Collaborative Learning Techniques: A Handbook for College Faculty Review

Collaborative Learning Techniques: A Handbook for College Faculty
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Collaborative Learning Techniques is both a "how to" and a "why to" guide to collaborative learning. By providing simple, easy-to-follow examples of 30 collaborative learning techniques, it provides a starting point for faculty who wish to experiment with collaborative learning in their classrooms. Each technique is described in detail followed by several examples from a variety of disciplines. I particularly appreciated the observations and advice section and the tips for adapting to on-line environments. More importantly, however, this text goes beyond describing a few teaching tricks. By exploring the theory and research on collaborative learning it also facilitates "deeper learning" about why we do what we do in collaborative learning classrooms. Even faculty who have been using collaborative learning techniques for years will gain new insights from the authors' discussion of the nuances of a truly collaborative classroom.

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Engaging students in active learning is a predominant theme in today's classrooms. To promote active learning, teachers across the disciplines and in all kinds of colleges are incorporating collaborative learning into their teaching. Collaborative Learning Techniques is a scholarly and well-written handbook that guides teachers through all aspects of group work, providing solid information on what to do, how to do it, and why it is important to student learning. Synthesizing the relevant research and good practice literature, the authors present detailed procedures for thirty collaborative learning techniques (CoLTs) and offer practical suggestions on a wide range of topics, including how to form groups, assign roles, build team spirit, solve problems, and evaluate and grade student participation.

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Techniques of the Observer: On Vision and Modernity in the 19th Century (October Books) Review

Techniques of the Observer: On Vision and Modernity in the 19th Century (October Books)
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HUGE thumbs up. Crary historicizes technological vision and illuminates an underrepresented point: things we're taught to think of as objective, such as cameras and vision, are in fact quite subjective and historical. They're ideas first, which means social/cultural ideas, from design to usage. Gradually these cultural ideas plus economic and technological possibility fuse into 'things'. The social aspects get invisibly embedded into these 'things' through myths of objectivity and modern people's desire to be taken care of by machines. When cultural values become things we are conditioned not to see the subjective part. Why? Our primary way of thinking is still the way of the Enlightenment -- from the 18th century -- which loves measuring and equating and separates 'myth' from 'science'. [Which is which? as Roger Waters asks, Do you think you can tell?] Western high culture privileges thinking and seeing over affect and body, imagining they are separate and valuing one over the other. Really it's just an excuse for laziness and cultural arrogance.
Read this book along with Eric Michaels' _Bad Aboriginal Art_ and Adorno and Horkheimer's _Dialectic of Enlightenment_ to begin to see glimpses of Western cultural values and narratives embedded in today's supposedly 'objective' media such as photography, video, TV, vision, etc. Do the work and eventually technology will be a mirror of your own social/historical context.

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In Techniques of the Observer Jonathan Crary provides a dramatically newperspective on the visual culture of the nineteenth century, reassessing problems ofboth visual modernism and social modernity.Inverting conventional approaches, Craryconsiders the problem of visuality not through the study of art works and images,but by analyzing the historical construction of the observer. He insists that theproblems of vision are inseparable from the operation of social power and examineshow, beginning in the 1820s, the observer became the site of new discourses andpractices that situated vision within the body as a physiological event. Alongsidethe sudden appearance of physiological optics, Crary points out, theories and modelsof "subjective vision" were developed that gave the observer a new autonomy andproductivity while simultaneously allowing new forms of control and standardizationof vision.Crary examines a range of diverse work in philosophy, in the empiricalsciences, and in the elements of an emerging mass visual culture. He discusses atlength the significance of optical apparatuses such as the stereoscope and ofprecinematic devices, detailing how they were the product of new physiologicalknowledge. He also shows how these forms of mass culture, usually labeled as"realist," were in fact based on abstract models of vision, and he suggests thatmimetic or perspectival notions of vision and representation were initiallyabandoned in the first half of the nineteenth century within a variety of powerfulinstitutions and discourses, well before the modernist painting of the 1870s and1880s.Jonathan Crary is Assistant Professor of Art History at Barnard College andColumbia University. He is a founding editor of Zone and Zone Books.

