Product Description
A compilation of quotations from Cher, telling the story of her career which spans almost 30 years. It takes her from her first chart hits in the 60s with then-husband Sonny Bono, through the 70s, and on to her hard rock solo career and Oscar-winning success in the film "Moonstruck"in the 80s. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fun Cher talk!
This book was really fun to read. You can imagine Cher talking while you read the quotes. And even though Cher said "You can ask me all these questions and never know me", I still think that reading somenone's quotes from a long period concerning various subjects, you definately can learn something about the person. At least something she wants to reveal. And even more if you can read between the lines...
I borrowed the book from library, but I'll most probably get it for myself. ... Read more

Product Description
Presents a biography of the famous singer and actress who won an Academy Award in 1988. Includes information on setting goals. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

A great read
I received my book in excelent condition. it was a great read. Highly recommend it to those die-hard Cher fans like me

The "Living Proof" Directory of Cher
The Cher Scrapbook was an item on my Amazon Wishlist until my friend Chellie bought it for me for my Birthday. I'm forever grateful to her, for doing this. That's what I love about Amazon Wishlists! And, this book is a gift that keeps on giving, because it's packed with oodles of Photos of Cher & loads of information I never knew about. I've been a Cher fan since 1980 and haven't learned so much about Cher until 2005! Seriously, Mary Anne Cassata talks about Cher's wigs, collectible toys, Cher impersonators, fan clubs, rare & out of print music and all kinds of interesting stuff, including Cher's most personal quotes & info on her romances. There's just so much to learn about Cher, it's not even funny. And, many times, the fans & media turn a deaf ear to the real woman behind Cher, stalking her for publicity photos & tabloid trash. If they only knew the real woman behind the face...

This is the List of Contents (Chapter-Wise):
iX- Preface
01- The Cher Basics
02- Cherilyn Sarkisian LaPierre
03- The Sixties: We Got You, Babe
04- The Seventies: Cher-Superstar
05- The Eighties: Unmasked on the Big Screen
06- The Unmistakeable Cher Style
07- The Nineties: Turning Back Time
08- The Top Ten Cher Myths: Truth Or Hype?
09- Do You Believe In Love? The Men in Cher's Life
10- Cher on Film
11- The Top Ten Cher Scandals
12- What People Say About Cher
13- Cher Speaks Out
14- Cher Trivia - Including the Ultimate Quiz
15- Millenium Cher: Do You Believe?
16- Cher: Astrologically Speaking
17- Collecting Cher
18- The Cher Society
19- The 2000 Cher Convention Premiere
Appendix 1: Discography
Appendix 2: Cher Singles Released in the USA and Canada
Appendix 3: Sonny & Cher: The Singles
Appendix 4: Sonny & Cher: The Albums
Appendix 5: Cher Guest Vocals on Other Artists' Albums and Movie Soundtracks
Acknowledgements
About the Author

When my package arrived in the mail, I wasn't ready for such a thick carton. And the book itself is quite big, measuring at 8.5" X 10.75" and exactly .5" thick. That's quite good for the price! Due to the weight of the book and the glossy cover, it's easy to drop the item while reading it, which can crease the cover or pages. I haven't dropped mine, but I'm saying it as a precaution. The Cher Scrapbook is a unique conversation piece or coffee table book, because it will certainly win over the reader with one look. Let me get one thing straight. I'm not one for tabloid trash & being a paparazzi toward a celeb, but I did enjoy the much "lesser-seen" photos of Cher without her wigs and makeup. She's a normal woman like anyone else, with a 40 year career to back up her life-story. Mary Anne Cassata knows Cher personally, so I don't mind reading the info from a 2nd party.

There are minor errors in the book (you find them yourself). I don't want to be a spoiler. The photos alone make this book worth owning...and it's a great gift for any Cher fan, old & young alike. The book has 207 pages with writing or images on them. I recommend you buy the book brand new, rather than 2nd hand. It's a high-gloss and looks pretty impressive. Order it for yourself and you'll agree, this book is a fantastic addition to any Cher fan's Memorabilia or book collection. I also recommend Cher's Autobiography "The First Time", in hard or softcover.

A must have for all Cher fans
Absolutely amazing, loads of information and many HQ photos

I just ordered the book
Hey Guys! I'm a huge Russian Cher fan from Saint-Petersburg and just ordered this book at Amazon.com! WOOHOOO! I am so excited!!! I just can't control myself and overcome with emotions! I love the one and only Cher!!! I believe! I can't wait to get this book!!! I'll definitely 'cher' all my thoughts with you!

