Games Books

"A kaleidocycle is a closed chain of tetrahedra that can cycle endlessly through a center hole. ? Best known for his strangely realistic depictions of things that defy the laws of physics, Maurits Cornelis Escher became interested in problems of repetition and symmetry after traveling to the Alhambra, a 14th century Moorish castle in Granada, Spain. Fascinated by the periodic (i.e. regularly recurrent) designs of the castle's mosaics, he began to pursue the idea that a plane can be divided into uniform, interlocking figures, forming a pattern that repeats itself at set intervals, theoretically to infinity. Instead of simply combining abstract shapes to produce a pattern, however, Escher decided to use more meaningful figures--shells and starfish, angels and devils, for example--images that could be connected not just graphically but also conceptually. Kaleidocycles, created by mathematician Doris Schattschneider and graphic designer Wallace Walker, explores the three-dimensional implications of Escher's two-dimensional periodic designs. With a little glue, you can easily assemble the enclosed models--all printed with repeating patterns derived from the artist's original drawings--into various kaleidocycles and geometric solids. In doing so, you will transform Escher's beautiful designs into true examples of infinite repetition: the interlocking images will wrap endlessly over the surfaces of the three-dimensional objects. ? Kaleidocycles contains a 48-page book with over 80 reproductions and diagrams, assembly instructions, and a fascinating discussion of the geometric principles and artistic challenges underlying Escher's designs and their transformation to three-dimensional models; and seventeen die-cut, scored, three-dimensional models (11 kaleidocycles and 6 geometric solids) Cigar box-style packaging, size: 9-1/2 x 12-1/4 x 1-1/2". [Refers to revised edition:] ISBN: 0-7649-3110-5

KALEIDOCYCLES 3-D MODELS ONLY
"Purchase an extra set of the 17 models for each additional participant. Assembly instructions are not included. ISBN: 0-7649-3207-1."--? Pomegranate

This is the bet presentation and best manufactured kaleidocycles that I had bought. Sent in a very good and fast way.

Want to get your kids or students interested in math? Let them put together a geometric solid covered with interlocking trolls or other tesselated designs, then hang them from the playroom ceiling! Your kids will never get over it!

Beautifully colored, easily put together. and very, very neat...

If you are as fascinated with the graphics of Escher as I am; you'll be entertained,amazed and engrossed with this 'kit' which allows you to assemble and hold these wonderful models of intrigueing mathematics , coupled with the graphic art and figures of the master himself; M.C.Escher.
It is one thing to look at Escher's magnificient work in 2-dimension; but it is another experience entirely, to hold these 3-dimensional models and view the figures and patterns as you turn as fold these models on themselves,
One of the other reviewers talked about creating additional models; and that is obviously possible ,because there is all the information needed to do that; right here in the book.
I have had this kit for some time ; but hadn't actually constructed any of the models. I recently was told about a man who constructed ball and stick models. I contacted him,and visited him to see his models. I brought along with me a book ,
"Polyhedron Models" by Magnus Wenninger .This is an outstanding book covering the subject as well as 119 models. The man I was visiting ,had the book and even knew its author. This book deals with models whose surfaces are flat and made of cardboard or if desired ,other materials. To see what these fascinating models look like, look them up on the net under "Magnus Wenninger".
The man I visited constructs similar models;but uses only wooden balls and sticks. Think of those chemistry models of compounds,and you can imagine how beautiful and interesting they can be. All models begin with one of the known uniform polyhedra and from them the stellated models are formed. The variations are in the many millions.
Anyone who has much interest in this sort of stuff will find an excellent chapter ,Polyhedra,in "Mathematical Recreations and Essays" by W.W. Rouse Ball,a real classic in the subject of Mathematical Recreations.
The man I went to visit has been working on these models for many,many years. He has created his own techniques and even an intrigueing appratus to make the holes in the balls. The exactness is so critical,that making them by hand would be terribly difficult. To date he has made about 500 0f these ball and stick models.
So, after my visit,it was a real joy to sit down and construct some models.

