5 comments about Workbench Silencers: The Art Of Improvised Designs (Silencers).

1. I found this "How To" book while researching shop tools to purchase on Amazon. Hey morons, this stuff is ILLEGAL!
   I hope the FBI / CIA and every government agency in the USA and elsewhere is keeping tabs on the purchasers and authors of this crap. Keep sending in those cards and letters so those of us with an ounce of sanity can keep track of you.
   Something I am sure the author forgot to mention: "Please stare directly into the barrel when testing these products".



2. Ignore the people who say it is illegal or this books is useless. They know not what they say and have likely never even made or owned a suppressor.
   
   For the money, this is a great basic book on suppressors.
   
   The nay sayers have no idea of the BATF NFA Title II process that legally allows one to make a suppressor using a Form 1 (5320.1) (see www.atf.gov and click on forms then guns for form 1). You need to make sure your state and possibly county/city will allow you to make or possess a suppressor. MOST states allow suppressor ownership!
   
   This book gives one a great starting point to understand how a suppressor works. It is not meant as a do-all / know-all. For that, buy some of the others authors well written books. It is easy reading and gives a person the basic knowledge of how they work.
   
   Various websites provide information on how to buy or sell suppressors. Use Google to look around for sites, such as www.subguns.com.



3. It's a decent starting reference for those wanting to delve into 22 cal. silencer experimenting. Good pictures and lots of details on how to make examples in book.



4. This book might make you think you can manufacture a suppressor with your pocket change, and you can, but you'll probably end up wounded, maimed, jailed, or dead. The pressures created by modern firearms requires fairly precise engineering to build a safe, functional suppressor. Other requirements such as accuracy, securing the suppressor to the weapon, maintainence etc, require the same level of engineering effort. But this book does have a purpose, it serves as a perfect example of how not to manufacture a suppressor, AND, to bring those out of the woodwork who think we should not be allowed to exercise our First Amendments Rights. Case in point is the reviewer who thinks the law should keep tabs on those who purchase books of this topic and then come get us. But if you are new to this topic the book is useful as a way to learn how to identify unsafe features of home made suppressors. And remember, many people in the emergency room (and many serving a sentence) got there with this famous phrase, "Hey, check this out!".



5. This book does a tremendous job of de-mystifying firearms and muzzle blast.
   
   It is interesting to read and should never be called "amusing" or fun to read since the author diligently researched the topic.
   
   The book describes how to use 12 ounce soda cans, plumbing tools such as clog busters and how to thread them to common weapons such as a Ruger Mk 22, Colt .45 and Norinco SKS including how to fit attachments to the barrels using simple plumbing fittings.
   
   The author apologizes immediately in the forward section with the disclaimer he never made any of the devices depicted in the book since doing so is a major crime and the man can't admit to that in writing !!!
   
   Regardless of whether or not it is illegal or what makes it illegal in different jurisdictions, this is an interesting book.

2 comments about The Smart Approach to Country Decorating (Smart Approach).

1. I have owned this book for years, and I continue to hang on to it. It's a fabulous book, well written, with absolutely gorgeous photography of a range of country home interiors. I keep coming back to this book because of the amazing photography. There are photos in here that really stir my imagination and get my creative juices flowing. I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed if you love to look at wonderful photographs of wonderfully designed and decotrated country homes and interiors.



2. This is a beautifully illustrated book and is almost like a textbook for country decorating. I found it very helpful and would gladly recommend it to anyone considering country decorating or anyone who is involved in country decorating but who wants some new ideas. A great book for your library.

5 comments about Professional Painted Finishes: A Guide to the Art and Business of Decorative Painting (Whitney Library of Design).

1. I liked this book because it contained great illustrations and it also had helpful information about the business side of faux finishing. The text is compact, so each page contains alot of data.



2. I bought this book more than ten years ago, I have an almost complete collection of books on painted finished, especially of wood and marble. The "Professional Painted Finishes" is absolutely the best I have, it is oozing QUALITY throughout. It is not for beginners but is The reference to return to again and again. It is also lovely just to browse through.