BUY IT NOW!!!!!!
If you're a Cher Lover you should already have this collection of pictures, info and facts about the greatest Diva of all time. It's really cheap for having tons & tons of pictures inside. I highly 100% recommend it! ... Read more

Product Description
In My Aspartame Experiment: Report from a Private Citizen, author Victoria Inness-Brown recounts her controversial 2-1/2 year study of the effects of the artificial sweetener aspartame. Found in packets of NutraSweet(r) or Equal(r), the sweetener is ingested by an estimated 200 million people and found in over 6,000 consumables, including sodas, candies, coffees, pharmaceuticals, vitamins, and dairy products. Though approved by the FDA, Inness-Brown claims the approval was based on studies cut off before the true effects of the additive could be seen. In addition, human studies use aspartame in capsules, which is not assimilated as fully as its liquid form, thereby minimizing adverse effects. Concerned about the health of family members addicted to diet soda, Inness-Brown raised 108 rats, giving 60 NutraSweet-laced water for 2 ½ years. As her rats on aspartame began manifesting tumors, paralysis, infected and bleeding eyes, and obesity, Inness-Brown made digital videos of the results, culminating in a disturbing visual record of the dangers of the additive. When leaked on the net in 2008, her findings became a hot news topic on popular blogs. Carefully researched, laced with photos and quotes from aspartame sufferers, scientists, and doctors, her book shows that a citizen can go up against a drug conglomerate and provide the public with important new information about a dangerous substance. Not since Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, has a book held such potential for social change. Her analysis of the environment she provided her rats brings up frightening issues about pesticides, herbicides, genetically modified foods, animal products, water and air quality. She believes that we are the rats of the companies that liberally spread their synthetic chemicals worldwide. No one fully understands the long-term effects-especially the complex interactions from intermixing thousands of toxic chemicals within the plant and animal kingdoms sustaining our planet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

An enlightening report!
This report is a must-read for anyone concerned about their health!It is truly amazing that Inness-Brown, a private citizen, conducted this extensive experiment and is willing to tell us what government and private corporations have been hiding for years!The study is very informative and touches on even more health issues than aspartame effects. Her data is clear and the conclusion is obvious:I now completely avoid aspartame and I never put plastic in the dishwasher or microwave oven.Also, I am now a huge fan of white tea.

It is so sad that corporations have hidden the truth about aspartame for years.Even more distressing is that our government even allows these harmful food products on the market!Watch out for aspartame in infant products too---like Pedialyte frozen pops!I always gave them to my baby when ill up until he was diagnosed with cancer at 26 months old.

Once I started reading the report I could not put it down, despite the fact that I found the report to be painful to read.It was painful learning about all the harmful things that my son and I have ingested in the past.It was sad to think that some of these products may have already contributed to some health issues.But I had to continue reading because I now know that we must be proactive in seeking out the truth about the dangers in our food.

awesome book
The author is right on target and I hope a wake call to all those that think "well just a little bit can't hurt me." Well now you know for sure that it can.

Aspartame the Excitotoxin
I was enthralled by Victoria Inness-Brown's book.

Today one can find any number of books exposing the dangerous consequences of eating or drinking certain substances that have been approved by the FDA for human consumption.

As an independent teacher and social researcher I have a profound and extended interest in the area of health and diet.Years ago, I read "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson and the parallel of that book and Victoria's book is remarkable.

Now, there is a book available to the public that strips the covering off of the artificial sweetener named aspartame.The author conducted her own experiment(on her own time with her own finances) and has gone into great detail on the protocol of her private experiment.She has given fascinating accounts of her discoveries, and the extensive photo documentation she provides drives home the nutritional truths that are only now gaining general understanding.

Victoria conducted her experiment on aspartame because she was concerned about the health of family members drinking large quantities of diet soda.

I can identify with her motivation to do something about the effects aspartame was having on her family.After reading Rachel Carson's book, I wanted to do something in the realm of health as well, so I became co-founder of an Organic food store providing wholesome and safe food and educating others in health and diet.

Besides aspartame, Victoria writes hard hitting revelations about pesticides, herbicides and excito-toxins such as MSG and aspartame.She also comments on genetically modified foods, soy, animal products, water and air quality.

The author's work contradicts everything the FDA and aspartame industry have been reporting regarding the safety of this sweetener.My own opinion is that aspartame is a potent toxic agent.It is an artificial sweetener made in a lab and more dangerous than you ever imagined.

What stands out and differs from every experiment made by a corporation that claimed to do valid research on aspartame was the duration of Victoria's experiment.The author devoted 2 years and 8 months of her life conducting her experiment in order to help her family but, in reality, the results have been collected and they will prove to benefit millions.Major corporations conducting experiments with aspartame varied these from a few hours or days to several months and then stated that aspartame is not harmful.Thus, the corporate studies did not even allow time for aspartame to take effect.Toxins are cumulative and may not affect humans until later in life.The author said she conductedher experiment until the natural deaths of her subjects.She found that most tumors appeared in the last third of their lifetimes.

In her book fact after fact is presented:Aspartame's chemical structure and its effect inside the body is explained; the harm aspartame has had on many of its victims is given and results of numerous experiments and studies by other scientists are cited.

So, why is aspartame, which is marketed under such names as NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful still found in a great number of consumer food products?For the same reasons tobacco is everywhere:Greed and Profit, after causing Addiction.

