Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Design - General    4. Fashion    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Art / Design / General   

Reviews (2)

Extremely valuable tool
"Land Development Calculations" provides an excellent and innovative strategy for working towards sustainable land use and development.The models for varying land development strategies can assist local government land use decision makers and planners as well as developers determine the carrying capacity of land within realistic thresholds.The accompanying spreadsheets for the development scenarios on the CD-ROM are extremely user friendly and do not place an undue burden on the user by requiring what may be hard to find or to collect data.All of the data required just is typical of what is necessary to make appropriate land development decisions.As a local government planner, I am working towards incorporating the information received from the models in to the zoning and development code as part of the approval process by using it to further assess suitability of the property for the purposes proposed (a zoning consideration required in accordance with the State of Georgia Zoning Procedures Act).I strongly encourage other land planners and developers to read "Land Development Calculations," because of its highly practical and very timely material.

Author Delivers Valuable Techniques and Tools
This is a terrificaly valuable technical reference for practitioners who need an efficient method of performing land development calulations. The book and its companion set of spreadsheets enable users to answer two key questions: 1) how much can be built on a given piece of land; or 2) how much land is needed to accommodate a given use? The material is clearly written and well illustrated, especially a series of worksheets leading through the method. Another strength is its comprehensiveness and detail, including all major land-use and micro site conditions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Land use    3. Mathematical models    4. Natural Resources    5. Planning    6. Public Policy - City Planning & Urban Dev.    7. Real estate development    8. Reference    9. Architectural structure & design    10. Architecture / Methods & Materials    11. Structural engineering   

Reviews (7)

Steinway,a place, its people, the piano
Mr. Barron writes a great story.Other books have catalogued the Steinway history, and even how the piano works, but this innovative story adds life to what might otherwise be just an organized mass of metal and wood. The piano has a personality! In the narrative, the reader follows the construction of a single concert grand piano, but in the process we learn so much more by exploring many of the individuals involved in its building, the Steinway family and the workmen who lovingly bend the wood, glue the keys, and make the piano sing. Mr. Barron has not only written a great history of Steinway and the pianos they build, but created a fascinating story of its people. Its a great read for even the non-piano lovers among us. I couldn't put it down from start to finish. (The schematic drawings in the back - the new and the old, are particularly fascinating!)

PIANO OR PEOPLE
While I enjoyed this book, it is really much more about people than pianos, and the "common man" at that.Picturesque as they might be,many details about the workers' personal lives could have been spared.For those of us who play pianos but have never taken one apart, a labeled schematic would have been very helpful in understanding the text.

The Piano as a Person
My husband and I enjoyed this book greatly and have found others have enjoyed it as much, if not more.10 days ago as I lay in Intensive Care I ended up discussing the book with the fellow in the Intensive Care bed next to mine.I doubt either of us will ever again find a book that let us take our minds off our intensive pains for that half hour disucssion.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Construction    3. History    4. History & Criticism - General    5. Methods & Materials    6. Music/Songbooks    7. Musical Instruments - Construction And Repair    8. Musical Instruments - Piano    9. New York    10. New York (State)    11. Piano makers    12. Steinway piano    13. United States - State & Local - Middle Atlantic    14. Performing Arts / General   

Reviews (5)

amazing resource!
WOW! beautifully organized and articulated. thoughtful and well-rounded discussion of the variation and evolution of interior design. it was purchased to use as a course resource (on 20th century American consumer culture), but am now tempted to buy my OWN copy.

Usefull For designers
It's a very interesting book, it offers a vew over design from ancient times to ower days. We can follow the developement of design over time. The book is recomended especialy for professional designers.

