4 comments about Electronics Sensors for the Evil Genius: 54 Electrifying Projects (Evil Genius).

1. Back many, many years ago, when the earth was flat and the sun went around the earth, I built a whole series of crystal radios. It seemed to me that something was lost when everything electronic became a chip and nearly everything you could imagine was made in Japan.
   
   Now all of a sudden comes along this book. No, alas, there's not a crystal radio in it, but there's a short wave radio that's made with three chips. The complexity of the circuits is about the same as the old crystal sets. And the thrill of listening to WWV tell you the time as to be about the same as listening to the local radio station on the crystal set the first time.
   
   There are quite a number of projects suitable for science fairs and the like. Come to think of it, building one of those electronic compasses from page 178 might be a good project even for an old kid of my advanced age.



2. I own several books by the author, and like his other books, this one is focused on construction details and how each particular circuit works, along with datasheets, as opposed to theory. So if you are looking for the theory of operation on individual sensors, I think you will be disappointed. However, if you are just looking for interesting projects to build, this book is full of good ideas for circuits. The projects range from the more simple and inexpensive, such as the overtemperature alarm, to the more complex and costly advanced electronic ion chamber. If you want a good book on sensors and the theory behind them you might try Fraden's recent edition of "Handbook of Modern Sensors". I notice that Amazon does not show the table of contents so I do that here:
   Chapter 1: Audio Projects
   Electronic stethoscope
   Underwater hydrophone
   Ultrasonic listener
   Chapter 2: Light Detection & Measurement
   Opto Listener
   Basic radiometer
   Digital ultraviolet radiometer
   Digital ozone-meter
   Sensitive optical tachometer
   Chapter 3: Heat Sensing
   Infrared flame detector
   Freeze alarm
   Over-temperature alarm
   Analog data-logger system
   LCD thermometer
   Infrared motion detector
   Chapter 4: Fluid Sensing
   Rain detector
   Fluid sensor
   Fluid/water level indicator
   Humidity monitor
   pH meter
   Chapter 5: Gas Sensing
   Air pressure switch
   Electronic sniffer
   Combustible gas sensor
   Electronic barometer
   Chapter 6: Vibration Monitoring
   Vibration hour monitor
   Vibration alarm
   Piezo seismic alarm
   Research seismograph
   Chapter 7: Magnetic Detection
   Mag-Ear amplifier
   ELF monitor
   Electronic compass
   Earth field magnetometer
   Chapter 8: Sensing Electric Fields
   Electroscope
   Static tube
   Simple electronic electroscope
   Atmospheric electricity monitor
   Cloud charge monitor
   Chapter 9: Radio Projects
   Lightning detector
   ELF natural radio
   Shortwave receiver
   Jupiter radio telescope
   Chapter 10: Radiation Detection
   Cloud chamber
   Low cost electronic ion chamber I
   Advanced electronic ion chamber II
   Geiger Counter
   Appendix A: Helpful Contact Information
   Appendix B: Data Sheets



3. Interesting collection of projects that require more than a simple trip to the Radio Shack to build. Each project has considerable scientific background information not just an electrical schematic and parts list. Many of the projects would make worthwhile science fair projects or other amateur science pursuits.



4. Also great reference for the rest of us. As a robotics enthusiast, I found the subject of this manual to be of intense interest. After receiving the book, I was further amazed by the inspiring variety and depth of the coverage of the subject matter. MacGyver would have loved this book! For best results, I would recommend that reader has at least a basic knowledge in electronics.
   Whether your intention is to give 5 senses to your robotics project, build your own weather station, or build a paranormal detection device, you're well on your way with this compilation.

5 comments about 1,000 Type Treatments: From Script to Serif, Letterforms Used to Perfection.

1. It is one of the useful books for any designer. It has all you need ways to give your vision a right spin!



2. having started a collection for graphic, web, collateral, etc design, i must admit that many of my books are from rockport. they seem to have a pretty good grasp at the current trends and designs. this book will help inspire and spawn creative ideas for type treatments. great book.



3. Excellent book. It has a very wide selection of type treatments that apply across a variety of media. The book is inspirational and informative.



4. Good type books are hard to find for some reason, but this book is the best one i've found. My brother had purchased this book a while back and I always used it for reference because it has such good typography studies and experimentations. I finally went and bought and and can't get enough of it. The whole book it put together so well, not only the samples but also the layout of the pages and just is awesome! A definite in my design book collections.



