4 comments about 125 Brain Games for Toddlers and Twos: Simple Games to Promote Early Brain Development (125 Brain Games).

1. This book, written for parents of children ages 12 months to 36 months is packed with fun, simple, creative, and educational games to enhance and promote your child's brain development at this monumental time. Author, Jackie Silberg does a superb job of offering parents an interactive approach to helping their child activate synapses in the child's brain. After reading this book, you'll be pleased to see that as a parent you and your child are probably already willing participants playing many of these games and activities, but after reading the crucial brain research that backs up the importance of these games, you will feel even better. Ms. Silberg provides facts and evidence that clearly indicate spending time with your child at this very young age nurturing, playing, learning, and bonding together will lay the groundwork for a lifetime of learning and positive experiences.

   Readers can easily flip through this step by step manual to sections of brain based learning games targeted to the child's age range and development. Since a child's brain development is explosive at this tender age, parents and caregivers must do all they can to foster a love of learning. These activities will stimulate your child's brain development by creating important neural connections for future learning, develop thinking abilities, language skills, fine and gross motor skills, and problem solving abilities. During this amazing brain growth, your child will be learning, creating, experiencing, and the two of you will be growing closer together. Utilizing the five senses, you are sure to find new and exciting mind games to delight and entertain you and your little one. My child and I have had tons of fun and giggles playing these games and you can adapt them anyway you wish. This book would be a great gift for a parent or caregiver.




2. This book really comes in handy when you are in between activities. It fills in small amounts of time really well. I just wish I had bought it sooner!



3. Very redundant...any normal parent would already do these things. Not worth the money. =(



4. cute book, well done, good information, but the activities aren't always stuff that people will actually do, just ok in that department.

5 comments about Bohemian Modern: Living in Silver Lake.

1. As a journalist and Silver Lake resident, I found this book very informative. I have driven or walked by many of the homes featured in the book, and it is fascinating to learn about the people who live in them.



2. Beautifully illustrated and informative exploration of the design and architecture of America's most unique and unheralded artist community. The author seems a bit eager to anoint herself the leader of the BOMO movement, taking great pains to establish her legacy as its central figure. At times this leaves the book feeling like an overpriced brochure for the Barbara Bestor Studio, however, there is enough content to make it a worthwhile read, particularly for those familiar with the area.



3. The L.A. neighborhood called Silver Lake is home to a large number of iconic Modern-era houses, with many created by the West Coast's masters of the period. In recent decades, as "mid-century modern" has found new admiration, a new generation of architects has been called on to add to the already rich Silver Lake Modern storyline. Thus, today, perhaps more than any other neighborhood in the U.S., Silver Lake---a neighborhood with distinct, widely acknowledged geographic boundaries---is a mecca for Modern. What's more, there's actually enough extant iconic Modern houses in Silver Lake to merit a book-length treatment. After all, many of these daring examples of design have fascinating stories.
   Sadly (and frustratingly), Bestor's book, despite its title, isn't about Modern residential architecture in Silver Lake. While it does consider a small portion of Modern houses there, including important houses by Neutra, Schindler, and Lautner, it spends much more time looking outside of Silver Lake (Echo Park, Elysian Park, Atwater), in places that have their own distinct identities and architectural histories. Almost immediately, the reader is forced to ask, "What happened to Silver Lake?"
   Just when one recluctantly accepts this fact in an effort to move on to experience the other houses she's selected, Bestor abruptly ends the house tour and devotes the balance of the book to her favorite restaurants and other businesses, complete with photos of the owners, recipes, and flat-footed self-promo quotes from the managers and other employees of these establishments. Few of these businesses, it must be noted, are contained in Modern buildings. Why are they in a book about Modern in Silver Lake? Page after page, it all smells of blatant advertising.
   If there is a common thread binding each of the author's very odd selections of subjects, it is her seemingly incessant need to use the book's very casual short texts to promote her own firm (as well as that of her many friends mentioned in the book) and give the proprietors of her neighborhood hang-outs a pat on the back.
   How a book with such a confused sense of focus got past its publisher is shocking. The door to do a good book on Silver Lake remains wide open.



4. The book offers a great visual journey into the BOHOMO style



5. Forget Ron Burgundy's review. This is a great book. Real people, real houses - not impossible to live with Architectural Digest layouts. One of the few books I have seen that shows everyday (almost - these are sort of trendy ie bohemians of the title) people in their own homes. Ms. Bestor includes not only Silver Lake but the surrounding areas like Atwater and Echo Park to give a glimpse of the entire area. As for the inclusion of shops and restaurants that Mr. Burgundy so disliked - this is the world Ms. Bestor knows and has included in her book of Silverlake so the reader can acknowledge Silver Lake as a whole, not just a series of houses. If that (famed architectural houses) is what you want buy a book on Neutra or Schindler. If you want a taste of the real Silver Lake, but this. PS - I don't know any of these people so my review has no hidden motive.

