News and Media Books

HOT-WIRING YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS: STRATEGIES FOR PRINT AND NEW MEDIA DESIGNERS tells how to recognize and believe in creativity, using inspiration past and present to evaluate work, develop new experimental applications for standard tasks, and more. Any designer who would streamline creativity and develop more efficient work habits will find HOT-WIRING YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS comes packed with tips on how to put into practice an array of creative techniques.

I have several books designed about creativity and this is the best one that I've read. It is filled with solid information, not gimmicks.

Being creative is very difficult for me. The movie actor and singer Judy Garland was called "one take Judy" because she could act a scene or record a song perfectly in one take. Creativity doesn't come that easily for me. Sometimes it becomes so difficult that I want to give up, close up Photoshop and just write computer programs for a living. Programming is comforting. There are rules to follow and as long as you don't break them, your program will work. But eventually, I find myself back into Photoshop trying again to be creative. If you want to be a professional artist, you need to be creative "on demand" and, to make things even more difficult, the project concept is usually not yours. So what do you do? I am always in search of that "secret" which will help me become and, even more importantly, stay creative. One thing that can help, until you find that magic pill, is to study how other artists are creative.

This book, by Curt Cloninger, has some very useful ideas for increasing your creativity. He uses quotes, tidbits and interviews to share his and other artists' creative process. He begins by breaking down the creative process into four steps; predesign, design, development and implementation. He discusses how each step is influenced by the needs of the artist and client. He then shows several ways to stay creative from brainstorming to using a set of cards by Peter Schmidt called Oblique Strategies: Over One Hundred Worthwhile Dilemmas.

Another source of creativity is what has been done before. Cloninger discusses how to recognize good design and ideas from history and how they might be applied to your current project. He then moves on to software and grids. He tells you not to be afraid to use these tools to free you to be more creative especially when you use the software in ways it was not originally designed for.

Next, he discusses five realms of design; media constraints, audience needs, client needs, professional ethics and aesthetics. Finally, he tells you it is OK to fail. According to Cloninger, failure is what leads to successful creativity.

Curt Cloninger is a successful artist, designer, author and instructor in Multimedia Arts & Sciences at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. His previous books include Fresh Styles for Web Designers: Eye Candy from the Underground. His artwork has been featured in popular publications such as How Design and FILE.

Michelle is taking horse back riding lessons and loves it!Michelle is trying to save a pony from being sent to New York City and Michelle thinks he is so cute that she hides him in an old barn where no one could find him . Her older siser is only there to ask a boy who works there on a date. I like michelle better then her sister and anyway it is a Marykate and Ashely book.

I bought it for my cousin's 10th birthday in a couple months, but I just had to read it first. Reminds me of the TV episodes. While Michelle is trying to save a pony, Stephanie is trying to impress a stablehand at the stables where Michelle rides. The two stories mingle nicely; it's neat how the author has the chapters go back and forth from Michelle and Stephanie's point of view. One thing I noticed is that not all the Full House characters appear. While at first I would have liked for all to appear, as I read that didn't matter to me, it was still great. I imagine the author only used certain ones so as not to confuse those who have never watched the show. When my cousin gets older and has web privileges I'll be interested to see how she rates it. She enjoys Full House but this will be the first of the books she's gotten. I chose this one because she's wild about horses.

Michelle and Stephanie are always disagreeing... but about a horse they don't even own! Where it goes and how it lives. Read the book to see who gets their way.

Powers is the real deal--he's been in the news business forever--and he also knows how to explain and to look behind and beyond the obvious. Great read, and truly informative. You won't watch TV the same way again.

Truly eye-opening and fascinating. I read the first edition quite a few years back and eagerly read the newly revised edition that addresses the web and how it further affects the devolving quality of America's television news programming. It's astounding how little we truly know about something that is such an integral part of our everyday lives. The world of news can be overwhelming, and as a medium can't always be trusted. This book illuminates its inner workings in an easy and interesting way. You will never "watch" news the same way again after reading this book.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who tunes into TV news to stay "in the know." This book truly enlightened me! Written by two award winning veterans in the field of journalism, I was pleased with the vast wealth of information and insight provided in this book. Packed with industry facts and shrewd perceptions, the book made me seriously ponder "what exactly is TV news and just what have I been watching all these years?" This book is also very timely, as it delves into how the Internet has further altered the reality and integrity of the news. It's a must read for anyone who wants to fully understand TV news and how it can manipulate our world view.

Dale Kaczmarek has written a unique book that documents the numerous areas where Spooklights have been reported. It is well written and very informative. His level of knowledge about Spooklight locations is impressive. This book is a good reference for any one wanting to know where Spooklights have been seen. I recommend this book for anyone interested in Spooklight phenomena.

