1 comments about DEWALT HVAC Professional Reference (Dewalt Trade Reference Series).

1. Handy little book to for anyone to keep in their toolbox or on the job!!!

3 comments about The Smart Approach to Home Decorating, 3rd Edition (Smart Approach).

1. I picked up a copy of this book while waiting for an appointment, and found SO many ideas that I had to come home and order it immediately! It is FILLED from cover to cover with wonderful, creative ideas to spruce up your home! The pictures are gorgeous and this is an ALL around perfect book for the person who doesn't know where to start! It shows different room settings, color choices, etc. etc. Buy this book, you won't be disappointed!



2. I already own a shelf full of decorating books, but this one ranks in the top three for good organization and good information. It has a lot of smallish color pictures, but more importantly, it has specific measurements and structural information that will help you make rooms and furniture more useful and more attractive. It is very user-friendly. I bought it for my daughter, but I sat down to read it completely before I gave it to her, and I learned some things!



3. For someone who is doing this for the first time, this book is a good place to start.

5 comments about The Violin Maker: Finding a Centuries-Old Tradition in a Brooklyn Workshop.

1. Sam Zygmontowicz is one of the great contemporary violinmakers, and John Marchese has more than done him justice in describing the process of his making a violin (for the Emerson String Quartet's first violinist, Gene Drucker). In the process, Marchese takes us not only into Zyg's studio, but also to Cremona, the birthplace of the violin in its modern form (in the 1560s) and the home of the three greatest families of violinmakers--Amati, Stradivari, and Guarneri. In addition, Marchese reports on his meetings with Drucker, who commissioned the violin, and on Drucker's reaction to his new instrument--which complements the Strad on which he had been playing but cannot, in his opinion, fully replace it.



2. Very well written- get's the heart of what it takes to be one of the best at your craft. I especially like the fact Sam (like all artists and craftsmen) needs to be inspired to "create." It's nice to know those special people are not much different than you and I. We all have self-doubts, we all need to be reassured...yet well need to press forth and create.



3. This is a gift for our grandson who is an accomplished violinist and at one point in his life (11 yrs. old) attempted to construct a violin. We know that he will enjoy reading this book.



4. My son, now 17 has been playing his Great-Great Grandfather's violin for 8 years. Though I love how he plays, he feels he needs a replacement. I didn't know much about violins, so... my first step was to read about it. I picked up John Marchese's book for many reasons, one of which was to get a feel for what we should be looking for with the replacement. I was thrilled at how the book was written, the information it contained and the "easy read" of it. It gives great credit to Sam Zygmuntowicz along with all of those who work to create the magical boxes. I enjoyed it and it definitely had influence on how we will proceed with my son's next violin. Thank You.



5. It's very hard to write a book about someone else carving a violin and make it interesting reading for the general public, but John Marchese has done it. His book pulls the reader in by weaving three stories together in a compellingly artful way: the story of his own unfolding understanding of violins and violinists; a restrained description of the making of a violin; an exploration of a violinist and his desire for ideal tone. This is the tale of a master carver, Sam Zygmuntowicz, and a concert violinist, Eugene Drucker (of the Emerson String Quartet), in their collaborative efforts to create a perfect violin. Marchese's style of writing is fun to read, and propels the reader from chapter to chapter effortlessly and satisfyingly--he manages to balance the three stories evenly. (Is it my imagination, or is this unusually narrow book itself based on the proportions of a violin? Just one more thing to add to the physical enjoyment of reading the book!) Rather than focusing too much on technical details of violin making (he kindly refers interested readers to several books that cover this territory), he merely opens a window into the quirky world of a single violin maker's studio, describing the most interesting aspects of the work (the selection of wood, the `secrets' of varnishing) with verve and wit. Likewise, in describing the professional violinist's relationship with sound and with instruments, he has deftly painted a portrait of a single artist, but one whose search for the `right' instrument surely represents the experiences of other instrumentalists. This book is a perfect companion to Toby Faber's "Stradivari's Genius." Without much mental strain, readers will come away from this book with a pretty clear understanding of the complexities of making and playing what he calls at one point "the magical box."

5 comments about Clutter's Last Stand: It's To De-junk Your Life!.

1. The reviews of this book were so good that I guess I was expecting the definitive book on decluttering. While the author makes me smile, admits he has a tendency to be somewhat of a packrat, and is easily understood, something seems to be missing. I want motivation, but find that I can receive more motivation on various websites on the net. As I declutter my bookshelves, this book will be one that goes in the 'donate' box. Mr. Aslett knows his subject though, and I'm looking forward to receiving his book, Is There Life After Housework? I have high hopes for time-saving tips from that book.



