South African aloes

Customer Reviews:

Great Resource for Universal Studios.......2000-07-19

I have used this book in the past and found it to be a wonderful resource. The gentleman who wrote the book used to work there and it is filled with fantastic tips on which rides to go on first etc. The only problem with this book is that it does not include Islands of Adventure. Since I am hoping to go there again I looked to see if he had written an update, unfortunately that was not the case. However, if you plan to skip Islands of Adventure this is THE book to own.

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A lucid and concise history

The Presidency of Andrew Johnson (American Presidency Series)
Albert E. Castel
Manufacturer: University Press of Kansas
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Presidents & Heads of State | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | United States | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Presidency of Franklin Pierce (American Presidency Series)

The Presidencies of Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore (American Presidency Series)

The Presidency of Abraham Lincoln (American Presidency Series)

Ulysses S. Grant (The American Presidents)

Presidencies of William Henry Harrison and John Tyler (American Presidency Series)

ASIN: 0700601902

Book Description

Andrew Johnson, who became president after the assassination of Lincoln, oversaw the most crucial and dramatic phase of Reconstruction. Historians have therefore tended to concentrate, to the exclusion of practically everything else, upon Johnson's key role in that titanic event. Although his volume focuses closely on Johnson's handling of Reconstruction, it also examines other important aspects of his administration, notably his foreign, economic, and Indian policies. As one of the few historians to do this, the author provides a broader and more balanced picture of Johnson's presidency than has been previously available.

Johnson has always been an enigma: much is known about what he did, little about why he did it. He wrote few letters, kept no diary, and rarely confided in anyone. Most historians either admire or despise him, depending on whether they consider his Reconstruction policies right or wrong. Castel achieves an objective reassessment of Johnson and his presidential actions by examining him primarily in terms of his effectiveness in using power and by not judging him--as most other scholars have--on moralistic or ideological grounds.

The book begins with an overview of America at the end of the Civil War and a description of Johnson's political career prior to 1865. Castel recounts the drama of Johnson's sudden inheritance of the presidency upon Lincoln's death and then examines how Johnson organized and operated his administration. Johnson's formulation of a Reconstruction policy for the defeated South comes under special scrutiny; Castel evaluates Johnson's motives for that policy, its implementation, and its reception in both North and South. He descries and analyzes Johnson's quarrel with the Republican[dominated Congress over Reconstruction, the triumph of the Republicans in the election of 1866, the president's frustrated attempt to remove Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton from office, his bitter dispute with General Ulysses S. Grant, and his impeachment by Congress. Johnson's impeachment trial is covered in detail; Castel explains how it was that Johnson escaped conviction and removal from office by the narrowest possible margin. The book concludes with a discussion of Johnson's place in history as judged by scholars during the past one hundred years.

This study sheds light on the nation's problems during the chaotic period between 1865 and 1869 and contributes a great deal to a much improved understanding of the seventeenth president.

This book is part of the American Presidency Series.

Customer Reviews:

A lucid and concise history.......2000-04-24

This book in the American Presidency Series focuses not only on Andrew Johnson's presidency, but also expatiates the economic hardship that both the Union and the Confederacy faced during the Civil War, along with its political and economic repercussions. The author recognized that Johnson's battle with Congress over Reconstruction evolved into the most pivotal issue during his presidency. In fact, Albert Castel argues that Johnson lost his battle with Republicans over Reconstruction due to intransigence and impracticality with regards to African Americans. Also, this book mentions that Johnson's lack of a political base contributed to the Southerners' refusal to ratify the Fourteenth Amendment. Nonetheless, Johnson retained much of his institutional power of the presidency. Johnson's violation of the Tenure of Office Act did, however, lead to his impeachment and eventual acquittal. Nevertheless, Johnson achieved appropriations for the purchase of Alaska.