A History of Interior Design
I really do enjoy the book except that on some important topics in the class I am taking with this book there is little information. Nonetheless on the topics it greatly expands upon the book shows impressive and accurate knowledge. The pictures also aid in examples and are for the msot part the best picture examples that any book could offer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decoration & Ornament    3. History    4. Interior Design    5. Interior Design - General    6. Interior architecture    7. Interior decoration    8. Architecture / Interior Design    9. History of specific subjects   

Editorial Review

A comic book about comic books. McCloud, in an incredibly accessible style, explains the details of how comics work: how they're composed, read and understood. More than just a book about comics, this gets to the heart of how we deal with visual languages in general. "The potential of comics is limitless and exciting!" writes McCloud. This should be required reading for every school teacher. Pulitzer Prize-winner Art Spiegelman says, "The most intelligent comics I've seen in a long time." ... Read more

Reviews (95)

Don't let the title mislead you...
If you think this is just about comics, think again!It's a book which defines and illustrates what we call "art".The presentation is so simple, yet so profoundly deep, you'll find yourself referring back to this densely packed little book for many years to come.I always keep a copy at work to pass on to colleagues.It's absolutely genius.
A Comic about Comics
Understanding Comics is simple and deep.Profound and sometimes silly.It's such a no-brainer idea, why not USE the medium of comics to best describe the tools, power and impact of comics.
STEALTH TEACHING
Mc Cloud writes and draws in such a logical, straightforward style that remains funny and entertaining. His research and organization show this to be a heavy book disguised as fluff. (not to say that all comics are shallow, but they usually do not give the first impression of "War and Peace"). I was visiting my daughter at school and saw this softcover laying on the coffee table. I thought it might be a counter- culture "People" magazine. I was sucked in to the light approach and funny quirks in animation. Soon I realized this was a serious topic and also impossible to put down. I had to have a copy of my own. (turns out it was being used as a textbook in an English/Writing class on campus). Scott is a genious if could reach me. I am a photographer and Scott opened my eyes to new visual logics.
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Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Authorship    4. Comic books, strips, etc.    5. Comics & Cartoons    6. Humor    7. Juvenile literature    8. Periodicals, Publishing of    9. Techniques - Cartooning    10. Comic book & cartoon art    11. Comics & Graphic Novels / Comics & Cartoons    12. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Editorial Review

This attractively packaged two-volume set attempts an almost impossible task: to present the art of the entire world, from vibrant cave paintings dating back 30,000 years to the creative trends of the late 20th century. Though the arts of Europe are the most thoroughly analyzed, respected scholars in several specialized fields cover other cultures with cogent essays. A more unusual feature is the space devoted to art created by women, such as the late-Renaissance painters Sofonisba Anguissola and Lavinia Fontana--the latter was invited in 1560 to be an official painter at the Spanish court. Relationships between the art of different cultures are emphasized and, while each section can stand alone, each is shown to fit meaningfully into the overall development of the world's artistic heritage. Beautiful images grace the production's 1,200 pages, not only well-known icons but a wealth of lesser-known gems are here, carefully chosen to demonstrate the points made in the text. There are many delightful surprises among the illustrations, many of which are in color, printed to high quality standards in Japan. For instance, line drawings explain technical details, from "Lost-wax Bronze-casting" to "Elements of the Skyscraper." A vast amount of information is presented, but it is very well organized and easy to access, and an extensive glossary answers many questions. Marilyn Stokstad's Read more

Reviews (10)

Art History (Study Guide)
I am very satisfied with the item, and it delived so quckly.

Watch out for $30 version (only a study guide)
The $30 version is too good to be true.Although it would appear that you are ordering an "attractively packaged two-volume set," you are actually ordering a study guide for what I am sure is an attractively packaged two-volume set.

A Masterpiece...
Marilyn Stokstad has put together a real masterpiece of art history with her book, Art History. In collaboration with Bradford Collins, and with contributed chapters from Stephen Addiss, Chu-tsing Li, Marylin Rhie and Christopher Roy, this large volume published by noted art publishers Henry N. Abrams, Inc. is deserving of pride of place on any art bookshelf. Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. History    4. History - General    5. History Of Fine Arts    6. Art / General    7. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Reviews (6)

Usefulness
As a practicing L.A., I have bought several McGraw-Hill Construction Books.I get a similar result each time:They seem on first look to fulfill the promise, but I found they don't well serve the need in real life.I get far better use out of Architectural Graphic Standards, and I'm looking forward to Wiley's Landscape Architectural Graphic Standards.

buy the book, forget the CD-ROM version
I've got the book and was hoping the CD-ROM would enhance using the book, but it doesn't.The content is very slim compared to the book, and the CAD drawings that are included are also of very limited use.Don't bother with the CD-ROM version of TSSLA.

