Customer Reviews:
Very interesting.......2007-07-29
This book has a lot of scientific data and an analytical feel to it. The writter put a lot of thought into this book and provided a lot of information not found in most aquarium books. She focuses on low tech tanks which is nice for those of us that don't have a lot of money to invest in equipment but want the look of a planted tank. I recommend this book to anyone that has a low tech tank or is interested in a different perspective on planted tanks.
Practical, yet scientific........2007-03-13
This book can be useful to the layman and has the depth for the pro.
The author clearly knows her subject and has the technical expertise. The biology and chemistry is over my head (it has been a loooong time since taking those classes), but it is actually readable. Some items simply have to be taken on faith if you haven't got the background to fully comprehend everything. In other words, one does not have to understand 'redox equations' to get the content.
I haven't tried her methods yet, but I am intrigued. It goes against most of my library, but she makes a lot of sense.
Other options.......2007-02-21
First of all, I gave "Ecology ..." 4 stars rather 5 as my feeling is that a "Practical Manual" might offer some options in terms of an author's preference. And, being a "Manual," it may also present "Trouble shooting" type of pointers, or "How to find your way back if a different path was selected." I believe the above are areas that could have been addressed in better fashion. However, that said, "Ecology..." is really an excellent source. D. Walstad tackles subjects with both the scientific base as well as personal experience. At times, the scientific base is (for may tastes and background) a little too involved. But, sprinkled throughout, we have questions with answers. I really liked that. I also liked her chapter that basically dealt with "This has worked for me...." The author dispels some myths in terms of natural sunlight and carbon supplementation that generally runs against current trends. What I thought might be improved:
1) A chapter devoted to, "How to rectify a situation without a total breakdown of the aquarium."
2) Options to "Plotting soil"(gardening soil)in the substrate. For those of us who don't feel confident in running off to Wal-Mart for our substrate.
3. More information on filtration; I'm a little skeptical in terms of the plants "Can do it all."
But, compared to the other book also purchased, "Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants," I very much like the author stating in clear terms "This has worked for me." With "Encyclopedia," you need dig to find this information.
GOOD BOOK IF .......2007-02-14
A GOOD BOOK IF YOU UNDERSTAND THE LINGO - I DID NOT. THE BOOK WAS WAY TO TECHNICAL FOR MY POOR BRAIN. I TRIED TO READ IT BUT JUST COULD NOT. I ORDERED THE BOOK BY MISTAKE (AGAIN MY POOR BRAIN). SENT IT BACK AND WAS GIVEN A RAPID REFUND IN ACCORDANCE WITH AMAZON POLICY. I HAVE NO QUARLS ABOUT PAYING THE SHIPPING AND APPRECIATE THE ABILITY TO RETURN AM ITEM WHEN THE ONLY REASON I RECEIVED IT WAS THROUGH MY ERROR. I GIVE THE BOOK AND AMAZON 5 STARS AND MY SELF 1. IF YOU ARE REAL SMART BUY THE BOOK BUT IF YOU ARE JUST "PURTY" SMART LOOK ELSEWHERE.
THANK YOU AMAZON!!!!
RED CRANE
JUST A "PURTY" SMART COUNTRY BOY
This author really knows her stuff!.......2005-11-15
I highly recommend this book because it says it how it is!
Read this book and suddenly nearly all of your queries about freshwater aquarium ecology will be answered! From how aquatic plants purify water to caring for aquatic plants without using elaborate expensive equipment. Although, I am one to think that if people want their plants to flourish and have stable pH and alkalinity levels in their aquarium, they will need to invest in carbon dioxide fertilising with a solenoid valve to allow CO2 to flow when only the lights are on, providing all other growth factors are adequate (like lighting and nutrients).
Book Description
Twenty years ago Chelsea Green published the first trade edition of The Man Who Planted Trees, a timeless eco-fable about what one person can do to restore the earth. The hero of the story, Elzéard Bouffier, spent his life planting one hundred acorns a day in a desolate, barren section of Provence in the south of France. The result was a total transformation of the landscape-from one devoid of life, with miserable, contentious inhabitants, to one filled with the scent of flowers, the songs of birds, and fresh, flowing water.
Since our first publication, the book has sold over a quarter of a million copies and inspired countless numbers of people around the world to take action and plant trees. On National Arbor Day, April 29, 2005, Chelsea Green is releasing a special twentieth anniversary edition with a new foreword by Wangari Maathai, winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize and founder of the African Green Belt Movement.
