Design Books

I salivate over this book, and look at it daily. Diebenkorn has always been a big inspiration to my artistic endeavors, and the images in this book (plus the text, which is well written) is such a treat. Really covers it all!

Good book at an excellent price. It is worth it. Good pictures. Reading a little bit heavy.

I give it a 5 star because the content was exactly what I was looking for. To own a book by the author is difficult to find. The text is very informing and the photo's are true to color. I am always interested in abstract art, and I found it very informing.

One of the best art books I have read so far. The reproductions do justice to this master of color, virtually unknown outside the U.S.and, as a French reader,thanks to this book, I discovered one of the most impressive achievements in recent modern art: the Ocean Park series which Diebenkorn painted in the late 60's and early 70's. The other aspects of his oeuvre are, in my opinion, not as imposing, but to understand an artist, it is necessary to have a global vision of his output, and this is what this book manages to give.

Excellent monography about a painter all to discover; all the periods and technics are overviewed in a very pleasant language; a lot of place for reproduction of works of Diebenkorn and reproduction work is very meticulos. So, probably the best book about the work and life of Richard Diebenkorn

It is a great book. I used it for building a covered porch and found it indispensable.

Well when i got the book i was amazed on the amount of diffrent Roof Framing situations that are in it . Stuff in this book not to many people know how to do. Even if i just use the book once to refer to the 20 i spent on it was worth it ... If you are Into cutting rafters and find the Common Gables and Hips fun to do then you would love this ....

This is the best book currently available on roof cutting. It is enhanced through the authors extensive experience and inspirational passion for his craft. It is written for those who already have an understanding of framing and would like to grow in their knowledge. The layout makes it an easy to use quick reference guide for the particular aspects one might wish to inform themselves about on any given day.
I was impressed and encouraged by Will Holladay after purchasing his book. He showed me the joy, the satisfaction, and the excellence that can be achieved by doing what one was created to do.

Very detailed with corresponding illustrations. My favorite construction book out of 10. Covers all variations of complex rafter roofs. Also check out Roof Framer's bible for tables and corresponding math if u hate those construction calculators.

This book really helped me work through some issues I was having with cutting
a complex roof. I don't know if I could have done it otherwise. Beginning framers would also benefit from the book as it offers some advice in that area as well. Be sure you get the Journal of Light Construction edition NOT the edition published by Craftsman Book Company. I don't think there is a better book for advanced roof cutters.

I am very pleased with the beautiful photography of this book. It gives you an up front & personal view of some of the most exclusive lodges in Africa. Safari Chic photograph's can help you find inspiration that will transform your home into a special Safari paradise of your own. There is even a list in the back that will direct you to stores that will carry exotic items to help with your decorating needs!

I would recommend this book to anyone that is into "Safari" or decorating in general. It has lot's of useful information & the layout is easy to navigate.

I also bought, "Simply Safari" by, Daryl & Sharna Balfour & fell in love with it! You can't go wrong with either book ... they are a must have!

Gorgeous coffee table book, which is actually great reading, too! Sumptuous photographs will inspire you to add a touch of Safari Chic to your own home! Exquisitely well done book...I hope there will be sequels!....

Libraries with strong sections on ethnic or modern architecture will want to include Bibi Jordan's Safari Chic as a unique presentation of over a hundred photos of exotic exteriors and interiors. African bush style goes modern in homes which profile decorating choices achieved through ethnic crafts and fabrics. The color photos are lavish and display many options and styles.

Upon first glance, Bibi Jordan's "Safari Chic" looks like a handsome, pretty-picture, coffee table, book that is ... just that; it looks good on an Ottoman in one's living room. Only, I have those types of books and was not prepared to buy another, hence my hesitation. But Africa is much more than an interest for me and so naturally I began to thumb through and shortly afterwards, lose myself in it.

