Eichler Homes: Design for Living

Book Description

More than a modern-day success story, Joseph Eichler changed the face of American architecture by creating the ultimate, affordable family home. Now, nearly 50 years after the phenomenon of the Eichler home, once a quintessential symbol of the American Dream, this beautifully illustrated volume chronicles both the success and ultimate demise of a legendary company. With over 100 full-color photographs of the homes' various models, as well as an introduction by architectural expert Sally B. Woodbridge and an essay by Eichler's son Ned, Eichler Homes tells the poignant story of a unique post-war business, and of a singular vision and unforgettable legacy that continue to inspire architects and designers around the world.

Customer Reviews:

Eichler Style is Classic.......2007-04-11

I have been looking for as much information as I can on Eichler houses and this was a real find. It not only provided me the fundamental information I had been searching for but surprised me with wonderful photos, including the very house that I want to build. The only problem I have now is trying to find contractor willing to provide a contemporary interpretation.

Very Good.......2006-12-07

This is the first book on Eichler, and it does an admirable job of getting the topic out there. The good part is that there are plenty of color photos and the book is very well desgined. The not-so-good part is that many of the homes pictured are remodeled and don't truly represent the original designs. The text is by 4 different authors and doesn't hold together well as a complete narrative. Still, if you are relatively new to Eichler this is a nice browsing book that will give you plenty of visual stimulation. For the definitive historical tome on the Eichler story, get "Eichler: Modernism Rebuilds the American Dream" by Adamson which is more complete and scholarly but not as visual and colorful. The two books actually make a good set and give you both sides of the story. In all, this is a very good book about beautiful and innovative homes by an important midcentury homebuilder and businessman.

A great book that, like Eichler homes,will never go out of style. .......2006-02-24

As a fan of Mid-century modern and Eichler homes,I loved the many photographs in this book.I believe this book would be a good reference for anyone who owns an Eichler home or someone who wants to achieve a modern look in or outside their home.

Simplistic, self-serving and not very good.......2005-10-22

Being a real fan of the "Eichler Home" architectural style, I was excited to recive this book. After a quick read, I felt that it was a waste of time and money.

First, the narrator (who is Mr. Eichler's son) skims over the architectural concepts that embody the Eichler Home concept. And this from an architect! The design elements of the home are covered so quickly, with practically no details, that this book will be useless to anybody wanting to use this as a teaching aid, reference text, or just to get a better appreciation of how these homes were designed.

The author also spends an inordinate and oddly placed amount of time to describe how magnimonius Mr. Eichler was to sell homes to African Americans, unlike the trend at the time. Unfortunately the author's claims are not borne out by my personal experience in looking through the housing covenants of an Eichler Home in Mountain View that date to the early 60's, which specifically stated that the home would not be sold to people of colour. Nice retrospective attempt at social equality, but the treatement of that sad portion of America's history is treated in a white-washed derisitory fashion by the author.

And the book ends with a weird comparison of Mr. Eichler to other property development tycoons, including Donald Trump, with the conclusion that the brave Mr. Eichler rose above the greed and vanity of the rest.

This is a simplistic, self-serving, useless book. Look elsewhere.

The photography and interior shots are good.

I never get tired of this book........2001-10-15

I agree with the other reviewers' comments about the excellence of the Eichler homes and this book. I have many design books, but I keep coming back to this one and never tire of the clean, modern--but not cold--design. I wish Ditto, et al. would produce a video on the subject.

Average customer rating:

Eichler Homes: Design for Living
Jerry; Stern, Lanning Ditto
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000K7GRS2

Freaks!: How to Draw Fantastic Fantasy Creatures (Fantastic Fantasy Comics)
Average customer rating:

It's an ok book...

Freak'n Fantastic

Some good ideas poorly executed

Great idea book

What a freak of a book!

