An Iowa Pilot named Hap: Hartley A. "Hap" Westbrook

Customer Reviews:

A great book........2005-12-03

This is a fasinating story about a man I personally knew while training at his flight school in Ames, Iowa. A well written account of his life, especially his time of service during WW2. Flying B-24's over Germany, his plane was brought down and he was captured. A riveting tale of life as a POW and eventual liberation at the end of the war. The book then goes on to talk about his post-war service flying B-36s and the successful founding of his flight school. A well written piece that will have you wanting more. A great book about a great pilot. Rest in peace, Hap.

Rotary.......2005-06-05

I have not read the book, but the author spoke to our rotary club yesterday. He is a retired architect who lives in Ames, Iowa and started writing about WWII veterans he met and interviewed. He shared some amazing stories about men who survived 32 degree water after crashing in the North Atlantic, one who refused to surrender in the Phillipines and lived in the jungle with Phillipino resistance fighters for over 2 years, a man who survived 4 wounds from machine gun fire and a man who missed a mission during which his plane exploded in mid air from a direct hit in their fuel tanks. Mr. Rudi is a great story teller and the message is loud and clear. War is Hell.

Customer Reviews:

Life Behind Glass.......2007-10-09

I bought this book because the title was what I have always thought would be the title of my own autobiography and I wanted to see if this person's mental location was the same as mine. Yes, there are differences: for one, I only changed schools twice -- and I had a horrible time with the second school I attended due to the class change system they had! I could never make sense of it! I did not have academic challenges -- only social ones! I can't say I enjoyed the book -- but I admire Ms. Lawson's courage to step forward and tell her story, a story that is shared by many in different ways.

Let's Raise Our Glasses to this Book!.......2007-03-24

This book, like Donna Williams' scholarly works on autism deserves a place of honor. This is a very gentle book that deals with a far from gentle topic.

Most people, adults in particular who are on the autism/Asperger's (a/A) continuum seek normal life experiences, e.g. marriage, parenthood, successful social lives, etc. Sadly, many people who have autism have battle scars of "experts" who have misdiagnosed them and even sadder still, many such as Ms. Lawson have served time in hospitals as a result of this.

Raun Kaufman, son of author Barry Neil Kaufman who wrote of Raun's stellar "recovery" from autism says in "Son-Rise II: The Miracle Contiues" that "expert" is the most misused term and the biggest misnomer in creation. Misguided experts latch onto theories and often make a concerted effort to justify giving a diagnosis to a client and trying to support their diagnostic claims. That is not uncommon and sadly, that is what has happened to Ms. Lawson and countless others. I call it the Procrustean Bed Approach wherein clients are diagnosed and treated based on the "expert's" initial impression and determination to support those findings, even if they are completely inaccurate.

Hats off and kudos to Ms. Lawson for bravely sharing her story and bringing to mind just how serious this epidemic among "experts" is and just how costly it has proven to many. Her story is not unique.

Now, if we could just continue to educate the neurotypical population...The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome and Misdiagnosis And Dual Diagnoses Of Gifted Children And Adults: Adhd, Bipolar, Ocd, Asperger's, Depression, And Other Disorders are good places to start.

Excellent.......2006-06-29

I read an earlier edition of this book published in Australia in 1998.

I really loved reading Wendy's autobiography.

Perhaps this is because I read a different edition, but, unlike the previous reviewer, I didn't think it focused much on her misdiagnosis at all. There was a lot more to the book than that: her childhood, growing up in England; stints in hospital (a problem with her knee) and the role she took on there as a helper; training to be a nurse; a move to Australia. There are also some lovely and insightful descriptions of things/events most people take for ganted.

It is a very well written book and is definately worth reading.

