4 comments about Schaum's Outline of Statics and Strength of Materials (Schaum's).

1. Plese send for me about the screw test in all universities. Tank's all over.



2. This book is full of mistakes. I spend more time checking the author's work that I do practicing. Don't waste your money or time with this.



3. I have found it helpful in confirming information I was not sure about.



4. This book is a great self teacher of statics and beam mechanics. It has the best treatment of the "singularity function" method for beam loading that I have read.

5 comments about Out of Gas: The End of the Age Of Oil.

1. For those of you who are just getting interested in the subject, David Goodstein's Out of Gas is the book you want to read first. I have read several books on the impending energy crisis, including:
   
   Deffeyes, Kenneth S. Beyond Oil: The View from Hubbert's Peak (2005)
   Heinberg, Richard. The Party's Over: Oil, War and the Fate of Industrial Societies (2nd Ed., 2005)
   Huber, Peter W. and Mark P. Mills. The Bottomless Well: The Twilight of Fuel, the Virtue of Waste, and Why We Will Never Run Out of Energy (2005)
   Leeb, Stephen and Donna Leeb. The Oil Factor: Protect Yourself--and Profit--from the Coming Energy Crisis (2005)
   Simmons, Matthew R. Twilight in the Desert: The Coming Saudi Oil Shock and the World Economy (2005)
   
   and I can say that Professor Goodstein's modest, short and very much to the point book is as good as, if not better than, any of those five. He introduces the subject in a clear and no nonsense way and includes a lot of background information essential to understanding how energy works and why we are about to face a crisis. For readers who are expert on the physics and technology of heat engines and entropy, this book will be a little too basic in part. But even for such experts, Goodstein is essential reading because not only does he understand the science of the energy crisis, he understands the politics. Especially edifying is the material in the Postscript. Let me reference a few ideas:
   
   OPEC (a cartel, as Goodstein explains, patterned after the Texas Railroad Commission which was the cartel that controlled oil production in the US before our supply peaked) likes to maintain prices within a range, "partly in order not to discourage demand for oil, but also to prevent investment in alternative fuels." This we know, of course. But Goodstein adds, "The implied threat is, if you invest money to develop a competitor to oil, we will flood the market with cheap oil and wipe out your investment." (pp. 126-127)
   
   This explains in part why we have been so slow to develop alternative sources. Investors are afraid. However, as Goodstein explains, if OPEC no longer has "excess pumping capacity" to flood the market, theirs becomes an empty threat. Notice another point here: not only are OPEC countries tempted to overstate capacity so that by OPEC rules they are allowed to pump more oil, they are induced to lie about their reserves to scare potential investors away from alternative energy sources. In fact the entire oil industry itself "has a very strong incentive to deny any looming shortage of oil." In other words, to overstate their reserves. Another reason they overstate their reserves "is to keep down the price of oil properties they would like to acquire." (p. 127)
   
   Goodstein also explains why "reserves to production" (R/P) numbers have stayed about the same for many decades and why many experts say we still have forty years of oil left, same as we have had for most of the twentieth century. Quite simply "proven" reserves are reported as "whatever fits the current needs" of the company. (p. 128) It used to be the case that under-reporting was good since it kept the price of oil from plummeting. Now the real danger is to acknowledge that a company doesn't have much oil left. This will cause their stock price to plunge, which is what happened to the Royal Dutch Shell Group "when it was forced by outside auditors to reduce its claims of proven reserves..." (p. 129)
   
   Goodstein's take on the various alternatives to oil, including coal, shale oil, nuclear energy, renewables, etc. is very much in concert with the opinions of other experts. We will be using more coal, dirty as it is, and more nuclear energy, and natural gas. These are the three main alternatives. Not long after we run out of oil we will run out of natural gas and then coal and then even nuclear power plants will grow cold for lack of uranium, which if used to supply energy at the current rate of consumption will be depleted in five to twenty-five years. (p. 106)
   
   Goodstein explores wind and solar and makes it clear that in the long run--if we and civilization are going to make it to the long run--we will have to develop the technology to exploit these renewable sources. This will require a huge investment. We will need the political leadership and will to make the kind of commitment that President Kennedy made in putting a man on the moon. Goodstein believes that solving the energy problem will require the same sort of formidable and creative technology as did the space program. He adds that "Unfortunately, our present national and international leadership is reluctant even to acknowledge that there is a problem." (p. 123)
   
   It is essential that we make the commitment to develop alternatives fuels and we make that commitment NOW because (1) we will need the oil we have left to make the thousands of petrochemical products we will continue to use; (2) we need to free ourselves from dependence on the oil producing countries; and (3) there is an outside danger that the continued burning of fossils fuels will trigger a runaway greenhouse catastrophe that could lead to sterilizing the earth as has happened on Venus. Note well this horrific downside--far worse than any "nuclear winter"--and note too we could go past the point of no return without even realizing it, and be left with no way to stop the meltdown.
   
