price：$9.96
Hyperion
Usually ships in 6 to 12 days Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (A feisty feline that can teach us all something about life and death) 『Death is one of those taboo subjects in the United States that we try to avoid. We are a society that will oftentimes take extreme measures to prolong youth and avoid the natural process that leads us toward the end of life. This book is one that will bring death into clearer focus for the reader. I don't mean in a macabre way that focuses heavily on the process of dying, but one that focuses on the passage from a life of suffering to a new place of being free.
I was deeply touched to read both Dr. Dosa's own personal story and the story that he shared about Oscar, his feline protégé. This is a book that is about Dr. Dosa as much as it is about Oscar the cat. Throughout the pages a mutual and trusting relationship is built between man and creature and a level of trust and seniority is awarded to a feline who has developed a certain intuition for knowing when a person isgoing to make the passage from this life to the next. The story is told in a profoundly personal and very touching way. The author digs deeply in writing this book about Oscar and we learn about his own vocation to serve one of the most difficult populations - those battling dementia in the finalstages of their lives. They have become adult children. We also get to know more about Dr. Dosa as he shares his own chronic health issues and reflects on what his life may hold in the future. Still, he shares his "rounds" with Oscar the cat. The story is sweet, compassionate, heartwarming and nothing short of amazing.
Never underestimate the powers of a feisty feline. I absolutely love this book and even joined Oscar's Facebook page!
5 stars! 』
(Coping with End of Life) 『If you have ever placed a loved one in a nursing home, you know what a wrenching decision that is. Each visit is filled with guilt, anxiety and frustration and yet you know this is the best solution, given the circumstances. You will recognize the residents and family in this heartwarming story of a very special feline. As I approach the one year anniversary of my mother's passing, this book was just what I needed to reflect, remember and find comfort that others shared so many of my thoughts and emotions.』
(A sweet story of an amazing cat) 『Dr. David Dosa is a geriatrician in a family of pediatricians. He writes that he chose this field because of the rich tapestry of stories his patients have lived. Dr. Dosa works at a nursing home in Rhode Island that cares for patients with dementia. A few years ago, a cat who lived at the facility (and the author describes several cats who live and work there) started showing remarkable behavior. Oscar was a relatively aloof cat who didn't want to spend much time with people, although he didn't mind if a staffer gave him a few scraches under the chin. However, when he sensed a patient was hours from death, he would go to that person's room, jump onto the bed, curl up beside the patient in question and wait. Often, he would not move until the funeral home showed up to remove the deceased.
After the doctor learns of the cat's extraordinary behavior, he begins talking to the families of patients who had died with Oscar by his side. He had hoped to try to understand the cat's unusual behavoir but felt he was learning more about dementia and what it does to the patients and their families. He notes that Oscar's presence at the end comforts the families of the ill and maybe even the patients themslves
He does point out at the end that one World War II medic he talked to could tell whether someone was going to live or die by a person's smell and theorizes that Oscar may be able to tell that the sweet smell and be drawn to it. But he still isn't sure what draws Oscar to the dying patients. But does it matter. Animals do amazing things that we can appreciate, even if we don't understand it.
This is less a memoir--after all, due to confidentiality issues, the author had to change names and details and make composites of patients. But it does detail what happens to dementia patients from a doctor's point of view and how they try to care for patients whose memories are slipping.
If you were interested by the news story that appeared a few years ago about this extraordinary cat, you will likely enjoy the book.』
(RICK "SHAQ" GOLDSTEIN SAYS: "THE EXPRESSION "A SHADOW OF THEIR FORMER SELF" WAS NO LONGER A CLICHÉ!") 『If a couple of decades ago I had made the statement that my life via family members had been touched on numerous occasions by Alzheimer's/dementia I would have been looked at very strangely. Sadly... if someone made that statement today... hopefully... other than true human compassion... there wouldn't even be a sideways glance. "TODAY THERE ARE OVER FIVE-MILLION PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS MORE WITH OTHER LESS COMMON FORMS OF DEMENTIA. WITHOUT NEW TREATMENTS, ESTIMATES SUGGEST THAT THIS NUMBER IS LIKELY TO SKYROCKET AS OUR POPULATION CONTINUES TO AGE."
Despite the staggering number of "eroding" minds... body... and souls... there is so little known... and so much to learn about this heartbreaking disease... that literally changes the lives of entire families... AND health care providers... with the unrelenting power of a tsunami. The author Doctor David Dosa is a geriatrician at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Providence, Rhode Island. The heart wrenching story he tells here is also an educational journey for all involved. The recipients of the mental and emotional knowledge imparted here are current and future patients... their families... Dr. Dosa and his staff... and all such medical professionals that make the smart decision and open their mind and hearts to the stories in this book. The title character is Oscar the cat... though an important figure... what with his mystical power to "know" which patient was going to die shortly... and thus stand guard in an unrelenting vigil... which soothed patients... family... and medical staff... in ways no one could fully explain... yet... despite this "gift"... Oscar is not really the ultimate reward to readers of this book.
Doctor Dosa was admittedly not a "cat-person" and he didn't believe in Oscar's medically-psychic-endowment. Dosa's desire to talk to the family members of his deceased patients after the fact to get their perception of Oscar's effect led to a much wider discussion into all the sad and awful "ripple-effects" of Alzheimer's. Discussed intimately was the pre-diagnosis averting of facing the truth by loving family members. How they ignored the tell tale signs of this insidious disease. Then the painful realization that there would be years of visiting without being recognized... but yet their visits were critical. Tearfully enlightening is the views from all sides (patient/family/doctor) as to what treatments should be continued... where they should or shouldn't be done... and when they should be stopped. The personal sharing of a child's anguished summary of their parent's deterioration could be described as poetry... yet it's so sad there must be a better word... "EVERY DAY I MISS THE MOTHER I HAD SIXTEEN YEARS AGO, BUT NOT THE PERSON SHE BECAME. IT WAS LIKE WATCHING A KID, BUT HAVING THEM UNLEARN EVERYTHING THEY KNEW." And another family said... "IT MUST BE LIKE WATCHING A FILM OF A PERSON'S LIFE RUN BACKWARD, I THOUGHT, EXCEPT THE PERSON DOESN'T GET ANY YOUNGER."
