Book Description
The best available guide to saving money on a home construction project, The Owner-Builder Book shows you how to contract your new home, remodel, or addition at phenomenal savings. Contains a step-by-step description of the process, including how to find and hire good subcontractors, how to get a construction loan, and how to estimate costs and choose features for your project. Includes 85 planning steps and 100 new construction bargain strategies to save you thousands. Includes contracts, agreements, budget and schedule forms and worksheets. Super-index provides 1,500 search terms for total utility. Winner of the National Association of Home and Workshop Writers Silver Hammer Award for Books.
"...16 easy to read chapters with lots of charts, lists and examples...More practical advice..." Nancy Cook-Senn, The Shawnee News-Star
"...this is the book which will tell you how to design and build your own home just the way you want it. It also tells you how to save thousands of dollars in the process...You can also save up to 50% of the cost of a house by becoming an owner-builder...goes through the stages of how to plan, planning, how to buy, developing a network for purchasing your materials, how to get bids, what to look for in bids on different areas, how to supervise your sub contractors, etc...seems to leave very few, if any, stones unturned." Curtis Rivers, Vero Beach Press Journal
"Assuming you have the same costs that a general contractor will have, you will save the profit (more than 10 percent average) and the overhead (two to three times the profit) paid to a general...The Owner-Builder Book discusses just how this can be done." Ask the Experts, Country's Best Log Homes
"If you don't want to sorry, follow the process outlined by Mark Smith in his book, The Owner-Builder Book." Builders Showcase, Northwest Herald
"...covers every aspect of the building process, including planning, scheduling, working with subcontractors, financing, building permits, etc....has, perhaps for the first time, demystified the home-building process for the layman. Consider this to be a textbook." Prince William Region Home Focus
"...highlights techniques for materials shopping (what he calls "commando shopping") and planning your home room-by-room to maximize savings." Home & Real Estate Weekly, Daily Times-Call
"This new book gives a step-by-step approach to building your own home and saving up to 50 percent on construction costs. Chapters show how to beat contractor pricing tactics, how to deal with paperwork (contracts, permits, and legal and insurance protection), how to manage home building project on a daily basis, and how to avoid common owner-builder mistakes." The Henry Herald
"Great practical little book filled with tips to save money when building a home. If you want to take on the project yourself, it's good to know the tricks of the trade first. You'll learn to manage bureaucratic paperwork, how to get subs on your side, and even become privy to "commando" shopping techniques. The Smiths explain how to benefit from new tax laws and how to prepare yourself to get loan approval." Simple Living Quarterly
"If you ever have thought of building your own home, The Owner-Builder Book is for you because it is a step-by-step guide for the amateur and covers all aspects of building a home." Robb Northrup, Kitchener-Waterloo Record
"When it comes to building your dream home, sweat equity a.k.a. doing it yourself, can help economize. But you don't need to swing a hammer to nail substantial savings. In The Owner-Builder Book Mark Smith leads home-owners through a step-by-step guide of planning, scheduling and financing a custom built house." Michelle Mahfouri, American Press
"The 16-chapter book takes [you] from putting a materials list together and putting out bids to subcontractors to shopping for bargains and close-outs on framing lumber, fixtures, concrete and appliances. It also discusses how to avoid first-time mistakes." Kansas City Star
"...guides you through...building...and saving considerable dollars that will build [your] wealth without the [typical] risk..." Rocky Mountain News
"What are the secrets to...save money on the construction of your home? This book tells all." Kansas City Daily News-Press
Customer Reviews:
Good book! Could do without the "optimistic fluff...".......2007-08-21
I've just started in on this book, so my review may change after I've read the rest; but my initial opinion of this book is that while it contains a lot of useful information, it also contains information that is based on favorable chance events and optimism; these should be toned down or at least balanced with conservative planning. One instance shows how to "trade up" or "flip" houses to use the equity of the flipped house to get better properties at lower mortgage payments. This is an optimistic assumption, as is apparent in todays real estate market as of this review, there are a lot of home buyers who thought they could do this and are now stuck in expensive properties they don't want. Information presented like this reminds me of those "get rich" books. Many of the other reviewers have said the same thing: Too much junk information thrown in trying to make you feel good about the book and what you are doing. This space could have been eliminated, shrinking the book, or filled with more useful information.
Optimisim and "can do" spirit is definitley necessary to build your own home, by all accounts it is a very trying process. When using this book as an element in your DIY homebuilding planning, I'd follow the author's suggestions, plan like crazy, plan for the worst and hope for the best. The information in the book is very good. I'd still recommend it.
motivational garbage.......2007-06-18
This book is garbage. Nothing more than motivational fluff and a complete misrepresentation of the homebuilding business and process. The Author convinces readers that they can't control or trust an individual contractor to build a house for them but can easily control dozens of individual subs and suppliers without being cheated. Yeah right. The book is chock full of statistics and statements that have no support or reference. It is not surprising that the book is self-published because no reputable publisher would publish a book with so many unsupported facts and figures. If you need motivation and someone to tell you you can do it and you are the king of the world and contractors are the skum of the earth, buy the book. If you want real guidance and grounded advice on how to build your own home, look elsewhere.
Wow...this puts it into perspective.......2007-06-01
I always wondered what the profit margin is for a builder and also how much waste they have. Now I know when you compare it to what can be achieved following the items in this book.
Big on promises, but mostly self-serving.......2007-05-15
This was the first book I read when I decided to retire and in some way become very involved in building our retirement home. I ended up reading about 4 others - all of which were more substantive and helpful. The most obvious problem from my point of view is the exaggerated claim on the amount you can save. You would have to substitute a great deal of your own time plus a few other person's in place of the building tradespeople to even approach the author's claims. The other problem is since the time since I read it (2003), the book has become a platform for the author to expand his marketing. Finally, the pictures of the home the author built on his own were very unimpressive to me. I thought it looked really dull.
There was one thing I took from the book - that you needed 1,000 hours to do the job. I did that and a bit more since I had the time. I had a fantastic experience on my house, although I had to pass through ideas of being my own GC or getting someone experienced to act as a mentor. Dispensed with the first as unrealistic and ran into significant problems with after starting down the second path. I ended up using a builder who simply let me participate extensively in the process since I had done so much preparation. I ended up designing, planning, and participating extensively with all the subs. It ended up being done on time, on budget, and with a quality level that exceeded my expectations.