5 comments about The Farmhouse: New Inspiration for the Classic American Home.

1. An informative book with good examples and photos.



2. One of over $1,000 worth of books I ordered prior to starting our remodel, The Farmhouse is above and beyond the best book I bought for our tastes, and is the primary resource I have given to our architect. No country shabby chic here -- the style is spare, warm, and elegant. Great photos and text. This book will save us thousands by beautifully getting across our ideas for our new Boulder, Colorado home. Those who like this book would also like Jeremiah Eck's The Distinctive Home.



3. This book is a valuable resource as my husband and I plan our "farmhouse" that we intend to build next year beginning in February. It gives examples of restorations, new construction built to look like the old classical farmhouses across the midwest, and amazing interiors. I love the shaded boxes of information, emphasizing the importance of features such as shape, the color white, porches, etc. It is a lesson book for those wanting a basic education on how to talk farmhouses. We bought three books, and this one is far superior to the others.



4. Written by an architect for the layperson, Jean Rehkamp Larson makes you feel the elbow room of the farmhouse and surrounding countryside without being too technical. Showing several house styles from historical to contemporary, Larson teaches us what characteristics make the American farmhouse a house style that is as ingrained in our minds as baseball and apple pie.



5. I am a Manhattan city dweller struck by childhood nostalgia about what it is like to live on the country side. For types like me, interested in farm-house inspired modern architecture, this book offers a great visual feast. If you are looking for real farm houses, however, look elsewhere.

3 comments about Napkins with a Twist: Fabulous Folds with Flair for Every Occasion.

1. I have always loved to create different napkin folds for my table when entertaining, and my guests always comment on them. David Stark creates some beautiful and fun folds. I got so many ideas for napkins and also for table settings. This book is beautiful to look at, and it also has some famous folds from the White House and other celebrated places. If you love to entertain, this is for you. The instructions are very easy to follow and the folding is fast.



2. This book is very easy to follow and will be helpful in the future.



3. I keep this book on the shelf with my linen napkins. The phots are beautiful and I find the directions to be easy to follow.

5 comments about How to Raise a Child with a High EQ: A Parents' Guide to Emotional Intelligence.

1. This book takes each of the factors of EQ and writes a common sense report on how to enact them for your child. All the author has done is collect published information related to each subject and sprinkled in a bit of his own puritanical ethics. He doesn't mention any specific EQ research of his own.

   In fact, no cutting edge research is included, if it exists. While reading this, I envisioned the author sitting in the publisher's office sometime in 1995 accepting another assignment, "Write us a book about this new stuff called EQ, whatever that is." And off he went to the Web and the card catalog. Laughing all the way to the bank, too.

   It provides nothing new in regard to EQ. If you know what EQ is, if you want your child to have a high EQ, then you already know most of what is in the book.




2. Having practiced as a family physician the past 13 years and with an undergraduate degree in psychology, I literally "prescribe" on a prescription pad three books to every couple that comes in and finds out they have a positive pregnancy test; #1. "What To Eat When Expecting" #2. "The American Academy of Pediatrics; Birth To Age Five" #3.How to Raise A Child With a High E.Q. by L. Shapiro.This book is an excellent compilation of what has the world of psychology consumed over the past five years. I initially read Goleman's "Emotional Intelligence" in 1996. Shapiro lays out that concept and adds all the current studies/authors that have presented with related material [ i.e. Seligman's "The Optimistic Child"] into an extremely well-versed, non-psycho babble format. Shapiro then adds his extensive background in applied psychotherapy and makes this all applicable to your child. This is an excellent transition...all that I've read on this topic doesnot do this nearly as well. Read, learn and use this information.



3. This book is about teaching children emotions through activities, games, changing thinking strategies, problem solving, etc.

   I am VERY impressed and I don't even have a child yet! If you are interested in reading a book that could potentially help your child (and you) develop into an even more emotionally stable human being, with the skills to problem solve, deal with the big bad world and excel in education in and out of school, pick this book up. Don't overlook it saying something like, "how dare he say that I can't teach my child how to be emotionally stable! Who does he think he is??".

   This book is DAMN GOOD. I don't say that about a lot of books. For example, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" is also DAMN GOOD but it is hell to read. It took me almost a year because I quit after a few chapters as I kept falling asleep.

   High EQ, however, is so easy and actually fun to read that you will find yourself whipping through it in no time, taking endless notes and rushing off to your children's rooms to put into effect immediately what you have just learned.