The plight of the misdiagnosed Asperger........2005-10-02

Life Behind Glass, like Soon Will Come The Light, is another gently readable story of an able person on the Autistic Spectrum who becomes institutionalised for mental illness and comes out the other side. Wendy is a lonely, misunderstood but friendly character in this book, seeking acceptance, equality, inclusion as well as marrying and having children along the way. But she went into a mental institution diagnosed Schizophrenic and came out only to be diagnosed years later with Asperger's Syndrome. Her story in this sense is that of so many people with Asperger's diagnosed late in life and reminds us of how many such people are still misdiagnosed in mental hospitals and recklessly over medicated as she was. Of course there is another question that we fail to ask sometimes which is that whilst Wendy was not Schizophrenic a percentage of people on the spectrum will have not just an ASD but mental health issues as well, including Depression, Bipolar, OCD and Schizoprhenia. So its important not to assume that people on the spectrum are necessarily one or the other, necessarily do or don't need medication. Whilst Wendy has very good grounds to look back with cynicism at the ignorance of her misdiagnosis with Schizophrenia, there are others who also have ASDs whose lives are improved by treating co-morbid mental health issues. What Wendy's book pertinently reminds us is that there is much work to be done to find out which people fit in these two groups in order to best support them in the most helpful and healthy way.

Book Description

This volume answers your questions about treatment options, coping strategies--for both patient and care-giver.

Customer Reviews:

Questions answered so brilliantly.............2007-05-11

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis last year and this book was a fantastic source of information and answers to my questions. I knew nothing about this illness when I was diagnosed but with reading and educating myself I have become more knowlegeable. This book is a very easy read with lots of insight.

Understanding MS.......2006-03-21

This is an excellent book for learning about the mysterious disease of MS. It answers some really basic questions and also provides information about the effects of MS. The question and answer format is very helpful and the index is thorough.

Having an MS patient commentary adds a valuable perspective to the subject.

Informative and personal.......2006-02-28

This book is a must have for any individual with MS or a family member of someone with MS. It is extremely informative yet very readable. I found the "Karen's comments" valuable, human and very moving.

Average customer rating:

Another cookbook without photos?!

Magical Ingredient = Fruit of the Vine

It manages to be special without being fussy

Lots of fun and inspiring too

The Wine Lover Cooks With Wine: Great Recipes for the Essential Ingredient
Sid Goldstein , and Paul Moore (photographer)
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Food & Wine | Wine | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: B000A1ETRY

Book Description

The long-awaited follow-up to the best-selling Wine Lover's Cookbook, The Wine Lover Cooks with Wine sets its sights on wine as an ingredient. Whether used to delicately poach fresh fish or braise a hearty stew, wine adds complexity and intensity to food -- not to mention flavor. In his usual engaging style, Goldstein explores a range of wine and reveals how each is used best in cooking. From classic Marsala Chicken to savory pork tenderloin topped with a zinfandel-based roasted-plum jam, each tantalizing recipe illustrates to dazzling effect the benefits -- and pleasures -- of cooking with wine. Complete with enticing photographs of both the food and the wine, this cookbook is an inspiring resource for wine lovers looking to think outside of the glass.

Customer Reviews:

Another cookbook without photos?!.......2006-08-30

It's killing me! Recipies are not complicated enough, wines are not difficult enough to get a hold of, figuring out american measurement system and calculating it into metric is not bad enough?
Oh yes, let's make it HARDER and let's not include any photos.
Jesus and Blessed Virgin Mary!
I need pictures in my cookbooks. What the meal is supposed to look like in the end for sure. A "how to" strip - even better!
I'm gonna be too intimidated by my absolute lack of culinary experience / finesse and lack of pictures in this cookbook to even TRY to use it!
Other than that (is there anything left? oh yeah) book is beautifully designed, paper quality is excellent but format is kinda weird (square and rather large) so it sticks out the cookbook shelf.

Magical Ingredient = Fruit of the Vine.......2005-09-24

Wine/food lover Goldstein offers yet another excellent collection of wine recipes, this time though emphasizing wine as ingredient, even the likes of mirin, marasala, et al.

