History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

The Workbench: A Complete Guide to Creating Your Perfect Bench

Average customer rating:

Not quite complete
The Incredible Workbench Creation
Nice to get ideas
Read again and again and again
Great book on workbench philosphy and design

The Workbench: A Complete Guide to Creating Your Perfect Bench
Lon Schleining
Manufacturer: Taunton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Do-It-Yourself | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

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ASIN: 1561585947
Release Date: 2004-10-01

Book Description

In this fresh and contemporary look at the world of workbenches, Lon Schleining takes us on a guided tour of a wide variety of classic, modern, and specialty benches and offers hundreds of options for choosing or building that perfect bench and its accessories. The Workbench looks at the classic subject with a focus on helping readers find the right bench and accessories for their needs. The object is to guide the reader through making critical choices, including whether to buy it or build it. Even long-time woodworkers dream of the perfect bench and the time to build it, and for them the real enjoyment is in the planning. With 279 color photos and additional illustrations, this book provides in-depth information along with the inspiration to fulfill workshop dreams.

Customer Reviews:

Not quite complete.......2007-07-16

Scant on details but good for ideas to design and build your own bench.......especially if you have not even seen one before.

The Incredible Workbench Creation.......2007-05-28

There are two categories for this review.

Firstly is the short period of time it took for the book to arrive from America to Australia, being just 14 days. This was impressive to say the least!

The second part is not only the fact that it is a brand new hard back in perfect condition, but that the information inside the book is incredible. this was not my first choice for a work book, but has so far been my best choice.

Recommended to anyone thinking of looking up how to build a work bench - from this group. Thanks guys.

Andrew

Nice to get ideas.......2007-03-03

This book shows those "I wish I'd thought of that" moments. Very good reference and idea book.

Read again and again and again.......2006-12-03

It seems that I read this book then I am reading another book on the same subject. It never fails but I will have to reread a portion of this book to put everything together so the new book makes sense. Other times I will just have a thought come to mind as I am designing a new bench. A quick scan of this book puts the idea's in order to fit what a customer wishes for their custom bench. Saves making a lot of false steps while building a bench you have not built before.
drayegon

Great book on workbench philosphy and design.......2006-02-12

This is a great book for what I wanted - a survey and idea book to design my own bench. Essentially the author surveys a number of different woodworkers and what type of benches they use and why. The book is broken down into logic chapters on various components of the bench including the top, base, vises and holding techniques. He covers ideas on how the bench fits in the shop, ergonomics, tool storage/trays, holding wood, and other issues related to layout and placement. It covers some history of workbenches but isn't a history book.

In Chapter 8 he explains his bench design and building process. This is really a nice design and I think I will use it for the basis of my bench. Note as 1 reviewer mentioned that this isn't a very detailed engineering view plan; it contains basic part measurements in a 3-dimensional view. It is enough information to design and build the same bench but you may have to dimension out a few things in more detail when building yours.

The layout and photography in this book are excellent, and the writing style is easy to follow.

Perfect Tables: Tabletop Secrets, Settings And Centerpieces for Delicious Dining

Average customer rating:

Gorgeous Tabletops.......
Perfect Tables
Tabletops

Perfect Tables: Tabletop Secrets, Settings And Centerpieces for Delicious Dining
William Yeoward
Manufacturer: Cico Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Special Occasions | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Decorating | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 190499153X

Book Description

"Perfect Tables" showcases the artistry of acclaimed tabletop designer William Yeoward in setting a beautiful table. He begins with an essential section on Getting Started, so you have all the linen, china, and glass you need. Next, themed chapters from Celebrations to Informality showcase twenty-four stunning creations, covering occasions including Thanksgiving, a Summer Wedding, Halloween, and Valentine's Day, and informal settings such as a buffet supper, a girl's lunch, a child's birthday, or the perfect breakfast tray. Inspired by William's love of entertaining friends, "Perfect Tables" reveals the secrets behind his eye for detail and colour, and shows how you can find inspiration in a fabric or item you may already own. William's invaluable hints and tips include reassurance for the nervous hostess and even dealing with dining disasters! The book concludes with myriad ideas for tying napkins, arranging glasses, and laying cutlery.