The last chapter reads: Johnson Before The Bar of History. This chapter gives a historiographical overview about Johnson's critics since his presidency until 1979. Unfortunately, Castel contradicts his own thesis when he maintains that Johnson used the presidency in a strong manner with integrity, but ultimately failed as president. Did he fail or did he represent a scapegoat for his political enemies? Nonetheless, this book elaborates on the relevant issues and explains why Johnson has been much maligned. Nevertheless, this book stimulated my interest in Johnson and provided me with a useful bibliographical essay.

Average customer rating:
The Presidency Of Andrew Johnson -
Albert Castel -
Manufacturer: Regents Press -
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OMKT2S

Average customer rating:
Andrew Johnson: Controversy and the power of the presidency
David K Wollin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00071NFM2

Average customer rating:
Impeachment: The presidency on trial (Values and decisions series)
Murray Sussman
Manufacturer: Xerox
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Presidents & Heads of State | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B00070T5MM

Book Description

She was born with a devastating disability no one could diagnose and labeled mentally retarded by an uncaring school system. She was sexually abused, nearly killed in a car accident, and stricken with cancer-all before the age of thirty.

Kathy Buckley not only survived, but went on to become a top female comic, award-winning author of a one-woman Off Broadway show, and a beloved motivational speaker throughout the country.

In If You Could Hear What I See, Buckley tells her remarkable life story, from her small-town childhood in Wickliffe, Ohio-where she was unable to form words until age seven-to her incredible career as "America's first hearing-impaired comedienne." In chapters such as "I Can Hear the Laughter," "Confessions of a Deaf Catholic," and "Table Manners with Anne Baxter," she shares the pain and pathos of growing up hearing-impaired, the hope that has sustained her through her darkest moments, and the humor that saved her sanity. She talks about the people and events that changed her life and encouraged her to dream. But most of all, If You Could Hear What I See is about a woman who made a choice: to overcome all the obstacles life could throw her way, and to meet those challenges with dignity, courage, and laughter.

Customer Reviews:

Good.......2007-01-12

really good book. no matter who you are, it will keep you turning pages

Poignant and Beautiful.......2006-05-18

This poignant and beautifully written tale is both inspiring and hysterically funny! An easy read, but brilliantly written, it ties the reader to the book. Without pity, Kathy portrays herself and shows her life through wit and humor that can bring a tear to your eye without making you feel sorry for her. Instead it helps you see your life in better perspective and inspires the reader to attain higher goals. Excellent read.

Very Inspiring.......2003-10-31

I totally enjoyed this book. Kathy is an inspiration and I wish her nothing but continued success in the future. The book is hard to believe in some points - that so many bad things can happen to one person. It is amazing to see the metamorphasis Kathy goes through in her life and how the total of all of her life's experiences both good and bad have shaped who she is today. She's triumphant!

A powerful memoir and personal account of hope.......2003-04-14

Kathy's severe hearing loss lead to an early diagnosis of mental retardation: she was also molested, run over, and stricken with cancer all before the age of thirty but she never lost her sense of humor. If You Could See What I Hear provides her life story and how she kept this sense of humor through the darkest of days. A powerful memoir and personal account of hope.

worth every penny!.......2002-06-06

wonderful. inspiring. positive thinking.
one of my favorites.
a treasure.

Book Description

Pandas look totally squeezable and fun. Scientists have found that pandas like to repeatedly toboggan down hillsides on their bellies-just like many of our readers. Read up to find other amusing similarities between children and the pandas they love.

Zoobooks, the 59-book animal series - the "everything you wanted to know but didn't know who to ask" guide to the world's most fascinating creatures. Each exciting edition of Zoobooks is packed with current scientific facts, striking photography, beautiful illustrations and unique activities that teach children about animals and the habitats in which they live. With innovative publications and products, Wildlife Education, Ltd. has enriched the lives of children, parents, and educators nationwide for 20 years. All titles are offered in library-bound hardcover and soft-cover styles. Zoobooks, ideal for the knowledge-hungry 4-11 year old!

Customer Reviews:

good facts magazine.......2005-10-05

this magazine style book is a great pictoral resource for panda facts without being a as expensive as a panda fact book.

