Entertainment Books

This is a great product for Josh Groban fans who want to (attempt to) sing like him. Although the music itelf is simplified, it still gets the point across. I recomend it!

This music book is just what I hoped it would be. Easy to read/play, and the price was great!

This has everything I could have wanted.All the songs are complete and in the rights keys.Nothing is missing.It's magic to play Groban by yourself.Plus it has the English translations to the foreign language songs and great shots of Josh.

The sheet music here is challenging, but playable and close enough to the composition on the CD that it's amazing! the vocal is soprano, the piano moderate difficulty, it's exactly what i expected, and i would encourage it's purchase if you're looking for the sheet music to the Josh Groban Closer album, all songs are in the book.

Love the fact that the words and translations are provided. Not an expert pianist but the music works for my purposes (playing for fun and to sing along with).

Don't love the fact that when I tried to press open the book so that it would lay on the music stand of my piano, the whole cover fell off (cheap binding materials, apparently). But at least now I can use it.

I had to figure out by my self how to compile the codes under linux. The book doesn't go over compiling under Linux, other than using kdevelop.



1 star: Readability. It was easy to read. While I found some typos, it wasn't such a big deal.

2 star: There aren't many books out there on Allegro Library, and that deserves some recognition.

2 star: I own another book written by Jonathan S. Harbor, which was also a good read. Beginning JAVA ... I forget the title but it was a JAVA book. Anyways, the 2 stars are for the author, and his experience in game programming.

It's a nice book to have.

I will never know if this book is worth squat.
You see, it relies on the open-source Allegro game programming library.
The problem is, it's nearly impossible to get it installed and working!
The catch-22 is, I can't return the book because I opened the seal on the packaged CD that supposedly includes all the stuff you need for the book.

the book looks promising, but for now it's a big paper-weight made of paper.

This book is intended for the ABSOLUTE BEGINNER. It assumes the reader has a very basic knowledge of C, and understands the basics of pointers, arrays and structs. No experience with other multimedia library/GUI toolkit/etc required, although it helps.

From that point on, it will get you up and running really fast; in quite a few chapters this book will cover simple 2D game programming, teaching all the basics neededed for programming more complex games. Trough the use of Allegro library, the topics of handling input (keyboard, mice, joystick) and output (sound, graphics, sprites) are covered effectively.

The later chapters, however, did not appeal to me at all; they deal with horizontal scrolling (classic mario-like games) and vertical scrolling (1942-like shoot'em up's), AI, multithreading... which is very cool stuff, but I don't think the approach chosen is very effective.

It is read REALLY fast however, with very big fonts, and clear and neat writing. It dissapointed me a bit because although it seemed very nicely edited, one of the examples was misplaced.

If you plan to work under linux, the code will work (most of the time), but compiling can become somewhat cumbersome. Under windows, it works fine.

To wrap up, I quite liked what the author says about gaming and game design in general, and teaches very effectively what he intends, having the "All In One" covered; but examples are overall too simplistic or superficial.

I'm rating four out of five because I expect a book on the subject to be a little more high-end; however, if you are new to programming in general, this book will prove quite helpful. And, Allegro can take you really far (it even has the bonus of being open source!).

P.S.: as a side note, reading other reviews, the second edition looks better than third.

I tend to shy away from game programming books with the phrase "All in One." And not without good reason. Most of them are utter garbage. They simply try to do too much. Take the 1st edition of GPAIO for example--it was just awful. It had diagrams on the wrong page, tons of errors, etc. And it wastes way too much time going through the technical stuff. Very little on game programming.

Not so with this book.

While there is some technical stuff, the author utilizes it almost instantaneously to form a simple tank game along the way. Towards the end of the book, he covers horizontal scrolling (i.e., Super Mario Bros.) and vertical scrolling (i.e., 1942). While neither example is a complete game, both really explain the mechanics well enough that making a game of either type should be fairly easy.

I was a bit reluctant to buy the book because it uses Allegro, rather than the more mainstream options of DirectX and OpenGL. But I really think Allegro was a great choice. It allows him to focus on the meaty stuff, you know, actual game programming stuff. I have way too many books that waste upwards of 150 pages on setting up a window with DirectX.

