construction Books

The book came in the mail quickly and is very good. I plan to use it. Thank you.

I have many of the Stanley complete books, and they are excellent. They provide a wealth of pictures and info for big and small projects. I highly recommend the electrical and plumbing one too!

I have done ceramic tiling in our home off and on for forty years. Bathrooms, kitchen backsplash, Shower stalls, etc. but I am about to cover 300 sq. ft. of floor with 14 inch square tile which is quite different from my other projects. I needed a book to boost my skills in this area and after looking at several, I felt that the Stanley book offered the most detailed practical help with a plethora of photos. On receiving and reading it I was not dissapointed. I recomment this book to beginners and semi-skilled DYIs like me. It offers the basics and some very useful tips.

Just about anything and everything you ever wanted or needed to know about upholstery is in this book. Photographs and descriptions of professional tools,

The book starts by teaching about style through the ages with the help of period drawings and paintings... then a walk through materials and techniques. Even a list of addresses of suppliers of professional upholstery supplies is provided. This is an essential reference for anyone thinking about upholstering anything.

I agree entirely with the reviews of this admirable book. But the buyer should be aware that it's an English publication and all the sources for supplies etc are British. As one who is having a tough time finding American suppliers of materials suitable for antiques who are willing to sell retail, I'm finding that's a fairly big gap.

I teach traditional upholstery restoration in NYC and always recommend to my students that they have this book as a resource. It is a wonderful reference -- very clear and concise -- with detailed illustrations. Thank goodness it is still in print, as traditional upholstery done with horse hair and hand stitching is rapidly losing its existence to a world of foam-based furniture constructed with glue and staples.

It is interesting that the so called 'Atomic' clocks you can buy in supermarkets or WalMart/Target are more accurate than anything you could have gotten only a few years ago and for a very little money. But when it comes to computers, they tend to use very inexpensive clocks and on a network there is normally no effort made to synchronize the individual machines.

'This book,' to quote the opening sentence. 'is all about wrangling a herd of network computers so that all display the correct time.' It is specifically is about the Network Time Protocol (NTP), a twenty year old standard that is now well defined, robust, and heavily used. Heavily used means some 25 million clients getting the time from the National Institute for Science and Technology (NIST). A properly set up network can have all participating computers synchronized to less than a millisecond with a time check every fifteen minutes or so.

This book is the Bible of the subject. It is suitable for a network administrator, or if you want to go deeper into the subject it contains enough information to take you just as far as you want to go.

You might miss it if you don't read it carefully, but Dr. Mills is the original developer of NTP. He can take you down into the mathematics of the algorithms in one chapter, and write casually like he does in the opening sentence.

For most people, having their clocks accurate to within a few millionths of a second is excessive. Yet there are plenty of reasons to ensure that clocks on networks and production systems are that accurate. In fact, the need for synchronized time is a practical business and technology decision that is an integral part of an effective network and security architecture. The reality is that an organizations network and security infrastructure is highly dependent on accurate, synchronized time.

From a practical perspective, nearly every activity requires synchronized time to operate at peak levels, from plane departures and sporting events, to industrial processes, IP telephony, GPS and much more. Within information technology, technologies from directory services, collaboration, to authentication, SIM and VoIP all require accurate and synchronized time to work effectively.

Computer Network Time Synchronization: The Network Time Protocol is a valuable book for those that are serious about network time synchronization. David Mills, the author of the book, is one of the pillars of the network time synchronization community, and an original developer of the IETF-based network time protocol (NTP). The book is the summation of his decades of experience and a detailed look at how to use NTP to achieve highly accurate time on your network.

While network time synchronization is indeed crucial to corporate networks, this is only the second book on the topic. Last year saw Expert Network Time Protocol: An Experience in Time with NTP, which is a most capable title. But this book is clearly the indisputable reference on the subject, given its extraordinary depth and breadth. While Expert Network Time Protocol gets into the metaphysics of time, Mills's book takes a much more rationalist and pragmatic approach, which explains the myriad mathematical equations.

Mills is an electrical engineer by training and a significant part of the books 15 chapters involve advanced mathematics. But even for those who can't manage such equations, there is enough relevant material to make the book most rewarding.

Chapters 1 and 2 provide an excellent overview of the basics of network timekeeping and an overview of how NTP works. We often take for granted that network computers have the capabilities to set their internal clock. But while the capabilities are there, the reality is that these clocks are rarely accurate and subjected to many externalities that affect their ability to provide accurate time. The book shows how highly accurate time is easily achievable; often without the need for additional hardware. The goal of book is to show the reader how they can use NTP to synchronize the time on their network hosts to within a few milliseconds.

Chapters 3 - 11 detail the internals of NTP and time synchronization. Topics such as clock discipline algorithms, clock drivers and more are detailed. For many readers, the information may be overkill, but remember that this is not a For Dummies book.

