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Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Great Price for $14.41

Animal Factory: The Looming Threat of Industrial Pig, Dairy, and Poultry Farms to Humans and the Environment Review



This book exposes a serious, increasingly encroaching problem in our society, the ability of corporations, insensitive to personal responsibility, to run amok over our way of life. In this case, BIG CORPORATE AGRICULTURE has penetrated our society and is shoving down our throats stuff called food--and we pay for it in so many ways. More disease, more environmental degradation, more political maneuvering--all leading to incredible personal and societal costs.

The book is engaging. It tells the personal battles of some incredible citizens, fighting almost impossible odds against this invasive cancer in our society that, at its root, begins with corporate greed woven into a citizenry who are seriously uninformed about the food we eat.

The book is engaging but could have used some serious editing to cut the repetition. Important messages like this need to be more to the point if they are intended to cause change.

I fully support the author's laudable argument for more sustainable farming practices and local food production and marketing. But, he omitted one important assumption. Even if, ideally, we could return to sustainable farm practices, largely dependent on family farms and local marketing, it would eventually be self-limiting. We (by `we', I mean all the world's peoples) do not have the land and water resources to produce for our rapidly growing population the kind of food that we now eat, as long as we sustain our voracious appetite for animal protein-based foods.

I am a product of the family farm (milking cows) and began more than a half century ago a research career promoting the animal protein-based food that we produced. But our research program eventually produced findings that challenged my naivete. I learned that, collectively, we would need far less of the earth's resources, achieve far greater health at much lower disease care costs and reduce environmental degradation, if only we were to develop a dietary lifestyle that depended on our use of whole plant-based foods.

I firmly believe that the message in this book, along with a similar message in Fast Food Nation, would go much further if we altered our preferences for food, thus reducing our need for the very food that allows factory farming even to exist.

Just remember this: advanced heart disease, diabetes, obesity, several autoimmune diseases and other 'nuisance' ailments cannot only be prevented but actually be stopped in their tracks and CURED. Moreover, cancer also can be experimentally reversed by the same strategy--this was extensively investigated in our laboratory and published.



Animal Factory: The Looming Threat of Industrial Pig, Dairy, and Poultry Farms to Humans and the Environment Feature


  • ISBN13: 9780312380588
  • Condition: New
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Animal Factory: The Looming Threat of Industrial Pig, Dairy, and Poultry Farms to Humans and the Environment Overview


Swine flu. Bird flu. Unusual concentrations of cancer and other diseases. Massive fish kills from flesh-eating parasites. Recalls of meats, vegetables, and fruits because of deadly E-coli bacterial contamination. 

 

Recent public health crises raise urgent questions about how our animal-derived food is raised and brought to market. In Animal Factory, bestselling investigative journalist David Kirby exposes the powerful business and political interests behind large-scale factory farms, and tracks the far-reaching fallout that contaminates our air, land, water, and food. 

In this thoroughly researched book, Kirby follows three families and communities whose lives are utterly changed by immense neighboring animal farms. These farms (known as “Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations,” or CAFOs), confine thousands of pigs, dairy cattle, and poultry in small spaces, often under horrifying conditions, and generate enormous volumes of fecal and biological waste as well as other toxins. Weaving science, politics, law, big business, and everyday life, Kirby accompanies these families in their struggles against animal factories. A North Carolina fisherman takes on pig farms upstream to preserve his river, his family’s life, and his home. A mother in a small Illinois town pushes back against an outsized dairy  farm and its devastating impact. And a Washington State grandmother becomes an unlikely activist when her home is invaded by foul odors and her water supply is compromised by runoff from leaking lagoons of cattle waste. 

Animal Factory is an important book about our American food system gone terribly wrong---and the people who are fighting to restore sustainable farming practices and save our limited natural resources. 

David Kirby has been a contributor to The New York Times for eight years, where he writes articles about science and health, among other subjects. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.

Recent public health crises raise urgent questions about how our animal-derived food is raised and brought to market. In Animal Factory, bestselling investigative journalist David Kirby exposes the powerful business and political interests behind large-scale factory farms, and tracks the far-reaching fallout that contaminates our air, land, water, and food.

In this thoroughly researched book, Kirby follows three families and communities whose lives are utterly changed by immense neighboring animal farms. These farms (known as “Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations,” or CAFOs), confine thousands of pigs, dairy cattle, and poultry in small spaces, often under horrifying conditions, and generate enormous volumes of fecal and biological waste as well as other toxins. Weaving science, politics, law, big business, and everyday life, Kirby accompanies these families in their struggles against animal factories. A North Carolina fisherman takes on pig farms upstream to preserve his river, his family’s life, and his home. A mother in a small Illinois town pushes back against an outsized dairy  farm and its devastating impact. And a Washington State grandmother becomes an unlikely activist when her home is invaded by foul odors and her water supply is compromised by runoff from leaking lagoons of cattle waste.

Animal Factory is an important book about our American food system gone terribly wrong—and the people who are fighting to restore sustainable farming practices and save our limited natural resources.

“Kirby combines the narrative urgency of Sinclair's novel with the investigative reporting of Schlosser's book—Animal Factory is nonfiction, but reads like a thriller. There's no political pleading or ideological agitprop in this book; it's remarkably fair-minded, both sober and sobering. Like Sinclair's and Schlosser's work, it has the potential to change the collective American mind about contemporary food issues.”—NPR, “Books We Like”

“Nature did not intend for animals to live and die in a factory assembly line. In David Kirby’s startling investigation Animal Factory, he gives a human face to the terrible cost our health and environment pays for this so-called ‘cheap food’. This is a story that is seldom told and rarely with such force and eloquence.”—Alice Waters

Animal Factory, by David Kirby, documents the scandal of today’s industrial food animal production system in the same compelling way Upton Sinclair alerted Americans to the abuses of the meat packing industry in his 1906 The Jungle. The well being of animals produced for human consumption, the fate of rural communities, the health of farm workers, and the protection of the environment are daily compromised for the sake of profit.”—Robert S. Lawrence, M.D., Director, of the Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

“Sometimes it seems that the only people who truly support CAFOs, or animal factory farms, are those who stand to profit from them. This is made brilliantly clear in Animal Factory, David Kirby’s exposé into the business. Animal Factory follows the stories of three people trying to fight against big dairy and pork operations. These stories are deeply disturbing and might actually make readers sick. The writing is brilliant, the people profiled are inspirational in their activism, and the topic is one that so many people remain blissfully ignorant of.  Everyone would benefit from reading this book and becoming aware of where their food comes from.”—The San Francisco Book Review

“Animal Factory is not a book about animal welfare, or nutrition, or fair labor practices. Instead, it is something that concerns us all, no matter what our political persuasion—the long-term health of people and communities directly affected by factory farms. The scandal of industrial food-animal production is a direct link to the health care debate, making 'Animal Factory' all the more urgent. Mr. Kirby has produced a powerful, important book to all those who care about their family's health.”—The Washington Times

Animal Factory tells how big agribusiness' industrial meat production is leaving our communities foul with unhealthy air, awash in untreated sewage, and increasingly buffeted by bacteria made resistant to the antibiotics. Anyone in search of why America's health care system is going bankrupt will find part of the answer in these pages.”—David Wallinga, M.D., Food and Health Director of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy

“David Kirby’s book, Animal Factory, is a beautifully written account of the danger industrial meat and dairy production represents to our health, environment and democratic process.  In a unique and captivating way, Kirby reveals the consequences of animal factories through the eyes of the citizen advocates who have fought the long and hard battle to civilize the barbaric and often criminal behavior of the meat barons. Rick Dove, Karen Hudson, Helen Reddout, Chris Peterson, Don Webb and others featured in the book are real American heroes. Their stories are compelling, true and engaging.  The time has come to end the greedy and destructive practices of animal factories. As the readers of Kirby’s book will learn, nature’s clock is ticking and much is at stake for the planet and all of its inhabitants. Each page of this book is filled with powerful information. It has all the makings of a number one best seller.”—Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

