Salmela Architect

Book Description

Salmela Architect provides an in-depth look at one of America's leading "critical regionalist" architects. Salmela's buildings resolve a central question of our time: how to balance the various extreme positions that characterize contemporary architecture and culture. Salmela accomplishes this by juxtaposing opposites: modernist and traditional forms, open and cellular plans, large and small scales, familiar elements used in unfamiliar ways. His projects range from a small stand-alone sauna to commercial spaces visited by thousands of people, and his buildings, mostly situated in the upper Midwest, have become nationally and internationally known. Salmela Architect showcases twenty-six completed buildings and sixteen current projects in lavish color photographs and architectural drawings, enabling readers to get a full sense of the practicality, ethnicity, and playfulness apparent in David Salmela's work. Architecture critic Thomas Fisher explores Salmela's propensity to draw from regional roots as he creates designs particular to individual places and cultures yet with universal appeal. Fisher illuminates this synchronicity with projects as prominent as the Gooseberry Falls Visitors Center and Wild Rice Restaurant as well as residential projects including the acclaimed Jackson Meadow community and photographer Jim Brandenburg's Ravenwood Studio.

Customer Reviews:

Spectacular photography and architecture!.......2007-04-06

This book is a lyrical tribute to the work of Minnesota architect David Salmela. The text is knowledgeable and engaging (Fisher is dean of the U of M's College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture), and the large format photographs are beautiful and vivid, inviting the viewer to "walk right in." Highly recommended for anyone interested in architecture, interior design or photography!

An Important Voice in American Architecture.......2007-02-25

I was introduced to Salmela's work through some friends living in Minnesota. One wintry weekend we toured his Jackson Meadow subdivision, taking our time to examine nearly every property: the specific architecture of each structure, the landscaping, and the feel of the development as a whole. Our feelings were substantially complex, ranging from awe and intrigue to doubt and disturbance. But Salmela's signature on the land was definitely singular, and we all agreed that in some way, his work had blended with the natural world.

This book is a great primer for entering Salmela's world. The photography is clean and expansive and the chosen sites are almost all spectacular. In particular, the coverage of Jim Brandenburg's home is noteworthy. Salmela's work on Brandenburg's property is spectacular and resonant with Falling Waters in my humble opinion.

If you are a Midwesterner interested in architecture, buy this book and enjoy.

Book Description

Part of the 1-2-3 Draw Series--Ideal for children 6-10 years old! The world of fairy tales comes to life with the step-by-step instruction of talented art instructor Freddie Levin. With this installment in the 1-2-3 Draw series, Levin encourages children to create charming, whimsical drawings of their favorite storybook characters and settings. Levin's fun, lively drawings fuel children's imaginations while giving instructions that are easy to follow. Brief written directions accompany the steps, and arrows point out tricky spots that may require extra attention from a young artist. For added inspiration, final drawings are in full color.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book for Older People.......2006-07-02

I bought this book for my daughter who is 4. This book is great but would recommend for a 7 or 8 year old instead. For younger kids I would recommend the I Can Draw series.

Great introduction to drawing people and more.......2004-07-07

This book is a great start to teach young artists-- 1 grader and higher-- to draw people. It teaches kids to sketch, i.e. draw lightly first. The step-by-step instruction is very clear.

Not only is it a great book for introducing drawing of knights and castles, the author apparent is also fluent in the vocabulary of this yester-year theme. My first grader and I get to know the names of different weapons, name of different parts of the castles and the names of "things" people wear. A double treat!

Customer Reviews:

wonderfull photos and usefull descriptions.......2007-05-22

When I bought this book I fear from unknown.
After I read cover to cover I suprised to how show simple and clear the landscape photography substance and illustrate it with superb photos...

Interesting text, disappointing photos.......2007-02-25

As previously stated, this book is made up of a series of landscape photos with facing-page notes on the experience behind the making of each.

