5 comments about 2006 International Plumbing Code - Softcover Version (International Plumbing Code).

1. with 148, the book didn't really go into detail into why some of the codes were wrote certain ways. I've read many other code book and they offer explanation into why its a certain way. This book doesn't make the code relatable so its going to feel cold to read, just bare details.



2. 
   The "code", in this case plumbing, is essentially an overpriced, legal document.
   
   Most states have created their own version of plumbing code with many, major municipalities adding restrictions at local levels.
   
   In a perfect world, "the" plumbing code would rigorously define a system of best practices - this "International," plumbing code reflects insurance companies' interests in establishing a safe and reasonably, low level of liability.
   
   The "code" is written by attorney's in cooperation with plumbers, builders, supplier's of materials and various, other, self interest groups.
   
   It is vague, possesses no visual representations, poorly indexed, unreferenced and in many cases a hinderance to the adoption of new materials and design.
   
   It makes more sense to purchase a copy of your state or local municipality's plumbing code. In most cases, the local codes are available and inexpensive. Periodic updates are usually available for a modest fee. The sad part is that most local codes explain very little and are poor substitutes for books oriented towards plumbing system design or repairs.
   
   Because there is no popular movement to make the code "more accessible -" we are stuck with it.
   
   It is what it is!



3. Interesting the similarities between the last Virginia Plumbing Code and the first International Plumbing code, eh? It's not coincidence.
   
   It appears that the "International Code Council"... located in Virginia, no less... had a stroke of brilliance. They produced a gem of a name for their book- the "International" Plumbing Code. What? They using these codes in Mexico? Ecuador? France?
   
   A good name sells anything. This book is a ridiculous reduction of plumbing codes, stuffed into a few pages. It's obvious very few contemporary issues are addressed. Unfortunately, bureaucrats aren't plumbers... which is why several states have adopted it as their new gospel on plumbing, and the International Code Council's dreams are becoming reailty. I've had multiple discussions with individuals "just so excited that someone finally took up the task to umbrella "all" the plumbing codes into one national code... so we can all be on the same page now... like the National Electrical Code!"
   
   Absolutely hysterical



4. Hey people, aren't computers smart? Amazon wants me to review a code book. What the f@#$. It's needed in my job. That's why I bought it.



5. I never did recieve the item. I want a full refund and additional credits if you ever want me to buy from you again. I had to buy the book at Barnes and Noble for Retail price after I waited 2 weeks on the 2006 IPC. I took the Master Plumbing test July 12th and because of this I had minimal study time. Thanks Amazon!!

5 comments about The Strip-Built Sea Kayak: Three Rugged, Beautiful Boats You Can Build.

1. I got the book on paddle constructon but the strip-built sea kayak book never arrived. I had forgotten ordering it and wish to have it now. thanks



2. With all the rave reviews already stated, I add my own.
   
   Mr. Schade will break your heart in the very introduction of the book; at this moment you will come to understand the true dedication of this author to his craft (and love for his wife). Then there is a descent into the inner secrets of this craft that he loves. As an accomplished gymnast, he will certainly make this kayak-building appear easy, almost too easy, and yet the details are in place to convince you that, yes, you can do it yourself.
   
   You have to pinch yourself to bring yourself back to the reality that you will spend many hours building this kayak, that it will cost you quite a bit, and that the process is not as easy as it looks. Then stop pinching yourself and start planning; the reality is that you can do it!
   
   There are a few gaps in the details that I had to think my way through, but none of these gaps are intentional. In fact, these opportunities are more exciting than aggravating.
   
   This is not the only good resource available for learning the strip-building technique. I am already modifying Mr. Schade's designs to include elements provided elsewhere, as he would even encourage himself. On the other hand, this book is all you need to make a great kayak, and the information in this book is superior to anything that I have seen elsewhere.
   
   I would recommend this book even to those who never plan on building a kayak if for no other reason than to appreciate this fine art of shipbuilding.



3. This is a very good book. Schade's style is very easygoing and informative. A pleasure to read and learn from.



4. Nick Shade is an artist, not a woodworker. He doesn't fret over minute details, or force you to make things perfect. But his designs are positively gorgeous. Since his book is a recent print, he covers many aspects of construction the older books do not cover, and many of the ideas are his own and are used professionally on the curent market. He does not cover everything, and if you want to find out the most recent developments as far as boatbuilding, you have to subscribe to the blogs online. (such as on Ted Moores' site). He is not as clear as Ted Moores in KayakCraft, but sometimes has more ideas. I suggest to buy both and visit all the websites.