   Don't despair when you next see your child doing something unusual. With this book in your toolbox you and your child will be ready to take on the world by storm.




4. This book provided little new or insightful information on the subject. There is very little research provided, and many of the exercises I found to be forced. There is nothing here that any well-read parent with common sense can't naturally figure out on their own. I got the sense that the author was cashing in on Daniel Goldman's seminal work on Emotional Intelligence.



5. I found this book worth the purchase price. I learned new things, concepts, tips, etc....This book is well done and easy to follow though
   the ideas are significant in value. It is a strong introduction to the mind of children.

4 comments about The Complete Table Saw Book.

1. The competent and collaborative effort of expert woodworkers Chris Marshall and Mark Johanson, The Complete Table Saw Book: Step-by-Step Illustrated Guide To Essential Table Saw Skills, Techniques, Tools And Tips is an excellent methodically presented, do-it-yourself manual to the art and craft of joinery techniques, table saw jigs, woodworking with sheet goods, and more. Enhanced with full color illustrations on almost every page, superbly showcasing an in-depth text, and a narrative tone that communicates clearly with experts and novices alike, The Complete Table Saw Book is a "must-have" for anyone who, as a hobby or a career, needs to master the versatile uses of this woodworker's tool.



2. Written primarily for the beginning to intermediate table saw user "The Complete Table Saw Book" provides thorough coverage of the art of using a table saw. The first part of the book examines the table saw itself and the coverage is excellent. Starting with an education on the various parts of the table saw it progresses through different types, blades, and functions. Next comes a thorough section on table saw maintenance and how to select a used table saw. The analysis of what to look for and how to determine the condition of a used saw is very detailed and well illustrated.

   The next section covers basic cuts, joinery techniques, sawing accessories and basic jigs. One of the things that I really liked about the book is the detailed information on making your own jigs. Making the cuts to create a specific joining method is fine but it can be a pain to do several of them in a row by hand. So, he not only teaches how to make the cuts to make the join but also teaches how to make a jig so that it can be used to make the cuts quicker and easier. This shows that the author not only knows his joining techniques but also has the real life knowledge of how professional woodworkers actually do it. The last section of the book contains several projects you can make using your table saw. These projects include various cabinets, a play table and chairs, and an entertainment center.

   "The Complete Table Saw Book" is an excellent reference that I can highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn about table saws and how to use them for everything from basic cutting to cabinetry. Filled with illustrations so you can easily understand everything in it, you can't go wrong with this book.




3. For me, buying a new table saw is not only a cause for celebration, but an opportunity to shuffle through the shelves to find a book about my new toy. This one struck my eye - mostly because it was thicker than the others, was well laid out and seemed to cover all the salient points. Possibly not the best criteria in the world, but they have stood me in good stead for a long time now.
   
   For the most part, my initial assessment was accurate. The editor Tom Carpenter, has gone out of his way to maintain a solid, plainspoken approach to the subject matter, with a great number of illustrations and photographs. I can honestly say that there are enough ideas, pointers, and explanations to greatly enhance what you get for what is often the most expensive piece of equipment in the shop.
   
   Chapters cover Basics, Tune-up & Maintenance, Chosing Saw Blades, Basic Cuts, Joinery Techniques, Sawing Accessories, and Essential Jigs. That covers the first 160 pages. The second section, which is about the same size, is devoted to some information about Woodworking With Sheet Goods and a collection of ten projects.
   
   This latter section, while useful, is not up to the same level of quality is the first part. Not that it's shabbily done, but that the projects, which range from a bookshelf to an entertainment center, are a bit clunky looking. They are training projects rather than works of art. As such there is a good deal of explanation to help the budding sawyer.



4. The Complete Table Saw Book is useful for beginners and for those who have basic experience but have not been doing precision cutting. I found it helpful in setting things up and doing some semi-precise things. I expect to get a lot more out of it in the next few months as I get into more detailed projects.

2 comments about Sell Your Home in Any Market: 50 Surprisingly Simple Strategies for Getting Top Dollar Fast.

1. Just 2 weeks ago, I picked up Jim Remley's book "Sell Your Home in Any Market". The information was so good, so practical and so timely that I immediately contacted Jim and invited him to be a guest on our "Big Bad Home Sale" internet radio program.
   
   I make a living helping people sell their homes fast, and I've met a lot of experts with good advice on the subject. I found this book to be a must read for anybody that is trying to sell their home.
   
   Jim Remley is also an expert and knows how to sell homes. You can listen to him on our Big Bad Home Sale podcast on itunes or at [...].
   