The author explains his own angst in dealing with this unique morose disease: "IN CASES WHERE THE PATIENT HAS A TERMINAL ILLNESS SUCH AS CANCER, COMFORT-CARE DISCUSSIONS ARE RELATIVELY CONCRETE... "ALTHOUGH DISEASES SUCH AS ALZHEIMER'S ARE ALSO CONSIDERED TERMINAL, THEY MANIFEST THEMSELVES MUCH MORE SLOWLY. LIKE EROSION THAT CHANGES THE LANDSCAPE OF A BEACH, THE EFFECTS OF THESE DISEASES ARE MEASURED OVER MONTHS AND YEARS RATHER THAN DAYS." "CARE PROVIDERS AND FAMILIES ARE FORCED TO GRAPPLE WITH DECISIONS LIKE WITHHOLDING ANTIBIOTICS FOR A POTENTIALLY CURABLE PNEUMONIA OR DECIDING WHEN IT'S NO LONGER APPROPRIATE TO CONDUCT FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING FOR AN EVERYDAY CONDITION LIKE ANEMIA OR WEIGHT LOSS."
The greatest strength of this book is that even the doctor understands that medical definitions and multi-syllabic words are not what's important. It's the true humanity of all involved and there needs to be so much more education and guidance from the very first signs of this horrendous dignity destroying disease... and this book is an excellent starting place for everyone. 』
(A good read, but not really about Oscar the cat) 『I ordered his book having heard about Oscar and thought this book would be a very touching read about the cat of Steere House that instinctively knows when a resident is about to pass away. The cat does have a role in this book and is a major player but the book really isn't about Oscar so much as it is about the doctor himself, his relationships with others and the Alzheimer's patients for whom he cares.
The author, Dr. Dosa, oversees patient care at Steere House, a nursing home for patients with dementia (which includes Alzheimer's disease). Steere House is also home to several cats, of interest among them being Oscar who has an uncanny knack of knowing when a patient's life is about to end. When Oscar senses such, he finds his way in the patient's room and curls up on the bed until he or she passes away. Dr. Dosa sets out to find out more about this cat.
He introduces a good number of people in this book, patient and staff alike as well as former patients' relatives and former staff members. Each one is tied to Oscar in some way, but through the conversations that ensue relationships are introduced or built and the devastating effects for dementia are explored and explained. The reader gets to know the characters sufficiently to gain an attachment to them also gains a better understanding of dementia - and Alzheimer's disease in particular.
This is a well-written and interesting book, filled with touching stories about people learning to let go of people and of a doctor that tries his best to understand and comfort them. All of them are touched by a special cat that instinctively knows when to be there when he is needed most.』 『
A remarkable cat. A special gift. A life-changing journey.
They thought he was just a cat.
When Oscar arrived at the Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rhode Island he was a cute little guy with attitude. He loved to stretch out in a puddle of sunlight and chase his tail until he was dizzy. Occasionally he consented to a scratch behind the ears, but only when it suited him. In other words, he was a typical cat. Or so it seemed. It wasn't long before Oscar had created something of a stir.
Apparently, this ordinary cat possesses an extraordinary gift: he knows instinctively when the end of life is near.
Oscar is a welcome distraction for the residents of Steere House, many of whom are living with Alzheimer's. But he never spends much time with them--until they are in their last hours. Then, as if this were his job, Oscar strides purposely into a patient's room, curls up on the bed, and begins his vigil. Oscar provides comfort and companionship when people need him most. And his presence lets caregivers and loved ones know that it's time to say good-bye.
Oscar's gift is a tender mercy. He teaches by example: embracing moments of life that so many of us shy away from.
Making Rounds with Oscaris the story of an unusual cat, the patients he serves, their caregivers, and of one doctor who learned how to listen. Heartfelt, inspiring, and full of humor and pathos, this book allows readers to take a walk into a world rarely seen from the outside, a world we often misunderstand.
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Survive TEOTWAWKI) 『This book has a lot of great info for the serious survivalist. All of it comes from a man who walks the walk. It's comprehensive, easy to understand with lots of resources for everything you would ever need to survive any situation.』
(How To Survive THE END OF THE WORLD AS WE KNOW IT) 『James Wesley, Rawles again writes a superior book on the preparations for the coming collapse. Get this book and start getting yourself and your family ready. This book will help organize your thoughts and actions for most survival situations.』
(TEOTWAWKI, doesn't have to mean the end of good authors.) 『Well thought out, well written and well planned. In the easy to read instructions the author teaches you everything from water purification to food storage preparation. I do have one bad thing to say about the book. It is targeted towards the more well to do than anyone. The Author does mention this many times, and offer a plan to help the people living on a "budget". The book is basing everything off of the idea that you can attain everything listed, and does give a lot of good ideas for lessening a carbon footprint in today's age. All together it was a well constructed, and informational book.』
(Not perfect, but you've got to start somewhere) 『Reading through recent reviews here I note that some reviewers are dissatisfied that this is not a telephone book sized dissertation on Survivalism--with everything one would need to know spelled out in great detail--and are probably also disappointed that it doesn't include in depth treatments of major topics sprinkled throughout, here and there. Other reviewers are upset that this book, in their view, concentrates much too much on the extreme TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As We Know It) scenario, and not on less catastrophic scenarios. But, to my mind, the mindset, the approach, the panoply of ideas, pointers, and solutions Rawles is presenting can be be used and adapted to deal with any situation along a spectrum from least to worst scenarios.
My chief problem with this book--living East of the Missouri as I do--is Rawle's unfortunately pretty irrefutable common sense conclusion (and very good advice!) that moving West of the Missouri to relatively sparsely populated, well-watered, agricultural areas with long growing seasons or to small towns (300 miles from the nearest big city if possible) where the skills of self reliance are generally more practiced and ingrained--rather than staying in the very densely populated, massively interconnected and congested, more high technology dependent East--offers a greatly increased chance of survival, if it really all starts to collapse.
The idea that the equivalents of Ghengis Khan's "Golden Horde" will swarm out every highway from every population center in the East, if it is clear that the collapse many of us have feared might come has finally arrived, and, like impossible to resist Army Ants, will eventually find and devour or destroy everything in their path, seems very likely to me; the odds are very much against you being able to hide from them, and you cannot defend against them, I wish that it were not so but, it is.
In a less than TEOTWAWKI situation, those who are--by circumstance or inclination--irremediable city dwellers (and perhaps stubborn optimists) might want to check out Fernando Ferfal Aguirre's recent "Modern Survival Manual: Surviving the Economic Collapse [in Buenos Aires, Argentina]" which deals with the practical day to day survival skills Aguiree acquired in order for he and his family to survive in a major city when things started to slide toward disaster, penury, crime and anarchy in 2001 ( and, I get the impression, are still pretty dicey).