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Canvas Remix: Techniques For Creating Mixed-Media Accessories Review

Canvas Remix: Techniques For Creating Mixed-Media Accessories
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I recieved this book yesterday, and found a fountain of good information. Author Alisa Burke starts the book with definitions of tools and supplies, then on to stretching and priming canvas. (Most if not all projects are unstretched) There are 38 pages of techniques, with color photos for the steps, along with some helpful hints called "in the mix."
Most of the projects are beautiful, fun, and useful. There are several I want to try right away, including the tote, pouch, canvas beads, and i-Pod case. This book fullfilled my need of the basics of working with canvas, stretched, or unstretched. After learning the basics, you can easily craft whatever you want.
I would have given this book five stars, but I think some of the techniques could have been done more in depth. Otherwise I am glad I bought it, and it will get a lot of use.

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Strong colour, bold lines and funky ideas combine to introduce the reader to forty-five techniques and twenty-five projects using paint, collage and canvas.After a brief introduction to working with canvas (including stretching canvas, working with raw, unstretched canvas, working with a variety of paint, and several applications - blending colour, glazing, spattering, distressing), the reader will take their painted canvas to the next level with hand-carved stamps, adding journaling and writing, image transfers and more.Once the reader has learned to create their own graffiti-inspired works on canvas, they'll be guided through the step-by-step creation of twenty-five projects that use the canvas, such as upholstery, a tote bag, placemats, a lunch sack and even canvas beads for jewellery.

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Technical English: Writing, Reading and Speaking (8th Edition) Review

Technical English: Writing, Reading and Speaking (8th Edition)
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Aside from the horrible condition of the makeshift cover, all pages were intact and in good condition. The text is useable.

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This new edition retains much of the vision of the previous editions-it encompasses written, oral, and visual communication-but also reflects current practices in the field of technical writing, with continued emphasis on workplace communication The focus remains on the entire writing process from planning through revision, with topics discussed including, defining technical communication, the workplace audience, developing a clear, direct communication style, information design, graphics as a means to support and clarify information, technology, the technical writing process including planning and drafting, and reviewing and revising. For anyone interested in improving his or her writing.

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The Structure of Singing: System and Art of Vocal Technique Review

The Structure of Singing: System and Art of Vocal Technique
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Over 40, now having studied with over twenty professional singers and academic coaches, teaching and enjoying public performances in opera as well as several civic choral societies, I can only regret not having access to this material much earlier in my career. Recently I was introduced to Richard's master class and seminar and I knew immediately that I had to acquire this text. Unlike so many subjctive apporaches I have ran into elsewhere, there is little left to the imagination or to private interpretation when it comes to the pysiology and functionality of the voice as it is so well outlined in its pages. Regardless of the style of singing one might wish to pursue, every serious student/performer will gain infinite insight from following this comprehensive guide to perfecting a more internationaly accepted vocal technique. The sheer volume of difinitive information it contains constitutes the most exhaustive collection of practical examples, scientific research and systematic exercises that I have ever encountered. Now utilized as the basis of instruction at many universities, this lively publication is a must for every studio.

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Combining the physical, technical, and artistic aspects of singing, the author applies current findings in medicine, acoustics, phonetics, and speech therapy to the singer's needs.The text demonstrates the scientific basis of exercises and vocalises, covering all major areas of vocal technique.

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Alpine Climbing: Techniques to Take You Higher (Mountaineers Outdoor Expert) Review

Alpine Climbing: Techniques to Take You Higher (Mountaineers Outdoor Expert)
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This book hits the sweet spot between Freedom of the Hills and Mark Twight. Finally, a book for those of us who know the basics, maybe have done some guided mountaineering trips or novice routes, and already know how to rock climb, but need to know more in order to venture further on our own. The authors frame everything in terms of making decisions, which is very helpful when you are doing things for the first time. Good discussions of equipment, hazards, weather, navigation, and protective systems. The approach is very down to earth and practical.

