City Bountiful: A Century of Community Gardening in America

Book Description

Since the 1890s, providing places for people to garden has been an inventive strategy to improve American urban conditions. There have been vacant-lot gardens, school gardens, Depression-era relief gardens, victory gardens, and community gardens--each representing a consistent impulse to return to gardening during times of social and economic change. In this critical history of community gardening in America, the most comprehensive review of the greening of urban communities to date, Laura J. Lawson documents the evolution of urban garden programs in the United States. Her vibrant narrative focuses on the values associated with gardening, the ebb and flow of campaigns during times of social and economic crisis, organizational strategies of these primarily volunteer campaigns, and the sustainability of current programs.

Customer Reviews:

The community, the crisis and the garden.......2006-01-10

In terms of the world, the idea of community gardening might go back thousands of years, to the time of King Cyrus of Persia. In terms of the United States, it might be so American an idea that it goes back to the time of European colonization. For the idea might be as old as the commons of English-speaking settlers and the town squares of Spanish-speaking settlers. But Laura J Lawson is concerned with a more limited timespan. Her book, CITY BOUNTIFUL, covers community gardening in the United States from the 1890s to the present.

What drew her to that topic? The author first turned to gardening to get through tightly budgeted college years. Gardening was such a budget-smart move that she thought she was a rural wannabee. But the green-acre life wasn't for her. Instead, she was a city girl who wanted to be as self-sufficient as possible. So gardening became a research and a practical pursuit for her.

Did gardening have the same appeal to most people over time? Which time period would have a definite paper trail of written evidence and perhaps also eyewitness accounts? A CENTURY OF COMMUNITY GARDENING IN AMERICA was the topic that answered both questions. For community gardening is a popular idea with a spotty track record that`s well documented. We have over a hundred years of funding, staff and supply levels going up and down. It's not that people don't consistently like gardening. It's that community gardening has found its steadiest support during crises.

So depressions and wars have been guarantees of community gardening success. That's because people stick to large-group gardening when that gardening is part of the bigger picture. People who like gardening say it's good for character and well-being. But everything needed for community gardening to be wildly successful comes together when the bigger concern is getting our country through major crises here and abroad.

Otherwise, concerns over access, permanence and technology win out. For community gardening has often taken place on rundown and vacant lots. Sooner or later, these lots become attractive to business and investors. The land ends up in other hands, public or private. Community gardening has often depended on funds, people and support from outside, in what the author calls a top-down power structure. Sooner or later, these sources can dry up. And the community may not be ready when that happens.

But community gardening is part of our cultural heritage. What can we do about the ups and downs? The author says each community needs to be guided by a goal of building a city bountiful on earth. Such a city is possible when people are appropriately trained and socially committed to land being used resourcefully. She feels such a goal has become realistic since the last 30 years of the 20th century. For through and since those decades, some community gardening has - and more projects can do likewise - become part of a bottom-up power structure, in which there can be enough funds, people and support locally.

The author has included good index and notes, as well as clear, historic photos from each time period. Her book is nicely organized and clearly written. The book should appeal to a wide audience. As a land care steward trained through Virginia Tech's master gardening program, I'm happy to have the book. The Virginia Tech program is the model for community and school gardening programs throughout the United States, England and Canada. For the Virginia Tech program is living proof that bountiful community gardening is practical and workable.

Book Description

With this detailed, lavishly illustrated guidebook, artists can learn to make the tools, materials and equipment essential to create artworks of many different kinds—paintings, drawings, watercolors and prints—at great savings. Items include fine-quality pigments, brushes, bamboo pens, palettes, felt-tip markers, etching needles, linoleum blocks, brayers and rollers, crayons, woodblock presses, paper-making essentials, an artist’s toolbox, a simple work table, a portable drafting table and much, much more. 367 illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

Facinating and Useful.......2002-01-09

This book is a must for any artist or crafter who prefers to make their own tools and materials instead of breaking the bank at the art supply store.

Many of the raw materials seem to be accessible and inexpensive.