Now Victoria Inness-Brown has bravely posed the question, "Are Your Diet Sodas Killing You?"The answer is emphatically - yes!

If you have any doubts, read this book. ... Read more

Product Description
This book takes a bold look at public art and its populist appeal, offering a more inclusive guide to America’s creative tastes and shared culture. It examines the history of American public art – from FDR’s New Deal to Christo’s The Gates – and challenges preconceived notions of public art, expanding its definition to include a broader scope of works and concepts.

• Expands the definition of public art to include sites such as Boston’s Big Dig, Las Vegas’ Treasure Island, and Disney World
  
• Offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional rhetoric and criticism surrounding public art
  
• Includes insightful analysis of the museum and its role in relation to public art

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent book for an important area of 21st century art
This book is a required read for anyone interested in contemporary art, pubic art, aesthetics and/or the history of modern/contemporary art. It is very well written and highly readable and provides both insight and substance for both the novice and the expert alike. The approach taken by Knight is an insightful and significant one. This book gives an important reevaluation of public art as not just a place/art of monuments and site based works but as a key and active aesthetic ground in which the varied interest (public/private), functions (monument/aesthetic statement), audiences (general population/art world), and cultural frames and references (popular culture/ fine art), make for aesthetic and cultural proving ground. One of my most important realizations from reading Krause's book is that rather than being a kind "no persons' land," which is neither important for the art world nor for the public, public art is one of the most important categories of art production today. And for this insight alone the book is well worth the price and I intend to use this book in several of my graduate level college studio art classes. I recommend it to one and all.

Worth reading
I enjoyed this book thoroughly and intend to make several personal "Art Pilgrimages" as a result!

Provacative and well-presented
Knight provides a crucial study reevaluating the parameters and function of public art.In language that is accessible for a broad audience, she employs a methodological soundness and real insight.Knight, widely acknowledged for her studies on popular culture, situates art within the ubiquitous world of contemporary spectacle.Within the first pages, she introduces the complex framework that has risen around this subject.Rather than sidestep the slippery terrain that encompasses function, aesthetics, and reception, she advocates the critical involvement of the viewer as an essential component. In so doing, she navigates precarious territory by steering midcourse between the tastemakers and the cultural consumers.She qualifies with the following, "My populist perspective seeks balance between the hypercritical and uncritical nodes; to reorient our appreciation for artworks already absorbed into the canon, highlight the viewer's role, and suggest and expanded terrain for public art."
Her study proceeds after a useful review of American public art to examine different responses and modes of interaction, from Christo to Scott Burton, from Lightning Field to Disneyworld.Throughout, she constructs an invaluable network of viewpoints from the most significant theorists and critics of the past and present (John Beardsley, Malcolm Miles).With its compendium of relevant dialogues, its resistance of pretentiousness, and its critical consideration of the terms inherent to the medium, Knight's study is a compelling and vital resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

disappointing

Ms. Knight's `Public Art' is very disappointing. She sets out her agenda/bias in the preface, "I contend that art becomes most fully public when it has palpable populist sentiments - the extension of emotional and intellectual, as well as physical, accessibility to the audience - not a pretension toward such." She uses terms like "accessibility" (which is a loaded term) assuming there is some kind of shared understanding of the meaning. She goes on to slam art "elitists"; equating them with, "...centurions standing guard over and imposing their culture on others." She defines elitistsas having a "need for professionalism...and standards of quality..."

Ms. Knight seems to be arguing for a T-ball mentality - everyone should play - when it comes to public art. I find it strange that the people who make a case for populism and accessibility in the arts would never apply the same criteria to own profession. Ms. Knight is an Assistant Professor of Art History at Emerson College. If a position were to come open in Ms. Knight's department, would it be elitist to ask that the applicants had an upper-level degree, teaching experience, that they actually studied art history, that they could even write? Would her department hire, or even consider a person who had none of those qualifications? I don't think so.

I think the book would have been better if Ms. Knight would have stuck to analyzing the public art scene and not try to impose her agenda on the subject.
... Read more

Product Description
Updated with new material

Ronnie and Phil Spector made music history with the Ronettes, but as Phil's creative powers began to wane, their marriage soured. He became increasingly reclusive and violent, and Ronnie's life became a constant battle to fend off madness-both his and her own. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

TERRIFIC!
Not a big fan of either one but heard so much about this book years ago. Great book...could not put it down. She went through hell. He is a psycho and proved it by killing a girl later on down the road. So glad he is put away forever. He was insane but a genius with music. To bad he could not get rid of his demons...he needed counseling badly. Glad she is doing well. Get this book..does not disappoint!

Ronnette book
I loved this book. I read it in 1 day. Condition of the book was good.