As the title of my review says, "you've got to start somewhere," and this small book is a good start; a starting place for acquiring the mentality, and starting to ask the questions and get acquainted with some of the solutions needed to survive in the extreme situations that none of us living here in America have had to face, but which many people in other lands have encountered--Argentina, Venezuela and Zimbabwe in recent years come immediately to mind--and, might I add, as I see it, the U.S. is swiftly headed down a similar path to a world of hurt, making this little work--unfortunately--eminently and immediately useful.
Is this book perfect, an encyclopedic reference work? No. However, does it get you started, give you the lay of the land in a new world you probably have not encountered before, identify the main problems, and point to some sources for practical solutions? Yes. Are there lists? Yes. Are they comprehensive? No, but they hit the essential points and should get you going on your own comprehensive lists.
Absorb what this book contains, see the world through Rawle's eyes, begin to understand the problems this re-imagined world presents, and the study, planning, determination, hard work, decisions, actions, and solutions that will be required to survive in this new and fearsome world (the identical world we have always lived in and live in today, minus the rose colored glasses), and this book will have done its job. I happen to think it does its job, and well. 』
(Good checklist) 『I would call this book a good checklist. He explaines in depth why you need most everything listed. This is not a copy of getready.gov. He has some insights that most people don't think about. If you live in a city of any size you should read this book. If you are commited read this book. If you don't know why you would want to prepair read this book. It is very common sense. It is not 6 chapters on how to do canning or how to make a fire. It doesn't waste time on precise details that you may or may not need. Its focus is on the broader important things that will really save your life! If everyone knew this information our country would be better off if there were another 911 or Katrina.
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Great information guide) 『This book is a great information guide for any first time parent. It is easy to read and touches on almost every topic. Some topics go in great detail.』
(What to Expect The First Year) 『For me, this was an essential guidebook. Coming into parenthood with very little knowledge of infants, What to Expect... let me know when to expect certain milestones, how to cope with certain common problems and how to encourage, however slightly, the little one's development. This book may be a little haphazardly organized for some. The book provides separate chapters for each month of the child's life covering the normal development of the child and adding several short essays regarding topics that might be of interest around that time period. For me, though, the book allowed me to follow along, without getting overwhelmed by too much information too early. The more single subject focused chapters following the month-by-month guide were also useful, but more often in the sense of knowing when to look for further help - that is to say, these chapters were perhaps less comprehensive than needed to cover issues like illness and feeding. My biggest complaints are that the book clearly makes certain assumptions about what constitutes good parenting - essentially living a typical modern suburban American lifestyle - and engages too often in the relentless scare mongering of new parents that is ubiquitous in American childcare literature. I doubt, however, that a book as useful as this that doesn't have those shortcomings exists. Generally good information, usefully presented - worth at least your consideration.』
(Very helpful) 『I found everything I needed in this book!!!, in an easy language and practical explications.』
(Must Have Resource for New Parents) 『A gotta have for the new parents. Can't say how many times we reached for this one in the first year. Better by far than google for the what the heck do I do when my baby does X, Y, or Z?
Getting ready to be a dad, this an other baby books piling up in my house were pretty overwhelming. Only thing that really helped me get ready were collections of stories - Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year the only one I actually made it through. Others made my head swim and added to general feelings of overwhelm. I didn't want expert advice (until baby arrived and I needed it for specific somethings - in which case what to expect a fantastic resource.) This new one from Moneyball guy Home Game: An Accidental Guide to Fatherhood seems a good contender from the dad's point of view - recent memory reflections on the experience of becoming a dad, instead of expert advice. For a raw, funny, hopeful as it happens view from a dad, try The Faith of a Child』
(horrible horrible advice...do not buy this book) 『I cannot even believe how bad the advice is in this book. It is so outdated. It is one sided, it is horrible. I feel bad that this is available to new mothers. It goes against all motherly instinct. It talks about "spoiling" and how the baby manipulates at 6 and 7 months old. Babies do not manipulate. Babies cry because they have a NEED. If you meet their needs, they become secure and confident and independent. If you let them "cry it out" as this book recommends, they become clingy, insecure and more dependent. This book talks about primitive societies and how they carry their babies everywhere, and then states how our society is different and we need to push independence. I cannot stress this enough...Babies become independent when we meet their needs.If we ignore their needs, sure they will self soothe, but they will also lose trust, a very basic sense of trust that they are just learning to develop. I wear my babies everywhere, everyday. My now 3 year old is an amazing, confident, independent, secure kid. He slept through the night when HE was ready. I never forced these milestones on him. My 6 month old started sitting up on his own at 4 months, crawling at 5 months, and is now standing...and yes, I wear him like they do in "primitive societies" (rolling my eyes) He is sooo happy and smiling. He babbles up a storm. He does not manipulate me. He cries when he needs me, and it is my responsibility as a parent to meet his needs. DON"T BUY THIS HORRIBLE BOOK. I wish they would take it off the market.』
price：$10.79
Harmony
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Cesar Milan) 『Cesar Milan's books and TV shows have saved our marriage. We own a grown lab (11 years). We purchased a lab puppy and he turned out to be hyperactive. We keep Ceasar's books readily available and have followed many of his suggestions. After a year, things are looking good, certainly not perfect, but we have seen tremendous improvememt. It is an uphill battle--exhausting work--but with Cesar's guidelines, Dallas is becoming a great member of our family.』
(In a perfect world) 『Was a good book for understanding why a puppy reacts the way they do, but some of the training, etc, only works in a perfect world like California or a nice sunny warm place, not in sub zero, blowing snow. Not pleasant to take a puppy for a nice walk when it's miserable outside. Felt that some of the training is not completely practical for everyone, unless a professional or a dedicated dog breeder, even though most of us wish that we had the time to do so.
Definitely though, a good guide.』
(Works for me!) 『Cesar Millan's non-aggresive ways to dog training work very well for me. I have his other books in addition to this and I use them daily. Very Helpful!』
(Mostly self and product promotion) 『Dissapointing. I was hoping for practical, step-by-step training techniques by a dog expert. In my opinion, Cesar Millan has become so absolutely self-entralled that everything in the book eventually came back to him, whether it be his training center or products. I'm back to find a better training book.』
(Good Book to read) 『This is a good book to read. I've watched his show and tried to remember what he says, but for me it is hard to remember it a month or two from the time I watched it. There are some things that he writes in the book that I've never heard him talk about in a few shows. I've got a German Shepherd puppy and I'm totaly understanding what we are doing wrong with him and why he is doing what he is doing. We know now how to fix what we've created by fixing the energy we omit to him. LOL!!!』 『From the bestselling author and star of National Geographic Channel'sDog Whisperer, the only resource you’ll need for raising a happy, healthy dog.