Book Description

Readers will learn to collect and handle stone while creating walls, stairs, pools, and even waterfalls.

Customer Reviews:

Make sure you have aspirin..........2007-04-29

Chuck will keep you smiling as your read his books. They contain plenty of humorous stories while they display the stone arts. There are better guides but you should read as many as possible: you'll need it.

Stone work is the hardest task you'll probably ever do in your life. If your project is big, it seems to never end and you'll doubt you'll ever finish. One rock can take 2 hours to lay whereas if all goes well, you can lay 5 in an hour. So, if you are interested in stone work, I'd advise to start small on the first few projects. This book is a good guide to helping you along the way.

Great for beginers.......2005-03-07

If your looking for a book about stone masonry in general, this will give you a great primer for authentic stone masonry. He details some basic projects and gives you a great detailed how to. I was looking for something a little more advanced but I wished I had a resource like this when I was first starting out. Don't know if I agree with his technique for drystone retaining walls. He says start skinny and step back, I am a hard headed Irishman who believes that your wall should be just as wide at the base as it is tall. I will have to do some more research.

Good read, very useful for beginners

High on inspiration, a bit thin on tools.......2005-01-23

Wonderful black & white pictures of stone walls, stone arches, stone bridges and sundry projects. The author makes much of ancient Scot stone work. There are a lot of nice pen drawings used for 'step by step' construction programs. There are many, many suggestions regarding stone choice and stone placement. These comments are the best feature of the book. Finally, there are a few pages on handling large stones with hydraulic booms, pick-up trucks and front-loaders. These suggestions are not going to be found in many books.

There isn't much said about hand power-tool options, nor stone shaping. There are few 'construction tips'. For example, the details of mixing motar specific to your job are only broadly discussed and there are no aids for determining correct mortar wetness. There are no 'good' and 'bad' stone arrangements to illustrate stone arrangement tricks. If you are looking for a 'first project' guide, the Black & Decker 'Stonework & Masonry projects' book offers more assistance. If you've got a few walls completed and want to take the next step towards being a mason, this is your book.

Table of Contents:
Intro: Why stone?
Part 1: Working with stone
Chapter 1: Types of Stone
Chapter 2: Sources of Stone
Chapter 3: Handling Stone
Chapter 4: Selecting Stone for a Project
Chapter 5: Cutting and Shaping Stone
Part 2: Stonework Projects
Chapter 6: Basic and Inspired (curving) walls
Chapter 7: Retaining walls
Chapter 8: Entryways
Chapter 9: Stone steps
Chapter 10: Stone Projects for backyard and beyond (bbq, birdbath, sculpture, walkway, etc.)
Chapter 11: Stone Bridges
Chapter 12: Stone in Interior Spaces

A great guide book.......2000-04-26

A guide to the basics of stonework that concentrates on the most common projects: retaining walls, stone fences, foundations and steps, and then adds a bit more for the adventuresome: a fireplace, an arched bridge and a moon gate. A good book for the do-it-yourselfer or to learn what to look for in working with a professional stone mason.

Great for beginners and some experience stone workers.......1999-08-26

As a beginner I found the book easy to read, understandable, and a great asset for my beginning projects. The only thing I would like added to this book was some colored photos of Mr. McRaven's work. Also the descriptions of types of rocks would have helped if there where colored photos. For example, when I started to gather my stones together for my project I realized Mr McRaven's comments on being OK to mix types of stone is not universal. Mixing stone is an art and requires experience with an eye on color.

Also more photos, in color, of good work verses bad work would help beginners like me visualize what my goal should be. I feel I wasted time doing and undoing my stonework.

However, this is still a book for any stoneworker's library.

Average customer rating:
Stonework, Techniques and Projects
Charles McRaven
Manufacturer: Storey Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OLRR1U

Book Description

This is the story of one man and a garden. It is also the portrait of a marriage expressed through the vision and mystery of creating a garden. Neither the author, Roy Strong, nor his wife, the designer Julia Trevelyan Oman, had foreseen this when they eloped and married in 1971. Over thirty years on they find themselves surrounded by the largest formal garden made in this country since 1945, increasingly recognized as one of the most important laid out in the second half of the twentieth century. And yet it was done not only with little money and less labour, but quite unconsciously.