The preface by Peter Beard - Mr. Africa himself - sets the tone for the unfolding of a modern day journey. Miss Jordan's safari takes us to those breathtaking sceneries where man is as much a part of nature as the elephants, hippo and lion. In doing so, she introduces us to the men and women who live in "the bush". These characters, some of whose families have been safari outfitters in Africa for 90 years, make up the real fabric of what Africa is about. In telling their story, we learn that safari is a way of life. Each camp has its own unique history. By understanding these people and how they live in harmony with their fellow Africans and wildlife, we are able to grasp the complete picture.

Miss Jordan weaves these fascinating personalities together into a wonderful narrative. Inspirational quotes from Karen Blixen, Ernest Hemingway, and others, and - yes, great pictures, make for an enticing read.

This book makes Africa real and for me, timeless. It makes you want to go there, and bring a piece of it back with you. The last chapter offers some excellent and affordable tips to decorating `safari chic'. Popular stores like Pier One and The Pottery Barn can bring Africa to your fingertips.

As mentioned, many other African safari books are dictated by form and fashion above substance. "Safari Chic" is more than a decorating style; it's a frame of mind. From all of the famous quotes Miss Jordan uses, this one perhaps, sums it up best.

"All things considered, there are two kinds of people in the world: Those who stay at home and those who do not. The second are most interesting."

- Rudyard Kipling

Bibi Jordan has managed to capture the true spirit of adventure in her new book Safari Chic. Not only do the wild exteriors and the mannered interiors inspire one to redecorate their physical surroundings but they resonate with the kindling spirit of rejuvenation and imagination. This is a traveler's delight as well. More books Bibi, more!

The book is easy to understand. There are plenty of examples and the exercise help reinforce what you learnt. The two negatives are: it's not XSLT 2.0 and the printing and binding of the book is poor. It is still a good way to learn XSLT. It would be great to have a study group guide.

Some PROs and CONs...

Pros:
Topic flows very well. Author was able to explain each topic without asking reader to refer to upcoming forward chapters. Best part of this book are the examples. They are relevant and short and sweet enough to understand. Best of all, there are lots of examples. The author doesn't just slap them on the page and tell you to figure it out yourself. The author walks the reader thru them.

Cons:
Some areas reads like a technical manual.. causing me to reread sentences over and again. But that said, the book still comes across as tutorial friendly (You figure that out.).

Comparisons:
I rate the book 5 stars. I own Beginnning XSLT 2.0 by Tennison, XSLT 2.0 by Kay, and Mastering XSLT by White. My opinion is that XSLT in 21 days is the best book to get you to learn it the quickest because of the author's superb examples.

If you know absolutely nothing about XSLT, this is the book for you. Very straightforward. I got through the first week (7 chapters) in about a day. You could easily read and understand most of the content in this book in less than a few days. Great for anyone wanting to pick up the language quickly. For advanced users, this is probably not your book.

This book works. It does, however, assume that you have a meaningful level of computer proficiency. This is probably a safe assumption for anyone intending to go spelunking in XML files and performing transformations on same.

To complete the book's lessons, you'll need to download and install one of the free XSLT parsing engines listed in the book. Alternatively, I used the jEdit free text browser and its associated XSLT plugin to run the examples.

I don't believe in assigning five stars, or I would have for this book.

Best book to start out with XSLT;
quickly takes you to the point where you can put knowledge from the book to work;

ALSO - it is very easy to follow the Book on the road BECAUSE it explains exactly what each line of code in examples does;

Very thourough analysis and not much mumbo-jambo (as in xslt for dummmies book)

Have been using code from this book with great success, extending the functionality of SSJS objects (SuperFile, SuperMail)--until now (SuperClient). SuperClient can't seem to see the [client] object in an iPlanet WebServer 4.1 environment. So, digging around in vendor supplied documentation for that version, we find [customClient]. The description of this [customClient] object is very similar to [SuperClient]. Now, while merging the functionality of the two, the book continues to be a wonderful asset.

iPlanet Web Server, Enterprise Edition Server-Side JavaScript Guide (v4.1)* March 2000 (p140 ff) Creating a Custom [client] Object

EXTRACT: Properties of the predefined [client] object can have only string values. To extend the [client] object with a custom object include the following line at the beginning of pages that require it: [var customClient = getCustomClient();] If this is NOT the first page that requests the object you get an existing object, otherwise a new one is created.

