Droidmaker: George Lucas and the Digital Revolution » (New Edition)

It looked like an unkempt coffee urn and it whistled. Now we know it had a personality and it was the beginning of a revolution. Rubin, who joined Lucasfilm's Computer division in 1985, recounts how R2-D2 and his many brethren changed the process of film making, its scope and the finances behind it, and how the people behind the revolution (many of whom rivaled R2-D2 in relative unkemptness) developed computer graphics, video games and sound and film editing from the ground up. Rubin describes how Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas started with visions of a studio-free future and complete independence, and how Lucas applied that vision to character creation, production, and marketing. Along with his brisk narrative Rubin provides fascinating photos of the aforesaid unkempt and the work they had to do to bring the earliest images to the screen. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Robert S. Weinberg, MD(Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center)
Description:This is a CD-ROM version of patient care information notes. In alphabetical order, in an easy to use index, are listed many common clinical problems and some frequently asked patient questions. The CD-ROM is easy to install and runs in Windows, but computer requirements are not listed.
Purpose:The purpose of the CD-ROM format is to allow the user to provide patients with personalized handouts about a variety of commonly seen topics. The user can easily edit the material and has the right to reproduce the information to give to patients or to use in news letters and brochures. However, the user is prohibited from placing the information on a website or on the Internet. The concept of accessible, simply written information for patients is commendable, and a valuable addition to the level of care provided by a clinician. The work meets the intended objectives very well.
Audience:The product is intended for the practicing general ophthalmologist. It also may be used by ophthalmic subspecialists, as many of the topics covered can be seen in any ophthalmic practice. The information is apparently written by multiple authors, who are not individually credited, as the style of different entries varies somewhat. That style is simple, straightforward, not pedantic, and easy to read for patients. The editors and the editorial board, presumably the multiple authors, are experienced practicing ophthalmologists.
Features:Common clinical problems are accessed through an index alphabetized primarily by clinical problem. There are peculiarities, however,such as the topic ""getting,"" expanded to ""getting used to bifocals"" and ""getting something in your eye."" Under the term ""refraction"" is the expanded topic, ""What is a refraction and why won't the government pay for it?"" -- a useful topic for a busy clinical practice. Omitted are a few topics such as cystoid macular edema, tearing in adults, and uveitis, but what is included covers a broad range. The topics are easily accessible, the program user friendly and intuitive, and the user can print items in regular or large print text. The product offers a simple way for clinicians to improve the quality of patient care they provide.
Assessment:This is an excellent addition to a busy clinical practice. Use of personalized patient care information should improve patient satisfaction with the level of care provided.