My only criticism is that the book is more for hobbyists than professionals, but then again I have never seen nor heard of any such book. Anyone who wants to program games, albeit simple games should definitely check this book out.

As for the reviewer who gave GPAIO one star, I'm really doubtful that s/he is serious. But if so, my advice to you is this: If you can't get Allegro up and running, then you shouldn't be programming games. It's that simple. Really. It's not any harder or easier to set up than DX, OpenGL or even SDL.

I love this book for the meals it has inspired. With a few exceptions, the proportions are pretty strange in this book. Everything must be tasted and tested for consistency, texture, and flavor.

The photos are gorgeous, and with some tweaking all of the recipes I've tried have been absolutely mind-blowing!

We have tried many recipes from this book, and haven't been pleased with any of them. They turn out OK, but I expected more complex flavors and better textures from Bobby Flay recipes. I know people who have eaten at his restaurant in New York and were very impressed, so obviously he isn't publishing his best recipes. I wouldn't buy another of his cookbooks.

Catch Bobby's show for a month, visit his web site and print a few recipes and you'll have this book already. No need to purchase, nothing new or exciting in here just a few of his vinagrettes, sauces and spiced up main courses. This book was a waste of my money. I had hoped he'd discuss technique and not just cram the book full of recipes I'd already seen him create on the show.

The first cookbook by Chef Bobby Flay. Here is an wonderful book that shows what an excellent Southwestern-style chef he is.

This book contains explanations to some of his ingredients, as well as techniques to use, when using an ingredient, for example, using yellow tomatoes versus red tomatoes. He, also, adds resources where you can find some of his hard-to-find ingredients. This is a definite plus, as a lot of the chiles are hard-to-find in my area, but so worth the effort, because once you assemble the recipe, it is SO delicious! You just can't believe it.

I tried a few of these recipes on my husband, who has a distinct taste that is hard to please, to say the least, and he has loved each recipe I have made from this book. Favorites of ours are the Pan Seared New York Steak with Chipotle Butter, Caesar Salad with Red Chile Croutons and the Peach & Blueberry Cobbler!

In addition to writing cookbooks, Bobby Flay hosts three television shows on the Food Network: "Food Nation with Bobby Flay", "Hot Off the Grill with Bobby Flay" and "Grillin' and Chillin'".

"Food Nation" is a tour of the United States in the least likely spots, where Bobby Flay explores the cuisine of that area. Spots visited have been the Pennsylvania Dutch country, Kentucky, Nashville and Boston.

"Hot Off the Grill" shows Bobby Flay assemble meals with some volunteers that may be like the more average at-home cook, showing me, how easy these dishes really are to prepare.

"Grillin' and Chillin'" has only been on during barbecue season (that I have noticed), but shows Bobby Flay with Jack McDavid, a real southern cook. Together they barbecue huge spreads all on the grill!

Bobby Flay also has his own line of spice and condiments. A wide assortment from dry rubs, drink mixes, infused oils and spice blends. These are available to purchase at his "Mesa Grill" web site: www.mesagrill.com

Also, he owns and works at two restaurants in New York City: "Mesa Grill" (Southwestern cuisine) and "Bolo" (Contemporary Spanish cuisine).

I thoroughly enjoyed this cookbook and would highly recommend it!

I've been a fan of Bobby Flay's cooking shows on TV for a few years. He makes cooking a way to have fun and socialize while not taking away from the true art of cooking. So, after eyeing this book on the shelves for a few months, my sweet wife ordered it for me online.

This book is a winner! In it you'll find many fresh applications of the wonderful flavors of the southwest. For the most part, the recipes are straightforward and easy to follow. It's amazing how far you can go with just a few basic ingredients (Chile, corn, onion, garlic, etc.) In addition to learning lots of specific recipes, Bobby also gives you a great feeling for how to improvise and come up with your own bold creations. I just cooked my first few recipes from the book (New Mexico BBQ Salmon, chipotle buttered roasted corn), and they came out great!

P.S. As an extra bonus, the book is filled with lots of beautiful color photos of the dishes. It's all very artistic.

This is the book to own. I enjoyed every bit of it and would recommend it to everyone.