5. I have learned all the needed information required to build a Strip kayak.
   
   Yet! the kayak plans in the book are not good enough for building a kayak. Purchase plans separately!

5 comments about The Morrow Guide to Knots.

1. Step-by-step instructions on how to tie various types of knots are paired with great photos showing the details of the knots.



2. "The Morrow Guide to Knots" offers excellent coverage of how to tie a wide variety of knots. True to its goal of illustrating how to tie knots, this book does just what it says it does.
   
   While a bit dated (the back of the book states that it takes full advantage of "...color photography..."), this book has stood the test of time quite well. I was able to pick this book up and start tying complex knots within minutes.
   
   This is a useful book for individuals with an interest in boating, fishing, camping and/or climbing. I found, and continue to find, this book to be quite useful.



3. I really have not had time to do a good review of the book. But give the pictures in the guide, it looks like they did a good job in the step by step process. I know showing how to tie knots in 2-D is difficult at best. But this book will help. Thanks !



4. This book makes it hard to imagine that they could forget a knot. It is very well organized and easy to follow. My only complaint is that it is so comprehensive that it may be difficult for a beginner.



5. I was an eagle scout and fisherman in my time so far. I love this book. I read and practice knots with it. (I think this is only feminine if you call it macramé.) You don't need all the knots in this book but that is what is so cool about it. Morrow will show you how the knot is made and even some history. I would buy it again if I lost it. As a true knot lover this book is still fun (I have about 4 knot books) and is my favorite so far.

5 comments about 2006 International Building Code - Looseleaf Version (International Building Code (Looseleaf)).

1. Revised, expanded, and essential to anyone in the building industry because these codes apply across the board, including virtually all states in the US. The IBC has replaced state and other building codes. This volume provides information in the English measuring system. I prefer the looseleaf edition to the bound volume because it folds completely open and you can leaf through the pages more easily, as you are constantly being referred from one section to another. Of course you will want to update your other international code books as well.



2. The newest edition of the IBC has finally come up with an easy-to-read version that allows users to easily access information in a familiar format but also allows quick reference and notes the deletion of important paragraphs and sections. I would highly recommend this book for all those in the construction industry. This book is the future of our profession...



3. Like the loose leaf edition the only complaint is that the holes need to be a little bigger.



4. the book is required for much
   work.
   
   It is a shame that they have to
   charge so much for a book that
   should be almost free.



5. The IBC Code is almost unintelligible. It's circular conditional process of determining code compliance is without doubt the most confusing edition of a building code ever adopted in the United States.

5 comments about Critical Listening Skills for Audio Professionals.

1. The book comes with a cd. Mine didn't work, and book is useless without cd. I emailed publisher, waited a week to hear back, and they pretty much told me I was out of luck. What a ripoff.



2. This book contains some clear and self explanatory audio exercises. I hate to acknowledge that most of the exercises could have already been performed by using a 'free' (computer) tone generator to explore the different frequency ranges. Beware, it will require time to learn to listen properly. I was very wrong to believe that by listening to the contents once, I was set. I would suggest to make copies of use a separate sheet of paper to answers the exercises. This way you can repeat it, over and over. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in improving his/her audio listening skills.
   
   *PROS:
   -Good and helpful exercises
   -Nice correlation between the audio exercises and the freq. graphs on the book.
   -If you have no patience to play with a tone generator, this book is well suited for you.
   
   *CONS
   -The CD without the book or the book without the CD become useless.
   -You need to read the book while you listen to the CD.
   -The CD is in fact an MP3-CD, so you may not play it anywhere you want.
   -I have the impression that the book is kind of expensive. Many of the exercises can already be performed by anyone using a (free) tone generator.
   - The book is kind of bulky to take it anywhere.



3. This book is acutally a compilation of two of Alton Everests ear training books. The first, Critical listening skills, plays different frequencies, amplitudes, bands, filters, amount of total harmonic distorion, and revervbs. Then you are forced to recognize changes within these different areas. These are crucial ear training skills for anyone trying to break into the world of audio. It's not somehting you can go through once and leave. The book should become part of a routine of ear training.
   
