Dinky Dau Love, War, and the Corps: A Vietnam War Memoir

Customer Reviews:

Vietnam....with some fond memories.......2004-04-24

What a pleasure to let this book draw you into the world of young men of 40 years ago. With the word "Vietnam" so often in the news in a very negative way it's instructive to be reminded of the high caliber of these volunteers who chose to be marines...who went uncomplainingly to do their duty. The story condenses an enlistment from pre-bootcamp to a poignant post-script. Following author Zorn and his buddies is a delight. The stories of these young Americans maturing in the other-world of southeast Asia and their goofy adventures makes for a good read. Even when you see it coming, the zaniness makes you smile. For a first effort, Zorn's biographical effort is impressive. He has a nice touch with the fun stuff and he's equally able to capture the power of comradery. It's the kind of book that leaves you wanting to know what happens next to these guys. Let's hope Zorn has another book or two in him. He's got talent. Strong recommendation.

Customer Reviews:

A giant among engineers........2002-09-11

The opening chapters of this informative book give the history of Cornwall in a nutshell:- the mining, the unforgiving coastline, the wrecks, the climate and the people. Specifically from the mining aspect, we see how the conditions lent themselves to some form of mechanised help with raising tin & copper ore and draing the shafts & tunnels. Newcomen and Watt were the first to provide the engines, but Trevithick saw how these could be improved, much to the dismay of Boulton & Watt, who kept up a litiginous fight against Trevithick for decades.
Trevithick prevailed and also saw that the static engines could be moved around by their own power to the next site, which set into motion the beginning of the railways and motor cars (little realising what this would become in 200 years!)....
This is a well-researched book, with plenty of apposite quotes and comments, but at the same time it is never dull - the story flows like well-turned novel, urging one into the next chapter. The great thing about the book is the way you are constantly kept aware of how new the technology was; and how daunting that power was to those used to the limitations of horse-power. And it reveals the impetuous yet single-minded nature of this ebullient giant who would let nothing stop him in his quest to further Cornish development.
The author opened my eyes to the unsung genius of Trevithick; we all remember Watt as the 'Father of Steam' (he actually hindered progress!) and Stevenson as the 'Inventor of the Railway Engine', but Trevithick made more technical strides - although they were quickly superseded - nontheless, it does not detract from the man's vision and tenacity in the face of opposition from the Patent law and his rivals.
Recommended reading ****

Book Description

The female pelvis and its contents are an underappreciated region of the anatomy. Important not only for sexuality, they are also central to the processes of childbirth and elimination. The Female Pelvis was written for women to use over the course of their lives, with a special emphasis on pregnancy, childbirth, and its aftermath. Its purpose is to help women become more familiar with the pelvis and its related structures, and how to keep them healthy and fit. The book begins with a description of the functional anatomy of the pelvis, and how it responds to pregnancy and childbirth. This is followed by a series of specific exercises, initially for self-discovery, and then to increase the flexibility, strength, and coordination of each of the pelvic functions. The book concludes with some guidelines which focus on the pelvis during different phases of a woman's life. The Female Pelvis was designed to make the subject of the pelvis understandable to all women. Anatomically correct, the language of the text is clear and concise. Over 250 drawings illustrate every important aspect of pelvic anatomy, and show the reader how to perform simple exercises to keep the pelvis and its related structures fit.

Customer Reviews:

Great prenatal resource .......2007-10-10

This is an excellent, well presented and explained book on the pelvis, its joints, muscles, and the effect on the pelvic area during and after pregnancy. a must for all yoga prenatal and postnatal teachers

a MUST for all pre/post-natal yoga teachers and fitness specialists.......2007-09-26

This book is so wonderful. I am a pre/post-natal yoga teacher and this book changed how I teach, how I practice and how I look at the female anatomy. It is very technical, and at the same time, quite approachable. I think this book is great for doulas as well. I would not recommend this for moms-to-be unless they have a background in health and/or an affinity towards anatomy.

Review by former Physiology Teaching Fellow...........2007-05-07

When I was in graduate school, I was a Teaching Fellow in physiology and went on to further studies in biochemistry. I also attended medical school for a while, but ended up working as a research scientist. Now, I teach meditation and have a developed yoga practice in addition to being a personal coach with graduate education in psychology as well. In short, I think I am well-qualified to evaluate this book.