“This book puts a human face on a well hidden national scandal: the effects of large-scale raising of animals on the health and well being of farm workers and their families, local communities, the animals themselves, and the environment which we all share.  By examining how CAFOs affect the lives of real people, Kirby makes clear why we must find healthier and more sustainable ways to produce meat in America.”—Marion Nestle, Professor of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University, and member of the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production

Animal Factory is a compelling narrative in the tradition of Upton Sinclair, whose 1906 novel The Jungle led to changes in the meat-packing industry. It isn't a novel, but it moves along with the urgency of a pot-boiler. What Kirby has done in this journalistic account of animal factory operations across the country is draw back the curtains that have carefully screened from the public the untidy secrets about how meat is produced on a large scale in this country. You'll read about the cramped feeding operations where animals are fattened for market, the pharmaceuticals that go into feed, the alarming practices used to dispose of feces and urine and how animal byproducts sometimes wind up in feed.”—The Charolette Observer

“An environment in which there are lakes of putrid slush, foul odors wafting in the breeze and entire rivers turning orange may sound like something out of Cormac McCarthy’s novel The Road, but it’s a reality for many people who live near industrial farms—the result of keeping thousands of animals in one place in order to keep prices low. In his latest book, Animal Factory, David Kirby follows three unlikely grassroots activists who have opposed big agriculture, from small community protests to the national sustainable movement.”—Leonad Lopate, WNYC-FM, NPR Affiliate, New York City
...




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Where's the Beef? - Manny Hoppe - Muscatine, IA USA
I'm still waiting for this decade's version of "The Jungle". This book is not bad, lots of relevant data, but still lots more missing. The other thing is that this book will need to be updated at least every year or so.
I'll read the next one if there is one.






A shocking investiagtion of CAFOs and those who fight against them - Sacramento Book Review - Sacramento, CA
Sometimes it seems that the only people who truly support CAFOs, or animal factory farms, are those who stand to profit from them. This is made brilliantly clear in //Animal Factory,// David Kirby's exposé into the business. To most people, especially those who are forced to live in their vicinity, CAFOs are a major source of environmental pollution. //Animal Factor// follows the stories of three people trying to fight against big dairy and pork operations. These stories are deeply disturbing and might actually make readers sick. Animal waste from manure "lagoons" pollute water supplies when they overflow or are breached; excessive levels of nitrates make people gravely ill, while the animal feces invite infestations of algae, parasites, and protozoa that kill millions of fish and can leave open wounds on people who come in contact with the water. Despite the author's claim of neutrality on the subject, readers will undoubtedly walk away from this book firmly in the anti-CAFO corner. The writing is brilliant, the people profiled are inspirational in their activism, and the topic is one that so many people remain blissfully ignorant of. Everyone would benefit from reading this book and becoming aware of where their food comes from.



Any library strong in animal rights issues must have this - Midwest Book Review - Oregon, WI USA
ANIMAL FACTORY; THE LOOMING THREAT OF INDUSTRIAL PIG, DAIRY, AND POULTRY FARMS TO HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT provides a powerful account of industrial meat production and factory farms, documenting their dangers to human health. It's investigative journalism at its best, with author David Kirby approaching factory farms from a different perspective and considering the lasting costs of their choices. Any library strong in animal rights issues must have this.


*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 01, 2010 01:08:07

Great Price for $28.09

The ABCs of CBM: A Practical Guide to Curriculum-Based Measurement (The Guilford Practical Intervention in Schools Series) Review



Excellent source, especially for me in graduate school as I do my practicum in the schools. Couldn't live without it!



The ABCs of CBM: A Practical Guide to Curriculum-Based Measurement (The Guilford Practical Intervention in Schools Series) Feature


  • ISBN13: 9781593853990
  • Condition: New
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The ABCs of CBM: A Practical Guide to Curriculum-Based Measurement (The Guilford Practical Intervention in Schools Series) Overview


This pragmatic, accessible book presents an empirically supported conceptual framework and hands-on instructions for conducting curriculum-based measurement (CBM) in grades K-8. The authors provide everything needed to evaluate student learning in reading, spelling, writing, and math; graph the resulting data; and use this information to make sound instructional decisions, plan interventions, and monitor progress. The role of CBM within a response-to-intervention model is also explained. Every chapter includes helpful answers to frequently asked questions, and the appendices contain over 20 reproducible administration and scoring guides, forms, and planning checklists. The large-size format and lay-flat binding facilitate photocopying and day-to-day use.



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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 31, 2010 17:46:06

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A Lion Called Christian: The True Story of the Remarkable Bond Between Two Friends and a Lion Review



I fell hard for this book! I am a sucker for loving animal stories and this is one of the very best! I had not seen the YouTube video before reading the book, but had heard about it, and could almost "see" it with the many photos included in this edition.

Two boys from Australia out to see the world in the early 1970s buy a lion cub from a department store in downtown London. Sounds too weird to be true, but it is, and they have written their story in this small book which has been updated to the present time. I was mildly and pleasantly shocked at how well written the book is: very concise and moving and filled with details as well as their wonderment. As I got closer to the end of the book and the updates, I didn't want to know anything sad about this wonderful lion ("probably the largest in all of Africa").... but don't be afraid to read it all the way through. I always cry in animal books whether they are actually sad or not, and you probably will, too. Their sweetness and innocence rule the pages. I remember reading about Elsa and the lions of "Born Free" fame many years ago and thinking that it seemed sort of contrived and manipulative as most Hollywood films are, but this book is from the heart only. Just the facts of Christian's life in London and then in Africa as these boys, now men, lived it.



A Lion Called Christian: The True Story of the Remarkable Bond Between Two Friends and a Lion Feature


  • ISBN13: 9780767932370
  • Condition: New
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A Lion Called Christian: The True Story of the Remarkable Bond Between Two Friends and a Lion Overview


In 2008 an extraordinary two-minute film clip appeared on YouTube and immediately became an international phenomenon. It captures the moving reunion of two young men and their pet lion Christian, after they had left him in Africa with Born Free’s George Adamson to introduce him into his rightful home in the wild.

A Lion Called Christian tells the remarkable story of how Anthony “Ace” Bourke and John Rendall, visitors to London from Australia in 1969, bought the boisterous lion cub in the pet department of Harrods. For several months, the three of them shared a flat above a furniture shop on London’s King’s Road, where the charismatic and intelligent Christian quickly became a local celebrity, cruising the streets in the back of a Bentley, popping in for lunch at a local restaurant, even posing for a fashion advertisement. But the lion cub was growing up—fast—and soon even the walled church garden where he went for exercise wasn’t large enough for him. How could Ace and John avoid having to send Christian to a zoo for the rest of his life? A coincidental meeting with English actors Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers, stars of the hit film Born Free, led to Christian being flown to Kenya and placed under the expert care of “the father of lions” George Adamson. Incredibly, when Ace and John returned to Kenya to see Christian a year later, they received a loving welcome from their lion, who was by then fully integrated into Africa and a life with other lions.

Originally published in 1971, and now fully revised and updated with more than 50 photographs of Christian from cuddly cub in London to magnificent lion in Africa, A Lion Called Christian is a touching and uplifting true story of an indelible human-animal bond. It is is destined to become one of the great classics of animal literature.