My 9-year-old son and I had tremendous fun assembling the models in this kit. Each of the models in the kit contains an adaptation of Escher's periodic design in a way that the geometric solid is continously covered with it. Though a unique personal experience, my son learned what tetrahedron, octahedron, dodecahedron, cuboctahedron and kaleidocycle look like. This is the best project we ever worked on.

I think Carson, Sonny and anyone else they can think to hire to take down Nathan Jones aka Nan needs to try a little harder. In the second installment of Moses Miller's wonderfully told stories he picks up right where the first one stopped. With all the things going on Nan is hurt confused and not sure who to go after first. Trying to avoid police at all cost to avenge the deaths of so many people he loves, Nan gets help from a woman in the very place he vowed to never go: a church. Running from some of Sonny's men, Nan runs into Eternal Salvation and into the arms of Sister Sarah. With her own story to tell, Sister Sarah notices something in his eyes and decides right then and there that she would put her life on the line to save this young man. Explaining to Nan that God is not all bad has Nan vulnerable when he can't afford to be, especially with all the people out there still out to kill him. Moving about the city with survival and murder on his mind, Nan uses everything Master Thaddeus taught him...and it came to good use. Nan can't get through his mind that this is the life that our wonderful God had in store for him. He agrees to pray for forgiveness for all the sins he has committed and those committed against him; however, he is still having a hard time believing this wonderful God Sister Sarah is speaking of...the same God whom his mother before her death would kneel on the floor beside him praying at night would allow all these things to happen to him.

I think Mr. Miller did a wonderful job with Nan: The Game of Trife. He makes the reader root for Nan regardless of the murders he committed. The passion in Moses Miller's writing has you on the edge of your seat, wishing you could help save Nan from harm and allow him to live a normal life. Nan: The Game of Trife is a great read and a good sequel to Nan: The Trifling Times of Nathan Jones.

Reviewed by Angie for Urban Reviews

Mose Miller, I love all of his books, could'nt wait for this sequel to come out..Nan has been through it all, but comes out fighting, I hope theres part 3..nt too happy with the way it ended

There's Beethoven, Bach, Einstein, Dr. King and Barack Obama all icons of their time and true history makers and breakers and then............ there's Moses Miller.

Ok who is this man and where and how does he find the time to entertain us readers in the manner that he does? The Game of Trife definitely picks up where The Trifling Times of Nathan Jones left us "hangin'". Moses doesn't disappoint not one bit with this sequel, it has all the action of a silver screen movie and flows like a melodic tune. Page turner is not the word I'd use to describe this book at all! I swear Moses makes us readers feel such a part of the book. He's definitely turning the literary world upside down and while he does that I sit anxiously with baited breath waiting for him to amaze me again!!!!

Purchasing the Trifling Times of Nathan Jones.......... $14.95
Purchasing Once Upon a Time in Harlem.....................$12.11
Purchasing Nan: The Game of Trife..............................$14.95
Tickets to the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Ball...............$1000.00

Reading a Moses Miller masterpiece..............................PRICELESS!!!!!

What are you waiting for? Now go out and buy all three, my name is Carla and I approve this message!!!!!

MR MILLER YOU ARE ONE OF DA BEST STORYTELLERS THERE ARE,THERE ARE ONLY POSSIBLY A HAND FULL OF AUTHORS, THAT GET ME GOING THE WAY YOU DO!!!! THE WAY YOU HAD ME ON EDGE WHEN YOU GOT TO SUSPENSEFUL SITUATIONS( THE SHOOTOUTS) DAMN , I FELT LIKE A DAMN FOOL READING YOUR BOOK,BUT I ENJOYED IT ,AND IT WAS WORTH EVERY BIT OF WHAT I PAID($$$)FOR IT AND DA EMBARASSMENT I WENT THROUGH!!!! THANK YOU FOR ENTERTAINING ME SO DEFINITIVELY!!!! YOU ARE TOP OF LINE!!!! HURRY,HURRY, W/ PART 3 THE TRIFECTA????