2. I've read this book & a few others that Aslett has written. This is my favorite by far. It is motivational & always makes me want to jump up & dejunk my house. I have a short list of books that are so good that I try to re-read them every year--this book is on that list! If you ever find that you can't easily put things away because your cupboards, drawers or closets are too crowded, or you ever feel like you "should" keep something (gift, belonged to someone dear to you, could be worth something, someone might be able to use it, etc.) then this is the book for you! Don Aslett has a good sense of humor & writes in an easy-to-read manner. It doesn't take a long time or a lot of concentration to read his books, plus you actually want to get up & simplify your life before you've even finished the book! Highly recommend this book for pretty much anyone to read! :-)



3. This book is perhaps one of the most influential books I have ever read. I come from a long line of pack rats and junk hoarders. I was raised to view things and objects as not whether I needed them, but as whether they were "a good deal".
   
   Aslett's book is not about cleaning, it's not even about de-junking your house, it's about changing your mentality about stuff. Not just stuff you can hold, stuff you hold onto that otherwise has no purpose or value.
   
   This book will make you seriously reflect on what is important in your life. Too often, especially in the U.S., we think that things will make us happy, and nearly every holiday and event is filled with gift giving. Over time this accumlates and for some reason our allegiance shifts from people to things.
   
   I read this book when I was a freshman in high school and I have never looked back.



4. I was inspired to clean, toss, and condense after reading this book. Read this book with highlighter in hand.



5. I bought this book about 5 years ago and it changed my life. The first time I read it-I took 2 carloads of stuff to the Goodwill. I reread it a month later and got rid of 2 more carloads. The 3rd time six months later another full carload. I kept rereading it and have remained relatively clutterless for several years.
   
   I decided to pass the book on to a packrat friend. This month I was sorry I had and ordered another copy. Since reading "Clutter's Last Stand" I have check out numerous books on clutter control from the library but have only used one or two ideas from these other volumes.
   
   This book is the classic and the ONLY one you need-but you need to keep rereading it. Anything else should be tossed as wasteful rubbish~

1 comments about Complete Built-Ins, Shelves & Bookcases (Stanley Complete).

1. This book will help you create very nice projects. Some projects were very advanced, but overall, provides a lot of ideas and tips how to finish off your bookcase.

1 comments about Window Treatments & Slipcovers For Dummies (For Dummies (Sports & Hobbies)).

1. I bought this book on the strength of Mark Montano's work on While You Were Out and it's fantastic! So many adorable projects, and most of them are super easy and you don't even have to know how to sew well. You can use glue guns or safety pins and still get a really nice, professional look.
   
   There were things for kids' rooms too, which I really loved. I made a window treatment for my cousin's bedroom in one afternoon! Great
   book. Good job, Mark and Carly!!

No comments about Green Building Products, 3rd Edition: The GreenSpec Guide to Residential Building Materials-3rd Edition.

No comments about Code Check Building for California: An Illustrated Guide to the California Building Code (Code Check).

5 comments about The Natural Child: Parenting from the Heart.

1. I loved EVERY single word of this book. It seems like this should be taught on schools instead of some of the things they teach. I felt very in tune with Jan and her philosphies, as I have done this kind of parenting intuitively already. It is nice to see (read) that somebody else has had the same experience and/ or that there is another way besides letting "baby cry it out" or bombard the kids with toys, when all they really want and need is being part of the family.
   This book is an easy read and very hard to put down. I have read it while nursing and was always "sad" when my daughter was done and I had to put the book down. A must have!!



2. I'm a firm believer in attachment parenting and gentle discipline. My children have been breastfed and coslept as babies. However, I believe some of Jan's views on mainstream parenting are a bit too offensive. To say that a child who attends public school is more likely to end up in prison or a breastfed baby that is weaned by his mother may end up as an alcoholic 20 years later is ridiculous. Even her views as cribs as "lonely cages" is too extreme for my taste, and I have co-slept with my children.
   
   I did learn a few things from this book so I hesitate to not recommend it, but I have found more helpful books out there that don't make me feel like I'm a bad parent for not following it exactly. Kids, Parents and Power Struggles by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka and Playful Parenting are my all time favorites.