I have been using and referring this book to development teams for the past year. An excellent tutorial and reference point for people exposing the power of Server-side JavaScript.

The book was very good with the best history of JavaScript (server and client-side) I have ever read. However, nobody in the professional world will start a project today in SSJS, the language is extinct. Only legacy web applications will be using this and there are so many better server-side languages available now.

I have scanned this book, and true to what the other reviewers have said, this book looks excellent. I like that SSJS seems to separate the business stuff from the presentation stuff (HTML) unlike ColdFusion and ASP's. How many people are using SSJS?

If any one wanted to learn good SSJS programming techniques, this is the best buy. Authors not only have real stuff but they explained in a much better way than anyother about SSJS concepts with wonderful, real life examples. Ofcourse, you shoud know about javascript fundamentals (core javascript) before you read this book and authors are very specific about the content of the book and their target is only for users of SSJS

Reuel Parker has captured the simple essence of small, functional boats. This is a terrific read, chock full of interesting information about the evolution of the sharpie type. It includes several excellent boat-building projects with instructions aimed at semi-knowledgeable builders. (First-time builders may need an additional building resource to understand some of the finer points of boat construction.) This book will very quickly instill you with a fondness for light, simple, shallow-draft boats. Anyone who likes sailing or boat trivia will love this book.

Reuel Parker really has a hit with this book. He information is excellent and easy to understand, no elitist jargon here. He makes a wonderful case for the Sharpie's use and how versatile a boat it is. Anyone who is considering build a boat at home should read this for sure. The book contains several boat plans, and all the information need to build one is contained within.

I really enjoyed this book. The author includes everything, from the history to the modern construction of these boats. Some of the sections on construction are a little confusing for beginners. One area that comes to mind is the section on lofting, some diagrams would be useful here (other books or websites help). I have read the book several times and expect I will always use it as a reference.

This book has many virtues: It is highly readable, down-to-earth (or sea?), and covers a fascinating topic. The sections on this history of the sharpie are nicely punctuated by sea-stories, observations, and photographs of working sharpies.

I'm building my own boat. It is not a sharpie (more of a dory), but it uses many similar construction features (flat plywood sides, rockered bottom, chine log construction, centerboard, epoxy covering, etc.). Mr. Parker's book has been an absolutely priceless resource on every aspect of construction.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in small sailing craft, either for history or building your own. I'd also advise people to check out the Parker-Marine website for more information on the Author's designs.

I think the kernal of this book is the description of why plywood is a superior boat building material. (diagonal strength) I had been thinking of carvel planking as the best type of wood construction. I was wrong. Other than that, the book does a great job of describing the history of, and reason for, sharpies.

From what I read, I decided that a deeper, heavier, and stronger boat might be more appropriate for the inside passage to Alaska. Also, I'm just not short enough to spend much time in the cabin of a sharpie.

Good book, good read, and I will be buying the Ruel Parker book on cold molding.

Wow! So glad I bought this! The list of core elements and how to come up with them was key to finally getting me to find a focus for wedding style and colors -- worth every penny!! I bought several other pretty books, but couldn't figure out how to make them apply to my wedding, Signature Weddings has truly helped me design a wedding that will be special for us =)

Wonderful book! Full of beautiful idea's, wonderful wedding wisdom, and you can tell it is written by a person who loves her work.

This gorgeous, inspiring book is worth every penny. Buy it. You won't regret it. Its amazingly full of ideas and inspiration, no matter what kind of wedding you're planning.

