My So Called Life in the Army

Book Description

In the 1970s a group of California visionaries developed an interest in lightweight, low-powered machines. Scientist and engineer, Paul MacCready, pulled them together to build a plane capable of winning a long-standing prize for human powered flight. Their other successes included a man-powered plane, a solar powered plane, a solar-powered car, an 18-foot flapping wing flying replica of a pterodactyl for a Smithsonian-sponsored IMAX film, and a high-altitude unmanned solar airplane that can perform the same functions as orbiting satellites. Paul Ciotti tells the story of the individuals who made up this group, but ultimately More with Less is about Paul MacCready himself, an American dreamer whose tough minded inventiveness altered our scientific skyline.

Customer Reviews:

Too Little About More With Less.......2002-10-21

I've had the pleasure of hiking into the San Gabriel Mountains with Paul MacCready. I've gone to lectures at Caltech where MacCready was in the audience and I've looked on his [ever present] notebooks with wonder. More With Less is a good read and a quick read, but it left me wanting a full-fledged biography of Paul MacCready AND a more complete volume on efficiency in this high tech world. Despite this, I enjoyed Paul Ciotti's take on both subjects. As an introduction to both subjects, More With Less does a very good job. If you are looking for a more detailed book on either subject, my guess is that you'll be disappointed.

A fascinating look at aviation.......2002-10-03

I had hoped "More with Less" would be an in-depth biography of Dr. Paul MacCready, former National Soaring Champion, designer of the Gossamer Albatross and Gossamer Condor, and engineer extraordinaire. It's not. The book focusses on MacCready only as a central figure in the evolution of efficient flight. The author spends far more time talking about other people and things (like the southern California hang-gliding scene in the 70s) than he does tracing MacCready's life. There is very little here for hungry little glider pilots like me that want to read in depth about MacCready's adventures in the beautiful Orlik sailplane, his contest successes, etc. That is the bad news. The good news is that the author weaves a fascinating tale of the people and machines (albeit with little technical detail) involved in this corner of the flying world. The author describes the people in the book candidly, warts and all. Not knowing any of these people I can't vouch for his accuracy, but he paints far more interesting portraits than the "hero engineer" so often presented in this kind of book, and it is this aspect that makes the book so interesting to read. The illustrations are terribly reproduced, mislabled in at least one case, and there are far too few of them! I know from seeing two of Paul MacCready's slide shows that there are many great photographs in existence that could have and should have been used in this book. That aside, anyone interested in flying machines that do more with less, and the people who design, build, and fly them, will enjoy reading this book.

Customer Reviews:

The ABCs of Hormones.......2001-05-04

The ABCs of Hormones is a welcome addition to the Keats's family of Good Health Guides. Author Jack Challem, who has written extensively in the health field, says that "hormones are unquestionably among medicine's most powerful, more remarkable drugs."

The body produces at least 200 different hormones. Challem chose the ten most common to describe in detail: melatonin, DHEA, pregnenolone, estrogen, testosterone, insulin, thyroid, adrenocortical, and human growth hormones. Challem gives a brief explanation of how each hormone works, and the symptoms of hormonal imbalance. He then discusses natural alternatives for each.

Challem also includes advice from several medical doctors, who warn people about the dangers of taking hormones indiscriminately. He also condemns the aggressive marketing efforts of the major drug companies. He quotes Dr. Susan Love as saying that "one of the most powerful marketing techniques used to influence both doctors and patients is the manipulation of fears of aging and death." Challem emphasizes that "there's no agreement about the benefits of hormones when used as an antiaging therapy."

Hormone therapy has, of course, saved many lives, as the millions of people taking insulin for diabetes will attest. Challem's message to people is that hormones "are drugs, and they are very powerful drugs." Just because many of them are easily available OTC doesn't mean they are safe. The ABCs of Hormones will provide readers with the basic information they need to decide whether or not they should take supplemental hormones, and if so, how much and in what form.

Average customer rating:

THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE HERE

different and delicious!