   Bottom line: "The challenge is enormous but the stakes are even larger. If future generations are to thrive, we who have consumed Earth's legacy of cheap oil must now provide for a world without it." (p. 131)



2. This book asks the question "How long can the worldwide oil economy last"?
   The answer: "Not very long". The age of oil is fast coming to a close. What will replace it? Well, immediately reduce consumption of remaining carbon based fuels and other products or learn to reuse them. Many tons per capita in carbon based waste in landfills must be lowered NOW!
   
   Long term solutions must include moves to renewables and sustainable uses. The great "nuclear furnace in the sky" can provide over 50% of the earth's energy needs with today's technology without much change in North American lifestyles. To accomodate a population of 6+ billion at such levels would require 3 or 4 more planets like the earth. We ain't got 'em. So, what is one alternative to this growing probem? - get rid of a huge portion of the current population! One way or the other, the planet will fix itself and restore balance. Simple... if we don't do something soon, the planet WILL. Our choice?



3. Exactly what I had hoped to read in the first 1/4 of the book and the last 1/4 of the book. A good discussion of the status of our oil supply and the prognosis for the future based on current and probable future demand.
   
   My only problem with the book, and this seems to not have been mentioned in previous reviews, is that the author devotes about half of the book to the science of thermodynamics and the design of engines. This is a good basic review on about the junior high level of physical science but it is not the reason that I had picked up the book.
   
   The author is a scientist and has written books on thermodynamics which may be the reason he feels it is important to devote about half the book to this subject. This does give you a good understanding of why it is so difficult to come up with alternatives to the powerful gasoline engine. I would have appreciated more information on the status of oil reserves in Mexico, Iran, Russia etc. in addition to what he had discussed on Saudi Arabia. These countries figure importantly in the future and are not covered in depth in this book.
   
   In genereal this is a good book but I felt the need to read more on the subject after completing it.



4. I enjoyed this book very much. It's short and sweet and to the point. Mr David Goodstein is a physics and looks at the world in a test and measurement type of way. Many people will get mad if you try and warn them about peak oil. It's my understanding even today some people believe the world is flat and that we never went to the moon. The facts are simple. Population growth and global car production are growing faster than our ability to suck oil, minerals and other natural resources out of the ground. Regards, Keith Renick, Peachtree City, Ga.



5. A simple easily read and understood description of the mess we are in written by one of the great teachers of the modern era. The only problem with this is getting it across to the people that matter. We will all end up in the desert on shank's pony if nothing sensible is done. Alternatively knee deep in horse manure.

5 comments about Freedom From Oil: How the Next President Can End the United States' Oil Addiction.

1. In the heat of the 2008 Presidential campaign, voters in the United States think they are experts on what it takes to make a president. Though we voters may be deluded enough to assume that we know what we are doing, author David Sandalow has actually produced a book that seeks to address the issues various and sundry that pertain to oil.
   
   In "Freedom From Oil: How The Next President Can End The United States' Oil Addiction" [McGraw Hill, 2008, 272pgs], Sandalow presents a series of actual policy papers, as if they were going to be handed directly to the next president.
   
   The non-fiction book is broken into three parts in which he sets up the problem, outlines solutions and supports the final decisions. Then, he provides provides policy papers, memoranda to the president, frequently interspersed with profile pieces that illustrate aspects of the issue of oil and its place in our world.
   
   It is a given that oil will eventually run out. It's more likely, though, that climate change will stop us from using oil before it runs out. Sandalow's recapitulation of the problem we face is suitably foreboding. The various solutions he raises, analyzes and sets into their places--in proportion to their ability to help us solve our energy problems--was sobering.
   
   Sandalow shows how cars that are plugged-in are a great idea. They use energy at night when power plants face low demand. Sandalow presents the ideas of biofuels, ethanol, switchgrass and shows how these are not a panacea because of greenhouse gases. He describes the abomination of using liquefied coal--in which a huge amount of green house gases are released just to liquefy it. He reveals the shocking inadequacy of the hydrogen car. (Sandalow doesn't say hydrogen is hopeless but obviously from the book it won't be practical.) Throughout, Sandalow presents these presidential briefing, policy position and memorandum papers in a neutral professional tone, as if they really were about to be handed to a president.
   
