Play with Two Year Olds. These games are easy, fun, developmentally appropriate and promote learning in just five spare minutes of the day. Children unwind, get the wiggles out, communicate and build self-esteem as they have fun. Each game indicates the particular skill developed.

The Family Manager's Guide To Summer Survival: Make the Most of Summer Vacation with Fun Family Activities, Games, and More!

Average customer rating:

Wow I'm glad I got this book
Mostly geared towards working moms
Make the Most of Summer

The Family Manager's Guide To Summer Survival: Make the Most of Summer Vacation with Fun Family Activities, Games, and More!
Kathy Peel
Manufacturer: Fair Winds Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1592332005

Book Description

Summer vacation can be a wonderful bonding time for parents and their kids... if it's done right! In The Family Manager's Guide to Summer Survival, best-selling author Kathy Peel shows you how to make the most of the summer months with activities, learning experiences, trips, and more. Plus, she'll show you the top ten ways to answer the cries of "I'm bored!" with creative activities that teach children skills and values.

The ultimate guide to surviving school vacation for both working and stay-at-home moms, this book will help parents give their kids summers to remember!

Customer Reviews:

Wow I'm glad I got this book.......2007-04-05

I'm psyched for summer. I'm a SAHM and just read this tonight (I did do a lot of skimming as far as the actual crafts and stuff but read all the introductory text in each section).

I have no idea why someone would say this is geared toward working moms. There is a part in the beginning saying how to ADAPT it to working moms, but most if it deals with what to do with your kids on a day-to-day basis in the summer to help them entertain themselves (and avoid the "I'm bored" monster) along with teaching different values and focusing on different areas of their growth. I actually don't think it would work that great for working moms - did I miss something?!

There is a lot that I skipped over, such as how to help them earn money doing different summer jobs, and with any "list" type book of tips and ideas, there are some I already knew and a lot I probably won't use. However, just the craft part alone is worth the cost of the book. I got it from the library but am on here right now finding a copy to own so I can highlight and dog ear.

There are many many craft ideas that are actually cheap, unlike a lot of craft books and magazines that require you to buy special expensive ingredients and ending up with crafts that the kids can't even make well so the parent ends up taking over. The ingredients in here that look like they might be costly are used over and over again so at least you are not buying a big box of something like Borax or liquid starch and only using a tablespoon. And the crafts seem to be easy enough for the age range of 6-9 that I'm looking for. There are enough crafts that I'm interested in that I actually think it would take several summers to do them all!

I've already enrolled my 9yo and 6yo in a few day and overnight scout-type camps but was looking into some expensive daycamps at the Y and elsewhere (starting at $200 a week for both boys - yikes!) to keep them occupied during the day, since I plan to turn the tv and video games off for the summer. Now I realize I can actually enjoy doing camp-type activities with them without Mom getting too bored, and still have enough time to do the things I, myself, need and want to do this summer. Especially since there are a lot that require planning on my part but that they can implement all by themselves.

BTW, it has definite Christian overtones. If you are not big on Christian literature, as I am not, don't be turned off. It's not preachy and there is plenty here for parents of any religion or even no religion, like me.

Mostly geared towards working moms.......2006-08-08

There were some helpful worksheets and ideas, however, over all it is geared toward the working mom. Also if you homeschool - most of the ideas don't fit but some could be modified.

Make the Most of Summer.......2006-06-03

Sure kids need some time to relax over the summer but quickly become bored. What's a busy parent to do ?
I was delighted to discover this book after reading about in in the Maine Sunday Telegram. The author advises really listening to your children's input on what excites them, but also wants the parent to offer suggestions and set limits.
A child may think watching cartoons non-stop makes a fun summer. This book gives ideas (tennis, hiking, other exercise or structured programs). I highly recommend investigating the free programs at your local public library. They might be able to lure your child into reading for pleasure (or reward).
The book wants you to get resourceful and creative with your children. Learn origami or stamp collecting or take turns with other parents teaching the children new skills.
The author also suggests a designated "pickup time" each day to gather up the toys and do a 10-minute clean up. Great idea!
There are lots of things to do in the summer with children and many are inexpensive. Turn off the TV and turn on your family to having fun together this summer.

Average customer rating:

Summer Fun Mad Libs Junior
Roger Price
Manufacturer: Price Stern Sloan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0843107596

Book Description

What could be better for kids in the backseat on those long car trips? Highlighting some of AmericaÂ's most popular travel destinations, Summer Fun Mad Libs Junior is perfect for those long road trips.

Average customer rating:

A Review of "Around the Pond: Who's Been Here?"

Around the Pond: Who's Been Here?

Manufacturer: Greenwillow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0688143768
Release Date: 1996-09-16

Book Description

Cammy and William follow an old deer path around the pond in search of blueberries. But unexpectedly they find a lot more. Clue after clue tells them what kind of animal has been there before and left its trace behind. Share their adventure in this handsome and informative companion toIn the Woods: Who's Been Here?andIn the Snow: Who's Been Here?

Customer Reviews:

A Review of "Around the Pond: Who's Been Here?".......2005-08-11

I really wanted to write a hardy recommendation for this book. It has marvelous pictures and an interesting concept, but I am stymied in relaying how much *I* liked it, because my children did not care for it. (They are girl and boy; 5 and 3).

"Around the Pond" has marvelous artwork. Big, sometimes double page, drawings of animals and children, but for some reason that was not enough to entrance my kids.