Recipes from America's Small Farms: Fresh Ideas for the Season's Bounty

Manufacturer: Villard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | U.S. Regional | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Natural Foods | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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From Asparagus to Zucchini: A Guide to Cooking Farm-Fresh Seasonal Produce

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ASIN: 0812967755
Release Date: 2003-07-29

Book Description

Recipes from America’s Small Farms gathers the most exciting, original, and authentic recipes—using the freshest ingredients—from those who know best how to set a table anytime of the year. Favorite recipes from farmers across the country and members of Community Supported Agriculture—a national organization that facilitates direct farmer-to-consumer sales of produce—will inspire home cooks everywhere. Also included are recipes from high-profile chefs such as Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill), Peter Hoffman (Savoy), Roxanne Klein (Roxanne’s), and Kevin von Klause (White Dog Café).

Readers will find it easy to locate recipes, organized by food family, that call for the vegetables and fruits that are in season, readily available, and simple to use. Recipes like Creamy Turnip Soup; Heirloom Tomatoes with Fresh Herbs, Toasted Pine Nuts, and Tapenade Toast Points; Greek Zucchini Cakes; and Hiroko’s Fusion Choy with Tahini-Soy Dip give common produce exotic appeal.

The book includes a chapter on meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood, and there are vegan recipes throughout. Each chapter provides details about the history, characteristics, and nutritional qualities of specific fruits and vegetables. Cooking techniques, useful sidebars, and a glossary make this book an indispensable resource.

Customer Reviews:

THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE HERE.......2003-09-03

This is one of the finest from-the-farm cookbooks I've seen-- for organization, for content, variety, and appeal. I love the way the book is set up: first the basics we all need to give fresh produce the t.l.c. it deserves, then the vegetable recipes by category: leaves, cabbages, the whole huge onion family, stalks and stems, seeds and pods, fruits treated like vegetables (tomatoes, for example), roots and tubers. There's even a chapter on fresh herbs. I find the recipes both unusual and irresistible and can't wait to try the Bruschetta with Braised Greens, the Wild Arugula Salad with Mushrooms, the Striped Bass and Scallops with Braised Cabbage and Germolata, the Onion Biscuits, and oh, so many more. This cookbook is not only a "keeper," it's one that stays on my kitchen counter. A TAR HEEL FOOD LOVER

different and delicious!.......2003-08-28

This lovely cookbook lives up to its subtitle -- it's filled with all sorts of "fresh" and terrific ideas for making the most of seasonal vegetables and fruits. The recent publicity about obesity and American youngsters makes it clear that all parents (myself included) have to find enticing ways of teaching our kids to eat right. This book is loaded with ideas, and getting kids to understand that it's tastier and healthier to eat what's just been harvested -- instead of ripening on a truck or flash-frozen -- is important on any number of levels. This book isn't just for the dedicated vegetarian but for everyone. I've already tried a couple of recipes -- zucchini tacos and Swiss chard gratin-- and they were different and delicious.
It's fun to read too -- with info on every vegetable and fruit as well as all the different ways to clean, cook, and keep them fresh. I enjoyed the farmers' stories and was happy to learn about community-supported agriculture -- where people buy shares in the harvest. The book has spurred me on to join a local CSA-- community-supported agriculture is just what America needs.

Customer Reviews:

Great First Book!.......2000-07-11

This book contains easy to remember, key words that are repeated through out the book. The simple story kept my daughter's attention and the words were simple enough for her to learn to read on her own, yet challenging enough for her to feel proud of herself.

Book Description

A collection of simple picture books containing little or no text, for very young children.

Average customer rating:

My Dream Cat
Gerd Ludwig
Manufacturer: Barron's Educational Series
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0764118765

Book Description

The right cat in the right household is a very special and enduring friend. Here is a book that is all about cats, presented in a style as entertaining as it is factually reliable and accessible to the nonexpert. The author discusses ways of finding the cat that best complements its owner's personality and lifestyle. Practical advice covers living with cats—for families with kids, for singles, and for senior citizens. Described in detail are traits typical among all felines, as well as specific characteristics of specific breeds. Here too is essential information on vaccination schedules, and recommendations for healthful and nutritious feeding. Toys and accessories are suggested for keeping cats amused and amusing. Charts and sidebars provide readers with quick-reference tips. Helpful features include answers to the 10 most often asked questions about cat ownership, and a test to help readers answer the question: Are you a cat person? Vivid color photos and handsome line art on nearly every page show cats at play, around the house—and simply being good friends and companions to their owners.