Freaks!: How to Draw Fantastic Fantasy Creatures (Fantastic Fantasy Comics)
Steve Miller
Manufacturer: Watson-Guptill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Drawing | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Specific Objects | Drawing | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Cartooning | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
Miller, Steve | ( M ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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Fantastic Realms: Draw Fantasy Characters, Creatures And Settings

ASIN: 0823016625

Book Description

Devoted to the serious depictions of anthropomorphic characters, Freaks! covers the entire range of animal people and explores all its possibilities. Hundreds of illustrations depict subjects that include basic human and animal anatomies, cat people, dog people, wolf people, feathered freaks, bat people, reptilian creatures, predators of the deep, primates, insect people, elephant man, rhino man, hippo lady, and much more. This drawing guide demonstrates the wide range of this popular genre of illustrative art and the techniques needed to create these fantastic fantasy creatures. Artists will find inspiration for creating such characters as creatures from Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, A. A. Milne's Winnie the Pooh, C. S. Lewis' Narnia Chronicles, or the characters from Planet of the Apes and Creature from the Black Lagoon.

Contributors Include
Brett Booth (Spider-Man, X-Men, and Fantastic Four),
Mitch Byrd (Green Lantern), and
Todd Nauck (Teen Titans and Spider-Man)

The launch of a new series on drawing fantastic characters and creatures
The influx of animal/human characters into popular culture is at an all-time high
From the lead designer of Microsoft's X-Box game Monster Truck Mash

Customer Reviews:

It's an ok book..........2007-02-23

...But NOT for beginner artists:S

The book itself is pretty cool with lots of characters and pretty pictures to look at. That alone, is ALOT of inspiration:)

BUT.... And this is the bad part about the book... I'm not learning much from it:( There are very little hints on HOW to actually draw something. I'm not advanced enough for this book as i need step-by-step guides, wich this book does not contain much of. Sadly:(

It's probably a really great book for the more advanced artists, but i cannot recomend this book for beginner artists like myself... I'm sorry. I also cannot recomend any other books as i haven't bought that many yet. But by all means, if you really WANT this book, the pictures in it makes it worth buying:) Inspiration is also an important part on your way to becoming a master artist:) And besides, the more people who buy it, the bigger the chances gets for a follow-up book:) Wich will probably be better for us non-professionals:p

Freak'n Fantastic.......2006-05-10

What a great book! I do furry art and needed some pointers on how to draw animal people forms. This is the only book I've ever seen that explains how to do it. Easy and precise instructions on all types of animal people, cats, dogs, turtles, bears, etc. You name it, it is in here. It teaches anatomy and really helped me with animal type legs with three joints. I like Steve's art, but Brett Booth is the master! Book was worth it just to stare at his fabulous characters. Please, please, please, do another book just like this one, but with more cartoon furry type art.

Some good ideas poorly executed.......2006-01-20

When I found this book I was overjoyed at its subject matter and I was soon whisked away by the beautiful pencil and colour renderings of the wonderful anthropomorphic folk. However I was soon placed right back down where I had started and I soon realised that this book hadn't in fact taught me anything as a skilled artist.

This book has huge potential, the subject has massive scope, but this book doesn't. Its woeful attempt at what should be the biggest part of this book, the anatomy (human AND animal), left me feeling like the author had missed the point. I was expecting to be shown some detailed examples of how to build up the shapes of animal faces (a tricky subject), I was expecting to learn how to easily construct paws, claws, fur and scales but they too were all given minimal coverage. Maybe I was expecting too much? Although books like "Drawing & Painting Fantasy Figures" by Cowan manages to meet high expectations and is brimming with ideas.

When you get past the comparable pictures in this book you will find the writing poor and uninformative towards the artwork, and its ability to teach you how and why to draw the characters this way, particularly slack. I would suggest that any amateur artist should fill their head first with knowledge from Hogarth's Anatomy books, and to study and learn how to draw animals as well (which this book remarkably neglects to suggest you do!!) Other than the excellent artwork, which I must compliment, this book was very disappointing.

Great idea book.......2006-01-19

I bought this book and refer to it continually when I need ideas or inspiration. It is not a traditional how to draw book in that there isn't step by step instructions on how to draw each "animal head person" in the book, but guidelines. The expectation, I think, is that the reader will practice putting together the basic shapes and learn from the abundance of illustrations. This would be a good book to pair with another drawing book. A lot of the poses are superhero style.

There isn't a huge focus on basic drawing skills; for younger readers, Lee Hammond covers these well in her drawing books. Older readers might want to check out "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain".

What a freak of a book!.......2005-12-23

First of all, these other reviews most be the age of children because this book does not help you what so ever in the art field. This book consist of about a handle full of pages including (one page of anotomy that makes me laugh, as if you can fit everything on anotomy into one page) and tons of "Pictures". I say pictures because the text next to the obvious drawings teaching you how to draw the animals has captions of Steve Miller talking.