This book is a must!!!!
A great book to have. It was a required text for my site technology classes. Kept referring to it. Lots of information. It should be on everyone's bookcase if you're a Landscape Architect student or already in the profession. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Building    3. Construction industry    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Landscape    6. Landscape Architecture And Design    7. Landscape architecture    8. Standards    9. Architecture / Landscape    10. Landscape art & architecture    11. Reference works   

Reviews (12)

Most Helpful Book on Graphic Design!
This book is loaded with valuable (clearly stated) information and outstanding illustrations to demonstrate successful creative thinking and targeted solutions.

Very cool addition to my personal library
I read the 3rd edition of this book and found it to be incredibly helpful in explaining the different applications, how to create them and what their purposes are in the vis com field. Without this book, my understanding would not have been as keen. What I especially like is that so many of the designers included in this book are also the ones who win awards in the design competitions- very cool addition to my personal library.

Thorough and engaging
This book is used as a course text in many design classes across the country. I can see why. Not so much a history as it is a survey of the current state of graphic design, it's quite possibly the best treatment I've ever read on the subject in a single volume. The 3rd edition is significantly expanded in content and reformatted versus the 2nd, and the illustrative examples are abundant and well-chosen. Many of the examples are accompanied by remarks from the designers themselves, which helps shed light on the concepts and thought processes behind the work. The text strikes a good balance between commentary and pedagogy, and as a result the book works for both instructional reference and casual reading. The end of each chapter contains related exercises designed to prod your right brain into action. This book will help you discover -- or rediscover -- what's fun and exciting about graphic design. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art & Art Instruction    2. Careers - General    3. Commercial art    4. Graphic Arts - General    5. Graphic arts    6. Language    7. Language Arts & Disciplines    8. Publishing    9. Art / Graphic Arts    10. Graphic design   

Reviews (29)

The essential tome
Yep.This is it. The War and Peace of dslr photography. This baby is absolutely jammed with useful tips and guidelines. If you can't walk the photographer walk after reading it, at least you'll be able to talk the talk. There are even some unexpected bonuses like little snippets of the history of photography and exactly which giants' shoulders we are standing on when we snap away today. Unless you're already an absolute dslr master, this would be a wise investment.

Best D-SLR Guidebook
There aren't too many good D-SLR guidebooks out there -- and most of them appear to be written by this author.I checked out his "Quick Snap Guide to D-SLRs" and it was very good, but too basic for me.The same could be said for Busch's "Digital SLR Cameras and Photography for Dummies" although it did go into more detail.This book was just right, with lots of in-depth material about using digital SLRs, as well as tips and techniques I could apply right away.This author also has more advanced books on D-SLRs, and I will probably check them out after I've had a chance to learn everything in this book.

Very Concise
I recently got into D-SLR Photography and needed to get up to speed. This was the "manual" that did it for me. Good read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computers    3. Computers - Desktop Publishing    4. Desktop Publishing - General    5. Interactive & Multimedia    6. Techniques - Digital    7. Computers / Interactive Media    8. Multimedia   

Reviews (2)

SPA
Excellent prompt service of a great book at a great price. Thank You ET

A lovely book filled with photos and ideas
Nothing is more lovely or inviting than a spa, and the best mimic pools and lovely outdoors environments. Whether you're a traveler seeking the ultimate spa or a homeowner seeking ideas for reproducing paradise in your own backyard, Spa is the book of choice for locating both ideas and destinations. Spas around the world, from resorts and hotel spas to, are profiled and packed into a lovely book filled with photos and ideas. Spa prices and services will appeal to destination-oriented travelers, while the extensive color shots of spa surroundings, both interior and exterior, offer plenty of ideas for homeowners who would create smaller versions of paradise.
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Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Collections, Catalogs, Exhibitions    3. Photo Essays    4. Photoessays & Documentaries    5. Photography    6. Family & Health    7. Public buildings: civic, commercial, industrial, etc   

