Product Description
An easy-to-understand, step-by-step tutorial, this book explains how to use VRML 2.0 to create 3D Web content. The CD includes the source code for all the examples in the book, along with additional third-party VRML objects and scenes and a selection of tools.Amazon.com Review
Naturally, you should clear your schedule if you really wantto learn VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) 2.0 in threeweeks. You need to study carefully to become proficient in thislanguage, which is the standard lingo for creating 3-D graphics andanimations for the Web. Luckily, the authors of this book are carefulto take you from basic VRML concepts to tricky scripting tasks quitesmoothly, enabling you to build on each lesson as you go. And, ofcourse, you can extend the 21 days to 210 if you want. At any rate,you learn how to build scenes and complex objects, define objectbehavior and interaction, create animations and special effects, anduse collision detection. You can also learn how to create new nodetypes and write VRML scripts. The book is intended for beginners, notprogrammers. In the appendices you get reference guides to VRML nodes,fields, and event types, as well as a glossary. A hybrid CD-ROMincludes sample VRML worlds, HTML editors, and graphics utilities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

A very good book for VRML 2 Programmer
This was my first book for VRML2. Although I do lots of graphics programming in C/C++ and Open GL, I am sure that this book will be equally easy for those who want to start web 3D programming. If you know java script then this can be a good guide for VRML scripting. I would like to thank the author for his work. I did my entire project on VRML with the help of this book only ...

Great intro to VRML
Although I have some previous programming experience (2 C++ classes in college), I'm usually able to grasp the basic concepts pretty easily.This book is no exception, but it certainly isn't related to C++ or anything like that, so it really is like starting from the beginning to me.But itwas still easy to grasp the concepts (so far anyway, I'm only about 1/3through the book) and apply them following the author's exercises. CosmoPlayer (the VRML plugin for your browser) is in version 2.1 now (thebook's CD includes version 1.0) so a visit to cosmo software wouldbe good.Also, they make WYSIWYG editors for VRML, so don't think that youwon't be able to write VRML just because you can't remember all the code -I assume it's like a 3D Studio Max interface.

The only reason I didn'tgive this book 5 stars is because the author seems to assume you completelyunderstand everything the very first time he explains it to you.I've hadto go back and re-read several sections so that I could understandsomething later in the book, but I suppose if he kept explaining conceptsover and over again then the book would be twice as long.Great book ifyou're interested in the VRML world.

An excellent all round VRML reference book
I have read alot of the web3d/vrml books over the years, and this book is the best one I have read so far.The book starts with easy to understand concept and example to show you what VRML can do, and what VRML ispossible. It is suitable for both beginnerand advance users. Thecomplimentary CD-ROM is very helpful and is a great time saver for anyonewho wants to use the example and script in the book. This is the best VRMLbook I have read so far.

Great Introduction into VRML2
This book is a great introduction to VRML2.Clear concise and will take you through the basic building blocks for programming VRML worlds.However it dosen't cover Java integration, which I believe is needed if you want tomake an advanced world.If only all computing guides were this logical andclear!great introduction

absolutely excellent introduction to VRML
After reading this book cover to cover, I felt the following: The book isclearly written.It provides an absolutely excellent introduction to VRML. It follows a logical step by step progression."sams net"should be proud of this one. This is the best introduction to VRML I haveseen on the market. ... Read more

Product Description
Finally, a book about multiple intelligences (MI) theory that answers the questions that all educational innovations must ultimately address: "What are the results on student achievement?" "How were those results achieved?" This book describes six schools that have used MI theory for five or more years. Through case studies of two elementary, two middle-level, and two high schools, Linda and Bruce Campbell illustrate why markedly different schools large and small, rich and poor, inner-city and suburban looked to MI when they wanted to boost student learning.