Chapters 13 - 15 ease up on the abstract mathematics and are much more readable to newbie to the world of time synchronization. Chapter 13 is quite readable and details the metrology and chronometry of how NTP measures time as opposed to other time scales.

One of the key differences is the notion of absolute vs. relative time. Relative or astronomic time is based on the earth's rotation. Since the earth's rotation is not absolute, leap seconds are added to keep UTC (Universal Coordinated Time) synchronized with the astronomical timescale.

So what exactly is this legendary thing called the second? In 1967, the 13th General Conference on Weights and Measures defined the International System unit of time, the second, in terms of atomic time rather than the motion of the Earth. Specifically, a second was defined as the duration of 9,192,631,770 cycles of microwave light absorbed or emitted by the hyperfine transition of cesium-133 atoms in their ground state undisturbed by external fields.

Since the 17th century, time has for the most part been measured astronomically via the solar day. But in the 1940s, it was established that the earth's rotation is not constant, as the earth is spinning slower than it did years ago.

Part of what NTP provides is coordination to UTC. UTC provides operating systems and applications with a common index to synchronize events and prove that events happened when timestamps state they did. UTC is a 24-hour clock system and that any given moment, UTC is the same no matter where you are located.

For the purist, UTC really stands for Coordinated Universal Time, but both terms are used. Mills somewhat humorously notes that we follow the politically correct convention of expressing international terms in English, and their abbreviations in French.

Chapter 15 concludes the book with a fascinating look at the technical history of NTP. As of mid-2006, NTP has been in use for over 25 years and remains one of the longest, if not longest running, continuously operating application protocols in use on the Internet. Currently in version 4.2.1, NTP is a well-developed, stable protocol.

For those that are simply interested in how time synchronization works, or are responsible for time synchronization in their organization, Computer Network Time Synchronization: The Network Time Protocol is the most comprehensive guide available to using NTP.

For those that need an exhaustive tome on all of the minutiae related to NTP and synchronization, this is the source. Short of a vendor and product analysis, the book covers every detail within NTP and is the definitive title on the subject.

Two new books on the subject in a year demonstrate the importance of time synchronization. While this is not likely indicative of a flood of new books on time synchronization, this book should be considered the last word on the topic.

This is the Bible of NTP. Having administered NTP for several years I am pleased to see this work has been completed and published. It is a valuable reference. Setting up NTP is a very simple task but to understand the nuts of bolts of NTP requires patients and devotion to the subject matter and this text greatly aids in that process. The book is also very lightweight which is nice because it doesn't weigh down my backpack and I can take it wherever I go. Long story short if you administer NTP this book is must.

I'm sure most people know this, but Angelo is on HGTV's new series 24 Hour Design... I LOVE THIS NEW SHOW... it really shows what this guy can do (and in a day even) - simply amazing! You'll see some of his great designs in this book... but if you want to see the full impact of who he is, check out the new show! Did I say I LOVE IT???!!!!!

This is a great recap to the show, and diehard fans will immediately notice that most of the book (even the cover and inside cover) are from the show's top designer - Angelo Surmelis. He's done an amazing job with designing the spaces as well as the organizational design elements (not to mention the furniture he designed). Each room is unique and offers readers a great guide to getting rid of clutter, while giving practical ways to redesign their space. Angelo truly is the "King of Color." Rock on!

I'd never seen the TV show, so the first part of the book (Meet the Team) wasn't useful for me, but will appeal to fans.
The rest of the book gets down to business; helping you assess your situation, start the sorting, how to hold a yard sale to get rid of excess, and making your closets and living space more useful.
There are "before" and "after" sections for bedroom, playroom, office, living room, garage and rec room.
Special attention is given to "Mess Magnets" which includes closets, clothes, scrapbooking and crafts, books/bookshelves, bills/filing cabinets, toys, mail, shoes, DVD/CD/Videos, memorabilia/photos, and miscellaneous supplies. If you are reading this review, I assume you have issues in one of those areas (or all of them).
The final chapter gives layout tools (furniture templates and grid paper).
I did find the boxed text in different colors and fonts a little distracting, but not enough to knock off a star. A bit gimmicky, but may be eye catching enough for someone with a short attention span (which many of us clutterers have). There are lots of color photos showing the transformed rooms. I did wonder why they included directions for making a monogrammed pillow. That hardly seems like an aid to fight clutter.

An unfortunate tendency of American constitutional scholarship is to focus on constitutional meaning as expressed by the courts. Whittington argues that this ignores the numerous ways in which political usage and traditions have shaped constitutional meanings, both great and small, in areas that are incapable of judicial elaboration. Whittington calls this process "constitutional construction"; a construction is the constitutional meaning resulting from a political clash. For those familiar with British constitutionalism, this will be familiar because it is similar to the British idea of a constitutional convention.