For the millions of people every year who consider bringing a puppy into their lives–as well as those who have already brought a dog home–Cesar Millan, the preeminent dog behavior expert, says, "Yes, youcanraise the perfect dog!" It all starts with the proper foundation in the early years. Here, Cesar tells you everything you need to know to create the best environment for a well-balanced dog in order to avoid behavior issues in the future, and shows you how to correct the most common behavior issues for young dogs.
Based on Cesar’s own detailed experiences raising individual puppies from some of the most popular breeds,How to Raise the Perfect Dogis like having Cesar right beside you, as your own personal expert, coaching you and your dog from the first day of your life together.
Packed with new information aimed specifically at the particular needs of puppies and adolescents, and written in Cesar's friendly, accessible style,How to Raise the Perfect Doganswers all the most commonly asked questions and guides you towards a loving, satisfying life-long relationship with your best friend.
#1New York Timesbestselling author, Cesar Millan shows you how to raise the perfect dog and prevent behavior issues before they start, including: • what to expect from each stage of your puppy's development • quick and easy housebreaking • the essentials of proper nutrition • the importance of vaccinating–and of not over-vaccinating • creating perfect obedience from day one through rules, boundaries, and calm-assertive leadership • how to avoid the most common mistakes owners make raising puppies and young dogs • how to correct any issuebeforeit becomes a problem • unique exercises and play to bring out the best in every breed』
Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (The Elements of Style) 『Book arrived in the condition I ordered but did arrive the very last day within amazons acceptable delivery time.』
(The Book You Can't Write Without) 『This book is to writing and the English language in the same way that a golf swing is to hitting the golf ball. If you have to remember everything that you are supposed to do with your swing, you will become a golf statue for the entire (cross-out--entire) winter.
Reading "The Elements of Style" can also intimidate you from ever touching the keyboard. You might up end up staring at the screen feeling overwhelmed afraid that you are using, "the truth is...." when you know that you are giving yourself advance billing, which is bad, or is it--that is bad? Just writing this is making me feel nauseous. No, wait! I think it's (notice the apostraphe?) making me feel nauseated.
Why just yesterday I learned the differences between lesser and fewer, continuous and continual, affect and effect, and among and between. I learned that the difference among would have been incorrect. But the real winner was knowing that the present tense of lie is lay in the past tense even though laid sounds better, but laid is the past tense of lay, not lie or lain. (Shhheeeeeeeeeeeeeez)!
You will learn to avoid misplaced modifiers such as: "Mixing bowl set designed to please a cook with round bottom for efficient beating." You will also learn that "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens drops the indefinite article in the possessive: Dicken's "Tale of Two Cities." Learning where to put the quotation marks within a quotation and the punctuation at the end of a sentence will give you goosebumps.
This book is so helpful it should be on everyone's desk for the rest of his or her life (instead of their lives--plural and incorrect). I will make a concerted (no, scratch concerted--unnecessary word) effort to get my workplace to drop utilize, and/or, and semi-colons used as commas. Don't know if you should use whom or who? Remember that who goes with he, she, they, and whom goes with him, her, and them. All you have to do is answer the question: Whom/who did you call? I called he? No. I called him. So, whom is correct. Who called or whom called? Him called? No. He called; it's who. (Who is also on first)! Note: the punctuation goes outside the parenthesis.
The thrust (no, erase thrust) POINT of what I am saying (no, get rid of "of what I am saying") the point IS that this is the most valuable tool you can have, next to the dictionary, and it is also portable.
You will have FEWER problems with your English, if you buy this book.
Thanking you in advance for your anticipated purchase. (Of course, I wasn't supposed to write that)!
I promise Sts. Strunk and White to use fewer commas for the rest of my life. Kinda!』
(The Best Book I Read in 2009 - Sizzling Publications Review) 『I know what you're thinking; a grammar book, Ebony? Yes, a grammar book. The Elements of Style is the best book I read in 2009 for one reason: it changed the way I approach writing.
Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity - it's that simple. Say what you mean to say without all the thrills and frills and people will love you for it. This was a revelation to me. When I was in high school, I loved using big, ten dollar words in my essays; I garnered the praises and accolades of my teachers and the envy of my peers. Then I went to college and took a few English classes to see what they knew and WHAM!
My ego was officially deflated during my freshman year. I was told by a very dear English professor that my writing was convoluted. "Explicate, explicate, explicate," she would write in the margins of my papers.
I wish I had a copy of Elements of Style back then. If only William Stunk Jr. and E.B. White were there to hold my hand and whisper in my ear, "Omit needless words. Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts." Sheer brilliance.
This book is filled with so many pearls of writing wisdom: do not break sentences in two; use the active voice; place yourself in the background. Chapter four, "Words and Expressions Commonly Misused," is a breath of fresh air for any writer who is serious about her craft.
I can go on and on about this book. As Reading Rainbow's LeVar Burton would say, "You don't have to take my word for it."』
(Must have for composition) 『This reference, thouh neary a century old, still wears well and is a must have item for anyoyne interensted in effective composition.』
(Not the right book!) 『This is not the Elements of Style 4th edition in paperback. Its a condensed version of it and should not be a paperback choice of the original hardcover. Will be returning it!』 『According to the St. Louis Dispatch, this "excellent book, which should go off to college with every freshman, is recognized as the best book of its kind we have." It should be the ". . . daily companion of anyone who writes for a living and, for that matter, anyone who writes at all" (Greensboro Daily New). "No book in shorter space, with fewer words, will help any writer more than this persistent little volume" (The Boston Globe).』 『A masterpiece in the art of clear and concise writing, and an exemplar of the principles it explains.』
price：$5.12
Harper Perennial
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (A Most Delectable Lesson) 『It might just be a matter of thinking about red cars and so suddenly seeing red cars everywhere one looks, but it seems to me that once I started researching organic foods for an article I am writing, I began to see books on sustainable farming, organic food markets, news stories about an organic food movement, and farmer's markets everywhere I looked. Something is going on, and I'm pretty sure by this point in my research that it is a very good thing. Suddenly, I am seeing garden fresh red tomatoes everywhere.
Barbara Kingsolver's book about living a year on locally grown and produced food had been on my shelf for some time already. She is an author of whom I take immediate notice, whenever she publishes a new title, whether fiction or nonfiction. My interest in eating a sustainable and healthy diet had been simmering for some time, but it took an assignment to get me digging into this particular garden of delights.
