Average customer rating:
- Creative and Original, But Disorganized To a Fault
- Impossible Given Meaning
- Innovative, but somehow empty
- Super Fine Tome
- Save Your $$$
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Super Flat Times: Stories
Matthew Derby
Manufacturer: Back Bay Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0316738573 |
Book Description
From a fearless new voice-a writer in the tradition of George Saunders and Jonathan Lethem-comes a collection of fantastical, gut-wrenching stories of an imagined future epoch crippled by the unfulfilled promises of technology. With a heightened sense of the boundless possibility and lurking doom that Orwell and Huxley once envisioned, each of Matthew Derby's stories provides a glimpse into an intricately imagined world-a world in which clouds are treated with behavioral serum, children are handicapped by their ability to float, all food (including Popsicles) is made of meat-and parodies our contemporary notions of family, government, and technology with razor-sharp wit. The result: a book that is both a brilliant satire and an assault on the senses. - Matthew Derby joins the ranks of Jonathan Lethem, Donald Antrim, Kelly Link, Shelley Jackson, et al.-a new generation of writers whose edgy, experimental fiction has achieved critical and popular success.
Customer Reviews:
Creative and Original, But Disorganized To a Fault.......2007-07-23
It is important in America literature that our writers constantly challenge themselves to write progressively and with innovation. While I whole-heartedly believe some literature is meant to be enjoyed by the masses, I also believe there is a niche in the world of literature where it is high art, and therefore unlikely to be enjoyed in the mainstream. That's okay, because art ceases to be art the moment everyone can easily absorb it. It then becomes popular culture.
Super Flat Times is nothing if not original. With this collection of stories, Matthew Derby has proven he has a limitless imagination and absolutely no fear.
However, while I don't require all literature to be easily digestible, I do require that it utilize some semblance of coherence. Super Flat Times does not. Derby has constructed a world throughout its various stages of history, yet he does not offer any consistencies with that world from story to story. Vagueness I can handle; flat out contradiction without purpose I cannot.
As I said, if you'd like a volume with a wild imagination and no restraints, you may enjoy Super Flat Times. But, if you demand some sort of organized plotline with at least a hint of uniformity throughout, I'd pass.
Impossible Given Meaning.......2007-02-25
Sam Coleridge was good at taking things that were impossible and giving them meaning. His poetry was fantastical,creepy, and full of imagination. The same is so in Super Flat Times by Matthew Derby. It's a collection of stories/memoirs/memories/glimpses into some distant future of this world. Apparently clouds have become solid things that scrape and push against the taller buildings. People eat a meat-only diet: It is treated to simulate the taste of other foods like chocolate milk and vegetables. At one time citizens were rounded up and buried alive by the hundreds in concrete pools.
Memories and thoughts are trapped in the air and random objects. They are whispers of those who came before, able to be read and recorded by the author who is collecting them for this book.
Dont expect a full linear story from this read. Instead, expect little pools of twisted memory poking up like glass shards. I don't know how Derby came up with some of this stuff, but he managed to fill it up with truth and pure emotion that reached from the page and pulled on my sensibilities.
Innovative, but somehow empty.......2006-02-21
The introduction to this book was mind-blowingly beautiful, both creative and moving. I had high hopes for the stories which followed, but ultimately I was kind of disappointed by this book. It took me a while to figure out why this was. The author is clearly very talented. His ideas are fresh, sometimes to the point of being bizarre; his writing style is very polished; and his work feels very innovative. It's just that it's hard to find anyone to like in his stories. Most of the characters are unlikable and pathetic jerks.
The stories do remind me a lot of George Saunder's writing style, in their quirkiness and pacing. But unlike many of Saunder's stories, most of the ones in this book don't really have...plots. Not that a plot is the only point of fiction, but I guess I just found myself wanting some rising and falling action, and if not that, a resolution - a sense of hope. I realize that authors must write the world as they see it, but the world he writes about feels utterly devoid of compassion, and this book just started getting depressing after a while. And though the stories were technically good, I got tired of reading the same thing over and over again. Depressing person, experiences some depressing events, thinks some depressing thoughts, the end.