It is the perfect marinade, braising liquid, deglazer, etc. Wine has thus become the essential ingredient, and this book has the recipes to prove.

With each recipe there is wine to drink with selection as well as alternative, many times not the wine ingredient used. Most every recipe has its own wonderful full color photo, sometimes two. There is even delightful side dishes and desserts as well.

This is sophisticated, creative and balanced for max flavor: Pork Chops Stuffed with Stilton, Currants and Pistachios with Port Sauce; Monkfish Tagine; Goat Cheese and Roasted Garlic Timbales; Maytag Blue Cheese Polenta Cylinders; Spiced Berry Martinis with Pinot Noir Syrup and Star Anise Ice Cream.

Beautiful volume to give or use.

It manages to be special without being fussy.......2005-07-03

I bought this cookbook a while ago, but postponed its review until I'd made several of the recipes. As you can see from the rating I've given it, The Wine Lover Cooks With Wine is a winner.

In his earlier book, the Wine Lover's Cookbook (which I also like a lot), the author's premise was that you had a special bottle of wine and wanted to make a dish that would complement it. This one is similar, in that wine is an inextricable part of the meal. Primarily it's an ingredient, though each recipe also has two what-to-drink recommendations to accompany it, which may not be the same as the wine used in cooking. (For instance, the Asian eggplant salad, which I'm apt to make as "what to take to the Fourth of July BBQ," suggests serving either sake or riesling.)

I think the author was stretching his definitions in a few places, because some recipes use only a little wine; that is, don't expect that you'll neccesarily be pouring 2 cups of expensive stuff into your dinner.

However, the "about wine" portion of this book isn't the key ingredient, so to speak. It's about cooking, and this is a REALLY nice cookbook. Some of the recipes sound fancy, as though you'd be likely to find them in the kind of white-tablecloth restaurant where the waiters speak in hushed tones and begin by asking, "Would you like sparkling or still water with your meal?"

However, most of the recipes are, if not dead easy, simple enough for you to make on a weeknight for the family, and delicious enough for them to say "Wow!" For example, I made "Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Spicy Orange-Port Reduction," served with his recommendation of cinnamon-scented couscous. (But not the wine, which happened to be Zinfandel or Merlot; as it turns out, I've made most of the recipes at lunchtime, when I have to go back to work afterwards. Darnit.) This is essentially a "marinate and then brown the meat, create a pan sauce, and reduce" recipe. You've done that plenty of times, but with less interesting liquids.

Best of all, this is an inexpensive cookbook; at least half the recipes have useful and attractive photos, too, which are rather inspiring.

Lots of fun and inspiring too.......2004-12-06

Organized by technique - Sauces, Steaming, Marinating, Braising - Goldstein's ("The Wine Lover's Cookbook) colorful book encourages wine lovers to jump from the glass into the pan with Seared Peppercorn and Spice Crusted Rib-Eye, Portuguese Steamed Clams with Sausage, Asian Eggplant Salad, Grilled Quail in Red Onion Escabeche, Monkfish Tagine and Drunken Chocolate Cake with Port.

The classics are here too: Coq au Vin, Onion Soup, Braised Beef short Ribs, Port-Poached Pears, and the blend of modern international dishes and homey classics strikes a charmingly sophisticated note. Each chapter begins with tips on technique and each sparely designed recipe includes suggestions for the accompanying wine. Close-up photos stimulate the palate and offer presentation ideas. An inspiring collection.