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This intermediate guide addresses tools, skills, and techniques used in alpine terrain includng rock, snow, ice, and glaciers at moderate altitude approximately 5,000 metres and lower.

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Clinical Chemistry: Techniques, Principles, Correlations (Bishop, Clinical Chemistry) Review

Clinical Chemistry: Techniques, Principles, Correlations (Bishop, Clinical Chemistry)
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While this book is fairly easy to read, I stopped reading it about halfway through my class because of the constant errors and typos. It is also inconsistent, which I think is mostly due to the fact that each chapter is written by a different person or group of people. Where one chapter says vasopressin, the next says ADH, and the next AVP. After coming across so many errors I stopped trusting the book. I wouldn't recommend it unless you know enough to spot the errors in the first place, and that kind of defeats the purpose.

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In its Sixth Edition, this acclaimed text continues to be the most student-friendly clinical chemistry text available, featuring clear explanations that strike just the right balance of analytic principles, techniques, and correlation of results with disease states. All chapters have been thoroughly updated with the latest information as well as new case studies, practice questions, and exercises. This edition not only covers the how of clinical testing but also places greater emphasis on the what, why, and when in order to meet the needs of today's clinical laboratorians.
A companion Website offers the full text online, objectives, a quiz bank, flashcards, glossary, and appendices for students and improved instructor's resources.

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Digital Drawing for Landscape Architecture: Contemporary Techniques and Tools for Digital Representation in Site Design Review

Digital Drawing for Landscape Architecture: Contemporary Techniques and Tools for Digital Representation in Site Design
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Bradley Cantrell and Wes Michaels have authored a concise and beautifully illustrated book. They know their stuff and it shows. The book presents a detailed overview of digital methods, graphics and tools used in landscape architecture and related design professions. The clearly written content encompasses varying software and graphic. The images are excellent representatives of the graphics and methods the book's content advocates.
The book focuses on the creation of graphics type and not just on specific graphic programs. The authors took into account the flexibility in which many designers create representative graphics. This smart approach allows the book to center on the creation of rich representations of the landscape, but still delve in to the specifics of the programs used by design students and professionals.
Each chapter and section demonstrates varying techniques. From using Photoshop to create sections and plan graphics, to scaling and working with aerials. The authors demonstrate how to integrate CAD with Adobe Illustrator in an easy but important workflow. The book reviews a variety of 3D modeling programs including 3D Max and SketchUp and the type of graphics these programs can generate. One favorite chapter includes a step-by-step tutorial on creating Photoshop Perspective Collage. And this is just a sampling of what the book contains. The comprehensive nature of the book is phenomenal.
The authors move the discussion beyond just `how to' and discuss digital theory. Of particular note is a dialogue on how current digital methods are directly informed by the tradition of ink, pen and paper which was the backbone of graphic representation for decades. Framing the book's methods in the long tradition of hand-drawn illustrations emphasizes why design practitioners must read and use this book; it's a milestone in bringing the design community up to date to the level that design should be represented and practiced.
The book's approach and theories on digital presentation will elevate professionals and students practicing landscape architecture and related fields.
Daniel Tal, author of Google SketchUp for Site Design: A guide to Modeling Site Plans, Terrain and Architecture

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For a hundred years, pencil, pen, markers, and watercolor have been the principal tools of representation for landscape architects and urban planners. Today, those hand-powered aids have been replaced by computers and Computer-aided design (CAD). Digital Drawing for Landscape Architects bridges the gap between the traditional analog and the new digital tools and shows you how to apply timeless concepts of representation to enhance your design work in digital media.
Building on the tried-and-true principles of analog representation, Digital Drawing for Landscape Architecture explores specific techniques for creating landscape design digitally. It explains the similarities and differences between analog and digital rendering, and then walks you through the steps of creating digitally rendered plans, perspectives, and diagrams. You'll explore:
Computing Basics

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Grammar of the Shot, Second Edition Review