The Owner-Builder Book: How You Can Save More Than $100,000 in the Construction of Your Custom Home, 4th Ed........2007-04-11
This book is an amazing resource. Of all the books I've purchased, this is the one that will help me the most!
Book Description
Don't be scared by the media and the financial industry, which have a vested interest in convincing all those who don't have a seven-figure income or a family trust fund that they're woefully underprepared for retirement. In You Can Do It!, Jonathan D. Pond, the man who's been called "America's financial planner," shows how anyone can have a financially safe, happy, and comfortable retirement in this comprehensive and easy-to-use guide.
Packed with practical wisdom on how to save, understanding the key elements of investing, managing your expenses, and much more, You Can Do It! features Jonathan's famous and distinctively ebullient voice. So whether you're worried about getting a late start, skyrocketing health-care expenses, or the difficulty of paying for a college education, You Can Do It! will show you—in straightforward, easy-to-implement ways—how you too can make sure your retirement is fun and financially secure.
Customer Reviews:
BEST BOOK EVER!!!!!.......2007-09-30
This really was one of my own personal best investments, which is funny, because he teaches you how to invest for your retirement. The book is filled with witty comments and sage advice. Pond is excellent in all that he does, and I can't wait for his next book! I hear its one for our kids, you know, those college-bound ones. You did it Johnathon Pond!
Excellent "How To" Retirement Planning Guide.......2007-03-15
This book was even better than I thought it was going to be. It had great ideas on planning for retirement and living in retirement. It showed how you can hedge against inflation even if your pension or annuity don't have COLA increases. It also had additional information avialable through the authors website, that is referenced throughout the book. Overall a great book for retirement planning.
You Can Do It.......2007-03-09
Jonathan Pond doesn't provide a financial game plan. He rehashs the obvious information readily available. The disappointment, in the end, is that his advertised website becomes another pay for service.
EASY READING RETIREMENT GUIDE .......2007-02-27
It is a 5 star if you just want all the basics you need to consider while preparing for retirement. It covers them is an easy to read style.
You Can Do It!: The Boomer's Guide to a Great Retirement.......2007-01-18
An easy read with practical advice.
Book Description
Marathon running is a sport that many consider too daunting, better in the viewing than the doing. Olympian Jeff Galloway dispels such notions in a book that takes the mystery — and misery — out of distance running. Marathon! shows how just about anyone can run a marathon and, given the right attitude and training, finish the race. Galloway has designed a low-mileage marathon training program that has been used by over 10,000 people with a 98 percent success rate. The book includes the latest information on workouts, form innovations, pace charts, prediction tables, and motivation strategies.
Customer Reviews:
Superb, Informative, and Practical.......2007-09-20
I am an author myself and first i must say that this is a well written and thorough book. I am training for my first marathon and absolutely love Jeff's training plan and the Run/Walk strategy. It keeps me fit, motivated, healthy, and looking forward to my marathon. Thanks Jeff. Highly recommended for anyone interested in running.
Yes, you CAN do it!.......2007-06-26
I began running using another of Galloway's books. Then I thought anyone who did a marathon was insane. Now that I've done ultramarathons (farthest was 57.12 miles), well, guilty as charged.
This is a great book for anyone who thinks they can't complete a marathon, or who isn't too sure. He has great advice, and I use the Galloway method during ultras, and it helps immensely. He covers almost everything imaginable, including a temperature gauge to tell you how to dress for whatever condition you're in. There are plentiful training calendars depending on your goal (finish a marathon, best your time, qualify for Boston, etc.).
I started running when I weighed about 240 pounds. In 3 months I went from couch potato to finishing my 1st marathon (which is much sooner than what he suggests, so don't panic). Without this book, I doubt I would've even tried much less succeeded.
He was right - i did it........2007-05-14
I was a non-athletic (translation: couch potato) half marathon trainee with a lot of doubt. Jeff's straight-forward information, hints, suggestions, and warnings were extremely instrumental in my ability to complete my first half marathon at the age of 50. The book is very readable, well organized and to the point. Jeff accomplishes what he sets out to do: give everyone a good plan for training for a marathon. I highly recommend his work.
You CAN do it!.......2006-09-23
I first heard about this book when I began training earlier this spring for the Chicago Marathon (2006). The national AIDS Marathon Training Program, the group I am training with, uses Galloway's program, and I wanted to cover all my bases during training. This book provides a great deal of mental support for the beginning marathoner, and I believe would be most beneficial to those who have never run regularly before. My only complaint is that it could use even more nutritional advice. All in all, though, it's a strong reference book to have around during training.
Good info for all runners of any distance.......2006-06-15
As an older beginning runner who has completed a handful of 5Ks these past few months, the idea of a marathon is one of those "why not" ideas that has been creeping into mind. After reading this book, that goal sounds more realistic than ever before.
In my judgement, Mr. Galloway does a nice job of breaking down the details and convincing any runner that, despite someone's age or athletic abilities, not trying to ever run a marathon will cause more anguish years from now than training to run one. I obviously can not speak for advanced runners but I recommend this book to anyone who has broken out of the run-walk combo program and is ready to add some mileage to their workout.
Book Description
Make lightning in your room! Keep paper dry under water! Lose weight by going upstairs! See colors that aren't there! Experience the magic of science with these quick, easy experiments and activities from Jean Potter. You can complete each activity in ten fun-filled minutes or less. Clear, step-by-step instructions and illustrations help you get it right every time. The projects help you learn about everything from why eggs aren't round to how submarines surface and submerge. You will find most of the required materials already in your home, backyard, or neighborhood, and you can perform the experiments practically anywhere. The 108 activities in this book cover twelve different subject areas, including air, animals, energy, gravity, magnetism, light, the human body, and much more. You'll make a rainbow right on your floor, pop a balloon with a magnifying glass, make a coffee can roll back to you after you've pushed it away, and bend water as it streams from your faucet—all with the help of a leading educator. Children Ages 8-12
Customer Reviews:
Everything has worked as written.......2006-02-27
My DH is using this and other books for a science and gadget class with 10 K-2 kids. He likes this book as the experiments are easy and fast paced enough to keep the kids' attention, a real issue with this bunch.