After reading the first book "The Trifling Times of Nathan Jones" I instantly became a fan of this author, as many other readers have. We eagerly awaited this second installment title: "Nan: The Game of Trife" wondering if Mr. Miller had that special something that will keep us begging for more.
Well the jury is now out and I am proud to report that author Moses Miller has definitely gained the respect he deserves.

Miller not only continued the story of Nathan "Nan" Jones, but added a few new characters to the plot without diverting from the original stars of the story. Even as certain characters met their demise, good or bad they were still strongly engraved in our minds. Every scene is written articulately with a calculating raw edge, and as the story transitions easily from past to present the reader can't help but embrace EVERY character; as Miller has the knack to bring out even the smallest compassion in the worst character.

Author Moses Miller knows exactly how to use the written word to captivate his audience, and keep them absorbed through the duration of his novel.

This is excellent work Moses!!

Locksie
ARC Book Club Inc.

Have you ever tried to deal with a Paladin? Having played a Thief in AD&D I can tell you, they can be a pain in the...purse. Always handing out money, food, and advice to anybody in need. Or anybody at all. Paladins really push their nose into business that, most of the time, has nothing to do with them. And they drag everybody along with them.
So when the Order of the Stick finds itself on the wrong side of a Paladin's pair of sharp swords you know they are in trouble. It seems that they are now on the most wanted list for their actions at Dorukan's Gate.
Popcorn Gods, side quests and the return of Xykon! And crayons! What more could you ask for?

One of the greatest, funniest comics I have ever read. As a gamer it makes me like the game even more while being more able to laugh at myself. For the non gamer it would still be in danger of sending them to hopital for surgerey to have their guts stitched back inside.

I would reccomend this comic to my mother in law.

Volume two of the Order of the Stick series has great art, dialouge, and storytelling. It's very clever, and doesn't fall into so many of the ruts that many webcomics or gaming cartoons fall prey to. At nearly 250 pages, it's worth the money, and that's before you consider the additional material in the book that's not available on the website.

Highly enjoyable for people who are currently part of the rollplaying scene, or people like me, who left D&D behind a long time ago back when "Advanced" was considered something kinda newfangled and sexy.... I reccomend this book to everyone.

I was introduced to Order of the Stick about a year ago and read the comics religiously. Rich Burlew has a wonderful sense of humor, and I've come to fall in love with the characters.

The one drawback is for people not familiar with Dungeons and Dragons (like myself) some of the jokes fall very flat. However, there is enough humor throughout the comics to keep it going even when you're wondering what the heck they're talking about with Chaotic Good and twelve sided dice.

This is the story of six travelers who are ... well, traveling. Of course, once one goal is accomplished another follows and so on. Their characters complement each other nicely and there's romance and magic and swordplay, all the integral parts of an epic story. I definitely recommend the books.

[...]

This is the third volume to showcase the stylized stick-figure adventures of the Order of the Stick, a group of sometimes inept and always quarreling swords-and-sorcery adventurers on a quest to defeat their arch-enemy and, of course, obtain wealth and power along the way. The previous two volumes ("Dungeon Crawlin' Fools" and "On the Origin of PCs") were a collection of the first installments of the web comic and a batch of new material to provide character backstories respectively. This present book carries on the plotlines introduced in the first collection. (OOTS also appears now in "Dragon" magazine as a series of one-shots strips that do not pertain to the ongoing story.)

These collections are HIGHLY recommended to any D&D player (especially those familiar with the 3rd Edition rules) or to any fantasy RPG fan in general. The strips feature side-splittingly wry humor, actual character development, worthy and interesting opponents with intricate schemes, recurring NPCs, and nifty adventures. (And, as a bonus, there are almost no typos or grammar errors such as plague almost every other web comic.)