Customer Reviews:

Gorgeous Tabletops..............2007-04-12

I purchased this book for myself with an Amazon gift certificate. We give a lot of dinner parties and I am always fussing with the table. This beautiful book is filled with enough ideas to last the rest of my life. Even if I don't use the entire lay-out of a featured tabletop, there's at least one or two ideas that can be taken from each page and incorporated into my own design. If you love to "dress up your table," then this is the only book you might ever have to buy.

Perfect Tables.......2007-03-29

The photographs are lavish and the styling of the book is excellent, but what I find it lacks somewhat is the practical ideas. The focus is a lot on the china and table service.

Tabletops.......2007-03-17

This book is not what I expected. The settings were mostly the same, crystal and china. I was looking for new ideas with fabrics, flowers and other items to decorate the table for holidays and special occasions.

Complete Home Bartender's Guide: 780 Recipes for the Perfect Drink

Average customer rating:

Great Party Item
Great recipes and great design
They even got the Singapore Sling right!
Thoroughly informative guide for the first-timer or the enthusiast
best home bar guide

Complete Home Bartender's Guide: 780 Recipes for the Perfect Drink
Salvatore Calabrese
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

Bartending | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Spirits | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0806985119

Book Description

Expect this book to soar to the top of the bestseller list in its field with the most complete coverage of the subject anywhere, from the glass to use, the ice to mix to the garnish to finish it perfectly!
Start with a world-renowned expert's unequalled instructions for preparing virtually any cocktail anyone might ask for.
Add the essential facts of bartending with a professional's master guidance for hosting any gathering in the perfect atmosphere.
Pour in an encyclopedic collection of information about every drink, including brandy, gin, rum, tequila, and vodka; whiskey and bourbon; champagne and wine; bitters and other spirits; punches, cups, and eggnogs; liqueurs and shooters; hot drinks and nonalcoholic drinks.
Mix with Calabrese's recipes for 780 of his personal favorites, from old classics like Negroni, Bellini, and Sidecar, to new and exotic modern reinventions like Cosmopolitan and Apple Martini. And that leaves 775 more to choose from. Stir in hours of fascinating insider tales about how all the classic drinks came to be, the romance of the drink, and glorious photos and art of a sparkling visual history.
Garnish with:
. Live-action pictorials of techniques such as shaking, floating, layering, muddling, blending
. Thirst-inciting color photos that display drinks at their most elegant
. Easy-to remember icons symbolizing each type of glass to use in every situation
. Concealed spiral binding that lays flat so you can follow recipes with your hands free
. Hard-cover edition jam-packed with 256 information-filled pages at an amazing value price

It's the only bartender's guide you'll ever need. Even the right ice cubes are noted!

Customer Reviews:

Great Party Item.......2007-01-11

I loved this book because the recipes are simple, yet it offers some new twists.

Great recipes and great design.......2006-04-11

We've purchased a number of martini and other drink recipe books before coming across this one. One of the best things about this book is its spiral design. It lays flat, which means you don't have to try to hold it open or prop it up while mixing up a drink. Can't tell you how frustrating it is trying to whip up a martini or other stylish drink while trying to hold a book open! This book has great recipes, both old and new, is organized by type of liquor and even gives you ideas for the best glass to serve your masterpieces in. I just purchased another copy to give as a wedding/shower gift for a young couple.

They even got the Singapore Sling right!.......2006-01-16

This bartender guide is both colorful and full of photos. It's not also reasonable organized but has color codes for the different types of drinks (Gin, Vodka, etc.) to make it easy to navigate the cocktails. Also, I was happy to see a bartender guide that has the CORRECT Singapore Sling ingredients listed. So many others don't even have the real one used by the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. One thing that makes sense about this book, is that its spiral bound a real plus!