Average customer rating:

Patience equals a good fit

DesignsbySharon

Pants for Real People: Fit and Sew for Any Body

Excellent Resource

Finally, pants demystified

Pants for Real People: Fit and Sew for Any Body (Sewing for Real People series)
Pati Palmer , and Marta Alto
Manufacturer: Palmer/Pletsch Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Fashion | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Sewing | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Pants for Any Body

Power Sewing Step-by-Step

Fast Fit: Easy Pattern Alterations for Every Figure

ASIN: 0935278575

Book Description

This pattern book features step-by-step instructions on fitting and sewing pants for women of all different body types using the twin techniques of tissue- and fabric-fitting. Important sewing choices are highlighted, including choosing fabrics, selecting appropriate alteration tools, and finding styles that are most flattering. The fit-as-you-sew process of making pants is illustrated with progressive photographs of fitting pants for nine women of different size and shapes. Covered are a variety of styles including non-roll and expandable waistbands; centered, lapped, and invisible zippers; faced and contour waistlines; and cargo, double welt, and simple side seam pockets.

Customer Reviews:

Patience equals a good fit.......2007-08-25

If you have the patience to work at it this book will help you get a great fit in your slacks. It helps if you also purchase a palmer pletch pattern for pants as well. They already have all the markings for adjustments.

DesignsbySharon.......2007-07-12

This is one of the most helpful books I have in my sewing library. At first I didn't want to spend the money to buy it, so I checked it out in my local public library to review it in depth. I read the entire book twice because it was so interesting. And then I decided to give it a go...to try making a pair of pants for me. The end result was that the pants I made using the techniques taught in this book are now the most comfortable, flattering pants in my closet. After the review, I decided to buy the book because I found myself referring back to passages I had read for guidance. And after I returned the borrowed one to my public library, I missed it terribly because I didn't have it for a reference.

At first I was intimidated by the instructions. I just knew I would tear the paper pattern when I tried it on for a fitting. And I only had myself...no helper to measure and "fit" me. But I am very, very happy with the end result. I have made the first pair of pants in my life that truly fit me. They are without a doubt the most comfortable in my closet. And my husband says they are extremely flattering. My figure is a challenge to any pant's maker. One hip is 1 inch higher than the other; with the aging process I have added weight to my high hips and have a dropped derriere. But with the slacks I made using this book, you don't see these flaws. They actually make me look slimmer.

This book was extremely helpful to me because it explained the rationale behind the fitting problems. I was suddenly able to understand how my various figure problems caused the pants to hang on my body, and ultimately translate into a poorly fitting garment. The solutions became obvious. After awhile, I found myself using the knowledge and solving my own problems even though the book provided a guide to solve any problem in fit. It was educational and empowered me. I feel I am better prepared to fit others for whom I sew...such as a teenage granddaughter who can be very picky.

I am glad I bought the book because I frequently refer to it for the many tips it includes. When I returned the borrowed book from my local library, I found myself checking my mailbox daily for the one I had purchased. I truly missed it and couldn't wait to get my own. I highly recommend this book. And if this is any example of Pati Palmer's other books, I will be buying more!

Pants for Real People: Fit and Sew for Any Body.......2007-03-15

The book does review several body types, however, most of those are heavier women with many adjustments. About the one and only adjustment I needed to make was not addressed. I probably won't use this book too much

Excellent Resource.......2007-02-03

This book is one of a kind for showing real world pant-fitting issues and how to solve them. Palmer-Pletsch has been a trailblazer in writing for the home sewing market since its earliest days. Many, actually, most sewing and fitting books merely collect old info and display it well. Instead, Palmer-Plestch has collected data and new fitting solutions to very difficult derriere problems (and most others) from their years of hands-on experience running a sewing school and present it in excellent photos and illustrations in a thorough manner. My husband was rather surprised by some of the "models", but that is just the point: these are real-world, applied solutions to real people!

In my mind, the only negative to the Palmer-Pletsch method is that they believe in tissue-fitting without doing any previous flat pattern work to get the pattern "into the ball park". This may very well be only an issue for me, personally, as I have always worked that way. Their method is too place the unaltered pattern on the figure and to systematically analyze each wrinkle and alter the pattern until all grainlines are straight, all wrinkles are gone and all major seams hang in the right place.