Mr. Burlew provides some authorial reflections in different sections of the book and some hints about what is yet to come (he is projecting a five-to-seven book series before OOTS wraps up). There's also some previously unpublished material included.

High page count and quality paper, too.

Pick this up immediately, and then order a copy for your closest friend.

came on time and in great condition. Still prefer 1st ed and 2ed over 3rd ed and up any time.

If you are reading this review, and you want to play the new 4th Edition D&D, you have come to the wrong place.

Unearthed Arcana was written in 1985. I was about 10 years old and was playing AD&D, which consisted of the Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, Monster Manuals 1 and 2, and the Fiend Folio. That year however, Gary Gygax and Jeff Grubb decided to try to add a further dimension to the 1st Ed game.

This game not only adds dimensions, it adds a number of "fixes" to the game to raise problems that had come about from the initial books.

Problem 1 - the level limits for non-human characters were too low. This book addresses this by giving higher ability score characters higher limits. (GOOD)
Problem 2 - the fighter subclasses do not have distinct enough roles. This book separates the Paladin to become a subclass of Chavalier, and the Barbarian becomes a new class of fighter. Therefore, we have the "knight" style classes, Chavalier and Paladin, and the "warrior" classes - Ranger and Fighter, who get weapon specialisation, and the "tanking" brute class the barbarian. (GOOD)
Problem 3 - charisma is not physicial attractiveness, but personal magnetism. Solution - introduce (redundant) seventh attribute = Comeliness. (BAD)
Problem 4 - characters not heroic enough. Solution - make uber powerful characters who are rewarded for rolling high ability scores. Encourage players to cheat or do anything to raise ability scores. (BAD)

It appears that after Unearthed arcana, for all its great new spells, magic items, class changes, and variation of the races (now you can play a Drow = dark Elf, and history was never the same again) fuelled the creation of mega-powerful characters. Ability scores rise in importance. The new race subtypes add an element of richness into the characters that was welcome. The new classes were generally good (with the exception of the comical Thief-Acrobat) but a DM might wish to be cautious before introducing all the changes here. However, this book is full of something that I see lacking in the newer volumes of the D&D products - imagination.

I've found some of this book unique enough and copious in content.... Well, there's a section on pole arms in this book which is outstanding, filled with [historical] data. In geocities/timessquare/dungeon/9939, you'll find a pole arms section in which I've taken the time to post this out-of-print invaluable material. [And there's a link at the bottom of the page. =)]

This is an outstanding book, and is worth almost any pricetag for its original and truly unique content. It litereally is unearthed arcana.

This is the book that changed a casual passtime into an obsession for me. It adds a new layer of depth and magic to the D&D system. It was here that Dark Elves became player characters, the barbarian was introduced. Paladins became the horsemen they always should have been. Here are advanced spells, weapons & armor, character classes (thief-acrobat, higher level druids, cavaliers, and more), and races. At last you could be more defined that simply "elf" or "dwarf." This book loosened up the system a bit and allowed for player individuality and choice. I love this book so much that I still prefer to play 1st edition D&D-- though I have played many many other systems-- because this book allows for so much freedom and creativity.

I KNOW this book is good, because someone always ends up stealing my copy (the true mark of a book's greatness), but I always replace it-- and it's worth whatever I have paid for it.

It's so good, I think it would make interesting reading for a non-gamer. I gave it five stars because they don't allow six.

Highest possible recommendation.

This is the final piece in the puzzle that is the AD&D rules - Gary Gygax's last major contribution to the game system, before the diluted 2nd edition came out, is displayed in its full glory here. It's obvious that this is a work for intermediate and advanced players, since some of the races and classes here (and the attribute-rolling system!) are over-powered for easier, beginning campaigns. In addition to the dark races (such as the Drow, Duergar, and Svirfneblin), and the advanced classes (such as the Hierophant, Acrobat, Cavalier and my fave, the Barbarian), there's also new weapons, hundreds of new spells, hundreds of new magical items, the deities of the demi-humans, and much more. It's sure to add an entirely new level to your campaigns!