Reviews (4)

Academic. A text book that needs a refresher for today's issues.
Rick is first and foremost a professor, so the book follows an academic format best suited for the young student of development seeking a broad introduction to the process.Of course, the real world is more complex than any textbook could ever capture.That said, the book has become a bitdated for the contemporary developer, whose world is increasingly governed by investors, special interest groups and oft ill-informed government officials!The book delivers fundamental building blocks in a logical, sequential process.The examples cited are, as another reviewer pointed out, on average probably 14 year old analogies.Perhaps the largest ommission is an accurate portrayal of what a developer really does - assembles a diverse team of people together to share in a singular vision, then rule over this creative, temperamental team with an iron fist in velvet gloves.A chapter called 'Cat Herding' would best summarize that world.
Excellent starter book
Excellent starter book. Should be required reading for every real estate professional. Wished I'd had about 5 years ago.

ULI Guide
For its high price, you may want to seriously think about your needs.If your intention is to buy a book for a broad overview of the development process with a somewhat academic approach, then this may be right for you. If you are builder or someone with prior real estate brokerage/service experience, you may find this too ivory tower and not practical.This book was a bit theoretical for my taste.Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Public Policy - City Planning & Urban Dev.    5. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    6. Real Estate - General   

Reviews (2)

Fun book!
Who ever knew fashion could be so scandalous? As one who is not so fashion savvy, Alicia Drake's book told of a world quite its own, while entertaining me with the drama of the two powers colliding.
Dishy AND intelligent
Read an advance copy of this book - it is a delight...sex, drugs and fashion are always a thrill to read about but thedetails(some quite dishy) evoke a Paris, well, a Paris I wish I had been able to belong to - (and to hell with the consequences!)Really well written and researched, which makes the gossip tasty but the information fascinating. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. European    4. Fashion    5. Folklore & Mythology    6. History - Contemporary (1945- )    7. Social Science / Folklore & Mythology   

Reviews (21)

Not Really Useful for the Users of this Camera
I picked this up based on the reviews here and prior to shooting with the camera. About half of this book contains beginning photography type information. I don't believe the owners of this camera are beginning photographers, and if they are there are better resources than this book. I also found the Nikon D200 user manual to be far more accessible and detailed and considerably more portable than this book. This book is written at too high a level to be useful in the field (and it's too big). It doesn't get deep enough into the menus, providing just a small paragraph overview. When you need to know how to quickly access menus, or discern what the menus allow you to do, the available options, etc., this book fails.
The best of the D200 books, I think.

The only d200 guide you need
There isn't much about this little guide to dislike. It's clear, concise and ultra easy to follow. Not only that, but it's a great size - you can stash it in your camera bag and carry it with you! I'm a dSLR newbie, so this wee guide was a relief. Loving it. Buy it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Photo Techniques    2. Photography    3. Techniques - Digital    4. Techniques - Equipment    5. Computer Software Packages    6. Photography / Equipment   

Reviews (1)

Creative, engaging and edgy
This is a fascinating look into an aspect of Japanese culture I never knew existed.Joan Sinclair got incredible access -- access not only to the actual establishments, but access to the inner lives of some of these women and men whom she portrays with honesty and integrity.She has a fresh, exciting lens which comes through not without a revolutionary edge.This is an original.The intro by Farrer is also excellent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - General    2. Cultural And Social Anthropology    3. Human Sexuality    4. Japan    5. Nightclubs    6. Pictorial works    7. Psychology    8. Sex customs    9. Sex-oriented businesses    10. Social Science    11. Sociology    12. Art / Popular Culture    13. Erotic art    14. Photographs: collections    15. Pop Culture; sex; travel; Japan   

Reviews (47)