Kingsolver's nonfiction is fully as rich and readable as her fiction. I was entertained, amused, engaged, even as I was educated, astounded, amazed. Daughter Camille Kingsolver, studying biology at Duke University, adds tasty tidbits of sidebars and recipes, many of which I checked off to try. Even husband Steven Hopp adds an occasional sidebar with his perspective. But Barbara Kingsolver is the word master you expect her to be. She makes me wince with pain for our planet as she recites facts and statistics and studies impossible to ignore: if we don't reevaluate how we eat, what we eat, and how that food comes to our table, there is going to be a very sad ending to this tale. She also delights me with her personal stories of her family's food adventure.
The Kingsolver family is moving from Tucson, Arizona to live on a farm in southern Appalachia. When Barbara met Steven, he was living on this farm, but he was willing to move to Arizona, her home, when they decided to join forces. Now, it was his turn. Their turn. The family returned to live on the farm, and part of that return was a decision to live a sustainable lifestyle, eating only foods that were locally grown with but a few exceptions (coffee! chocolate!).
As the family begins their new farm life, the author realizes how disconnected Americans are from our food. We give no thought to its source, no thought to how it is produced or what route it travels to reach us. We praise sunny days and lament the rainy ones, giving no thought to the needs of the farmer who feeds us. Our children think of food as something that comes from a supermarket, conveniently packaged and shrink-wrapped. The very same consumer who craves a steak, make that rare, cringes at mere mention of a slaughterhouse. In the family's yearlong venture, assuredly a challenge, the author is determined to connect to their food in a most intimate way. This means--knowing the farmer who produces what they eat, or producing it themselves.
"When we give it a thought, we mostly consider the food industry to be a thing rather than a person. We obligingly give 85 cents of our every food dollar to that thing, too--the processors, marketers, and transporters. And we complain about the high price of organic meats and vegetables that might send back more than three nickels per buck to the farmers: those actual humans putting seeds in the ground, harvesting, attending livestock births, standing in the fields at dawn casting their shadows upon our sustenance... In the grocery store checkout corral, we're more likely to learn which TV stars are secretly fornicating than to inquire as to the whereabouts of the people who grew the cucumbers and melons in our cart." (Page 13)
Today, however, that farmer casting his shadow across his or her harvest is becoming an ever rarer breed. Increasingly, the food we eat today comes from CAFOs, concentrated animal feeding operations, more factory than farm. Animals here are not treated like living things, but rather as machinery on an assembly line, producing edible product.
Is this a natural result of our ever burgeoning population? Are CAFOs necessary to feed our billions of mouths and bellies? As it turns out, no.
"Owing to synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, genetic modification, and a conversion of farming from a naturally based to a highly mechanized production system, U.S. farmers now produce 3,900 calories per U.S. citizen, per day. That is twice what we need, and 700 calories a day more than they grew in 1980." (Page 14)
Unfortunately, all those extra calories are not making their way into the mouths of the hungry. The problem of hunger in the United States and across the globe continues to increase, even while the waistlines of most Americans continue to increase. Apparently, those 700 extra calories are ending up in those who least need them. "Obesity is generally viewed as a failure of personal resolve," Kingsolver writes, "with no acknowledgement of the genuine conspiracy in this historical scheme." What Kingsolver reveals in these pages is what truly could be called a conspiracy: government subsidized CAFOs that leave individual farmers scrambling to compete (ever wonder why organic foods are more expensive? Look to those government subsidies, none of which go to your local farmer) and additions to processed foods such as corn syrup and artificial flavorings and non-animal fats that increase cravings rather than satisfy them. Americans are having a dysfunctional relationship to our food. Unlike most European cultures, who honor the culinary kitchen and family table, we treat food like a poison and a drug. Which, arguably, it is. We are constantly dieting, trying to control it, rather than appreciating it and its preparation. We are give it all up and indulge in gluttony and supersizing our meals, or we starve ourselves with eating disorders. It is an interesting argument and insight.
Food, Kingsolver writes, is a necessity to life. It is a comfort, it is nourishment, it is a sensual pleasure. (One wonders at the growing problem of obesity in connection with the dissolving tradition of sitting down as a family at the dinner table.)
"Our most celebrated models of beauty are starved people," the author points out. "A food culture of anti-eating is worse than useless." It is our lack of a healthy food culture that Kingsolver laments, arguing that we have replaced it with two extremes, starvation or gluttony.
"Humans don't do everything we crave to do--that is arguably what makes us human. We're genetically predisposed toward certain behaviors that we've collectively decided are unhelpful; adultery and racism are examples. With reasonable success, we mitigate those impulses through civil codes, religious rituals, maternal warnings--the whole bag of tricks we call culture... these are mores of survival, good health, and control of excess. Living without such a culture would seem dangerous. And here we are, sure enough in trouble." (Page 16)
We are the first generation of humankind to have children who are predicted to have shorter life spans than their parents. If that's not a sign of trouble, I don't know what is.
Industrial farming, the author writes, is the cause of much of our pollution problems and resulting climate change. While many of us mistakenly attribute pollution to automobiles, most pollution in this country can actually be traced to CAFOs. Nothing about a food factory is sustainable. Add to this sheer cruelty to animals and...
But let's return to the farm. A local farm producing organic foods that end up on your dinner plate is no punishment. I can vouch for this. Since eating organic foods myself, everything I have so far tasted, from meat to vegetable, is incomparably more delicious than what is food factory produced. If you have ever eaten a greenhouse tomato and then sliced into a tomato sun-ripened in your garden, you get the idea. Eating organic foods is not giving something up; it is a rediscovery of food as it was meant to taste--expectionally good.
The year unfolds, and we are treated to the adventure--and it is that--of the family gardening and living from their garden, or eating what they buy from local markets, locally produced. There is seeding and weeding involved, sure, and lots of canning and preserving, but Kingsolver's point is that doing all of this, getting involved in our own food production and preparation on so intimate a level, is in so many ways and on so many levels what we are missing. It gets a family involved and working together. It brings back to life a family dinner table. It cultivates more than the carrot and potato in the soil; it cultivates relationships. Knowing who grows your food is a true pleasure, and to this, too, I can attest with my own experience. Since "going organic" myself, I have gotten to know quite a few members of my community, and not just area farmers, from whom I now buy my fresh eggs, poultry, steaks, milk, cheese, fruits and vegetables. The anonymous CAFO has receded from my life and in its place--are new friends.