As if I care what he thinks of an elephant-man. Tell me how to draw the damn thing. Point out things that are hard to do such as his trunk or tusks. No instead he adds his own two bit commentary.

As far as art goes this book contains little to none. It's mostly full colored pictures by Brett Booth. This book is a picture book or an inspiration book, because it's sure not a drawing book! Sometimes the pictures contain one to two frame figures.

Trust me if you still want this book after this review. Do like I did buy it for less than 10 bucks because honestly its not worth much more than that. The only reason why I gave it a 3 is because of the artwork insteas, otherwise it would've been a 1.

Great for kids under 13.

Book Description

Perfect for beginners with little knowledge of conventional or digital cameras, this user-friendly book is an information-packed course in all aspects of digital photography. From camera selection and software options to manipulating and displaying images, the full illustrated instructions demystify the latest technology and jargon. Includes inspirational projects.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointing Intro Title.......2004-07-23

If you have an author you like and a style you appreciate it can be a good idea to order a book on that strength. I was wrong. Either that or co-author Peter Cope had very little input in this title. On the strength of his other 'Digital Darkroom' titles, this should have been a great allround title but it disappoints in being too superficial in almost every area. Neither does it feature Pete's very lucid style and approach, again suggesting he was perhaps a minor contributor to this title.

I hate to be negative but I find the overall tone (presumably by the headlining author, Ian Probert) to be overtly journalistic rather than encouragingly educational.

No, I would pass on this title and suggest instead 'Secrets of the Digital Darkroom' and excellent title by the same co-author.

Perfect Digital Photos in a Snap.......2004-02-06

Although I'm a "serious" 35mm slide photographer(ie. enter/do well in photo competitions), I know next to nothing about digital, and wanted a easy to understand "primer". I feel that this is a good book for anyone "in the same boat" as I am. I now have a good understanding of what is involved for a beginner, as well as how to do things once I get started. I appreciate the fact that a minimal ammount of space was taken-up with "photo basics"(only 10 pages). I almost didn't buy this book due to its
"super-hype" title, but I'm glad I did.

Customer Reviews:

Weird, goof ball humor is not missing here..........2005-06-01

OKKKKKKKKKKKAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY... Urusei Yatsura is weird. No, I'm not kidding. Somehow, it never fails to amaze me how all of Rumiko Takahashi's characters (and storylines)always make me happy...great book, though.

Almost perfect.......2005-01-18

Rumiko Takahashi is best known for her fantasy-adventures "Ranma 1/2" and "Inuyasha." But she got her start with a boy-meets-alien comedy, and the first volumes are contained in the "Lum Urusei Yatsura: Perfect Collection." The start of the series is a bit shaky, but Takahashi quickly gets her footing.

Teen lecher Ataru Morobishi is perhaps the unluckiest person in the world. But things suddenly get worse when the ogre/alien Oni invade, and offer the Earth a deal: if Ataru can defeat their champion in the game of tag, a sexy Oni called Lum, then they will withdraw. Ataru fails at first -- until girlfriend Shinobu offers to marry him if he wins. The next day, Ataru tags Lum and shouts out that now he can get married... but Lum interprets it as a proposal, and declares herself his "wife."

With Shinobu furious at him, and a very ugly priest trailing him, Ataru has plenty of problems. But his difficulties only multiply with the arrival of Lum's gluttonous pea-brained ex, warring spirits, a gods vs. demons battle, a sexy club-hopping Shinto priestess, a crow-girl who wants him in touch with his feminine side, and countless other "obnoxious aliens."

The first chapters of "Lum Urusei Yatsura" are a bit too abrupt and uneven by Takahashi's standards. But by the arrival of Shinto priestess Sakura and shapeshifting glutton Rei ("Will you cook for me for the rest of my life?"), Takahashi has hit her stride. It's less like a continuing story than a series of sitcom episodes.

Takahashi's wacky sense of humor is in full swing here, starting out with the idea of a traditional Japanese ogre as a sexy alien in a tigerskin bikini. There appear to be no comic depths to which she will not sink (or rise) -- physical comedy, word puns, and over-the-top lechery that causes Ataru to pursue anything in a skirt (even when his mind is that of a woman).