The explanations are, by and large, quite well done. It's the photos themselves that are the problem. Whether the problem lies with some sort of reduction in color and contrast in the printing of this book, Watson's predeliction for using Fuji's subdued Provia emulsion rather that the more vivid Velvia favored by most landscape photographers, or simply the photographer's more laid-back artistic personality, many of these photos are so low-key as to be monotonous. Don't get me wrong -- when Watson is confronted with a highly-dramatic subject, like a stormy sky or a sunset, he is capable of creating images worth your time. But, all too often, his landscape photographs are blander than lukewarm cream of wheat. And some are frankly embarrassing (and not just because of his continual and VERY obvious use of graduated ND filters to make the top of the sky look darker and more "moody"). For example, why on earth would one include a banal and thoroughly uninteresting snapshot of a bus bench in front of a shoe store (page 115) in a book on landscape photography in the first place, let alone praise it, as Watson does, as "An Almost Timeless Image"...? Certainly, those drawn to the landscapes of photographers like Galen Rowell, Tim Fitzharris, or Watson's Brit contemporaries David Ward and Joe Cornish will find little to interest them in this collection of often-pedestrian images.

And that's a shame because, although Watson's text descriptions are worthwhile, they'd be much more so if the photographs they were describing were more deserving of concerted study. As a nature photographer, I would love to see a book whose images made me think "I wish I could take photos like that," and where I could then learn how the photographer achieved it. Sadly, this is not that book.

For Advanced Landscape Photographers.......2006-07-23

Here's a book of beautiful landscape photographs that also provides useful instruction to the advanced photographer.

The general layout is to present a full size landscape photograph on the right side of the fold and opposite some considerations of the photographer about taking the photograph followed by an annotated thumbnail with Watson's remarks about particular items with which he was concerned. Each photograph is also annotated with shooting data, including an element not usually encountered: waiting for the light.

And this is the main theme of the book: the landscape photographer should wait until the light is right. Waiting times varied from immediate to 5 days. Moreover, I suspect that if he hadn't wanted not to appear facetious he might have said five years, since he recounts going back to the same spot many times over a period of years to get the right light. A second theme is the importance of spending the time to select just the right view.

Watson's subjects are not the dramatic mountain landscapes of Art Wolfe. Instead they are far more subtle, showing textured fields and dappling sunlight and shadows. These pictures require lingering over for close examination. I would recommend that one not read the entire book at a single sitting but rather examine a few pictures and Watson's related commentary at a time. (An unattainable ideal might even be to have one of these pictures hanging on the wall to live with.) Watson includes a few pictures that he considers less than perfect, and his thoughts on how they could have been improved.

Other then the reported camera settings there is little of a technical nature either as to exposure and focusing or equipment. The one exception is that Watson uses filters and tells you whether a polarizer was at full. The thumbnails show exactly where the dividing line was placed when using a graduated neutral density filter

Although the book is organized into chapters, I can't say that this organization contributes to a comprehensive understanding. Instead each picture is its own little master class.

There are other books that use this same technique of analyzing a picture, like the excellent works of Tony Sweet. On the other hand, many of these books are just portfolios disguised as manuals. But I found Watson to be truly instructive as well as inspirational. Now, I only hope I can learn to be as patient as he is in capturing the light.

(As a side note, those looking for advanced landscape instruction but craving something with more intellectualizing and a less applied approach may be interested in "Landscape Within: Insights and Inspirations for Photographers" by David Ward.)

Good Title.......2006-05-27

Quite a good book with very informative text and very well printed. The photography itself didnt blow me away but it is very interesting the thoughts behind the pictures and how long he waited for the shot etc.

Recommended.

Book Description

The ''Hollow Diary'' only shows its contents when ''Hollow Water'' is dropped on its pages. Two best friends, Yang-Ji and Eun-Soo, bought this diary together, but only Eun-Soo knows that secret of this special diary. While their friendship is being tested by Yang-Ji's cheating boyfriend, will this special gift from the antique gift shop be able to help them keep their friendship?!

Book Description

From an interesting personal perspective, James Schiavone sheds more than a little light on the bureaucratic elements inherent in the American teaching profession. His narrative paints a vivid picture of what it is really like to succeed and survive in academe. Far removed from what most people think of as a quiet life of deliberation and classroom lectures are the politicking, bureaucracy and colliding of incompatible personalities. As in most occupations, academic life is not immune to the corruption of human character.

