   Book recommendation request
  Just wondering if any of you could recommend an OpenGL book or other resource for me. I think I''ve got most of the basics down. Here are the topics I''m interested in.* Optimization and other speed tricks - my programs run too freaking slow* Skeletal Animation* Particle effect 
  I can''t think of a single book that incorporates all of those things.  Skeletal animation and particle systems are completely irrelevant to the graphics API you use.  It''s no wonder you associate them with OpenGL, however; many internet sites blend OpenGL and other areas of programming, effectively confusing the hell out of new programmers.  gametutorials - I''m lookin'' at you!(how does a line-triangle intersection test fit into the OpenGL tutorials?!?!).  Anyway, despite all the confusing information out there, I think that these topics are best to research on the internet, since they are so unrelated to eachother.  I guess I didn''t really answer your question, and I appologize for that, but as I said, I have never run accross such a book.For speed issues, look into vertex arrays, interleaved arrays, vertex buffer objects, and organizing geometry by drawing methods and materials/textures.  (If you simply google ''Optimization and other speed tricks in OpenGL'' you probably wont come up with much, so its better to look into specific subjects).Anway, good luck, I hope you find what you''re looking for!PS. gametutorials is still a good reference! 