A Lion Called Christian: The True Story of the Remarkable Bond Between Two Friends and a Lion Specifications


Book Description
In 2008 an extraordinary two-minute film clip appeared on YouTube and immediately became an international phenomenon. It captures the moving reunion of two young men and their pet lion Christian, after they had left him in Africa with Born Free’s George Adamson to introduce him into his rightful home in the wild.

A Lion Called Christian tells the remarkable story of how Anthony “Ace” Bourke and John Rendall, visitors to London from Australia in 1969, bought the boisterous lion cub in the pet department of Harrods. For several months, the three of them shared a flat above a furniture shop on London’s King’s Road, where the charismatic and intelligent Christian quickly became a local celebrity, cruising the streets in the back of a Bentley, popping in for lunch at a local restaurant, even posing for a fashion advertisement. But the lion cub was growing up--fast--and soon even the walled church garden where he went for exercise wasn’t large enough for him. How could Ace and John avoid having to send Christian to a zoo for the rest of his life? A coincidental meeting with English actors Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers, stars of the hit film Born Free, led to Christian being flown to Kenya and placed under the expert care of “the father of lions” George Adamson. Incredibly, when Ace and John returned to Kenya to see Christian a year later, they received a loving welcome from their lion, who was by then fully integrated into Africa and a life with other lions.

Originally published in 1971, and now fully revised and updated with more than 50 photographs of Christian from cuddly cub in London to magnificent lion in Africa, A Lion Called Christian is a touching and uplifting true story of an indelible human-animal bond. It is destined to become one of the great classics of animal literature.

A Look Inside A Lion Called Christian

Click on thumbnails for larger images

Christian with Mark at Todd's Hairdressers in the World's End
Football in the Moravian Close
John, Christian, and Ace relaxing at Leith Hill

Easter, 1970
Ace (left) and John (right) with Christian on The King's Road, Chelsea








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a beautiful story of a lion who earned his freedom in the African plains - P. Pasda - usa
A beautiful story of two young men who help a lion go from a life in a pet shop to a life of freedom on the African plains. A lovely story...Born Free: A Lioness of Two WorldsAutumn of blessed Acres: Service Dog (Volume 1)Autumn of Blessed Acres service dogThe Horse Keeper: The Healing Gifts of Painting and Writing About Horses



GREATEST AND MOST TOUCHING BOOK I HAVE EVER READ!! - C. Pepe - NY, NY
This story is remarkable and sure to make you shed a tear. Ever since the youtube phenominon ive been dieing to read this book and it is sure to capture your heart like the other millions of people around the world. It really makes you think of the great things and friendships that can happen between human and wildlife and its just amazing. Buying this book would be the best 10$ you will ever spend and you will not regret it. I LOVE CHRISTIAN!!



a lion called christian / book - Laura A. Binkley - Akron, Oh USA
Loved the book , loved the story !!!!!!!
I had tears in my eyes. Would advise everyone to read it.
It tugs at your heart .



For Danny - Shirley Mills - Norton, MA
I got this book for my grandson, but of course I had to read it first. It truly is a wonderful story, so heartwarming and well written. Perfect for a young lad just getting into chapter books. I note that a reviewer called "R. Miller" gave the book a one star rating stating that it was a fiction that Christian survived in the jungle or ever had a pride of his own. In response to his tirade, please go to Wikipedia under "Christian the Lion" and read what truly happened to the lion after being turned loose in Africa.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 31, 2010 11:47:05

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Hiking Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks, 3rd: A Guide to More Than 60 of the Area's Greatest Hiking Adventures (Regional Hiking Series) Review



I do a lot of hiking in the national parks and rely on Falcon Guides for good trail information. I have the first edition of the Glacier/Waterton guide so I thought I would get the latest edition for a recent trip. I still like this edition, but I agree with some other reviewers that there are some disappointments. Gone are the elevation profiles (which give you a snapshot of the gain and loss for the hike). As also mentioned, now several trails are combined on one map (GPS-compatible). That actually proves useful when several trails are part of a larger trail system (e.g., the Grinnell Complex), but this can be confusing for other trails (not to mention a little harder to find the maps for individual trails).

The first edition didn't have an index, so having one here is a plus (even if, as someone else mentioned, it's not as good as the second edition's). The third edition also has a nice trail comparison (though it should have distances) indicating which trails have waterfalls, lakes, meadows, etc. This edition also has several more pages of general information than the first edition, and descriptions of two additional trails. Although most of the trail descriptions seem to be the same as the first edition, the pictures accompanying them are new (though still not that great because they are in black and white).

On the whole, I recommend this book if you don't have an earlier edition. If you have the first or second edition you can probably get by with them if you also check other sources for updated park information (such as the free shuttle on the Going-to-the-Sun Road).





Hiking Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks, 3rd: A Guide to More Than 60 of the Area's Greatest Hiking Adventures (Regional Hiking Series) Feature


  • ISBN13: 9780762736324
  • Condition: New
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Hiking Glacier and Waterton Lakes National Parks, 3rd: A Guide to More Than 60 of the Area's Greatest Hiking Adventures (Regional Hiking Series) Overview


This comprehensive guide covers more than 850 miles of trails.



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hiking - martha - iowa
very good from what i've seen so far. i would have liked to have the approximate time of the hike included.



the essential hiking guide for Glacier - Brian Carroll - NY, USA
Glacier National Park is for hikers. The drive-through approach along the historic and spectacular Going to the Sun Highway is wonderful and memorable (and can be done with the efficient shuttle system), but the real action is provided by getting into the backcountry. It is truly the "last best place"!

We have been visiting the Park every year since 1974, and this guide has become our trusted advisor for planning day hikes and overnight trips. During the summer, a copy is kept at our bedside in order to plan new ventures. Glacier can be a challenging park to hike with rapid weather changes and highly varied terrain. We view this guide as important to survival as gore tex, first aid, water bottles and broken-in footwear.








not very helpful - Ye Wang - Florida
I bought moon glacier and this book. I found that this book is useless because moon glacier covers a lot of good trails this book covers, and moon has other information. I think this book might be good for backcountry not for a day hike.

Simple trails and middle length trails are listed in moon glacier, and this book doesn't provide any other useful information about trails. The map is still not very clear. This book does list some very long trails, but usually you can search on internet to find this kind of information and even more specific.

I definitely would not recommend this book. Buy moon glacier instead!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 31, 2010 06:56:05

Monday, August 30, 2010

Great Price Liberty Mountain for $11.10

A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: Eastern and central North America (Peterson Field Guide) Review



As an herbalist teaching new students and helping them overcome their fears of using wild edibles and identifing herbs and edibles is a great pleasure with this book in hand. We have often went out and seen other plants, found it in the book and hurried back to the forest to find it again in person once we learned how unique it was. I have learned many more plants while performing botany in the field with this book. The pictures are very close up, so it does make identifing a challenge, but always use the guide in the front to learn how to use the book properly, except that what you call one name or think it would be, in the bological word of plants, that word has a whole other meaning. And the last of my advice, never assume that because a plant is catgoried under violet flowers that it couldn't possibly have a white or blue or whole other color bloom. Plants breed just like humans, thus causing genetic/DNA change and developing into a species of a species. An example: I have Butterfly Pea growing by my garden, the bloom is light lilac, not blue or purple and it grows a foot taller than the one described, but it is still beach butterfly pea, by the way, I live in Redclay North Carolina 255 miles Northeast from the beach.
A must have for anyone, period.



A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: Eastern and central North America (Peterson Field Guide) Feature


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A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: Eastern and central North America (Peterson Field Guide) Overview


More than 370 edible wild plants, plus 37 poisonous look-alikes, are described here, with 400 drawings and 78 color photographs showing precisely how to recognize each species. Also included are habitat descriptions, lists of plants by season, and preparation instructions for 22 different food uses.