The instructions for creating paper,pens,pastels and inks are uncomplicated.

Techniques for making and using historical materials such as silverpoint and quill pens are intriguing.

Brief historical introductions about the tools and materials add interest to the clear step-by-step instructions and illustrations/drawings.

A little more technical than I had hoped.......2000-04-05

I don't know what I was expecting, but I found this book to be a little out of my abilities. Maybe it would be ok for someone who already works with wood or has their own woodworking shop. I wouldn't advise this one for a beginner. Better yet, have a wood-working friend buy the book and make you the tools. :)

Average customer rating:
How Famous Photographers Work
Jack Schofield
Manufacturer: Amphoto Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 081744002X

Average customer rating:
How Famous Photographers Work
Jack Scofield
Manufacturer: Amphoto Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KYLAW8

Book Description

For every business professional swamped with e-mail, drowning in paper, wading through data-here are real-world solutions for turning all that information into business results! TAMING THE INFORMATION TSUNAMI, Second Edition demonstrates simple ways to change how you think about and use everyday technologies such as Microsoft Office and Microsoft Internet Explorer-helping you match the right tool to the task, the right solution for your situation. You'll learn how to apply the skills, principles, and habits that empower you to work smarter and faster. This second edition contains new security-related information that will help readers enhance the security of their PCs and maintain privacy while on the Internet.

Customer Reviews:

Not what I hoped.......2003-03-03

I purchased this book hoping to find advanced strategies for managing information (I have my own Information Tsunami). I use a variety of incompatible methods for storing my files - including the file system for Microsoft Office documents and other applications (such as MindManager), and Pagekeeper for scanned documents. I need a way to store searchable metadata about all types of digital assets and be able to share that metadata. The blurb on the book says it will "demonstrate simple ways to change how you think about and use everyday technologies such as Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer." Unfortunately, the book is a series of short introductory articles on using various tools with Windows and Office XP, starting with Internet Explorer 6.0 and then on to Outlook, Excel, Word, Powerpoint, FrontPage and finally 9 pages on Share Point Team Services. The book treats each application separately and not as the overall knowledge management system I need. If you have not used Office XP very long this book may help you. Experienced users will not find much here.

Customer Reviews:

Best advice on home buying.......2000-04-04

No one should buy a home without reading this book first! It is a gem--packed with useful information in a very readable format. The author uses his knowledge of the real estate business and his own experiences as a professional to provide a valuable and thoughtful perspective on the whole process. I wish I'd read this book before my first foray into the world of home-buying, but even after several such ventures in my life, I still found I learned a lot by reading this book.

A map for the homebuyer.......2000-04-02

Buying a house would be a lot easier for all of us if we did it frequently. But most of us only buy a home a few times in our lives and, face it, the process is dauntingly complex. As with any complex field, real estate has developed its own technical vocabulary. Fortunately, this book is written in plain English, and makes few assumptions about its readers.

That being the case, it is an invaluable resource to potential home buyers, *especially* if the buyer is looking in the author's home state of Colorado.

The reader learns about the advantages of "buyer agents" and is walked step-by step, in plain English, through the maze involved in finding and purchasing just the right home. Numerous anecdotal "horror stories" illustrate the potential pitfalls in the buying process.

Average customer rating:
What Do I Do When... My Child Won't Do As I Say? (Scholastic Parent Bookshelf)
Polly Greenberg
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
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What Do I Do When My Child Loses Control? (Scholastic Family Bookshelf)

ASIN: 0590899260

Book Description

The life story of the highest decorated soldier of the Wehrmacht. Many photos of Rudel's aircraft., 8 1/2" x 11"

Customer Reviews:

My Favorite Book on Rudel!.......2007-06-09

Printed by Schiffer Publishing, an assurance that it is top quality. There are other books that deal more in Rudel's life, both the good and the questionable post-war, but this one pretty much has everything that all but the most ardent reader would. Enough text to please, and many, many splendid photographs. Most people don't realize that the greatest Lufwaffe pilot didn't fly fighters, but the Ju-87, and man, did he ever fly it! He had no equal. Whatever his post-war activities, I'm not here to judge, but this is a splendid book of perhaps the most accomplished pilot of WWII.