Customer Reviews:
A book about the essence of life.......2007-02-11
One can read this book in less than an hour. That hour can be an exquisite calming experience, and one that talks about alternative ways of achieving satisfaction, while contributing to the place where he lives. It's not really a Johnny Appleseed book, even though it is about planting trees. Rather, it is about contributing to the health of the Earth, while contributing to the health of the individual.
Hope and humanity.......2005-09-30
I think the publisher wrote the perfect review for this book. It is a book about planting seeds and the seeds of life and what can happen when we give in the most humane, natural way. When nature and the human spirit work as one. The illustrations are a beautiful compliment to the writer. It makes a perfect gift and will inspire those who read it.
Book Description
A critique of moral relativism, the belief that there exists no objective moral standards that apply to every place, person, and time.
Customer Reviews:
Absolutism: No Feet at All.......2007-08-15
As usual in books of this type, the authors caricature their opponents and then attack their nasty, selfish, ignorant victims for the views the authors have ascribed to them. They then ask the reader to join them in their dance of triumph over the dead bodies of enough straw men to light up a good-size fire, the sort of fire to which the medieval Church--not known for its relativism--used to consign heretics.
Instead of dealing with their overheated mischaracterizations, let's consider the authors' arguments for moral absolutism. They point out, quite correctly, that the observation that different cultures and traditions may have different values doesn't mean that no given culture or tradition can have values that are absolute. But they fail to realize that the observation of cultural difference is not meant to refute absolutism, but to raise a fundamental question: If "absolute" values disagree, how does one establish, on an objective and absolute basis, which one, if any, really is absolute?
According to the authors, "objective truths ... are realities in the external world that we discover ... External facts are what they are, regardless of how we feel about them" (p28). In other words, "We don't invent morality; we discover it like we discover multiplication tables" (p29).
How do we discover the "objective" truths of absolute morality? By intuition: "Intuition is a foundational way of knowing that does not depend on following a series of facts or a line of reasoning to a conclusion. Instead, intutional truth is simply known by the process of introspection and immediate awareness" (p56).
"Intuitional truth doesn't require a defense--a justification of the steps that brought one to this knowledge--because this kind of truth does not result from reasoning by steps to a conclusion. It's a truth that's obvious upon consideration" (p56).
But what about people who disagree with the authors' intuitions about what constitutes moral truth? Clearly, one can't reason with such dissidents, because their intuitions are no more subject to the requirements of reasoned defense then are the authors'. Instead, one dismisses them: "They have something wrong with them" (p59).
That's it. Our intuition is right because we know it is; your intuition is wrong because there's something wrong with you.
People who find comfort in that sort of approach will enjoy this book.
Acceptable introduction, but repetitive.......2007-05-22
If you know next to nothing about relativism read this book; however, for those with a solid grasp on the concepts behind it, you'll find the authors making all the obvious points. They also tend to repeat things over and over, as if they're trying to reinforce all the arguments in your mind. Interesting examples are peppered throughout the work, though sometimes they seem a bit cherry picked. Go for Kreeft's "A Refutation of Moral Relativism: Interviews With an Absolutist" for a more thorough and provocative read.
Fascinating yet down-to-earth introduction solid moral theory.......2006-08-24
The authors define moral relativism as the popular theory that there is no objective way of determining what is true or what is right and that morality is based one cultural norms or personal circumstances. This book rises to the occassion criticizing the foundation and legitimacy of moral relativism. The book's strength is that it is an easy read that keeps your attention by appealing to your inner humanity, intuition, common sense and rational.
The book is divided into three sections which is written by two authors. Francis discusses the foundation of moral theory and knowledge. Gregory discusses the political and cultural ramifications of moral relativism. Francis finishes the book by explaining how one can challenge moral relativist messages in their every day lives. Both authors are conservative Christian apologists, but one need not be a Christian or a political conservative to understand and appreciate this book.
Francis does quite an outstanding job exposing how moral relativist advocates often contradict themselves and hide their ulterior agenda by manipulating language and using false rhetoric in the public domain. Francis does a good showing why an objective view of morality that transcends culture and personal preferences is not only necessary but logical for developing a sound moral theory.