Thoroughly informative guide for the first-timer or the enthusiast.......2005-09-20

I found a used copy of this book at a local bookstore, and bought it out of sheer curiosity. I knew nothing prior to mixing drinks or even how to use a shaker, and was thoroughly amused at how drinking enthusiasts around the world could come up with 780 unique -- and sometimes downright perverse and ridiculous -- names for the world's finest cocktails.

There are two things that I love about this book -- it's brilliantly arranged as a reference guide, and it's geared for both the entry-level hobbyist and the more experienced enthusiast in mind.

Unlike many other bartender guides that are tiny paperbacks or printed on thicker paper that is harder to flip-through, Salvatore Calabrese's book is built like a true index in mind: it's a hard-cover with spiral-bound pages inside printed on glossy color paper. The 780 drinks are divided into logical categories (brandy, rum, wine, vodka, shooters, punches, nonalcoholic, etc.) and each drink's mixing instructions are designed to be read in less than 30 seconds. As a quick reference, I have not seen a book that is better written with clarity and brevity in mind.

Any book I'm willing to pay for as an introduction into a hobby needs to me interested with the history, the basics on how-tos, and the fine science of becoming an enthusiast. The book's opening chapters cover everything from tools & equipment, glassware, and bar terminology to flavors & garnishes, proper techniques for juicing limes, and how to properly use ice!
Nearly every single recipe includes a brief history as to where the naming scheme caming from, and there's some description to the regional origins of certain spirits and bases as well.

I'm not planning on becoming a professional bartender, but if I were going to, I'd imagine this text would easily be one of the required reads and "keeper" books for someone truly interested in pursuing a long-term education into the fine art of drink mixing.

best home bar guide .......2005-08-27

this book is awesome...lots of pics, easy to follow instructions, everything you need

The Definitive Guide to Designing the Perfect Bath

Average customer rating:

ELEMENTARY
THE Guide to simple bathroom design
The Definitive Guide to designing the perfect bath
A Fantastic Tool

The Definitive Guide to Designing the Perfect Bath
Barbara Sallick
Manufacturer: Barbara Sallick
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Perfect Paperback

General | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: B000KCIBSG
Release Date: 2006-11-01

Product Description

Barbara Sallick, Co-founder and Senior Vice President of Design at Waterworks, releases her second publication this November, titled The Definitive Guide to Designing the Perfect Bath. The ideal shelf-mate to her previous book, Waterworks: Inventing Bath Style, The Definitive Guide emphasizes the importance of planning, meticulous installation, choosing and trusting your design professionals, and accessorizing as the finishing touch for the complete bath experience. The Definitive Guide is the perfect tool for anyone building a new house, planning a major renovation, or making just a few small changes to the bath. It is the ultimate companion throughout the bath design process. The guide provides useful worksheets and checklists, and defines important questions to ask before embarking upon your design journey. Barbara says of The Definitive Guide, "A space will yield the most complete bath experiences when each decision that you have made about architecture and design feels right and the bath becomes a private retreat for your daily bath rituals." As arbiter of the Waterworks' influential bath aesthetic, Barbara brings a lifelong background in design to her philosophy of modern bath style, employing formal principles of architecture and decoration to make this utilitarian environment as rich and livable as any other room in the home. Barbara has continued to build on this precedent for nearly 30 years, seeking inspiration in past design traditions as the basis of an evolving, modern bath viewpoint.

Customer Reviews:

ELEMENTARY.......2007-08-03

If you have had any experience at all in remodeling or building a new bath, this book is way too elementary. I had hoped to find new and useful information but did not. There was nothing that cannot be found in any well written article on bath design in a monthly magazine on home decorating.

THE Guide to simple bathroom design.......2006-12-13

I loved this book; I was impressed with its simplicity and clarity. The photos are beautiful, the book is really user friendly and I will call it an indispensable guide for anyone even fantasizing about renovating their bathroom!

The Definitive Guide to designing the perfect bath.......2006-12-13

This guide goes back to the basics of bath design. The illustrations are helpful and the terminolgy is easy to understand.