5. Provides a lot of inspiration on current slick type treatments designs ideas. I recommend it.

5 comments about The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cigars, 2nd Edition (Complete Idiot's Guide to).

1. Very good book. The cigar newbie to novice can really benefit from reading it as it covers all the basics. Even some long time aficionados may learn a thing or two.
   I especially enjoyed the detailed information on the art of making a cigar. I didn't know just how much work goes into each cigar. It goes through an arduous journey from being a tiny seed to the finished product. It takes many years before the final product is ready for you to enjoy. A cigar is truly a work of art. An excellent book for all cigar lovers.



2. Book which wide open new cigar world for those who just start. Every aspects, like buying storing, ethic of smoking, history of making. EVERYTHING! Must have!



3. If I was an idiot this book would be usefull. I did learn a little from it and it is well written.



4. I would like to thank all the folks who have bought my book since 1997 and have placed my book as the top-selling cigar book on Amazon, and have made put me in the top 1/10th of 1 percent of all Amazon book sellers, in any category! I think this makes a statement about the enjoyment of cigars.
   
   The Celtics won the NBA title in 2008 and yes, you saw the players hoisting the trophy and puffing cigars. Just like Michael Jordan enjoyed a big stogie when the Bulls won back in the 1990s. The ultimate celebration is a cigar. No denying it. Readers: your reviews and comments reflect exactly what I had hoped from my readers -- a great primer for beginners, but enough content for more experienced cigar smokers who would like to know more about why they enjoy the cigars they enjoy. I couldn't ask any more than the reader who said the book offered a limited amount of information to him (he was a more experienced cigar lover) but that it was well written. If nothing else, I want it to be a fun and interesting read for you.
   
   Thanks to the greatest and largest publisher in the world, Pearson and Penguin, for wanting to re-up and come out with a second edition. I never would have imagined, but could only have hoped that despite all the negativity about smoking, the cigar, like the peace pipe of old, represents friendship and relaxation. Thanks, and happy puffing. - Tad Gage



5. This book provides an understanding of cigar tobacco production methods from planting to curing, the differences in cigar products, and why prices vary. The author provides a cigar rating system that is a must for those who try many types of cigars, and he is clear as to his own preferences and uses. You'll find everything you need to know about caring for and smoking cigars, and the accessories needed. And it's a quick read; though packed with information, the book can be read in a day.

5 comments about The Pipe Fitter's and Pipe Welder's Handbook, Revised Edition.

1. I have had this book before and gave it away to someone. So I wanted another one for myself, it is good for me in my trade. I am a plumber and pipefitter. Very good book!



2. It was sent quickly. I like no hassles or delays. Great Job



3. excellent book for pipefitting. this is a new copy for me. my other copy is 29 years old



4. This book was to replace my old book that had been borowed and not returned. This book is a "must have" for anyone actively involved in the pipelining industry. While some of the homemade fittings cannot be used in code piping it can and has solved many problems during my 30+years of cross-country pipline cnstruction.



5. If you are a professional pipe fitter or plumber, home owner or handy person you must get this book. It saves the time you would take figuring out angles, pipe length, tank capacities, fittings and pretty much all the time consuming math associated with plumbing. this book helps me at work as well at home. I strongly recommend investing in this book!!

2 comments about Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World (3rd Edition).

1. Seller was very descriptive in their details concerning this product. There were numerous copies available to purchase, but the description was the deciding factor.



2. The product was exactly how the buyer described it would be. Excellent condition and fast delivery! Thanks!!

5 comments about Typographic Design: Form and Communication.

1. I am taking a course right now with Rob Carter. So at the risk of this sounding like a biased review, please know that I'm not the kind of person who allows personal feelings to stand in the way of my opinion on what's good and bad.
   
   Professor Carter's ability to effectively communicate is carried over to this text remarkably. Any obscure questions that I've had regarding typography and design have been answered by him personally and he nearly always pulls this text out to illustrate exactly what he means.
   
   Point is, I'm in my third year in a design program and even the "random, not covered by other professor" topics, are covered in this text.
   
   This is a text that designers will be going back to long after they've obtained their degree and are working in the field. It's a fantastic investment.
   
   --s



2. I had to get this book for school and I have to say it is a great book. It is packed with content and examples. Examples are kept to a minimum instead of plastering every page with 90% examples and 10% text. The content is solid and all of the examples have their place. If you are interested in typography don't pass the book up, it is probably one of the best I have seen.