3. I was looking forward to this book but was rather disappointed due to the extensive written instructions but the rather sketchy illustrative photos.



4. If you can't decide what to do to that plain ole drab wall look through this book!! Shows step by step exciting and new techniques that maybe one wouldn't' have thought of ((or have the nerve to do)). If you get get stuck in what to do, just flip through and it will get your " creative juices" flowing!!



5. This was one of the 1st books that inspired me in faux. It is a must have in any faux finish library.
   
   
   We used some of these clasic techniques and principles in the famous faux house captured in the hot new book "The House that Faux Built: Transform Your Home with Paint, Plasters and Creativity" The House That Faux Built

5 comments about Pottery Barn Living Rooms (Pottery Barn Design Library).

1. I think Pottery Barn livingrooms gives clear, memorable design ideas that all point to achieving a sense of calm in your nest. Beyond that they show you how to mix textures, periods and shapes to make your space interesting. And maybe best of all they give us rooms that are nicely edited so that every special detail, or object's qualities can be appreciated. It's a very good guide to good taste.



2. I have read/used three of the Pottery Barn books listed in order of my opinion of them: Baths, Living Rooms, and Bedrooms. Baths was very good, with beautiful photographs, interesting and innovative ideas, and some useful design advice. Most of the book provided a several page showcase for an individual bath with discussion of what made it special.
   
   Living rooms was OK. It's content was more canned, but it still had some inspiration and enough ideas that were useful that although I would not put it amongst the best such books, it was worth an hour or two to browse.
   
   Bedrooms hit the bottom of the list for me. The content seemed especially canned. The ideas were not fully developed and most of them appeared to me more appropriate to someone's first apartment than an established home (so it just needs the right audience?). Lot's of the pictures involved just using eclectic pieces and did not involve actually developing a decorative theme.



3. GREAT book and great series (all the Pottery Barn Design Library books)! I have an interior design background, and this series is the best I've ever read --- great design and storage ideas that are easy to do and the ideas are multi-faceted, so you could use in another room, etc.



4. I really have enjoyed this book. Though I have not found every page useful, there are enough ideas to make it worth the purchase. The chapters cover many important design aspects in a living room: your style, space, color, texture, furnishings, lighting, windows, storage, accessories and display. Be aware that it is naturally focused to the Pottery Barn style of decorating - which can be somewhat generic. But there are enough inspirational ideas that you can interpret and make them work for you whether you shop at Pottery Barn or not.



5. I am rather insecure when it comes to interior design, yet I have the desire to have a beautiful home on a budget. This book helped me not only identify a color palate for my living room, but gave me ideas to easily change the look for the change of seasons. It helped my husband and I create our own casual, yet polished look that we are proud to call home!

5 comments about How To Make A Silencer For A .22.

1. As this book is only supplied for academic purposes you would think that it would actually be written well and include information that would be useful for academic purposes revolving around silencers, unfortunately it supply's nothing of the sort.

   The information contained is inaccurate to the point of being absurd.

   Look elsewhere for academic study material on this topic.




2. When I saw this book (decades ago) in a friend's collection, I was inspired to make my own silencer.
   
   There are 2 components to sound coming from a gun:
   1) The muzzle blast
   2) The sound of the bullet traveling at super-sonic speeds as it breaks the sound barrier!!!
   
   A 22LR shell exits the muzzle at over 1300 feet per second. Do the math! That translates to 886 Miles Per Hour - well over the sonic barrier (500 to 700 MPH depending on altitude and barometric pressure).
   
   You can suppress the blast, but when you do, you still hear the crack as the bullet breaks the sound barrier.
   
   A few other cartridges that are super-sonic are: 9MM, Super 38, .357, .41Mag and .44 Mag. So how do you totally eliminate any tell-tale sound? Use a lower velocity cartridge.
   
   As a rule of thumb, don't use a revolver; you should use an automatic pistol. The ideal pistol: .380 AUTO.
   