Very well written book on all the mysterious lights from across the country. This book has useful information, links to webpages and very crisp clear pictures. I enjoy reading Dale's books because you know your getting great information from an expert that is actuallly in the field.
I can't wait for another book from him !

Mr. Kaczmarek is a professional in the field of ghost research this books is very informative.

An amazing account of the medical work of Dr. Fritz: a German surgeon from WWI who has incarnated in human form five times to demonstrate miraculous healing abilities in ordinary people, most recently a computer engineer named Rubens. Maki originally went to Brazil in the hopes of debunking Dr. Fritz but became completely convinced that the phenomena is real: over one million people have been treated by Fritz, including cancer patients had been previously deemed terminally ill. The book attests to the reality of the hidden realms of energy and spirit that constitute and interact with our physical bodies. The epidsodes documented in the book also confirm our ability to use life-energy creatively and constructively. The Dr. Fritz phenoenon defies reason and that is why it so important for us to come to terms with it.

It's true, it worked, it changed my life. Rubens is the real deal and has a gift that is a blessing to our world. He did back surgery on me with no drugs/anesthesia before, during or after, I had no bleeding/bruising or other complications. I was awake, laughing and telling stories during the entire procedure.

I went from having back pain 95% of the time, to virtually no pain at all. I have before and after x-rays showing the change in the alignment of my spine. Doubt if you must, but for me and thousands of others, THIS IS TRUTH.

I just watched a video done by this author, Masao Maki. It is only in Japanese and not currently available on Amazon, but the ISBN is 4-89976-025-6. The video shows surgeries and has an interview with Dr. Fritz. It is about 60 mintues long.

Other books about Dr. Fritz:

Arigio, Surgeon of the rusty knife ASIN: 0690005121 and Dr. Fritz the Phenomenon of the Millenium: The Author's True Story Between the Spiritual and Material Worlds ISBN: 0595206581.

Seeing, reading about and especially experiencing this really changed the way I look at the world. I encourage you to explore this material.

A while back there was a program on TV called The Human Experience. It would weekly study and report on aspects of being human and living. One of the episodes was on alternative medicine and psychic healing. One of the subjects reported on was Dr. Fritz(Rubens Faria) of Brazil. To say I was stunned by what I saw would not describe what I observed. I watched as he did a bloodless surgery on a man to remove a bullet from close to his spine. There was no anesthesia given, no apparent pain, only a pair of sissors for tools. The patient was fully alert, sitting upright in a packed waiting room thru the whole operation. Amazingly, Dr, Fritz got the bullet and stitched up the man in about 1 minute total time. The patient got up,answered a few questions from the American film crew and left. There were several US doctors who had come with the TV crew to oberve Dr. Fritz and they appeared to be as stunned as I was.What they and I saw was inexplainable. Dr. Fritz continued to see more than 1000 patients that day(one thousand that's right).Several needed and received these bloodless/painless speed surgeries.It's easy to be skeptical of Dr. Fritz and it's easy to be captivated by his psychic medical powers. But it's not easy to explain or understand this phenomenon. To see such an operation done in a filthy Brazilian warehouse with a pair of sissors and no anesthesia, no pain,no blood and the patient appears cured, what can be said. But there is a grim side to Dr. Fritz...anyone who undertakes these powers( the most noted currently is Rubens Faria) knows he will die a violent death.Curious. You would think that there would be more information on Dr. Fritz but such is not the case. That defunct TV show, this book, and Faria's own book is about it. This book is not written with a strong academic search for truth. But enough first hand information is presented to make this book a worthwhile read.

I am the author of this book, and I think it's not bad. But don't take my word for it - I'm biased! Here is a published review:

NEXUS MAGAZINE, June/July 2004

Our modern -day mass culture is in the grip of The Beast, characterised by materialism, consumerism and celebrity worship. What it needs, says esoteric book publisher Sevak Gulbekian, is an injection of spirituality; the science of materialism needs to be replaced by the science of spirit.

Acknowledging that we do live in a physical world, Gulbekian proposes a way that we can healthily and constructively engage modern culture from a spiritual perspective and maintain our sanity and balance in the process. The basic premise is that as human beings our task is to tread the spiritual path in a material world. In order to do this, we need to develop heightened capacities of perception so we can have clear insight into the machinations of the material world. This requires, as any true spiritual path does, self-discipline, study and meditation. It also involves learning to appreciate the fine line between truth and illusion and to understand thought as a spiritual force.