Not what i was hoping for
Well, I was hoping for this book to help me understand special CS2 filters, enhancements, etc....and what I got, was great stuff I cannot redo as shown in the pictures and very short guidelines for the most part of it. One example was the enhancing of the eyes (sometimes the iris turns out too dark, and there are ways of enhancing it to brighten the eyes.) The so called step-by-step guide in the book, I followed it and followed it, even got my husband to take a turn, and neither one of us was able to manage the enhancement, at least not in either of the 2 different versions explained. (We later figured out a different way, but I'm sure it's not as good as the example pictures shown in this book.) Like I said, overall it's a great book, that teaches you tons of neat stuff, but I don't think it's very easy to recreate, not even with the provided CD. You really need to be a very advanced CS2 user to be able to use this book as a tool for it's full potential. I'm hoping that once I've mastered more about CS2, this book will come in handy again. And yes, all the pictures are terrific quality, and it's nice to read and look at, but how much does that really matter, if you can't even recreate the things explained in it?

A tremendous professional resource
I've found this book absolutely invaluable and perhaps the most useful book on Photoshop I've ever read. I agree with all the other reviewers whom endorse it but to those who ask: "who is this book for?" I'd point them in the direction of many other books better suited to their needs. How can you fault a book for not catering to everyone?! However this book was perfect for me - a busy professional photographer. I've been using Photoshop for years but have huge holes in my understanding. I really needed to gain more sophisticated and practical understanding of many fundamental principles and complex procedures as quickly and efficiently as possible. I don't have the time or patience for lessons rarely practical to my needs.
who's it for?
Best suited for someone who has at least a little experience with earlier versions of Photoshop, this text could be better organized.Could also benefit from more detail and better expalnation of how things work. I did find useful the sections on camera quality, historical references, and the author provides links to external websites which this reader found helpful for research.Print and paper quality is very good, but when are we going to see a software book written (or at least containing images) by a non-fashion photographer?The women in ME's photos are merely over-decorated objects, and might as well be artificial mannequins. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Graphics - Photoshop    2. Computers - Desktop Publishing    3. Photo Techniques    4. Photography    5. Techniques - Digital    6. Techniques - General    7. Photography / Techniques    8. Photoshop   

Reviews (22)

History of Graphic Design
The book is in wonderful condition and is filled with very interesting material.

The Man Behind the book
I was one of Philip Meggs students at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. Our class was the first to use the first edition of this book as a classroom textbook for his History of Graphic Design class. He was a wonderful storyteller, with a true passion for graphic design. And more than that was the obvious joy he had in sharing that knowledge and whimsical annecdotes in his own style of humor. Philip Meggs was an exceptional man that will truly be missed.

Borrow
Borrow this book from a friend in class and photocopy the pages, thats my advice.Good book, just over priced. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Art & Art Instruction    3. Book design    4. Design & Drafting    5. Graphic Arts - General    6. Graphic design (Typography)    7. History    8. History - General    9. Typography    10. Architecture / Design & Drafting    11. Graphic design    12. History of specific subjects   

Reviews (22)

Not exactly inspiring
I think people have very different expectations for these kinds of books, and this one did not at all meet mine. While Master Lighting Guide is very thorough and really gets into the basics of the different kinds of portrait lighting it totally fails to inspire. The photography in this books is very dull and really reminds me of the faded portraits you see plastered to the windows of sad photo stores and barber shops.
Great content, well written
I was very impressed with this book. Mr. Grey has done a fantastic job writing this book. It's obvious that he's very accomplished at his craft and has logged countless hours refining his skills. He also explains each scenerio with enough detail to make his intentions perfectly clear. All of the images in the book are crisp, sharp and well composed. Each sample includes a two dimensional diagram of the lighting configuration. Since there is no third dimension to the diagrams it is sometimes hard to tell if a light was placed high or low in relationship to the model and the other light. Mr. Grey does explain the configuration in the narrative so it's not that hard to figure out the height of a light in the diagram. Great book. I highly recommend it for a portrait primer. Side note - The cover picture is fantastic. It's a great representation of the quality of the book.

