Instruction Books

This is our second order of the book. It is used by our Tablet Users Group faculty members. We have had Thomas Angelo as a speaker at Rose-Hulman and were very pleased by him and his work. We would highly recommend Classroom Assessment Techniques: A Handbook for College Teachers. The book has been very well received and helpful teaching, evaluating & assessing classroom techniques.

The book arrived in perfect condition, even though it was listed as used. Arrived on time.

This book is a handbook-style text that elaborates on the concept of "Classroom Assessment Techniques," a term used by the authors to refer to alternative methods of evaluating or assessing student learning. The book is a handbook because each "CAT" is listed in terms of how to prepare, use, and evaluate results; the authors also present rather subjective indicants of the amount of time required for each technique.

The techniques range from the laughably simple (such as "muddiest point") to the more involved (such as student learning portfolios); the handbook is arranged in terms of types of assessment that may be conducted with each group of techniques. The book provides a wide variety of techniques, and the user should be able to find several applicable techniques for a particular educational situation.

However, I would strongly suggest that anyone using these techniques NOT rely on this text as the sole source of how and why to do educational assessment and evaluation -- the field is too complex and the implications are too important.

Excellent book! Angelo was very clear and concise in guiding teachers through the assessment process.

The text was used in a course through UW Stout and it is a very good resource for methods that can be used to assess learners progress towards a goal. Great tool to have on the bookshelf!

In the first chapter of "The Complete Personal Finance Handbook," author Teri B. Clark observes that "financial planning works for those who make thousands of dollars a year and those who make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year." From there she lays out in easy-to-understand detail just why the subject is necessary reading for everyone.

With exhaustive information on everything from money-saving tips (buy in bulk, don't use credit cards) to how to purchase a house and invest in the bond market, this handbook explains all the basics of dollars and cents. Using simple descriptions and occasional blurbs from financial experts around the U.S., it goes on to more daunting topics like IRA withdrawals, disability insurance and the difference between good and bad debt.

One of the highlights: a series of useful appendices that demonstrate, for example, model personal budgets and methods for financial calculations like figuring compound interest.

People tend to take two basic approaches to managing their finances--they either avoid it until something bad happens or they do what they can to understand how money works and how they can make their money work the best for their situation. The Complete Personal Finance Handbook not only makes a strong argument for the latter approach, it presents a straightforward, easy-to-understand approach for doing so.

The author starts at square one with budgets--what they are, why they're important, and how to create them--and moves on to the various elements of money management from there. Terms and concepts are clearly defined along the way.

There's nothing really new about the information presented in this book, but if you need help with the basics--how to establish a budget, how to determine the best places to put your money, how to protect your investments, how to start planning for retirement--this is a solid guide that will get you up to speed quickly.

The Complete Personal Finance Handbook: Step-by Step Instructions to Take Control of Your Financial Future

By Robin C. Springer
January 15, 2008


Have you ever wanted someone to wade through the mountains of financial information that's available "out there" and just tell you what to do to handle your money well? If that describes you, then this Personal Finance Handbook might be exactly what you are looking for. This is a comprehensive guide to handling every major aspect of your personal finances. Beginning with a discussion of budgeting and its benefits, it then clearly instructs the reader, step by step, on exactly how to create and live within a budget.
From there, a lesson on banks and banking procedures introduce the reader to the "larger picture" and how their own finances are affected by banks. It is a very enlightening chapter, and one that anyone who deals with banks ought to read and understand.
The strongest message contained within the book is the importance of creating and growing savings. This topic is very well covered, from the first "Why Save?" question to how compounding interest can work for you, to very practical chapters on specific practices and opportunities, depending on one's circumstances.
Also well-covered are topics such as insurance, financial advisors, the wise use of credit, debt correction and avoidance, real estate and its role as an investment tool, stock market investing methods, and even taxes and their impact on your wealth. There is a very helpful appendix at the end of the book with worksheets, tables and graphs to help with specific tasks, all designed to help you along the road to financial well-being.
I would highly, highly recommend this book to anyone whose knowledge of the world of money might not be complete. The author is very clear, concise, and sensible about his instructions to the reader. It is truly a hands-on, tell-me-what-to-do guidebook to building one's wealth.
Five Stars
-30-