Grammar of the Shot, Second Edition
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Having plodded through many film and video production books, it is refreshing to come across a more compact and succinct publication. Grammar of the Shot (2nd Edition) by Roy Thompson and Christopher Bowen provides a clear and concise explanation of motion picture visual language. This universal language (or grammar) is an essential foundation for filmmakers to produce a film or video. "As a filmmaker, when you "speak" the common film language, you will be able to communicate your story to a global audience."
Grammar of the Shot elucidates the basic techniques and concepts of visual grammar --framing shots, camera angles and movement, focal lengths, lighting, and 3D elements; And it tackles more complex concepts such as manipulating depth of field, aesthetics of lighting, and how to cross the 180 degree line safely.
Practical shooting advice is given as well as recommendations on achieving more compelling shots. Although little attention is given to post production (devoted to companion text, Grammar of the Edit), this book emphasizes how to shoot with editing in mind. Topics concerned with the editing process include coverage, continuity issues, the180 degree rule, reciprocating imagery, and eye-line matches.
Peppered throughout the text are photographs, illustrations, and diagrams to illustrate key concepts and techniques. There are useful reviews at the end of each chapter and a glossary and index. I highly recommend Grammar of the Shot for film and video production classes. In addition, it would be useful for emerging filmmakers and for those who need a refresher.

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Learn how to use the basic "grammar" of making films and videos in Grammar of the Shot! This book shows you in no uncertain terms what you absolutely need to know to put together your own film or video, shot by shot. Whether you are just learning how to frame a shot or if you just need a refresher, this book gives you a basic toolkit of how to build a successful visual story that flows smoothly. Grammar of the Shot begins with an explanation of the essential visual language of filmmaking-the book takes you from the basic shape of a shot, to different types to shots, to composition of visual elements within each frame. You will be given the basic building blocks essential for successful shot lighting, screen direction, 3D elements, camera movement, and many general practices that make for a richer, multi-layered visual presentation. Most importantly, you will be given crucial background information to expand your visual vocabulary and help jumpstart your career in film and video. Designed as an easy-to-use reference, each topic is covered succinctly and is accompanied by clear photographs and diagrams that illustrate the key concepts presented in the book. Simple, elegant, and easy to use, Grammar of the Shot is a staple of any filmmaker's library.

Don't miss the companion volume, Grammar of the Edit! (9780240521206)
* A simple and clear overview of the principles of shooting...timeless information that will improve your work* Designed as a quick reference: each topic covered in an illustrated two-page spread* Together with its companion volume Grammar of the Edit, these little books are all the beginning filmmaker needs

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The Complete Book of Massage Review

The Complete Book of Massage
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I found that this book has relatively good information, however, I found out most of this by myself. After reading through it once I already have most of the information memorized. This book is more the top layer of the muscle. I go to a choir college and a lot of the people here have deep knots in their shoulders and lower back. Trying to use this information does not help too much. Oh, don't get me wrong, there are several things in this book that I could use, although I might have to alter it a little. For someone that wants to go into massage therapy, I would suggest getting a few other books. I myself have purchased Art Riggs' Deep Tissue Massage book.
I would recommend this book for the people that just want to relax people for a short time. If however you would like to cause a deeper, longer lasting feeling of relaxation, purchase some other books. This book only provides the "icing on the cake" of massage.. I think. I sort of regret this buy, so think at least twice before buying.

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A comprehensive guide to massage techniques with clear step-by-step instructions. Fully illustrated for all ages with color and/or black-and-white photographs on every page. 155,000 copies sold-to-date.

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Visual Art and Education in an Era of Designer Capitalism: Deconstructing the Oral Eye (Education, Psychoanalysis, and Social Transformation) Review