Good Book........2006-07-04

THis is a wonderful book. So many photographs telling his life story. This is a must book fro any person who likes history.

Mislead.......2006-05-05

I purchased this book after hearing about Hans Ulrich Rudel some years ago, I actually thought the book was going to be a full story about the man, but the book has mainly photo's so out five the photo's rate a 5/5 but the biography 2/5

A Great Historical Account Tarnished.......2006-03-13

I found this book to be both facinating and detailed. Rudel's bravery and skill can not be debated. I came away from the book with a better understanding of how and why the Germans fought. Rudel writes effectively that the German fighting man was fighting for his family and country--not the ideals of the Nazi party and derived his courage from his comrades. Towards the end of the war, he claimed to have known nothing of the Nazi attrocities that were committed upon the Jews and many other ethnic groups.

With this in mind, my experience with the book was considerably diminished to learn that Rudel was actually one of the leading Germans who continued to finance fugitive Nazis living in South America after the war. At first denouncing the Nazi attrocities in the book, he went on to financially support and conceal the very people responsible for these attrocities. It leads me to question some of the accounts in the book, but still reccommend it as "must read" for WW2 history buffs.

The autobiography of the greatest soldier.......2005-01-23

Despite his post-war political activities, Rudel still stands out as the most noteworthy soldier of the war, arguably the greatest combat pilot (Marseille was probably the best fighter pilot) in history and possibly the greatest pilot. He was apparently known to some as arrogant and unpleasant. He was the only soldier in the German armed forces to receive the Knight's Cross with golden oakleaves swords and diamonds, and was by far the most successful dive bomber. He destroyed, among other things, 519 tanks, over 1000 other vehicle, 70 landing craft etc. He flew 2530 sorties, was shot down 32 times but never by an enemy aircraft and survived the war less a leg. Many of his incredible exploits are in this book. His story is good reading on the war and is a compelling story. One can only imagine how much his signature would cost had he been killed in action. Book is well-written & translated, and the pictures are good. Well worth it.

Average customer rating:

Fantastic memoir of a super-hero who fought for the wrong cause
Great View of One who was there
hans :( asiatic hoards
A Favorite of the Fatherland
Dive Bombing as a Military Art

Stuka Pilot (War and Warrior)
Hans-Ulrich Rudel
Manufacturer: Legion for the Survival of Freedom
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0939482045

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic memoir of a super-hero who fought for the wrong cause .......2007-09-24

This book is terrific in terms of action as recounted by the most decoated soldier of the Third Reich. After an inglorious beginning, Rudel's star shined on the Eastern Front where he flew 2,530 operational sorties and destroyed a huge amount of enemy material. In this book he analyses many of his tactics, the conditions in Russia, the loss of many of his comrades and his narrow escapes from death and capture. He received his higher decorations from Hitler himself, thus he can also give his imrpessions about the dictator and the private conversations he had with him. Rudel was a real killing machine and he didn't stop flying even when he had his right leg amputated from a direct anti-aircraft hit. The book ends with his months of capture in England and France. Rudel states emphatically that he fought for his country and not for a particular Party, but many times in the book he repeats his horror seeing the "asiatic hordes" invading the German soil and his sorrow that the Western Allies didn't side with Nazi Germany to save the European civilization! Apart from this propaganda moments though, the book is an excellent first han account of the colossal battles on the Eastern Front and the grat carnage that experienced fliers like Rudel caused to the advancing Soviets. The only serious drawback of the book is that the English translation made a lot of errors regarding the Luftwaffe units nomneclature. Thus the Gruppe became a Squadron and the Staffel became Flight, which is altogether wrong. Also the highest command echelon became just Group whilst it should be Fliegerkorps perhaps. The ranks were also translated to their RAF equivalents (but correctly) which is really absurd for most of the readers who are not familiar with this system. There are also some minor mistakes regarding aircraft types, which shows a lack of a good editing.