Gulbekian's perspective is especially informed by Manichaeism, with its insights into evil and how to transform it, as well as the spiritual philosophies of Rudolf Steiner. It's also informed by his lifelong study of popular culture, and here he presents case studies that highlight how materialistic culture is ripping away at the deeper currents of human soul and spirituality. He looks at the influence of gangsta rap, where music corporations and the rappers themselves are motivated by money, not social conscience; the spiritual leadership of Prince Charles, which has been so trivialised by the mass media; and the latterday confusion of David Icke, whose interest in shapeshifting reptilian aliens is a descent into materialism on another scale. Gulbekian offers a middle path where we can evolve via our commitment to transforming society from within.

Ruth Parnell

There are two dangers for the reader of this book: they may read it as an already confirmed opponent of anglo-american/international globalisation looking only for confirmation of their own views. Or they could read it, as one of the editorial critics does, with the opposite bias, unable to see the contemporary problem.
However, the thoughtful reader will find that Gulbekian is that most satisfying of writers: someone who has pondered deep issues of our time enough to distill out some profound and disturbing insights. By any standard deriving from the last 50,000 years of human history, this is an apocalyptic time. The potential and dangers of our time are truly global; many of the threats - environmental, WMDs, poverty etc - are profound; yet much of the politicking about solutions operates at the level of facile soundbite and/or dismissive rhetoric, while an ad for a better cosmetic faces a magazine article on genocide or polluted water supply. The point is that contemporary culture is either dissociated (the optimistic view) or Janus faced.
Gulbekian gives a succinct but powerful reading of these and other issues and suggests a way of individual action that rehabilitates the conscience and awareness of the individual. I commend it.
Professor Angus Jenkinson

At last, a book that successfully combines modern culture and spirituality - and offers a way to survive without escaping the world of macdonalds and cocacola. This is a first, and is impressive. Not only does the author present the reality behind contemporary life, but he shows you how you can deal with it, and maintain your composure and consciousness of self at the same time.

This book is bound to be copied by others, so get the real deal now.

Taking *The Journey* is like stepping out of a Time Machine as a northern Indiana Amish child is transported into the 21st century in Chicago. The team of Sarah Stewart and David Small produced this winner in 2001 and it's my opinion that only *The Friend* (see mcHAIKU's review dated October 3, 2004) has it 'bested'.

As Hannah becomes a time-traveler between two very different cultures, her level of excitement rises to test her well-schooled mannerliness. She is awe-struck and makes her discoveries seem new to us as we read over her shoulder the words written in her diary: "going down the street is like making a journey across the whole world. I feel like happiness has rushed up and grabbed me ..... "

There are only two small disappointments for me: I wish there were a situation in which Hannah was juxtaposed with a young city girl - - perhaps in that not-to-be-missed Chicago River boat ride - - somehow sharing an adventure which might suggest kinship despite their obvious differences. And, having recently written a review of *Berghoff's* ("The Berghoff Restaurant" of Chicago) I wish Hannah & her mother & friend had walked to that 100+ year old establishment to have a German meal - - where another comparison could be drawn. For me, the small black & white sketches of Hannah have a special appeal. Her facial expressions declare that she is a story-teller herself, and David Small makes obvious why he was selected by Caldecott judges.

This book is a delight to share, and can be a conversation-starter among children raised so differently from those of the Amish faith - - they may question how Hannah could be so eager to return home to the chores she has escaped for a week, and to a culture with gender-segregated religious services, and outhouses, and riding in an oh-so-slow buggy. When picture-book-age children aren't close by I reach out to adults or eleven-year olds & share the sweetness and strength of these words quietly enhanced by the dark blues of early morning and the jubilant sunrise. I will look for my favorite Monet-like haystacks the next time we travel north, too!

REVIEWER mcHAIKU is content that "the simple life" makes room for a love of books and hopes that Sarah Stewart & David Small continue their story-telling for many years.

Hannah has traveled with her mother and her mother's friend Maggie to the city. For an Amish girl from a small community, the city is big and full of strange and wonderful things. They go to the top of hig buildings, to marvelous stores, to big parks, the aquarium, the atr museum,on a boat ride and into a grand church. While Hannah is enchanted and enthralled by all the new sites, each new site reminds her of things at home she loves. Written as diary entries by Hannah during her adventures, this book manages to capture the wonder of a young girl in a new enviroment, and her thankfulness for the simple ways at home. Once again Sarah Stewart has crafted a wonderful storyline and David Small has turned what is in the mind's eye into enchanting illustrations. A wonderful book to read aloud, and to be enjoyed by all ages.