Schiavone takes the reader on an incredible odyssey from elementary school to secondary, adult and higher education, describing how he was turned down for tenure, promotions to associate professor, and even a sabbatical — yet achieved all of this and more at the nation's third largest university, CUNY. God from Afar is his story his of unflinching dedication to the teaching profession — a devotion that has kept him on its front lines for more than 40 years.

Customer Reviews:

God From Afar Help Us All.......2000-10-18

If misunderstandings proliferate and spread like an alluvial fan throughout the world to give us a false or naive understanding of the events we assume to know, then God From Afar is here to wake us all up and and clue us in to what it is REALLY like in the atmosphere of the educational environment. In two words: Absolutely Shocking. In one really twisted and psychologically enthralling word: Fascinating! One, like myself, would be inclined to think of the collegiate world as one of being a very stimulating and intellectually pleasing garden where the inhabitants stretch out behind tall shrubs and among the placid lakes, but this is not the case. As James Shiavone describes his long pursuit that yearns for the gratification one gets from teaching fresh minds in the classroom, we learn that there is actually quite a bit of turmoil behind the staff room doors. From the constant squabbling, to inane jealousies and rumours, to the physical altercations and trumped up charges, we see that the base apsects of human nature can take hold of even those we assume to be our most respected leaders. But it is Professor James Schiavone's valiant effort and endearment toward his students and passion for teaching that wins out overall. Even under the intimidation of hierarchal threats he does not back down and holds true to the cause he believes in, which has been long forgotten by most administrators, and that is teaching - the last thing that seems to be on the minds of those who have elected to be in this position. And through it all, what we see time and time again are those who reach a status rank only to grow sluggish, unenthusiastic, inflexible and self-serving. Those select few who attain power and leave no room for change or the little man, but what they expect from their often trite and narrow, little concerns. This book offers the reality of a cankered situation, and exposes it in a way so that we may bring remedy to a growing epidemic. Because invalid assumptions that go unchecked, only serve to help those who are helping themselves at the expense of the naive multitude. And this book brings these issues to light, and in a way you might say that with this book Professor James Schiavone is still in the classroom.

Review of GOD FROM AFAR.......2000-09-15

In GOD FROM AFAR, Professor Schiavone narrates a fascinating account of his decision to attend college and become a teacher, the first in his family to do so.. Beginning with his birth, he includes heartwarming sketches of growing up in a close and supportive family, his parents children of immigrants. He encompasses his transition from a high school teacher to college professor, earning full professorship, and becoming the author of several text books. Readers who cling to the notion or naive enough to believe that the world of pedagogy represents the pinnacle of human elements in the realms of character, integrity, and human relations will find this account disillusioning. Professor Schiavone tells of his travails with honesty and reality. In the first segment of his memoirs, the author tells of his beginning years in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. He pays tribute to mentors and model teachers. Schiavone spent thirteen years in Florida and relates his interaction with students there and reveals his sensitivity to them. It was in Florida that he had diverse experience: TV, high school, and university . However, Professor Schiavone combatted and transcended personal jealousy so bizarre that it would defy veracity if it were not for his probity in narration, along with supporting material. This man who simply wanted to teach was to meet and surmount even greater obstacles upon his return to New York City and appointment at a CUNY branch. Academicians who have fallen victims of machinations perpetrated by administration and colleagues will commiserate. Professor Schiavone's story will be a revelation to others . Despite documentation, there may be readers who will simply not believe the bizarre mode of behavior that is permitted and condoned in academe. . There are readers who will be shocked that minuscule mentality extends beyond "local" officials. Others might recall that revengeful comportment is designed to control , tarnish, intimidate, and eliminate EMPLOYEES WHO CRITICIZE THE SYSTEM. This author documents that even the "college designee" was a pawn and puppet of the administration. . Professor Schiavone does not limit his disclosure to finagling against him personally. With clarity and honesty, he questions the process by which reappointment, promotion, sabbaticals, and tenure are granted. He tells of the positive and negative aspects of tenure. This man's pursuit of equity evoked wrath since it robbed "masters" of the chain that bound their "slaves." . GOD FROM AFAR is a revealing and compelling account of a college professor's sojourn in the academic arena. It is a saga of one man's battle with and victory over an "academic Bastille."