One of the better stories in the book was "The Father Helmet". In this story, the main character is a young boy whose father has died. He lives with a foster father, who is kind of a robot. The boy uses a telepathic helmet to speak to his father - the helmet enables him with practice to speak into his father's mind before he died. Eventually he disobeys the warning labels on the helmet and uses his telepathic influence to avert the events which led to his father's death. His father comes back to life and his robot faster-father instantly disappears. But nothing feels right about the situation. His dad seems out of place; he doesn't belong in this world anymore. The kid misses his foster father and wishes he would have left well enough alone. "So you brought me back from the dead as some sort of experiment?" the father asks. "Sort of," the kid says. This story actually does have a happy ending, kind of. The dad leaves and the kid uses his helmet to bring his foster father back, who is happy that the kid finally appreciates him.
I think this story is the best example of the author's potential. It is not "precious" or "cloying" by any means, but there is still a sense of redemption and hope that make the story feel finished to me. It is dark, but there is a point. But this story was among the best. Many of the other stories just did not have plot arcs or any conclusions. They were just extremely detailed, vivid portraits of unlikable characters living miserable lives, sometimes ending in death, sometimes not. In conclusion, I think Matthew Derby is a really good writer, but I wish he would turn his talents toward writing more hopeful and enjoyable stories.
Super Fine Tome.......2006-02-17
[...]There is an introductory piece and "fragment" before we even get to the first story in this book (which is almost more of a fractured kind of novel than traditional collection of short stories). I find the rest of it consistent with the beginning and completely necessary. I wouldn't trust the opinion of someone who only thumbs through books in the fashion described below anyway. This book is something to be read all the way through. It's even better the second time around and promises to age well and improve with many readings. Brilliantly insightful, painfully humorous, and meticulously well written to boot. Think Nathanael West meets P.K. Dick (Dick needs West's help w/his prose) and someone along the lines of Felipe Alfau or Adolfo Bioys-Casares (or later Borges, for that matter). Please, don't just breeze through a fraction of this (or any other book) at a Borders, or wherever, and walk away with the smug assumption you've skimmed the cream off the thing. Buy this book, read the hell out of it and feel good you're supporting an author who's actually living and working without pandering to the dummied-down tastes of a culture that, quite frankly, seems intent on descending into the kinds of conditions he so aptly and imaginatively describes. This is easily the "Winesburg, Ohio" of the future. Ours.
Save Your $$$.......2005-12-23
The first story is flat-out brilliant. I strongly suggest going to your local bookstore, reading it and walking out into the world with different eyes. But stop reading there, or you'll end up bitter with disappointment. The rest is repetitive write-by-numbers counterculture for the 21st century: derivative, tedious and overblown.
Average customer rating:
- An total understanding in the LCD industries
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Flat-Panel Display Technologies: Japan, Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus
Lawrence D. Tannas Jr.
Manufacturer: Noyes Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Circuits
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ASIN: 0815513879 |
Book Description
Large-scale manufacturing of liquid crystal flat-panel displays (LCDs) by Japan brought the world's attention to the existence of an enormous market potential that exists when there are alternatives to the cathode ray tube (CAT). The Japanese have recognized that new display technologies are critical to making their products highly competitive in the world market. The cathode-ray tube (CAT) is losing market share to the solid-state, driven matrix flat-panel display (FPD). The Japanese estimate that by the year 2000, the sales volume of CATs and liquid-crystal FPDs will be shared 50/50. The passive matrix liquid crystal display (LCD), the electro-luminescent display panel, the plasma panel, and now the active matrix LCD are being introduced for computer and television displays.
The breakup of the Soviet Union opened laboratories of research and development facilities previously inaccessible to the West. Zelenograd is an example: An entire city with a military mission did not even appear on earlier maps, yet it is filled with state-of-the-art electronic technology. Of more significance, technology in the countries of the former Soviet Union (FSU) is becoming available to the West, and FSU companies are seeking partners, investment, and manufacturing opportunities.