A Fantastic Tool.......2006-12-13

This book is a fantastic tool for bath design. Great organization, lovely imagery, and extrememly useful information!

Leading Residential Interior Designers (Perfect Home, The)

Average customer rating:

Just ok
Breathtaking!

Leading Residential Interior Designers (Perfect Home, The)

Manufacturer: Sandow Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Decorating | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Professional Reference | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0976471361

Book Description

Beyond spectacular soaring ceilings and grand great rooms, the definition of a beautiful interior space embraces that which most closely expresses the true notion of home: a place that intimately reflects its owner, with rooms that enlighten and enthuse while also providing a sense of comfort and security. Through their knowledge of form, shape, color and texture, interior designers combine materials, furnishings and details to create thoughtful, enduring interiors.

Leading Residential Interior Designers showcases a portfolio of innovative works from the country's foremost residential interior designers. Representing a diverse array of aesthetic attitudes, their imaginative designs range from Art Deco and traditional to Late Modern and eclectic. Meet the interior designers who create these extraordinary designs, and discover what inspires them.

Featuring over 300 lavish color photographs, Leading Residential Interior Designers is a stunning visual display of fine interior spaces. For those who are passionate about home design and interiors, this resource contains a wealth of inspiring ideas and information.

Customer Reviews:

Just ok.......2007-04-11

I keep thinking I'll like these books and find them useful, and sometimes I do, but this wasn't one of those times. This will just take up shelf space for a time and then will move on to the library book sale.

So, it you're thinking of buying this book, consider another book and you may not be as disappointed as I was.

Breathtaking!.......2006-02-19

The pictures are big and beautiful, and the format of the book - showcasing one top design firm per state - allows you to see what's going on in different parts of the country! It's amazing and impressive! It's a great resource for ideas, both interior design and architecturally! Also, it's packaged in a gorgeous box, which makes it a great gift to give!

Homeowner's Record Keeper: The Perfect Place to Keep Track of Home Repairs, Maintenance, Plans, and Dreams

Average customer rating:

great for "interior decorating"
Great Tool - Nice Design
Helps keep everything straight
You probably don't need this book.

Homeowner's Record Keeper: The Perfect Place to Keep Track of Home Repairs, Maintenance, Plans, and Dreams
Christina Henry de Tessan
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

Cleaning, Caretaking & Relocating | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Household Hints | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Blank Books | Journals | Accessories | Formats | Books
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ASIN: 0811838285

Book Description

This workbook is an indispensable aid to the preservation and improvement of the investment that is your home. keep track of home records and maintenance schedules, prioritize repairs and improvements, and sketch out concepts and proposals for future projects. Appropriate for first-time buyers as well as seasoned homeowners, the Homeowner's Record Keeper will help you enjoy your home for years to come.

Customer Reviews:

great for "interior decorating".......2007-07-23

This is a nice product but it wasn't what I was hoping for in the end. I wanted/need something more like a 3-ring binder to hold samples, manuals, contracts, etc. This spiral bound book will hold small amounts of tiny paint chip samples and the like but there is not enough room in the pockets for much else. If you're looking for somewhere to record the ins and outs of your interior decorating escapades, this book is for you.

Great Tool - Nice Design.......2007-01-19

I bought this book as we are building our first house this year and I wanted somewhere to record all the information regarding contractors, colours, fixtures, fittings, etc as we went along with the building process. I have to say that this book is perfect for that!

There's plenty of spaces to go through room by room recording all the information so you can really keep track of what's going in to your home. I also like the fact that after the build is over, I have places to record maintenance work done, information about the utility companies in the area, etc so I can use it as an ongoing tool and not just an organiser while the house is being built. There is also a great section for future planning towards the back.

I think what I like most about this book though is the design. It's great to look at inside, using modern designs and colours, with a useful pocket inside for bits and pieces (can't remember if there is more than one but there might be). I looked at a lot of 'homeowner' type journals (I spent a really LONG time looking) and found that this one looked the best as well as being the most practical tool for my purposes.