   One other thing to consider. Silencers are illegal. If you are caught you could be shot or embark on an extended vacation at Club Fed.



3. speeds. In a .22 rifle, you can use special subsonic ammo. Consider that the author of these 3 "how-to" silencer books wrote them while he was actually serving Federal prison time for making silencers. They were typed on manual typewriters, while looking over his shoulder for snitches and guards. So the somewhat less-polished language and drawings are forgivable.



4. I am tired of reading all of those reviews who say silencers are illegal, they are NOT! You can get a permit for one (which is expensive and takes a couple months, and you must be photographed and fingerprinted) But you can do it. However, there are 16 states in which you cannot get a permit. those states are CA, IA, KS, MA, MO, and MI. If you live in one of those states and you want a silencer, MOVE! By the way, this is interesting... It is legal to own an M82A1 in every state EXCEPT california, where it is also illegal to own a silencer as stated in above list. I guess most liberals are against guns. Too bad for California residents who like guns.
   Anyway, the book serves its purpose well, and as long as you live in AL, AR, AK, AZ, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IN, KY, LA, ME, MD, MS, MT, NE, ND, NV, NH, NM, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, or WY, then GET YOUR PERMIT and make a silencer. Or buy one if you are lazy.



5. I found that this book and directions were completely mumble Jumble. If any one can make a workable silencer from these directions he must be the smartest person in the world or it was a fluke.

5 comments about Altar Your Space: A Guide to the Restorative Home.

1. This book makes a wonderful gift. It is meant to be looked at and referred to for specific instruction as well as inspiration. I've given a number as "house" and "wedding" gifts and keep it out in my home for my own enjoyment -- great to page through after a tough day.
   This is a book that will serve many purposes for many years.



2. ALTAR YOUR SPACE is a must have book! It appeals to all of your senses with its' inspiration of color, insight and possibility. I have applied the concepts the author conveys in my home; not only do I feel a sense of peace but everyone who visits feels somthing similar. This book is beautifully written and the photos are candy for the eyes. Treat your senses then give the gift of this masterpiece to someone who appreciates life.



3. This book captured my attention with the title and cover, but it held me from the intro right on through with the deep thought that obviously went into writing it. It hit me with its deep insight into how important to our well being, our consciousness, and our lives are impacted by our Sacred Space. It not only portrayed that visually but in the body of the work through metaphor, thought provoking ideas, and real life examples, shared in a spiritual voice. I love this book and I have already gotten it for two family members and a half dozen friends. Good job on taking what I would normally consider a coffee table book and giving it some substance.



4. I discovered this book at a book store in SF and while I did not think I was looking help at home the richness of the photographs and colors drew me into this book. Almost 30 minutes later, I had to purchase this book. One of those photography books in which the brilliant images bring you in but the sage and engaging writing style had me stay awake all night feeling as if this writer had opened my head and extracted everything I had ever felt but by no means could articulate or even know that I thought these things. I loved this book and with some simple changes, trials and efforts around my house, I look at my home much differently and more importantly, I feel different at home. Its promise to help me make my home feel more restorative was delivered. When I arrive home each night, it is like I have arrived at a perfect oasis. I highly recommend it.



5. The purpose of interior design is to ensure that the residents of a dwelling, be it a home, an office, or an apartment, live and work in as amenable, pleasant, personalized, and positive environment as possible. As a respite or sanctuary from the stresses and demands of the world at large, personal living spaces should be as good for the soul and spirit as they are for the body. Jagatjoti Singh Khalsa founded the Tara Home in Venice, California, for the purpose of specializing in sacred home furnishings and antiquities drawn from or inspired by the world's most spiritually rich locations. The result is "Altar Your Space: A Guide to The Restorative Home", a unique interior design guide focusing on the decor of a living space in meeting the personal and spiritual needs of its residents. Beautifully illustrated throughout, enhanced with informed and informative essays, and replete with real-life examples, "Altar Your Space" shows how to infuse a sacred quality into a living space with simple furnishings ranging from hand-cared wooden chairs, to stone statues, to silk pillows, to translucent curtain, and thereby crafting a kind of sacred place where form and function come together to create ideal metaphysically supportive living conditions with respect to virtually every room in a home. "Altar Your Space" is a very special and highly recommended addition to personal, professional, and community library Interior Design reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

5 comments about How to Plan, Contract and Build Your Own Home.