Flat-panel displays are currently regarded as a critical technology in the United States. The technology can affect the cost of portable computers; as a result, computer manufacturers recognize a need to control the manufacturing of flat-panel displays. The optoelectronic Industrial Development Association estimates it to be a $20 billion industry, expected to exceed $35 billion in the year 2000.
The workhorse of the industry has been the cathode ray tube, sales of which are also on the increase, although other display technologies continue to develop and establish new markets. In the 1980s nearly all U.S. companies dropped their display programs. Today many of these same companies are reconsidering their decisions. Japan currently holds more than 90% of the world market; its principal products are the active matrix liquid crystal display and the super-twisted nematic (STN) display. These displays are applicable primarily to portable devices because of their low power requirements.
This book is developed from the reports issued by investigators based on their field visits to 33 sites in Japan, and 36 sites in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.
Customer Reviews:
An total understanding in the LCD industries.......2000-03-31
This book shows a whole picture of Japan LCD industries. It also contains a list of all the major LCD material manufacturers. It is an important book for people who are in this business.
Average customer rating:
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Engineering study
Harold Huneke
Manufacturer: University of Wichita, School of Engineering
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0007H31CA |
Book Description
Portraits not only capture a likeness, but offer for generations to come a glimpse into the subject's life. Sounds like quite a challenge. But with Ann Kullberg's help, it's not as difficult as one might think to create lifelike colored pencil portraits.
Using her own beautiful portraiture for instruction and inspiration, Kullberg walks artists through the process step by step--from basic information about materials and techniques to two demonstrations that show how complete portraits come together from beginning to end.
Readers will also find Kullberg's secrets for making their portrait come alive, along with 17 mini-demos that make it easy to paint realistic features, hair and clothing.
Customer Reviews:
Colored Pencil Portraits: Step by Step.......2007-09-14
This book is equally useful for beginning colored pencil artists through more advanced portrait artists. It is a must read for beginners, as I am. Author Anita Kullberg begins with basic colored pencil techniques, composition and the all-important skills of using light, dark and mid tone values. Then, she leads the reader through the step-by-step techniques of painting skin tones, facial characteristics and realistic hair. By the time I painted my second portrait using Kullberg's techniques described in this book, my painting was believable and recognizable. Far more important to the amateur, I really liked my work! The book is indexed for an easy search for content and Kullberg's "Hints" are real gems. This is a great reference book in addition to the tutorials.
Best book on colored pencils ever!!!!.......2007-08-08
This book was spectacular. The author and artist is absolutely amazing. When I found the book I had no idea how to blend and make skin tone with colored pencil being a black and white pencil artist, but I was able to read her instructions and use them to make my first colored pencil portrait and it looked fantastic. If you are an aspiring portrait artist and you want to learn colored pencils, this is a book you can't do without!
Colored Pencil Portraits: Step By Step.......2007-07-31
This book got me started on colored pencil, it was my very first introduction to the medium. Ann Kullberg through her enthusiasm is incredibly motivating- with carefully thought out step by step techniques and beautiful paintings to show you exactly how she achieved each effect. She goes through every process of creating a portrait in colored pencil starting from a blank page- learning the tools; to composition; right up to the business of selling your work. Ann is also very humble and took the time to answer all of my questions personally when I wrote her a letter. It was because of this and the great joy I got from working through her lessons I went to one of her workshops. She is a patient teacher who will not hesitate to help another-sharing all of her secrets. Ann Kulberg is of great strong moral character and a master of her trade. I would recommend any product she has created.
Colored Pencil Portraits: Step-By-Step .......2007-05-14
This is a wonderful book. It is very informative if you want to learn to work with colored pencils. I recommend it to any bidding artist!