All in all, I think this is a great buy either for those who are building or those already in established homes.

Helps keep everything straight.......2005-08-17

This book is awesome for any busy homeowner. There are suggestions for keeping organized as you do all types of renovations--everything from from painting to dry wall to new appliances. I love having one single place to keep all our paint chips, swatches, etc. It's so much easier than a blank notebook because they have lines for everything you need to record.

You probably don't need this book........2004-07-17

I read about this book in a magazine and was eager to get it. Being a first time home buyer/owner, I really thought it would be a useful tool. When it arrived I was very disappointed. 1/3 of the book is devoted to dreams and plans for your house (I already have a notebook for that) and the rest is for writing down information about appliances, paint, repairs, etc. I returned the book and will be starting a notebook. A 3-ring binder will suffice for me. However, for an unorganized person this book might be great.

The $64 Tomato: How One Man Nearly Lost his Sanity, Spent a Fortune, and Endured an Existential Crisis in the Quest for the Perfect Garden

Average customer rating:

Great book gift for green thumbs (and brown thumbs)
A tasty little story
Enjoyable memoir of a man and his garden
For the Gardening Obsessed
As an animal lover...

The $64 Tomato: How One Man Nearly Lost his Sanity, Spent a Fortune, and Endured an Existential Crisis in the Quest for the Perfect Garden
William Alexander
Manufacturer: Algonquin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Vegetables | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Weed & Pest Control | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1565125037

Book Description

William Alexander had a simple dream of having a vegetable garden and small orchard in his backyard. It was a dream that would lead to life-and-death battles with groundhogs, webworms, and weeds; midnight expeditions in the dead of winter to dig up fresh thyme; skirmishes with neighbors who feed the vermin (i.e., deer); the near electrocution of the tree man; and the pity of his wife and children.

When Alexander decided to run a cost-benefit analysis, adding up everything from the Havahart animal trap ($60) to the Velcro tomato wraps ($5) to the steel edging ($1,200), then amortizing it over the life of his garden, it came as quite a shock to learn that it cost him a staggering $64 to grow each tomato.

A gardener with an existential bent, Alexander gives excellent advice about everything from peaches to leeks, while tackling such questions as What do our gardens tell us about ourselves? Do we get the gardens we deserve? And why does the groundhog have to take one bite from half a dozen tomatoes when any gardener would gladly grant him six bites of just one?

Customer Reviews:

Great book gift for green thumbs (and brown thumbs).......2007-08-09

I HATE gardening, but thoroughly enjoyed reading Alexander's odyssey of his quest to build his dream garden. Very funny account of epic battles with weeds, rodents, and bugs as he tries to prevent his little "hobby" from ruining his life. Your gardening friends will love this book (and non-gardeners will too!)

A tasty little story.......2007-08-02

His wife's insistence on an old fixer-upper of a house means the author can have the garden, orchard, and even meadow he's always dreamed. Once the house is livable--and everyone in town knows it has to be repaired to be livable--the owners start on the grounds. Landscape contractors, who are always late and leave their backhoe to winter in the author's yard, promise a garden to be proud of--and then bring plans for some very ordinary rectangles.

Not to be daunted, Alexander picks heirloom plants to grow his produce. He is determined to have the same fruit and experiences he remembers from his father's gardening. Organic gardening should be easy when he has only four trees and a small garden. He can pluck off the hungry worms and organically protect his crops from predators of all types.

After learning how much time is involved in using the organic bug sprays--first you find the caterpillar, then you spray him--how much it costs to put in something other than grass walkways, and that some animals are not deterred by six thousand volts, he gets down to serious gardening.

His wife and children begin to question his sanity. His plants don't always grow the way he expected. Who knew growing roses would kill the corn? Sitting down to calculate the cost of his succulent heirloom tomatoes gives him a jolt he thought he'd only get from his electric fence. Did his dad really do it this way? Had he been hoodwinked about how much fun this all was? When did the hobby become a second job?