The book is not without flaws. I found the book doesn't maintain the quality in writing throughout, which is in part due to the book having two authors. In the second section of the book, Gregory reaches too far in trying to condemn certain policy initiatives without the proper justification. In one instance, Gregory tries to pass off a personal anecdote as 'proof' that supporters of affirmative action and multiculturalism rely on 'might is right' as opposed to intelligent discourse in pushing forth their agenda. While Francis does a good job helping readers recognizing moral relativism in society, Gregory unfortunately is premature in taking for granted that the reader assumes certain liberal political viewpoints (support for affirmative action, gay rights, etc.) are symptoms of moral relativism.
Nonetheless, both authors do a good job in allowing readers to consider the consequences of accepting moral relativism, which often consists of always trying to please everyone, mindlessly following public opinion, and legitimizing any ideology that comes out left field under the guise of tolerance. Both authors explain why true moral leaders need to be strong, confident, and unyielding in their beliefs and why its important to challenge those who advocate moral ambivalence and circular self-justification for one's personal desires and disguising it as morality. I would definitely recommend this book to readers who have been confused or worried our changing moral climate and want to begin a clear and focused path to approaching the topic.
Weak.......2006-02-24
The authors do a decent job of explaining relativism in a manner designed for the layman but seldom do they allow more than a few pages pass before they start trotting out their conservative beliefs, ostensibly to stress a point about relativism but seemingly just to air their views on abortion and homosexuality (they're against both). It's a digressive approach, and remarkably amateurish (as is the jacket art, which looks like something that might've been cooked up by a high school sophomore learning to use a Mac circa 1986). If you took the politics and the smug assertions out of this already short book you'd be left with a pamphlet. There's just not a lot of actual information or serious discussion of relativism here.
There's a great need for a book written for a general audience that explains why moral relativism is a poor, even dangerous, approach to the world. This is not that book.
Page 74.......2005-08-25
Walk into a book store; read the conversation between Elizabeth and her teacher on page 74 (paperback) and you will have a fair idea as to whether or not relativism makes a person more open minded or close minded.
What kind of person you want to be will probably determine whether or not you read this book.
Book Description
Gardeners and fishkeepers alike are enthralled by the intricate beauty of planted aquariums. Today's aquarium technology is making more and more complicated arrangements easier than ever to maintain. An aquarium of beauty and diversity is yours with the "simple" but thorough instructions outlines in The Simple Guide to Planted Aquariums. In it you'll discover:
-Which plants are suitable for which types of arrangements.
-How to plan and cultivate your sunken garden.
-Whether to introduce fish- and which kinds.
-How to identify and solve common problems with minimal disruption.
Customer Reviews:
useless book.......2007-09-30
This book was too complicated for the beginner and too superficial for everybody else. While all the photos of plants contained more than one type of plant, the caption failed to identify more than one type and it was never clear which plant the caption was referring too. Many of the more complicated topics were treated so superficially as to be of any use to anybody and should have been left out entirely
Why & How to kepp and aquarium........2007-09-13
The authors have done an excellant job of describing water chemistry and the reasons various filtration systems work. pH, KH, hardness, nitrites, and nitrates are all covered. Testing and correction of water deficiencies are described very well. The explanation of Kingdoms of platnts, animals, etc. is very enlightening. The different catagories of plants are also covered as well as their use in an aquarium. Fish that are compatible with a planted aquarium are also suggested.
Excelente para los que comienzan.......2007-08-06
El libro es bastante completo, toca temas elementales pero necesarios para quienes apenas empiezan con el acuarismo, igualmente desarrolla algunos temas avanzados de forma didáctica y ágil. trae algunas tablas muy útiles sobre parametros del agua. al final, dedica capítulos enteros a las plantas de acuario clasificándolas en una forma bastante útil. Excelente adquisición.
Very nicely formatted Overview or Introduction.......2007-03-25
I've kept planted aquariums for a number of years, but was intrigued by this book because one of the co-authors is a well-known advocate of low-tech planted tanks.
The format of this book is VERY nice. The writing is friendly and inviting, and there are lots of pretty full color photos. Personally, I didn't learn a whole lot of new information, but it was a pleasant read nonetheless. I would certainly recommend it to someone just entering the hobby, or someone looking for an overview on planted tanks, especially if they're seeking some guidance on what type of planted tank is the best fit for them - high tech, low tech, biotope, etc. All around, a very good presentation, and an excellent invitation to exploring planted aquariums!
Good book for beginner........2006-03-02
This book has been quite helpful for my husband who is setting up his first planted aquarium. It is well organized, informative, and easy to read. The authors offer suggestions of compatible fish as well as plants, substrates, and water management.