Hi, I bought my People Magazine Tribute to Diana at local B&N Bookstore and i am so happy that I did!!! I love the history of Diana,s life from the begining as alittle girl, meeting Charlas, the engaement, the births of William and HARRY,diana,s sister in-law Sarah, her marriage troubles and diana rising up a Pheonix the fire bird.I am so glad Dodi made Diana so happy. I love all the colour photos!!! BIG CHEERS TO PEOPLE MAGAZINE!!!!

Kind of a start to finish collection of selected People Diana covers/articles. It's nice to look through and read (would make a nice keepsake for the Diana fan)- especially if you missed some issues like I certainly did- but not really worth buying if you still have the original copies in good condition. I don't regret buying it but had hoped for just a bit more than a buyer gets here. There was a paperback edition out at first, haven't seen it recently, only slightly cheaper but this version would be the one to get for durability.

THIS WAS AN EXCELLANT BOOK WITH BEAUTIFUL PICTURES AND ARTICLES AND IT LEFT YOU FEELING LIKE YOU KNEW THE PRINCESS FROM THE BEGINNING OF HER LIFE TO THE END. AN EXCELLENT TRIBUTE TO HER LIFE.

I really enjoyed this re-visit to the People covers! It was a great way to look back!

Pull up a chair at your favorite sidewalk cafe's, order a latte or a spicy red Zin, and let our finest, living, American playwright tell you...well, whatever he's thinking about today. Here the master storyteller is opinionated (though not a bit condescending or patronizing), thoughtful, and ever-fascinating.

You will laugh, learn, and be encouraged to think out loud on paper.(Write something!) This is a book to be kept "out" (not tucked away on a shelf collecting dust and disinterest.) I carry it in my day bag for a month-at-a-time, leave it on the end table in the "living room" of my loft to read in between salad and the evening movie, or just setting on top of my old, leather-bound dictionary (in my "writing lounge") along with Mr. Chesterton and "Walking On Water" (L'Engle) for a quick hit of inspiration.

This little (160 pages) tome is like having an endlessly curious friend on-call to clink wine glasses and share their latest musings on . . . whenever you need them. Wine and Mamet. You can't lose.

There are some really great essays in this book, especially if you're a person who loves the theater. Much like "True and False", this book takes aim at problems plaguing America's theater. His best essays in here are for actors - they inspire and reclaim some of the art's dignity.

Also, if you're like me, you can appreciate his essay in here on pool halls. I've never seen anyone nail why they're such great places to visit like he does in this book.

This isn't his best work. But it's a pleasant read nonetheless. Worth the time.

This book's strength was that it made me challenge my own beliefs. As a filmmaker and writer, I have developed a sense for writing crap that appeals to the lowest common denominator. Mamet made me re-evaluate what made me become a writer, and the importance of the theater. I find his writing very interesting from the standpoint that he is very much of the theater, and an elitist as a result, but he is very favorable when discussing Hollywood. I think everyone should read his section on the Oscars in this book. Overall, I was very pleased I read the book, and would have to ultimately recommend it to others.

David Mamets "Writing In Restaraunts" is a perfect execution of playwriting technique guidance and education. When Mamet, the pulitzer prize winning author, combines his know how of writing business and his suave writing style, you get "the goods". Do yourself a favor, and purchase this book.

After having this cd in my player for over a month without being able to listen to much of anything else, i had to buy the book. It is great. Alot of drop d, but still pretty technical. If you like the songs, buy the book, you will not be disappointed.

This book is great for the intermediate to the advanced player. There are great sweeping patterns and blistering fast solos. I especially like this book because of the duel guitar harmonies; if you have a friend to play this book with you will get that full harmonic sound that you hear right from the album. The book is accurate and easy to read. I definitely recommend this book as you will notice a difference in your speed within a week if you stick to it. Look out for the Afterlife solo!

I got this book recently, and I thought I would be able to play at least one song all the way through after some practice. Man, was I wrong. These songs are even harder than those in City of Evil and have majorly fast solos, riffs and fills. If you are towards more the advanced side, this is really good and fun to learn and still a bit challenging. Intermediate players with enough experience and determination may get some out of this book like me, but it'll take months or even years to master the whole album. Still very fun to play, improves technique if you break down the hard parts little by little and makes anyone's jaw drop (especially the Afterlife solo it has 32nd triplets in it!). Definitely get it.