If you can attend her workshop-do it!!!.......2007-04-17
I just attended her portrait workshop for 3 days & can tell you that this gal is the real deal! She's genuinely gifted & has such a wonderful & bubbly personality! I had attended a workshop 2 yrs. ago from a different cp artist & vowed not to go to any more until I decided to go to Ann's (whose workshop I wished I could've took in 2005 instead of Arlene's). This book will help you so much!! I am used to doing colored pencil with the scumbling method which takes forever!! Ann has developed the most amazingly easy technique that is so much faster & looks just as good if not better!! I think the only bad reviews must be by her ex! Ha! I want to attend the 2nd workshop someday that goes with her 2nd book. I have her CDs that go with her books & CDs of her online magazine for colored pencil. All are so helpful!! Her method & books will help even the worst of artists I believe! Thank you Ann for all of your help!!
Book Description
From draft to dressage, young artists will find the horse of their dreams in Freddie Levin's latest, 1-2-3 Draw Horses.
Following the clear, step-by-step format that has made the other books in this series so popular, Horses includes just about every type of horse a child can imagine, from circus to rodeo horses, Mustang, Palomino, Arabian, Appaloosa ... even horse relatives such as a donkey and a zebra!
Each drawing starts with simple shapes and ends in full color, guaranteeing hours of fun--and some great drawings!
Customer Reviews:
Not that great... :-(.......2005-06-05
This tells you almost nothing about drawing horses!!!!!!!
The body structure in this book is wrong, they create colours that have never been horse colours, and make the horse look all bendy with no proper joints!
This should be given a 2 star, and if you really want something to teach you, get either The Usborne Compeate Book Of Drawing or Draw Horses, or maybe even Draw 50 horses
Fantastic Job!.......2004-12-12
If you love horses and have always wanted to learn to draw them, now is your chance! Levin takes you step-by-step through developing an image, a character if you will, that is not only recognizable, but something to be proud of.
Book Description
In this exciting collection of easy-to-follow, step-by-step lessons, Freddie Levin introduces budding artists to a variety of baby animals from around the world. Starting with simple shapes drawn in pencil, some drawings emerge in just a few steps. Others take more concentration, but the effort pays off.
This fun instructional book guides young artists through a successful drawing experience, and inspires them to continue to explore on their own. And you can bet they will with 1-2-3 Draw Baby Animals!
Customer Reviews:
An outstanding series.......2007-01-06
The latest addition to an outstanding series of instructional drawing books for children ages 5 and older, Freddie Levin's 1-2-3 Draw Baby Animals: A Step-By-Step Guide focuses upon drawing cute baby animals including elephants, piglets, chicks, kittens, ducks, sheep, mice, guinea pigs, and so many more. The instructions are methodical, easily followed, and thoroughly "kid friendly". Also very highly recommended, especially for homeschooling curriculums and rainy day activities, are the other titles comprising Freddie Levin's inexpensive and highly effective "1-2-3 Draw" books for Pets and Farm Animals; Wild Animals; Knights, Castles and Dragons; Cars, Trucks and Other Vehicles; Dinosaurs; Ocean Animals; Mythical Creatures; and Horses.
Customer Reviews:
I can't believe this is colored pencil........2007-01-25
Nice examples of what the medium can do. There are some extraoridnarily talented Colored Pencil artists out there. Nice for inspiration, or just admiration. Full color from cover to cover.
Excellent.......2005-08-19
Very good works in this book. Great for developing ideas of your own. There are a few step by step instructions, but it is mainly just pictures of artworks by various artists. Some of the work in this book is fantastic. The book is a bit expensive, I suggest getting it from a library first to determine if you really want to buy it.
Colour Pencil at its best.......2000-06-28
The book collects a very good portfolio of composition by colour pencil techniques. I chanced upon his book while looking for references for pastel painting. Both techniques can share some of their common painting techniques since they are direct and do not need time for the composition to dry.
The meticulous detailing in colour pencil techniques is very well discussed in the book with steps by step examples given to illustrate the built-up of the composition. This helps the beginners with techniques and help build up their competency and confidence through its detailed breakdown of sequences and techniques. It's alomost like having a tutor who is not physically present but the teachings effectively conveyed.