   As all of us watch the presidential primary season of 2008 and wait for the left-handed candidates--Barack Obama and John McCain--to be nominated, we are keenly aware of what is required to be a president. Therefore, we actually are quite qualified as garden variety voters [assuming you listen to NPR or watch some news] to assess these briefing papers. We know the issues and I must say it's refreshing getting some new facts to make my personal arguments keener.
   
   To a reader used to a contiguous narrative, the rather disjointed table of contents and the early chapters comprised of policy papers was confusing.
   
   This book is recommended because of the vast amount of digested information it presents in regard to the consumption of oil, our future energy situation and what to do about it.
   
   As we fritter away time waiting for the next president, Greenland is sending rivers of melt from ancient snowfall down underneath the Greenland ice sheet, speeding it to the Atlantic. As we debate raising CAFE standards or bicker about gas taxes, Antarctica is cracking huge icebergs into the ocean.
   
   [ Tom Hunter is a Manhattan-based writer ]



2. First off, if the US implemented an energy plan EXACTLY as described in this book, I think we'd be 1000% (yes, a thousand percent) better off than we are today in 10-20 years. If we'd implemented something like this 10 years ago, I hate to think how many fewer problems we'd have regarding oil consumption and the need to import foreign oil, "defending" the oil supply in the Middle East, etc.
   
   NOTE -- I'd add global warming to the list, but after reading the book "The Chilling Stars" (recommended reading) I'm willing to take it out of the equation for now, though CO2 does far more harm than just warm the planet.
   
   My only issue with the book is that it doesn't go far enough, suggests specific incentives to the big 3 auto companies that strike me as a bailout (rather than providing incentives for ANY company building cars of the future), and misses entirely in some areas (there's no suggestion of helping fund development of biodiesel from algae, as one example).



3. Imagine that you are the next president and you want to make a major address about oil. You have all your advisors give you briefing papers and suggestions. That is the way "Freedom From Oil" reads. It has lots of good information, but it does get a bit repetitive at times. Overall, I found it very useful.



4. I tend to steer clear and far away from any type of political book. My disinterest stems from the obvious bias and propaganda that these types of political figures tend to bring into their views and writing. The viewpoint and rambling on and on bores my racing mind. "Freedom From Oil" was written from a completely different perspective and point of view that it took me by surprise. I was fully engrossed throughout the entire book and often referenced previous views and opinions as I read through Sandalow's ideas.
   
   The format of this book was written as fairly short, but highly detailed documents written to the next President of the United States by the various Directors and Secretaries within the President's office. Each perspective detailed the pros and cons of how to eliminate the United States' addiction to oil. The forward thinking approach brings in thinking from all factors which would affect the people and corporations of the US.
   
   These views facing the problem of oil addiction include memorandums from the President, his Counselor, the Secretary of Energy, the National Security Advisor, the Council on Environmental Quality, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Economic Council, with several articles profiling American viewpoints.
   
   Solutions to the oil addition problems are presented by the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Agriculture, the US Trade Representative, the Council of Economic Advisors, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and the Secretary of State. Additional viewpoints include profiles and ideas presented by American citizens. The range of solutions presented include Biofuels, Plug-in Cars, Fuel Efficiency, Coal, Hydrogen, Smart Growth, Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and Diplomatic Strategy.
   
   Finally, a compilation of all the problems, solutions and discussion is provided via a press release and "The President's Speech to the Nation." The format presented in this book not only held my attention but strengthened my belief that all Americans should work toward finding solutions to our current energy crisis and work toward using cleaner fuels and be willing to sacrifice convenience for what is best for not only the United States, but also the world.



5. ALL THESE BOOKS ON OIL AND GAS ARE SAME STORY TOLD OVER AND OVER AGAIN. GOOD TO TALK ABOUT IT I GUESS. BUT...
   
   FIRST, THE USA IS, ERR, COMMITTED TO THE DEFENSE OF ISRAEL. THE OIL IS THERE OR RIGHT NEXT DOOR. THE OWNERS OF THE OIL AND GAS DON'T LIKE JEWS.
   