Visual Art and Education in an Era of Designer Capitalism: Deconstructing the Oral Eye (Education, Psychoanalysis, and Social Transformation)
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"Visual Art and Education in an Era of Designer Capitalism" is not an easy book to read because of the stylized academic language, obscure references, and love of word play - "sight/cite/site". I joke that I plan to do an "English translation" for popular readers. The challenging language is not accidental and, along with the $68 price tag (reduced from $86) for a thin book of some 200 pages (plus notes and references), the work is unapologetically designed for serious academic readers. The affectation of the author's uncapitalized name (jan jagodzinski) reflects the tenor of the book. That being said, the ideas in the book are profound and worth the effort.
Jagodzinski articulates the important understanding that the role of art in society is to promote free experimentation. The role of art is to maintain the spirit and soul of the nation framed outside the use-value of the marketplace economy. To do this it is often necessary to disturb or challenge the capitalist consumption model prevalent in society. Jadodzinski contrasts this role of art with that of what he refers to as "designer capitalism". He provides extensive examples from history, philosophy and psychoanalysis that show the role of art today is resisting the capitalist consumption associated with the enterprise of design. He documents the understanding that art's 'asociality' exposes its fundamental antagonism within the capitalist enterprise.
Free experimentation outside the set criteria of the systematically constructed, established order is extremely important in art as well as in pure science, pure mathematics and every other area of intellectual pursuit. "Creativity" that does not surprise, challenge, and disrupt is pseudo-creativity. The only measure of activist art is whether the policing agency becomes upset or threatened. That's why designers use the term "innovation" to distinguish what they do from what artists do.
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The oral eye is a metaphor for the dominance of global designer capitalism. It refers to the consumerism of a designer aesthetic by the 'I' of the neoliberalist subject, as well as the aural soundscapes that accompany the hegemony of the capturing attention through screen cultures. An attempt is made to articulate the historical emergence of such a synoptic machinic regime drawing on Badiou, Bellmer, Deleuze, Guattari, Lacan, Rancière, Virilio, Ziarek, and Žižek to explore contemporary art (post-Situationism) and visual cultural education. jagodzinski develops the concept of an 'avant-garde without authority,' 'self-refleXion' and 'in(design)' to further the questions surrounding the posthuman as advanced by theorists such as Hansen, Stiegler and Ziarek's 'force' of art.

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The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques: Projects and Inspiration for Creative Canework Review

The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques: Projects and Inspiration for Creative Canework
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I own over a dozen books on polymer clay techniques but I still find wonderful pieces of work for which I don't understand the techniques used. Donna Kato's latest book fills many gaps in my knowledge. She explains many new techniques as well as the basics. The book is well written and the projects are of a very high quality level.
This is already my favorite book on the subject of Polymer Clay and if I could only choose one book about the subject it would be this.
The photography and pictures, of which there are many, are also exceptional and the printing is much better quality than Donna's previous books.

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A thousand and one ideas for making beautiful polymer clay millefiori. In Venetian glassmaking, slender rods of molten glass are shaped, then cut to reveal amazingly detailed patterns: flowers, geometric shapes, dancing colors. These slices are called millefiori, "thousand flowers," because they form a carpet of flowers when placed side by side. Now celebrity author Donna Kato shows crafters exactly how to re-create these intricate, fascinating designs in polymer clay. The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques reveals the entire process: how to work with the polymer clay, the basics of planning and creating a cane, and using color effectively. Dozens of canes, from simple to simply stunning, are included, and everything is clearly explained and illustrated with full-color photos, the Donna Kato way. Throughout the book, examples of stunning work by such millefiori artists as Kathy Amt, Pier Voulkos, and Kathleen Dustin provide inspiration. There must be a thousand ways to make beautiful millefiori . . . explore them all in The Art of Polymer Clay Millefiori Techniques.

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Competitive MINDSTORMS: A Complete Guide to Robotic Sumo using LEGO(r) MINDSTORMS Review

Competitive MINDSTORMS: A Complete Guide to Robotic Sumo using LEGO(r) MINDSTORMS
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Competitive Mindstorms: A Complete Guide To Robotic Sumo Using Lego Mindstorms is a hobby guide to using the Lego Mindstorms Robotic Invention System to design, build, program, and unleash autonomous "sumo-bot" creations for use in a robotic sumo arena. Written by dedicated Lego Mindstorms enthusiast David Perdue, Competitive Mindstorms introduces the reader to the sumo-bot, provides seven projects designed to give hands-on experience in three different approaches to robotic sumo (small-and-fast class, medium class, and big-sumo strategies), presents extensive discussions of Lego pieces and building methodology, programming techniques, and much more. Black-and-white photographs illustrate the building instructions in this go-to guide especially friendly to beginners but packed with valuable tips, tricks, and techniques for the seasoned Lego Mindstorms hobbyist as well.