I like it!!!!.......2005-11-30
I disagree with Dixie who had written the previous review! The book was not written for 3 year olds! A good parent reviews the info and suggested age levels in the review section before buying. We have been very happy with these books. After buying one other, we bought this one and love it just as much. These experiments are simple to read and study. But the teach important science concepts so I am as happy as a mom can be...but again...I read the age level before buying the book! Someday I hope to make a list of recommended books...this will be one!
Not all it is cracked up to be.......2002-08-15
I bought this book for my 3 year old son since he has an interest in science. When I got the book I was disappointed in the experiments listed, such as disecting an osyter and fish. Not that I have problems with that, but I was looking for something that you can find objects around the house and more cause and reaction type thing.
FUN BOOK FOR KIDS!!!.......2002-06-07
My children loved this book becasue they had fun with experiments. But my husband and I loved this book because it taught our children science conepts that we could never teach. We used this book until it got raggedy and torn and then my kids insisted on getting another copy!
We highly recommend this book.
Karen and Fred
Science in Seconds for Kids.......2001-03-24
My children and I have used this book until it has become tattered and torn. Not only are the science activities easy to understand, they are easy to do and don't require any special equipment. I would highly recommend this book...I loved it so much, that I now have a collection of all of this author's books.
Book Description
Using the vivid, poignant and personal stories of the members of a website support group she founded (www.depressionfallout.com), Anne Sheffield, the author of two highly acclaimed books on depression, provides an honest record of what happens to a love relationship once depression enters the picture, and offers solid advice on what the non–depressed partner can do to improve his or her own life and the relationship.
Of the millions of people who suffer from a depressive illness, few suffer in solitude. They draw the people they love – spouses, parents, children, lovers, friends – into their illness. In her first book, How You Can Survive When They're Depressed, Anne Sheffield coined the phrase 'depression fallout' to describe the emotional toll on the depressive's family and close friends who are unaware of their own stressful reactions and needs. She outlined the five stages of depression fallout (confusion, self–doubt, demoralisation, anger, and the need to escape) and explained that these reactions are a natural result of living with a depressed person.
Customer Reviews:
disappointed--not what I expected.......2007-08-23
While the author's stages of depression that a couple goes through seemed to be pretty accurate, I was very disappointed by the overall tone of the book. It seemed to me that she basically advocated that the non-depressed partner leave in just about all situations.
I recently went through an injury which took over 3 months to heal, and during that time, my partner and I went through the stages as described. That's why I was excited about getting this book for both of us to read, so that we could understand why I was depressed and why he was feeling the way he was feeling about our relationship. Instead, the book advocates eventually giving up on the relationship and getting out.
Needless to say, my partner didn't need to read that! It didn't really offer any advice about how to work your way back to what you had before the depression-causing event, so I'm giving this a big thumbs down.
Wonderful.......2007-06-27
This book is a godsend. I thought I was having a breakdown until I read this book. I learned that my symptoms were being caused by the depressed person in my life. This book explains how your depression fallout mirrors the depressed person's own illness. You get dragged along for the ride (so to speak). If you are having difficulty in a relationship due to depression, you must read this book.
Unbelievably Misguided.......2007-01-15
I purchased this book for my husband who over the course of our marriage has experienced the challenges and set backs of my depression. I was not depressed when we married and was not aware of the numerous family members who suffer from depression because it wasn't talked about. I read the book first and find it difficult to believe that someone who claims to suffer from depression could have written it. This book seems much more accusatory and places a great deal of blame on the depressed person without any sign of empathy at all.
Depression is not a choice. It is a debilitating illness. The stigma of depression needs to be removed so that families like mine and millions of others are not ashamed to talk about it. I am not ashamed of my depression because I know it is not my fault but many people are and that keeps them from getting the help they need.
It is difficult for any person to live with someone who is depressed and I admire those who do. But the accusations and criticisms made in this book lead me to believe the author has unresolved anger toward that person in her life that was depressed. I think this book is terribly misguided and will unfortunately do more harm than good. I believe there must be better, more objective references out there for the spouses and loved ones of those suffering from depression.
Extraordinary read!.......2007-01-12
As one who has been or is suffering from the fallout of depression, I can say without a doubt this is the best book I have read and I've read quite a few. It involves not only the depressed person, but speaks to the loved ones who are in agony and turmoil right along with the depressed person. I have read this book more than once and go back to various chapters from time to time. I most highly recommend this book to anyone who thinks they are a victim of "depression fallout"!
Amazing, calming resource.......2006-08-13
I wish I had read this book a long time ago, when my boyfriend's depression started. The information is pertinent and it gives tangible advice on what tp do for yourself and your depressed partner.
Book Description
Amalgam Illness: Diagnosis and Treatment starts with a detailed explanation of why to consider amalgam illness to be something that some people must have by comparing the well known statistics for how much mercury people absorb from their fillings to the well known statistics of how sensitive different members of a population are to a given toxin. This is for people who really don't know if they believe in amalgam illness or not (the other material available is rather sensational and I can't blame anyone reading it for having questions) before going any further.
Amalgam Illness: Diagnosis and Treatment discusses how to deal with physicians if you think you have a controversial disease - especially if you have the great "luck" to be covered by a managed care plan.
A key section is devoted to diagnosis - how to tell if you actually have amalgam illness instead of something else. It is also possible to be mercury poisoned from something other than amalgam, and the testing and examination described here is diagnostic regardless of the source.
How to get the dental work done safely if you have decided amalgam fillings are the problem is briefly described - there is a robust industry of amalgam free dentists if you know how to look for them.
The use of drugs and nutritional supplements to get the mercury out of your system is carefully presented - there are some important factors here that are not well described in the previous books on the subject and not all physicians who claim they know what to do actually give good advice.