If Anna Wintour were to pick a wedding book that was as visually and editorially pleasing to the bride as Vogue is to fashionista's she would definetly pick Signature Weddings. Not only are the ideas obtainable the book really shows you how to personlize your wedding. After reading this book I feel that I am able to help make my wedding a wonderful memorable event...one filled with love and inspiration. I have only had the book for only a week and have read it from cover to cover.

I was searching online for an inspirational book to help kick start my wedding planning. I purchased Michelle Rago's new book and it has been wonderful! I love the pictures and they way she describes everything made me feel like I could really have all those things at MY wedding!! A must have for any new bride.

This book should be read by both new and senior instructional designers for Web-based training as well as any of their coaches or managers. The concepts, tools, recommendations, examples, and guidelines presented by Dr. Taran provide practical information for creating effective and instructionally sound training for Web-delivered content. I refer to it often when developing WBTs and when coaching peers as they learn to develop for WBT. Buy it, read it, and implement the strategies and practical tools! Watch the effectiveness of your WBT improve.

Like most instructional designers who support training in the today's workplace, my clients have tremendous expectations of me to develop effective learning products within a quick turnaround and using minimal resources. Finally, a book from someone who understands, first-hand, the challenges we face and addresses them completely.

Real WBT, the way it is supposed to work (not just page-turners), is still a rare find. And, very few of us adults with families have the luxury to go back to school to learn the fundamentals for web design. I personally found this book extremely insightful in educating me on the basics while also coaching me through different development aspects.

Reading Standalone WBT was a stretch for my degree of WBT knowledge and experience. I have continued to utilize this book as an invaluable reference tool as I continue to advance my WBT skills. I recommend it to anyone seeking guidance for developing web-based training products that can actually meet learning objectives with or without the use of an instructor.

This is a great resource that summarizes different aspects of Web-based development, including project management, site architecture, content presentation, instructional design techniques, and motivational elements. Unlike other books related to online training, this resource has a sharp focus: standalone Web-based training, which involves only the interaction between the user and the computer, with no educational agents present. If you are looking for a book that comprises all the guidelines you need in order to develop effective standalone WBT, this is definitely the resource to get.

As an Instructional Designer who is fairly new to developing web-based training courses, Standalone WBT is an invaluable reference for me as I build my skills. It is very comprehensive and the author has done her share of research on the newest and most effective techniques in designing and developing effective web-based training. Although the book is research-driven and contains very sound instructional design principles, it is also very practical in its delivery of information. Especially helpful are the real-world examples located throughout the text. For a novice, the chapters on site architecture, content presentation, and instructional design in WBT (chapters 3-5) are extremely helpful and informative. I highly recommend this book as a means to self-study WBT and as a reference tool. I believe that both new and expert WBT designers will benefit from this book.

Like most instructional designers who support training in the today's workplace, my clients have tremendous expectations of me to develop effective learning products within a quick turnaround and using minimal resources. Finally, a book from someone who understands, first-hand, the challenges we face and addresses them completely.

Real WBT, the way it is supposed to work (not just page-turners), is still a rare find. And, very few of us adults with families have the luxury to go back to school to learn the fundamentals for web design. I personally found this book extremely insightful in educating me on the basics while also coaching me through different development aspects.

Reading Standalone WBT was a stretch for my degree of WBT knowledge and experience. I have continued to utilize this book as an invaluable reference tool as I continue to advance my WBT skills. I recommend it to anyone seeking guidance for developing web-based training products that can actually meet learning objectives with or without the use of an instructor.

At one time, publishing firms battled with top dollars to obtain the latest horror manuscript from best-selling author Braxton DeFoe. Several of his novels have been turned into popular movies. However, Braxton seems weary and unable to produce any more as the fast lanes of Southern California have taken its toll. Heeding his wife?s advice that they all need a change in venue, Braxton and his spouse Piper flee decadent Los Angeles for the idyllic North Carolina mountains.