   The book has great information for "FSBO", For Sale By Owner, Real Estate Investors and especially Realtors. If you are trying to sell your home, or even just thinking about selling your home, add this book to your shopping cart right now!
   
   Steve Rosenbaum
   [...]
   
   Skyrocket your home to the top of the listings. Big, Bad Home Sale is the quick and easy home selling system
   that attracts hungry buyers to your front door and helps you sell your home fast, without commission!
   
   Sell Your Home in Any Market: 50 Surprisingly Simple Strategies for Getting Top Dollar Fast



2. A MUST READ FOR ANYONE LOOKING TO SELL THEIR HOME - WHETHER THRU A REAL ESTATE AGENT OR ON THEIR OWN. PACKED WITH INFORMATION / TIPS / WEBSITES TO VISIT. AN EASY READ - HIGHLY RECCOMMEND !!

5 comments about Country Kitchens.

1. The photography in this magazine-sized paperback is "yummy" It is very easy to see onesself sitting at any of the kitchens photographed, reading a great book, with a warm fire in the hearth. You can dream through such styles of kitchens as: American, French, Spanish, Italian, or English. There are specific chapter devoted to the hearth, ranges and stoves, sinks and drainers, tables and chairs, as well as storage. If that weren't enough, the back of the book offers soup, spreads, stews, rice, pasta, etc. recipes!! And if you want your food in your dream kitchen to be healthy, the last section is about the kitchen garden. What more could one ask except that this book be longer with MORE photos!



2. This is one of the most beautiful books I own. Not cutesy-country, but warm, genuine, earthy places where you'd love to spend time. I reread this about twice a year.



3. Beautiful book, great ideas for anyone who wants to create a country feel in their kitchen. Photographs are absolutely lovely.



4. Fabulous is the word! I think I look at this book at least 10 times, and everytime brought me something I didn't see the previous times, because my eyes weren't wide enough to see all the details! If you loved, I mean really love country, you will love this book. It will become a good reference for good ideas for your kitchen.
   I think it is one of my favorite book in my whole collection of books! Give me some more like this one and I will surely buy them!
   Margot
   Quebec city, Canada



5. I bought this book in the early 1990's, therefore, I'm almost sure that the copyright on this book (ie: 2007) is for the "reprint" of this original 1990's book.
   
   Still, in the 1990's this book was ahead of it's time, so if you are interested in a nice picture book of beautiful country kitchens, this is a nice book for your library. In my opinion, this is not really a "how to" kitchen remodeling book, but rather, a book with wonderfully photographed ideas for your country-style kitchen. The ideas are classic and hold up well , even in 2007.

5 comments about Woodworking With the Router: Professional Router Techniques and Jigs Any Woodworker Can Use.

1. Excellent coverage of basics of using a router and all types of jigs for special applications. There isn't likely to be any use of the router that is not covered in this book. Great illustrations sufficient to build any of the jigs described. There are 333 pages that are concise - no wasted verbage - and yet enough explanation not to leave a novice confused. This one book is better than the two I had from Patrick Spielman, "The New Router Handbook" and "Router Jigs and Techniques". Recommended for anyone beginning to use a router.



2. This is a great book on routers. It is a great soup to nuts book that covers usage, safety, bits, and jigs. For someone new to routers, this is an oustanding reference.
   
   The reason I gave it four stars is because it is all in B&W. I am a B&W photographer (www.obrienphoto.com) but that doesn't mean that all things are suited for this medium. The photos are not half as good as they could be.
   
   But not to fear -- in March of 2006 they are releasing a revised version of this book. I would hold of and get this one instead.
   
   Michael



3. Excellent reading for the beginning woodworker. I quickly read it through and have utilized the information to build a successfull box joint fixture. I'm sure I'll reference this book for a long time to come.



4. If you are doing any wood work with a route this is something you should have. Shows hao to make jigs for your cuts, how to set your router completly and get the proper use from it.



5. I cannot claim to know anything about routers or, consequently, working with them. However, my husband recently purchased a router and, having only watched others work with them, wanted some instruction. Based on excellent reviews and recommendations, I ordered Woodwork With Router for him. He LOVES it. He says it's easy to understand and explains everything in simple terms. He is currently planning his first router project, and it is thanks to Bill Hylton and this book!

1 comments about Emotions in Wood: Carving the Expressive Face.

1. There's nothing wooden at all about the emotions on these faces. "Emotions in Wood: Carving the Expressive Face" is a guide for those who partake in the craft of carving wood. Step by step instructions guide the reader to create enthralling wooden sculptures that invoke emotion. Ideal for woodworkers who are just getting started or have a little practice already, "Emotions in Wood" is a must for anyone who wants to master the expressive human face in the art of woodcarving.