Amazon.com
The Man Who Planted Trees is not a detailed how-to guide to planting; it is a touching story of Elzéard Bouffier, who devoted his entire life to reforesting a desolate portion of Provence, in southern France. He single-handedly planted 100 acorns each day before, through, and after two world wars, and transformed a sorrowful place into one full of life and joy. Jean Giono's words offer a tribute to how much good one person can accomplish in a lifetime and advise on how to live life with deep meaning. Illustrated with moving, beautiful wood engravings by Michael McCurdy, The Man Who Planted Trees is simply written but powerful and unforgettable. The text is also available on tape, eloquently narrated by Robert J. Lurtsema and accompanied by music from the Paul Winter Consort.
Book Description
Simply written, but powerful and unforgettable, The Man Who Planted Trees is a parable for modern times. In the foothills of the French Alps the narrator meets a shepherd who has quietly taken on the task of planting one hundred acorns a day in an effort to reforest his desolate region. Not even two world wars can keep the shepherd from continuing his solitary work. Gradually, this gentle, persistent man's work comes to fruition: the region is transformed; life and hope return; the world is renewed.
Customer Reviews:
The Man Who Planted Trees.......2007-08-31
Fast shipping. Book received in same great condition as described on website. All in all, an A+ transaction.
Customer Beware!.......2007-07-06
Purchasers should be aware that this book is a miniature and its approximate size is 3 1/2" x 3 1/2".
plant trees.......2007-03-09
This short but inspiring book was recommended to me by a friend as I plant trees. After reading it, I wanted to rush out and plant more!
Jean Giono's Gift to the World.......2006-07-12
This beloved little book is a simple short story about an elderly tree-planter who, during the early 1900's, restores a barren countryside (in the southern part of France) into a beautiful valley of paradise. His efforts alone--just out of love for planting trees--brings back life and energy to the small town of Provence.
As author Jean Giono states, the moral message of this story is "to make people love the tree, or more precisely, to make people love planting trees." Norma L. Goodrich's Afterword is a brief and interesting account of Giono--a man much respected and admired. Also included in this edition is educational material about forest protection and preservation. Michael McCurdy's wood engravings are an enriching addition to the book as well; they are charming illustrations, which depict Giono's descriptive scenes beautifully!
You don't necessarily have to buy the book to read it, because you can very well finish it while lounging in the bookstore. Also, as one reviewer has previously mentioned, there are free readings of it available online. However, if you intend to give someone a great gift, then I highly recommend buying this book.
NOTE: You may want to check out the Oscar winning animated adaptation (of the same title). It's a classic in itself!
Reading Teacher.......2006-05-06
So many books pass through our hands, and minds never to be touched again. This is not one of them. Perhaps because Giono based this (albeit loosely) on my American hero, Johnny Appleseed, I love even more. It makes a wonderful gift that can be read over and over again. It never gets old. The message that it teaches about the planet, is so important it should be mandatory for all students - and certainly VOTERS.
(And politicians - not that they would care, or even get it.)
I cannot praise it too highly - and I'm a tough grader!
Customer Reviews:
A old Oral Roberts rip off of the poor.......2007-09-20
A one star book. Why don't they the rich evangelist sow to us ( the poor )for a change and realy get blessed. This is a con job made in hell, and when it dont work out people LOSE faith in God. Dont fall for the old testament promise for Israel for what God has for the Church sermons. Bad teaching all the way.
You Can't Beat God Giving.......2000-05-30
Juanita Bynum is a truly anointed prophetess sent by God. I have seen her in person and she eletrifies the audience with her presence. The planted seed was a wonderful book. It backs up what the bible tell us about giving. Give and it shall be given unto you. The principals are so simple. If you think about it, what if God said give me 90% and you take 10%, we really would have a hard time. All we need to do it honour God with our substance, and He will keep His promise to us. The more you give the more He'll give to you, just keep on giving because it is really true, that you can't beat God giving, No matter how you try. I'm a witness to this principal. Get the book and meditate on it.
HONOR GOD AND HE WILL HONOR YOU.......2000-04-24
I really like this book because Prophetess Bynum is very frank and straight forward about reaping and sowing. As saints, we can't afford not to plant and nourish the seeds that the Lord has given us. He will bless us according to our integrity and faith. This book let's us know that being a DOER of the Word is the key to keeping the anoiting upon us.