I greatly recommend the book to all beginners and intermediate painters who are keen to develop further into the techniques of colour pencils.
Glorious Paintings.......1998-10-28
This book is great for any artist to have even if they don't use colored pencil. While the title says it is a step-by-step guide it is only minimally so. Only a few artists are shown giving the steps of their creating process. The rest of the book is page after page of wonderful finished colored pencil paintings. It shows just how sophisticated the results can be with this simple medium. Colored pencil, especially watercolor color pencil is one of my favorite mediums to use so a book like this one is quite a treat. I never fail to find inspiration when I open it. I would recommend it to anyone.
Book Description
Water-soluble coloured pencils and water-soluble graphite are excellent mediums for both the beginner and the experienced artist. They are user-friendly, clean, relatively inexpensive and easy to use. The coloured pencil or crayon is usually a child's first drawing tool, so when you begin to use water-soluble pencils, they already feel familiar. Add water, and you can turn your drawing into a 'watercolour' painting almost as if by magic. For the more experienced artist, water-soluble pencils are excellent for use outside - light and easily portable, they are the perfect medium for the traveller. Carole Massey demonstrates a range of techniques for drawing and `painting' with this versatile medium. Water-soluble pencils has sections on understanding colour, composition, using photographs and creating texture. In addition, a series of step-by-step projects give the reader plenty to practise and a number of Carole's graphite and coloured drawings are included for further inspiration.
Customer Reviews:
How to use water soluble pencils.......2007-03-25
This is an informative, step by step book. It takes some practice to do as well as pictures, but keep at it. Still having some difficulty blending colors but I have improved.
Average customer rating:
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Quick Portrait Sketches for Profits and Fun 3 Steps Secrets of the Trade for Beginning or Advanced Artist
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Plastic Comb
Study & Teaching
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ASIN: 0978776410 |
Book Description
Are you an artist and don't know it, or you know it and really want to show it? Quick sketches garners fast cash in a wide open market, such as courtrooms where photography is not permissable, country fairs, shopping malls, flea markets, art exhibits, relatives, friends, neighbors, and of course on the internet just to name a few. The list of potential customers is infinite.
Speaking of images, this word expresses precisely the essence of the art of quick sketching like no other can, in that portrait sketching is all about capturing a discernable likeness of the subject in lieu of an exact photographic imagery.
This publication rather than espousing theoretic jargon, historical contents, and complicated techniques, takes a simple direct hands on approach with innovative methods that guarantees to produce quick and professional results. I
Its contents reveals in condensed form the secrets and applicable techniques of quick sketching, developed from decades of successful experiences by the artist and author. Benjamin Jackson, is an artist of international repute as painter, illustrator, designer, and teacher his repertoire is prolific in each category. So much for the formalities as previously promised to avoid rhetorical redundancy, lets get busy the very moment this standing or lay flat portable combo book and easel is in your hands, which includes: (1)PRERENDERED SKETCHES IN BLACK AND WHITE AND ETHNICALLY TINTED PAPER. (2) CHARCOAL PENCILS IN WHITE AND BLACK. (3) FLAT KNEADED ERASER (4) STUMP FOR SHADING. (5) 12 BLANK TINTED PRACTICE SHEETS. (6) TRANSPARENT WIPE CLEAN VISUALZATION PRACTICE SHEETS.
Customer Reviews:
BAD CHOICE!.......2007-02-13
This is a poor excuse for a book! It has a couple of pages of [...] "how to draw a head" instructions. The rest of the book is just sketches of portraits. You could get a MUCH better book than this to learn portrait drawing. Save your money! I sent mine back for a refund!
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- The Annotated Archy and Mehitabel (Penguin Classics)
- The Annotated Brothers Grimm
- The Annotated Lolita: Revised and Updated
- The Annotated Wizard of Oz (Centennial Edition)
- The Arabian Nights: Tales from a Thousand and One Nights (Modern Library Classics)
- The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas
- The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man (American Century Series)
- The Best Short Stories of O. Henry (Modern Library)
Books Index
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