Ataru and Lum don't get on as well as they do later in the series -- Ataru, for some reason, is annoyed by a pretty girl who's utterly devoted to him, and Lum hasn't yet shown any real affection for him. But they are quite funny characters, and the supporting cast helps as well -- the moronic glutton Rei, take-no-guff Sakura and her inept boyfriend, the annoying priest Cherry, and the odd alien taxi driver or Abominable Snowman (or "be boy").

While it takes "Lum Urusei Yatsura : Perfect Collection" some time to start flowing smoothly, it's an entertaining extraterrestrial comedy ride.

Space Is Super Weird!.......2004-03-01

Anyone who is even mildly into the manga and anime scene will probably be familar with the character of Lum. Sometimes, that familiarity will lead to curiousity (or infatuation as is some cases), and sometimes the curiousity will lead to interest in the source manga. If you are one of these people (and you probably are if you are reading this), then congratulations! You've made the right choice, and fellow UY fans welcome you. Welcome to the wacky world of Urusei Yatsura! Drop your bags and forget about 'em, because chances are you ain't leavin'.

"Urusei Yatsura" is, as you might have guessed, a product of comedy genius Rumiko Takahashi. And with that, you can certainly expect to see her trademark brand of comedy slapstick. "Urusei Yatsura" isn't as action based as "Ranma 1/2" or "Inuyasha", but it has aces on the brand of slapstick that "Ranma 1/2" fans are sure to love. Bizarre occurances and weird antics happens almost round-the-clock -- alien tag races, outer space taxi cabs, Snow Princesses from Neptune, and hibernating Crow Princesses are just a small sample of the things you'll encounter with this series. Intrigued by all this? Good, this is definitely the manga for you.

I won't expand too much on the plot, since I believe that one of the strongest aspects of Urusei Yatsura is its wonderful characters (besides, you can find summaries on the net). If you are male, there's a good chance that you'll fall in love with Lum -- beautiful, exotic, young, and full of sex appeal, Lum is essentially what every man dreams of in a perfect woman. For the ladies, there's the man-beast Rei, who looks like he should be in a boyband when he's under his normal form; but once he gets angry and/or hungry, he transforms into a huge tiger-bull creature with big round eyes. Adorable? I wouldn't know. Rei gets two stories in this collection, and some cameo appearances here and there. And of course, who can forget about Cherry the short Buddhist priest? Male or female, everybody loves the deranged monk from hell. Well, they should, anyway.

Last but not least, there's our protagonist, Ataru Moroboshi. At first glance, he appears to be your everyday teen -- average looks, average height, insecure girlfriend, and even a nagging mom. Someone you could relate to... or not. As the manga progresses, we come to see that he's exactly the opposite -- lecherous, perverted, full of bad luck, and as Lum would say, a "philanderer!" Ataru is normally seen flirting (unsuccessfully) with any attractive female within a 10 feet radius, and he usually ends up paying for it by means of Lum's electrical surges of lightning ZAK ZAK. But don't be fooled by his supposedly repulsive ways -- Ataru is far more complicated a character than he lets on. While he appears to lack a brain most of the time, Moroboshi can be quite the calculating manical genius when he needs to be.

There's so much more that I'd love to say about this series, but I'll stop here. If you enjoy manga with odd instances, eccentric characters, a dash of sci-fi, and a sugary bowl of slapstick comedy, then "Urusei Yatsura" is perfect for you. Or if you find yourself enjoying the comedy featured in Takahashi's later works ("Ranma 1/2"; "Maison Ikkoku"; "Inuyasha") and wondering if UY will work the same charms for you, think no more and pick up a volume NOW! It is, after all, Takahashi-sensei's first and best comedy series.

Welcome aboard, mate.

We still exist in a physical universe.......2003-05-28

These are among the best of the classic manga: excellent comic artwork and clever plots, but what makes the Lum stories really remarkable are the inventive parodies of sex role, ethnicity, iconology and other aspects of recent Japanese culture. Much of what Takahashi works into these episodes will be missed by many readers, especially those who have no knowledge of the Japanese language originals or limited knowledge of Japan, but open-minded graphic novel fans of any background should enjoy much that lies on the surface. This particular collection seems to be a fair compendium of her work.
Why only four stars? Certainly the content deserves all five. Unfortunately, the book is poorly bound, so the cover AND the pages fall out within a couple of months of normal usage. If this book is just for you, fine, but if you're buying for a library (and what graphic novel collection would NOT have Takahashi's Lum?) or like to pass your books around to friends, it's going to fall apart.
Not unusual for good manga, unfortunately.