My neighbour's shoes, or, Feeling for others: A tale

Average customer rating:

My neighbour's shoes, or, Feeling for others: A tale
A. L. O. E
Manufacturer: T. Nelson and Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0008CSSXQ

Average customer rating:

A load of garbage from a self-aggrandizing blow-hard.

great book

Great material but book design is worst I've seen

Workmanship as a personal statement

well-meaning, but boring and pointlessly abstruse

The nature and art of workmanship
David Pye
Manufacturer: Van Nostrand Reinhold
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Decorative Arts | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books | Engineering Economics | Ergonomics | General | Industrial Design | Industrial Technology | Machinery | Manufacturing | Packaging | Production, Operation & Management | Productivity | Quality Control | Safety & Health | Systems
Similar Items:

The Nature and Aesthetics of Design

For an Architecture of Reality

The Unknown Craftsman: A Japanese Insight into Beauty

The Soul of a Tree: A Master Woodworkers Reflections

A Cabinetmaker's Notebook (Woodworker's Library (Fresno, Calif.).)

ASIN: 0289701422

Customer Reviews:

A load of garbage from a self-aggrandizing blow-hard........2006-05-01

If there is a passage that defines this book, it's the one on page 74, where he uses his superior intellect and social conservatism to declare that "...[the human assembler of pre-manufactured parts] is not necessarily a bad man. It merely means that his education in his trade has been bad."

What an amazing nugget of wisdom from a man who browbeats the greater population for our consumption of mass-manufactured objects. No, David, assemblers who aren't emotionally or pridefully connected to the object are just deficient people, worthy of the utmost contempt. Start up a death camp if they bother that bad, Nazi bastard. Labor thanks you for your morsels of understanding and forgiveness.

Don't waste your money. Don't make ugly work.

great book.......2005-09-12

This book should be read by all designers. Pyes understanding of materials and processes, and their relationship to design, is an inspiration.

Great material but book design is worst I've seen.......2004-11-13

Since previous reviewers have expressed my own positive opinions of this classic, I shall not repeat. However, for a book that purports to deal with aesthetics and workmanship, this book's physical layout is a joke. It is so bad that it offends. The inner gutter is so narrow that the book as actually difficult to read and it turns an enjoyable experience into a physical chore. Are the publishers amateurs who happened to come upon some page layout software?

Workmanship as a personal statement.......2004-09-07

Pye knows that understanding comes in two steps. The second presents the new knowledge, but the first step clears out old fallacies to make way for the new facts. To do that, he starts this book by thoroughly confusing the question of what is hand work, and what is done by machine. Once that is shown irrelevant, he starts on the points that truly matter.

First, the terms "craft" and "craftsmanship" have been co-opted and corrupted by so many authors that, with regret, he abandons them. Instead, he defines new terms. The first opposed pairs are the workmanship of risk and the workmanship of certainty. Certainty is knowledge that a piece of work will surely complete in the way intended, as is typical in mass manufacture. Risk is the chance that any workpiece could be damaged or destroyed at any step in its handling - a chisel could clip, a hammer could damage the surface, a saw cut might be placed wrong. It doesn't matter whether the tool is a simple hammer or a complex milling machine: either a reliable process or a fallible workman defines the result.

Pye's second distinction is "regulated" versus "free" or "rough" fabrication. Regulated work meets fine tolerances, has precise geometries and surfaces. Free work allows the workman to vary the workpiece somewhat. Free workmanship allows expressive notes, perhaps tool textures or subtle changes of shape. Rough workmanship goes farther. A wood fence, for example, may be straight and strong enough, with coarse shapes, knots in the wood, and even some checking.

None of that distinguishes good workmanship from bad. Good workmanship carries out the practical and esthetic intent of a design, or improves on them. Bad workmanship detracts from the design's usefulness or beauty. In something like a rural stone wall, excessively regulated work might even be considered bad, if it's the one exact geometry in a generally relaxed environment. A rough-hewn bench may be just as good, in its way, as an inlaid Victorian table.