3. "The Natural Child" is a collection of articles written by Hunt for various publications from 1988 to 2001. Each is very short (2-5 short pages). She refers regularly to the writings of three authors who have inspired her greatly. Because of this style, many of Hunt's statements become repetitious. Some people like this style because it drives home important points, but I found it quite tiresome.
   
   This book is meant to promote natural parenting (also called attachment or empathic parenting). The basic philosophy is to treat children with the same respect that you would use for adults. It is usually associated with no spanking, extended breastfeeding, co-sleeping, positive birthing experience, minimal separation, extended spacing of children, etc.
   
   Hunt sets the tone of her book in the first article. She states that "getting it" about children is on a scale of zero or one. Parents either "get it" about children or they don't. In her explanation of "getting it" she implies that anyone who agrees with her beliefs 100% "gets it" and anyone who disagrees even a little doesn't. If you "get it" you are a good parent and a good person. If you don't, you are destined to completely ruin not only your own child, but also all future generations.
   
   When I was pregnant, I read many different books on parenting styles. I have come across this book now that my daughter is 15 months old. If this book had been the only attachment parenting book I had read, I would not have used this style. "The Natural Child" offers no practical advice, no wiggle room, and it is very unforgiving. Instead, I was lucky enough to read the Sears Library version of attachment parenting, which outlined the ideals and encouraged parents to tweak what didn't seem right to them. I am now using my own version of attachment parenting that is working extremely well for my family, but that Hunt would greatly disapprove of.
   
   A few pros: Hunt is passionate about children and truly wants what's best for them. It is an easy read. Hunt's views, though extreme and perhaps oversimplified, do lend themselves to a feel-good, world peace, flowers and smiles, happily-ever-after result--and it's nice to fantasize that such a result may be possible someday.
   
   A few complaints: Hunt talks about babies and then children but she leaves out the toddler stage, when children aren't crying for what they need, but also can't understand lengthy explanations. In her discussion about education she mentions only traditional public school and home-school. A mention of Montessori school would have been perfect, as it is very much in line with her ideas. The book is not at all scientific in that she offers very few facts to back up her opinions, she makes sweeping generalizations, she offers few specific examples, and she gives no fact-based comparison of the long-term outcome of her style versus any other style.
   
   "The Natural Child" is a feel-good, easy read for those who agree fully and completely with Hunt's ideas. For those who more-or-less agree with her, it is likely a fine book, although the reader may occasionally feel attacked. For those who mostly disagree, it is likely offensive. Hunt not only puts forward her own ideas, but she regularly puts down the ideas (and even the people) of the opposition.



4. This book changed my life, my daughter's life, and my husband's life - all for the better. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
   
   Having grown up in an authoritarian family and having seen and felt the results of that kind of parenting, when I had my daughter I knew that I needed to find another way to parent. I just didn't have the slightest idea which way that was. I wasn't particularly impressed with the options I read about in many other parenting books. They implied that there are only three choices: authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive. Permissive seemed like neglect and authoritative seemed like "authoritarian lite" - I didn't find either of these inspiring. I thought that I could do better for my daughter.
   
   When I read Jan Hunt's book, I felt like my eyes had been opened for the first time. The short essays in her book helped me to see children differently. Instead of seeing them as being born "broken" and needing to be "fixed" through remedial parenting, I began to see them as whole people, deserving of respect and kindness, who are doing the best they can with the resources they have. This book helped me to see through a child's eyes - to understand that they have good reasons to behave as they do and to see how they perceive their parents' treatment of them. By the end of the book, I was convinced of the wisdom of applying the Golden Rule to children: of "doing unto them as you would have them do unto you."
   
   This book started my journey toward becoming the nurturing, empowering parent that I want to be and has been providing a guiding light along the path. It is by no means a comprehensive "how-to-parent" manual, nor does it attempt to reduce parenting to a simple formula. But it did provide me with a positive, joyful, fulfilling vision of parenting that has stayed with me and grown as I have read and learned hands-on about being a parent. I am eternally grateful to Jan Hunt - and I suspect that when my daughter is grown, she will be as well.



5. New parents, even old parents, everywhere, should read this book. Jan Hunt is at the forefront of one of the most important things a parent should know nowadays - that products and companies everywhere have chemicals that all of us should be without. That gentler, more positive discipline, is the way to go. This book is so very wise, as is she. Check out her website [..] for much more.. and get this book and keep it at your side!

1 comments about International Mechanical Code 2003 (International Mechanical Code).

1. this is the code alot of towns are using they dont want to change to the 2006 book