In schools with long-term MI programs, achievement gains are impressive; in fact, the disparity between white and minority students is reduced or eliminated. Students at all three levels outperform their district, county, and national peers in basic skills. Such gains are possible even though teachers do not teach to standardized and state assessment tests. Instead, they believe that all students have strengths, and, as a result, students come to believe in themselves as well. Moreover, teachers have discovered that instruction through multiple intelligences is so positive and engaging that students--all students can't help but learn.

This book provides educators who are new to MI theory with solid achievement data and curricular formats to support, inform, and inspire their work. Those who have already worked with MI theory will find encouragement to continue and suggestions for refining their efforts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Inspiring Success Stories
Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences (MI) has fostered avenues of reform and change within our educational system. As a veteran teacher I have heard about MI but have never experienced its full power.This book brings me closer to realizing the tremendous potential ofteaching with MI theory. Campbell and Campbell have put together a bookthat describes how six schools across the United States have provokedchange within their educational systems. Each of these six schools has somecommon characteristics but has shown differences in their MIimplementation. The clear storyline and visual charts in this document makethis book an easy read that should inspire teachers at all stages in theircareers. You do not need to be involved with an MI school to gain manyinsights from this book. Its reflective situations and structuredorganization will increase your foundation on MI theory as well as inspireyou to look at the learning styles of youth in a whole new way. ... Read more

Product Description

¡Viva la historieta! critically examines the participation of Mexican comic books in the continuing debate over the character and consequences of globalization in Mexico. The focus of the book is on graphic narratives produced by and for Mexicans in the period following the 1994 implementation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), an economic accord that institutionalized the free-market vision of relationships among the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Eight chapters cover a broad range of contemporary Mexican comics, including works of propaganda, romance and adventure, graphic novels, a corporate "brand" series, didactic single-issue books, and a superhero parody series. Each chapter offers an examination of the ways in which specific comics or comic book series represent Mexico's national identity, the U.S.'s influence, and globalization's effects on technology and economics since the passage of NAFTA.

Through careful attention to how recent Mexican comics portray a changing nation, author Bruce Campbell reveals a contentious range of perspectives on the problems and promises of globalization. At the same time, Campbell argues that the contrasting views of globalization that circulate widely in Mexican historietas reflect a still unsettled relationship between Mexico and its superpower neighbor.

Bruce Campbell is associate professor of Hispanic studies at St. John's University/College of St. Benedict. He is the author of Mexican Murals in Times of Crisis. ... Read more

Product Description
Most health care professionals are committed to the principles of medicare, and so are most other Canadians. Yet everyone recognizes that the health care system has serious problems, and often does not provide the level of care the public expects. Getting a realistic picture of what is good and bad about the system, and how it can be fixed while staying true to the fundamental principles of publicly-funded health care is the focus of this book.

Editors Bruce Campbell and Greg Marchildon have gathered 34 contributors who offer a wide-ranging, authoritative portrait of medicare in Canada today. Experts from Canada and around the world provide unbiased data on costs, quality of care, wait times, and the overall health of the population. There are international comparisons which show how Canada's system ranks with the rest of the world. Front-line health care practitioners describe the key successes and failures of the Canadian system today. Policy makers discuss the potential impact of attacks on the system aimed at opening up health care to profit-oriented corporations, and point to alternatives for better care from inside the public system. Visionaries set out the potential of the system to move from a disease orientation to a focus on ensuring a healthy population of children and adults.

For anyone involved in health care - and for every citizen who cares about the future of this social program - this book offers a unique source of reliable, independent information and analysis from experts who share a basic commitment to the values of medicare. At a time when ideologues and advocates of privatization capture much of the attention of the media and politicians, this collection is an invaluable source of information and ideas. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Words to the Wise
If you are serious about understanding the JFK assassination then you needto get all ten volumes of Bruce Adamson's works on the Dallas assassination. The deep and wide research in Mr. Adamson's volumes allowsone to see the inportant people surrounding the mysterious Lee HarveyOswald. You can learn about someone by knowing a persons friends . Thesevolumes contain valuable info on George DeMohrenschildt== self proclaimed== best friend of Lee Harvey Oswald. Knowing who DeMohrenschildt was helpsto understand the important question --Who was Lee Harvey Oswald ?Wordsto the wise ....get these volumes ! ... Read more

