Builder

In Taunton's tradition this book is extremely well illustrated. Many of Lstiburek's points are translated into detailed crossectional drawings that builders and architects can readily adapt into their plans. Advanced concepts dealing with moisture transport in buildings are explained in practical terms. There's no doubt this book will further the application of good building science in residential construction.

Well focused and aimed at the home builder in areas where average winter temperatures drop below 45 F (disregard back cover, which says "above 45 F") with 20 inch annual rainfall or more, e.g., Washington D.C., St Louis, or Seattle, it contains a complete discussion of insulation, ventilation, and moisture issues. The best book on the topic I've seen, because the author explains in simple terms concepts that many builders--and even architects--often get wrong. It's purely qualitative though; you won't find tables of R values, for instance. Full of useful detail drawings that illustrate the topics--you'll see variations for vinyl/aluminum and wood siding, and brick veneers--and are ready to apply directly to your house plans.

An outstanding book because it offers a different solution (and I believe a better solution) to home construction especially in the insulation and ventilation areas. If you are planning to build a custom home you must read this author's concepts on areas such as attic ventilation. I plan on using many of his concepts in building my own home. This book has convinced me that "normal" home construction needs to be updated!

Rating System:
1 star = abysmal; some books deserve to be forgotten
2 star = poor; a total waste of time
3 star = good; worth the effort
4 star = very good; what writing should be
5 star = fantastic; must own it and share it with others

STORY: From back cover - "Dan Randolph, has become Dan Randolph, empire builder. His staff has found evidence that the greenhouse effect has been gathering speed and that soon, Earth will be on the edge of the greenhouse "cliff". Millions will die unless humankind changes its ways immediately."
On the run from the world government and other forces, Randolph battles to regain all that he has lost and save the world at the same time.

MY FEEDBACK:
1) At first I was groaning at the thought of some extremist "tree-hugging" storyline. Yet Bova handles the subject matter VERY well without getting overly preachy.
2) Some nice plot twists and believable opposition established
3) A complaint (not the only one) is that the end seemed to get wrapped up a little too swift and nicely. It ignored some issues that normally would carry on a lot longer considering the "history" Bova built between characters and the world they live in.
4) The character of Dan Randolph was enjoyable to read and the people who help him at various turns are a nice mix to watch
5) The audio book reader does a good job and even had different voices for different characters, which I always prefer.

OVERALL: It was interesting and entertaining. The "hard science" of the book was ok...nothing spectacular. It is worth the effort if you don't have anything else pressing to read.

This is really a unique novel. I don't recall reading anything by Ben Bova before this book. After reading this novel I decided that Mr. Bova wrote a good novel and I bought several more of his titles to see if he is consistent. Well, that is not the point of this review. This is a review of 'Empire Builders' not Ben Bova.

What a really good novel this was. The protagonist Dan Randolf is a wonderful creation on Bova's part, as a previous reviewer noted. I don't know how much of the science involved in the book is realistic but it was written in such a way that I found it believable. The motives of the key players were logical and the plot made sense. What more can you ask for.

Amazon did an adequate job of giving the plot overview so I won't waste your time here with the same. I will only add that this novel succeeds in nearly every particular. As you are reading the novel you are constantly confronted with actions and reactions that are surprising to you, as the reader, but seem like the only logical event after reading them. A definite recommend on my part.

The best thing about this book is how Bova is able to please the entire political spectrum on the enviromental issues that are addressed in the book. Left wingers will be pleased that the plot includes pending enviromental catastrophe caused by humanity's excesses while right wingers will be pleased that the solution is more freedom, not less. Dan Randolf, the main character of the book, is the best protagonist Bova has ever created.

Having rebuilt three of my own engines over the last year, I was looking for hints and tips to improve my results and to raise my skill level. From the very beginning of the book, Monroe's attention to detail and common sense approach has done just that for me. This book is worth reading by anyone who has an interest in engines and rereading before any engine rebuild. I highly recommend it.

This is a very good book and the further I read into it the more excited it became. The amount of detail inspires, and for anyone that bleeds 40 weight, this book is a library must add.

THIS IS A BOOK THAT CAN BE REREAD MANY TIMES. THE AUTHOR KNOWS OF WHAT HE SPEAKS. THE MATERIAL IS VERY COMPLETE. I LEARN SOMETHING EVERY TIME I REFER TO THIS BOOK. HAVING ATTENDED NUMEROUS SEMINARS AND SCHOOLS ON ENGINE BUILDING I USE THIS BOOK CONSTANTLY.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the reading of this book about the Graton Family. I am taping a television program this Thursday am in Thomaston, Georgia of the Rebuilding of the Auchumpkee Covered Bridge. The work is being completed by Arnold Graton and his son JR Graton. It is refreshing to come in contact with people who are more interested in restoring bits and pieces of our history and not so concerned about the almighty dollar.

I enjoyed reading the book and also having the p[easure to meet Arnold, JR., Austin and Lynn Graton in Thomaston, Georgia, when we filmed the television program about this family. We did mention Milton Graton's book. I am impressed with this family for restoring this nation's treasures.