In general, I love this author's work and particularly liked Anatomy of Movement. I didn't like the Female Pelvis quite as much, but I still think it is very good. If I was able to, I would rate it a 4.5. Like all of this writer's work, the material is thoughtfully developed and presented in an easy to understand manner. There are also lots of diagrams that are very clear and compliment the text.

The difficulty with the pelvic region is that it is very hard to visualize it in three dimensions. This presents a challenge to the author and I think that he does a very good job of conveying three dimensions through all different kinds of diagrams.

The book starts out with the basic skeltal structure and then adds more detail a little bit at a time. At the same time, corresponding functionality is discussed and this keeps the book interesting and helps with memory attention. The average person can certainly go through this book easily, which is a testimony to the clarity and organization of the book.

With that said, I think to really learn the anatomy thoroughly one needs either the experience of dissecting this region or an augmentation of this material with useful photographs that show more detail and how everything fits together. For the average person, this may not be necessary, but for people in PT, yoga, massage or medical-related fields, it would solidify your understanding and help you to lock it in.

One think that is really special about this book is that it is mostly pictures with concise descriptions. The logical development of the topic allows it to flow and it doesn't deviate from its purpose, which is to educate women about the importance of the pelvis, how it changes through the lifecycle and how you can keep it healthy through exercise.

In reality, one book can't be all things to all people. This book is no exception and it is one of the best of its kind. If you are very interested in this area, I would also consider purchasing Pelvic Power for Men and Women: Mind/Body Exercises for Strength, Flexibility, Posture, and Balance. This book has a bit of a different angle, more exercises and more text. I think the two books are very complimentary and if you are serious about learning this anatomy and keeping your pelvis fit, you ought to have both to get the maximum results and understanding.

If you have a deep interest in this topic, you can find more resources on my listmania lists. There are several general anatomy texts all with different strengths and weaknesses listed. This would be useful information for people who need a very in-depth understanding or who have difficulty visualizing three dimensions from diagrams.

Amazingly Helpful.......2006-08-23

The knowledge that this author has is unprecedented. Wonderful book for pre and postnatal mothers, or those in the field of helping them.A very easy read, and well worth it!

Customer Reviews:

The Court of Two Sisters Cookbook.......2005-09-15

The history was very inviting to read. I plan to revisit this section before another visit to New Orleans. The number of recipes was disappointing but did have several of the restaurants staples in it.

Great memento, outstanding recipes.......1999-12-11

This makes a great souvenir for those who have had the great fortune to dine at The Court of Two Sisters. Almost half of the book is history of the restaurant and the area, and the rest is devoted to house recipes-the bread pudding is out of this world! I just wish they had included more recipes. It also has several pictures of the restaurant.

Book Description

Each of these city-specific dog-resource directories takes all of the guesswork out of finding new dog shops, services and places, including dog day cares, boarding facilities, pet sitters, dog parks, dog trainers, pet boutiques, alternative therapies, and neighborhood pet-supply stores. Each listing includes not only the address, phone number, hours of operation, and payment information, but also an original review that offers readers the inside scoop on each business. Also included is an emergency directory that's essential for middle-of-the-night ailments, a dog rescue directory, puppy starter kit, and lost dog help. The listings are arranged in an easy thumb-through layout and the book is perfectly sized to fit in a pocketbook or glove box.

Average customer rating:
Double-Delight Afghans, 6 crochet designs using double ended hook (Leisure Arts #3275)
Darla J. Fanton
Manufacturer: Leisure Arts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000L3H9ZA

Product Description

The double-ended crochet hook is back and better than ever! Designer Darla J. Fanton has revived the 1970's tool to create 6 sensational afghans that are rich in color and texture. Easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations included.

Afghans on the Double (Crochet Treasury Series)

Average customer rating:

Doubly Delightful!
Good pattern source
Great for a quick crochet 'fix'!
Afghans on the Double
Fast, Fast, Fast

Afghans on the Double (Crochet Treasury Series)
Leisure Arts , and Oxmoor House
Manufacturer: Leisure Arts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0942237900

Customer Reviews:

Doubly Delightful!.......2007-03-31

I've had this book for over a year now and I am so glad it is in my collection. I have only made one afghan from it so far, but I have made swatches for a couple of other afghans I'm considering. (I would love to try one of the cable afghans.) I sometimes enjoy just looking at the photos in the book. All the afghans are great looking and are nicely photographed.