Great Book
I have advanced in my photography skills a great deal from this book. My lighting has become just as artistic as the shots themselves. Alot of the ideas in the book are just fun to play around with to help create your own kinda lighting. A must read for those not to new but would like to make the next leap... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Lighting    2. Photo Techniques    3. Photographic Techniques For Specific Conditions    4. Photography    5. Portrait photography    6. Portraiture    7. Subjects & Themes - Portraits    8. Techniques - Lighting    9. Photographic equipment & techniques    10. Photography / Portraits   

Reviews (17)

An Avid Eye of a Gifted Photographer....
As well as a vivid pictorial of antomical perfection of the French National Rugby League, this stunning expose lends the gifted eye of this photograher's protrayal of natural lockeroom brawn, and has captured as noted, raw and natual splendor in the male physique. And of course a dream book, of sorts, for a many fan's of the sport and male physique in perfection. In itself, this worthy publicaton proves that the athletic male form, in it's unwavering splendor, can make a marvelous subject matter for a serious collector as well as your coffee table collection, as it throws eye candy to the needy masses of skin in it's ultimate form. Possible' to pull out at your latest soire as it is a Splendidly Bound and Jacketed Publication worthy of a Collector's Shelf.
Hottie French sportmen
Overall the photos were done with excellent taste. Was it worth the $$, I would say no. Does it provide a great conversation for anyone that walks into the living room and sees it on the coffee table? YES

Wow!
This book is amazing! I bought it for a good friend of mine as a birthday present, and now it has become one that everyone asks for! The pictures are beautiful and these men's bodies are incredible! A very tasteful and aesthetically pleasing collection! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Gay erotic photography    2. Individual Photographer    3. Photo Techniques    4. Photography    5. Photography Of Specific Subjects    6. Photography of men    7. Photography of the nude    8. Rugby    9. Subjects & Themes - Nudes    10. Subjects & Themes - Portraits    11. Nudes depicted in art    12. Photographs: portraits    13. Photography / Subjects & Themes / Nudes   

Reviews (18)

Great book!
This book is not only beautiful, but includes a great text!With helpful hints on everything, I refer to it on a daily basis.
A visual beauty but...
If you are not Donald Trump and your house is not Mara Lago you may be a tad dissapointed. I was expecting an affair w/ this book. According to the author, what every guest room needs is Egyptian cotton percale sheets w/ a 400 thread count. Ok..lol...shoot me...I buy my sheets at Target. I found the book a bit stuffy for my taste.

a special book, a special gift
When I bought my new home in Italy I wished a book which could give me ideas for decorating the rooms in country style. I chose this by Bunny Williams and I am relly satisfacted because there are a lot of nice suggestion and beatifull pictures.
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Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Dwellings    5. Gardening    6. House & Home    7. Interior Design - General    8. Interior decoration    9. Remodeling    10. Remodeling & Renovation - General    11. Residential Buildings Architecture    12. Residential Interior Design    13. Architecture / Interior Design    14. Interior design   

Reviews (10)

Information Dashboard Design
This book primarily deals with what the title says. Dashboards. I was not aware ofthe complexity and breadth of this type of interface, but since it is not a forte I usually provide to clients, the book was an interesting read.
Disappointing
I had high hopes when picking up this book.In the end I found little of use.Perhaps I was looking for more than an approach that was business oriented.Information displays for systems monitoring are a topic almost completely missed in the book.
Important Resource For Dashboard Designers/Developers
What is a dashboard?
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Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computers    3. Computers - General Information    4. Computers - Languages / Programming    5. Interactive & Multimedia    6. Microcomputer Communication Software    7. Presentation Software    8. Programming - Software Development    9. Software Design    10. Techniques - General    11. Computers / Interactive Media    12. Computers / Languages / Programming    13. Computers / Programming / Software Development    14. Computers/Interactive & Multimedia    15. Internet    16. dashboards, data presentation, BI, business intelligence, information design, datamining, widgets