Pye ends this wise book by reviewing what Ruskin and Morris had to say about craft. I won't repeat his arguments, but he points out the reams of nonsense they interleaved between pages of meaningful thought. As with everything he analyzes, he carefully highlights the worthwhile, and elegantly tears up the romantic silliness.

Pye is truly dedicated to workmanship and to dedicated workmen (and, implicitly, women). I recommend this book to anyone who creates anything, whether professionally or for the personal reward in the act of making.

//wiredweird

well-meaning, but boring and pointlessly abstruse.......2003-06-14

I got this book basically because I wanted to learn something about how to tell a good piece of woodworking (furniture mostly) from a lousy piece of woodworking. But that's only touched on in a small fraction of the book, and, while I agree and sympathize with the author's views in many ways, mainly I found this book a boring read. In part it's because Pye's writing style is rather long-winded and archaic. He might have been more at home as an amateur philosopher in the 18th century, or soapbox orator in the 19th, than an essayist in the 20th. Just picking a couple of sentences at random: "Nor am I saying that free workmanship is better than regulated, nor that regulated workmanship is the ruin of our civilization. On the contrary, I say that on the contrast and tension between regulation and diversity depends half the art of workmanship." As for Pye's ideas, well, he goes to a lot of trouble to analyze and explore his concepts of "workmanship of risk" (simply put, workmanship where you can screw it really bad) versus "workmanship of certainty" (e.g. machine-punching), and "free" (open to variation) work, and the allied concept of diversity in the product, versus "regulated" (uniform, predictable--most machine production) work. Pye observations sound like this: "In our society at present the sensitivity of people to the quality of diversity in workmanship seems very uneven." "There is . . . a total incongruity and a sense of outrage about a piece of material with a highly polished surface and a raw, rough edge." "In the art of workmanship, then, we seek to diversify the scale of those formal elements which begin to be distinguishable at close and also--in season--to diversify the forms themselves by allowing slight improvisations, divagations and irregularities so that we are continually presented with fresh and unexpected incidents of form." "The traditional association between high regulation and durability, whether true aor false, has no force any longer. The highly regulated ball-point pen with which I am writing will be thrown away next week." "The extreme paucity of names for surface qualities has quite probably had the effect of prefenting any general understanding that they exist as a complete domain of aesthetic experience . . . standing independently of form and color."

Well, Pye puts some new names to things, and makes some fresh observations here and there. (There are also some interesting pictures, though too few I'd say in a book that after all is about craftsmanship.) Yet it's hard to see a lot of this stuff as really insightful, or meriting the kind of laborious, involved disquisition that Pye gives it. A page of his comments about about regulated work could be conveyed to anyone's intuition by a single Paul Strand photo of machinery. Also, many of his observations feel, ultimately, a bit like juggling of the names he has given things--but if you step back it's not all that earth-shaking an observation.

There's a part where Pye takes Ruskin to task for, in Pye's view, a number of inaccurate statements about art and craftsmanship. Pye may be correct, but his discussion on these points suffers from his style as usual (as well as an oddly peevish tone). It also doesn't benefit from comparison with Ruskin, since, when I read a bit of the Ruskin quoted by Pye here, I'm reminded of how I miss succinct, pithy writing as I ready Pye's own contributions. Ruskin: "But, accurately speaking, no good work whatever can be perfect, and the demand for perfection is always a misunderstanding of the ends of art. . . . In all things that live there are certain irregularities and deficiencies which are not only signs of life, but sources of beauty." Even if this is wrong in some respects (as Pye likes to explain at length), Ruskin here is such a refreshing change of pace. Better wrong and interesting than correct and dull. A few of the Ruskin quotes were the only things I marked in the whole book.

Well, maybe it's just me, but I found this book tedious and rather a disappointment.

Customer Reviews:

Exciting Read.......2004-02-19

I read this book to my 1 year old. We liked the repitiion and rhyme of the book. But what we liked best is the subject matter. She and I both have difficult and lengthy names and I think this book encourages you to embrace your name. The illustrations of Ashley Bryan are always beautiful and alive with color.