Product Description
These five papers were originally presented at a residential seminar on medieval economy and society held at Chester in July 1989 under the auspices of the Historical Geography Research Group of the Institute of British Geographers. The events in question stand at a chronological watershed between the expansive demographic and economic trends of the 12th and 13th centuries and the contraction and stagnation which characterized the later 14th and 15th centuries. The essay by John H. Munro serves as a reminder that the "crisis" of the early 14th century was a European as much as an exclusively British phenomenon, and the other essays deal with population, agriculture, taxation and the effects of climatic change, reviewing existing knowledge and offering the results of fresh research. ... Read more

Product Description

Teaching and Learning Through Multiple Intelligences in an outstanding resource that offers expert analysis of Gardner's “Theory of Multiple Intelligences”—and the knowledge to extend this theory to effective classroom practice. Broad-based and comprehensive, this text describes implications for pedagogy, team-teaching, student strengths, curriculum, assessment, community involvement, and diverse classroom models. The authors devote one chapter to each of the eight intelligences. They define intelligence, provide a checklist for identifying it, suggest environmental considerations, and offer related teaching strategies. Additional chapters survey Gardner's recent work on teaching for understanding, performance-based assessment, and model MI school programs and student outcomes.

Customer Reviews (5)

MI Help
I found this book very useful in learning not only about MI, but also how to differentiate in my own classroom instruction. I'm sure there are many books available, but this one breaks things down clearly and in a useful format. Even my students were skimming it, looking for ideas.

It's very useful to me
This book is very useful to me.
How to develop students' eight intelligences and teach basic skills through multiple modes. I think this book is anchor full of valuable classroom exercises, resources, and ideas for interdisciplinary units. ^^

Great Resource for expanding your classroom!
This is a wonder book/resource on how to approach lessons in the classroom to account for multiple intelligences. I just borrowed this book from the library to use for a paper, and just lovedall the information in it that I am now going to purchase is to use for my classroom. The information is so well written and laid out in a manner that is easy to follow whether you are quickly skimming through or sitting down to read it cover to cover. I strongly recommend this book for any teacher wishing to expand their students' learning experiences.

Great
As the disability host on bellaonline, special education teachers will deal with multiple intelligences each day. This book provides you with teaching tips and solutions to deal with them each day.

Most Useful Tool Ever!
This book not only describes the multiple intelligences, but gives PRACTICAL, USEFUL ways to implement the different learning styles into your curriculum! I wish all teaching books were as useful. ... Read more

Product Description
This study explores a fundamental question never explicitly investigated in histories of the 1857-1858 mutiny that threatened to engulf all of India: How could a vastly outnumbered British army, with dangerously overextended lines of supply and reinforcement, defeat so large a force on its home ground? Watson focuses on the pivotal Lucknow campaign and abandons the standard narrative approach to the subject in favor of comparative analysis. His detailed assessments of the opposing leadership, armies, and other crucial elements in the campaign elucidate the character of the battle for Lucknow and add a new dimension to our understanding of the entire conflict. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Another point of view.
I disagree for these reasons:
Mr. Watson does state he would like to take another aprroach to the mutiny and to examine the question how a smaller British force defeated a larger native uprising. In some degree, he does just that. While he addresses this in chapter 8, he also touches on the topic in other chapters of the book. He also brings to light other details of the mutiny that other books don't give that much attention to or just mention briefly. This book is more geared to those familiar with the Indian Mutiny even though a reader new in the area of this part of history shouldn't have any troubles reading and understanding what Mr Watson is saying.
I would have to strongly agree that the book is overpriced. I can understand paying $85 for "Campaigns of Napoleon" by David Chandler, but to spend $85 for Mr. Watson's 120 page book seems a bit extreme. Even if it does examine some aspects of the mutiny, but in no great details, that other books seem to ignore.