   The second book, Auditory perception, discusses issues relating to the differences between how sound occurs and how we actually perceive it. Another valuable tool for understanding how sound works.
   
   Aparantly this book has been around for a long time but was, until this edition, only available in very expensive editions that were catering toward institutions. This is done by puting the 6 cd's onto 1 mp3 cd. This is my one complaint about this book, that people trying to become audio pros shouldn't use compromised quality files when training there ears. That is why I use the cd's as a guide and for the projects that require more acurate listening I use a tone generator in my DAW to recreate the sounds at a higher quality.
   
   All in all an excellent tool that has, in a short time, already proven very helpfull.



4. i just tried to listen to the track lessons on my very expensive and revealing audio system, and to my surprise the tracks on the cd lessons are on MP3!!! WHAT??? a book made for critical listeners can't hear it on a high end cd player! i dont believe this. they have the nerve to say this in page 4: "if you cannot hear these extreme tones, it may be either the fault of your ears or the fault of you equipment" ....so my $20,000 cd player is responsible for not hearing you crappy mp3 files?



5. Great book for begginers looking to understant the basics of sound. Clear and easy to understand.

5 comments about How to Read a Nautical Chart : A Complete Guide to the Symbols, Abbreviations, and Data Displayed on Nautical Charts.

1. A great resource even for experienced skippers. Also makes you very aware of the limitations of modern cartography (ie how many charted depths are based on a survey done 50 or 100 years ago!).



2. Got about all Nigel's books - as I had expected, he gives a good clear insight on nautical charts and how to read them. Not much else to say! Thanks Nigel for helping make the dream come true!
   Dutch West.



3. Since the current U.S. Administration saw fit to cease publication of CHART NO. 1, the government's own guide to reading maritime maps, back in 2000 (maybe they figured Dubai might pick up the slack around our harbors), HOW TO READ A NAUTICAL CHART is an absolutely crucial educational volume for those of us new to reading charts.
   
   It's all here. Nigel Calder does a splendid job of taking the esoterica of chart symbolism and language and turning it into something any boater can understand in everyday terms. He also does a fine job delineating the differences between harbor charts, large area charts, GPS readings and so on, all of which have their own internal but non-complimentary logic.
   
   If you leave the dock, knowledge of and familiarity with charts can avoid costly errors, save your boat, and literally save your life. HOW TO READ A NAUTICAL CHART is a reference you must have.



4. As a newbie to reading charts I soon realized that much of the information displayed on a nautical chart is difficult or imposable to decode without some reference outside of the chart itself.
   
   This book does a beautiful job of explaining all the mysterious symbols and conventions. It also has a great introduction that puts chart creation and interpretation into a practical, real-world perspective. I would consider this book to be a vital part of any vessel's safety equipment.



5. Brand new item, very nice. Smooth transaction with excellent communication & quick shipping. Thank You

5 comments about Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2006 International Building Code (Building Codes Illustrated).

1. I am not sure why everyone was so high on this. The organization is a bit scattered and it doesn't really cover a great deal of code. If you are using this as a general learning book, it is ok. But if you are looking up specifics about something you are working on, I bet that most of the time it will let you down.



2. This book does an outstanding job of explaining how to use the building code, what the code means, and the basis for some codes. If you are an engineer, architect, or someone who just wants to better understand the building code, this book is for you.



3. Ching always does a good job of clearly illustrating aspects of design and construction, but in this case the book lacks depth. Only the most basic codes are included and it is of little or no help for the building professional.



4. This is an excellent book. It makes it very easy to understand many of the issues addressed by the IBC. In a few minutes of flipping through the pages right after I received it I was able to clearly understand issues that I previously had to read over and over again in the code to try to understand. Any time I have a code issue now I first read the code and then look at the same item in this book to see if my interpretation is correct.



5. Interpretation of codes sometime is confusing. With the picture to explain, it is much easier to understand than just read the words. A picture is better than a thousand words!

5 comments about Handy Farm Devices: And How to Make Them.

1. We purchased this book hoping for some old fashioned helpful hints, instead we were charmed by the nostalgia. I wouldn't consider this a "do it yourself guide" but, an industrious builder/ engineer could get a kick out of attempting these fun old ideas. Not overly useful but thought provoking.