The Queen of Sixties Pop Stars
If you're interested in early Sixties pop music in general or Phil and Ronnie Spector in particular you'll enjoy this book. Ronnie's tale is a classic rags to riches to hell story. I first saw (and fell in love) with Ronnie when she toured with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes back in the 70's. I ended up touring England with her myself, playing guitar and keyboards, in 1991 - a real experience. It was quite a surreal trip reading this book and traveling with her at the same time. Ronnie told me there were many other stories about Phil, and many affairs she had, that could NOT be mentioned in the book. Too bad - that would have made it even juicier! I have not seen the updated version of this book, but heartily recommend it.

Ronnie Ronette Speaks
Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness, or My Life As a Fabulous RonetteI wanted to read the original edition (availability online varies) so had my library get it.I remember buying the original 45 rpm of Be My Baby and wondering how three girls in the same group could be so gorgeous.Ronnie delivers in this delicious account of her life until 1990.The story of her alcoholism makes for a depressing read, so the latter part of the book slides.For a musical and photographic overview of these years, get the 4 CD set of Phil Spector productions Back to Mono (1958-1969).Also see the Ronettes' induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame video online.The book is an essential piece of Rock history, but get it through your library (unless you want to possess forever the gorgeous photographs).

Nobody Stepped as High
They wore the highest hair, and heels, and the shortest, tightest skirts when the Ronettes, lead singer Ronnie Bennett, first burst upon the girl group scene in the early 1960's.And their dancing: well, nobody stepped as high.They were the only girl group ever to tour with the Rolling Stones. They signed with music producer Phil Spector: at his famed Los Angeles Gold Star studios, he invented the "wall of sound" technique, backing rock singers with full orchestral sound; he wrote several monster hits for them: "Be My Baby," "Walking in the Rain," and "Baby I Love You," and they achieved mega-stardom.

Then Ronnie, rock's original bad girl, half-American Indian, half Puerto Rican, and a proud product of New York's East Harlem barrio, as were the cousins who backed her, married New York's Bronx-born Spector.He became increasingly eccentric, reclusive, and violent.She became a solo star, when and if he would let her out of the house, or the castle, as the case might be, in a marriage that drove her literally to drink -- Manischevitz, the sweetest drink she could find.It was an epically bad marriage, as people might guess who are following Phil Spector's current Los Angeles trial for murdering a woman that wanted to leave the castle.

But Ronnie busted out, endured some tough times -- Phil, who had written her greatest hits, wouldn't allow her to sing them in performance.She beat the alcoholism, and finally found her way back to her career, and, perhaps more importantly to her, to creating the family she'd always wished for.

Ronnie has given us, and continues to give us, a lot.In his introduction to this autobiography, Long Island born Billy Joel tells us that as teenagers, he and his friends always knew they were going to get lucky with the girls when "Be My Baby" boomed out of the jukebox.I've been lucky enough to see her live, several times, once at an outdoor summer concert at New York's World Trade Center, no longer on the skyline, as we all know, and watched a thousand people singing -- "For every kiss you give me, I'll give you three--" and dancing along with her: including a man who appeared to be African by his dress, dancing, transfigured, on top of a big urn.

Her autobiography, written with Vince Waldron, with a Foreward by Cher, and the Introduction by Billy Joel, is honest, open, and informative about the good years, and the bad.It stands on its own, as a good read. ... Read more

Product Description
If you are about to become a father, you have before you the opportunity of a lifetime.Birth is an interruption in the ordinariness of everyday life, a moment when the veil between the worlds is opened.If you are willing to enter into that moment with your full attention and stay present, with all of your senses, you will return to your life with everything you need to grow into your new fathering role connected more deeply to your Self, bonded with your child, and more capable of loving relationships.And you will never be the same. ... Read more

Product Description
Looking to trade in your paintbrush for a mouse? Or a pressure-sensitive tablet and stylus? The Painter 8 Wow Book is the definitive guide for making the transition from traditional to digital art using Corel Painter 8. Author Cher Threinen-Pendarvis, an expert and instructor in both Painter and Photoshop, translates traditional artistic techniques so you can apply them using Painter's natural-media brushes and effects. Beyond that, she demonstrates exciting new media mixes and special effects that would be nearly impossible to accomplish without the computer. Clear, step-by-step instructions, hundreds of full-color illustrations, and inspirational galleries of painterly works by top artists, designers, and, photographers make mastering Painter both fun and easy. The book is bound to boost your creativity with Painter 8's powerful tools, as you learn from the artist who created more than 400 new brushes included with Corel Painter 8.The Painter 8 Wow! Book includes expanded chapters focusing on:

• The new, streamlined, easier-to-use interface
• New high-performance brushes for more creative painting
• Cool special effects for type and graphics
• Web graphics and printmaking
• Improved portability to and from Adobe Photoshop, with tons of real-world tips to help you build on your Photoshop experience to get the most out of Painter

Customer Reviews (9)

The only reference you need for Painter 8
I just bought this book based on the reviews before me.After reading a bit and skimming the whole thing (was delivered yesterday), I picked up a hundred new ideas on how to create and work with images.This is far better than searching through online tutorials.For those of you who know that you can create anything with the software but can't imagine what steps to take, this is your ticket to how to do it. Buy it.