If I seem a little biased in my review, it is because Milton Graton, the author of this book, was my grandfather. He was a master craftsman who took great pride in his work, and I believe this book shows that pride. There is a lot of technical information in it, but it is presented in a manner which most people can understand. Anyone who has ever seen one of these beautiful bridges will appreciate this book.

"Victorian House Designs in Authentic Full Color," edited by Blanche Cirker, is a visually delightful tribute to a memorable era in home architecture. This volume reprints plates from "Scientific American--Architects and Builders Edition," originally appearing from 1885 to 1894.

The book contains floor plans and elevations of both stand-alone houses and connected homes. If you love the fanciful vocabulary of Victorian architecture, you will find all of your favorite features on display here: eyebrow dormers, circular towers, covered piazzas, cantilevered balconies, complex roof lines, clustered fireplaces, Palladian windows, and much, much more.

The only drawback to the book is that some house elevations are not accompanied by floor plans; a few others are only accompanied by the plan of a single floor. But overall, this is a richly detailed celebration of some truly beautiful homes. If you are a student of Victorian home architecture, this book is a must-have.

Here is an amazing collection of victorial architectural buildings from the 1800s taken mostly from the New York Tri-State area. The full color three dimensional views given by these plates allow one to experience a sense of the real thing as it had been. The floor plans with scale dimensions can even help to wonders to the memory in understanding these magnificent works. It is also quite detailed and useful for someone who may even wish to reproduce any of these buildings! Even if you don't have any intention of reproducing an entire victorian building, there are certain styles that you can copy for your own home or farmhouse etc. This book gets my full recommendation.

If you are looking for explicit instructions on how to build a Victorian House this may not be the book for you, BUT, if you LOVE Victorian houses as much as I do, this is definitely the book for you!

This wonderful book features page after page, in FULL COLOR excellent, detailed drawings of these marvelous, period residences! And includes the floor plan of the houses.

Frankly I found the book a pure delight! Many of the houses are featured in a natural setting with a lawn and trees,

I would have preferred people not to be featured in the pictures, but that is just a personal preference..

The small figures are well done and are dressed in period clothing.

I greatly enjoyed this book. It is the kind of picture book that I will be looking at over and over.

A slow read about moral dogma and Masonry. Mr. Newton, an ordained Minister, attempts to explain the moral teachings behind Masonry. Accurate in most of his explanations, but a bit dry. Does a good job of showing Masonry as a support of morality and benevolance in society. Correct in information, dry in presentation. But at least it is correct, unlike most Masonic books. A must read for the Masonic collector.

Take your time in reading this author's words - they are written with great care and from a very wise man of the mid 20th century.

Having laid down his working tools on 01/25/1950, Brother Newton writes, "Man was not meant to be a cringing being, eaten up by anxiety, shut up a prisoner in silent loneliness, living in blind cruelty. He was meant for great adventures, if he has the insight to see the laws of life and the key of kindness to unlock the doors; and in his quest for the best in others he will discover something in himself not guessed before. For each of us, though we may not be clever or commanding, but only average and unknown, life can be winged and wonderful, full of meaning and music, if we have the faith to trust the God who made us, and the wisdom to live, love, and learn."

Go on and read this small book from cover to cover and if your life's search leads you to the outer door of a Masonic structure have the courage to knock and begin your journey toward enlightenment and wisdom!

Hedda gabler is a tale of a woman in the victorian ages. She was recently married to a man who considered writing a book "The Brabant in the middle ages" an exiting topic. She is torn between the role she must portray and the role she wants. The play shows the fall from grace and the decline of Hedda Gablers power. It is a powerful play and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Anyone who read the play and wants to help me with a staging essay. amieDicaprio@yahoo.com

Ibsen is one of the most important playwrights to ever grace this earth, and it is not difficult to see why after reading this collection of plays. "The Doll House" is immediately fascinating, perhaps the easiest to understand out of this group of plays. It teaches the lesson that one must learn to stand on one's own, to carry out the cliché -- "to find oneself" -- but the lesson is not learned by the main character until the stage has been skillfully set in order to make the ending all the more compelling. The strongest play is perhaps "Hedda Gabler," whose upper class heroine, Hedda, is one of the most abstract and intriguing female characters ever written for a play. Devious and suffocating in her new middle class surroundings after marrying a rather dull man, her frustrations play out and alienate the other characters. The other characters are not merely accessories; they ARE the play when one juxtaposes them with Hedda. "The Wild Duck" is not as strong a play, and the dullest of the group, but is also worth a read. Overall, the collection is a quick and engrossing read.

The great thing that I liked about my Print Journalism professors back at Western Kentucky University was experience; their classes were peppered with "real life" tales that can only come from years of experience and dealing with the issues.

I experienced a little deja vu with "How the Web was Won." I am a born again Web content developer and Intranet site builder, and I was hoping to find some "real life" examples of what to do and not to do as my development continues.

I was happy to discover many such tales, and I immediately reshaped some of my current operations based on what I read and experienced in this book.

I would especially draw any fellow new Web developers to page 122. Starting on that page and continuing for ten pages or so was some of the most valuable advice that I have received over the past five years. (Wish I would have received it from someone before now.)