Braxton hates the rural locale even after a warm welcome to Crooked Creek from their neighbors Mary Beth and Ren Wyatt, who is the local Storyteller. Ren turns into a catalyst of sorts as Braxton sees him as a rival in storytelling and for the affections of his wife. No one yet realizes the evil or is it jealousy that is now taking over Braxton?s every thought and action.

The STORYTELLERS is a powerful drama that keeps the reader in a perpetual state of bewilderment between supernatural possession and insanity. The psychological or parapsychological tale works because the characters seem authentic, which turn their activities and interrelationships into quite a plot. Fans of psychological horror need to provide plenty of time to finish Julie Anne Parks? one-sitting novel because they will want to keep reading in order to decide whether Braxton is a lunatic or in need of an exorcist.

Harriet Klausner

I particularly enjoyed Parks' skillful evocation of the Blue Ridge Mountain milieu, and the sense of contact -- through the storyteller's tales and the events of the book alike -- with both human and elemental forces from times past.

At one time, publishing firms battled with top dollars to obtain the latest horror manuscript from best-selling author Braxton DeFoe. Several of his novels have been turned into popular movies. However, Braxton seems weary and unable to produce any more as the fast lanes of Southern California have taken its toll. Heeding his wife?s advice that they all need a change in venue, Braxton and his spouse Piper flee decadent Los Angeles for the idyllic North Carolina mountains.

Braxton hates the rural locale even after a warm welcome to Crooked Creek from their neighbors Mary Beth and Ren Wyatt, who is the local Storyteller. Ren turns into a catalyst of sorts as Braxton sees him as a rival in storytelling and for the affections of his wife. No one yet realizes the evil or is it jealousy that is now taking over Braxton?s every thought and action.

The STORYTELLERS is a powerful drama that keeps the reader in a perpetual state of bewilderment between supernatural possession and insanity. The psychological or parapsychological tale works because the characters seem authentic, which turn their activities and interrelationships into quite a plot. Fans of psychological horror need to provide plenty of time to finish Julie Anne Parks? one-sitting novel because they will want to keep reading in order to decide whether Braxton is a lunatic or in need of an exorcist.

Harriet Klausner

Storytellers is a suspense filled, fast-paced book that is hard to put down. Every reader can identify with Piper, the main character, who is torn between the way things are supposed to be and the way they really are. It's crisp yet brooding, almost poetic at times, while still raising goose bumps. I didn't want it to be over, even though the climax (totally unexpected) was very satisfying. All in all a completely entertaining book, and I'll be watching for more novels from this author.

Julie Anne Parks shows flashes of brilliance with STORYTELLERS--with characters developing layers of intriguing sub-text. The plot is expertly paced, driving toward a riveting conclusion. I couldn't help liking this book. Why not five stars, then? Let me explain.

Julie Anne Parks loves the English language--that much is clear. She can turn a pretty phrase with the best of them. Unfortunately, this first-time novelist gets a little too wrapped up in "pretty." I found myself wishing she would skip the too-clever similes and get on with the story. I wanted to know more about her characters...particularly Ren (the male protagonist) and Keysa (his Tlingit Indian shaman mother.) I wanted to care about Braxton, the antagonist (who takes on the spirit of a spectre from Indian folklore) a little more than I did. While we saw glimpses of humanity in his character, I wanted to feel that the evil force controlling Braxton was the proverbial "bad guy," and not Braxton himself.

All in all, this is an enjoyable read. Time with Julie Parks' STORYTELLERS is time well spent. I'm looking forward to future novels as this writer matures in her craft.