3. I am so happy that i can buy my books and many many things from amazon with good price and amazon surprised me by sending them to me sooner than i expected it .nice job amazon keep going



4. Got the book for a class im taking. It has a decent history of type and is a good book for a graphic designer.



5. The book is great and if you're into graphic design or even want to understand type.If you're a teacher there are many creative exercises you can get out of this book too that students should enjoy.

5 comments about Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Finishing (Complete Illustrated Guide).

1. I have been working with wood for more than 30 years. The descriptions, explanations, and charts in this book are wonderful. The illustrations are superb -- a typical Taunton Press production. Highly recommended.



2. Before I read Jeff Jewitt's book on finishing I knew almost nothing about the finishing process. After reading this book cover to cover almost five times now, I feel confident about applying a finish to my first project. Jeff's writing style and knack for explaining make learning the often misunderstood art of finishing a pure pleasure. You will learn all types of finishing and application styles from padding, wiping, brushing and spraying. Jeff covers preparation of the wood surface all the way through staining, filling, sealing, top coats, and finally buffing. The plethora of color photos really gives you a good idea of what he is describing and enhance the text tremendously. You will not be disappointed with this encyclopedic description of wood finishing.



3. A must have reference work on wood finishing. High quality photos. Covers everything I can think of, and then some.



4. The Taunton's Guides are well written and illustrated with many color images. This one has a tremendous amount of information, but beginners may be put off by the large number of finishing materials and heavy machinery that are discussed; if you've just built a table and want to know a couple of ways to finish it, this book may be excessive. But if you want a full discussion of finishing techniques and you can sort out which ones are for you, this book is fine.



5. Tiene una explicación sencilla y muy gráfica, los libros de Taunton tienen un gran nivel, sólo echo de menos una versión en español para asimilar más rápidaente los conceptos.
   está muy bien explicado para la parte más complicada del woodworking puesto que un buen acabado marca la diferencia de un trabajo.
   lo recomiendo como casi todo lo de Taunton.

5 comments about 5S for Operators: 5 Pillars of the Visual Workplace (For Your Organization!).

1. Disapointing. Here we have a $25 book with 120 pages, probably at least 100 of which could be eliminated. The book is wordy, vague and full of meaningless examples and ambiguous statements. Don't waste your money.



2. This book is a great informational tool to get the ideas of the Five S concept into your employees. It is an easy read and doesn't heavily focus on how to implement these ideas but rather what to look for to help you implement Five S.



3. This book is written at the perfect level for floor implmentation. It is a no bones, to the point, with wonderful examples. Very easy reading within a few hours. I will be taking it to my Plant Manager to help convince him of the advantages of 5S.



4. Very easy reading within a few hours. It covers all the 5S in a simple practical way with excellent examples. Shows a lot of pictures that help visualizing work area before and after 5S. I recommend strongly this book. Eleven plants in the comapny i work for are using it now.



5. I think this book serves as a great aide for a team looking to implement a 5S program. It is easy to read, follow and comprehend the concepts across all levels of the organization. I especially appreciated the information on coping with resistance to the program. It was good training for my management team and was a good introduction for candid discussions with the employees. Many of the employees felt that the management team "felt their pain" by predicting and understanding that there would be resistance and the mid-managers didn't feel "blindsided" by difficult or unexpected questions. Overall it helped the company to build a win-win approach to implementing our 5S program.

5 comments about The Chicago Manual of Style: The Essential Guide for Writers, Editors, and Publishers (14th Edition).

1. This work has such a reputation, and so much praise has been (rightly) given to it in the reviews, that it certainly does not need an endorsement; what could I say that hasn't been said?

   That having been said, the Chicago Manual of Style is in need of a revision. Specifically, it does not cover issues that arise when self-typesetting books or journal articles, a common practice among mathematicians and scientists in the age of LaTeX.




2. As a freelance editor and typesetter, I find myself using CHICAGO nearly every day. At first, I thought it was unnecessarily thick and dense, but as I compared it to other style manuals, I found CHICAGO to be more comprehensive, thorough, and well-organized than others.

   As with any reference of this type, it will take the reader a little time to become accustomed to the order. A first-time user will swear at it, but after repeated use, the user becomes more familiar with the how and why of this work.