I just recieved this pokedex, and it's going right back in exchange for the prima version.

If you want a guide simply to have a list of all the pokemon, their types, evolution levels, if they need a special item to evolve, and list of moves, then this book will be perfect for you.

The pictures are good, the pages are nice, it's a good quality book, it even has a bit of a walkthrough post elite four, but,

IF YOU WANTED A GUIDE SO YOU WOULD KNOW WHERE POKEMON ARE LOCATED, THIS BOOK HAS NO INFORMATION FOR YOU.

There is absolutly nothing on where to find pokemon or even which version you will find the various pokemon in (not as big of a deal for seasoned gamers, but a big deal for newbies and anyone with only one version). The #1 reason I purchased my first pokedex at the R/S/E level was because I had found all the ones that were common and needed help with rare and legendary pokemon.

The prima guide has typos, this is true, but, they also have locations.

It just depends on what you want out of your dex.

This pokemon pokedex is great. It shows the average stats of a pokemon and the post elite four walkthrough. It has a detailed map and art map of the sinnoh region. It shows all the moves the pokemon can learn and when it learns it. It shows the TM and HM moves it can learn also. To find the pokemon you have to use the back of the pullout map. Many people complain about it but it is easy. The pokedex does go in numerical order.

I like the Pokedex because it tells you a lot about every Pokemon. What I don't like about this book is it doesn't tell you which Pokeball to use to catch the Pokemon. All in all it is a great book to buy because it tells you some things that you might not be able to find in the guide book.

As stated in other reviews, this pokedex does not include information on where to get the pokemon on the pages. That information is found in Volume 1 - the game guide by Nintendo Power or on the back of the pullout map in this pokedex. I found flipping back and forth between the two books to be quite cumbersome and that map... it's not going to last long if you keep using it by pulling it out and laying it out. Not to mention that it is just as inconvenient. References should have information easily accessible, and not just there for you to hunt it down.

See my review on the Prima Pokedex for more information, but I much prefer that version compared to this one. All the information on the pokemon is much more conveniently organized (and more in depth) in Prima's version than in this pokedex.

This "Pokedex" provides the user with so little information that its purpose is lost. All it lists are the attacks the pokemon can learn and information that no one really cares about like its size and weight (which can easily be obtained simply by using the in game pokedex although you must have the pokemon). It does not give the reader ANY information about where to obtain the pokemon. Besides the lack of information, Nintendo goes so far as to call it the "Ultimate" dex while, for some reason, not including information for the final 3 pokemon. The "Ultimate Dex" ends at pokemon #490, Manaphy. It seems that they don't want people to know there are actually 3 more pokemon after that: Darkrai, Shaymin, and Arceus. These pokemon, while impossible to obtain without hacking until Nintendo gets around to releasing them, are still pokemon and should have been included in the "Ultimate Dex" like Mew, Jirachi, and Celebi are even though they too are "secret" pokemon.

This book has tons of great pics, covers all styles and major players. Highly recommended for musicians and collectors of electric basses. It packs a wealth of info, ideas and illustrations into its modest size. A MUST for bassists!!

Jim Roberts really wrote a winner with this book. The pictures are great, but one picture in particular of a store display of three new custom color mid-fifties Precisions is worth the price of the book. Bravo.

This book is extremely entertaining and educational. I have been playing bass over 25 years, and have enjoyed it completely. Jim Roberts covers a wide range of electric bass guitar history, and also identifies some classic albums and bassists as examples of electric bass history in the making. This is also a wonderful book for beginners, who want to learn how the bass guitar changed the sound and texture of music since the 1950s. Fantastic photographs and memoribilia throughout. I highly recommend it!

New to playing bass, I was thrilled to discover this book. Roberts doesn't assume any pre-existing knowledge on the part of the reader, yet even if you've been playing rock and roll for decades, you will learn a ton and have fun in the process. If you have any interest at all in the electric bass, buy this book. It covers the history of the instrument, its manufacturers, and its most famous players, in detail. Tons of great photos. Yet, the most important feature of this book is how it puts the electric bass in its proper place in the history of rock and roll--a far more important place than you might think, prior to what you'll learn in these pages. Not to be missed!