The concept is that Cammy and William are out on a muggy summer's day picking blueberries. As they walk around the lake they find 'telltales' of animals that have been there before them. We see baby wood ducks in their tree nest, a baby raccoon and its tiny footprint, a daddy sunfish guarding his eggs, a beaver, a painted terrapin and her eggs, a garter snake and its shed skin, a blue heron catching a fish, and an otter.

Why it didn't interest my children... I don't know. Perhaps your children will like it better.

Three Stars. I, personally, would give it more; but my children would give it less. This book has a nice concept and wonderful drawings. My only objection is that the information on what the animals are doing (for example, what the sunfish was doing making a shallow bowl in the sand) was relegated to the last page.

The Long Ball: The Summer of '75--Spaceman, Catfish, Charlie Hustle, and the Greatest World Series Ever Played

Average customer rating:

An entertaining read
Not impressed
Warning Track Power
Makes you feel like you're right there in 1975
Why didn't I hear about this book sooner?

The Long Ball: The Summer of '75--Spaceman, Catfish, Charlie Hustle, and the Greatest World Series Ever Played
Tom Adelman
Manufacturer: Little, Brown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0316068993

Book Description

The 1975 World Series between the Boston Red Sox and the Cincinnati Reds is generally considered the best of all time, and baseball historians often rank its sixth game as the greatest single game ever played. Adelman opens his story of this epochal summer with the dramatic preseason showdown between owners and players that catalyzed free agency, increased player salaries, and launched an age when baseball would be less about the game and more about 'the green.' THE LONG BALL then tells the dramatic story of the star-studded season that followed and the heart-stopping series itself. With unforgettable portraits of some of baseball's most colorful characters, this is an affecting look at baseball's last great days-all of it leading up to a magical home run that wins a game for a losing team and leaves the bat with the thump of a heartbeat.

Customer Reviews:

An entertaining read.......2007-05-12

"The Long Ball" is definitely an entertaining read. There were laugh-out-loud moments as the author described some of the plays in the '75 World Series. The first half of the book covers the regular '75 season, many of its players and teams, while the second half concentrates on the post-season. The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is because the author's slant in favor of the Boston Red Sox eventually emerges as an unmistakable bias. I would have liked to see the book's approach be more even-handed between the Reds and Red Sox, especially since it was the Reds that won the World Series, not Boston. Still, a very enjoyable read. Recommended.

Not impressed.......2005-11-29

Don't let my review scare you from wanting to read this book. My reasons are obvious...I found myself in a love hate relationship with this one. As a die hard red sox fan I purchased this book with only them in mind. My only intentions were to learn more about the history of the sox. There was a lot more information than I needed to know in this book. All the other information was good but unnecessary to me. I found my self skipping around to get to the information that kept me awake.

The detail that was good was really good (this is why I still gave the book three stars). Some of the information on the hall of fame players that are described in the book was perfect. How Pete Rose played the game, How Carbo got to bat in the ninth, how the camera stayed on Pudge after he hit the bomb, what happened to Tony C. etc etc. If your a red sox fan and you wouldn't mind fighting through all the useless facts about the other teams, you would definitely enjoy this one. But if you're easily distracted there are probably better books out there on the history of the sox.

Warning Track Power.......2005-08-26

Tom Adelman's The Long Ball: The Summer of '75 is both an interesting and frustrating read. The concept of the book is excellent. Connecting various stories of the 1975 season in a cut and paste manner makes for a more interesting read than just a straight chronological account. Mr. Adelman is also very adept at painting a descriptive picture of the events he is relaying. The frustrating part is that he is very inaccurate with his facts and one never knows if everything is real. The story about how Barry Bonds started choking up on the bat during bat day at Shea Stadium just seems too far fetched to believe. This other similar stories of young Ken Griffrey, Jr., Mark McGwire & Rickey Henderson lead you to question how accurate or real the stories of the actual '75 are.

Makes you feel like you're right there in 1975.......2005-05-17

I happened to stumble upon this book at a local bookstore. The paperback cover said it was a "national bestseller." After a quick glimpse through it, I decided to pick it up. I wasn't disappointed. Adelman makes you feel as though you are right in the thick of things during the 1975 season. Newlywed Johnny Bench is featured prominently, as are Bobby Bonds and his son Barry, Pete Rose, Carlton Fisk, and Sparky Anderson. There isn't any reminiscing on how this year was, Adelman puts you right there month by month. The League Championship Series' and World Series are expounded upon greatly. The World Series is broken down by the days including the rainout days. A very good book. Recommended.

Why didn't I hear about this book sooner?.......2005-04-30

I just discovered this book at a local bookseller. I read it over the course of a few evenings, and I continue telling friends about cool tidbits I learned from The Long Ball.

Adelman's done his research, and his crisp, fast-paced writing gets you in the game quickly. Even if you're not a Reds or Red Sox fan, there's plenty in the book to enjoy, as it celebrates not only numerous players' personalities, but the nuances that make baseball so enjoyable for so many.

Average customer rating:

An excellent puzzle book for automated reasoning

Test Your Logic
George J. Summers
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0486228770

Book Description

50 more truly new puzzles with new turns of thought, new subtleties of inference.

Customer Reviews:

An excellent puzzle book for automated reasoning.......2001-08-03

For those of you who enjoy having computers solve puzzles, this book will provide many good problems to work with. The real puzzle is understanding how to phrase the clues in a language like prolog so that a machine can solve the problem. This book has many wonderful puzzles that can be done with the human mind in minutes, and will sometimes take hours to correctly phrase for solving by a computer.

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