Then comes what turns out to be the major section of the book - how to treat all the related health conditions amalgam illness can cause so as to relieve them while mercury detoxification proceeds. Since amalgam illness is not widely recognized in the medical community, most people with it get pretty sick before they get motivated to bounce around between doctors and eventually end up in front of one who tells them about it. So most victims have pretty serious, unpleasant health problems (like fibromyalgia or severe allergies) and they really need to make these STOP for the year or two it can take to get fully detoxed and let your body heal.
There are extensive tables of what to use for different conditions, a description of all the drugs and nutritional supplements suggested in the book, and appendices covering things like what the assorted clinical laboratory tests you might get actually mean, what other helpful books are that you might use, and supporting information like what the chelating agents are and how they work.
Customer Reviews:
Best collection of mercury treatment info.......2007-10-19
This is the best collection of information on mercury detoxing, period.
You can treat yourself with this book and not need to look all over the web and in other publications for information. Almost everything you need to know is summarized here, including ways to treat all the complications that come from mercury and detoxing.
This is not a book for the layperson who wants to read about mercury toxicity. It is more for people who know (or think) they are affected with mercury problems, and want to get better.
However, I only give it four stars. I believe it is overpriced for the book's condition and presentation. This 'book' is little more than 100 sheets of 8"x11" paper stapled together. There are also a lot of editing errors (mostly grammatical). This book is not cheap and for the price, I would expect to see a professional bond and printed book that was edited better. That would make a wonderful second edition, if Andy did that (and perhaps included a chapter of case studies?).
A Life Saver.......2007-03-31
My wife who is in her 30s, has never smoked, eats a very healthy diet, exercises daily, and in general has a very happy life. She started to have health issues that progressively got worse over the past three years. Things like, loosening teeth, hot flashes, nerve pain, racing heart, heart thumps, panic attack, immune system decline, insomnia, problems with certain foods. In one year alone we racked up thousands of dollors in co-pays and prescriptions. All of the conventional tests, blood tests, x-rays, CAT scans, EKGs the doctors used could not identify the cause. The doctors began to say, "you are young and can't possibly be really sick it must be in your head."
We began to do our own research and noticed that she had a very bad period with many ER visits shortly after having a large old Amalgam removed by her dentist. This is when our research led us to Amalgam Illness. We asked our doctor to test for Mercury. When the blood test came back she was over the limit. We finally had our first real clue to what was causing my wife's health issues. Even though there are millions of people who have Amalgam fillings in their mouth and are suffering various degrees of Amalgam Illness the Dental and Medical communities are not ready or willing to address the issue.
This book however does address the issue in great detail. It is written at a college reading level and so may be challenging to read for some, but it is well written and has excellent content. It in detail expains what the illness is, what the symptoms are, how to help relieve the symptoms, and most importantly how to recover from the illness. The book has greatly improved my wife's quality of life and enabled us to get her on a real path to recovery.
Thank you Dr. Cutler for writing this book! I only wish the government would address this issue. Just imagine how many people have this illness and are being wrongly diagnosed and medicated, not to mention the millions of dollars being wasted.
Sincerely,
Robert Brown
The Book Brought Me Back To Life..........2007-03-21
3 Years ago I was suffering from many of the symptoms of heavy metal poisoning. I did not really know what was wrong and I attributed many of the symptoms to stress and the beginning of middle age. I consulted a dr who wanted to put me on hormones, and a naturopathic dr. The ND took a full medical history and informally asked me if I had silver fillings. It turned out I did, I had many of them including one that had broken several years before and was continuing to crack. I could taste metal in my mouth. I then was sent to do a heavy metal test, via a "Challenge" test. I was very shocked when the results came back off the charts. I was rather skeptical that this was the source of my problems so I started to do resarch. I talked to people all over the world including firefighters who had been exposed in 911. I talked to the Department of Ecology in Washington State and the E.P.A. I then found Dr. Cutler's book and a support group for Chelation online via yahoo. I sought out additional medical advice. By this time I was very ill, almost bedridden. It was very horrible because I had been quite well most of my life and took wellness for granted. I considered the possibility that if I continued to feel so sick I wanted to end my life. I first did a detox as recommended by Dr. Cutler while your fillings are in and noticed improvement. I then went and scheduled total filling removal. After the removal I was even more sick. I had taken all the fillings out at once, something that is not recommended. It is better to do it in stages. I followed Dr. Cutler's recommendations for chelation and his protocol and I started to recover. Under the guidance of a naturopath, and an MD(who does not want to be named because of the controversy) I did chelation and natural detox using fir saunas and supplements. I have had a full recovery. I still need to chelate but I do it lightly in the spring with a follow up from ND and MD. I followed Dr. Cutler's recommendations to the letter. His book is very clear cut and concise. I recommend it for anyone who thinks they may have problems due to their amalgams. I am not a researcher but I do have common sense. An element which is very toxic out of our mouths, in fact a hazardous waste...cannot suddenly be safe in our mouths. I was told basically off the record by people at the Department of Ecology that this is "a consumer driven issue." In other words they thought it was a good idea to get mercury out of your head, and not let a dentist ever put mercury fillings in your mouth...but due to this controversy they could not say anything on record. Moreover...if you go to the E.P.A. website you will see they are telling dentists NOT to use amalgam fillings. I also had been overexposed to flouride due to a habit of eating toothpaste while on the way to workouts at the gym and not really spitting it out. I thank Dr. Cutler, Andy very much for his work because I believe it saved my health. I think it is very irresponsible for dentists not to let their patients know about the possible dangers of amalgam fillings. It is true that not everyone is sensitive, and everyone gets different results but we cannot ignore the effects and possible ramifications related to heavy metals being in our bodies. This controversy has been around for a long time. The attitude of some researchers is sort of to say, "well not everyone gets this from their fillings so it must not exist" This is not a very responsible position. Not everyone gets lung cancer from smoking, but we now know there is a definite correlation between cancer and smoking. I thank Dr. Cutler very much. I have purchased several copies of the book and given them away to people who have symptoms. I would recommend this book to anyone who currently has silver fillings and has symptoms or no symptoms. Recently a contractor I had hired took his 4 year old to the dentist. She was given 6 silver fillings and became ill and had spotting indicative of a reaction. I shared the book with him and he had these fillings taken out. I would never let my child get silver fillings now that I know about this research. I was most fortunate that the people I worked with were open, and willing to look at other research including studies from Europe, and the basis of the treatment came from Dr. Cutler because of his experiences and the fact he had evaluated other treatments that can cause harm due to how mercury works in the human body. I recommend this book to everyone who currently has amalgam fillings. For the people who say that it is quackery, I challenge you to consider that this was what people have said about smoking, having lead in paint, pesticides, and anything in the environment where people profit until enough people get sick and or die. It is very irresponsible to take this position. Thank you Dr. Cutler for having the courage to do the work and publish it.