Great View of One who was there.......2006-12-25

Not perfect, but close.

Highs - Historically correct and well told firsthand viewpoint of possibly the best ground attack pilot to fight in WW2.

Lows - Some things are a little bumpy in the stories and don't flow as good as say "Iron Coffins". British translation makes Hans seem "british" at times! More maps of where he was talking about would be helpful.

How did this guy survive!

Overall, excellent. 96/100.

hans :( asiatic hoards.......2006-10-01

the lines between hero, fool and lucky are often hard to distinguish and more often ignored. rudel's accomplishments, as he remembers them, are indeed extraordinary. imagine a single pilot sinking capitol ships, destroying hundreds of front line tanks and thousands of trucks and artillery pieces all while flying an aircraft that was obsolete at the war's begining. in addition to rudel's flying stories, he also shares with the reader the more 'traditional' views of germany's enemies and its leaders both of which the author openly embraces. rudel is strictly 'old school'. i first read 'stuka pilot' at the age of twelve, it being the first of dozens of books i have read by enemy combatants over the years. i have found the book an excellent primary source to life 'on the other side' and during subsequent readings of the rudel book over the years i am always as impressed with his skill with an airplane as with his skill with a typewriter. rudel should be remembered for his accomplishments as both writer and pilot along with such other heros of the sky as billy bishop or gregg boyington.

A Favorite of the Fatherland.......2006-01-05

As so many of the previous reviewers indicate, Hans Ulrich Rudel was an amazing man. Set aside the sad truth that he dedicated his talents to the service of The Third Reich and instead focus on his individual achievements, which set him apart from nearly every warrior of history, except perhaps Achilles.

I was simply unable to put the book down. Rudel's experiences from bombing Soviet ships, to blasting Soviet armor, to cliff diving, river swimming, foot racing from the enemy to flying with one leg are just a sampling of the adventure this man lived. It's no wonder that he alone bears the highest version of the Knights Cross of all Nazi Germany's many talented warriors.

Rudel's exploits will inspire the reader with unapologetic admiration. His politics were flawed and remained so for the remainder of his life, but he never wavered from his dedication to Germany and to his own ideal of National Socialism. For this too, a man can be admired. Many other great warriors in history also fought for causes that did not deserve their individual greatness.

Dive Bombing as a Military Art.......2004-11-05

STUKA PILOT is the autobiography and Second World War adventures of Hans Ulrich Rudel. Rudel, one of the most highly decorated officers in the German Third Reich, was Hitler's favorite soldier. His unbridled passion was to be a pilot and keep flying. Wounded severely several times, he continued flying combat missions until the end of the war. Often incorrectly stereotyped as an "Unrepentant Nazi," STUKA PILOT's emphasis is on Rudel's experiences as a Luftwaffe pilot and commander. Born to humble circumstances, Rudel struggled to gain acceptance into a Luftwaffe officer candidate program. Though an exceptional athlete -- and often a dare-devil -- Rudel chose a dive bombers as his piloting career field.

The book follows Rudel through his early frustrations in missing out on early campaigns and being grounded by unforgiving squadron staff officers. The invasion of the Soviet Union offered Rudel the opportunity to hone dive bombing operations to a fine art. Rapid promotion followed. At the end of the war we find Rudel commanding anti-tank dive bombing units as just about the only force remaining to stem the Red Army.

STUKA PILOT provides excellent military history reading along with lessons in leadership. Though highly recommended, the book does harbor shortcomings. Rudel's printed story is too closely translated from German and the verbiage is sometimes confusing. Rudel's narrative also sometimes strays from a chronological recounting of events. As noted in other reviews, most versions of this book lack maps of any sort and so it is difficult to appreciate the extensive geography involved in this story. Rudel's story also abruptly ends with the end of the war. It is too bad that he did not append later version with his post war activities.

Do not expect to find much about Rudel's personal life in this volume. This book is devoted to Rudel's wartime exploits. Consider STUKA PILOT a military classic. If you enjoy military aviation books about World War Two, this book should find its way into your collection.