Testing has often been the misbegotten portion of the software development process. Frequently neglected until the semi-chaotic end of the production cycle, the testing phase has traditionally been shortened to accommodate a fixed release date. The relationships between the developer and test groups are to some extent adversarial, but in so many cases it often breaks down into open hostility. Among developers, it is often considered demeaning to have to soil ones hands by actually testing the code. With such a sullied background, it is no wonder that production code is generally riddled with bugs.
As the authors of this book point out, all of the above are dangerous conditions. With the expansion of code reuse and RAD tools, the development of the initial iteration is going to be done at a faster pace than before. Since the number of pathways through the code is operationally infinite, the only way relatively bug-free code will be developed is by allocating more resources to testing and making the choice and tracking of test cases a more scientific endeavor. The most significant point of the ten made in this book is that the testing process should be considered on an equal basis with that of development so that both groups communicate as equals. Without that, all the fancy, efficient tools in the world are reduced to the level of mere toys.
This is a book that can and should be read by developers, managers and yes, even testers, as all will benefit from the simple words of wisdom.

This book gives excellent insight for the beginning QA professional. It not so detailed that developers and managers will not want anything to do with it either. It explains ways to communicate quality assurance without offending anyone. The content is concentrated on the expressing QA in a brighter light without ruffling too many feathers. I recommend it for everyone in a technical environment with the goal of attaining quality. THIS IS A MUST HAVE FOR ANY QA PROFESSIONAL.

Much has changed in software development and testing practices since this text was written in the late 90's. However, many of the identified challenges are still with us. I find myself rereading this book as it is a useful reference for a test manager. The authors identify dual disparate roles for the software tester. In role one, the focus is on the task of testing software, such as test planning, test design, and execution. In role two, the tester or test manager's role is more as a politician and marketer to protect the test staff and promote the value they bring to each project . The text focuses on the second role, which elaborates on what the authors identify as the top ten people oriented challenges for the software test professional.

The first section of the book includes an assessment to help you identify your strengths and weaknesses in meeting people related testing challenges. The bulk of the text contains individual chapters on the top 10 challenges. The challenges are explained along with guidelines to overcome the challenge. Chapters can be read out of order and this format allows you to focus on your weaknesses as identified in the self assessment. The last section of the book describes a six step change process to implement improvements. My favorite two chapters were "Explaining Testing to Managers" and "Getting Trained in Testing." Highly recommended.

This is an excellent review of the biggest recurring problems of the software testing world. As I read the descriptions of each of the 10 challenges, I was astonished at how many of the pitfalls I fall into on a regular basis. Perry & Rice don't just lay out what the challenges are - they also discuss how to meet each one. Each item on the list has its own chapter with sections on the impact on testing, solutions to the challenge, impediments to implementing the solutions, and helpful guidelines to creating a plan of action. This is without a doubt an excellent book for those of us in the trenches of software testing each day. (One bit of advice, though - if you're looking for a book on "how to do software testing", look elsewhere. Perry and Rice have other good books on the subject, but this one is really intended to help you step back from your daily testing work and see where you could improve on your approach to it.)

When this book was written software testing was starting to consolidate into an 'honorable' profession, and the number of good books about testing could be counted on your fingers (and probably a few toes). The discipline has matured into a profession, and there are so many excellent books on the subject now that it boggles my mind.

You'd think that the top ten challenges listed in this book would have been long ago resolved and replaced with a new set. Sadly, that isn't the case. Each challenge listed is as valid today as it was when this book was written, and except for #10 on the list (getting trained in testing), which has dramatically improved, the other nine are still there. Read the book. Take the advice of the two authors, both of whom are seasoned professionals who give the solutions to these challenges, and move the profession forward.

Here are the top five challenges that I see today, drawn from the list in the book:

#1 today, #6 in the book: Communicating with Customers -- And Users
#2 today, #3 in the book: Hitting a Moving Target
#3 today, #1 in the book: Having to Say No
#4 today, #4 in the book: Testing What's Thrown Over the Wall
#5 today, #2 in the book: Fighting a Lose-Lose Situation

Your order may be different, but I am willing to bet that the list will be the same. This book does give realistic solutions to these problems, so if you agree with the list, then you'll find this book valuable.