   Things that at first I found frustrating I now realize could NOT have been handled in a better or more efficient way. There is often no obvious place to put exceptions or obscure rules, and the editors pick a likely location. For example, suppose that while editing, I encounter a situation which doesn't quite fit a standard rule. At first, I think that this exception obviously belongs in Location A in CHICAGO, and wonder why the editors did not put it there. However, a month later, I may encounter a similar exception, but believe now that it obviously belongs in Location B in CHICAGO, and wonder why the editors did not put it there. Later, I realize that I have now thought that the same exception belonged in two different locations -- obviously, the editors can't just keep putting the same exceptions in every possible tangential location. As I gained familiarity with the book, I came to understand why certain exceptions or certain obscure rules were placed where they were -- and I came to agree that they were generally placed in the best location.

   That said, there are still a few things I haven't found, but those generally involve simultaneous applications of multiple rules. Each rule is covered, but sometimes, it is unclear how multiple rules intersect.

   I am entirely unwilling to trade it my CHICAGO for AP, MLA, Turabian, Strunk & White, or any other style manual.




3. 
   Arlo McKinnon writes, "Many of the 'rules' expounded in the Chicago Manual of Style are in direct contradiction to accepted convention; to name just two examples, the placement of a serial comma before the 'and' and the addition of an 's' following the apostrophe in a possessive already ending in "s.'"
   McKinnon's ignorance regarding the serial comma rule certainly calls into question his authority as an editor. The only place I've seen this so-called convention of omitting the comma is in the AP Manual--not an authority to be relying for serious editorial work, I think. Besides, how well would McKinnon's blind obedience to this so-called convention apply in the possibly apocryphal book dedication, "I'd like to thank my parents, Ayn Rand and God"? Aren't editors supposed to improve the flow and logic of writing, not force it into some straitjacket of rigid rules that only exist inside the editor's head?
   People seeking editorial advice would be better off with the Chicago Manual than they would be with a hyperbolic prescriptionist like McKinnon. My office has both the 14th AND 15th editions on the shelf, and they get used--usefully--every single week.



4. What can you say about the Chicago Manual of Style? It's supposedly beyond reproach, although I find it incredibly frustrating. I often have a very particular punctuation or grammar question, and I spend hours looking through references and cross-references without ever finding exactly the information I want. I think I'd recommend taking a Chicago Manual of Style course before using the Chicago Manual of Style. I'm thinking of getting the Oxford Guide to Style. I hear it's much more straightforward. Besides, who wants to know that much about book-binding?The Oxford Style Manual



5. Excellent reference, now my standard for writing. As necessary as the "National Electrical Code" is to EE's

5 comments about Winery Technology and Operations:A Handbook for Small Wineries.

1. Excellent reference book with solid chemistry terminology and descriptions, although those just getting started may want to take first year chemistry or at least refresh their grade 12 understanding for the boring bits.
   
   I find it best to just catch the intro to each chapter and refer back to it prior to crush each year for a refresher.
   
   If you are a home winemaker you may find it overwhelming, so maybe stick to consulting your best you-brew expert for advise. I used Bosa in Vancouver Canada.



2. Dr. Margalit's book is an easy to read primer useful for any wine student studying the technology and chemistry behind winemaking. His prose style intersperses the scientific elements with winemaking techniques from the grape ripening stages through the final production and quality checks of the produced wine. He defines most of the key acronyms and explains in simple to read precise language key winemaking concepts, using many graphs and well-placed illustrations. Topics are indexed well, and a series of appendices at the end of the book allow the reader to continue reading forward the topics at a high level, while being able to refer to added technical detail available when needed. The sections on wine acids are very concise and to the point. There is a lot of real world information in here, distilled from many more technical texts not as easy to read as this one. This is a very solid wine making primer. Kim Hartleroad - graduate of the UC Davis Winemaking for Distance Learners program



3. This text includes explanations and procedures which are easy to use and understand. My winery is small and private. With some basic equipment, I have been able to produce some well recieved good reviews.



4. Not your average beginner winemaking book, but good information for those who would like to take their winemaking to the next level. More rigorous material, but making the effort to sort through the science in this book will make your wine better. Great reference for small wineries, and valuable for serious hobbyists.



5. This book won't replace going to UC Davis, but it is a good start if you are looking to break into professional winemaking. It concisely touches on all of the important aspects of making wine with commercial equipment. It is well written and straight forward in its style. Basically, it is everything you want in an intro book.