Excellent resource.......2006-06-03
Even though his book could be more organized, I give Dr. Cutler five stars for his content. I have owned the book for over four years and keep referencing it over and over. It outlines a conservative and safe protocol for mercury/heavy metal detoxification.
Essential Information on Mercury Poisoning.......2006-05-16
If you or someone you love has or suspects mercury poisoning, you need this book. Mercury poisoning and amalgam illness are very controversial subjects (at least in the U.S.), and it is often hard to get thorough information on properly diagnosing and treating it. This book is a godsend for those looking for answers.
Some have remarked that this book is too technical and hard to understand. I feel Cutler has tried to explain this complex problem as clearly as possible...however, the fact of the matter is if you do have mercury poisoning, you are going to have to become an expert to have any hope of getting better.
A smiley "feel good" book on fasting and juicing garlic and cilantro may be easier to read and make you feel more secure, but it's not going to solve real mercury poisoning. Your family doctor will most likely ignore you, and even some alternative practitioners may be somewhat confused as to how to handle treatment, potentially causing more harm than good.
Dr Cutler spells out in detail the chelation tests and protocols you need to avoid that make the situation worse. Particularly helpful was the listing of supplements you can use before/during chelation to soften symptoms and side effects. Also essential information on specific details of chelation and testing to gauge how much metal you are excreting (in all cases, my practitioner recommended a different approach, and after I presented the information in the book, the doctor agreed Cutler's method was safer and made more sense).
Had I not found this book, I never would have had the courage and ammunition to take charge of my own treatment. If you are in the same place, and need reliable information, buy this book, read it, find the sections that pertain to you, learn it, know it. If there is information you don't understand, go to the library or get on the Internet and figure it out. A good place to start is learning about Amino Acids, how they function in your body, and which ones are linked to your specific symptoms. A great companion on this subject is Michael Lesser's "The Brain Chemistry Plan". I carry a copy of Lesser and Cutler's books in my backpack at all times.
Thank you Andrew Cutler.
Book Description
There Are More Than One Million Lawyers in America
A law degree is not necessarily a ticket to succes, wealth and happiness. Perhaps it's dissatisfaction with the hours, the firm, or the work itself, but every year, more and more lawyers want out. Now there's a real-world primer that can help virtually anyone in this position. Wheather you're merely considering a change or firmly committed to one, The Lawyer's Career Change Handbook provides all the tools and information you need. A surprising number of lawyers in this country have discovered that a law degree is not necessarily a ticket to wealth, success and happiness, and now they want out.
Hindi Greenberg -- founder and president of Lawyers in Transition -- has written an indispensable quidebook for those in that position. Chock full of helpful advice, exercises, listings of resources and real-life stories, The Lawyer's Career Change Handbook provides all the tools needed to help the unsatisfied many who are either considering a new career or actively pursuing one.
This one-of-a-kind volume can help legal professionals identify, target, and get new jobs that best suit their abilities, background, personality and interests, while offering them ways to cope with the inevitable stress of changing fields. And those who wish to remain in the law world will discover invaluable methods for creating more satisfaction in their current fields, for exploring other areas of the law that they may not have previously considered, and for determining if a solo or small practice is the right way to go.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent Resource.......2006-03-26
I purchased "The Lawyer's Career Change Handbook" along with other books written for people who have (or will soon have) law degrees, but are not sure they want to practice law. This book has been an invaluable tool in helping me realize where I want to go with my life. What I like most about it is that it includes exercises to make its readers think critically about their own skills, interests, and requirements in the workplace. I find that the book is very practical, and although I am just begining my job search, it has been helpful as a tool to prioritize what I'm looking for in an employer.
When considering whether to purchase this book, I read some highly critical reviews, but bought the book anyway. If you are serious about looking for a job which is more suited to you, I would encourage you to buy it too - and read it with a pencil and pad of paper close at hand.
For those of you who, like me, are very frustrated with law - whether you are already practicing or not, I want to share this passage, which summed up everything I feel about my experiences in the field of law. On page 12, Hindi Greenberg writes:
"One of my clients recently wrote a stinging evaluation of law practice, listing the things he dislikes. In his words: 'I disilke (1) the interpersonal nastiness of litigation, (2) the combatitiveness of litigation, (3) the win-at-all-cost attitude of litigation, (4) the crisis mentality of litigation, (5) that my goal is to defeat my opponent and my opponent's goal is to defeat me, (6) the pressure of being expected to do work that my oponent can never criticize - an absolutely unrealistic expectation, (7) that I am always around people who are angry at someone, (8) that I cannot be fair or reasonable, as I see fairness and reason, but have to fight for every advantage I can get out of a situation, (9) that I cannot spend my life working with a group of dedicated people to achieve a common goal but instead must constantly fight other people to achieve success.'"
Particularly with respect to number 7, this has been my experience over two summers of clerking for law firms.
The afternoon before I began reading this book, I went out for coffee with a fellow law student. I tried to explain to her all of the reasons that I am uninterested in a career as a lawyer - but no matter what I said, she was adamant that I will be able to find a fulfilling legal career, telling me, "not all law firms are like the ones you have worked for. There are plenty of areas of law where you never have to fight at all. There are better lawyers to work for. There are better areas of law to practice in." This book made me realize that I'm not being subborn or overly emotional, or closed-minded about career options. I am grateful to Hindi Greenberg for showing me that I am not alone, and that, frankly, there is nothing wrong with me for not wanting to spend the next 30 or 40 years of my life fighting for a living, or trying to do perfect work which can never be criticized.