Kingsolver also writes a fascinating argument against mass vegetarianism. Because I, too, have considered that lifestyle and soon abandoned it, I was particularly interested in what the author had to say. Humans, she writes, are naturally adapted to an omnivorous diet, with our canine teeth for tearing meat and the enzymes in our digestive systems for breaking down animal proteins and fats. She describes a vegetarian world with livestock gone wild, and then describes the process of killing a farm animal for food. This is not a story of cruelty. This is, instead, a story of respect for all living creatures and the cycle of life and death, of sustainability. It is far more important, she states, to be concerned about the kind of life we provide to our livestock.
There is so much more to this book. Discussions about pesticides and genetically modified foods. More recipes. And all woven together with Kingsolver's literary skills. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is going on my top shelf of favorite books, those that have contributed to transforming my own life in a positive way. It's a delicious and highly informative and thoughtful read, a wonderful introduction for those wishing to learn more about the organic food movement and to simply be inspired.
~from The Smoking Poet, Winter 2009-2010 Issue』
(Very Interesting) 『I am not one of the "green" movement types and I don't like to eat my vegetables. Purchased this book for a college class and I was very surprised at how informative it was. Really enjoyed this book and have read it again just because. This year we are starting a garden at my home thanks to this book!』
(Animal, Vegetable, Miracle) 『One of those books that changes the way you think about things from now on.』
(Well, Isn't That Precious?) 『The premise of this book is interesting and valid - eating mostly homegrown, local and organic produce and animal products for a year.
Unfortunately, Kingsolver sets the bar so ridiculously high for people that do not have her kind of money, time, or space that the whole thing comes off more than a little smug and self-satisfied.
Growing a few things in the garden? Wonderful. Fun. Satisfying. Maintaining a family farm, complete with livestock and a rigorous canning and journalling schedule? Completely unrealistic for the average American. Living and eating like Kingsolver and her family is a luxury only the super rich can afford.
Maybe Kingsolver is not aware - most Americans do not even have yards, much less Appalachian farms. Most Americans work full time, outside of the home. Most American's cannot afford meats and dairy that are 4 to 5 times as expensive as "conventionally" produced product.
I completely agree that people need to value the type of foods they put into their bodies, support local agriculture, and try to live "cleaner." But take your high-falutin' preaching elsewhere, lady. It makes me want to go out and buy a 6-piece.』
(Informative while entertaining) 『Barbara Kingsolver expertly weaves information into the narrative of her family's experience with eating local. She provides excellent resources and ideas for how others might attempt to go local. While some of the points she makes only present one side, she also presents the reality of her experience. An enjoyable and thought provoking read.』 『
Author Barbara Kingsolver and her family abandoned the industrial-food pipeline to live a rural life—vowing that, for one year, theyd only buy food raised in their own neighborhood, grow it themselves, or learn to live without it. Part memoir, part journalistic investigation,Animal, Vegetable, Miracleis an enthralling narrative that will open your eyes in a hundred new ways to an old truth: You are what you eat.
price：$3.91
Three Rivers Press
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Cesar's Way, A Great Way) 『Even though my friend and I do not own a dog, we watch "Dog Whisperer" on TV. When my friend's daughter adopted a 9 month old basset hound, we purchased "Cesar's Way" for her in hopes it would help solve the wetting and chewing problems.』
(good buy) 『The book came in great condition and was received in a very short time. thank you.』
(Not all the answers) 『The book I thought gave some good information. If people are looking for the one way that works they won't find it in this book. You won't find it in any book. Thus the reason you see some people give the advice 1 star and some 5 stars. To gain a good understanding of the dog world and dog training one will need to read and use advice from multiple books. But overall I think the book does a good job of discussing many topics.』
(I read the rest... THIS IS THE BEST) 『All I have to say is that there's a lot of "new age" people out there (formerly called hippies or tree-huggers) that are afraid or "feel sorry" about providing their dogs with the proper discipline they crave and require. Those are the people that leave negative reviews here.
Trust me, I have read EVERY dog book available and I can tell you from the bottom of my heart: THIS IS THE BEST APPROACH. THIS IS THE BEST METHOD. THIS IS HOW NATURE WORKS.
I used this book with my dog since he was a puppy. Now EVERYONE tells me how great, smart, RESPECTFUL and well behaved my dog is.
I had to put the other books from other authors outside in the recycle bin. I could have sold them online but I don't wanna spread their poison and ignorance.
Save money. Get this book. You're set for life.』
(great read) 『I have read this book a couple times. Not only has it helped me manage my dogs but also my everyday life. Having calm assertive energy helps with all aspects of life not just with dogs. I'm now reading "Be the Pack Leader" and plan to buy other books when I'm done with this one. Good job and thanks Cesar, I'm much more balanced now after takeing your advise.』 『“I rehabilitate dogs. I train people.” —Cesar Millan
There are at least 68 million dogs in America, and their owners lavish billions of dollars on them every year. So why do so many pampered pets have problems? In this definitive and accessible guide, Cesar Millan—star of National Geographic Channel’s hit showDog Whisperer with Cesar Millan—reveals what dogs truly need to live a happy and fulfilled life.
From his appearances onThe Oprah Winfrey Showto his roster of celebrity clients to his reality television series, Cesar Millan is America’s most sought-after dog-behavior expert. But Cesar is not a trainer in the traditional sense—his expertise lies in his unique ability to comprehend dog psychology. Tracing his own amazing journey from a clay-walled farm in Mexico to the celebrity palaces of Los Angeles, Cesar recounts how he learned what makes dogs tick. InCesar’s Way, he shares this wisdom, laying the groundwork for you to have stronger, more satisfying relationships with your canine companions.
Cesar’s formula for a contented and balanced dog seems impossibly simple: exercise, discipline, and affection, in that order. Taking readers through the basics of dog psychology and behavior, Cesar shares the inside details of some of his most fascinating cases, using them to illustrate how common behavior issues develop and, more important, how they can be corrected.
Whether you’re having issues with your dog or just want to make a good bond even stronger, this book will give you a deeper appreciation of how your dog sees the world, and it will help make your relationship with your beloved pet a richer and more rewarding one.
