Creative Close-Ups has five chapters.  Each chapter is broken down into relatively short sections covering all aspects of close-up photography:

• Worlds of Wonder (subjects)
• Getting Close (equipment and procedures)
• Photographing Flowers
• Universe in a Grain of Sand (water drops & reflections)
• Close-ups in the Studio

Creative Close-Ups is an excellent book that includes many outstanding and inspirational photographs.  I strongly recommend the  book for beginners to expert photographers, even if close-up  photography is not your primary photo interest.  This book, while providing a wonderful introduction to close-up photography, is also suitable for the coffee table.

Contact: Wiley

Cost: $29.99 US, $35.99 CAN

Inspiration 8 by Inspiration Software Inc. aids visual learners to write concise and detailed papers (and many professionals and students fit into this category).

Inspiration 8 (www.inspiration.com) takes the simple web or bubble outlining process to a higher level.   With writing, the hardest part can be just organizing random thoughts and ideas.

Using a visual map, it’s easy to see how one idea can relate to another.  Inspiration uses Diagram View or Outline View allowing writers to track their written thoughts.  Various forms of mapping (concept, web, idea, storyboard) graphically organize or map out concepts and ideas.   After creating a diagram outline, Inspiration 8 transforms it into a written outline, which can be launched into a word document.  Inspiration 8 is easy to use, it works and it’s fun.

Systems Requirements: Mac 8.6, 9.x, or OS X 10.1.5; Windows 95
Contact: inspiration.com
Cost: Individual $69.00 CD or download. Check pricing for multiple computer license

Pros: Great to organize thoughts and ideas to write a paragraph, essay, etc.
Cons: None