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This book will cover the design and construction of Robot-Sumo robots using MINDSTORMS. Robot building is gaining popularity throughout the mainstream population (Junkyard Wars, Battlebots, etc), but no books have been published with this particular focus.

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Piano for the Young Beginner: Primer B (Bastien Piano Basics) Review

Piano for the Young Beginner:  Primer B (Bastien Piano Basics)
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My 6 year old son just started piano lessons using this book. The books are simple to understand and he is doing very well learning from them. I definitly recommend this book for the young beginner!

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Never before, nor since, has there been a piano method as easy to follow, as pedagogically sound, as exciting to look at, as musical to play - and as well-designed for motivation, achievement, and success as BASTIEN PIANO BASICS.The Bastien Piano Basics method is comprised of five completely correlated course books PIANO, THEORY, PERFORMANCE, TECHNIC, and A LINE A DAY SIGHT READING. Bastien Piano Basics uses a gradual multi-key approach, with reading beginning in the C five-finger position. Five levels of carefully graded lesson material provide constant opportunities for reinforcing basic concepts. It's the smoothest, most heart-warming, most entertaining, most musical way to teach eager youngsters the joys of playing the piano. And comprehensive, page-by-page correlation makes Bastien Piano Basics remarkably easy to teach!

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Sport Riding Techniques: How To Develop Real World Skills for Speed, Safety, and Confidence on the Street and Track Review

Sport Riding Techniques: How To Develop Real World Skills for Speed, Safety, and Confidence on the Street and Track
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Keith Code's popular books Twist of the Wrist I & II came out long before Ienatsch's book, and are ubiquitous partly due to that, and partly because they are available everywhere and discounted even on Amazon. One of the reasons I was hesitant about buying Sport Riding Techniques was because of the price. However, it's worth every penny.
Code's books are written in an aphoristic style that is eminently quotable, but low on detailed explanation. Although Ienatsch's book is filled with gorgeous colour photos, his writing dispenses with flashiness and instead goes into detailed but down-to-earth explanations. I bought both of Code's books before Ienatsch's, and Sport Riding Techniques helped fill in a lot of holes left by the Twist of the Wrist series, in addition to being significantly more up-to-date.
Why exactly does the rear brake lock more easily than the front? At exactly which point do you get off the brakes and on the throttle? Exactly how do you balance lean angle and acceleration? Notice the key word "exactly"; you aren't left guessing.
There is also a clear distinction between track-only techniques and street techniques, which is necessary although some people may not like to hear it.
This is one of those books that rewards first-time reads, yet will keep rewarding re-reads for years to come. This book definitely deserves to be more widely read, especially outside the US.

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Contemporary sport bikes accelerate faster, brake harder, and cut through corners deeper than ever before. These technologically advanced motorcycles are exhilarating to ride, but to really get the most out of a motorcycle's performance capabilities a rider must develop his or her own personal performance. Riders need to take their skills to the next level.Now, in this book written specifically for sport riders, well-known journalist, racer, and riding school instructor Nick Ienatsch provides the tools and techniques to help riders analyze and develop that personal performance.If you're an experienced rider, Nick will help you hone and perfect your skills, operate controls with even greater finesse, and apply race-proven techniques on the track—as well as on the street. If you're a beginning rider, Nick will show you how to develop proper skills and safety habits that will add to your motorcycling enjoyment and build your confidence. Whatever your current riding ability, Nick will teach you to safely find the absolute limit of bike and rider.

