5 comments about Commercial Refrigeration for Air Conditioning Technicians.

1. this book i a very comprehensive and well rounded in the real work workings of referation. I would recomend this book to anyone that is interested in furthing there knowledge in refrigeration field.



2. If you are looking to move from air-conditioning to refrigeration service,all the information you need is inside this book!!



3. If you've done some HVAC work but find yourself stumped the first time you work on a freezer or frig, then you need this book!. This is a world of oil losses, hard to know line pressures, strange refrigerant valves and controls and head masters, etc. And this book will explain them all to you with lots of plain talk, plain examples, great drawings, and even a cd-rom of animation. And best of all, it has a page of "Rules of Thumb", such as; High Efficieny (seer) condenser splits = 20 degrees and below. And since refrigerant recovery of freezers and frig's are far more common place than HVAC work, it covers several methods of evacuation and recovery. This book has lots of troubleshooting notes and lots of pictures and all the basics of refrigeration from motors, capillarys, TEV'S and defrosters through superheat and critical charging and so much more. I own many hvac books and this one absolutely stands out as a 'must have' book ! Another good book to have when you want to "master" the trade, is Technician's Guide to Refrigeration Systems'by Corinchock. And of course, Troubleshooting and Servicing Modern Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems by Tomczyk. Warning that Tomczyk's book is sold as several books, each with a few chapters, so only buy the complete book I mentioned above, else you will have duplicate text.



4. the book is well put together and provides well thought out information, as well as being in depth enough to help anyone serious about the HVAC/R trade. I hate spending money for bad books and am happy to recommend this book for purchase. Buy it.



5. book not what I anticipated, not much on refrigerated systems, good if you want to learn the overall operation on normal hvac systems. expected much on refrigeration systems, got disapointed, not worth the cost of book.

5 comments about PICNIC: 125 Recipes with 29 Seasonal Menus.

1. In Picnic, DeeDee Stovel draws upon her extensive experience and expertise as a cooking teacher and family chef to present 125 recipes with twenty-nine seasonal menus for creating that perfect picnicking experience. From Taco Salad; Sour Cream Chocolate Cake; and Thai Grilled Shrimp Appetizer; to Rice and Peanut Crispy Bars; Baked Chicken Fingers with Dipping Sauces; and Banana Frosty; Picnic has wonderful recipes for every possible outdoor outing from the mountain valley to the sandy beach, from the backyard to the National Forest. Planning to have a picnic? Then begin with browsing through the pages of DeeDee Stovel's Picnic!



2. First off, it is nigh impossible to find a decent cookbook for less than $..., but to find a great cookbook for under $... (Amazonýs price), is a true discovery.

   But we need to beg the question: even if it is a bargain, do you need another book just for picnics? I mean, picnics are simple, right? Chicken, potato salad, wine, salt, pepper and some napkins. Well, if you have picnic atrophy and go only once a year, then youýre fine with the ýColonel.ý However, if you, by chance, plan to cultivate the cultured outdoor dining side of you, Stovel is your mentor.

   Stovel breaks up the book into the four seasons, and within each season she gives multiple menus (Spring 6, Summer 12, Fall 7 and Winter 4 menus). Each menu normally has five items. For example: Stovelýs, ýSpring Day-Hike Picnicý menu has: grilled chicken fillets in a spinach wrap, artichoke salad, carrot sticks, gingerbread and fruit, with herbal iced tea. Her menus are thoughtful, flavorful, and balanced by having only one or two unique items out of the five. Her recipes are easy to follow and very tasty. This is a text only, there are no photos of the plates.

   I thought Picnics were fun, kinda fast, intimate (like for two) and cheap. But the recipes here are for eight people! I have never had a picnic with eight people. I have had a church gathering and a Super Bowl sporting event, but not a picnic with eight people. Perhaps Stovel comes from a large family and see her readers bringing mom, dad, grandma and the five kids along; but in todayýs world of virtual families, recipes for eight are an overkill. Thus, because my picnics are for two, every recipe has to be cut in half and then I still have a picnic basket of left overs.

   Also, sometimes, the ingredients for these recipes doubled my weekly grocery budget. For example, the ingredients for the ýArtichoke Saladý (pg.16) set me back $16 by the time I bought three jars of marinated artichoke hearts $9, six sun-dried tomatoes [you gotta buy the whole jar] $4, mushrooms, scallions, etc. Or consider the ýFresh Fruit Bowl Kaleidoscopeý costing more than $17 not counting the Grand Marnier Liqueurý which is a heart-stopping $4, just for 50ml.