In addition to giving me much-needed affirmation that I am not being an idiot, because being a lawyer is not for everyone, this book provides many practical tools for developing a job search, and for finding a career which suits my personality.
Another great resource in this book is the resume writing guide. As a first year law student, Career Services held a (mandatory) resume-writing workshop, teaching us how to make legal resumes - which are vastly different from non-legal resumes. On the brink of looking for a non-legal job, I found myself perplexed as to what a non-legal resume was supposed to look like. This book has examples of functional resumes versus legal resumes, as well as interviewing tips which I found to be infinetly more helpful than the tips provided by Career Services over the past few years.
I was very happy with this book, and would highly recommend it to anyone who is unhappy with his or her legal career, and definetly to law students who find themselves wondering whether there might be more worthwhile careers out there.
Repetitive Rehash.......2003-09-03
This is a book like the dozens of other career change ones out there - you can find this information in publications from years ago, and with much better advice. No new information, and would only help lawyers who would lack the imagination to think of "legal publishing" or "in-house counsel" as career options. Truly unhelpul.
Good Resource That WIll Make You Think.......2003-06-21
When I picked up this book I knew that I had always had an interest in law, but was unsure if I wanted to work for a law firm. Before going to law school I wanted an idea of exactly what my options might be after school.
This book helped me a lot. I have not made a final decision, but I am definitely closer than when I picked up the book. The two most helpful sections to me were the assessment exercises that helped me think about what skills I have and the last 2 sections on actual jobs available.
If you just want someone to tell you what job is right for you then don't choose this book. If you want/need to think about yourself, your life, your skills, and what you want your job and your life to be then this book is a tool that will help you on your journey.
Packed With Great Information.......2003-06-13
As a psychologist who works with lawyers, I have found this book to be an invaluable resource for my clients. It addresses the full range of issues that confront someone questioning whether to leave a legal career altogether or to switch to a different legal environment. No book should give clients the "answer" to their dilemma, and this one does not pretend to. I have found it extremely helpful in how it poses important questions to consider, offers wise advice, and provides in-depth help with resources and information. My clients have found it reassuring, encouraging and informative. It's an inexpensive resource that every lawyer or law student considering a shift in career direction should review.
This book can be a LIFECHANGER!.......2003-05-07
I read ýThe Lawyerýs Career Change Handbook,ý and found Ms. Greenbergýs ideas and advice extremely useful. I found the self-assessment exercises, which most of us lawyers try to avoid, extremely helpful in clarifying why my previous work was unsatisfying and in what direction I needed to move in order to find work that would better fit my needs. The job ideas, extensive resource listings, and insightful comments by Ms. Greenberg also greatly benefited me in deciding upon my next career incarnation. The final assist was when I consulted individually with Ms. Greenberg. She gave me creative guidance, solid advice and wonderful support to pursue my current work. ... She is an insightful, generous human being.
Book Description
Treehouses & Playhouses You Can Build shows how average "do-it-yourself" families can easily and affordably bring to life a "Hobbit's Treehouse," a "Pirate's Playhouse," or a "Crow's Nest" in their own backyards! There are a lot of books out there filled with enchanting photos of elaborate treehouses and playhouses built by professionals and costing tens of thousands to build. For the rest of us, there's bit of elbow grease, a lot of imagination, a trip to the hardware store-and Treehouses & Playhouses You Can Build.
Customer Reviews:
Many missing instructions and difficult paths.......2007-09-03
I built the Treeless Treehouse on page 81. During the project, I found the instructions lacking, and sometimes incorrect. Dimensions critical to building were many times left out. There might have been a bright side to this, as I now know my trigonometry, which was critical to getting lengths right. I also found that the recommended decking was heavy and hard to work with. They recommended 2X6 in order to reduce the number of floor joists. A bad trade-off in my opinion, as these are heavier and harder to work with than a 1X6. They recommended installing the railing posts inside the deck as opposed to the outside. A bad recommendation in my opinion, as it necessitated cutting patterns out of 2X6 which is hard to do. In fact, they recommend using a jig saw for this. I used a skill saw and a hand saw. I don't think a jig saw would cut it. I recommend looking elsewhere for a do-it-yourself book.
Great All-Around Treehouse Guide.......2007-07-05
Help me out greatly. I am below novice in construction knowledge. The book explained, diagramed, and visualized lots of great methods and ideas for building treehouses. I find myself going back to it again and again for efficient methods of accomplishing the task at hand.
All the information you need.......2007-04-19
This book is great. Lots of great ideas and detailed explanation on how to build a treehouse/playhouse. From how to choose the best tree to many different house plans. We just finished building a treehouse and this was the only guide we used.
Great Treehouse Book!.......2007-03-08
This book is a wonderful how-to book for those who need all the help they can get on building a treehouse. The plans are great and we are building the basic treehouse which is perfect for our 8 and 5 year old kids. Lots of ideas on everything from picking trees, buying lumber, safety tips, to flexible extras. We bought all three of David Stiles treehouse books and this was by far the best and we could have just bought this one and been happy but are glad to have them all. Would highly recommend to parents contemplating building a treehouse or for kids who want to dream of one.
the perfect book.......2007-01-12
Even I did'nt build the tree house so far, I think, I found exactly the right book. The different pictures give wonderful ideas of what you can do, the book shows how different techniques work and how to do it, even you are no professional carpenter.
Book Description
A knife is the most basic tool, and the average adult uses a knife almost every day. Yet there are very few individually made knives in existence, and few people who know how to make knives.
Step by Step Knifemaking, by master knifemaker David Boye, is widely regarded as the classic on the art of handcrafted knives. Thorough, clear, detailed instructions guide the reader through each step in how to make a knife. Generously illustrated with photos and drawings on most pages, this book reads like a one-on-one workshop with a thoughtful teacher. The reader is led to discover the spiritual connection between himself and his work, develop his sense of artistry, and to acquire practical skills for self-sufficiency.
Completely self-taught, the author guides the beginning knifemaker through the thinking processes necessary to make a knife; inspires confidence in the reader to begin at his own skill level; and shows how it can be done on a financial shoestring.