This book is touted as a step-by-step guide to take control of your financial future and it is everything and more than that. Each chapter can be read independently of others so if readers only want information on retirement plans, that chapter stands on its own as a useful source of in-depth information. Other topics covered include: how to break bad spending habits, banking options, accumulating "good" debt versus "bad," how to choose credit cards, investment options and strategies and daily ways to save that can add up over the course of a year. This chapter is particularly interesting as it shows real life examples of going cold turkey on those daily lattes or cigarettes and how those savings can be invested instead.

Another useful chapter is the one on debt and divorce. Considering the 50% divorce rate in this country, this is good information to have on hand when stress and emotions can overtake common financial sense.

Overall, this book is a reference guide on most every topic having to do with financial stability that college students, working professionals and retirees will find beneficial.

The Complete Personal Finance Handbook: Step-by-Step Instructions to Take Control of Your Financial Future is the kind of book that everyone needs when they are starting out on their own. We all know that high school and college graduates aren't going to listen to their parents, but this book is well organized and emphasizes the old fashioned virtues of frugality. The chapters on debt are a particular point of emphasis if you have a college student who has just discovered the allure of other people's money. It doesn't take very long for a twenty-something to run up a lifetime's worth of debt if he isn't careful, and while this book provides some good advice about credit repair and debt reduction, the best advice it gives is to avoid that kind of situation altogether. I was also particularly impressed with the concise information on mortgages. This is a subject that can get confusing pretty quickly and it's full of timely advice considering the mortgage crisis we are undergoing right now. A lot of people could have avoided a major financial headache if they had followed the advice in this handy little guide. If I had a child going off to college in the fall, this book would be going with him.

*****
I have been reading collage books in order to get ready for a collage class I'm taking next month; while all the ones I've read have their strong points, this book is truly the "Bible" of collage---it contains the widest and most in-depth information of all of the books I've read. It covers so many topics, and for a beginner, enables me to see just what can be done with collage. As I become more experienced, though, I am certain that I will refer to it again and again.

Ever type of collage conceivable to me is covered here, with step by step instruction. It is written in an instructional (as opposed to entertaining) style, and is definitely a reference book, but one that I think every collage artist should have.

If you are wanting to learn more about collage and can only afford one book, this one is it. It covers many different styles, so unlike other books, if your style is not the same as the author's, you might be left out---no chance of that with this book.

Highly recommended.
*****

I'm speaking as someone who knows zilch about collage -- or close enough to zilch that it doesn't matter. Which means I'm extremely impressed by the way the authors clearly explained techniques and concepts in a manner that didn't confuse the ignorant (me) while informing both beginners and experts. I'm guessing they DO inform experts just because of the wide range of information. The result is that I feel I really begin to understand the basic concepts without being overwhelmed. My only problem is to choose which fun methods to try first. There is certainly an exhaustive array of options. I can't speak for more experienced people but, for beginners, I can't imagine a book being more helpful than this one.

This book does offer specific projects and yet leaves an open-ended aspect for artist innovation and personal touch. There are a lot of methods explored and so this text is a great one in addition to the works of others in this genre. The greatest part about this book is that contemporary collage artists are featured and this gives the reader a connection with his/her peers. There is no "art history" and "these are the famous collage artists" feel to this book: it is 100% TODAY people who are creating collage art. This aspect makes the world of collage feel approachable and in the here and now.