WOW book fills learning experience with EXCITEMENT
I have about five years of computer graphics experience and have purchased quite a few reference and 'how to' books along the way to help me better understand the use of the programs I own. Without a doubt this has been the most helpful book I've ever come across.

Put together with consideration for the Painter beginner like myself, this book has been FILLED with beautiful, full-color examples so that each step was easy to follow and understand. While it also explored more of the Painter 8's functions than the user manual Corel packaged with the program, many other accomplished Painter artists contributed their techniques which made this book very rich.

Cher's WOW book filled my learning experience with excitement instead of frustration and will remain a useful guide even after I'm more experienced. Thank you Cher and everyone for all the hard work and talent that went into its creation!

Sincerely,

30 DAYS???
Please don't base your decision to buy this book on the review below. The brushes and CD are NOT on a 30 day trial. The actual Corel program is a 30 day Demo. It's a shame that reviewer gave this book 1 star because of this.

That being said...the brushes are fantastic. The CD-Rom even comes with movies, stock libraries of images and a bunch of other extras.

This book is indispensable as a resource forboth inspiration and new techniques. Plus it's nice to see how other artists go about creating art.

Demo CD Rom
Actually, the book is probably great. However, I gave it one star solely to alert consumers to the fact that the CD that comes with the book is just a 30 free trial. I guess this means the whole CD vanishes after that period of time?. Don't know yet.
The brushes are nothing short of outstanding. Too bad I can only use them for 30 days. Nothing can be saved, and I am not computer savy enough to convert the CD to a permanent status in my computer. ...

Excellent Book
I paint with Painter since version 5.5 of Metacreations, and I
have the Painter 6 Wow Book too, this new book of Cher is
excellent and much better than the former.

It was a pleasure to learn new tecniques and tips, and also
the fortunate owners have a lot of goodies in the Cd.

I highly recommend this book. ... Read more

Product Description
When ultra-conservative schoolteacher Abigail Chapel learns that her sister Miranda has disappeared while hunting ghosts on mysterious Wolf Island, she takes a leave of absence to continue the investigation in person.Devlin Morgan, the reclusive owner of Morgan's Keep, coolly turns away her inquiries, and the villagers, who respect Devlin, refuse to cooperate, as well. Worse still is her own unwanted attraction to him. Especially once she begins to suspect he's involved with her sister's disappearance and the mysterious "Chiming Ghost."In order to solve the mystery of her missing sister, she'll also have to probe Devlin's dark past, discover the truth about the "ghost." and decide whether to trust the passion in her heart or play it safe and return to England. Whatever happens, she'll never be the same when she leaves Wolf Island. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great Read
originally posted at: [...]

Wolf Island had me from the first page. I truly expected another run-of-the-mill werewolf story, and was pleasantly surprised to find a wonderfully romantic story full of suspense and mystery. For anyone who knows me, I am a critical reviewer and do not pander to authors or publishers. I feel it is my duty to be honest and fair in my reviews, because, let's face it, reviews are supposed to be for the readers who spend their hard earned money on books. For me to give an author a five-cherry rating is nearly unheard of, but Wolf Island deserves to be a top pick. In truth the only problem I found was a couple of minor editing errors.

Ms. Gorman is a wonderful writer who paints a scene as well as if she was using oils instead of a keyboard. The story flows from one scene to the next seamlessly, and the intrigue is built upon layer by layer until the reader is on the edge of their seat just waiting to read what happens next. The sex scenes are wonderfully written, without the overtly graphic nature of erotic romance, so they read not only as titillation but romantic interludes that are believable. The lead characters are realistic. The hero is masculine, gorgeous, strong, but also vulnerable, determined and likable. The heroine is likable, determined and feminine. The attraction between the two is instant and hot, filled with angst due to the circumstances, yet the chemistry is evident and cannot be denied. And the happily ever after is just as sweet as every romance fan expects.

Rarely do I read a book that stays with me after I've finished the final page but Wolf Island is one I will remember and re-read one late, stormy night when the wind is howling, strange noises echo through the darkened house, and lightning punctuates the suspense. Read Wolf Island by Cher Gorman, I know you will love it as much as I do.

4 Hearts from TRS!
This was a wonderful, romantic suspense reminiscent of the Gothic horrors I read as a teen. The ghost story was so subtle that if you are not a fan of the paranormal genre it will not spoil the book for you but rather adds a layer of suspense and intrigue.Dev is a caring compassionate man trapped by past events that were never in his control. Without giving away any of the details, I'd like to shake his mother good and hard! Abby is a straight-forward, self-sufficient, conventional heroine that most readers will find easy to relate to. The secondary characters are quirky and entertaining. Otis was such a charming character and I also enjoyed the local lawman. The descriptions were hauntingly beautiful and I'd love to visit the island myself. Even though the villain is quite obvious this does not detract from the suspense and adventure of the story. The ending was a bit abrupt but all loose ends were tied up. I cannot wait to read Miranda's story as I just know that there is something interesting going on between her and Dev's brother. This is a solid read that I recommend for a rainy day. - Theresa Joseph ... Read more