There is a great variety of afghan styles to choose from among the 52 (!) afghans: classic, bold, lacy, serene, intricate, simple, handsome, and sweet. Some afghans are done as a whole cloth, others in squares or strips. Some patterns even include weaved strands of yarn to form a plaid look. The color pattern on the Blended Rainbow afghan is very clever.

Most patterns call for worsted weight yarn or worsted weight brushed acrylic yarn. None call for one of the trendy premium yarns, which while fun to use, could be unavailable next year. The instructions are relatively simple, most fitting on just one page of the book. (Only a few are a bit more complicated.)

Because you are working with two strands of yarn (either two of the same color or two different colors at the same time) and because you crochet with a large hook size...typically size N or P... the afghans work up quickly.

The one afghan I made was called Golden Waves, which called for a four-color pattern of soft waves. I made it for my nephew in blues and earth tones. He picked out the pattern himself from this book after looking through all my afghan books! It was fun to make and my nephew is very happy with it. Check out the photo I posted here.

Can you tell I like this book?! So did a couple of co-workers who looked at my copy and then went out to buy their own!

Good pattern source.......2006-11-08

I like several patterns from the book but still trying to get the hang of crocheting with double yarn. The book contains many patterns and the explanations are clear and easy to follow.

Great for a quick crochet 'fix'!.......2005-11-02

This is a wonderful book for quick beautiful Afghans! From very basic to more advanced, there is something for everyone. All patterns are worked with two or more strands at a time, while still providing a wide range of patterns! There are basic filets, granny square, 'mile-a-minute' type, and everything in between, there are even baby patterns. Tons of fun and hours of enjoyment! Enjoy!

Afghans on the Double.......2005-10-10

The book was in great condition and came in a timely manner.

Fast, Fast, Fast.......2005-08-02

This has become my standby book for quick gifts. Beautiful afghans done in half the time with 2 strands of yarn and size K or larger hooks to work with. For hand made gifts when your time is budgeted, this is a great head start.

Afghans on the double (Crochet treasury)

Average customer rating:

Afghans on the double (Crochet treasury)

Manufacturer: Oxmoor House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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

Textile Arts | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0942237897

Sampler Afghan, Crochet on the Double, 24 Blocks (The Needlecraft Shop 842251)

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Sampler Afghan, Crochet on the Double, 24 Blocks (The Needlecraft Shop 842251)

Manufacturer: The Needlecraft Shop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HJBDRI

Double-Quick For Baby - 6 Double-Strand Afghans (Leisure Arts Leaflet #2920)

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Double-Quick For Baby - 6 Double-Strand Afghans (Leisure Arts Leaflet #2920)
Halliday Anne
Manufacturer: Leisure Arts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000L79J9U

Product Description

Patterns and instructions for 6 double-strand afghans.

Grannies on the double: 10 gorgeous afghans combine traditional style with new techniques using worsted yarns and a double-edged hook (Crochet on the double)

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Grannies on the double: 10 gorgeous afghans combine traditional style with new techniques using worsted yarns and a double-edged hook (Crochet on the double)
Anne Halliday
Manufacturer: Annie's Attic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006RZ2C8

Variegated on the Double: 12 Double - Strand Afghans Crochet (Leisure Arts Leaflet #2953)

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Variegated on the Double: 12 Double - Strand Afghans Crochet (Leisure Arts Leaflet #2953)
Mary Ann Sipes
Manufacturer: Leisure Arts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000PLSJLG

Product Description

26 pages of wonderful, warm afghans to crochet.

A Year of Afghans Book Eight (Leisure Arts, Leaflet 2939)

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A Year of Afghans Book Eight (Leisure Arts, Leaflet 2939)
Leisure Arts
Manufacturer: Leisure Arts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Pamphlet
ASIN: B000WTX452

Reversible ripple afghans: With the double-ended crochet hook

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Reversible ripple afghans: With the double-ended crochet hook
Darla J Fanton
Manufacturer: American School of Needlework
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 0881959898

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Afghans on the Double
Inc. Oxmoor House; Leisure Arts
Manufacturer: Leisure Arts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WO88EY

Book Description

“As either a blueprint for amassing an orchid collection or a reference source for specific types of orchid, Gilland’s selective directory of the most popular and easily maintained varieties offers essential information. ...Gilland’s thoughtful instruction goes a long way toward correcting the old perception of orchids as difficult.”—Booklist.