Average customer rating:

I think it's great!
Most names not African, save your money
ok book
Weak selection of african names from the mother country!
Not all it's cracked up to be

African-American Baby Name Book
Teresa Norman
Manufacturer: Berkley Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Genealogy | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

ASIN: 0425159396

Book Description

Names are a hallmark of our heritage, reflections of both the ethnic and religious roots of our past and our dreams for our children's future. This A-to-Z guide includes more than 10,000 names, ranging from African names to contemporary names to traditonal Muslim names and more. Also featured is advice on alternative spellings, information on origins and meanings, and tips on choosing a name that will help parents reflect the treasure of the child who owns it.

Customer Reviews:

I think it's great!.......2007-01-26

I think that this is a very good book! I read the reviews from others saying there's not African names in there or there's European names, etc... but this is an African-AMERICAN baby name book. I think it's very good and thorough. You can't expect every name ever thought of to be in it because that changes everyday. I love the layout, the meanings, origins, etc. I'd highly recommend it to others looking for names for their child. It's a great place to get good ideas. We have 3 African-American girls and although their names aren't in this book it still was interesting to read and it gave us a nice starting point in the decision making process. I think Teresa did a fantastic job writing this!

Most names not African, save your money.......2006-12-21

Being an African myself, I was really excited to read a compilation of African names...but I was bamboozled. Majority of these names are not even African. I do not understand how Arabic names are considered African. I would borrow this from the library because it is not really helpful. It is truly disappointing.

ok book.......2002-01-25

but it depends on what you're looking for. i didn't realize that an african-american baby name book would include so many names from europe, etc. but our country is very diverse, so i guess that's where the "american" part comes in. it's a good book with plenty of names to choose from.

Weak selection of african names from the mother country!.......2002-01-01

This book was very disappointing, there were too many names that were of other origins beside Africa and I wanted african names for my child. The african names it had, the very few there were, should have had the way to pronounciate them, which would have been a help. Anyhow, I have used the many websites for african names to find a name for my child. I would have done better with another book.

Not all it's cracked up to be.......2000-01-31

I bought this book with high hopes of finding names of an African cultural and/or religious background and instead I got a book with a hodge podge of names - some African, some Spanish, some Celtic (and so on) and some made-up ghetto fabulous names that I certainly was not expecting to be held up by this author as names to pass on to the next generation of African American babies. Unless you are looking for names outside of our culture or have been wondering how to spell Shaniqua, I'd pick another book.

Average customer rating:

Book of African Names
Osuntoki
Manufacturer: Black Classic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Genealogy | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

Genealogy | Reference | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

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ASIN: 0933121245

Customer Reviews:

History and Information on Johnny Gruelle.......2006-05-17

Of course, I would rate this book a "5 star"! I know the author (Patricia Hall), I know the work and, I have collected Johnny Gruelle art, dolls and characters for many years. This is a must have book for any Johnny Gruelle collector.

Johnny Gruelle: Creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy/Boxed/Limited/Signed

Average customer rating:

Johnny Gruelle: Creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy/Boxed/Limited/Signed
Patricia Hall
Manufacturer: Pelican Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Artists, Architects & Photographers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0882899759

Johnny Gruelle, creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy

Average customer rating:

Johnny Gruelle, creator of Raggedy Ann and Andy
Patricia Hall
Manufacturer: Pelican Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000QYBX6A

Average customer rating:

JOHNNY GRUELLE, CREATOR Of RAGGEDY ANN And ANDY.
Johnny]. Hall, Patricia. [Gruelle
Manufacturer: Pelican Publishing Co.,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NYHUY2

Average customer rating:
The World of Kameda Bosai: The Calligraphy, Poetry, Painting and Artistic Circle of a Japanese Literatus
Stephen Addiss
Manufacturer: Univ Pr of Kansas
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Painting | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0894940198

Average customer rating:
The World of Kameda Bosai: The Calligraphy, Poetry, Painting and Artistic Circle of a Japanese Literatus
Kameda] Aldiss, Steven [Bosai
Manufacturer: New Orleans Museum of Art
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KT4I2M

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