A short and disappointing rehash not worth the money
This is an expensive and I found pretentious little book which offers little new. I say pretentious as it says that it will be different and that it will explain why so few British soldiers so far from support coulddefeat the much larger army that they did. Having set himself this task theauthor then fails to deliver and provides instead simply another pottedbiography. Not much original here. Four out of ten. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume of essays on agrarian history is the result of a conference held by the Rockefeller Foundation in Italy in 1988, during which participants discussed agricultural productivity in relation to the European economy of the past. The aim of the conference was to bring together leading scholars to exchange ideas both on the methodology of agricultural productivity in the past, and the substantive historical problems associated with it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not immediately obvious.
Yes, this is another out-of-date book which has attracted my attention but, if I can come across a copy for very little money and be impressed by the content, layout, information and photographs, then so can anyone else. I often find books which are well out of print are either very cheap or ridiculously expensive. Thankfully, this one appears to fall into the former category. Add to that the simple fact that the subject matter (i.e. Birds!) has remained largely unchanged since publication and the product represents excellent value for money.

This is a large "coffee table" book which really ought to find a place in the home or on the bookshelf of anyone with an interest in the subject. In order to find a specific bird, the reader must consult the index which occupies the final 128 of the book's 352 pages. All birds are listed alphabetically under common and Latin names with the relevant information specific to each bird appearing under the Latin name only. For me, the presence of common names was not immediately obvious - but it was Monday morning and clearly going to be a slow week!

With a remarkably small "Contents" right at the beginning, this book is so easy to use it needs no explanation. Beginning with some very technical data - Faunal Regions, Origins of Species, Anatomy and Classification which occupy only 25 pages, the book then deals with "Abbreviations and Notes" and Acknowledgements before getting down to detail and hard facts. There now follows 192 pages of glossy colour photographs covering over 1,000 different species of bird. The standard of photography is very good throughout and often quite excellent.

People know what to expect from a Dictionary - i.e. a list of words in alphabetical order with an explanation of each word. One of my pet hates is books which profess to be either a Dictionary or Encyclopaedia when they are no such thing. This book is described as a Dictionary in the title and is exactly that. As such it will make bird identification much easier for the majority of those with an interest in the subject.

Altogether an invaluable tool.

NM

Not immediately obvious.
Yes, this is another out-of-date book which has attracted my attention but, if I can come across a copy for very little money and be impressed by the content, layout, information and photographs, then so can anyone else. I often find books which are well out of print are either very cheap or ridiculously expensive. Thankfully, this one appears to fall into the former category. Add to that the simple fact that the subject matter (i.e. Birds!) has remained largely unchanged since publication and the product represents excellent value for money.

This is a large "coffee table" book which really ought to find a place in the home or on the bookshelf of anyone with an interest in the subject. In order to find a specific bird, the reader must consult the index which occupies the final 128 of the book's 352 pages. All birds are listed alphabetically under common and Latin names with the relevant information specific to each bird appearing under the Latin name only. For me, the presence of common names was not immediately obvious - but it was Monday morning and clearly going to be a slow week!

With a remarkably small "Contents" right at the beginning, this book is so easy to use it needs no explanation. Beginning with some very technical data - Faunal Regions, Origins of Species, Anatomy and Classification which occupy only 25 pages, the book then deals with "Abbreviations and Notes" and Acknowledgements before getting down to detail and hard facts. There now follows 192 pages of glossy colour photographs covering over 1,000 different species of bird. The standard of photography is very good throughout and often quite excellent.

People know what to expect from a Dictionary - i.e. a list of words in alphabetical order with an explanation of each word. One of my pet hates is books which profess to be either a Dictionary or Encyclopaedia when they are no such thing. This book is described as a Dictionary in the title and is exactly that. As such it will make bird identification much easier for the majority of those with an interest in the subject.