1. I bought the book with the intention of using it as a guide as I built my new home. I found it more of a research guide to use in the process of preparing to build or purchase a new home. The "how to" portion is absolutely not there. It is a good book and well worth the money, but not what I was looking for. I was looking for something to "knock the cobwebs off my brain", since it has been over 20 years since I was involved in home construction in my late teens. I just bought another book on line, "How to design, build, remodel and maintain your home", hopefully this will meet my needs.



2. This book is very helpful for you to work with and speak the language of your contractor. It is not designed for you to be your own contractor, but to work with one that you select. In Part II "How to Build It", the book shows how a house is put together. If you never lift a hammer throughout the entire construction process, it still pays to know how a house can and should be put together. The difference between mediocre and excellent construction involves a ridiculously small materials cost. Knowing construction methods and materials will also assist you in your dealings with whichever contractor you choose.



3. We bought a house to be built, but had no experience or background in construction. This book was a tremendous help in getting us up to speed and it allowed us to be conversant, and more importantly watchful, of the developer and contractor. I was able to intelligently review plans and specs after reading through this book. It did not make me an expert, but I am light years ahead of where I was before I picked it up. Essential for anyone planning to build or buying new construction that is yet to be built/completed. Highly recommended.



4. I have a slight problem with the title of this book. Will it enable you to build your own home? Yes, if by build your own home you mean hiring carpenters, plumbers, electricians and the like. But no if you mean grabbing a hammer, pipe wrench and a roll of wire.
   
   This book is a general introduction to the concept of building a house. Here's what to think of when you are planning a house. Here are some of the basic concepts of plumbing. Think about wiring like this. It's a general introduction to nearly every aspect of building a house from footers to roofing.
   
   Could you use this book to act as your own contractor. Probably if you study it really carefully, have some experience yourself or someone you trust to spend a lot of time talking to you.
   
   The orientation of the book is for you to really get a contractor. But by reading the book, you know a lot more than most people, you'll save a lot of time, and you'll understand the jargon that they use to describe parts of the house.



5. This book gives excellent strategic advice. It is not a tactical manual on how to build a house with your own hands, but rather informs a buyer on how to get the job done and which decisions are critical (e.g. site selection, architecture design selection, and builder selection). If you want to learn how to install drywall, then this is not the book for you. If you want to get a general idea of how it is done, but want to learn more about specifications from an owner's perspective, then this is the book for you. Some of the best advice in the book is really in the chapters on builders (how to select them, and how to work with them). This 'soft sceince' is the critical knowledge that I needed to build my own home that I would not have obtained otherwise. The sample specifications list using a HUD form proved to be invaluable to me. I didn't need an architect after that.

4 comments about A Parent's Guide to Building Resilience in Children and Teens: Giving Your Child Roots and Wings (American Academy of Pediatrics).

1. As a single parent of a fourteen year-old daughter and a seventeen year-old son, I see the tremendous stress that my children and their friends struggle with on a daily basis. They are striving to be strong and independent while trying to balance the pressure to get good grades, deal with peer pressure and friends who are exploring risky behaviors, handle family tensions, and just figuring out to grow up to be the adults they want to be. This MUST HAVE book for all parents provides a realistic and easily understandable method of reconnecting with our teens, and gives us the tools we need to teach them not only how to handle the stresses they face now, but how to grow into resilient adults who will be prepared to face the challenges ahead. In fact, so much of the advice in this book is about raising children of any age to become strong and resilient, that I wish that I had read this book 10 years ago, although as a parent of teens I am finding it incredibly helpful in our everyday lives right now. This book also includes a special section at the end - one for pre-teens and one for teens that they can read themselves, and worksheets they can use to build their own stress reduction plan. My kids actually read this section, and described it as "cool", but I like it because it reinforces the strategies modeled in the book. If you buy only one book on parenting -- BUY THIS BOOK!