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Le Cordon Bleu's Complete Cooking Techniques Review

Le Cordon Bleu's Complete Cooking Techniques
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I love this book. Every technique I have struggled to pick up from other cookbooks, every vegetable I have struggled to prepare, every mystery of French cooking that left me intimidated and terrified is demystified in this easy-to-follow guide to fine French cooking. The recipes are beyond excellent, make you feel like you are following directly in the footsteps of the great masters of grande cuisine. Which you are. It's a great feeling.
All the basics are here, as well as variations, as well as some more intimidating stuff which is made less so by lots and lots of bright pictures and snappy hint boxes. I never thought a cookbook by Cordon Bleu would be perky, but this one IS. Seriously, it's like watching a TV show, but in a book.
Definitely buy this book, especially if you want to become educated about the techniques of the masters, and have it become second nature. LOVE IT.

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With this exceptional opus, over 100 years of unparalleled experience and expertise are put at the fingertips of every home cook using the same hands-on approach promoted in practical classes at Le Cordon Bleu's institutes. This indispensable and unique reference work teaches essential preparation and cooking skills and professional tricks-of-the-trade, with over 700 cooking techniques shown in more than 2,000 color images.Whatever the interest -- providing family-pleasing everyday fare or mastering a top chef's recipe, or even attempting to re-create a dish from a restaurant menu -- Le Cordon Bleu Complete Cooking Techniques will enable people to cook what they want with success. Its hundreds of illustrated techniques are invaluable kitchen aids, as are the many integral recipes.Cooks interested in ethnic cuisines, readers of chef inspired, ingredient-led, or occasion-oriented cookbooks, as well as devotees of simple home cooking will turn to this book again and again and wonder how they ever cooked without it. Le Cordon Bleu Complete Cooking Techniques is destined to become a classic kitchen reference.

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Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy (Bollingen Series) Review

Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy (Bollingen Series)
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This book is the ultimate book for understanding the beliefs and practices of Shamanism, written by one of the world's foremost experts on religion and sociology. I cannot stress to you enough how thoroughly Eliade manages to cover the subject. A good portion of the book focuses on the Shamanic traditions of Siberia and Central Asia, the heartlands of Shamanism. Amongst the Mongols, Yakut, Chuckchi, Saami (Lapps) and other people of that region Shamanism was first observed, and is stil practiced today in many regions. Eliade goes into great depth about the beliefs and symbolism, about the clothing and ornamentation, about the meaning of ritual tools and amulets and much more. Everything from the axis mundi to ecstasy and trance states to helper spirits to Shamanic ideas of death and illness is covered in superb detail. But Eliade goes far beyond a simple survey of Shamanic beliefs and practices, almost literally taking you into the world of the Shaman. After reading this book, you will understand the Shamanic mindset and world view far more than you ever thought. And, as I said, Eliade goes far beyond the traditional forms of Shamanism in Siberia and Central Asia. In this encyclopedic work, Eliade explores the Shamanic traditions of the Americas (North and South), Australia, Indonesia, Oceania, Tibet, China and beyond. Even the Shamanic traditions of the ancient Indo-Euorpeans, such as the Greek myth of Orpheus, Persian views of the after world and the Germanic God Odin, are given treatment. This book is very lengthy, well written, extensivily bibliographed and filled with detailed accounts and accurate information on virtually all facets of Shamanism. I cannot recommend this book enough. Even after all these years, "Shamanism" remains perhaps the definitive book on Shamanic beliefs and thought. To truely understand Shamanism and its role in Siberia/Central Asia, you must read this book.

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First published in 1951, Shamanism soon became the standard work in the study of this mysterious and fascinating phenomenon. Writing as the founder of the modern study of the history of religion, Romanian migr--scholar Mircea Eliade (1907-1986) surveys the practice of Shamanism over two and a half millennia of human history, moving from the Shamanic traditions of Siberia and Central Asia--where Shamanism was first observed--to North and South America, Indonesia, Tibet, China, and beyond. In this authoritative survey, Eliade illuminates the magico-religious life of societies that give primacy of place to the figure of the Shaman--at once magician and medicine man, healer and miracle-doer, priest, mystic, and poet. Synthesizing the approaches of psychology, sociology, and ethnology, Shamanism will remain for years to come the reference book of choice for those intrigued by this practice.


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