Topics covered include tools, setting up a shop, knife design, grinding, heat treating, polishing, sharpening, blade etching, sheathmaking, and more. Boye's outdoor knives, kitchen cutlery, and utility knives are functional and "peace-loving," and the chapter on etching designs into the blades is a visual delight.
With over 150,000 copies in print, Step by Step Knifemaking has deeply moved thousands to involve themselves in this craft, and they constitute a visible portion of today's knifemakers. This book can impel the reader to a personally satisfying, alternative backyard career, making his own useful knife art. It is an enjoyable, indispensable reference for those wanting to learn knifemaking, become more self-reliant, or for anyone with an interest in the ancient craft of blades.
"Handmade knives are unique," writes David Boye, "reflecting the skills and personality of their maker. They impart a personal touch to what would be a cold, impersonal item. Thus it is with a handmade knife, or a handmade article of any kind, that there is a subtle exchange of electromagnetic energy that is transferred from the heart and the hands of the craftsman to the heart of the person who sees and uses the handmade article. Hopefully, the product will be the embodiment and expression of love and beauty in a useful, sanitary, and safe cutting tool - a hint of a deeper, more profound spirit in the process of living."
Excerpts from letters received from readers of Step-by-Step Knifemaking:
I purchased your book on knifemaking some months ago and have read and reread it many times - it has reacted on me like yeast on dough.
- B. H. Wallowa, Oregon
I have since February gone through your book on knifemaking five times and pick up more information with each reading. I find the book very interesting and informative.
- C. M. Kailua, HI
Your book was extremely well written and you should be very proud of this accomplishment. By following your book, I am beginning to understand the art of knifemaking.
- R. M. Howell, N.J.
The reason that I write you this letter is because of the Inspiration your book has given me. Not only was it informative and easy to understand, but I also enjoyed your chapter and words on the philosophy behind making hand made knives and your words on function, beauty, and design.
- K. K. Minneapolis, MN
I have found this book to be one of the most well-written and complete "how-to-do-it" craft books I have read in a very long time. The detail is amazing.
- R. T. W. Roswell, NM
I have spent many any evening pouring over your book in the two years I have owned it. It has been my inspiration to try my own hand at knifemaking. Believe me, I have gotten back the money I paid for it many times over, in the materials I might have wasted were it not for your advice and instruction!!
- R.G.L. Cle Elum, WA
Your book Step-by-Step Knifemaking has answered many questions at times I had no one to ask. Thank you.
- R. S. P. Detroit, MI
I have Step-by-Step Knifemaking and it's the best of my many knifemaking books and I refer to it constantly.
-K. Florence, OR
I've worn out my (copy) years ago, it was the one book that often bailed me out when the others just confused me. Now I need one to send my son, it will pay for itself by eliminating a ton of long distance phone calls.
- R.L.O. Torrance, CA
I wish I'd read your book first - it would have prevented some of my mistakes!
- B.S. Cartersville, GA
Your Step-by-Step Knifemaking has been in my library for some years. A well thumbed book by now. Now that I am retired there is time to tinker.
- P.B.H. Tempe, AZ
Used your book to make my first knife. Thanks for all the help!
-M.H. North Webster, IN
I really like the book. I've found it to be inspirational. It quenches my thirst for the information that a beginner like me needs to get started.
- G.H. Lombard, IL
I have read your book, Step-by-Step Knifemaking, endless times. An Excellent Job!
-W.L.H. Phoenix, AZ
I read your book a hundred times when I first started making knives. It really helped.
-R.H. Rocky Mount, NC
I just finished your book, Step-by-Step Knifemaking. It was a super book.
- E.H. Lexington, KY
Bought your book some years ago, and, as a hobbyist, have had a lot of pleasure from it!
- D.M. Amherst, NH
Have enjoyed your book for years. It's been a good reference.
- R.D.L. Las Vegas, NV
Love your book; it's a classic!
T.W.L. San Bernadino, CA
Customer Reviews:
Step-by-Step Knifemaking: You Can Do It!.......2007-02-15
This is a great book for the beginner to someone who has built some knives
But needs help in refining their technique
This will be a great reference for years to come
Lovely designs, avoid his methods.......2006-02-06
This was the first book I bought on knifemaking, and my copy is falling apart (it's 28 years old!) I absolutely love David Boye's sense of design, and his work has inspired my own considerably. That said, I learned a great deal about knifemaking from other sources, and I use few of his methods. Specifically, I would never use a wheel grinder on knife steel, it generates a great deal more heat than a belt grinder, isn't nearly as accurate, and the cutting surface is smaller. I would NEVER cut out blades with a cutting torch, unless you wanted to grind away at least 1/4 in from the cut edge, you're messing up your steel's microstructure doing this (see p. 111 under grain growth!) I appreciate the lengths he's gone to to describe heat treating, but had little luck with it myself; I would strongly advise against trying to heat-treat complex steels like D2, 440C, or 154CM yourself, unless you like throwing your work away. Finally, though I absolutely love the acid etchwork in the book, the beeswax/asphaltum etching ground recommended here is a very tempermental one, I would use commercial etching ground if I were doing this. Since messing with aqua regia at home is not the safest thing, I'd suggest looking into some of the other methods, such as electrochemical etching. So, I would say to the beginning knifemaker that I'd use this book for inspiration, but go elsewhere for methods. If at all possible, talk to someone who's been doing it a while.
Excellent Book to begin knifesmithing.......2004-08-25
I got this book out of my local library and I can't wait to get started making a knife. I've recently ordered a copy for myself. It will be edgeworn soon. This book is an excellent place to start making knives for the beginner, since Boye uses recycled steel. His explanations and diagrams and photos of the process are invaluable for this endeavor. I only wish he wrote one on folding knives.
Stock removal knife making and etching........2000-05-06
This book primarily covers making knives (mostly kitchen knives) by starting with thin plates of steel (HUGE bandsaw blades), cutting out a knife blank, and shaping the knife by grinding it. I personally far prefer forging a blade, which this author does not even touch on.
However, Mr. Boye does offer solid knowledge on grinding, heat treating, attaching handles and bolsters (all necessary skills no matter how you make knives)... and an extensive section on acid etching which I have yet to find equalled in any other knifemaking book I've read.