Whittington examines the constructions that emerged from pivotal political battles. He shows how these political clashes elucidated meaning in issues such as impeachment, judicial independence, and separation of powers, among others. The mixture of history and constitutional theory is similar to that of Ackerman's We The People, but where Ackerman focuses on so-called "constitutional moments" and their results, Whittington examines normal politics and demonstrates how these periods also produce meaningful constitutional understandings. In fact, the meaning elucidated in normal politics may be more important because of the number of them. Anyone interested in history and constitutional politics will find this work intellectually fulfilling.

Whittington's argument is phenomenal: there is more to Constitutional theory than words or ideas surrounding its creation. There are a multiplicity of actors and institutions that interpret it according to their vantage.

Looking at crises in American history, Whittington realizes there is more than the Constitution that its words. "High crimes and misdemeanors" mean different things to different people in different situations. The Constitution as a compact among people or among states also gives rise to radically different interpretations of the delegated powers of government. By examining eras that streched the rule of American law to the breaking point, the impeachment of Samuel Chase, the Nixon impeachment, nullification, and others, Whittington takes a full view of Constitutionalism for what it is: an evolving philosophy shaped by more than the Framers and Courts. It is shaped by the Executive, the Legislature, and the will of the people.

It is a constantly evolving document whose meaning is defined according to those who interpret it. A great piece of writing, written very well weaving the story of America with the evolution of Constitutionalism. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a full understanding of American government.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book from cover to cover. It all started with the forward and biography and moved quickly with the rest of the reading. Mr. Whittington's ideas and theories concerning the Constitution were well laid out and easy to understand. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a better understanding of the Constitution.

This is a good book on law related to Construction Law and is well worth the money. I also like the hard cover. There is no "Construction Law" per se, but is Contract Law applied in Construction field, supported by cases, customs specific to construction. It is a good reference book.

All you need to know about Construction Contract Law. Should be used as a textbook at more universities.

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We got this book out of the library at the suggestion of another mom, and our son (now 17 months) loves it so much that I'm ordering a copy from amazon. He loves trucks, and the concept of counting is interesting to him. He always requests repeat reads of this one.

This charming and rhyming book has many virtues for pre-readers. The final spread can be used as a matching activity with all the other illustrations in the book, reinforcing the attention to detail that children must acquire to be successful readers. The first nine lines of the poem all contain an "-ing" verb, something pre-readers can be taught to look for and pick out. Beyond all this, there are lots of boys for whom there can never be too many trucks, or too many truck books. Add this one to your collection today.

We got this book when my son was 3, but I wish we would've known about it sooner. He was able to count to 10 before we owned this book, but nothing ever got him as excited about counting as this book. This book is quite the counting inspiration if you have a little one who loves construction. He loves the different machines on each page and is thrilled to count them. I just wish I could find its sequel that would count to 20.

When I'm not playing bass with my band Incubus, or running wild in New Jersey with my buddy Billy Morris, or shaving off one of Sam Rubin's eyebrows, you will usually find me reading this fine collection of timeless poems. I buy this book by the case and give it to all of my business associates at Christmas. I recommend you do the same. I also recommend that you join me and Sister Hazel on their cruise leaving from the port of Jacksonville next year. Be sure to arrive a day early so you can enjoy the festivities at Jacksonville Landing. Don't forget to book your room at the Hyatt. Ask for Ms. Waldrop. She will give you a special promotional rate.

This really hit home in a lot of ways. Anyone who has ever worked in construction will treasure this comedy. Great gift idea for those who are in the "construction" family. My Dad and uncles loved this for Christmas

This has to be one of the funniest books I have read in a very long time! I am not big on poetry, however, this one is destined to be passed down from one generation to another as a timeless classic. From the "Plumber's Crack" to the errant ways of the careless crane operator, you will be in stitches!!! I would HIGHLY recommend this book for one and all!

I agree fully : an excellent and complete book

A must read for any Blasting engineer. Gives a good base to start any vibration or airblast blasting work, investigations. A lot of empirical equations, which the reader should understand the background prior to using, as some are not the conventional methods. Very well written and very good reference.

Besides covering several different activities related to the mining (Ex: blasting) and construction (Ex: Pile driving) industries this easy to read book enables the reader, even the not highly experienced professionals of the area, to fully understand the theoretical principles that rule the practical aspects of the recommendations found in it. This book is one of the best available sources of knowledgement for controlling vibrations and protect structures and people standing in the surrounding area of a blasting or a construction site from its harmful effects.

I took a piano class in college and this was the text that was used. I really enjoyed it because it isn't archaic like many piano books look, teach, and feel. I recently got back into piano and purchased this to help me get back into the swing of things. It's very detailed, has a wide selection, and most of all, it teaches from one lesson to the next in a slow manner so you don't get overwhelmed too quickly. Definitely worth the money if you want to get into piano!

My book came in under a week, brand new, and for less than anywhere else.

If you are starting or wanting to start playing the piano, then this book is it. Its really easy and fun to use. Step by step of examples throughout. Most professors at City College of San Francisco use it and recommend it. I have ganed lots of piano experince using it.