VASTLY OVER-RATED!!!.......2003-04-28

Perhaps I'm just too old, but I just didn't think too much of this book! I did not laugh once, or even smile at any of the stories. These characters are two-dimensional! There doesn't appear to be any character growth at all, and the premise is highly ridiculous! Why would Lum (or any woman) be attracted to Ataru? The only good thing about him is that he (probably) flushes the toilet! The only manga that I ever laughed out loud from reading was "3 X 3 Eyes", which has genuine comic elements (and character growth), even though it's mostly horror/action.

Heart of the Matter: Diary of a School Year
Average customer rating:

Anyone interested in education should check out this work.

Climbing to the heights

Heart of the Matter: Diary of a School Year
John Chamberlain
Manufacturer: Ginger Plum Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Educators | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Elementary School | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books | General | Reading
ASIN: 0971099804

Book Description

The Heart of the Matter is a diary account of a school year at Fayette Street Academy, a private school in Santa Fe, New Mexico known for its innovative methods. For years the staff has been asked to write about the daily events and teaching techniques. Now John Chamberlain, a co-founder of the school, has answered that request. In his book are woven stories of student centered events, philosophy of the school, successful teaching tips; all in a delightful telling of one school community.

Customer Reviews:

Anyone interested in education should check out this work........2002-01-05

Dear Friend,

Education is a hot topic these days. A good friend and long time
acquaintance has run a very successful small private school for over twenty years. He has recently written a book narrating the happenings of one school year. Anyone interested in education should check out this work. The book is filled with insights, teaching tips, humorous happenings, and is an all together pleasant read...

Climbing to the heights.......2001-12-28

The guiding principle at Fayette Street Academy in Santa Fe, New Mexico, comes from a quote by the legendary college football coach, Bear Bryant: "If anything goes bad, I did it. If anything goes semi-good, we did it. If anything goes real good, you did it." John Chamberlain, headmaster, teacher, and "head elf" of the school has written a "real good" book about an excellent school.

Twenty-eight students, ages 7-14, use no textbooks, attend classes only four days a week, do no academic work for the seven weeks preceding the Christmas holidays, spend many wonderful hours swinging and climbing the ropes course in the "Big Elm," and play baseball every afternoon in May. They sprawl on floor pillows instead of sitting at desks, don't use computers in school, and don't work for grades.

However, they study physics, history, Greek, Latin, French, music, algebra, and inorganic chemistry. They perform Shakespearean plays in the Big Elm, read Robert Burns and Harry Potter, portions of the Bible, the Koran, and the Dhammapada, and the U.S. Constitution. They perform in near-professional Winter and Spring concerts, play non-competitive soccer, and spend many hours perfecting their essay-writing skills.

The 20-year-old school has a reputation for academic excellence and innovative teaching techniques. They have no endowments, use no government funds, and do not advertise, yet have five applicants for each student opening. A majority of former students have been on high school honor rolls and excel in college and post-graduate studies.

Highlights of the school year are the two Parents' Weeks in which parents take charge of the school and all instruction. Those periods serve several important functions: they provide the staff members needed breaks for rest and class preparation; they allow parents an inside view of the school and a taste of the challenges teachers face every day; and they give students a chance to see other faces and experience new ideas.

A continuous thread of climbing weaves its way through the book, both physically and metaphorically. Using his many years of mountain climbing expertise, the author has rigged the Big Elm with all manner of climbing ropes, pulleys, handholds, and swings, and carefully supervises each student's practicing. Students climb and swing almost every day, some making their way to the very top of the tree, others perfecting their swinging skills from shed rood to shed roof. This emphasis on climbing and swinging develops the children's mastery in paying attention and following directions and also enhances their self-confidence. Students at Fayette learn not to underestimate themselves, to develop their skills and intellects to the highest degree possible. They climb the heights intellectually.