AN EXCELLENT STORY ABOUT AN INCREDIBLE MAN. PETE IS A HERO IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD. THIS BOOK MAKES HIM HUMAN WITH FLAWS. I REALLY ADMIRE THIS AMAZING MAN. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO ANYONE WHO NEEDS SOME MOTIVATION TO ACCOMPLISH THINGS IN THEIR LIFE. I AM GLAD TO SEE THIS MAN GET THE ATTENTION HE RICHLY DESERVES FOR AN INCREDIBLE FEAT. HE PLAYED BETTER THAN MEN WITH 2 ARMS. IN ANY LEAGUE HE PLAYED, PETE IS A HALL OF FAMER.

As a boy growing up in the West German State of Hess, I came to admire the great national soccor league players of my time. Since coming to the States, I have learned something of The Great American Past time. While initially dubious of the tradition in this country of professional athletisism I, none the less felt proud to meet Mr. Pete Gray while ravelling on extended vacation through the Pennsylvania Anthracite region, (my family owned and operated mines along the Ruhr prior to the war).

Having overcome the obstacles inherent to anyone, of working with the deficiency of one limb, (most particuarly an athlete), Mr. Grays grim determation served as an inspiration to his generation.

While sad that he is little remembered outside his own home town, Kashatus' book brings to us quite vividly his life and times.

As a boy growing up in the West German State of Hess, I came to admire the great national soccor league players of my time. Since coming to the States, I have learned something of The Great American Past time. While initially dubious of the tradition in this country of professional athletisism I, none the less felt proud to meet Mr. Pete Gray while ravelling on extended vacation through the Pennsylvania Anthracite region, (my family owned and operated mines along the Ruhr prior to the war).

Having overcome the obstacles inherent to anyone, of working with the deficiency of one limb, (most particuarly an athlete), Mr. Grays grim determation served as an inspiration to his generation.

While sad that he is little remembered outside his own home town, Kashatus' book brings to us quite vividly his life and times.

As a boy growing up in the West German State of Hess, I came to admire the great national soccor league players of my time. Since coming to the States, I have learned something of The Great American Past time. While initially dubious of the tradition in this country of professional athletisism I, none the less felt proud to meet Mr. Pete Gray while travelling on extended vacation through the Pennsylvania Anthracite region, (my family owned and operated mines along the Ruhr prior to the war).

Having overcome the obstacles inherent to anyone, of working with the deficiency of one limb, (most particuarly an athlete), Mr. Grays grim determation served as an inspiration to his generation.

While sad that he is little remembered outside his own home town, Kashatus' book brings to us quite vividly his life and times.

When Pete Gray reached the St. Louis Browns in 1945, the team was coming off the only pennant-winning season in its history. This fine biography by veteran baseball historian William C. Kashatus relates the story of Gray before, during, and after his stint with the Browns. Sportswriters dubbed Gray the "one-armed wonder." Born Peter J. Wyshner in the grimy coal-mining town of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, Gray at age six lost his right arm in a farming accident. He showed remarkable perseverance, however, and pursued sports with a zeal born of adversity. He overcame his handicap to play semi-pro and later professional ball. In 1943 and 1944 he stared for the Class A Southern Association's Memphis Chicks. In 1944 he hit .333, drove in sixty runs, stole sixty-three bases, led the league in fielding percentage, and was voted the Southern Association's most valuable player. While his handicap certainly raised questions about his ability to play in the major league, his 1944 performance earned him a serious look and the Browns acquired his contract for $20,000. Manager Luke Sewell viewed Gray as a sparkplug whose bat and speed would stimulate the Browns' pitiful offense. His strong fielding could only help in the outfield. The Browns' owner believed the one-armed outfielder would also be a gate attraction, especially for thousands of soldiers returning from World War II with handicaps just as significant as Gray's.