I have dabbled with collage and assemblage and want to do more. What I mainly want is info on supplies and technique, rather than an overview of what other artists are doing in the field, or a history of the art, or coaching to overcome fear of doing art. I took six collage and altered book books out of the library. This one worked best for me. The information about what supplies, adhesives, and papers/boards to use was well organized, clear and simple. Each technique was presented in a straightforward, step by step way accompanied by examples. This book had more techniques in it that seemed like ones I would want to work with than some of the other books - I'm not at a stage where I want to build a complicated studio setup or use photocopiers and photography a whole lot in my artwork, but I appreciate knowing about techniques that are a little more advanced than gluing paper down.

This book was actually a text book for a college class. As a not very artistic person, I found some of the projects to be a bit intimidating. However, the explanations were very helpful. The pictures are beautiful. I found the descriptions of the elements of design very helpful.

i just bought this book with "tres logos" and wow, this book is amazing. this one explains the process, the reasons, etc of how to get to a great logo and the other book is a collection of great logos. this book stimulates your creative juices and guides it in a fashion that leads to great concepts for logos which from there can spring into many other medias and beyond (collateral pieces, ads, web, etc). this is a must have book for anyone at any stage of their design career. five stars to rockport and this book for another success. i have just about all the books published by rockport. awesome book.

Logos 01 is an excellent examples of the modern approach to corporate identity logo design. Case studies and examples illustrate the requirements and execution of a wide variety of businesses in regards to the need for a mark to help themselves in their marketing efforts. I have actually purchased and given this book to my marketing practice clients and prospects in order to provide good direction for their expectations and planning on this subject. The book is also beautifully designed, easy to read, and even though I use it as a tool, could easily be an attractive table-top book for the office.

A well designed, designer resource. The samples are large and the explanation text is informative. A great book for designers to have on hand.

This book is exceptionally well written and compiled. It speaks clearly and concisely to both beginner and experienced professional. Whether you are in need of new insights into logo design or just occasional reviewing, this book is for you.

This volume on design is both beautiful and insightful. In a bookcase full of vacuous logo "collections", Capsule's effort stands out as a genuinely intelligent, useful, and inspiring work.

This book is a great tool for working with children on the Autism spectrum. Theory, assessment checklist and therapy activities are all included.

Do Watch Listen Say - is a book that I was required to purchase for a class. Although is was required reading, I found it to be very helpful in planning and implementing strategies for teaching a range of students, including late talkers and kids with communication delays in addition to those diagnosed with ASD. Highly recommended for both teachers and parents - easy to follow and read. Good hands-on suggestions.

I am a speech therapist and found this book to be a useful addition to my library, although I would suggest that anyone looking for information on autism check out multiple sources. There are simply too many viewpoints out there and too many different techniques for any one book to be 'the' book on treating autism. Also, this book was published in 2002 and at this point many of the suggestions will probably be nothing new to anyone familiar with the fundamentals of social skills training, using visual aides, and incorporating sensory techniques into therapy.

This book gives a good, balanced overview of how to effectively work with an autistic child. There were also a number of good suggestions and ideas for how to plan therapy sessions. I found some of the suggested activities to be a bit mis-matched in terms of ability level - some of the suggested 'games' for very basic skills, for example, seemed too complex for children working at such a beginning level. Overall, though, a good resource.

A practical book with some great advice for therapists and parents on having your autistic child OBSERVE AND LEARN FROM THEIR ENVIRONMENT! That is what we want right?

I like this book because it gave me practical advice to work with my son the very same day on suggestions that work.

For the holidays and birthdays give this book to your therapists/aides and teachers vs. another gift. It is a good, worthwhile read.

A very practical, hands-on approach to working with the autistic child.