But it is not so much the horticultural triumph that will grip the reader as what this garden on the Welsh Borders in Herefordshire has come to mean in the lives of its creators. Into the Laskett has been etched not only their own biographies but also the many people who crossed their lives and are commemorated within it. That galaxy includes not only garden icons, like Rosemary Verey, Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe and Ian Hamilton Finlay, but figures as varied as the photographer Sir Cecil Beaton, the painter John Piper and the fashion designer Jean Muir. It also enshrines memories of two great Oxford intellectual dynasties, the Omans and Trevelyans, of the great choreographer, Sir Frederick Ashton, of the Prince of Wales and his garden at Highgrove as well as a colourful pageant of minor characters from mole catchers to cats.

The Laskett is the unusual and unique story of someone who, with his wife, has been at the centre of the arts for half a century. A great love affair, a portrait of a marriage, a haunting and human tale of a garden as the domain of ghosts and as the habitat of memory, within its confines can be found both joy and happiness as well as the tears of tragedy. No one who reads this book will put it down unmoved.

Average customer rating:

Laskett, The
Roy Strong
Manufacturer: Bantam Books, Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Garden Design | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

English Gardens | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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A Country Life

ASIN: 0553815199
Release Date: 2005-11-22

Book Description

This is the portrait of a marriage expressed through the vision and mystery of creating a garden. More than thirty years after they eloped and married, historian Roy Strong and his wife find themselves surrounded by the largest formal garden established in Britain since 1945.

Average customer rating:

The Laskett - The Story Of A Garden

Manufacturer: Bantam Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000FO2Q5I

Average customer rating:

Flourishing:Positive Psychology and the Life Well-Lived - by Corey L,M,Keyes

Difficult read but well worth it

Flourishing: Positive Psychology and the Life Well-Lived
Corey L. M. ed. Keyes
Manufacturer: American Psychological Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Interpersonal Relations | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Social Psychology & Interactions | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
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The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom

Positive Psychology in Practice

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Accessories:

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 1557989303

Customer Reviews:

Flourishing:Positive Psychology and the Life Well-Lived - by Corey L,M,Keyes.......2007-07-24

I approached this book from a lay perspective (perhaps naively) and therefore was disappointed since it is much more for the professional person,and of course it is well written and very informative. I heard the author speaking on radio and was most impressed.

Difficult read but well worth it.......2006-12-12

Some day somebody's going to write a "Flourishing For Dummies" version of this book and they'll sell a zillion of them. In the meantime, it is a very thorough look at the tenets and possibilities of the positive psychology movement. The premise is that the field of psychology has focused mostly on prevention and illness and that it needs to move in the direction of potential and good mental health. The notion that the absence of mental illness is not the same as good mental health is well developed as are some of the behaviors attitudes and beliefs associated with good mental health.

Book Description

What could be more different than the icy arctic landscape and the hot blast of a glass furnace? James Houston, explorer, artist, and writer, draws the inspiring connection in this fascinating introduction to one of the world’s most ancient – and most beautiful – arts.

During the years that James Houston lived in the Arctic, he was above all impressed by the resourceful people. But he also fell in love with the rugged treeless land, the winter moonlight shining off the snow and ice, the majestic ever-changing shapes and great sighing of new-formed ice.

When asked to design glass sculptures for Steuben, he, with some misgivings, left his isolated arctic home to move to the heat of a crowded New York summer. As he learned the art of glass sculpture, he found an affinity with life in the Far North. After all, glass is a liquid that hardens, much like ice. The jagged shapes reflect the arctic landscape. Glass making depends on small teams of cooperative craftspeople, much like the Inuit families as they hunt and create their art together.

This very personal story is a stunning introduction to glass making, and to an extraordinary individual.

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