For his part, Gray understood that he was something of a token acquisition for the team, but he believed he could help the perennial American League doormat. And Gray had some spectacular moments, as Kashatus relates. He beat the Tigers all by himself during their first meeting of the season. A reporter with the "Detroit News" opined in June 1945 that no one could any longer be suspicious of the Browns' owner for "hiring the outfielder for box office purposes. That he helps the gate receipts is inevitable, but that he helped the Browns win games now is evident to all who have watched him play." And he did help at the gate. By July 1945 the Browns had won over many die-hard Cardinals fans because of the sympathy and excitement generated by Gray's presence in a Browns uniform.

Unfortunately for Gray and the Browns, the "one-armed wonder" could not sustain his early season success. Once opposing pitchers found his weakness they were merciless. Since he had only one arm he had to start the bat earlier than most other hitters and had less control over it once he began his swing. He had become a star in the Southern Association by murdering fast balls, and he could hit big league ones as well, but he had trouble with curves and change-ups because of his difficulty in altering the bat during his swing. Appearing in seventy-seven games for the Browns, Gray batted only .218 with fifty-one hits in 234 plate appearances. Sewell finally benched him when his hitting tapered off.

In an irony of the first magnitude, the noble experiment of giving a one-armed ballplayer a major league opportunity may have actually cost the Browns the pennant. While his teammates admired Gray's courage and resolution in overcoming a handicap, several blamed their third-place finish on him. According to third baseman Mark Christman: "Pete did a great job with what he had. But he cost us the pennant in 1945. We finished third, only six games out. There were an awful lot of ground balls hit to center field. When the kids who hit those balls were pretty good runners, they could keep on going and wind up at second base [because Gray could not throw the ball in as fast as a two-armed player]. I know that lost us eight or ten ball games because it took away the double play or somebody would single and the runner on second would score, where if he had been on first it would take two hits to get him to score."

When the Browns' 1945 season ended, so did the major league career of Pete Gray. Thereafter he played with several minor league clubs all over the country but retired to his hometown of Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, in 1949. He finally died in 2002, but was still alive when Kashatus wrote this short biography and oral histories provided much of the information contained in this work.

Painting Pets on Rocks is a fabulous step by step instructional book. My students (1st through 7th grade) created fabulous rock paintings following these easy-to-follow instructions.

I couldn't help it, it sounded so fascinating when I was invited to a "rock party". A friend held it, and all of us got together at her place. She had a bunch of field rock, (though I've heard smooth river rock is good also) and she had cleaned them all up and they sat, waiting on her front step. We took turns choosing the rock that "spoke to us" and brought it into the house for some good old fashioned gossip and a fun project with friends. Oh, yes, we had doubts! Halfway through those rocks were UGLY, and we took a few chip and salsa breaks so we could look at them from a distance (they looked better that way- Laugh!). But- amazingly enough- when we finished the last step, perfectly outlined in the book- our rocks looked GREAT!! I actually DISPLAY mine in my little rock garden, and get so many comments on their "uniqueness". What a fun idea! And takes almost no $ to get started, if you're like me, you already have the simple materials lying around from previous projects!! Great book, simple instructions, great tips and pointers- even for the novice.

It has beautiful painted rocks in it and shows just how easy it is to paint rocks. I am not a real good painter but, I do plan to give it a try. Instructions and ideas in this book are great even for a beginner like me.

Super, these books by Ms. Wellford are illustrated so beautifully that ANYONE could paint animals and such on rocks. Her directions are not only the written word, but also demonstrated by showing the drawing from the stones to use, preparing the stones, sketching from "square one" on thru the completed reproduction. These books are a MUST for any rock painter enthusiast.