   These points aired, this is a wonderful book that has recipes that can be used year round, picnic or not (Try ýTanteýs Coffee Cakeý and ýCurrant Oat Sconesý - Excellent). ýPicnicý is an excellent buy for the money. Recommended. 4 stars




3. I bought DeeDee's book mainly because of the price. I thought an inexpensive book on picnics: some good recipes and tips - forget it.

   On my first inspection only one or two recipes interested me. Well, maybe I just wasn't hungry. I put the book away and tried again later. Nope, nothing here.

   Most of the recipes, if not all, are for the wine and brie set picnicing in the Hamptons. If your picnic ideas include hummus with creamed cucumber dressing, garnished with figs that are stuffed with walnut and endive, this book is for you, otherwise look elsewhere.

   I really think this book was put through a marketing survey and they felt they could only get the ten dollars for it if they were lucky.




4. "A picnic evokes thoughts of leisure, relaxation, and enjoyment of the outdoors. It can be a still life in the open air or a boisterous frolic on the beach. Some picnics celebrate a special occasion, some offer the opportunity for friends to gather, and others provide an excuse for breaking the routine of daily life." ~DeeDee Stovel
   
   Are you dreaming of sipping hot chocolate out in the snow or nibbling on brownies after skiing, then there is a lot to offer even in the winter. DeeDee Stovel is a caterer and cooking teacher who is also the author of "Weekend! A Menu Cookbook for Relaxed Entertaining." The recipes in this cookbook are family favorites so most are for eight people. You can easily cut the recipes in half or plan to have leftovers. The picnics for Romantic outings are designed for smaller quantities.
   
   In this creative work, you can find picnic ideas for every season. This would be perfect as a gift with a basket filled with items needed for some of the recipes. The recipes are a reflection of the favorites on the East Coast, but they will appeal to anyone who loves to go on a picnic. You will find information on:
   
   Picnic Planning
   Spring Flings
   Summer Spreads
   Autumn Outings
   Winter Wanderings
   
   DeeDee Stovel loves art and introduces the reader to famous artists who loved to paint picnic scenes. She briefly introduces picnic history and includes information on portable meals from the past.
   
   The useful information includes ideas on how to keep food safe, how to prepare meals to go and how to keep food cold or hot. If you are looking to create "ambience" then she gives recommendations for flowers, mints, candy and other items to add to your checklist. There are two ready-to-go checklists for "Baskets at the Ready." This enables the picnic prone to be ready to travel at the hint of a picnic longing.
   
   Picnics of Interest:
   
   Breakfast in a Meadow
   Spring Day Hike
   Family Celebration in the Backyard
   Summer Canoe Picnic
   Beach Picnic
   Sunlight Through the Trees Picnic
   Music Festival Picnic
   Sports-Fan Picnic
   Moonlight on a Mountaintop Picnic
   Teddy Bear's Birthday Party Picnic
   Cross-Country Ski Picnic
   Workday Picnic
   
   Recipe Ideas are organized according to the Picnic, but you can even just take one new idea from your favorite chapters and create your own outdoor feast. There are tantalizing recipes for:
   
   Gingerbread
   Herbal Ice Tea
   Champagne Mimosas
   Bundt Cake
   Brownies
   Apricot Almond Bars
   Barbecued Chicken
   Red Potato Salad
   Grilled Salmon Fillets with Mustard Dill Sauce
   Frosty Fruit Salad
   Chocolate Zucchini Cake
   Tortellini Salad
   Fresh Peach Ice Cream
   Marinated Pasta Salad
   Sun Tea
   Petite Lobster Rolls
   Cucumber Sandwiches
   Gazpacho Madrileno
   Cold Rice Salad
   Strawberry Cookies
   Spicy Beans with Sausage
   
   If I had to choose one picnic book to keep in a basket for spontaneous outdoor feasts, this
   would be it. There are 125 recipes with seasonal appeal and lots of classic favorites and some intriguing surprises.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



5. I love to have picnics and have many cookbooks on that subject. Out of my collection, this is the one I go to the most. No pictures, but easy and excellant tasting recipes.