Learn what goes on inside your dog’s mind and develop a positive, fulfilling relationship with your best friend
InCesar’s Way, Cesar Millan—nationally recognized dog expert and star of National Geographic Channel’s hit showDog Whisperer with Cesar Millan—helps you see the world through the eyes of your dog so you can finally eliminate problem behaviors. You’ll learn:
• What your dog really needs may not be what you’re giving him
• Why a dog’s natural pack instincts are the key to your happy relationship
• How to relate to your dog on a canine level
• There are no “problem breeds,” just problem owners
• Why every dog needs a job
• How to choose a dog who’s right for you and your family
• The difference between discipline and punishment
• And much more!
Filled with fascinating anecdotes about Cesar’s longtime clients, and including forewords by the president of the International Association of Canine Professionals and Jada Pinkett Smith, this is the only book you’ll need to forge a new, more rewarding connection with your four-legged companion.
Also available as a Random House AudioBook
From the Hardcover edition.』 『Fans of the National Geographic Channel'sThe Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millanwill be grateful forCesar's Way, an accessible guide to help new and current dog owners better understand the needs of their beloved pets. If you are not yet a fan, try to catch a couple of episodes of the remarkable show--you will be amazed, impressed, and motivated to create a healthier, more fulfilling relationship with your dog. InCesar's Way, Cesar explains that dogs are not complicated, and despite what various owners think--not human. They rely on three key elements in their lives: exercise, discipline, and affection (in that order). "Problem dogs" can be attributed to "problem owners," owners who don't understand and misinterpret their dog's behavior.Cesar's Wayis really a training program for dog owners, with chapters devoted to understanding the "power of the pack," taking responsibility for "how we screw up our dogs," and learning how to manage aggression. Cesar's book (a must-have for new and old dog owners) moves beyond basic obedience school techniques, and teaches owners how to change unwanted behavior by better understanding their "best friends."--Daphne DurhamExclusive Video from Cesar Millan
Watch the video
Watch a Clip from the Show
WatchCesar in action in this clip ofThe Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, courtesy of the National Geographic Channel. Or, tune in on Friday nights, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Cesar Millan's Top 5 Tips for Going to the Dog Park
1.Make sure your dog is spayed or neutered, has all her shots, and is in good health. Under no circumstances should you bring a sick dog to a dog park!
2.Do not use the dog park as a substitute for the walk! If you drive to the park, leave your car a block away and take your dog on a vigorous walk of at least thirty-five minutes to drain some of her energy. Never take an over-excited dog to the park.
3.While at the park, don't "punch out" on your calm-assertive leadership. Be aware of your dog at all times, and take responsibility for her behavior.
4.A calm-submissive dog will not attract another dog's aggression--but an excited dog, a weak, timid dog, or an aggressive dog can become a fight-magnet.
5.Know your dog! If your dog has poor social skills, is overly fearful or is dog aggressive, or if you have not yet established your calm-assertive leadership with your dog, find a more controlled way to introduce her to the company of other dogs, such as "play dates" with one or two other dog owners. 』
price：$11.90
Little, Brown and Company
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Great Gift for a "Foodie") 『I gave this to my "Foodie" neighbor and she absolutely loved it. She said there have been so many times she had wondered if a certain spice would go with the meat/veggie, etc. and now she said she know. This was big hit and I have given it several times to various "Foodie" friends - you can't miss this this book!』
(For the Flavor Bible) 『I had great expectations for the Flavor Bible - it sounded so interesting. But for me there was not enough information about how, why, or when to use the herbs and spices. So I returned the book. Just because I didn't care for it should not deter others from checking it out.』
(Random and not the least bit inspiring!!) 『How anyone can give this 5 stars is beyond me. Just a batch of random ingredients with no index whatsoever. This book only irritates me when trying to read it. Garbage for those who can't cook or read. Best used as lining for your pet's cage.』
(Not as advertised, but fun) 『This is a fun book to curl up with, but don't expect miracles. Some of it is annoying (the authors continually pitch their other books) some self-serving (many of the chefs' comments and so-called "essays", some obvious (gee, did you know chocolate goes with ice cream?). For technique you're largely on your own. But it will on occasion enlighten, and even inspire, and it may be helpful in suggesting combinations of flavors you wouldn't have thought of. It's a little haphazardly organized (topics include Italian Food, Bitterness and Chervil), but again if you just poke through it it makes for a fun read and you might get an idea or two. Reading it makes me hungry.』
(Awesome!) 『I love cooking without following a specific recipe. Before this book I would either have to have find a recipe to use as a loose set of suggestions, or run through in my head what ingredients were usually paired with what. Now I can usually flip to a page and scan down the list to make choices quickly, and outside my usual lines of thought. I love this book and use it so often that it rarely makes it back to the bookshelf!』 『
Winner of the 2009 James Beard Book Award for Best Book: Reference and Scholarship
Great cooking goes beyond following a recipe--it's knowing how to season ingredients to coax the greatest possible flavor from them. Drawing on dozens of leading chefs' combined experience in top restaurants across the country, Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg present the definitive guide to creating "deliciousness" in any dish. Thousands of ingredient entries, organized alphabetically and cross-referenced, provide a treasure trove of spectacular flavor combinations. Readers will learn to work more intuitively and effectively with ingredients; experiment with temperature and texture; excite the nose and palate with herbs, spices, and other seasonings; and balance the sensual, emotional, and spiritual elements of an extraordinary meal.Seasoned with tips, anecdotes, and signature dishes from America's most imaginative chefs, THE FLAVOR BIBLE is an essential reference for every kitchen.』
price：$12.90
Echo Library
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (A testament to American Individualism) 『This is a thoroughly American view on political theory given the emphasis on the individual coupled with the call for civil disobedience. Definitely not for the faint hearted, go into this with a grasp of the events of the day and a willingness to read the entire essay at least twice to fully appreciate Thoreau's points.』
(excellent) 『Thoreau's writing on "Duty of Civil Disobedience" is brilliant! I have LONG been a fan of the writings of HDT and once journeyed to Walden to see the cabin he lived in but a brief time. This book is so often cited as required reading among those who advocate non-violent protests. While I clearly see why it provides useful information for these purposes, I found myself disappointed by the rustic, "whiskey-rebellion" kind of thinking of anti-taxation given that he also advocates the reader's taking benefits from the state. I'm now conflicted. I find the writings and man a genius, even in those instances in which I disagree with the extent of his anti-taxation position.』
("It is not so desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right."-Henry David Thoreau) 『In "Civil Disobedience" Thoreau presents political theories in which he dissects democracy and the interaction between citizens and their government. Understandably, Thoreau was deeply concerned about injustices he witnessed during his life, such as enslavement of one sixth of the population and the invasion of Mexico by the United States. Thoreau does not oppose the institution of government; he believes that when a government becomes "abused and perverted", it ceases to represent the will of the people. When a government makes decisions that promulgate harm and injustice, it is the duty of its citizens to rebel and break those chains of injustices.