You needn't be a gardener to enjoy the humor in this book. The history of tomatoes and potatoes, and insights on the Anasazi Indians thrown in with ridding the garden of Superchuck, the groundhog, is true fun for the reading. Cultivated entertainment.

Armchair Interview says: Humor and hoeing, planting and waiting, bugs and bug sprays flow together to give you an enjoyable read.

Enjoyable memoir of a man and his garden.......2007-07-26

I am by no means a gardening expert, more of a beginner, but I enjoyed this memoir of one man's obsession with and relationship with his garden. I found it informative and funny. I took as much what not to do, as what to do, from the book. I mean, you can see the excessiveness of his spending and learn from it as much as you can learn from the ways he fights pests on his fruit trees. I read books like this for inspiration and I was inspired by his mistakes and successes. All in all it was an enjoyable light read.

For the Gardening Obsessed.......2007-07-26

This book speaks to every obsessed gardener in America. The majority of the public, however, won't get it. They put in a few pansies, water them when they think of it and go on with their lives. But a few of us have an insatiable drive to work the soil, wage a constant war with the elements and beat off ravaging beasts just so we can be overwhelmed with too much produce.

Our neighbors think we're nuts--why would someone put themselves through all that labor and expense to get something they could buy at the corner market for $0.85 a pound? (Yeah, well I don't get the mountain climbing thing either.)

I like Alexander's writing--it was cute and witty and perfectly illustrated a man trying to work in his career, family and home improvement projects around his gardening obsession. All 2,000 square feet of it.

Although organic gardeners will be disgusted with how often Alexander reaches for the spray can, most will be able to relate to his journey.

A really cute read but I can't review the recipes as I didn't try them out yet.

As an animal lover..........2007-06-28

... I too was distressed by the chapters where the authors obsession defies his place at the top of the food chain and his "logical" abilities. When the local fauna decide that his exorbitantly expensive garden is the local salad bar, he goes on the war path and attempts to destroy everything alive that is not a plant.

While this is somewhat disheartening, it is also illuminating. I place this book alongside ElectroBoy on my bookshelf, and alongside The Omnivore's Dilemma, because it makes such a natural segue between the two.

William Alexander is truly obsessed with his garden. What ought to be a nice, pleasant way to pass time and to get some exercise and food turns into a dangerous obsession, resulting in damage to his finances, his health, his psyche, and his marriage.

It is amusing, in parts, however.

Read it, if only to see what lengths people will go to in order to save their hobby. It is an interesting study, really. Probably not a book I will read again, but it is one that I will think of from time to time.

Harkius

How to Open your own in-home bookkeeping service 2nd edition

Average customer rating:

Okay, but certainly not worth the price
Wouldn't have had the courage without this book!!
Overhyped
A practical, easy to understand startup guide
Helpful ?

How to Open your own in-home bookkeeping service 2nd edition
Juile Mucha-aydlott
Manufacturer: San Diego Business Accounting Solutions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Perfect Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Bookkeeping | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Home Based | Small Business & Entrepreneurship | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0974609390
Release Date: 2007-04-04

Book Description

How to Open your In Home Bookkeeping Service 2nd Edition has been the best kept secret on opening your own successful bookkeeping or accounting business. It has time and time again filled the gap for many entrepreneurs who wanted to go out on their own, but didn't know where to start. Not only does is have the Authors honest approach to self employment, it also includes the many responsibilities that the bookkeeper or accountant will have. This book includes Where to begin, what Bookkeeping and Accounting Services to offer. What the going hourly rates are for a bookkeeping business. A Step-by-Step guide on how to create Weekly, Monthly or Annual accounting. Information on Preparing Taxes, Estimating Taxes and Depreciation. A special Chapter on Common Questions, Educational Requirements, Mistakes to Avoid and Problem clients. It also includes a CD filled with Forms and Spreadsheets to start your business and use for your clients. Of course the best kept secret of them all, the most affective marketing ideas and How to get Clients!