5 comments about Practical Blacksmithing and Metalworking.

1. Percy Blandford writes on a lot of shop craft topics and has clearly thought about them a lot. He writes well. This is a general introduction to metalwork primarily from a smithing perspective...that is, carbon steel work. It touches on other areas but really isn't suitable to the beginning welder, sheetmetal worker, or tool and die hobbiest. It would be best for the person who wants to make historic replica items from a forge who one who wishes to supplement historical replica woodworking with some basic metal work in brass or iron/steel.



2. As a beginner blacksmith with a professional engineering background I bought previously Alexander G Weygers: "The Complete Modern Blacksmith" largely because it had many "excellent" reviews. However, Blandford wins on most points. I have found Blandford very helpful on specific details, on leading me through principles and methods, with much clearer illustations properly referenced in the text, and with a wider scope of nedded information. In contrast Blandford has much better information on welding, and detail on forges and on aprons and is far better indexed. I have learned a lot from both books, but if I had to choose one it would be Blandford.



3. Mr. Blanford Writes of experience. He makes you feel welcome in the world of the blacksmith. Is on my must read book list for my students.



4. But still not as good as Sims "Backyard Blacksmith" A few more pictures would have made this book a five star.



5. This fine reference is divided into two sections.
   
   In the Section 1, Mr. Blandford begins with the basics, providing us with information on iron and steel, forges and anvils, the tools of a blacksmith. There is thorough narrative on basic techniques, such as cutting, bending, drawing out, upsetting, twisting, welding, heat treatment, and case hardening, followed by a chapter on advanced processes: making chain, making nails, rivets, and welds. There is much emphasis on making tools, and this is a very importatn skill. All the primary tools are covered: hammers, tongs, punches, spikes, knives, sets, fullers, swages and much more.
   
   Section 2 covers much general information regarding metals, measurement, and other common metal-crafting procedures.
   
   This book is jam-packed with all the knowledge you need, and well-illustrated with line-drawings and black & white photos. Its truly among the best bargains for your metal-shop needs.

5 comments about The New Curtain Book: Master Classes with Today's Top Designers.

1. This book contains many ideas for curtains and drapes grouped in a logical order. As a drapery maker, I found it useful as an idea book for clients, but not as useful for the do-it-yourself at home sewer. I agreed with most points in the book, but there were some ideas that I did not agree with, as if it were written by someone who had not actually sewn the draperies. It had many examples of different fabrics, and, thus, was very colorful. Great for some one in my line of work, but probably not as practical for someone who wishes to sew some drapes for her/himself.



2. I was looking for a book that had some practical ideas for the average home. The ideas in this book were pretty elaborate and very pricy. There was not one picture in this book that remotely resembled a room in my house. If you have degree in interior design and live on Park Ave you will probably like this book. But if you fit that description you probably have a designer on speed dial and would not need the book at all.



3. It's true--"Master Classes" could throw you off. It isn't a how-to book. Sunset's Curtains and Draperies book is the best at that--very nitty gritty. This is a book of gorgeous photos from brilliant designers that talks about what your window treatments should do for your home. I've gotten it from the library and am planning to purchase it bc the quality and taste is superior (and my house is small and pretty plain).



4. This is an inspirational book that is tailored to a decorator, designer or design enthusiast. It contains the views and insights from some of the worlds leading international designers. As the cover states, this is a MASTER CLASS, it is more about the philosophy of decoration and how window treatments compliment good design rather then a step by step guide for the do-it-yourselfer. Which I personally found very, very refreshing. Fabulous photogaphy and styling, with a broad cross-section of styles and a wonderful eye for detail.



5. Really enjoyed this book, as we are renovating our old home and I needed some window decor ideas. The photos are beautiful and I actually found a curtain arrangement I could sew on my machine. Highly recommend if you are looking for window arrangements that are a bit out of the ordinary.

5 comments about How to Buy a Home When You Can't Afford It.

1. This book is a godsend to anyone who feels there is no way they will ever be able to afford a house. In the last few years many things have changed in the home mortgage market and this book walks you through how to buy a house with 0% down, how to avoid PMI insurance with a 80/20 Loan , not to mention where to look for bargains, how to low-ball etc.

   This book is worth every penny. It is well-written, researched and up to date. If you would like to buy a home and are waiting to save up for a downpayment order this book today. You won't be sorry!