The love and skill shown at Fayette Street Academy is palpable and thoroughly honest. John can tell when his students are learning by looking in their eyes. Please read this comfortable, entertaining, enchanting, and uplifting book. You will come away with the feeling that children can learn anything and everything if allowed the space and given the attention needed to climb to their own individual heights.

Gazza: My Story
Average customer rating:
Gazza: My Story
Paul Gascoigne
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
ASIN: B000LP5E5U

GAZZA MY STORY
Average customer rating:
GAZZA MY STORY
GASCOIGE
Manufacturer: HEADLINE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000S6GUG4

Gazza My Story X18 Dumpbin
Average customer rating:
Gazza My Story X18 Dumpbin
Paul Gascoigne
Manufacturer: Headline Hardbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Soccer | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 075532353X

Gazza My Story X36 Dumpbin
Average customer rating:
Gazza My Story X36 Dumpbin
Paul Gascoigne
Manufacturer: Headline Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 0755314263

Gazza: My Story
Average customer rating:

Gazza magic

Gazza: My Story
Eamon Dunphy
Manufacturer: Michael Joseph Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Soccer | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Football (American) | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Soccer | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0718146980

Customer Reviews:

Gazza magic.......2004-07-02

A brutelly honest biography from one of the World's greatest players! He tells of the highs and the lows of what has been a turbulant life! It brings out the sensitive side of the man, the player, the one Paul Gascoigne! He brings over his side to it all very well. The vulnerable side of the show-man is strong, a fantastic insight to the life of a true legend!

Sew Subversive: Down and Dirty DIY for the Fabulous Fashionista
Average customer rating:

Perfect for a beginner: fun and helpful. Might be too funky for some though.

Not what I expected but it has a lot of good basic info

Not for the Novice Seamtress

eh.... not impressed...

it rawks

Sew Subversive: Down and Dirty DIY for the Fabulous Fashionista
Melissa Rannels , Melissa Alvarado , and Hope Meng
Manufacturer: Taunton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fashion Design | Commercial | Graphic Design | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Textile & Costume | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
Fashion | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Sewing | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Sew U: The Built by Wendy Guide to Making Your Own Wardrobe

Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt

Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams

Sew What! Skirts: 16 Simple Styles You Can Make with Fabulous Fabrics

Bend-the-Rules Sewing: The Essential Guide to a Whole New Way to Sew

ASIN: 1561588091
Release Date: 2006-09-05

Book Description

Sew Subversive is about making fashion your own, whether it's embellishing or customizing off-the-rack clothing or transforming clothes that have lost that loving feeling. The three twenty-something co-owners of Stitch Lounge, an urban sewing studio in San Francisco, teach you, in plain, fun language, how to do it, whether you're hand sewing, machine sewing, or, in a few cases, simply wielding a pair of scissors.

The first three chapters lay the ground work: Hand Sewing Basics, You and Your Machine, and Gearing Up, which includes Fabric 101, how to set up a sewing space, and a run-through first project on the sewing machine. Then the fun begins with Embellishing and Customizing projects, including adorning your pant legs with ribboning, turning a computer-scanned image into an iron-on that you can apply to a t-shirt or skirt, taking in a skirt, or untapering a pair of pants (the authors believe tapered pants are the devil's work). Then move onto Refashioning: The Next Life of Your Old Clothes and turn a t-shirt into a skirt, a sweater into a halter top or legwarmers, or a pair of pants into a hip belt. There are 22 projects in all, some of which only require an iron and/or pair of scissors, while others can be sewn by hand, for those readers who haven't yet made the sewing machine plunge.

Customer Reviews:

Perfect for a beginner: fun and helpful. Might be too funky for some though........2007-08-14

As a novice, I appreciate all of the basic info at the beginning of the book. I also like the authors' fun, hip, "hey girlfriend" tone. Each project includes a time estimate, and many projects provide instructions for handstitching as well as machine-sewing. Would I cut off the sleeves from a sweater to make leg warmers or turn vintage ties into cuffs and collars? Probably not. But I will try turning a sweatshirt into a tote and definitely "un-taperfy" some pants by adding a triangle of fabric for flair (and yes, flare too). This book is fun and helpful for novices, and its projects encourage personal creativity and new ways of thinking about clothing.