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This is my main book. - Roxie J. Crouch - Willard, Utah United States
I love this book and have been using it for about 10 years. The subject of edible wild plants is one that needs alot of study and I study this book even when I am not actually looking for the plants. I like the illustrations almost better than photgraphs that some books have because the detail is better. The book is divided into flower color sections as well as terain sections and types of food sections. When I first identify a plant it is from the color of the flower so I use this section the most. Even though this book is written for the East Coast it still identifies most of the edible plants that I see in the West.



A Very Helpful Guide - Diana C. Cooper - Chesterland, OH USA
Although there are wild plants not found in this book, it would be difficult for one book to cover every single species in the area specified. This makes a perfect guide for beginners (which I am) and as a supplement with other information (books, internet, etc.) When consuming plants, it is always a good idea to check multiple sources to be sure one correctly identified a plant. This book opens a door to a whole new playground on which to explore and experiment...



Great book - A. Peterson - New York, USA
It's great to look through and find plants you've seen all over place and finally put a name on it.

I can't wait to take it camping/hiking this summer!


*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 31, 2010 01:17:05

Check Out Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars: Grandma's Bag of Tricks for $6.85

Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars: Grandma's Bag of Tricks Review



I can't put this book on the shelf because I keep finding new things to do and make in it's pages.
I own many of Lovejoy's books and even though I'm not a Grandmother yet, as a Mother it's useful
to mee too. I even bought one for my mother-in-law and a good friend for Mother's Day.



Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars: Grandma's Bag of Tricks Feature


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Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars: Grandma's Bag of Tricks Overview


Make leaf rubbings, learn the neighborhood bird songs together, turn an aquarium into a worm hotel, create a firefly lantern. There are garden projects, both for the outdoors—grow a container snacking garden, a pumpkin patch in a pot—and the indoors, i.e., how to use something called "indoor garbage gardens" to grow pineapple tops, sweet potato vines, peanuts, and more. Cooking projects, both in the sunshine—baking in a solar oven—and in the kitchen—what child will ever forget the time the two of you made Potato Volcanoes with Lava? And lots of rainy-day activities for times when nature's in a cranky mood.

Created by Sharon Lovejoy—a grandmother of four and the author of two classic books of garden activities for grown-ups and kids, Sunflower Houses and Roots, Shoots, Buckets & BootsToad Cottages and Shooting Stars is an ecologically inspired guide that combines more than 130 green activities with timeless grandparenting advice. Illustrated with Lovejoy's distinctive, delicate watercolors, it's an inventive resource for grandmother and grandchild to connect with each other through nature. It is the book to make sure an afternoon, a day, or a weekend turns into a memory that lasts forever.



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toad cottages and shooting stars - Pamela J. Turner - Iowa
I had it sent to my grandchildren. Their mother said the book was great.






Not just for grandmothers! - Karin H. Hill - Seattle, WA USA
Wonderful book as are all of Sharon Lovejoy's books. Unusual, creative activities to do with children.



Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars: Grandma's Bag of Tricks - Grandma Donna -
This is a great little book for grandmothers, aunts and pre-school teachers for those days when you have the children and want to have an educational activity to maintain their interest and promote learning.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 30, 2010 14:49:05

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The Magic School Bus Inside a Beehive Review



"The Magic School Bus: Inside a Beehive" represents a slight departure for author, Joanna Cole, and illustrator, Bruce Degen. Written in 1996, this book could easily have been all about our friends, the insects. Because, as student Dorothy Ann explains in the opening pages, "There are more insect species on earth than all other animals put together!" Indeed, you need look no farther than your own backyard (or a few dusty corners of your home) to find bugs of all shapes and sizes crawling around, buzzing about, and foraging for food.

However, Cole and Degen chose to shine their respective spotlight on one insect in particular. Not that this is a bad thing. In fact, it's the exact opposite. According to Florrie, another student of Ms. Frizzle, "There are more than 20,000 different kinds of bees." And the word "bee" itself conjures up all sorts of emotions in people. Some are deathly afraid of them; others have been stung and know the pain a sting induces; and then there are those who are allergic to these insects.

But is that all there is to the bee? Is it really the little stinging monster we think it is? Or is there something more to this delicate creature than we know? And this, readers, is where Cole, Degen, a band of students, and some teacher nicknamed the Friz, enter the picture. For they are going to set the record straight, once and for all, about what the nature of bees really entails.

Our latest adventure starts out with Ms. Frizzle and her students studying insects, such as ants and cockroaches and goliath beetles. She has also arranged a field trip to a local honeybee hive.

"The beekeeper is visiting his hives today," says the Friz. "We'll meet him there." And with that she sweeps out the door.

"Maybe this will be a normal field trip for a change," one student expresses to another.

With Ms. Frizzle, only the most adventurous teacher in the entire known universe, at the helm? Don't bet on it! However, as it turns out, she does have a normal field trip in store this time. She even brings along a picnic basket while she and the students wait for the beekeeper to arrive.

Then it happens. The moment at which this otherwise regular field trip takes a sharp turn into irregular. While attempting to open a jar of honey -- "Some light refreshments will pass the time while we wait," says the Friz -- she accidentally knocks her elbow against a strange lever. The bus shrinks faster than a student can say, "Great galloping gargoyles!" And, to no one's surprise, students and teacher are magically transformed into bees.

Readers and students alike learn all sorts of bee-utiful facts about these insects in Cole and Degen's latest entry into science for children. Did you know the average bee visits thousands of flowers every day? Or that, sometimes, an entire hive may "adopt" a lost bee if it is carrying a lot of food? How, exactly, does a bee, while gathering nectar for the hive, manage to pollinate all those flowers at the same time? What tasks are different bees assigned once inside the hive? Do they really communicate with one another by performing a bee dance? Readers will be amazed when they discover how many eggs the queen bee lays each day, and they'll be even more surprised when they see what happens when two queen bees are born at the same time inside the hive.

By focusing on just one insect in particular, Cole and Degen manage to "humanize" the bee. Meaning, through their research and attention to detail, they have made the bee less scary than it actually is. Do bees go around looking for people to sting? Of course not. As explained in the story, a sting is not particular conducive to the bee giving it or the person on the receiving end of it.

Besides the excellent writing and fabulous artwork (a staple of any collaboration between Cole and Degen), there are two other aspects of this story that work well for it. Borrowing a page out of Jan Brett's playbook ("The Hat" and "The Mitten"), Cole uses the "story within a story" technique to great effect here. While Ms. Frizzle and her students are buzzing around, we see snippets of why the beekeeper is late, as well as hints of danger to come for teacher, students and the bees! Anyone who's read the "Jesse Bear" series (also wonderfully illustrated by Degen) will instantly recognize the bear invading this story.

Not wanting to break with tradition, Cole and Degen explain, at the end of their latest offering, what was fact in the story and what was made up. They also provide a subtle -- or not so subtle -- hint of what lays in store for the Friz and her students for their next field trip. It will be a shock, no doubt; one readers will definitely get a charge out of!

As Ms. Frizzle herself would say, "Bee of good cheer, class. We're on our way!"




The Magic School Bus Inside a Beehive Overview


After Ms. Frizzle takes her class to visit a beekeeper, the Magic School Bus mysteriously vibrates, shrinks, and flies right into a beehive. And when Ms. Frizzle tells everyone to "be a bee", the adventure begins.