A new meaning to the words "Pet Rock":

Lin Wellford has out-done herself again! I just can't get enough of her books! For those of you who have not read any of Lin Wellford's books, let me tell you, IT'S TIME TO START! In "Painting Pets on Rocks" you learn how to paint your dog, cat, fish, and even your pet bird! The book doesn't just show you one type of dog, or only one cat. Lin gives you instructions on how to create many different rock pets. From Dalmations to bulldogs, tabby cat to siamese...this book has it all.

Even if you have never painted before, you can do these projects. The book has full color, nearly step by step photos with the step by step instructions. As with all Lin Wellford books, her instructions are written for the beginner and it is amazing how well your pet rocks come out.

"The Case of the Mummy's Gold" is the fifth randomly-named Penny Arcade book; the strips covered are from 2004. The extras - random sketches from Comicon 2005 - aren't really that interesting this time.

Krahulik and Holkins do wander further afield in terms of writing - golf, square dancing, a Cthulu Christmas sequence, and a number of other things depart from the gaming and geek humor that still make up most of the strip. The humor there is less trapped in topical events and knowledge of gaming/geek culture; even when the jokes are extremely topical, though, the commentary can keep it in context. Holkins' commentary itself is rarely overexplanatory, often adding humor of his own.

There's less change in the art; it's never bad, and the character designs continue to evolve, but apart from where they step outside of the normal strip format (Twisp & Catsby, Cardboard Tube Samurai, and the Cthulu Christmas sequence) there aren't the leaps or experiments of previous volumes.

Krahulik and Holkins can still tell a joke, of course. "Case of the Mummy's Gold" is an extremely funny book.

****1/2

If you read the brilliant webcomic Penny Arcade, then you need to buy this book.

It's as simple as that.

No boring, long review. Just know that Penny Arcade is fantastic, and if you do not enjoy Penny Arcade, not only is this book not for you, but neither is oxygen.

Collecting year 04 of Penny Arcade, Gabe and Tycho are at it again. What are they at you may ask? Hardcore hilarity. A great addition to your ever growing comic book/Web Comic collection.

If you are looking at this book most likely you are all ready a fan of Penny Arcade. If you are a fan and wondering why you would buy a book containing strips freely available in the Penny Arcade archives, I will tell you that Tycho has, as with the first four volumes, gone back and written new commentary for all the strips in the book. As Penny Arcade fans know, a great part of the Penny Arcade experience is enjoying the strips again through Tycho's commentary on the thought process behind the strip and/or the events that led to it. There is a section in the back which includes sketches made on various convention table tops from across the years which is fun bonus material as well.

This book along with the companion DVD helped me learn to not just be a better pool player but have more fun beating up on my boyfriend when we go to the local pool hall. Now I can hustle everyone at the hall!

This is DEFINITELY the best investment I've made in my pool skills!

I was not sure what to expect as I have over 100 books on playing pool. I must say I was pleased to not only enjoy reading Picture Yourself Shooting Pool but the video was a major plus.

In the Marine Corps the best comment you can get from a D.I. is "Outstanding" and I have to say this book falls into the "outstanding" list of books. In fact, I have an Adult Ed class that I teach in the local high school and I start new classes this fall, I will recommend this book to them without any problem. I have already mentioned it to some of my beginner classes.

Not all pool and billiards instructors are the same when it comes to what is the correct way to teach this material, and I feel Matt Sherman covered it very well. Of course, there are some things that I teach a little differently, but it still comes out the same way. If I had to make any comment about this book to anyone who was interested in learning the basics his book is on the "top" of the list.

Ken Tewksbury, Master Level Instructor
American Cue Sports & World Billiard Instructors Association

I simply cannot think of a better way to learn how to play pool than from a true master of the game. This book contains fantastic pictures and instructions on learning the art of the game. It's definately worth your time and money!