Altogether an invaluable tool.

NM

... Read more

Product Description
This atlas makes pioneering use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to unlock part of the treasure trove of information contained in England's unrivalled medieval public records. The result is an indispensable work of reference. Data from over 9,000 manorial extents, the tax returns of 15,000 individual wills, and 2,000 detailed manorial accounts are linked to reveal the human geography in England during the pivotal 50 years before the Black Death in all its complexity.
... Read more

Product Description
Forests and woodlands provide an enormous range of goods and services to society, from timber and firewood to medicinal plants, watershed protection, destinations for tourists and sacred sites. Only when these are understood and valued can forests and their resources be properly managed and conserved.

This book shows how the complicated network of benefits can be untangled and sets out the different approaches needed to value them. It covers the analysis of plant-based markets, non-market valuation and decision frameworks such as cost-benefit analysis. ... Read more

Product Description
Science faces major challenges in tackling the interlinked problems of poverty and environmental sustainability. This book calls for a restructuring of our present arrangements to achieve integrated natural resource management--integration across scales, system components, disciplines and knowledge types. It advocates the necessity of modelling, multi-scale analysis and action research, institutional and organizational development, and communication enhancement. The book draws on case studies throughout the world. ... Read more

Product Description
This groundbreaking examination of death squads, which exist worldwide, provides a historical perspective of how governments use death squads and how the participation of non-state forces is an extreme instance of the "subcontracting" of tasks characteristic of modern states. Death squads are not simply a product of the Cold War, or of "weak" third-world nations, but are linked to a crisis of the modern state. This collection brings experts from around the world to look at death squads in places such as El Salvador, Weimar Germany, Bosnia, India, Indonesia, Brazil and South Africa.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Death Squads Work!
Like all books composed of essays from different authors, the quality varies, thus the 4 stars instead of 5 (actually a 4.5 seems the best rating.) Having said this, the end result of these depictions of "death sqauds," a term the authors have a difficult time agreeing on themselves, is that they work. Governments or individuals can employ contracted hit teams to intimidate, murder, rape or in general terrorize opponents with telling effect, all the while hiding behind a mask of feigned outrage. In India's case the tactic effectively neutralized seccessionist movements in Kashmir and the Punjab. While one can point to South Africa's even more exaggerated usage of such state terrorism and its subsequent failure to avoid apartheid's defeat, this book offers an intriguing rationale that one might overlook. Eventually the state apparatus achieved such omnipotence that it threatened the very entities it was designed to protect. Whether this had any effect on DeKlerk's eventual decision to decontruct the racist state is unclear, but certainly the ironic potential of the state terror consuming itself would not have dissuaded him from his historic path. The essay on Sebia's use of contracted ethnic cleansers is interesting because it does make plausible Miloisevic's denial of direct responsibility; all he did was arrange for local militias and imported Serb fighters to acquire the weapons they used to "ethnically cleanse". It becomes harder to make the case that he ordered specific cases of "genocide," a term that has been grossly misused for purely political and emotional reasons. However, the buck has to stop with the top dog (evidently not true with the Bush administration, though.)
This is a good book. I was a little surprised that it left out Colombia, or Sri Lanka, countries that have active death squad activities, or even Northern Ireland. Maybe there will be a follow-up edition that will give wider scope to active insurgencies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

International scope
A real strength of this book is its broad scope; both in range of species, and in wide range geographically.Within a few pages there will pictures of the vulturine guinea fowl, the white-breasted nuthatch, and a red-throated diver (loon). The pictures are spectacular, whether it is wandering albatross courtship, an upside-down emperor bird-of-paradise, or a common bee-eater offering his mate a dragonfly.A minor annoyance is that the location of the species pictured is not usually listed. The text covers a wide range of species, and focuses on describing the behavior, but not allot of deeper evolutionary discussion. Some researcher names are mentioned, but there are no citations or sources for further reading.I think the book might be considered an informative, coffee-table book. ... Read more