2. If you like "old school" technology or "low tech", this is the book for you. You'll find things forgotten or that you never knew existed. Very handy for self sufficient folks.



3. I love the book and it has been passed to three other people already. Anyone that likes implements to do odd jobs and those that were used by our ancestors, will love this book. Perfect book for the person that is trying to be self sufficient on a small farm or acreage.



4. The book has a lot of devices that stood the test of time. Is great for those that are woodworkers and also going back to nature. It has money saving ideas that can be used today as the day it was written. I feel worth the money.



5. This book is great with a ton of wonderful ideas. Can't wait to actually sit and read instead of browsing. I've already selected several items that I want to build before the summer is over. Will write more when I read it cover to cover.

5 comments about The Annapolis Book of Seamanship: Third Edition, Completely Revised, Expanded and Updated.

1. This book has some pretty good info and is quite comprehensive and well laid out. If you're going to buy 1 book, let it be this one. That's if you ever get around to reading it (it being so comprehensive and all) it's almost easier to go out sailing than trawl through it's many pages! But a worthwhile reference.



2. THE ANNAPOLIS BOOK OF SEAMANSHIP by John Rousmaniere is the ur-text on sailing used by virtually every sailing school as its primary educational source. Now in its third edition, this eminently readable and well illustrated book is encyclopedic in its scope, crammed full of practical information about sailing vessels, the mechanics of sailing them, and the traditions of sailing. It's a measure of the excellence of THE ANNAPOLIS BOOK OF SEAMANSHIP how familiarly Rousmaniere presents this largely alien topic with its many very specialized terms of art.
   
   Rousmaniere wisely eschews most of the romance of sailing in favor of much more important considerations, such as boat care, boat handling, and especially safety at sea. Sailing may be enjoyable and it may be challenging, but it is also a dangerous avocation by its very nature, and the author never lets "salty talk" befog that issue. This is NOT a quick reference book for those who want to hoist the jolly roger and give no quarter while tied to the dock; this is a bible for serious SAILORS, whether on the local lake, Puget Sound or the South China Sea
   
   While it can't give you the hands-on experience that being before the mast confers, THE ANNAPOLIS BOOK OF SEAMANSHIP will give you the theory and information you need to make the most of that experience.



3. Great book for acquiring basic and intermediate seamanship knowledge. Also very useful as reference for refreshing your knowledge.



4. Reading this book will shorten any sailor's learning curve. It covers all aspects of the sport. John Rousmanierehas compiled an amazing reference/textbook that is interesting, informative and invaluable. I highly recommend this book to sailors at all levels of proficiency. Thank you Mr. Rousmaniere for this wonderful resource.



5. I highly recommend this book for any aspect of sailing knowledge.
   
   My brother found a first edition of this book in someone's trash, and grabbed it for me, as he knew I was a sailor and thought it might be useful or important. I had learned to sail from "Sailing for Dummies"; this, however, is (or should be) the bible for learning to sail. It is the only sailing book I've read that has described how to fly a spinnaker in a useful manner.

5 comments about 2006 International Residential Code - Softcover Version (International Residential Code).

1. This code book is like all such books very hard to get into, but it is a good reference. It lacks as good an index as I would like. The paper, printing and binding are good.



2. In todays world this resource material is like another trool in my toolbox, a must have being a electrician.



3. This Christmas we gave this book to our son, at his suggestion. He is a residential Architect working in Kansas City. I asked him what he thought about the book, after having time to review it. His response was, "Tell them its irritatingly indispensable."
   
   Amazon is always outstanding in the supply and delivery!



4. If you are acting as a contractor on your home or garage project, then this book is invaluable to make sure that the subs are building to code or making sure that you are building to code. As an retired contractor and engineer, I've come to realize over time that codes actually do have a purpose in life besides making the building process a pain. The old farm house I bought probably wasn't built to code and it shows. A lot of farmers around here have to get up on their out-building and shovel snow because every year one or two more of their buildings collapse.
   
   The book is well organize by project phase so things are easy to find--cement pad, walls, floors, roof, etc.



5. The book quality and condition are as the same as the seller describes.
   If it's original copy, it'll be much better and easier to use.2006 International Residential Code - Softcover Version (International Residential Code)