Arguably, the strongest idea Thoreau presents, is the notion of individualism. Thoreau encourages skepticism of the government and rejects blind loyalty to it. Thoreau perceives citizens, who give blind loyalty to their government's decisions without questioning them, as participants in every injustice committed by that government. Whether this point of view is correct or not, it is worth debating, especially in view of the horrific injustices that are extant in today's world and the way the masses so easily accept them without considering the negative impact on others. 』
(Civil Disobedience) 『it wasn't what I expected to receive with the English to Spanish stuff in it』
(Take back your power) 『Though many statements Thoreau has made seem a little flakey around the edges, when it came to free will and individual choice he had the right idea and the courage to see it through. The importance of centralizing power within oneself is perhaps more important today than ever when unrestrained government in partnership with multinational corporations weild enormous destructive power. A book that has not lost its relevance.』 『Essays and poems with a theme of self-sufficiency』
price：$4.80
Grove Press
Usually ships in 24 hours Core2Duoノートレビュー 's review (Early Pollan proves why he's where he is today) 『Who could have predicted that a young Michael Pollan writing about gardening would become a leading advocate for responsible agriculture and one of the country's biggest-selling writers? Just about anyone who read him then, is my guess. Pollan shows in this gem of a book what a terrific and layered writer he is.
For all the fantastic writing, the book, however, is uneven. Many of the chapters were published as magazine articles before the book came out, and it shows. The organization of the book by seasons is forced and the individual chapters in each section don't always belong. Pollan makes a good effort of tying it all together with memories of his grandfather's garden (and the characters of the grandfather and his garden in the beginning narrative are worth the price of admission), but in the end the individual narratives don't hold together as well as later Pollan books manage to do.
But don't let this stop you. Push through some of the more boring chapters (or skip them altogether, since the one advantage of the choppy nature of the book is that each chapter stands alone well), and you'll be rewarded with the absolute perfection of others. My favorite, the chapter about seed catalogs, is at once observational journalism, literary criticism, and writing master class.
If you came to this book the same way I did (which is to say, after reading Pollan's more recent work, including his magnum opus "The Omnivore's Dilemma"), I think you'll find enjoyment in seeing his earlier achievement as a writer, a science journalist, and a modern environmentalist. Don't miss it.』
(Wonderful picture of a garden) 『This is a book I wish I'd caught earlier - written in the late 80's, it displays the kind of writing that made Pollan famous. The combination of history, garden information, and good writing makes it a pleasure to follow Pollan's development of his property and his understanding of what makes his work 'gardening.'
I see gardens and landscaping differently after reading this book.』
(Second Nature: A Gardener's Education) 『My first exposure to Michael Pollan's writing was an article in the New York Times Magazine. I loved his writing style and his point of view. He made me think about the environment in ways that were totally new to me. I love those "aha" moments. Those "why didn't I think of that?" moments. And then my outlook on life and the world around me is subtly altered.
So it was with great anticipation that I oopened my copy of "Second Nature: A Gardener's Education". Michael Pollan on gardening. It doesn't get much better than that, right? Well, um, actually it does. I was expecting a completely new perspective on gardening. What I got was just another memoir of a beginning gardener. Admittedly, he does tell much more entertaining stories than most garden memoirists. No one who reads this book will ever forget his monumental battles with a woodchuck culminating in an attempt at incineration that very nearly incinerated the garden. Hilarious, but still quite ordinary. Can you think of a single garden memoir that doesn't contain a battle with a woodchuck? Just as Hollywood screenwriters use a predictable formula for their storylines, garden memoirists all stick to the same, tired outline: How I started gardening. How I made all the newbie mistakes my first year. How I tried to correct them. How I learned the "right" way to garden.
Disappointed, I soldiered on until Chapter 10 when I finally had the hoped for "why didn't I think of that?" moment. The story of the restoration of a woodland area in his town that had been destroyed by a tornado morphs into a discussion of restoration vs replacement vs allowing Nature to take its course and all of the consequences, intended and unintended, that could happen for each option. Now this is a book that I would like to read. The question of what time period a restoration should mimic is particularly intriguing. Colonial, after changes made by European settlers? Pre-Columbian? Taking into account the fact that the indigenous population also had a significant impact on the local ecology, should the area be restored to the state it was before the Native Americans arrived? These are questions that have never occurred to me when thinking about our altered landscape.
Ideally, I would have liked to see the "memoir" part of the book excised and this topic expanded. Where else in the US or even the world has this issue been addressed? What decisions were made and why? Was global warming taken into account? What provisions were made for non-native plant and animal introductions?
And then the book reverts right back to the standard memoir. The last two chapters are the obligatory catalog survey and "What my garden looks like now". Yawn.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Michael Pollan's books and his unique perspective. Even if it is only one or two chapters that grab me, they will be well worth it.』
(Toni's Gifts) 『Another item I ordered for my partner's birthday. She is a beginning gardner and I hoped this would help her along. I have seen utube video with Michael Pollan and have loved the way he delivers his information.』
(Pollans least interesting work) 『I have read most of Michael Pollans books. I think 'The Omnivores Dilemma' is a five-star plus book that should be mandatory reading for everyone who eats, and 'In Defense of Food' is almost as good.
In this book, Michael talks about his efforts at gardening, both vegetables and ornamental plants. However, this book disappoints. It is too vague, with few concrete examples to back up his assertions. It seems that Michael is a better writer about other peoples efforts at producing food than he is on his own efforts.』 『In his articles and in best-selling books such as The Botany of Desire, Michael Pollan has established himself as one of our most important and beloved writers on modern man's place in the natural world. A new literary classic, Second Nature has become a manifesto not just for gardeners but for environmentalists everywhere. Chosen by the American Horticultural Society as one of the seventy-five greatest books ever written about gardening, Second Nature captures the rhythms of our everyday engagement with the outdoors in all its glory and exasperation. With chapters ranging from a reconsideration of the Great American Lawn, a dispatch from one man's war with a woodchuck, to an essay about the sexual politics of roses, Pollan has created a passionate and eloquent argument for reconceiving our relationship with nature.』
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WatchCesar in action in this clip ofThe Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, courtesy of the National Geographic Channel. Or, tune in on Friday nights, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
1.Make sure your dog is spayed or neutered, has all her shots, and is in good health. Under no circumstances should you bring a sick dog to a dog park!
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