This book was well worth the money paid,the book covers many things from beginning to end,topics such as how to increase your drawing capabilities,steps to move from to get better,then slowly moves towards things such as learning figures and anatomy,then to drawing the figures and inking them,the 2 forms of inking,and what materials are best for making a manga*WITH PICTURES!*
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to improve, get tips, or just starting out

This is a useful guide for all ages and skill levels of drawing. Especially those that are not familiar with or from the culture of manga animation artistry. It gives the history and origins of manga to give the reader and artist a better of understanding of manga. It then helps the artist see how traditional manga artistry is performed and the processes to make "good" and "proper" manga characters and art. Moreover, it shows the reader and artist how to develop their own style of manga artistry based upon the principles of the tradition. Then it helps the reader and artist to create and develope manga stories, and characters to be in them with "good" plots and flow to create your own manga novel of equal greatness to all those that many/you know and love.

I got this book out of the library out of curiosity
and was very suprised by its content.

Most Manga books show you how to
copy the CONTENT/STYLE of Manga; this
this addresses Manga's FORM as well
as its historical background and relation
to Western comics.

The section on how to use computers and
various software to layout, ink, letter and color
your OWN comics and/or manga
is worth the price of the book alone.

Highly Recommended!!!!

After you finish practicing Bruce Lewis' tips and techniques, you cannot help but emerge with your own particular style. Instructions are clear, informative and inspiring.

Its actualy the most helpfull book I have purchased so far when it comes to drawing in that style. It stresses the importance of practicing your own style and mastering it before moving on to anime esk figures. infact heres some advice, master basic anatomy before you decide to try manga, you have to be experienced regadless. The "How to Draw Manga" series is flawed in that it expects the customer to already know how to draw...

The Gilded Edge is a beautifully comprehensive explanation of American period framing. Not only is it informative, but includes detailed pictures of the frames it describes. What an educational account of the bond between the frame and the art it surrounds. A must have and wonderful gift for anyone interested in art or framing!

A wonderful reference book. The frame and painting have never looked so good together.

This is a great addition to any library. It is a truly eye-opening publication about the rich history and art of framing over the years. You'll never look at a painting the same way again.

As a painter I have always loved art, but I never gave the frame much consideration due to the fact that my, as well as many of my contemporaries', paintings are unframed. Upon reading "The Gilded Edge" I realized not only the importance of the frame throughout art history, but also the importance of the frame in terms of the paintings themselves. There are lots of gorgeous photos of frames as well as their respective paintings. Also featured are detailed descriptions of the methods of construction as well as the reasoning behind the aesthetic criteria of the frames. This book has opened my eyes to the importance of frames as well as their beauty. It's a must buy for anyone interested in art.

With unparalleled insight from key contributors, this is an exquisite measure of a book. The Gilded Edge is a celebration of the rarity and awareness of American period frames. Eli Wilner blends the perfect amount of knowledge with striking visuals to leave you wanting to learn more. The Kuehne frame on page 43 is one frame among many that will open your eyes to the depth and magnificence of the history of framing.

Recieved item on time, right when we were told it would arrive. Book in very good condition.

This Book seems to be a great tool; I have not had the opportunity to really get into it yet!I am sure I will enjoy!

This product has proven to be an outstanding reference for a teacher of any subject. If you're looking to elaborate on a concept studied in class, music is an outstanding way to relate to students. With the ease of downloading music, lesson plans may be materialized in a matter of minutes with authentic discussion to follow. It works beautifully with any unit. Additionally, the book is categorized for easy reference.

As the Video Hound's Guide is for movies, this book is for songs. It categorizes the songs logically so you can always find a song that relates to what you are teaching to help engage kids, help them connect the content to their world, and sometimes even teach content. (Maybe ask your school librarian to buy a copy if you do not wish to spend the money on it.)

Now in an updated and expanded fifth edition with over 14,000 songs added (and featuring over 35,000 songs overall), The Green Book Of Songs By Subject is a comprehensive and very strongly recommended, "user friendly" reference for looking up popular songs by subject. Basic topics such as Freedom, Rivers, specific states and cities, etc. are listed in alphabetical order; each listing is followed by appropriate song entries arranged by title. An especially excellent book for tracking down the title, composer, or publisher of popular as well as obscure songs, The Green Book Of Songs By Subject is a core addition to the reference shelves of academic music history reference collections, and would prove invaluable in the personal reference libraries of professional musicians, DJ's or music-writers who can't afford to waste time struggling to remember (or needing to track down) who composed, performed, or produced a given tune.