Product Description
Relates the rise from poverty to television stardom of singers Sonny and Cher. ... Read more

Product Description
A year-by-year breakdown of Cher's showbusiness career, from her early days with Sonny Bono to her solo success story. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is part of the Our Name in History series, a collection of fascinating facts and statistics, alongside short historical commentary, created to tell the story of previous generations who have shared this name.The information in this book is a compendium of research and data pulled from census records, military records, ships' logs, immigrant and port records, as well as other reputable sources. Topics include:

• Name Meaning and Origin
• Immigration Patterns and Census Detail
• Family Lifestyles
• Military Service History
• Comprehensive Source Guide, for future research

Product Description
Digital cameras, advances in color printing, and software tools have changed the landscape of photography forever. The challenge now is to go beyond the basic digital photograph and print, and move toward the next level of expression. For many, this means pushing the technologies available and combining the artistic tools found in both photography and painting.

Geared for intermediate to advanced users, Beyond Digital Photography: Transforming Photos into Fine Art with Photoshop and Painter brings these once separate disciplines together in a beautiful and instructive book that uses time-honored design principles and basic drawing and painting skills, and applies them to digital photographs. The easy-to-follow, step-by-step format allows you to practice a variety of Photoshop and Painter techniques and gives you the confidence to achieve your own expressive goals with great results.

In this unique and inspiring book, you’ll discover how to transform your photos into works of art:

• Shoot and select photos with good composition and lighting for painting
• Emulate the look of pop art, woodcuts, and dry media texture
• Create Old Masters-style oil paintings, watercolors, contemporary paintings, and abstract art
• Add edge treatments and textured borders with brushwork
• Build creative compositions, such as collages, and traditional styles such as landscape, portrait, and still life paintings
• Use a pressure-sensitive tablet for gestural, expressive painting
• Find additional resources available at www.beyonddigitalbook.com

Customer Reviews (11)

An indepth review
In the Introduction, the authors state, "This is not a quick trick book, but a book where the authors take the reader by the hand and demonstrate the creative process in a conversational manner." This is a fair description, with the added caveat: this book is NOT for beginners. The intended audience seems to be artists who are intermediate to advanced Photoshop and Painter users.

This beyond-the-basics focus allows the book to cover ground not explored in other books on either Photoshop or Painter. These two programs really complement each other, so it's wonderful to finally have an in-depth book showing how Painter and Photoshop can be used together. Here's a detailed summary of the book, to help you decide whether or not this book is for you.

Chapter 1 - Getting Started

The chapter provides an introduction to the interfaces of Painter and Photoshop, as well as the Wacom Intuos 4. This seems odd, since this is not a beginner's book. Beginning with this chapter and continuing throughout, however, there is some good information about Photoshop Camera Raw. As the book's title implies, each exercise begins with a digital photograph. Most chapters show how to use Photoshop Camera Raw prior to painting. As you'll see, it's very powerful, and you'll want to include it into your workflow, if you haven't already.
Chapter 2 - Painterly Techniques for Non-Painters

This chapter, the longest in the book, is all about how to achieve good "uncomputerish" results with filters and automation. It's also your first look at a workflow that moves back and forth between Photoshop and Painter. Each section begins with the artist's thoughts on the subject and style at hand, along with details of the initial photography. You'll learn sophisticated use of multiple filters, combining effects via layers, layer masks, and blend modes. Similarly, Painter's Auto-Painting and Woodcut tools use multiple layers to add extra finesse to the process. Sections in this chapter include:

* Creating Pop Art (Photoshop and Painter)
* Using Filters for an Impressionist Watercolor Look (Photoshop)
* Flexible Auto-Painting for an Impressionist Treatment (Photoshop and Painter)
* Simplifying a Photograph to Achieve a Hand-Rendered Result (Photoshop and Painter)
* Using Filters for a Realist-Style Oil Treatment (Photoshop)
* Creating a Bold, Graphic Woodcut Look (Photoshop and Painter)

Chapter 3 - Emphasizing the Subject

One way to help your subject stand out is by blurring or softening the background. You'll see how to do this in Photoshop using a mask to selectively blur parts of the image, and in Painter by using the Restoration palette to bring back details after blending. This is followed by sidebars:

* Nondestructive Dodging and Burning - how to use an Opacity layer darken and lighten portions of an image
* Enhancing the Subject Using Saturation - copy part of an image to a separate layer to selectively apply an adjustment layer
* Sepia-toning a Background - similar to the previous step, but this time using the colorize option of Hue/Saturation

Chapter 4 - Adding Texture to Photographs

Composition and design are discussed throughout the book. Here, though, it gets special attention as you follow the artist through her thought process for cropping and retouching a complex snapshot, making it simpler and compelling. Then you'll dive into Photoshop's powerful Art History brush. Different brushes are used in combination with layer masking to move beyond a mechanical, computerized look.
Next, in Painter you'll learn about Dry Media and texture, as Cher paints one of her signature pastels (the image on the book cover, in fact). The final part gives you an approach to a black and white charcoal look.