2. #1 of year's 10 top real estate books. This survey book explains virtually all the home-purchase alternatives, such as different types of houses and condos, as well as low-cost finance alternatives. Aimed at first-time buyers, this well-designed book explains home-buying techniques that less-than-perfect buyers should consider.



3. This is a practical book for home buyers. However, it does not contain a wide-spectrum of information one'd expect. For example, information about town-house and condo are superficial. And there are other sections I'd expect the author to go a little bit more in detail. Even with all these concerns, this book and author should get credit where credit is due. It gives good guidelines and portrays a clear system of how to determine a good house buy.



4. I found this book to lack usefulness, more of a "cheerleader" for "Yay you CAN buy a house" rather than a useful tool to help you do so.



5. Robert Irwin really gives the beginner home investor a great perspective in purchasing real estate. Very clear, easy to understand book. I really like how Irwin breaks down the method of the whole purchase of a house (there is alot more to buying a house than people think) and in this book he gives you a very clear understanding of how that is done. I encourage the beginner who wants to gain some knowledge in real estate to read this book, you will NOt under any circumstance feel as if you are wasting your time reading this at all. I gurantee you will be satisfied, and morover you will defintely learn numerous things from Irwins writings. So start learning real estate and how things work as well as "Do's and Don'ts" when buying your dream home.

3 comments about The Ultimate Garage.

1. The Ultimate Garage shows how other homeowners have brightened dark garages and turned them into more pleasant, efficient storage and work areas. Whether it's a winter playroom for the kids or a clean place for storage that's needed, The Ultimate Garage shows how to make best use of space and remedy common garage problems.



2. I was very disappointed with this book especially since it was branded with Sunset Magazine's name. Very basic vanilla information on garages and workshops. If you are just now learning what a garage is, then this book is for you.



3. While not a book about layout or design, there are hundreds of photos of storage products in this book to stimulate your mind about organizing your garage. It's very well written and the indexed photos are excellent.
   
   Having been disappointment by many other so called garage books, this one was worth the purchase.

No comments about Country Wisdom Almanac: 373 Tips, Crafts, Home Improvements, Recipes, and Homemade Remedies.

5 comments about Small Spaces: Stylish Ideas for Making More of Less in the Home.

1. Azby Brown lives in Japan, and has written a number of books about Japanese design, or carpentry, from the perspective of a close observer.

   This book deals with design and product approaches to living in small spaces without clutter. The premise is that the smaller a space is, the more it needs to appear empty if living in it is to be fully comfortable and satisfying. This isn't a book on how to load more gear into more "storage solutions", though some unusual solutions like underfloor storage are elaborated.

   Granted a lot of this stuff is not going to be transferable to American houses, and some of the details, like miraculously small appliances are not even well illustrated (most ilustration are very good). But then there is a huge market for books covering professionally created 25 000 square foot spaces in Carmel by the Sea, or whatever, and I am not likely to fully implement ideas from those books either. Frankly adapting the spirit of this book is much more likely




2. As someone whose prospective first house is likely to be small--and even smaller inside--I've been looking around for useful ideas that will help me choose a home into which my Stuff will fit. (That's not just stuff; that's George Carlin-type STUFF, and it requires serious storage.) We're not just talking a smaller McMansion, but homes where the master bedroom is, on average, 10'x9' with badly placed doorways.

   Azby Brown's book was an education in understanding the options even a small or oddly shaped space can afford. Though most of the actual implementations discussed would certainly work better in a Japanese home than in a '50s era raised ranch, the *ideas* are the thing. And these ideas are outstanding. Every inch of space is used to beautiful effect. Every opportunity is considered.

   Especially choose this book if you're planning to remodel, as expert contractors and cabinetmakers will benefit from these pages; nevertheless, _Small Spaces_ is for anyone who still thinks that light neutrals and pint-sized furnishings are the only way to manage.




3. I ranked this next to the bottom of 7 "decorating small spaces" books I bought. This author is a contradiction in terms: a minimalist who loves complexity! If you like Asian, bare-bones, neutral-hued decor & have construction skills, you may like the extensively detailed drawings of intricate building projects (i.e, a nine-part modular table-seating-storage unit with more uses than anyone would possibly give it) & the helpful photos. But you'll still be irked that sq. footage is never given. If you're like me (American condo owner), you'll find this book, written for and featuring Japanese homeowners, not adaptable to your needs in any way.