Any who would understand and play the game of pocket billiards will relish the book/DVD combo PICTURE YOURSELF SHOOTING POOL. Libraries catering to gamers will find a popular pick in a book loaded with color step-by-step, play-by-play photos throughout, covering the basics from selecting equipment to grip and guiding the cue and moving about the pool table. An outstanding beginner's guide.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

"Picture Yourself Shooting Pool" by Matt Sherman makes learning pool interactive, simple, and fun! The easy-to-follow, step-by-step format assures that both novices and skilled players will pick up impressive techniques and improve skill levels.

The book is filled with beautiful, full color images, and the DVD makes the techniques easy to understand: it's like you're one-on-one, with Matt in a pool hall!

You'll learn about equipment, pool basics, table etiquette (yeah...who knew?!?!), and so much more! This is a must have book if you're at all interested in pool. Watch the clip for a sneak-peek!

I've looked everywhere for books or video's that would provide instruction on the proper way to play Straight Pool. There were dozens of players that offered dozens of home-spun versions of the game, but until now, I have been spinning my wheels. This is the best and most comprehensive book that I have ever seen on ANY game of pool. I'm well aquainted with Mr. Capelles previous publications, but none of them even come close to this one. I think the knowledge that a Player gains in Straight Pool is vital to his/her overall growth & skill potential. This book gives more and better information than many Instructors provide. It's worth every penny!

I have skimmed all of the book, have read parts of it carefully, and will continue to consult different chapters from time to time. I seldom play straight pool but practice it quite often. This book showed me some things I didn't know and pointed out some things I knew but hadn't paid enough attention to. It's detailed and thorough. I may not reach my lifetime goal of running 100 balls but this book will put at least a few balls on my occasional high run. It's a good book to read just before going out to hit balls.

This reference guide for pool will show you every possible shot you may have to take. Your game will greatly improve with the tips in this book.

If you want to improve your game, no matter what you play, this book will
greatly help you. This is the difinitive book on straight pool. It leads you through every possible situation you could run accross and shows you how to deal with it. The book can be used as a reference for
any pool game. This book belongs in any serious pool player's library.

i am a above average pool player, this book covers everything. if your looking to excell at pool get this book better than any video you could watch. excellent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is still a new item in our house, but since day 1, it has made a repeat appearance everyday. My daughter begs to have the Professor Parrot movie played on the dvd. Tonight, my husband heard her singing herself to sleep in spanish. She was repeating the songs from the dvd. I just downloaded the 4 page workbook which will enhance my pronunciation of a few words.

The only downside - - no other DVDs. What's Next!!?span

My 2 year old son loves Professor Parrot. The songs are short enough to keep his attention and he is learning to repeat many of the spanish words. I would recommend this for any toddler/young child who likes to sing.

I bought this DVD for my daughter who just turned two, and am so happy with it. We've owned it for only two weeks and she is already starting to count and sing in Spanish. It is her favorite thing to watch. What's great about this DVD is that not only will you and your children have a fun time learning Spanish from it (the tunes are very catchy) but it will also get your child moving and dancing along with the children in the DVD. I wish there were more DVDs out there like this one.

We have tried several spanish learning tools. By far this is the best one. If you want to teach small children some spanish then this is the perfect video. Professor Parrot speaks clearly so my children can copy exactly how he pronounces the words. There are enough english words so that my kids know what the spanish words mean. The music, dancing and story telling keep my childrens attention through out the entire video. I can watch it with them to help them practice or I can let them watch it by themselves and I know that they are getting a great learning experience. I have a 4 year old boy and a 4 year old girl and they both love it.

Bought this for a 5 year old who has surprised us all with her yen to learn to languages. Spanish seems to be the one that intrigues her the most, so I thought we would work on it. After the first viewing of the film, she picked up on how to greet someone and her numbers. She would rather watch this DVD than Nemo, any of the Princesses or Curious George. Well worth the money!