Chapter 5 - Emulating the Look of Watercolor

This chapter (my personal favorite) shows two completely different ways to create the unmistakable look of traditional watercolor on paper. In part one, Cher shows how to edit for composition in Photoshop. Then, she moves into Painter to use the Smart Blur and Hue and Saturation tools built into the Underpainting palette. She lowers the detail and raises the image to a higher key, making it more suitable to the watercolor style she is about to use. Cher then gives a very good explanation of how Painter's Digital Watercolors work. The end result is just stunning. The second part has Donal Jolley using Photoshop alone to create a convincing hard-edged watercolor portrait. His main tool here is the Pattern Stamp with, of all things, a modified Dry Media brush. He gets a neat salt-resist effect by clever use of a layer mask, and finishes up with applying an Overlay layer containing a scan of an actual watercolor.

Chapter 6 - Achieving Acrylic and Oil-Painted Looks

Cher begins the chapter with a great demonstration of Painter's Real Bristle Brushes. She paints a beautful late afternoon seascape with fluffy cumulus clouds sailing overhead. She then takes on oil painting using the Old Master chiaroscuro technique, using Painter's Artist's Oils. The third part is another favorite, this time by Donal Jolley. In Photoshop, he uses a separate layer each for large, medium, and detail strokes. The usual approach would be to use different size brushes all on a single layer. But by this point in the book you're beginning to see the special advantages-and the added control-to using multiple layers. What I especially liked was how the three layers start out as blank (transparent). Paint is "pulled up" from a base layer, much the way cloning works in Painter. This works by use of the "Sample All Layers" checkbox. Very cool stuff. Jolley also explains the importance of noise for this technique, and a sidebar shows various ways to (excuse the pun) make noise. In the fourth part, Cher paints a virtuoso oil painting using Artist Oils. The conversational tone makes it seem like you're at a workshop, listening as the artist explains what she's doing-and why.

Chapter 7 - Creating Abstract Art from Photographs

As the intro to this chapter says, this chapter is about painting "in a simple, yet powerful way." It's time to loosen up and stop worrying about staying within the lines. The first project is a close-up large scale floral in bright colors, done in Photoshop. You'll use layers to create loose lines and bold shapes of color. This might be a fun project to do as a warming-up exercise. The second project is another sky painting, but with a difference. This time, Cher is more interested in capturing "movement and emotion," using Real Bristle brushes and even a Watercolor brush to evoke sheets of rain.

Chapter 8 - Compositing and Collaging

In this chapter, you'll watch as these two master artists assemble compositions from multiple photographs. Donal Jolley takes the first part, showing how he pieces together a complex of layers and masks to create a "simulation of reality." Eight images are used for this project! In the second part, Cher's project emphasizes strong, simple composition, beginning with a sketch to plan her piece. This project uses scans of paper texture combined with photographs. The collage is painted with chalks and pastels in Painter.
Conclusion

If you work with Painter and Photoshop, and you feel comfortable working with layers and layer masks, then you're probably ready for this book. You'll learn a lot about workflow and process when using these two programs together. The projects in this book are substantial, challenging, and exciting. Even if you're very familiar with these programs, you're still bound to learn a lot (I know I did!). Highly recommended.

Digital Art Academy review of Beyond Digital Photography
I am a geek. As such I love books. My reading habit is non-curable and I peruse books on many subjects, Art and Marketing are my favorite topics and in the world digital painting every book that is published (to my knowledge) I have been fortunate enough to read.
Beyond Digital Photography is another must have book for anyone serious about transforming their photography into painterly works of fine art. This book was written by Cher Threinen-Pendarvis and Donal Jolley and published by PeachPit Press.You most likely have heard of these two well respected artists and authors. Cher is the author of the popular Painter Wow! series and Donal has been featured in many publications including The Photoshop CS/CS2 Wow! Book,the Painter Wow! Book and other publications.
Beyond Digital Photography offers extensive step-by-step information on many topics. One of the coolest things is that time is spend with Corel Painter and Photoshop. Finally we have a book that highlights the use of Painter and Photoshop together!I believe one needs to have an intermediate level of skill with the programs in order to get the most out of this book.
Many different types of paintings and techniques are covered at length. There is a great area in Chapter Two that will show you how to obtain nice flowing painterly techniques for those that are artistically challenged. If you are looking for a few nice water color techniques shoot over to Chapter 5 where Cher gives and awesome explanation on how Painters Digital Watercolors work. Take a peek at the workflow she uses to prepare an image and make it more suitable for a high key watercolor emulation.
Finally my favorite Chapter is Six. Donal shares a unique approach to utilizing layers to achieve an oil painted look that you have to try as soon as you read it. There is also an awesome demonstration from Cher of Painters Real bristle Brushes.
All in all a smoking book.The next time you are about to spend 500 bucks on a workshop...cancel your trip, hole up in your studio or a hotel room for the weekend with your computer, Wacom tablet and this book. You will be glad you did.

not new info
This book was highly recommended for intermediate to advanced users. I am not a beginner, having used Painter and Photoshop type editors for over 10 years. I did not find anything new here. It was unclear to me how using different filters and techniques on different layers was any better than using each filter independently. After trying each example in the book, I concluded that the way I usually work is better for me. Others may find it helpful, particularly if they are beginners.