4. The title should be "build built-in furniture to get rid of your space problems."
   
   I think the ideas are worth considering: sure, if you have chairs for desks and vanities that slide right in, you can save a lot of space. Yes, build little drawers out of the stair case, and nifty pull out cabinets everywhere. Certainly having less furniture and more built -ins is the best way to reduce clutter. Yes, build underground "closets" in your floorboards and crawl space.
   
   However, for most young people and for renters, the solutions are not practical because of lack of investment capital or long term plan for a space. Hiring carpenters to construct these designs would be of prohibitive cost for most, except for the wealthy.
   
   I see from this book that Schindler and Neutra and all the modernists got lots of their ideas from the Japanese built-in solution.



5. This book is so ingenious that it inspired me to change careers, and make a few changes around the house myself.

5 comments about Sea-Steading: A Life of Hope and Freedom on the Last Viable Frontier.

1. This is the first book that I have read from this author. I enjoyed the book, but was left with the feeling that my time spent reading was for a relatively little gain. That is my reasoning for a score of three instead of four stars. The author is knowledgable and has the ability to share it, but I felt that he was just "dribbling" the good stuff out, while I dutifully followed. Your are forewarned by the author, and by me, that the reader will need to slog through his philosophical "rants". I didn't mind it to much, it was interesting, and thought provoking at times. I believe this author has much authentic knowledge to share on sailing, I will consider his other books.



2. While peppering the book with philosophical tidbits, the author imparts his immense knowledge about sailing. Every sailor should read this.



3. If you like being preached at, this is the book for you. FitzGerald is an atheist and I'm not, but that's not the issue. The issue for me is that he presents the basic fundamentalist position: "If you don't agree with me you're an idiot." And presents it. And presents it again. And some more. OK, I got your point, move on. He can't. I don't like it from people I ostensibly agree with, and I don't like it from people I disagree with either.
   
   Somewhere in here there is some information about sailing, but even that is continally interrupted by his self-titled "Diatribes," and is strongly based on the "My way or the highway" view of living.
   
   He's as fundamentalist about his boats and his ways as he is about his fundamentalist non-religion.
   
   If FitzGerald's chosen life is making him happy you can't tell it by reading his book. If you want to get anything out of the book you'll have to be willing to wade through a lot of opinionated wastepaper.
   
   I had high hopes, and he could have fulfilled them. We agree about many things. I was severely disappointed.



4. The author is exquisitely sane, and far from being rants or asides, the philosophical underpinnings are sound and very much in context. Even though my boat has a diesel auxiliary and lots of interconnected systems, this book has strengthened my resolve to save the iron genny for true emergencies and work to develop the skills of self reliance under sail.
   
   The long out-of-print "Sailing the Farm" is another good reference for aquatic self-sufficiency, but Sea-Steading is more focused on developing competent sailing skills. There is a wealth of good knowledge here, and the writing is full of gems (even though, as he readily admits, it could have used a bit of copy-editing). I've already quoted the author twice and referred back to a passage once, and it has only been two days since I spent a very satisfying Saturday immersed in the book.
   
   I highly recommended this for those who understand its intent. Jerome truly knows his stuff, and makes a very good case for casting off from the consumer lifestyle... not just adding a yacht to one's stable of toys. And even if you don't care about the broader philosophical context, the knowledge herein might keep you off a lee shore some dark and stormy night.
   
   This one's a keeper.



5. I'm pretty easy going until you go out of your way to insult me. I have a sailboat and over 100 books on sailing; how to, historical, anecdotal, and horrible. This one is the worst. There is nothing in this book that you cannot find in dozens of places. The author is condescending, obnoxious, arrogant, and boasts of his contempt for editing (bee fourwarnd). He seems to think he has the inside track on this troubled world and would like us to finance his mediocrity and self-indulgence with the purchase of this tripe. He claims to be an off-the-grid kind of guy; as do most hucksters.

2 comments about Computer Simulated Experiments for Electric Circuits Using Electronics Workbench Multisim(R) (3rd Edition).

1. This is a great book! The only "problem" that I found, is that it should cover a bit more such as transistors and some ICs. But, overall, this is a great book!



2. I received it in great condition, including the cd. This was a great purchase. I am definitely satisfied.