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Stuka Pilot
Hans Ulrich Rudel
Manufacturer: Bantam Book
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000JIMVH8

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Stuka Pilot (BB F-276K)
Hans Ulrich Rudel
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000H9YRFS

Stuka Dive Bombers - Pursuit Bombers - Combat Pilots - A Pictorial Chronical of German Close - Combat Aircraft to 1945

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Stuka Dive Bombers - Pursuit Bombers - Combat Pilots - A Pictorial Chronical of German Close - Combat Aircraft to 1945
Gebhard Aders , and Werner Held
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

Aviation | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

History of Technology | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Covers the variety of German aircraft used in assault, bombing and anti-tank roles - Bf 110, Ju 87, Fw 190 et al., 7 3/4" x 10 1/2"

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Stuka Pilot
Hans Ulrich Rudel
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000VRFOYE

Average customer rating:

Stuka Pilot

Manufacturer: Ballantine
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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The First and the Last

ASIN: B000HWCYXM

Average customer rating:

Stuka pilot
Rudel Hans Ulrich
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Stuka Pilot Foreword by Group Captain Douglas Bader. Introduction by Johannes and Martha Rudel

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Stuka Pilot Foreword by Group Captain Douglas Bader. Introduction by Johannes and Martha Rudel
Hans Ulrich Rudel
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000RC7RTS

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Stuka Pilot
Hans Ulrich Rudel
Manufacturer: SOLD
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000KOXOR2

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GYPSIES, TINKERS AND OTHER TRAVELLERS

Manufacturer: Academic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000I4QDZY

Average customer rating:
Gypsies, Tinkers and Other Travellers

Manufacturer: Academic Press Inc.,U.S.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0125858507

Average customer rating:
Gypsies, Tinkers and Other Travellers
Farnham Rehfisch
Manufacturer: Academic Press Inc.,U.S.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OHKD4C

Customer Reviews:

Great Bird Book.......2007-03-11

Received in perfect condition and in a timely manner. Would shop with them again.

Great Intro Level Book.......2003-04-22

This book features wonderful photography and is a great starter book for Southern California Bird Watchers. I started using it about a year ago and was happy to find 90% of the birds in my backyard could be easily identified in this book. It also features helpful descriptions and maps. Happy birdwatching!

Introduction to Birds of the Southern California Coast (California Natural History Guides)

Average customer rating:

A dandy guide to coastal California birds. Nicely done
More of the same, plus

Introduction to Birds of the Southern California Coast (California Natural History Guides)
Joan Easton Lentz
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

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

Outdoors & Nature | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0520237803

Book Description

This easy-to-use, concise, informative guide is a must for anyone who wants to leave behind Southern California's noisy freeways and crowded beaches in search of the wild places where birds can be found. An excellent introduction, an indispensable regional guide, and a perfect companion for excursions from San Luis Obispo County to the Mexican border, it is designed to familiarize birdwatchers, hikers, naturalists, residents, and travelers with the appearance and behavior of 120 of the most common coastal birds.

¥Features 120 superb color plates and lifelike habitat drawings that depict birds in their natural surroundings
¥Sixteen maps show numerous birding sites accompanied by detailed directions
¥Species accounts include information on the abundance and seasonal status of each bird and give intriguing natural history details
¥Introductory sections describe the coastal habitats of Southern California, provide tips for beginning birdwatchers, and discuss the basics of bird behavior

Customer Reviews:

A dandy guide to coastal California birds. Nicely done.......2006-03-10

I live on the Southern California coast, and I wanted a book that would help me quickly identify the birds I am photographing, and tell me a little bit about them. This book does the job; it has excellent photos of the various bird species, and interesting write-ups about them. In the appendix there is a nice discussion of the various ecological parks and preserves in Southern California, and what types of wildlife one might expect to see there.

A good value.

More of the same, plus.......2006-02-25

Pretty much the same as most guide books to birds of the southwest region, with some added and better locations given. Well layed-out, good photos.

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