More next time
I own other books by Cher Threinen-Pendarvis, in my opinion, this one falls short of the standards she set in the past, please, more advanced material in the future publications. Beyond Digital Photography: Transforming Photos into Fine Art with Photoshop and Painter

Covered two complex different painter software programs
I was under the false impression that the book would use the two programs - Photoshop for preparing and printing the "painting" and Painter to actually "paint" the photo.Anyone that has spent time with the programs understand the strengths of these programs and primarily use them as stated above.

However, this book pretty much covered both as "painter" books.Perhaps I should have used my local Barnes and Noble to preview the books but I didn't and just went by what I could find on the internet - my bad!But I was hoping the book was advanced enough to guide me to the strengths of each program in turning my photo's into paintings.

As well I'd like to include I was shocked to even receive the book.The free shipping took almost 2 weeks and when I received the book it had no wrapping on it whatsoever.The only way they could find out where to deliver the book was a small receipt slip with my address inside the front cover. ... Read more

Product Description
Despite its fame as an image-editing tool, Photoshop has never been about painting—that is, not until recently. With a new paint engine, however, Photoshop 7 is now about editing, compositing, effects, and painting—and award-winning artist and author Cher Threinen-Pendarvis is here to show you how you can use both Photoshop and Painter with pressure-sensitive tablets to improve your drawing skills and open your mind to new artistic possibilities.

Customer Reviews (39)

good product
I
I received my product on time and very happy with the product.

no creative techniques, just basics
If you have a Wacom, stylus, an expensive program like photoshop or painter, and a computer that runs it all, I would assume that you know how to do everything that this book describes.Plus going through the same thing in painter and photoshop just puffs this book up with reduntant info.If you are 55, have a bunch of cats and ur son or daughter is giving you their hand me down computer and wacom... then this is the book for you!
I was hoping for a companion cd with brushes, alphas, textures, photo ref, demo files... anything? Nope, nothing.Guess I should have looked closer before I bought it.

Fantastic first book for wacom tablet owners
This will help you adjust to your new wacom tablet, find the right settings, and create some great artwork!

So so for PC users
I have been trying to follow this book for some time now but all of the little windows shown for how to adjust something are for Mac rather than PC. Not only do they look very different on my PC from the pictures she shows, but the places to find them are also impossible to follow--I cannot find 50% of the command windows she has on her Mac for adjustments. Nearly all of the adjustments are impossible to follow and as a result about half of the book is quite useless for PC users. The other half teaches you methods of painting and drawing, which I suppose are useful if you have never done any drawing or painting on paper. In general, if you are a Mac user, purchase this book for the setup tutorials. If you have a PC, find a different book--which is what I am about to do!

fast delivery, no issues, good book, perfect
yeah i am a little bit late for the review but fast delivery, no issues, good book, perfect ... Read more

Product Description
The latest installment in a spinoff series based on the popular summer movie and television show finds the irrepressible Cher up to her abs in an obsessive battle against the bulge.TV tie-in. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

I thought that this book was a good "Clueless" book!!
I thought that this "Clueless" book was one of the books in the series, that showed reality. It didn't have something really Hollywood style, so normal people could relate to some of the things that happened. I liked! ... Read more

Product Description
Can Cher do a makeover and throw a monster bash in under three days? Tscha! Cher has a brutal plan. . ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

As Cher would say " As If "
So, hollywood makes a hit movie right? So then they make a tv show, and now a book? This book took the movie and what it had to say and turned it upsidedown. They took all the valley girl talk from the movie and tripledit! Here is the first paragraph... Charity is so fresh. My best friend,Dionne, and I are totally into doing good for humanity. Like making itmore attractive. They also usephrases from the movie, you know the oneslike, ensembly challenged, and the word brutil way to much. Now they aregiving a makeover to Mrs. Guiests student assistent. It gives the titleclueless a whole new meaning! Even the back is inept, it starts out with,Charity begins in your own mansion, right? Do yourself a favor and skip it!I hope this has been helpful. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Franklin, as if a lover revealed him.
Claude-Anne Lopez has given us a delightful and careful examination of a man too often classed as "quaint" and "lecherous". With subtle strokes, the portrait of Franklin the man-complex, the dreamer who builds, the lover who waits - emerges complete with vanity, pride, anxiousness, humility, generosity and fervor all intact.
Ms. Lopez's works (she has written many) are as important to understanding Dr. Franklin as is his own (as we call it) "Autobiography". ... Read more