God From Afar Is Nearer Now.......2000-09-01

I am delighted that Professor Schiavone has decided to reissue his groundbreaking book, GOD FROM AFAR for the new millenium. His book gives me hope that God is closer than we think. After the educational debacle of the last century I am hopeful that the words of Dr. Schiavone will be heeded and seriously considered by politicians and academicians alike-especially in the upcoming election where education is such an important issue. In his memoirs, the professor tried to warn us of the corruption rife in academia-apparently they fell on deaf ears. Now with the issuance of the 2000 edition, there is hope once more that the education of our students at all levels, and especially at the college level will be taken seriously by those who should care the most. He has courageously tried in his memoirs to delineate the political atrocities of the past century which has left our system in shambles-a whole generation of students semi-literate and unable to cope with a more complicated world which requires the ability to think, to write, and yes, to read. To read his book is to find out just what happened and how it can be averted or corrected. The professor pulls no punches-he places blame and praise on those who deserve it-alas, he who is without spot may throw the first stone. Now in retirement, I welcome the reissuance of his GOD FROM AFAR and hope that its far reaching implications will be heard and felt in all parts of the nation where politicals, greedy for power and election, are touting their theories about education with one eye on the ballot box and saying little that is substantive about how to remedy the current debacle. It behooves all in academia and in politics to read his impeccably edited book carefully, to quote him generously, and to heed his words with alarm. When may we expect a follow up to GOD FROM AFAR? Certainly the talents of the author should not stop with his retirement- he must be ever vigilant that his words will make a significant change in a system, alas, gone awry.

A Courageous Memoir Heralding Debacle of American Education.......1996-09-26

After reading Professor Schiavone gripping GOD FROM AFAR,I was seized by the power of his memoirs with a feeling of malaise: that disturbing fin du siecle malaise that alas, seems to bid farewell to one century, and greet the new one with a deep sense of existentional despair. For in this written memoir Professor Schiavone has had, unlike most of his colleagues, the courage to warn us of the current parlous state of our most cherished institutions of higher education and unflinchingly delineate its implications for the new millenium that hardly bodes well for our country's intellectual (not to mention moral and ethical)preeminence as a nation of poets and scholars. Within its impeccably edited pages the reader learns of the political and moral rot that was hertofore hidden from public eye by the academic power elite, who, within a generation, took over one of our most cherished educational institutions (CUNY) and made it a stygian cesspool of corruption, incompetence, and more disturbing, out right disregard for truth, integrity, and the professionalism that we as a nation so revered and associated with higher education. Fortunately, Professor Schiavone, now retired from the City University of New York (CUNY),has left us a legacy in what must have been an agonizing experience, his memoirs, which now brings to light what must be firmly addressed by those who now ascend or sit upon, the besmirthed throne of academia if we are to survive as a nation dedicated to those traditional values and disciplines that was once a great cathedral of our culture, our much vaunted system of higher education, the rock that we all so dearly clung to as a means of perpetuating the great accomplishments of the past with the promise of a golden tommorow. Professor Schiavone is to be commended for his painful journey through the past thirty years of his caree in which he fought the iniquities that he found all too common around him, and emerged, with the dignity and strength, to warn us of what awaits us if we, as teachers, parents, and civic leaders, do not take heed of the impliations for the future that his memoirs so elegantly address. Would that our politicans now running for public office and giving lip service to the decline of the American system of higher education, refer to GOD FROM AFAR as they legislate policy for our nebulous future!

Book Description

A comprehensive parents' guide to helping children learn to make the right reading choices while creating a more literary environment in their homes. The book includes extensive annotated book lists as well as how-to information on helping young children learn to become more discerning readers.

Customer Reviews:

Essential Reading for New Parents and Grandparents!.......2000-10-25

This book deserves more than five stars!

I wish that I had had this book available to me when I first became a parent. I certainly intend to give it as a gift to my children when they become parents.