I have played for a few years now but I consider myself a noob and never thought in a million years I would be able to play Pantera. Thanks to this book I am able to play Revolution is my name, walk, and a few others. Not the solos of course. Pantera is my favorite band and I shed a tear the day Dime was taken from us. This book helped me play the music I love and I am very grateful to those who made this possible. Anyone who is a fan should buy this book.

Though it may not provide much in the way of theory, scales, or fundamentals, this book is a great insight into the style of one of rock music's greatest guitarists. Not only did it offer written and recorded examples of great riffs, intriguing solos, and useful exercises, it offered great practical tips for any serious guitarist. I poured through the book in under a week and it made me totally re-think several aspects of my playing. Riffer Madness reminds us of the importance of forgetting the rules and just playing great music.

This is a must buy for a Dimebag Darrell fan. This guy knew what he was talking about when it came to guitars.

Everything is transcribed perfectly.

My only beef with this book is that Darrell doesn't play on the CD.

I found the content to be pretty good. I am a big Dime fan so to just have his entire column in one book was great. I did notice that there is some bad tab but it's enough to get you going in the right places. Additionally I expected Dime to be playing on the CD instead of the author.

I first met "Diamond" Darrell in 1984 when he was only 17, and giving guitar lessons at Mansfield Music. I'd finally decided I really wanted to PLAY guitar, and not just bang on it. They tried several teachers, classical, and a country teacher. It just didn't work out, so the owner told me he had one more teacher, a kid with his own band. In walked a skinny kid with the biggest electric frizz hairdo I'd ever seen, Darrell. Each week, he'd take my list of 10 songs I wanted to learn, and if he knew them, would show me how to play them. If he didn't know them, he'd take the list home, and next week, he'd have all of them down pat. I learned more in that 18 months than in the previous 35 yrs! Ten yrs later, I went to a guitar show in Dallas, and was waiting outside the Dean showcase when I heard a voice call, "Hey, Everett! How're you doin'!". It was Darrell, there to put on a demo for Dean. Needless to say, there were some wide eyes around me after that! Darrell dropped everything to talk to me for about 10 minutes. That's the kind of guy he was. We lost a goodern, that's for sure. R.I.P. Darrell...

I have purchased 6 books and 2 cd sets to get started in hand binding. This book by far will get you going with simple, straight forward instruction.

Less "flashy" than some titles out there but extremely substantive. A comprehensive guide that explains and explores its subject matter from every angle.

Even for a 50+ year old, third generation publisher and printer, this publication enlightened even myself on the lost art of handmaking and restoring books. Very helpful for the novice, or for the collector of fine books - to be learned and unes as a reference.

This book doesn't have flashy pictures, but it teaches you how to bind your own books. The instructions are detailed, the process is well explained and it worked great for me.

I have also bought another book on bookbinding (or so I thought) - Book Arts: Beautiful Bindings for Handmade Books by Mary Kaye Seckler. This one is the exact opposite of the previous - flashy pictures, but absolutely useless.

After reading this book I was able to complete my first ever sewn multiple signature hardbound book with little to no problems. Watson's numbered and illustrated instructions were simple and easy to follow and his techniques - especially on proper folding, measuring, squaring, mitering the corners and attaching bookcloth - proved very helpful. He even provides a section in the end of the book on how to make your own bindery tools, which is great because equipment such as sewing frames and press tubs can be quite expensive these days.

Watson assumes that you have already collated the signatures for your text block. This is important because there are some things you'll have to consider when assembling the text block in the first place (such as squaring off the fore edge for a finished look) But overall, this is a useful reference for serious home bookbinders.

I highly recommend it!