   SECOND, MOST OF THE OIL AND GAS DEPOSITS ON EARTH ARE CONTROLLED BY GOOFY RELIGIONS AND PEOPLE LIKE HUGO CHAVEZ.
   
   THIRD, TO GET FREE OF OIL AND GAS YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE CHANGE THE WAY YOU LIVE. A LOT.
   
   FOURTH, YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO RE-DESIGN YOUR CITIES SO THEY ARE NOT CAR AND TRUCK DEPENDENT.
   
   FIFTH, YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO KICK THE OIL AND GAS INTERESTS OUT OF YOUR GOVERNMENT. THEY RUN THE CIRCUS...
   
   SIXTH, TO DO ALL THESE THINGS YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE TO FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE. LITERALLY. NONE THESE THINGS WILL CHANGE OR GO AWAY VOLUNTARILY.
   
   SEVENTH, YOU HAVE TO START TODAY. YOU ARE ALREADY VERY VERY LATE...

2 comments about Wills' Mineral Processing Technology, Seventh Edition: An Introduction to the Practical Aspects of Ore Treatment and Mineral Recovery.

1. Its a readable book for being technical, its information is mediocre though. Work out examples and pictures very useful in understanding information.



2. This comprehensive book focuses on beneficiation methods. These include crushing, grinding, comminution, froth flotation, dense medium separation, etc. Parts of this book are quantitative, and suggested Excel spreadsheet formats are provided.
   
   There is a relatively sophisticated introduction to the economics of metal recovery. For instance, when tin occurs within easily-accessible alluvial deposits, as little as 0.01% tin (that's a mere 100 ppm) is commercially exploitable. In contrast, when tin occurs in veins that require deep mining to reach it, a minimum level of 1.5% may be necessary to make it worth getting (p. 4).
   
   Considering their increasing importance in recent years, there is little attention devoted to the rare earth minerals. However, the table provided on the polarity of minerals (p. 270) includes some commonly REE-bearing ones (e. g. apatite, monazite). Likewise, the table provided on the electrical behavior of minerals (p. 367) includes the same two minerals.
   
   Virtually all mining operations involve the production of mine waste. Apropos to this, there is a helpful chapter on methods of dealing with mine tailings.

5 comments about 2,500 Solved Problems In Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics.

1. This book really helps me in doing my terribly hard fluid mechanics homework. Also, the problems given are appropriate in preparing for exam. Get this book if you found hard time learning fluid .



2. Build your Fluid Mechanics Muscles and Get Better Grade with this Book!!

   I am one of the students who are hungry for various solved problems collected and written by experts in any subject of my interest. This book is really a very powerful tool in your hand. I used this book when I took Engineering Fluid Mechanics course (ME 311) in my university KFUPM, Saudi Arabia. I am sure as God made a little green apple that the students will find this book beneficial from several sides.

   Speaking for myself, it helped me in solving some of my homework problems. Sometimes, you do not find the vary problem you are looking for, but you will find a problem that shares the same concept that your homework problem does. That is, regardless of the book you are using for this course, this very powerful book will be fine.

   Secondly, I found that some of the questions given in this book are exactly same as the questions given in my major exams or sometime they share the same concepts. This, certainly, will guarantee that you will collect a large amount of scores out of your total score. Needless to say, you will get an excellent grade in this curse, Lord willing. However, this all depends on you.

   I think that you should not solve a lot of problems given in this book if and only if you do not face any problems in understanding the major and minor concepts in this course as this book has repeated solved problems sharing the same concepts. Indeed, this book has got thousands of problems and if you spend a lot of time in solving them without paying attention to your other courses you will really be in deep water. You may get a good grade in this course; on the other hand, your grade in other courses will be too bad. Thus, I recommend you to concentrate on the questions that are new to you and on the ones that are similar (in concepts) to the ones that your instructor focuses on in the class and practice some of the Mice Mouse (=easy) problems and ignore their repeated paraphrased ones.

   On the Other hand, if you have difficulties in understanding the concepts of this course in your class, then do not worry at all because this wonderful book has a lot of problems with different level of difficulties, form the simplest idea in this course to the most difficult one. You will even find solved problems related to simplest equations formulas. More importantly, you may find problems having new concepts that are not provided by the textbook you are using for this course. Thus, all what you have to do is to burn the mid night oil (= keep practicing) and you will, hopefully, overcome any difficulties and get a good grade.