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brains and science are rightfully valued - how un-American! - Beatrice Izzey - Los Angeles
This is a great, almost un American book in that kids are told that it's OK, even wonderful and wondrous to be science geeks, be curious. Love the Frizz when she says "take chances, get messy, make mistakes," and encourages her students to explore. In a society that elevates sports and violence for boys, and beauty and cattiness for girls, this series stands out for encouraging gender neutral intellectualism and academic achievement. My geeky 5 year old can't get enough, having finally found fictional characters that reflect her and encourage her. Factual substance-wise, I as a 40 year old have learned tons.






More Science! - -
My son is 4 years old and we read to him a lot. Now, before bed, he announces, "Mom, you know what kind of book to read....ONLY SCIENCE!" He loves science, and the Magic School Bus is a great, fun way to introduce it, even to a preschooler!



Beekeeper's Review - Thom Bradley -
Kids (of all ages) ask the darndest things. When we work fairs or are identified as beekeepers in public, we are bomberded with basic questions regarding honeybees. This book was bought for my mother as much as for my brother's son. He asks her questions difficult to answer without pictures, "How do bees make wax...?" This book goes into enough detail to answer all the "How do...?'s" likely to come up regarding honeybees. A fine book for any child interested in insects. Also a good selection to temper the fears of those children that may fear bees. The pages are a little busy, otherwise would have gotten 5 stars.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 30, 2010 10:21:09

Great Price for $9.18

Walden and Civil Disobedience Review



This collection has Henry David Thoreau's two most famous works: Walden and "Civil Disobedience." Both are immortal literary works that should be read by all; anyone who does not have them would do well to get them here.

Walden is one of the great classics of American letters. It has been somewhat unfortunately tainted by its reputation as the "treehugger's Bible," but this misses the point. Thoreau obviously loved nature and was one of the nation's first environmentalists - indeed, modern day environmentalism can be traced directly to him -, but the core of the book is not a simple stating of nature's virtues. Thoreau lays down nothing less than a philosophy of life. Like "Civil Disobedience," Walden preaches the virtues of individual liberty and the importance of Man over State. Thoreau raises some staggeringly deep existential questions: If a man does not depend on the State but still resides within its boundaries, need he pledge allegiance? Need he pay taxes? Thoreau tells us how to get the most out of life by living simply. Indeed, much like Rousseau, he seemed to basically believe that the true essence and spirit of man resides in the state of nature. He assures us that, if all lived as simply as he did at Walden, there would be very little theft, crime, violence, envy, or jealousy. He urges us all to live our own lives as we see fit, neither depending on or heeding others, and to avoid merely becoming another mindless drone in conformist society.

"Resistance to Civil Government" - or "Civil Disobedience," as it became known - is an essential part of American literature, culture, and history. Even more remarkably, it is undeniable proof that great literature can have a real effect on the world even long after it is written and ignored. The essay is world famous as the founding text of civil disobedience, i.e., non-violent protest, and its effect on such luminaries as Mohandas Gandhi and Martin Luther King was profound, thus sealing its immortality. This alone makes it essential for all.

However, it is easy to forget that the essay is a masterpiece in itself. Essentially Thoreau's highly individual expression of his mentor Emerson's self-reliance doctrine applied to government, it has a wealth of depth and nuance despite its brevity. The words are few but the implications endless; it has enough food for proverbial thought to last a lifetime. The gist is very clear, but the implications have spoken very differently to many different people. The work's nature - and Thoreau's generally - is such that it and he are championed by everyone from neocons to libertarians to liberals, and the truly notable thing is that all are justified. This underscores the importance of reading the essay for ourselves.

Its main query is "What does the individual owe the state?," the answer being a resounding "Nothing." Thoreau takes the maxim that the government that governs least governs best to its logical conclusion by wishing for one that governs not at all - a brave wish very few have seriously dared to make or even conceive. He makes a highly principled stand for individual rights and autonomy, arguing very persuasively that people should be able to go about their business without interference. This of course sounds very much like current libertarians, and their position has indeed hardly ever been better argued. Many related and implied issues - protests against taxation, conscription, etc. - also seem to support them. However, it is important to remember that the essay's crux and most famous section - Thoreau's account of a night spent in jail for refusing to pay a poll tax because he did not want to support war or slavery - was and is immensely liberal. Few issues can be more central to current liberalism than an anti-war stance, and slavery was the era's great liberal cause. All this must be kept firmly in mind amid the many attempts to reduce Thoreau to a current party platform. He was at once too simple and too complex for this and would not have suffered himself to be thus reduced; nor does the essay justify it.

Integral as all this is, the work's core point is arguably a new self-reliance argument above and beyond immediate practical considerations. Thoreau certainly had a practical, political streak, especially compared to relative idealists like Emerson, but he thought individuality more sacred than anything. He articulated this more fully elsewhere, but it is very present here. His work is thus in many ways the best kind of self-help material - and, unlike the mass of current self-help tripe littering bookshelves, is intellectually and even aesthetically pleasing. Thoreau was the most thoroughly local writer that can be imagined, but his willingness to look deep inside himself for the eternal truths present in all people has made him an inspiration to millions and millions of people from across the political spectrum and indeed the world. This essay is a major part of his legacy and thus one of the very few works that literally everyone should read. Few can be the same afterward, and it will change many lives; it is nothing less than one of the most important documents ever written, and its value simply cannot be exaggerated.

This collection is an excellent primer for those new to Thoreau, and those who have not already done so should open their minds to him immediately - and once done, they will never be closed again.




Walden and Civil Disobedience Overview


This volume contains Henry David Thoreau's most popular and enduring works, "Walden" and "On the Duty of Civil Disobedience."


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Enjoyed "Civil Disobedience" - John Scott - Tokyo Japan
I enjoyed Civil Disobedience, but thought that Walden was a bit too generous with the words. I'm sure some people will enjoy it, but for me the noise to signal ratio was off-putting.

Really wish he would have gone into more depth on the topic of civil disobedience, but it was inspiring nonetheless.







Let us settle ourselves in freedom - Luc REYNAERT - Beernem, Belgium
Walden is H. D. Thoreau's return to `wildness', but with a rucksack.
It is a protest against the existing civilized world, where men are `serfs of the soil with no time to be anything but a machine.' They act as `slave-drivers of themselves'. Why don't they live `as simply as I then did' with plenty of leisure time for `a written word, the choiciest of relics?'
Walden is a retreat from status, appearance and jealousy. As Jonathan Levin states in his excellent introduction: `Walden is written in defense of the value of the individual in the social / economic machinery.'

But, Thoreau's return to `wildness' is in no way a return to nature: `Nature is hard to overcome, but she must be overcome.' `The animal in us perhaps cannot be wholly expelled. We are yet not pure.'
Thoreau's motto is: `A command over our passions and over the external senses of the body is declared by the Ved to be indispensable in the mind's approximation to God. Chastity is the flowering of men.' (!)
His dream of personal freedom and individual autarchy (`drink water from the pond') is in today's environment totally impossible. More, Thoreau contradicts himself by stating:' if we know all the laws of Nature, we should need only one fact, or the description of one actual phenomenon, to infer all the particular results at that point.' This is not less than plain determinism.

Civil Disobedience
This short pamphlet translates perfectly the US dream of uninhibited freedom: `that government is best which governs not at all'. But, Thoreau clearly understands that `no government' is not a possibility, only a `better government'.
His civil disobedience (not paying taxes) is a protest against a government whose policies are illegal and immoral: `to hold slaves, and to make war on Mexico.'
More, it oppresses its own population: `There will never be a really free and enlightened State until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived.'