2. As an physician who takes care of adolescents exclusively, I am grateful for the resource that this book provides both to me and to my patients' families. Ginsburg's approach to understanding children and teens is fresh, realistic, and honest. He teaches how to understand kids and how to communicate effectively with them. He offers guidance on how to help children to help themselves, which is ultimately the skill they need to be well-adjusted, successful adults. Whether you are a parent or a professional, the insight provided by Dr. Ginsburg will change how you approach young people in positive, constructive ways. I keep copies in all of my exam rooms and in my waiting room, and I recommend it strongly to all my patients' parents. For my friends and colleagues, it makes an original and much appreciated gift!



3. I have read Dr. Ginsburg's book "Building Resilience in Children and Teens" cover to cover and still refer to it constantly. He has a way of writing that gives us (parents) a sense of confidence in what we are doing right and elaborates on concrete ways to do it better. This book has completely changed the way my teen and I communicate. I now find myself in a better position to relate to my teen's point of view, and am able to talk with her in a way that she will relate to. I think many parents feel that the teen years are a time to clamp down on kids in order to keep them from problem behaviors. Dr. Ginsburg's book has shown me how to handle letting teens make their own mistakes while guiding them in the right direction. It is so very hard to watch your child mess up, but when you see how essential that mess is to their development, it becomes a little easier to watch and learn instead of worry and lecture. I have learned these years are a time to listen and support instead of trying to mold our kids into who we think they should be. This realization has opened new lines of communication, which is the foundation for everything to come. This book is the best 15 bucks (or less) you will ever spend!



4. There are many times as parents that we all feel a little lost raising our children. We question (or don't question enough) everything we do and say. This book is powerful! Every sentence, phrase, word in this book has a strong meaning. It gives you new ways of looking at the experiences that both you and your child are having from birth through adolescence. Our kids have so much pressure on them today. Helping them to build their resilience and manage stress is imperative. There is even a section just for kids which explains stress and gives real tools that they can use.
   
   A wonderful book, a must to read!

No comments about The Nature & Art of Workmanship.

5 comments about Shell Chic: The Ultimate Guide to Decorating Your Home With Seashells.

1. Whether you craft or only crave shells, this book will do it for you. This book provides inspiration whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or merely an admirer of shelled creations. The range is from the extraordinary to the amusing to the out of this world.



2. usuful hints but not possible for me.who lives in Iceland and our shells are not so exotic.Still I try to buy some,when I am abroud. I got lots og useful hints from and ideas his beautiful, which is really sweet for the eyes elvasigvalda@hotmail.com



3. I saw this book at my aunt's house and from the time I started flipping through the pages, I knew I had to buy this one. There are the most beautiful shell flower projects with easy to follow instructions that I have come across to date. The color photos are spectacular and provide so many ideas for what to do with the buckets of shells that some of us have collected! I have already purchased my floral wire and plan on doing some group projects out of this book with family and friends.
   
   Joni Chew



4. thisbook is pearl for every shell lovers .There are a lot of projects i cannot wait to do .It got me so excited .As well i had already a lot of ideas and this book make them possible.the bathtub is the best >
   truly BOOK TO GET .The pictures are amazing



5. This is a book written by a professional with a passion for shells and design. I loved it... read it cover to cover, and studied each photo. Great attention to detail throughout this book.
   
   There is a great deal of content here. Why not 5 stars? I would have preferred more how-to information and technique.. like maybe 5 more pages worth. I think it was in the scope of the book, but they chose to leave it out... so for that you must look elsewhere.
   
   Be warned... if you are looking for googly eyed shell animal kinda shell craft, you won't find it here, and may be disappointed.