Another excellent feature of this book is a comprehensive set of design alterations for customizing your pant pattern once it fits you: different waistband, pocket, and hem treatments, darted and pleated styles, etc.

The only other reference book that one might purchase for pant fitting and sewing is the 1989 Singer Sewing Reference Library's "Sewing Pants that Fit". This is also an excellent resource with terrific photo illustrations. It has a very good and comprehensive fitting section, although I would go with the Palmer-Pletsch guide if there is any discrepancy in fitting advice, particularly on fitting the crotch. The Singer book is particularly good for construction and offers photo illustrations on construction, which I found helpful. The Palmer-Pletsch book offers photos for all fitting problems and drawn illustrations for construction. Together, these two books should do it!

Finally, pants demystified.......2007-01-10

This is one of the best books I have read on construction details. I have read it front to back and refer to it often when making pants, shorts, even skirts. I really recommend making a muslin first and follow all the recommendation for adjusting the pattern from the muslin. It will change the way you make pants forever!

Average customer rating:

it doesn't work for me
Great Book
If you love trousers this book is for you.

Pants for Any Body
Pati Palmer , Susan Pletsch , and Susan Foster
Manufacturer: Palmer/Pletsch Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Household Hints | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

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Accessories:

ASIN: 0935278087

Customer Reviews:

it doesn't work for me.......2007-02-16

I've tried the methods of this book, but they seem to work only for slight modifcation as most of the suggested modifications are done on side seam and at the waist. I give it 3 stars as some tricks described in the book are useful. I recommended drapping to get perfectly fitted pants, you can do it on yourself with 4 pieces of fabric (with marked grainlines and other reference lines). It's a veeeery time consuming process however.

Great Book.......2004-06-07

This is a wonderful book on making pants. Not only do the authors explain how to fit pants to your body but they also explain little known facts about how pattern companies make patterns, making it much easier to pick a pattern size that will fit you better.

Some added content on fitting specific types of pants (including mens pants) was a real bonus. If you want to make your own pants this is a very helpful book.

If you love trousers this book is for you........2001-10-26

Have you ever brought trouser patterns, followed the instructions religiously and ended up with a pair sacks rather than slacks.
Lets face it when you decide to put time and effort into sewing a pair of trousers, you want to be able to get a perfect fit.
I have been sewing for a long time but have never managed to sew a pair of trousers that I was truely happy with. So I was rather sceptical of the hints and tips that the book suggested.
I followed the instructions in this book which were clear, with good diagrams, and just the right touch of humour. It showed me how to alter my patterns quite easily to accommodate my own unique lumpy bits.
I was truely amazed at the results.
I produced a pair of trousers that fit perfectly and have gone on to make several pairs that all fit perfectly[ from a variety of patterns].
Therefore I would recommend that if you have not done so already, buy this book.

Book Description

Each section provides both inspiration and information on a history of herbs, a hands-on gardening reference for indoors and outdoors, and an illustrated listing of 45 individual herbs, each with history and anecdotes. 125 full-color photos.

Heirloom Herbs - Using Old-Fashioned Herbs in Gardens, Recipes, and Decorations

Average customer rating:

Heirloom Herbs - Using Old-Fashioned Herbs in Gardens, Recipes, and Decorations
Mary Forsell
Manufacturer: Villard Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GX8NHS

Average customer rating:

Heirloom Herbs - Using Old-fashioned Herbs In Gardens, Recipes, And Decorations
Mary; Foreword by Verey, Rosemary Forsell
Manufacturer: Villard / Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000RJ2OD0

Average customer rating:

Difficult job well done

Heart work

Sharing Places

CHANGING PLACES

Changing Places : A Journey with my Parents into Their Old Age
Judy Kramer
Manufacturer: Amazon Remainders Account
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: B000F3T4GI

Book Description

Millions of baby boomers are facing one of life's most poignant challenges-they are becoming parents to their parents.