Henry David Thoreau's impossible `wildness' dream with all its contradictions as well as his highly actual `Civil Disobedience' message remain a classic in US and Western literature.
Not to be missed.




a guidence for life - Dawn King -
this book is stunningly encouraging.It taught me how to organize my life.But I do think Thoreau was overtly against modern utensils. In "Economics" he said it was no use to have phones,railroads and stuffs alike.He had some good reasons,but the disadvantages cannot surpass the advantages of modern living styles

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 30, 2010 03:50:07

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Check Out Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science (3rd Edition) for $149.94

Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science (3rd Edition) Review



Generic and simple. I took a required class in basic environmental engineering and was pretty happy with this book. It's simple to use and does not assume and prior knowledge of environmental engineering besides common sense. Everything is explained well and without indulging into the never ending and unnecessary details as a lot of text books do. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the author wasn't trying to push an agenda (something I thought came standard with any book dealing with the environment). All of the information was objective and discussed from a neutral "know what it is, and what it does, and why" perspective. The chapter about global warming actually almost seemed to downplay the artificial and hyped up urgency and extent of the issue by focusing on only on the numbers and nothing else. Not math intensive at all except maybe a few rates of growth/decay. Solid intro course book. However if you're not interested in the subject to begin with, this book won't change that.




Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science (3rd Edition) Overview


Appropriate for undergraduate engineering and science courses in Environmental Engineering. Balanced coverage of all the major categories of environmental pollution, with coverage of current topics such as climate change and ozone depletion, risk assessment, indoor air quality, source-reduction and recycling, and groundwater contamination.


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Effective - Pablo Lopez - Stanford, CA
This book is easy to get through and explains the equations that you need well. I'm using it for a class right now, but it is a great intro book for environmental engineering.



Good - David W. Vilcherrez Jr. - Merced, CA USA
The book was very good, looked like new, even though it said there were marks, there seemed like there wasn't any. It came at a reasonably good time.



Just as promised, thanks - Mavoc - Anoka, MN USA
the book arrived when and how they said it would in the condition they promised. Thanks!




*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 29, 2010 21:56:04

Check Out Fire for $1.95

Fire Review



First, a word of caution. Those looking for the firejumper equivalent of "The Perfect Storm" should search elsewhere. This is a compilation of short varied essays by Junger on a number of dangerous professions/environments. Reveiwers on Amazon continue to amaze me with their inability to discern just what they're buying before they buy it and slagging decent works with 1-star reviews because they can't be bothered to read. That said, I aim to review the work as-is, not as-I-wish-it-would-have-been.

This is definitely a mixed bag. The essays on firejumpers are sometimes redundant, made moreso by being grouped together in the collection, but they are presented as originally published, which meant that each essay had to be self-contained and informative on its own. So, while I understand WHY, it still becomes tiresome the third time you read about the allure of brushfires.

I was actually more intrigued by the tales of time and place, such as the illicit diamond trade in Sierra Leone and the war in Afghanistan. The material on Ahmad Shah Massoud, published mere months before Massoud's assassination on 9/9/01 and the subsequent events of 9/11, makes this a must-read for anyone with even a passing interest in that conflict and its role in what followed.




Fire Overview


A riveting collection of literary journalism by the bestselling author of The Perfect Storm, capped off brilliantly by a new Afterword and a timely essay about war-torn Afghanistan -- a superb eyewitness report about the Taliban's defeat in Kabul -- new to book form.

Sebastian Junger has made a specialty of bringing to life the drama of nature and human nature. Few writers have been to so many disparate and desperate corners of the globe. Fewer still have met the standard of great journalism more consistently. None has provided more starkly memorable evocations of extreme events. From the murderous mechanics of the diamond trade in Sierra Leone, to an inferno forest fire burning out of control in the steep canyons of Idaho, to the forensics of genocide in Kosovo, this collection of Junger's reporting will take readers to places they need to know about but wouldn't dream of going on their own. In his company we travel to these places, pass through frightening checkpoints, actual and psychological, and come face-to-face with the truth.


Fire Specifications


The events explored in Fire focus on "people confronting situations that could easily destroy them," and as he demonstrated in The Perfect Storm, Sebastian Junger is skilled at breaking such situations down to their core elements. In this exciting book, he reports on raging forest fires in the Western U.S, war zones in Kosovo and Afghanistan, the deadly diamond trade in Sierra Leone, the plight of travelers kidnapped by guerrillas in Kashmir, the last living whale harpooner on the Caribbean island of Bequia, and the Greek-Turkish conflict on Cyprus. There is also a fascinating chapter on John Colter (explorer, fur trader, and member of the Corps of Discovery led by Lewis and Clark) in which he comments on the need for some to seek adventure as a means of escape from our relatively safe modern world: "Life in modern society is designed to eliminate as many unforeseen events as possible, and as inviting as that seems, it leaves us hopelessly underutilized.... Threats to our safety and comfort have been so completely wiped out that we have to go out of our way to create them." Junger has a keen grasp on this mentality (in fact, he exhibits it himself), and in Fire he clearly explains the fears and difficulties involved in reporting on dangerous events from foreign countries: "You have two weeks to understand a completely alien culture, find a story that no one has heard of, and run it into the ground. It never feels even remotely possible. But it is." And he has done it well in this thrilling book. --Shawn Carkonen

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Good Adventure Stories - J. Bosiljevac - san fran, ca
This book is a collection of Junger's articles. As such, it feels a little disjointed. The topics of the articles range from smoke jumpers who fight wildfires in the western U.S. to the diamond trade in Sierra Leone to the wars in Kosovo and Afghanistan. But if the topics seem unrelated, the book holds together in its sense of urgency and suspense, and the theme of a chaotic world in which the forces of nature and humanity constantly threaten to overwhelm the protagonists. Junger's style is sparse and to the point, but he paints vivid pictures and his page-turning narrative style makes it hard to put this book down.



Excellent writing, a poignant book - J. Cox - USA
I bought and read "Fire" a few years back when it was first published, and I have to say that every piece in this book was worthwhile. From the introduction -- by all means read the introduction and his experiences as a tree cutter -- to the final piece about Afghanistan, there is so much that is poignant. Junger is a terrific writer, the real deal.



A taste of excitement...just a taste - Mark T. Sorna - Seattle, WA
I bought this book knowing that it was about more than just fire fighting. My main purpose for buying it was actually the story about Ahmad Shah Massoud because there hasn't been a lot written about him. After I read the book I became interested in things I do not usually read about (usually I read about military history and foreign affairs). The story about smoke jumpers really increased my interest in that topic as well as the one about whaling.

Although Junger's stories in this book are short and not related, he writes with a style that keeps you interested. I actually kinda like this style because it gives you a short exciting piece that you can finish on your lunch break. If you want more in depth info on the topic you can find a book that centers on that topic. This book is cool because it exposes the reader to many different exciting stories without bogging you down with a long prose. The book is fun....not really intended for a reference....just for entertaining, well written "mini-reads".

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 29, 2010 17:30:07

Great Price for $9.74

Handbook of Knots: EXPANDED EDITION Review



This is an excellent book. It's small 100ish knots and pocket size make it extremely portable. This is in contrast to another great knotting tome such as, Clifford Ashley's "Ashley Book of Knots" which is the definitive work on the subject. Which is large and heavy and very expensive. This book is a great value being in full color and it's jam packed with info for each knot. I particularly like the section on whippings that includes sewing palms. I've been a teacher of knots to scouts know for over twenty years and this is what I'd recommend to a young tenderfoot or second class scout if he was interested in learning more than the 10 required knots for 1st class rank.



Handbook of Knots: EXPANDED EDITION Feature


  • ISBN13: 9780756603748
  • Condition: New
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Handbook of Knots: EXPANDED EDITION Overview


This expanded edition of the bestselling Handbook of Knots includes 16 additional pages with new photography. Clear instructions and annotated step-by-step photographs will help you learn how to tie more than 100 knots. Choose knots for fishing, camping, sailing, climbing, and for general or decorative use with the help of a quick reference guide.