Customer Reviews:

Okay, but certainly not worth the price.......2007-09-19

I purchased this book based on the reviews and I have to say I was disappointed. There is some decent material in the book but it was not worth the $79 I spent on it.

Wouldn't have had the courage without this book!!.......2007-08-19

I have owned this book for almost a year now. I was looking for a new, preferably stay at home, work for myself career and I had worked in bookkeeping before. I began to brush up on my bookkeeping skills and I found this book online. I have the e-book from Julie's website. I read it all in about 2 days and got inspired. Now things are really beginning to happen for me. I completed the 2007 QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program certification about 1 week ago. I would not have had a clue about this program if it hadn't been for Julie's book. You get over $1000 worth of software and benefits for under %500 and once you complete their program you get listed on their website and get your own free website, plus many other benefits.
That being said, I am now also beginning to get referrals from clients and working with a local CPA (as recommended in the book). I have checked out many of the links and resources Julie recommended and found them invaluable. I currently choose to work out of the home only 3 days/week, and I don't have to ask anybody's permission to do this - it's my choice.
I have also purchased Julie's other 2 books on QB and budgeting and when I get a chance to read them and review them I will. But my current success has sort of limited my time at the moment. I have written Julie a few times by email and she has always responded, not with an auto reply, but a real genuine and helpful answers. Can't say enough good things about that.
Oh, and for you stay at home moms who are wondering if this is for you - I got involved because I was burned out on my current job and I wanted more time at home with my twin tots and family!

Overhyped.......2007-04-08

I was disappointed with this book. After reading all of the reviews it sounded as if it would be insightful and useful. I found it to be neither for the price that you pay for the book. Bookkeeping for Dummies was much more insightful then this book.

A practical, easy to understand startup guide.......2007-03-16

I ordered three of Julie's books in preparation for starting an accounting/bookkeeping business this spring. This was the first of the series. Lots of practical ideas and tips drawn from her own experience in this field. Good examples and resources, too.

Helpful ?.......2007-03-14

This book has a lot of basic pointers, but is very overpriced. If you are thinking of professional bookkeeping as a profession, hopefully you already know how to keep books! I was looking for more help with the business side of things, and this did not take into account the newer services offered by Quickbooks,(such as their excellent payroll services) therefore a lot of it is outdated. About 1/3 of the book was useful to me.

Leading Residential Landscape Professionals (Perfect Home, The)

Average customer rating:

Beautiful New Book of the Best Designs

Leading Residential Landscape Professionals (Perfect Home, The)

Manufacturer: Sandow Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Landscape | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Landscape | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Home Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0976471353

Book Description

Inspired by nature, landscape architects and designers transform open spaces, creating functional, artistic gardens and outdoor rooms through a variety of plants, water elements, and hardscapes. Leading Residential Landscape Professionals is an exceptional collection featuring the works of leading landscape professionals and profiling the men and women who create these marvelous outdoor spaces. The designs, from all areas of the country, include formal country gardens, urban sanctuaries, contemplative water scenes, and seasonal settings. This stylish resource includes ideas and garden features that can be adapted to large and small yards, for those planning to landscape a home or those who are simply passionate about their home and garden.

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful New Book of the Best Designs .......2006-11-10

This spectactularly illustrated book show the best of what is being done in landscaping today. It features the work of some 30 landscape designing firms from around the country. All areas of the country are represented from the desert southwest of Arizona and Nevada to the harsh climate of Alaska, where the featured designers have spent a quarter century selecting and developing plants that will thrive in that area. It includes formal gardens and designs where the ocean comes right up to the patio. Water is used in other designs as well from designs where the infinity edged pool leads the eye to the skyline of the city beyond, or where a lazy, slow moving river provides an ever changing view.

This is primarily an idea book where the designs photographed here can be used to give you ideas of what you want in your design. Secondarily it provides a guide to selected landscape architects and an illustration of the work they are capable of doing. Perhaps you'll select one of these 'artists,' but if not, you'll have something by which to compare the work of the firm you select.

This book is beautifully printed, using beautiful photographs and bound to hast a lifetime.

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