Customer Reviews:

Nice for Greenhouse Growers.......2001-01-01

"Orchids are Easy" is a helpful book for someone planning a greenhouse. The first part of the book goes into detail about the planning that goes into building a greenhouse--including location, building materials, necessary equipment, watering and climate control.

Brief chapters cover the culture of orchids, propogation, pests and diseases. The final section is the "A-Z of Orchid Species". This area has nice closeups of each featured plant, but is pretty limited in scope. You won't find anything about Cattleyas, Phalaenopsis or Cymbidiums here.

If you are looking for information on Oncidiums, Odontoglossums and some Dendrobiums you find solid information and nice photography.

Average customer rating:
Easy-Care Orchids (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin, a-250)
Mary Carol Frier
Manufacturer: Storey Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Orchids, A Care Manual

ASIN: 1580173500

Book Description

It's Never Been Easier to Grow Orchids at Home. Have you heard that orchids are impossible to cultivate? Do you love orchids' exotic flowers but despair of ever having one survive in your home? Think again! With simple instructions and straightforwrd advice from professional orchid grower Mary Carol Frier, you'll find that orchids can thrive on your home windowsill, rewarding you year after year with gorgeous blooms.

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The worry control workbook
Mary Ellen Copeland
Manufacturer: Barnes & Noble Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
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Living Without Depression & Manic Depression: A Workbook for Maintaining Mood Stability (New Harbinger Workbooks)

Wellness Recovery Action Plan

The Depression Workbook: A Guide for Living with Depression and Manic Depression, Second Edition

Winning Against Relapse: A Workbook of Action Plans for Recurring Health and Emotional Problems

The Loneliness Workbook: A Guide to Developing and Maintaining Lasting Connections

ASIN: 0760723370

Book Description

The Woman Who Defied Kings is the first modern, comprehensive biography of Doña Gracia Nasi, an outstanding Jewish international banker during the Renaissance. A courageous leader, she used her wealth and connections to operate an "underground railroad" that saved hundreds of her fellow Spanish and Portuguese conversos (Jews who had been forced to convert to Catholicism) from the horrors of the Inquisition. Born in Lisbon in 1510, she later moved onto Antwerp, Venice and Ferrara where she was constantly negotiating with kings and emperors for better conditions for her people. Doña Gracia Nasi helped lead a boycott of the Italian port of Ancona in retaliation for the burning of 23 of her people by the Inquisition—an outrageous act in an era when Jews were more accustomed to appeasement. Finally settling in Constantinople, she persuaded Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent to grant her a long-term lease on the Tiberias region of the Palestine where she spearheaded one of the earliest attempts to start an independent state for Jews in Israel. Doña Gracia Nasi is equally important to history because she shatters the stereotype of how women, especially Jewish women, conducted their lives during the Renaissance period. Some historians have called her the most important Jewish woman since Biblical times.

Customer Reviews:

Making history accessible to everyone.......2006-07-11

This was a great read for many reasons: it is an inspiring tale of a courageous and intelligent businesswoman who knew how to "work the system" as well as any modern politician; it allows those interested in the time of the Inquisition to learn some details about the period without seeming like a history lesson; it allows you to imagine what life may have been like, especially for Jews, in the time of the Inquisition as well as any work of historical fiction (though it appears to be more fact than fiction); and it is an enjoyable read simply on the basis of its enticing writing style. Do not be discouraged by the length of the book -- despite its bulk it is a fast read.

Interesting subject but poorly executed.......2004-02-25

The subject of this book is a reasonably interesting person, even though the book is not that well done.

Garcia Nasi (aka Beatrice de Luna) was a woman of a well to do Jewish merchant family who married into one of the great banking families of her era, the mid 16th century (born 1510 -- died 1569). Her husband, Francisco Mendes, and brother in law, Diogo Mendes, were very successful bankers. Garcia Nasi was an asset to her family business and after her husband and later her brother in law died, she took on greater and greater responsibilities in running the business. She was also a generous patron to fellow Jews and conversos in a time of inquisition and repeated expulsion. Her ability to stand up to powerful authorities in matters of commerce, and in her own legal struggles is laudable. Her travels through the great commercial centers of the age give a good picture of the activities of members of her class of society.

The virtue of this book is that it is thoroughly footnoted and has an extensive bibliography. Therefore, if you have further interest in this lady, you have a list to take to the library.