The advice that parents used to receive from teachers was that it doesn't matter much what your child reads, just that she or he reads. This outstanding book takes appropriate issue with that way of thinking and proposes an alternative approach that will enrich your child (or grandchild's) reading skills, knowledge of good stories, and ability to write. I was impressed by the argument that you don't let your child eat just anything that he or she wants. Why would you let her or his mind be polluted with inappropriate thoughts?

From my own experience as a parent, I have one child who reads enormously but has read few good books. As a result, his grounding in basic ideas and literature is tenuous despite having a great deal of education. Clearly, I let him down in not steering him toward more useful books. If you are like me, you will want to avoid that error with your children and grandchildren. The Magic Bookshelf can help you a lot.

What we have learned about children's mental development has grown vastly in just the last few years. We now know that reading to babies is an important part of emotional and intellectual development. The Magic Bookshelf has many wonderful suggests for how to do this so you don't feel like you are "reading to the wall."

As soon as your child is old enought to have opinions, the authors have many excellent suggestions for how to find excellent books of the sort that will attract your child, and how to connect those books to other media. There's even good information about weaning your child away from (or avoiding) television.

The book also encourages you to be a good example by reading a lot, reading with your child, discussing books with your child, and doing writing together. You will get a lot of excellent advice about how to create a home environment that stimulates good reading.

I was impressed by the argument in the book that you encourage your child to see her or himself as a good reader, regardless of where your child's reading level is. So, don't take those age-specific labels seriously. Get books in your child's hands that he or she is ready for (whether less or more advanced than is typical for your child's age).

The key idea in the book is to have a Magic Bookshelf. This will be a set of books that your child will keep as a core of her or his own library, and reread throughout life. It can also be the core for his or her child's library later on.

The book also expanded my knowledge of the latest research concerning how children learn, and provided a wonderful bibliography to that research.

Naturally, there are helpful lists of books in the book to consider. These will be invaluable to those who are not very well grounded in children's books.

After you finish reading this excellent book, I suggest that you discuss what you learned with each of your children who is of an appropriate age. Presumably, you are reading about this book now after having been a parent for a while. You don't want to leave any stone unturned to help your children, regardless of their age today. Then ask your children if they would like to do a little directed reading of these children's books together. If they would, you can also help fill in gaps in their background now, regardless of their age. The reason I suggest this is that I often run into people who find themselves at a disadvantage because they do not know commonly-read stories. This gap can easily be filled by your action now.

Enjoy your reading as you set a good example and create better bonding and intellect for your children and grandchildren!

Magic for Your Children, Magic for You.......2000-03-02

It took me years to find just the right book that hooked me into reading for the rest of my life (The Hobbit). Giving my daughter a headstart so she can find just the right books--and opening a whole new world for her--is nothing short of miraculous. I can't think of anything I rather give her. This book helped me send this gift to my daughter and, I believe, it will change her life. Thank you.

Excellent Guide for grandparents as well as parents!.......1999-04-01

This little book is a must for parents, grandparents and teachers who need some guidance in the world of children's literature.

The book gives sound suggestions without the "soapbox approach". I liked the authors' ideal that a magic bookshelf "can exist on the mind" as well as being physical

Book Description

With Guadalcanal firmly in American control by October 1943, the Allies decided to invade Bougainville, another island in the Solomon chain, to tighten their stranglehold on the Japanese in the area. To divert the enemy's attention, a raid was ordered on the nearby island of Choiseul. Success relied on making the Japanese think that a Marine division had landed on Choiseul so that they would rush reinforcements there while a much larger American Marine force would land on Bougainville. But Allied resources were scarce, so the Choiseul raid fell to the 2nd Marine Parachute Battalion. An aggressive unit of paratroopers under the command of the now legendary "Brute" Krulak, they were well trained in guerilla warfare and night fighting. This is the story of the paratroopers' courageous fight, told from their unique perspective.

