“Confessions of an Economic Hit Man” by John Perkins will really blow your mind wide open about what’s happening with our government.  I just finished reading this and was really amazed by what I read.  As far as I am concerned this book is a must read.

This book was a very interesting read and I learned more about how my country (USA) works than about the European union. This book is full of very interesting facts such as 60% of American's attend church weekly while only 30% of Europeans do. I also learned that over 2 million Americans are in prison at any given time.

This was a quick but very interesting read.  The book is broken down into short sections that you can read in any order you like. Each section provided a window into american society.   I give Mr. Levitt really high marks because he hits the topics that most people in this unfortunately all too PC time won’t discuss in public. You know stuff like does abortion reduce crime and that kind of thing.  How much money does a drug dealer make?  All all that good stuff you know you want to read, even if you are too scared to talk about it.

Quite a number of people have asked me how did I learn about lighting for photography.  I am essentially self taught so I can’t recommend any special classes, however I do recommend this book. It is the best one I have seen on the subject and perhaps the only one you would ever need.  While its directed mainly towards lighting products it covers everything you will need to get started.

People also ask me how I learned to use photoshop and where I picked up all the tricks.  It sure seems like most books on the subject only cover the basics...how to use curves and make a mask, etc.  I searched for a long time for a more powerful reference and this is it.  Shunned by the normal cadre of photoshop evangelists, Dan Margulis books will teach you the real secrets and how to work quickly.  He teaches a different methodology than the common path.  For example, he hates histograms and masks and doesn’t use them.

 

His books are interjected with a good sprinkling of jokes and jabs that are shall I say aligned with my current political mindset so that made them even more enjoyable for me.

 A lot of photographers and artists keep their best techniques secret to kind of protect their competitive edge.  I kind of feel that I shouldn’t point out these books to you because well they are just that good.  But I think Dan deserves the credit and recognition.