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Booklist review is completely wrong - Sean Head - Hawaii
I bought this book thinking it was exactly what I needed after reading the Booklist review on the page. This book is not aimed at sportsmen like the review implies, it is aimed at artists. I assumed I could look up knots by task, which was not the case; the knots are presented by type, which helps, but until you read the description of the knot, you won't know what to use it for and you still won't know whether it is the best knot for the task. "Need a secure loop tied in the middle of a rope during your next camping trip?" I will know what knot to use because of the review, but not this book. Further, the book spends a good deal of time on decorative knots, while not including (as other readers pointed out too) basic knots you actually use for the sports it recommends knots for. I would rate this book lower, but its not the book's fault the Booklist review seems to refer to a completely different book (knot just a non-updated edition) and the book does in fact have beautiful illustrations and easy to follow instructions.

If you want an afternoons entertainment learning about ropework, or to learn a couple fancy knots to impress your friends, this would be the book to use. If, like me, you need applicable knowledge of knots, get another book as I am going to have to do.



Wonderful Book - Jerry -
This is my second book from Des and he provides great information and tips. Great anybody that is interested in knots.



A survey of knot books - Richard Burt - Palo Alto, California
Just as there is no perfect knot, there is no perfect knot book. All have deficiencies of one sort or another. One common deficiency seems to be misleading or just plain wrong directions for tying a knot. Another deficiency is a failure to tell the reader when to use a particular, or more important, when not to use it. All the books suffer these deficiencies to one degree or another.

Another deficiency is too many knots! But how could this be a deficiency, one might ask. Isn't more better? The answer is that the beginner needs to know the most useful knots that have the widest application. If the book contains knots that don't have wide application but doesn't tell the reader which ones are widely used and which ones aren't, how is the reader to know which ones to learn? Therefore, for a beginner, careful selection by the author is essential.

Budworth, The Complete Book of Knots

Of all the books, this is my pick as the best for a beginner.

What I like about this book is that it contains large, clear line drawings, and for the most part, the layout is pleasing to the eye. Drawings are superior, in my opinion, to photographs. One drawback of drawings is that the cordage you're trying to knot never lies as smoothly and gracefully as the one in the drawings. (This tends to be true of photographs, too, however.) But if you view the drawings more as a blueprint, then you get a conceptual understanding of how the knot is to be tied, and drawings allow a clearer conceptual understanding than photographs in most cases.

Another plus to this book is that most of the knots Budworth picked for inclusion are useful and often "best of breed" knots. On pages 6 and 7, there is a "directory of knots" that shows the best or most popular use of each knot. In addition, for each knot, there is a summary called "applications," and occasionally a warning when not to use a knot.

A minus is that some of the drawings are wrong or misleading. For example, in the drawing for the double bowline (figure 8 on page 37), the arrow to show how the working end is rove (threaded) through the loops would have the working end going from the top of the loops to the bottom when it should be the reverse. After some frustration and referring to other sources, I was able to tie the knot. (Google is your friend.)

A bigger minus is the terseness of the descriptions. In a number of instances, the author assumes you should be able to figure out the process from fewer drawings than I think necessary. I would like it if each and every step in tying the knots were shown. With some effort, I was able to figure out each knot that I tried to tie even though some drawings included several steps in one drawing. But why make the reader work? A book for beginners should make it easy.

When I was starting with this book, I thought that it would be helpful if the author included pictures of the finished knot. After about a week, I realized that he did! But they are murky pictures that are either in a small space at the top of the page, above the name of the knot, or serve as a background for the entire page. There is no excuse for such bad pictures, which mar an otherwise excellent layout. Instead of putting some trivia about the history of the knot in a circle on each page, a clear monochromatic photo in the circle would serve the reader better.

The book does not include decorative knots (Budworth having written a separate book on decorative knots).

Because of the terseness of the descriptions, the lack of clear photographs of the finished knots, and the occasional errors, I downgraded this book from five stars to four.

Pawson, Handbook of Knots (expanded edition)

This book contains very clear color photographs, and the layout is quite pleasing to the eye. The problem with photographs is that it can be hard sometimes to discern when one cord is on top of another or below, and sometimes the hand can be hiding some important information. Compounding this is the fact that the book is small in format, and when you have four or five photographs on one page, each photograph ends up being small (say, 1.5" by 2.5"), too small sometimes.

Although the book is soft-cover, the binding is stitched, and the book can be opened flat without breaking the binding. I found that it would stay open without much difficulty.

Pawson, like Budworth, is a founding member of the International Guild of Knot Tyers. But his choice of knots puzzles me. For example, he has a number of stopper knots but does not include Ashley's stopper knot, which many consider the most important stopper knot. He also does not include any grip-and-hold knot (such as the midshipman's hitch, taut-line hitch, or the Tarbuck knot). This is peculiar in that a grip-and-hold knot can be quite useful. I almost had the feeling that Pawson had decided that he would avoid (when he could) duplicating what Budworth had done. Quite gentlemanly, but not what I want in a book for beginners.

On the plus side, Pawson includes a number of lashings, plaits and sennits, and splices, which Budworth does not.

For what it's worth, I was unable to tie the Turquoise Turtle knot following Pawson's description until I watched a video on the internet.

Based on the fact that this book uses photographs instead of drawings (particularly in a small format book), the sometimes odd choice of knots, and lack of warnings about certain knot uses, I downgraded this book from five stars to three.

The Morrow Guide to Knots

This book contains very clear color photographs, and the pictures are larger than in the Pawson book which is helpful. But layout is off-putting. There are typically several pictures on a page, but the picture on the top of the page is not the starting picture; it's the one on the bottom of the page to the left.

Like the Pawson book, the book is soft-cover, the binding is stitched, and the book can be opened flat without breaking the binding. I found that it would stay open without much difficulty.

I found the choice of knots to be satisfactory in that most of the basic knots are covered. A plus is that several ways of tying a knot is shown for several of the knots. That is always helpful. Another plus is that it covers decorative knots, such as plaits and sennits.

This book's depiction of the climber's method of tying the bowline knot took me an hour to figure out because two steps were (inexcusably) combined into one picture without an explanation.

A minus is that the book is outdated. This comment would have come as a surprise to me before I started studying knots inasmuch as many knots are hundreds, if not thousands, of years old. But a number of improvements in knots have been made in the last twenty years, and these improved knots can't be found in a book published in 1981. Moreover, for the Tarbuck knot, the book states that the knot is used by climbers, but climbers have avoided this knot for decades because it tends to damage the kernmantel type of rope used in climbing.

Another minus is the paucity of information about the use and misuse of knots.

Based on the fact that this book uses photographs instead of drawings (particularly in a small format book), the odd layout, the lack of warnings about knot uses, and the dated nature of the information, I downgraded this book from five stars to three.

Budworth, The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots & Ropework

This book contains very clear color photographs, and the layout is quite pleasing to the eye.

Of all the books that use photographs to depict the tying of knots, this is my pick as the best. Although the pictures are small, it's much more step-by-step than the others. In particular, it doesn't suffer from the terseness of Budworth's The Complete Book of Knots, and it shows a large picture of the finished knot. (It also correctly depicts the double bowline.)

An important plus of this book, given its claim to encyclopedic coverage, is the inclusion of decorative knots. There are far more knots in this book than any beginner would need, and there is a paucity of information about the use and misuse of knots.

My copy has an update date of 2002, making it the most recent edition of all my knot books.

This book coupled with Budworth's The Complete Book of Knots would make a complete library for any beginner. But this book is too much, in my opinion, for the ordinary reader who just wants to learn a few useful knots.