It is a turning point that Mary Pipher illuminated in her New York Times bestseller Another Country-and one that Judy Kramer knows well. Confronted with new emotional and practical challenges when her parents entered a nursing home, she navigated through a maze of medical bills and paperwork, gained valuable insight from visits with doctors and consultations with elder law attorneys, and found love for her parents in new and often surprising places. It was a difficult journey, and a lonely one. In Changing Places, a book based on her popular newspaper column, she shares what she learned along the way.

Customer Reviews:

Difficult job well done.......2002-07-21

A sensitive writer tracks the passage of her parents into decline and death. Most of the material was seen by them, which may have taken away some rough edges, but what remains is enhanced by that ethical and psychological process. Most of us addressing this stage of relationships--as middle aged children or aging parents--will benefit from Judy Kramer's contribution.

Heart work.......2000-11-28

After seeing Judy Kramer on the Today Show, I immediately bought her book. Her experience touched my heart and opened the flood gates of tears as I remembered walking a similar path with my own mother less than 2 years ago. She paints an accurate picture of the shift from child role to caretaker role, of the balance between wanting someone you love deeply to live on, and courageously acknowledging that it is time to die. Her sharing of the months after her parents death is especially poignant as the shock waves of realization continue on for the one who has experienced loss long after the rest of the world resumes their routines.

I highly recommend this for someone who has experienced a parental or significant loss as well as those who are anticipating and facing difficult end of life decisions.

Sharing Places.......2000-10-23

When I saw Judy Kramer on the Today Show discussing this book, I knew I had to read it. I have just gone through an experience remarkably similar to the one she writes about. We lost my mother in May and have gradually "lost" my father to dementia though he is still living. Ms. Kramer's description of her experiences parenting her parents and finally letting them go struck emotionally close to home. To know that others share the huge continuum of emotions that accompanies this type of journey is reassuringly helpful. While the book was at times difficult to read (or to put down), it gave me insight and understanding into myself and my relationship with my parents and siblings.

I encourage anyone facing a journey into old age, whether themselves or with their parents, to read this book. Prepare yourself -- it's deep, emotional and sometimes disturbing to discover the universality of feelings about the life and death of one's parents. We sometimes feel we are going through things like this alone but "Changing Places : A Journey With My Parents into Their Old Age" shows us that we are not.

CHANGING PLACES.......2000-09-04

This book is beautifully written with a tender and sensitive record of how a loving daughter eases the transition for her parents from housekeeping to their life in a nursing home and all that follows. This should be read by every family with elderly parents that may soon have to make decisons for their future care. Two thumbs up. I couldn't put the book down.

Changing Places: A Journey With My Parents into Their Old Age

Average customer rating:

Changing Places: A Journey With My Parents into Their Old Age
Judy Kramer
Manufacturer: Riverhead Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NXYUN2

Book Description

The index to the thirteen text volumes of The Gladstone Diaries 1825-1896 has three parts. First `Dramatis Personae', a list of the 20,500 people mentioned by Gladstone in his diaries. Secondly `Gladstone's Lifetime Reading', a bibliography of the 20,000 books, pamphlets, and articles, whose reading he records in his diaries, with the dates when he read them. This is a bibliography of remarkable cultural interest. It is probably the most ambitious attempt by a public figure to note his or her reading and it is certainly unique as a printed record of the lifetime's reading of am eminent Briton. Thirdly, a `Subject Index' which is the reader's most direct way into the extraordinary range of subjects covered in the thirteen text volumes. It is effectively an index to most of British public life from 1830 until 1896. About two hundred of the people who figure most prominently in the diaries are included in the Subject Index (in addition to the `Dramatis Personae') with detailed analytic entries. It also includes a bibliography of Gladstone's own writings as he recorded them in his diaries. This is a culmination of H. C. G. Matthew's acclaimed edition of Gladstone's diaries, correspondence, and other papers. It is an invaluable reference tool and an essential key to a magisterial work of scholarship.

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