This book was an inspiration to me........1999-10-20
I really enjoyed this book by Prophetess Bynum. She is a dynamic writer, speaker and person. I know after reading this book, I can't just be buried--that I must plant the seed of God (his word) and allow it to be used (grow spirituallY in me). Great book and one everyone could enjoy. It is good that she is from Waycross--a place not to far from me:):)___South GA____
Planted Seed.......1998-10-07
This book will help you learn the essentials of having a seed that God has birthed into your spirit and how to keep and nourish it. When you have an anointed seed you can't do any and everything because you will then cause it to dry out and die. Your seed needs good soil, water and sunshine to keep it healthy. By having a healthy seed you need the word of God, good teaching and reproof. Also this book will bless you on how to protect your seed too.
God bless you, J
Customer Reviews:
Fun in the sun and air and water.......2004-10-22
Busy, colorful illustrations and dialog tells a story about photosynthesis. Mentions that plants get water from soil, air via holes in the leaves, and energy from the sun to make a kind of sugar. Explains that leaves are green because of the chloroplasts. A more detailed note at the end explains that the plants make carbohydrates from water, carbon dioxide gas, and sunlight. It mentions the holes in the leaves are called stomata and that water flows through xylem and sugars through the phloem. Karen Woodworth-Roman Children's Science Book Review
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Material for believers in the local church.......2007-06-27
This book should be read by every believer. I wish I had had this book 12 years ago when we started our church. We use it as a gift for people visiting our church. I feel it will revolutionize the way people think about the local church and their place in the body of Christ
Product Description
Planted Aquariums: Creation and Maintenance starts with a discussion of light, soil, and water requirements for keeping plants in aquariums. The next chapter gives the reader guidelines for choosing the right plants for their tanks. The major portion teaches how to plan for, purchase, and install plants in the aquarium. There is a detailed section that is useful for someone who just wants to put a few hardy plants into a small tank as well as for the serious hobbyist aiming to create a show tank. Sections on plant care, water quality, problem solving, and fish in planted aquariums round out the picture. A special section on Dutch and Japanese planted tanks provides a wider perspective. "Hands on" information is available for hobbyists who want their tanks to shine. Although the book is comprehensive, the beginner can learn how to create and maintain a simple tank or a more complex one.
Customer Reviews:
Fine book but can be better........2007-06-12
I had high expectation for this book after reading many favorable reviews. This book is fine but somewhat less than expected. I was unable to find answers to many specific questions such as a general guide line on CO2 dosages, how to control snail, how to deal with tannic acid leached from drift woods, fertilization techniques. There is a helpful chart of all types of plants and it's care requirement. Unfortunately, many of the plants in the list does not have a picture in the book.
Useful information about Aquascaping.......2007-01-23
It is well-oriented reading book pointing out that the aquarist/aquahorticulturist might be quite successful even if he/she realises the importance of using the basic elements in a correct way, which we couldn't pay attention in a required manner. The author basically refers to the facts on Dutch aquascaping and also highlights the wrong practises and recognitions in world-wide aquascaping. The reader might benefit even further when he/she reads this book by referring to the reference book called "Aquarium Plants" written by the same Author, especially while having hands-on experience.
Great planted aquarium reference.......2006-11-06
I think this is one of the most useful books I have seen on aquarium plants and the planted aquarium. It is well organized, offers great planting and maintenance advice, and I refer to it frequently. One of the most useful features is an appendix of plants organized by characteristics, size, light requirements, optimal temperature, suggested location, minimum aquarium size and comments, cross referenced to photos in the book. This feature alone is worth the price of the book!
A great read for serious beginners.......2006-08-15
Christel Kasselmann unfolds the technical steps that beginners need to know in an honest way. A must read BEFORE setting up a plant aquarium.
Fantastic.......2006-08-02
This book by Christel Kasselmann, is excellent reading material,it is informative and I would recommend this book to beginner to professional.
Product Description
It's the perfect pairing- Mary Engelbreit and outdoor décor! Paint and fabric make 23 ordinary outdoor accessories into exceptional decorator items you won't find anywhere else.
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Fish & Aquariums
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Encyclopedia of Aquarium Plants
Nature Aquarium World Volume 2
Aquarium Designs Inspired by Nature
Nature Aquarium World: Book 3 (Nature Aquarium World)
The Simple Guide To Planted Aquariums (Simple Guide to...)