From a technical point of view, there were some copy editing errors. Since every chapter was written by a different writer, there is a subtle shift in the language and tone from chapter to chapter, but I survived. You will too.

The worst part of the book has to be the theme. While interesting, it really deminishes the value of the content. I have seen this book on shelves for months and months in local stores; yet, I have not purchased it before now. Since I never took the time to read any reviews on it, I never understood what it actually contained.

The usual CD-ROM is not included in this book, which keeps this Microsoft Press product under the typical $49.99. Thanks to MS Press. :-)

The book was still $35 with taxes. A bit high for a paperback book with big fonts. No thanks to MS Press for that. :-(

Overall, a great read. Even better if you can borrow a friend's copy for free. (No, you can't borrow mine. Buy your own.)

S

     Students of American history may recall learning of the exploits of the men and women who blazed the trails across the Northern America frontier in search of gold and a home they could call their own. Many became well known. Many started their own businesses. Camps, houses, and towns sprang up. Statehood for many was just around the corner. America was growing. Likewise, many Web developers have blazed the early paths of the World Wide Web. Many of them have become successful. The World Wide Web has grown as well!

     Cerise Vablais and Tony Leininger have edited How the Web Was Won to offer Website developers and online business people real life tips, strategies, case studies, and some of the war stories experienced along the Web development trail. Couched in the language of the Wild West, How the Web Was Won provides Website designers and business professionals with the insight they need to best adapt their time, talent, and resources to achieve favorable results in today's fast-growing online world.

     The authors provide a rich blend of Web history, Web design concepts, and business principles creatively woven together to inspire their readers to blaze new trails of successful online business. Readers learn from the past and will be encouraged to forge into new territory themselves. To help them along the book features a corral full of professionals in the fields of Web development, business, communications, marketing, consulting, public relations, multimedia, and computer programming. Their significant contributions throughout the book provide a goldmine of learning opportunities intended to spur further involvement of their readers.

     Highlights from the book includes advice on putting together an effective team of Website designers who know computers, graphics, and marketing strategies. Planning a site is important. Keep up on the latest trends in technology. Know your audience and set your goals before Website construction begins. Know what browser or browsers you are designing for. Keep Website design simple, quick-loading, and accessible to a wide number of online community members. Keep up on business and legal issues as well.

     The World Wide Web presents many challenges to Website designers and business people today. This concise and clearly written book will help them face the issues they need to know about. Learn from the online success stories featured in the book and then saddle-up and start blazing your own trails today. Happy Web trails to you!

Here is a collection of about thirty full-page cartoons. Each cartoon has a title: La Vie, L'Amitie, Le Cerveau, etc. The drawings are reminiscent of the French media (Paris Match?). Please examine the cover photo that AMAZON offers: it shows a good sample of these pictures.

The book uses a two-page format. The left page has the cartoon; the right page has three "helps" for the student.

1. Understanding the Text: a simple vocabulary list of the words.

2. Key Structures: translates "hard" expressions. Eg.: Ce que tu es bete! You sure can be dumb!

3. A supplemental word/expression list related to the cartoon's theme. These words/expressions are not actually in the text.

At the end of the book, there is a helpful glossary and a perfectly usless chart of fifty verbs.

CHEERS: Cartoons will add variety to your studies. Some of the drawings are funny: most are not. The vocabulary is a challenge to intermediate/advanced students. "Real life" conversational expressions are often used: (eg. "des tas de" and "flics").

JEERS: The cartoons could be a lot funnier! There is no pronunciation guide. A table of phonetic symbols is presented on page 7, but it's never used elsewhere in the book. Warning: there's nothing to inform students that such constructions as "Tu es" would normally be pronounced "Tay". (It's often written as "T'es", but this book sticks with "Tu es".)

BOTTOM LINE: This book is a pretty good value for the money. It offers a chance to read some colloquial expressions normally encountered in the movies rather than in print. Not as much fun as it could be, though.

I cant say enough about this book. It has helped me so much in building a french vocabulary. However my only advice is, that this is definitely not for a beginner, but for someone who has had years of instructions and is frustrated and wants to learn the spoken words. Teachers might hate this book, but I love it.

I learned at High School that Math was a matter of practice, practice and practice. This book presents a great methodology to develop this rusty skills, and put them to work again. I highly recommend you this book, if you are consistant and determine to work toward all the excercises.

I was probably the worst math student in my Class ( I never used to pass), but today after a long bitter dedicated struggle now i am working as a financial analyst by completing a masters in Financial Engineering. And this is where it all began, with this book and i still remember when i started out i had a lot of fear, just to start out this book.
After I finished this i was ready to move on to algebra, Geometry ,Trignometry & Calculus with Peter Selby.Then I did it all and now i realise it was not me who was a math idiot but it was the teachers who should be shot dead for installing a huge math fear in me and i swore i'll never ever learn anything in the classroom anymore.

I just bought this book to brush up on math skills for my new job. I love the step by step lessons, and all the practice. I really improved when I took the test at the end of the book. I think anyone who needs help with math should get this book!