Not what I expected but it has a lot of good basic info .......2007-07-31

I bought this book expecting it to be full of complete projects- not so. I guess it sort of says that it's about personalizing your wardrobe, I just didn't realize that it was pretty much all about reconstructing old clothes. Some of the ideas are good, but I found most of them to be either really basic (as in, common sense- sewing a patch on a skirt to make it different, etc.) or something that I wouldn't really wear. I think that this book would probably be better for a teenager or someone in her early 20's. On the other hand, for basic sewing instruction, I thought that this book had some nice thorough info.

Not for the Novice Seamtress.......2007-07-18

The author is to be applauded for encouraging young readers with her hip writing style. As a result, teens are encouraged to sew something more than repairing the seams of their blue jeans.

Most of the projects Ms. Rannels proposes involve the use of T-shirts. For anyone who has made sewing a hobby, sewing with knits, especially stretchy cotton knits, requires the very careful attention and patience of the sewer.

Therefore, anyone attempting the projects in this book should have a lot of experience in sewing with knit fabrics.

eh.... not impressed..........2007-07-13

I was excited to see this new DIY sewing book in the new books section of the library, as I'd been eying it on-line for awile. However I was really disappointed with this book after reading it. Sew Subversive offers the beginning sewer (and I do mean complete beginner) and "Fashionista" somewhat practical advice at the beginning of the book on a number of topics including, choosing a sewing machine and how to thread it, hand-sewing, understanding fabrics, reading a pattern, organizing supplies and other nitty gritty. Much of this information is supplied in an easy to understand and well laid out format. The bright color photography and fun casual conversational tone will put the nervous beginner at ease. However the second half of the book where the patterns begin are where I have to give really low reviews. First off the patterns are horrendous! I'm all for hip, cool, trendy clothes, but most of the outfits are un-wearable and really poorly designed. Close up's of most of the clothes revealed terribly poor sewing, I don't think this was just for design sake either. I mean there is punk and then there is junk. I don't think even the coolest hipster could pull some of these things off. The workmanship was the worst, threads hanging, jagged edges on garments that should have been smooth and all around poor sewing. Soo....I have to say..I'm not impressed. I think the book could possibly be worth a look at for some of the helpful sewing hints in the front, but there are better beginner sewing books out there.. I dunno...if you can already sew you might be able to take some of the patterns and ideas and fine tune them a bit, but overall, for me this book was a dud.

it rawks.......2007-07-11

This is a fun and inspiring book. I noticed that some of the other reviewers thought it was too simplistic. It is true that it focuses on some of the most basic sewing techniques, including handsewing, and how you can take a minimum amount of tools and create fabulous outfits. It is for would-be sewer who is intimidated by the notions, patterns, and fabrics in the fabric store, but would love to get started on some quick, creative projects using what s/he already has. Being the daughter of an amazing seamstress/designer, I have always been ashamed that I can't sew. Most patterns assume some level of knowledge and involve complicated diagrams. This book however got me jumpstarted and now I am doing all sorts of projects.

The first part of the book focuses on technique and some people may not use this. However, I found the hand-sewing information very useful. With the advent of machines, I never learned to handsew. I wish there had been information on sergers, since I just bought one, but it was probably considered too advanced.

The rest of the book involves modifying clothing you already have, such as making a t-shirt fit better, changing a pair of jeans into a skirt, or converting a tee into a tube top or a messenger bag. Many of the ideas can be done in under an hour and it is great to find a use for all those baggy t-shirts I had acquired. This book is in fact very GREEN in that it encourages re-use and recycling of existing clothing, rather than buying new fabric! It's also encourages creativity - break away from those patterns and make something new - or take something off the rack and modify it! I really like the idea behind this book.

Some of the ideas I have seen before, in a similar sewing manual from the 1960s/70s, which was also geared towards young people. Of course, fashions have changed and this book is more punk rock than hippie. So I think it serves a market, the young new sewer, and this market needs to be developed if sewing is to survive as an artform.

Book Description

The Korean conflict was a pivotal event in China's modern military history, constituting an important experience for the newly formed People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), not only as a test case for this fledgling service but also in the later development of Chinese air power.

Xiaoming Zhang fills the gaps in the history of this conflict by basing his research on recently declassified Chinese and Russian archival materials and interviews with Chinese participants in the air war over Korea. Zhang's findings challenge conventional wisdom as he compares kill ratios and performance by all sides involved in the war, addresses how air power affected Beijing's decision to intervene, and touches on ground operations and truce negotiations during the conflict. Zhang also offers considerable materials on the training of Chinese aviators and the Soviet role in that training, on Soviet and Chinese air operations in Korea, and on diplomatic exchanges over Soviet military assistance to China.