The fact that this book uses photographs would normally make me downgrade it, but number of step-by-step pictures for each knot offset that. Based on the fact that this book is intended as an encyclopedia and it fulfills that function very well, I give this book five stars. If this book were intended for a beginner, however, I would downgrade it to four stars because of the sheer number of knots, the lack of guidance to beginners as to which ones to learn, and the lack of warnings about knot uses (and misuses). The number of ste-by-step pictures keeps it from going to three stars.

The Ashley Book of Knots

As an encyclopedic work, The Ashley Book of Knots is not suitable for beginners. For knot aficionados, it's a must-have.

Based on the fact that this book is intended as an encyclopedia and it is in fact the standard reference work for knots, I give it five stars. If this book were intended for a beginner, however, I would downgrade it to three stars because of the sheer number of knots and the fact that it was published in 1944, which means that it does not satisfactorily address modern synthetic ropes.

Conclusion

For the beginner, that is, for the reader who simply wants to learn a few of the most useful knots, my pick is Budworth, The Complete Book of Knots. For an encyclopedia of knots, my pick is Budworth, The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots & Ropework. For the knot hobbyist or public library, The Ashley Book of Knots is a must-have.





*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 29, 2010 11:38:07

Check Out Natural Resource Economics An Introduction for $38.85

Natural Resource Economics An Introduction Review



This is an excellent introductory text for the field of environmental economics and is an excellent starting point for anyone attempting to assess the value of the natural environment or understand an existing assessment. Easily digestable material and very good introduction.




Natural Resource Economics An Introduction Overview


People make decisions regarding the use of natural resources every day, from the individual recycling a sheet of paper to governments of large nations creating energy policy. Those decisions ultimately affect people around the world. Their motivation and results are best framed and analyzed using the tools of natural resource economics. Field presents the methods and applications of the discipline in the latest edition of his popular text. The updated book retains its successful structure, first presenting basic economic principles as they apply to natural resource use and then examining the economic issues surrounding individual resources. New material is included on: energy demand and efficiency; nonrenewable resources; individual transferable fishing quotas; water pricing; agricultural cropland programs; and the Endangered Species Act.


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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 29, 2010 04:51:05

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Check Out Core Concepts in Biological Anthropology

Core Concepts in Biological Anthropology Review



This book is so good at explaining the concept of biological anthropology. It looks smallk, but it is reach in knowledge, and I got it very cheap from amazon.com




Core Concepts in Biological Anthropology Overview


Written by a professor who has spent eleven years teaching and practicing biological anthropology and who takes care to relate its significance to everyday life, this new text focuses on central contemporary issues: genetics and genomics, "natural" behavior, evolution, and human variation. The book tells the story of biological anthropology and evolutionary theory, our bio-history, in a way that encourages students to use it in their own lives and to think critically about the issues explored.

"This textbook seeks to meld the traditional and the new, to create a textbook/web hybrid from the ground up, facilitating access to biological anthropological knowledge. The field is growing at a fantastic rate; multiple disciplines (genomics, epidemiology, physiology, anatomy, paleoanthropology, and primatology, for example) currently contribute to its knowledge base. My goal is to create a book that has the core information, access to more in-depth details, and is engaging for students and faculty alike." -- Agustin Fuentes


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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 28, 2010 21:04:06

Check Out The Complete Idiot's Guide to Geocaching, 2nd Edition for $9.90

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Geocaching, 2nd Edition Review



I bought this along with the eTrex Venture GPS. I have been geocacheing only a few months and found this book explained everything that I needed to know to continue and enhance the experience of geocaching. I recommend this book to all new geocachers as well as those who have been at it a while. You just might learn something ou didn't already know.
This book offers so much more info than what I had found on the internet, even on the geocache.com site handled by the same folks who worte this book.



The Complete Idiot's Guide to Geocaching, 2nd Edition Feature


  • ISBN13: 9781592578771
  • Condition: New
  • Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed



The Complete Idiot's Guide to Geocaching, 2nd Edition Overview


The ultimate global game revealed!

The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to Geocaching, Second Edition is a comprehensive, yet entertaining and easy-to-understand book for getting started and having fun with geocaching-the high-tech version of hide-and-seek for global positioning system (GPS) users. In this edition, two new tools of the game-Waymarking and Wherigo-are included.

• The Geocaching website, which began operating in 2000 and is owned by Groundspeak, Inc., is the first and currently the largest website devoted to Geocaching
• Today, well over 800,000 geocaches are registered on various websites devoted to the pastime
• Geocaches are currently placed in over 100 countries around the world and on all seven continents, including Antarctica



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Perfect book for the beginner - John Kashka - Overland Park, Kansas USA
This is a great book for explaining everything necessary to start geocaching. After reading it I felt almost like an expert.



Check it out Beginners!! - elora - Perth, Australia
I borrowed a copy of this book from the library when we first started geocaching and then decided to get a copy of my own. It is easy to read, well organised and has a lot of information packed inside that is really helpful. It is a great book to have on your shelf for you will always keep going back to it from time to time.






A Good Start If Wanting To Learn Geocaching - William W. Bresee - Tampa Bay, FL USA
Being that I've been geocaching 5+ years. A lot has changed thru the sport of geocaching, somethings were removed and some new things added. This book explains a lot of it. A good book to give for yourself or to the geocacher in your life.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 28, 2010 16:10:11

Great Price for $44.51

A Primer of Conservation Biology, Fourth Edition Review



Rihard Primack's Essentials of Conservation Biology was the the first textbook to present the fledgling field of conservation biology in a comprehennsive fashion. His Primer of Conservation Biology presents complex topics in a manner that makes this information accessible to a wider readership. The book covers a broad range of topics that includes an accounting of the origins and history of the field of conservation biology. The basic operating principles are offered with numerous examples of their application to real world problems. The author has chosen these examples from many different parts of the world so that all readers can relate to the practical approaches cited. This book serves as an excellent introductory text for readers that want a thorough introduction to conservation biology and access to the jargon of the field. I have recommended this book to students considering entering the field as well as to non-scientists that wish to become familiar with the basics of this new branch of science.




A Primer of Conservation Biology, Fourth Edition Overview


A Primer of Conservation Biology, Fourth Edition incorporates background, theory, and examples in a lively and readable text that will appeal to a wide audience and stimulate interest in conservation biology. The book provides the most up-to-date perspective on many high-profile issues in the field, such as sustainable development, global warming, payments for ecosystem services, and strategies to save species on the verge of extinction. The Primer is divided into nine chapters, focusing successively on biological diversity and its value, the threats to biological diversity, conservation at the population and species levels, protecting, managing and restoring ecosystems, and sustainable development. The book provides many examples of successful conservation approaches, such as one involving sea turtles in Brazil, and ends with suggestions for a future agenda. Throughout, the choice of examples is well balanced to show the full range of species, habitats, and geographic areas of the world. These examples are also selected to demonstrate the controversies in the field, and stimulate thought and discussion. The links between conservation biology and environmental law, environmental economics, philosophy, social sciences and anthropology, park management, and government policy are clearly presented. The book is very well illustrated and is now in color. The reader-friendly text is backed by an extensive bibliography (covering literature through 2008) and a glossary. There is an annotated list of suggested readings and websites and discussion questions at the end of each chapter. Sources of further information are given in an Appendix.


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Conservation/Biodiversity - T. Davis - Lancaster, Ohio USA
This was a required text for a college class. It is easy to read though, and does emphasize the concepts covered in the Biodiversity class.



Dave's Review - Angelo L. Spillo - NY
It's a very good book with relevant information for the class i'm taking. it's up to date with the newest information.







*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 28, 2010 08:45:07