   Moreover, if you are aeronautical or aerospace engineer, you will appreciate this book very much in your aerodynamic courses as it has solved problems about dynamic drag and lift plus fundamentals fluid flow. So, you will hit two birds with one stone if you buy this book. Additionally, this book has several FORTRAN Programs that might be helpful in your terms projects.

   Unhappily, this book does not explain concepts, it just gives you solved problems. If the authors had explained the concepts of each chapter properly before solving the problems, then I would rate this book at 5 starts.

   To sum up, it is really worth to buy it and Good Luck.




3. This book follows Shames textbook extremely well, in fact a lot of the homework questions were in it. It was very helpful for studying.



4. Very good book for fluid mechanics, still some of the part for compressible fluids is more confusing. I would highly recommend this for students writing professional exams.



5. I tried hard to work with this book. The only its doubtful advantage is the number of examplas. But what to do with them if there is no any explanations, no any reference formulas etc.?
   I consider it as a usless book. This is a book for himself, not to help you study the subject. Try SCHAUM Hydraulics...! It is much better even there are less examples.

3 comments about Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, 3rd Edition 2005 Edition Integrated Media and Study Tools, with Student Workbook.

1. I am a senior chemical process engineer, and I found this text an excellent reference and aid for keeping current on the broad
   breath of information that comprises chemical process engineering.



2. The book itself was in good condition. However, the media that came with the book was damaged/unusable.



3. The book was in excellent condition, and it arrived in a timely manner. overall, no problems at all, and i would order from them again.

5 comments about Introduction to Materials Management (6th Edition).

1. This book covers the basics of material management and goes into some quantitative detail as well. It is very well written and its lucid style is perfect for a beginner to get a grasp on the subject.
   
   The author clearly and logically explains the concepts of production planning, master production schedule, MRP, Production and activity control, purchasing, inventory management, forcasting, demand planning and much more.
   
   The book also has an abundance of examples and exercises for the student to work through. It makes a good read as a beginner's textbook - but it is probably not very useful as a practical guide for the experienced professional.



2. This is one of the best books I have come across which explains the basics of Manufacturing.



3. This book has an easy written language and is very good for beginners in the Supply Chain Management Area.



4. I own the 4th edition. I had to make a comment after amazon recommended the 5th.
   
   This is a great book. Originally, i was PO'ed at the price. Especially when you get it and its quite thin compared to many texts. I had to get it for APICS.
   
   Once you start reading it you find it cuts through all waste. This is not a padded book. It explains concepts in a brief, direct manner. Most importantly it communicates clearly. Its like a well written executive summary of the field of materials management. There is enough detail for practitioners.
   
   I have almost all texts in the recommended reading of APICS. This is probably my favorite. The utility you will get per unit of time reading this is huge.



5. My Professor is Lloyd Clive at Sir Sanford Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario. I had the oppertunity to study the book as he explained it, giving me the full benefit of this text. It is a well related book meaning it is easy to understand becuase it relates to real world and real expierences. Great buy if your interested.

1 comments about International Fuel & Gas Code 2006 (International Fuel Gas Code).

1. This is exactly what is required by several states to assist with the masters exams and continuing education classes, for master gas fitters licenses.

4 comments about Molecular Driving Forces: Statistical Thermodynamics in CHemistry & Biology.

1. The topic of this book, the physical chemistry of molecules, especially those relevant to biology, is one of the most challenging courses to a college student in chemist. But these authors have tried to make it easy for you - and they succeed. They used figures, pictures and analogies to help you to understand some of the most sophisticated concepts in science. For example entropy. The authors are leading researchers in the field and they brought a unique perspective to the subject; the writing is very lucid.



2. I have this book assigned as a text book for one of my classes and it is superb. Very clear explaination from the very basics of statistics and how it builds up to thermodynamics and beyond. The book succintly explains all of the necessary math and has instructive examples to drive the point home. I really like this book!



3. I always consult this book when I need to brush up my stat. Mech. Highly recommended.



4. This book covers a broad field of topics not present in similar books more than usual ones. A great value for a teacher or for advanced undergraduate students!

2 comments about Schaum's Outline of Heat Transfer.

1. It is what I expected. Heat Transfer all in one reference.



2. I found the Schaum's Outline of Theory and Problems of Heat Transfer, 2nd Ed. a helpful addition to my small collection of radiation heat transfer references. It has a unique worked example of the direct conversion from an Oppenheim radiosity network (RC analogy) to a radiation exchange factor (script-F) network.
   
   I cannot comment on the conduction or convection sections because I have not yet used them.