One problem I have with this work is the same one I have with any historian with an obvious mission. For example, a Marxist historian sees everything in terms of economics and class warfare. The author of this work is a Jewish historian and sees everything in terms of Jewish history. While Jewish bankers and merchants were a great factor in the commercial changes that paid for the Renaissance, not all bankers and merchants of the time were Jews or conversos. You would not know that if this work were your only source of information.

The other points that remove my faith in the extent of the author's background knowledge of the period are three glaring mistakes.
1) She drags out that ancient canard that pepper was widely used in the cooking of the time to cover up the taste of rotten meat. Bushwa.
2) She says that serfs were used for military levees. I'm not sure whether she doesn't realize that there is a difference between serfs and peasants or that she doesn't realize that military skills were the last thing a landowner would encourage his low level tenants to acquire. But, it is a jarring note.
3) She says that the Portuguese invented Marine Insurance in the 15th century. I've been working in the Marine Insurance business for longer than I care to admit and I know that the Phoenicians invented Marine Insurance in classical times.

If you have an interest in commercial arrangements, litigation, the situation of Jews and conversos in Portugal, Antwerp, Italy and Turkey, or in Garcia Nasi, then you should read this book. If you want an entertaining read from an author who knows her history (rather than one who falls down when she strays too far from her footnotes) find something else.

ABSORBING!.......2003-08-05

Acclaimed journalist Andrée Brooks has painstakingly delved into the deepest recesses of European history to produce a compelling account of the life of Doña Gracia Nasi, an extraordinary and powerful businesswoman of the Renaissance. I was utterly swept away by the story of this courageous humanitarian who managed to rescue thousands of her people from the terror of the Inquisition. Fascinating reading for the layperson, this definitive work of scholarship is enhanced by more than sixty pages of notes and an extensive and carefully prepared index. Brooks' engaging prose makes the sixteenth century come alive as few other books do. This dramatic page-turner should be made into a movie!

Next: The Movie?.......2002-07-09

This story of a Renaissance heroine reads like a novel: A brave young Jewish widow takes over her husband's international banking business, lends money to kings and dukes, exacts the freedom to flee from one country to another to escape the Inquisition, and rescues thousands of Jews. Yet the story is true, based on documents discovered by Andree Brooks in Spain, Portugal, Belgium, France, Italy, Jerusalem and Istanbul. Her research is tucked seamlessly into a racing narrative that takes the reader into the life and turmoil of the 1500's. It's the stuff movies are made of--we hope.

A new look at doña Gracia.......2002-06-16

This lively, meticulously-documented biography is bound to become the touchstone of Gracia Nasi scholarship for years to come. Using hundreds of documents not available to Cecil Roth-whose biography of Doña Gracia has been our main source until now-Brooks has finally set the record straight about the life of this heroic Jewish Renaissance woman. Brooks' lively prose and knack for dramatic detail should insure the book a wide popular readership as well. In what other single source can you find information about the medicinal uses of pepper, the intricacies of sixteenth-century silver speculation, or what it was like to be a wealthy passenger on a Mediterranean galley?

Brooks weaves hundreds of seemingly unconnected strands into a compelling tapestry of Doña Gracia and her times. I was particularly taken by Brooks' evocation of Jewish and converso life in the succession of Renaissance centers-Lisbon, Antwerp, Rome, Ferrara, Venice, Istanbul, and Tiberias-in which the action unfolds. That alone would justify my assigning this book to my students. So too would Brooks' treatment of the complex "underground railroad" by which Doña Gracia and her family helped thousands of conversos to escape the dangers of life under the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions.

Brooks' work also makes a significant contribution to our understanding of sixteenth-century economic practices in Europe: the movement of goods, the intricacies of commercial contracts, the development of letters of credit and exchange, the birth of the maritime insurance industry, money lending, and tax farming.

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Woman Who Defied Kings, The : The Life and Times of Dona Gracia Nasi - a Jewish Leader During the Renaissance
Andree Aelion Brooks
Manufacturer: Paragon House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KXVPZQ

Average customer rating:
THE WOMAN WHO DEFIED KINGS; THE LIFE AND TIMES OF SDONA GRACIA NASI--A JEWISH LEADER DURING THE RENAISSANCE
subject; Brooks, Andree Aelion, author Dona Gracia Nasi
Manufacturer: Paragon House St. Paul, MN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IX45H8

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