So while I may not care for Mr. Boye's chosen method of production, I recognize his pure artistic ability and am gratefull for his willingness to share his hard won knowledge.
Best book for the novice........2000-04-02
If you are a novice in the knifecraft, this is THE book for you. It countains every little thing you need to know to design and construct your first knives - and advance in techniques and complexity, as you advance in the pages of this fascinating, amazing and honest book. For me, it was (and still is) a most usefull master, everytime I want, everywhere I need it. It'll be a very good friend & teacher to you, too.
Book Description
Written by a lawyer for lawyers, Deborah Arron's book is a virtual encyclopedia for lawyers in transition, covering such topics as how to conduct a self-assessment and transferrable skills analysis, how to detect and prepare for layoff, how to establish a transitional financial plan, how to market your special talents, how to work with career consultants and headhunters, how to decide whether to stay in law or leave, how to avoid job-interview hell, how to handle compensation negotiations that work in your favor.
Customer Reviews:
useless for anyone who needs help.......2007-09-07
My problem with all these books that are supposed to help us lawyers find a job or a new career is that they assume we are already successful lawyers. Most of the advice offered is for people who've been practicing for years and therefore have an established network of contacts. The advice for those without experience in the law is geared toward those who already had another career prior to law and suggests that job seekers focus on that career.
This book, all the other "how lawyers can find job" books, and my useless Career Services Office simply assume that all job seekers have parents who are partners in law firms, great networks, and years of related experience.
Even the one of the good reviews given on this site is from someone who has years of experience. Duh! The book promises that it can help anyone at any level of their career. It fails.
What an EXPERIENCED lawyer can do.......2007-02-05
I'm very disappointed in this book. As a recent law school grad WITHOUT years of experience, I was looking for ALTERNATIVES to practicing law at all!! Instead, this book wasted my time and money by assuming I would have the legal work experience to make me attractive to other professions or give me the knowledge to begin some business of my own.
All I really learned was what I already knew was available as an alternative -- teach!
Phoey!! What a waste of my money and time.
Good Starting Point.......2006-09-10
So many lawyers feel burned out, exhausted and stressed--and they don't where to turn next. This book is an easy and anonymous next step for lawyers exploring career change solutions.
Some of the other reviewers raised valid criticisms; parts of the book are very general indeed. However, for many lawyers, it's the ideal starting point for analyzing what they really want to do with their life.
Many lawyers I know have enjoyed this book's exercises for mapping out an ideal job and analyzing transferable skills. They also like the appendix listing jobs in and around the law; it's good for brainstorming possibilities.
As a lawyer coach, I particularly appreciate the chapter dealing with lawyers' finances. Far too many attorneys have no realistic handle on their spending--either personal or professional. Many don't know how much money they REALLY NEED to live on. A financial analysis and budget are critical parts of any job change.
The author peppered the book with links to websites listing jobs, salaries and benefits, and other job-hunting tips. The book functions well as intended: as a good starting point for lawyers contemplating career change.
This book was overly simplistic and had little good advice........2003-12-05
I could sum this book up in eight words:
So you didn't like law school? Try teaching.
There I just saved you the time of ordering and reading it. This book was a typical one of those books you see in a public library with really basic common sense ideas and little insight.
WHAT ARE THESE OTHER REVIEWERS TALKING ABOUT?.......2003-10-27
I cannot believe the criticism of this book. THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR LAWYERS WHO ARE HAPPY IN THEIR WORK AND WHO HAVE FOUND THEIR NICHE.
THE THRUST OF THE BOOK IS TO ASSIST LAWYERS WHO HAVE EITHER GROWN DISILLUSIONED WITH THE PRESSURES OF LEGAL PRACTICE OR WHO HAVE DECIDED THAT THEY WISH TO APPLY THEIR SKILLS IN ANOTHER ARENA.
YOU CANNOT READ THIS BOOK ONCE AND EXPECT TO APPLY THE PRINCIPLES WITHIN A FEW DAYS OR WEEKS. This is a book for long term change and not for the impatient, which is a quality I suspect some of the negative reviewers have demonstrated.
THIS BOOK HAS HELPED ME ENORMOUSLY THROUGH A DIFFICULT CAREER CHANGE. WITHOUT THIS BOOK I WOULD NOT HAVE COPED BECAUSE THE STRATEGIES AND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN IT TAKE TIME TO PUT INTO PRACTICE. IF YOU TAKE A LONG TERM VIEW, IMPLEMENT THE IDEAS AND REGULARLY REFER TO THE BOOK WHEN REVIEWING YOUR PROGRESS THEN THIS BOOK IS INDISPENSIBLE.
The author has pinpointed with great accuracy the level of discontent in some quarters of the profession. Hey with the blame culture, billable hours, risk management, and so on, it is important that alternative career options be identified.
These issues are not often discussed among professionals and can make for uncomfortable reading. This does not mean that they should be swept under the carpet and ignored.
The techniques start with self assessment and identification of the unbelievable skills that we have acquired as Lawyers. Nowhere does the author criticise the profession or fellow professionals.
Indeed she gives people positive strategies for reviewing the options available, making choices and taking action steps.
IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A CAREER CHANGE WITHIN OR OUT OF THE PROFESSION, THIS IS THE LEADING BOOK AND AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE.
Books:
- The Portrait of a Lady (Penguin Classics)
- The Sandman Vol. 7: Brief Lives
- The Secret Garden: Dawn to Dusk in the Astonishing Hidden World of the Garden
- The Secrets of Living and Loving with Diabetes: Three Experts Answer Questions You've Always Wanted to Ask
- The Tiger in the Attic: Memories of the Kindertransport and Growing Up English
- Think and Grow Rich!: The Original Version, Restored and Revised
- Ties That Bind (Bound Hearts, Book 1)
- Time-Saver Standards for Architectural Lighting (Time-saver Standards)
- Transport Phenomena
- USS Ranger: The Navys First Flattop from Keel to Mast, 1934-1946
Books Index
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Design & Construction
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The Complete Guide to Contracting Your Home
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Building Your Own Home For Dummies
Building An Affordable House: A Smart Guide to High-Value, Low-Cost Construction
Tips & Traps When Building Your Home