"Dear Diary, The luckiest girl on this good earth is writing to you tonight..." So begins The Journey, Sarah Stewart's lovely story of Hannah, an Amish girl on her first trip to Chicago. Each night, before she falls asleep, Hannah writes about her day and marvels at all the wonders of the big city, the fancy department store with it's frilly dresses, the aquarium and public library, the enormous cathedral with its loud choir, the cars and hundreds of people rushing here and there... And each makes her remember and appreciate something from her simple life at home, trying on a homespun dress, fishing in the pond, praying silently in the small wooden church, quilting with the ladies from other farms... David Small's expressive and detailed artwork take readers from the busy, brightly colored streets of Chicago, to the quiet, softer and subdued life of Hannah's Amish farm. Together, this award winning duo of Stewart and Small have authored a gentle, understated picture book, perfect for youngsters 6-10, that is sure to become a treasured classic in the years ahead.

Highly intereseting!! Easy to read, and has so much fascinating information!! The Excellent Illustrations are also very very informative!!

Read it and Enjoy it!!!

Looking for the perfect gift for a youngster that you will enjoy as much as the recipient does? Try one of Buckley & Leacock's fabulous renderings of events in American history. The four books they have written (Kids Make History, Journeys for Freedom, Places in Time and Journeys in Time) weave a richly embroidered and at the same time historically accurate tapestry of the story of our nation's founding and continuing development. The authors have fastidiously researched and presented narratives that explain why we are proud to be Americans, with detailed maps and illustrations that are informative and entertaining accompaniments. These are books to be read again and again, cherished and kept forever.

What a wonderful book! You can help your middle schooler envision treks of historic interest with these twenty two-page spreads. Pictures use up most of the space and depict people, including children, on the move; some cross-sections are employed. Text describes the journey, and sometimes stories are personalized through the experience of a child. Numbered entries within the text point out events or places, and a sidebar lists interesting facts. Very nicely done and a terrific aid for visual learners.

Presented in chronological order, the journeys are: a Native American creation story; Columbus's voyage, 1492 AD; the founding of New Mexico, 1598; Mayflower voyage, 1620; Ben Franklin's travel from Boston to Philadelphia, 1723; a slave ship, 1735; Daniel Boone's Wilderness Road; bringing Ticonderoga's guns to Boston, 1775; the Lewis and Clark Trail, 1804; California 49-ers' trip around Cape Horn, 1849; the Sante Fe Trail, 1852; the underground railroad, 1856; a Civil War regiment's movements, 1862; John Muir's travels in 1867; a cattle drive, 1879; westward immigration, 1884; a cross-country airplane trip, 1911; Louis Armstrong's train ride from New Orleans to Chicago, 1922; a migrant worker's journey, 1959; a Vietnamese refugee, 1976. Notes and an index are included.

Very nicely done. Highly recommended.

This is a super, duper, great, awesome, cool, nice, friendly, non- complicated, correct, magnificent, truly good, TRUTHFUL BOOK. Notice the caplocks. Why is it cap locked? Because it's true! Why is it true? Why should you trust me? Well, for one thing, it's all kids like you! (Maybe not like you, but like you are at heart) I should know, as a ten year old. I love the book! I would be totally net- clueless without it!

I was one of the 45 kids who reviewed a sight in this book. Why should you trust this guide? You can really trust this book, honest. The reviews in this guide were written by kids, for kids. They might not always share your interests, and you may not always agree with them, but you know their telling you the truth. Their not teachers trying to talk you into a subject, or parents , trying to get you to eat your cyber spinach. Your getting the straight story from real kids. It answers FAQs for parents and adults, nifty search engines, hundreds of far- out sights, great advice, kid's favorite's, trivias, jokes, poems, magic tricks, safety nets (like net nanny, cyber sitter & tattle tale just to name a few), kid's credits, a very, very complicated index (NOT! Simple as can be!!!), etc. ALL FOR KIDS!!! You will never be cyber bored again with KIDS RULE THE NET: Net Guide for Kids!!!
-Jillian, page 53

I am one of the 45 NetKids featured in this book and I had a lot of fun writing for it. This book shows the basics of browsers, plugins, search engines, and other features on the Internet and the World Wide Web, all from a kid's point of view. It has reviews for all sorts of fun sites on topics ranging from The X-Files to sharks to intense rollerblading. It's perfect for the novices, or even those more experienced surfers looking for extra cool sites they haven't seen yet. --Katie Tandler

This was purchased for my 3 grandsons - ages 9, 6 & 4. They are completely into Knights Kingdom "anything".

My boys love this series of books. They'll start with legos next year but they already get excited about them due to these books. The stories are classic good vs evil, easy for them to understand and the artwork is attractive and exciting.

Most of these books come with stickers or trading cards and that's an added kick. They never dull of hearing these.

My son likes the part when Karzon sets the traps to catch the King, Sir Adric and Sir Kentis. I highly recommend this book for boys that like knight stories. My son is in first grade and can read it himself.