Customer Reviews:

Chinese military aircraft and the men who flew them.......2002-12-08

Red Wings Over The Yalu: China, The Soviet Union, And The Air War In Korea by military historian Xiaoming Zhang (Texas A&M International University) is an informed and informative survey and analysis of the military history and international politics of the Korean War. Focusing in particular on the Chinese point of view, Red Wings Over The Yalu is extensively detailed in its presentation and enhanced with black-and-white photographs of Chinese military aircraft and the men who flew them. An invaluable contribution to Korean War military history reference shelves and reading lists, Red Wings Over The Yalu is a seminal and highly recommended addition to any personal or academic Military History reference collection.

Book Description

In the early ninth century, George Synkellos, a monk of Constantinople set out to compose (in Greek) a universal chronicle beginning with the creation of the universe. Synkellos' death prevented him from seeing this ambitious project through to completion, and it fell to a fellow monk, Theophanes Confessor, to complete the narrative from the reign of the emperor Dicoletian up until his own day. The purpose of the chronicle, as Synkellos states on several occasions, was to confirm the orthodox dating of the incarnation of Christ at the completion of the 5500th year from the creation of the universe. In the course of demonstrating this point, Synkellos cites extensively from numerous histories and chronicles from Egypt and the Ancient Near East, some of which are unattested elsewhere. Since the author comments at length on his authorities and predecessors, his work is also a rich resource of information about the origins and development of early Christian chronography. Despite its recognized importance, the chronicle has never been translated into a modern language. The English translation provided here, together with introduction and notes, promises to make this influential and wide-ranging history more accessible to Byzantinists, students of ancient historiography,and specialists in biblical chronology, early Judaism, Egypt, and the Ancient Near East.

The Aquarian age, astronomy and astrology;: A scientific study that connects man with the universe, or planetary in fluences upon the physical and mental nature of man,
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The Aquarian age, astronomy and astrology;: A scientific study that connects man with the universe, or planetary in fluences upon the physical and mental nature of man,
James L Hicks
Manufacturer: J.L. Hicks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books | Adolescent Psychology | Applied Psychology | By Topic | Child Psychology | Clinical Psychology | Cognitive | Counseling | Creativity & Genius | Developmental Psychology | Education & Training | Ethnopsychology | Experimental Psychology | Forensic Psychology | General | History | Hypnosis | Industrial Psychology | Logotherapy | Medicine & Psychology | Mental Illness | Movements | Neuropsychology | Occupational & Organizational | Pathologies | Personality | Philosophy of Psychology | Physical Illness & Psychiatry | Physiological Aspects | Psychiatry | Psychoanalysis | Psychobiology | Psychopharmacology | Psychosomatic Medicine | Psychotherapy, TA & NLP | Reference | Research | Sexuality | Social Psychology & Interactions | Statistics | Suicide | Testing & Measurement
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ASIN: B0008B6FDC

Man and His Physical Universe
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Man and His Physical Universe
Frank Covert, Harrah, Ezra Clarence, & Herma Jean
Manufacturer: Ginn & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000L2ZCIW

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Man and His Physical Universe
Richard Wistar
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H4KQYO

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Man And His Physical Universe

Manufacturer: Ginn and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000I8QY54

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Man and His Physical Universe
Richard Wistar
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Physics | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0471956694

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Man and his physical universe
Frank Covert Jean
Manufacturer: Ginn
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006AVPB2

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Man and his Physical Universe Revised Edition
Frank Covert Jean
Manufacturer: Ginn
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GSC39C

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Man and His Physical Universe Second Edition
Richard Wistar
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LRJCTW

Man and His Physical Universe, An Integrated Course in Physical Science
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Man and His Physical Universe, An Integrated Course in Physical Science
Richard Wistar
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000L4I6B0

MAN AND HIS PHYSICAL UNIVERSE.
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MAN AND HIS PHYSICAL UNIVERSE.
et al. Frank Covert Jean
Manufacturer: NY: Ginn & Company, 1958 3rd ed.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KIKOG2

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