Told to make the noise of an entire division, the Marines knew that if they got into trouble, there would be no reinforcements. For seven days they raised hell, bringing the fight to the Japanese along the coastline and deep into the jungle. Then, on November 3, as a large Japanese force closed in, the Marines slipped off the island, mission accomplished. Bougainville had been secured. This hour-by-hour account of what happened is based on an exhaustive gathering of all possible eyewitness accounts and includes a rescue by John F. Kennedy's PT boat and the death of a Marine in Kennedy's bunk. It is a page-turner more akin to a novel than a work of nonfiction.

Customer Reviews:

Riviting Personal Account!.......2007-08-06

This book shows what it was like from several marines perspective, not just one individual marine. That is what makes it unique. I found it riviting and shocking at the randomness of survival. My father was on the island and took part in the operation. He has told me his account, but this book takes you into the minds of all those still around to re-live a long forgotten battle, complete with the honesty of relating a story from 63 years ago.

If you want fiction, or a beautifully "produced" story, you'll have to check elsewhere.

MICROCOSMIC BATTLE - INCREDIBLY HONEST, NUANCED, AND ACCURATE.......2007-01-30

It was reported that this 255 page book, "Mission Raise Hell" is flawed, sophomoric, and unduly repetitive. I never picked that up. James Christ's approach keeps you in the tempo of the movement of young Marines in Choiseul. It is a gripping account.

Having fought in a war as a Marine Corps Officer, I'm grateful that the author reports the constant acts of the men he interviewed. And that's the point: it's an interview of microcosmic scale that focuses on every significant act of men engaged in a desperate ruse to win the macro war effort against the Japanese on Bougainville.

James Chrst. Remember the name. He's touched so accurately the hearts of those Marines on Choiseul as-well-as war fighting Marines everywhere.

Mr. Christ's literary approach in tone and tempo matches the WWII Marines I've conversed with as a life member of the Marine Corps League.

And if this is not enough to assert Christ's fine book as nuanced and sophisticated in the capture of reality, don't forget the name "Krulak."

Retired Marine Corps General Victor Krulak, who was the Lieutenant Colonel commanding officer of those men on Choiseul, has supported and continues to support this fine author.

I recommend on the basis of my experiences as a Marine Enlisted and as a Marine Officer that you read James Christ's book, "Mission Raise Hell". You will not be disappointed.

Interesting Subject - Incredibly poorly written.......2007-01-20

As a former USMC officer, I found this an interesting look at a little known piece of history about WWII. However, I found the writing was at a high school level. The author repeats and repeats the same thing in the same words. At least 10 times he says that the first man or squad sent out is bait. At least 10 times he repeats the challenge and same passwords for going through the lines. This book needed a very good editor.

Great story.......2006-11-06

My dad was one of the Marines in this book, so I suppose I was more involved than the average reader, but still it was a wonderful book. Even though I knew how it was going to end, the reading was absolutely gripping. The reader becomes immersed in the story. I definitely recommend reading the footnotes as you go - they add a lot to the story. This book does a great service to our World War II veterans - keeps their story alive for the generations that follow.

Friend of a Marine paratrooper on Choiseul.......2006-10-23

Tom Preston, then a Pfc on Choiseul, is a longtime personal friend of mine. The valor and unequivocal dedication of these Marines should become known to many people, who should be forever grateful for the Marines' unselfish sacrifices. We all owe a great debt of gratitude to that "greatest generation." Tom Preston, although seriously wounded after Choiseul and having been told he would never walk, still lives and walks. He has led an exemplary and successful life, inspiring many others to do their best. He is a Past Master of his Masonic Lodge, and a wonderful human being.

Book Description

It's been a long trip from 10,000 BCE, when humans domesticated dogs, to the present day when geneticists successfully cloned sheep and physicists produced an atom laser beam. The development of science and technology has altered almost every aspect of the way we live. Trace those amazing changes in more than 200 pages of timecharts that summarize the decisive moments in astronomy and space, biology, medicine, chemistry, physics, communications, transport, engineering, and food and farming. 250 color illustrations, including photographs, diagrams, and technological cross-sections capture the results of this explosion of knowledge. 100 tables list the principal properties of chemical elements alongside the date of their discovery, and 1,000 biographies of international scientists and inventors provide a stirring testimony to human ingenuity and inventiveness.

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