Book Description
Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction is an all-new visual guide devoted exclusively to construction standards of residential structures. Created exclusively for professionals working in residential design and construction, this guide combines key information culled from the tenth edition of Architectural Graphic Standards with all-new material on residential design. This special volume provides thousands of standard architectural details and guidelines and is an easy reference for anyone designing or constructing a residential project.
From detailing foundations to designing home theaters, home offices, and other specialty rooms, Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction is a resource that's as efficient as it is comprehensive. You'll find design details that incorporate best construction practices as well as guidelines for state-of-the-art wiring, heating, and cooling systems. In step with current practices, this volume includes the latest guidelines for:
- Energy efficiency
- Accessibility
- HVAC and indoor air quality
- Green construction
An essential guide for designing in today's fast-paced and competitive building environment, Architectural Graphic Standards for Residential Construction is a critical resource if you're an architect, contractor, engineer, developer, home-builder, or other professional involved in designing residential buildings.
Customer Reviews:
A Must Own Book for Serious Residential Do-It-Yourselfers.......2006-06-17
This book is an excellent reference book for use in designing, planning, and building a new house or remodeling an existing one. Whenever I plan on doing something on the house, I double check with this reference before finishing my designs and plans. It's a must own book for serious do-it-yourselfers.
Readers' Digest Version of AGS.......2005-04-15
Although these editions change little, this review is based upon AGS 10th Ed. & AGSRC 2003.
Negative:
This is bascially a regurgitation of the more complete Architectural Graphics Standards, distilled to a "residential" focus but appears as volumous because some details have been photo-enlarged (in poor-average quality). Few, if any new residential details/information has been provided.
Positive:
Those ONLY interested in residential construction and NOT requiring a full brace of ALL details will find this quite a good value - compare its price to Architectural Graphics Standards.
Recommendation:
Anyone in construction should have one, but not both of these books as a prime resource. The content does improve every year, although some years it's like watching grass grow.
Challenge:
IF there are numerous portions of the Residential version that are unique and new to it, exclusive of passages in the larger AGS version - I would really appreciate a review that contains how to locate these passages, as I've spent enough time trying to find them. If enough of these exist, it would give thought of updating this resource once in awhile.
One volume encyclopedia.......2003-11-25
Experienced readers will benefit from its brief summaries and drawings covering the broadest range of topics imaginable. Some economizing is evident in the paper and printing quality, some of the drawings look 50 years old, but there is lots of reference information, like span tables, solar position data, etc. Probably not the last word on every topic, but still worth consulting.
A wonderful resource.......2003-03-27
Following in the terrific legacy of the benchmark Architectural Graphic Standards book, this edition clearly makes building for residences an easier task. I've found innumerable details that I've used in my residential practice on a daily basis, details not found in other reference books. Of particular help are the pages that give an overview of how parts of a house interconnect with each other, such as foundation-to-framing. Also, there is a wealth of info on HVAC, new window technology and other things I've found very, very helpful.
Book Description
Teaching through hundreds of meticulous drawings, Rob Thallon's guide covers foundations, roofs, building systems and materials, durability, energy efficiency, and more.
Customer Reviews:
Straightforward.......2007-09-23
This is a very easy to follow guide to wood frame construction. I recommend it as a basic reference.
Excellent Resource for Wood Frame Construction.......2007-05-31
This is a wonderful book to have on the reference shelf. It answers so many questions about wood frame construction in a clear manner with great graphic depictions.
Invaluable for Anyone Who Wants to Build.......2007-04-09
I am a beginning amateur builder of outbuildings on my property, and this book is wonderful. Easy to understand, the pictures are very descriptive. It is all I need. I gave a beat-up copy (after ordering another for myself) to a friend who just got his contractor's license and the next day he acted as though I'd given him gold. I recommend getting the spiral bound version - so much easier to use on the job site. This book cannot be rated high enough.
Good graphic presentaion of wood frame construction.......2007-03-17
This book is a good tool for anyone, do-it-yourselfer or not, to grasp how North American homes are put together. An excellent tool to learn the nomenclature of houses and house construction. I missed a discussion of the the reasons for and the pros and cons of the various methods. On the other hand, the lack of text is a strongpoint of this book, at least for those who want to quickly get up to speed on home construction.
Graphic Guide to Frame Construction: Details for Builders and Designers (For Pros by Pros).......2007-01-11
great book. Recommend it to anyone how would like to learn about framing.
Amazon.com
In recent years, a revived and burgeoning interest in wholesome, locally baked bread has swept the country, with bakeries springing up in small towns and major urban areas alike, producing an astounding variety of interesting, crusty, tasty, handmade breads. The Bread Builders explains the grains and flours, leavens and doughs, the chemistry of bread, and the physics of baking in a big book filled with helpful drawings, photographs, recipes, and tips. In a unique angle for a book on baking bread, it also includes detailed diagrams and instructions for building your own masonry bread oven from scratch.
As Laurel Robertson, author of The New Laurel's Kitchen says, "This book is ice cream for a baker! We visit legendary bakeries, meet wonderful people, learn all sorts of fascinating scientific information with practical usefulness in bowl and oven, and best of all, get the skinny on masonry ovens, the cherished fantasy of us all." The enthusiasm of the authors in their search for the perfect loaf of bread permeates this detailed but lively and accessible book, and will offer much of use to both amateur and professional bread makers. --Mark A. Hetts
Book Description
Creating the perfect loaf of bread--a challenge that has captivated bakers for centuries--is now the rage in the hippees places, from Waitsfield, Vermont, to Point Reyes Station, California. Like the new generation of beer drinkers who consciously seek out distinctive craft-brewed beers, many people find that their palates have been reawakened and re-educated by the taste of locally baked, whole-grain breads. Today's village bakers are finding an important new role--linking tradition with a sophisticated new understanding of natural levens, baking science and oven construction.
Daniel Wing, a lover of all things artisinal, had long enjoyed baking his own sourdough bread. His quest for the perfect loaf began with serious study of the history and chemistry of bread baking, and eventually led to an apprenticeship with Alan Scott, the most influential builder of masonry ovens in America.
Alan and Daniel have teamed up to write this thoughtful, entertaining, and authoritative book that shows you how to bake superb healthful bread and build your own masonry oven. The authors profile more than a dozen small-scale bakers around the U.S. whose practices embody the holistic principles of community-oriented baking based on whole grains and natural leavens.
The Bread Builders will appeal to a broad range of readers, including:
Connoisseurs of good bread and good food.
Home bakers interested in taking their bread and pizza to the next level of excellence.
Passionate bakers who fantasize about making a living by starting their own small bakery.
Do-it-yourselfers looking for the next small construction project.
Small-scale commercial bakers seeking inspiration, the most up-to-date knowledge about the entire bread-baking process, and a marketing edge.
Customer Reviews:
Bread minutia.......2007-07-20
I was looking for a book that would help me understand how to build a masonry oven. This book provides that along with much much more. The detail in the book regarding bread making is excellent and I am certain I will read this book many times as my experience grows. I consider it an excellent book for anyone interested in breadmaking.
Fresh Bread and the oven to bake them in.......2007-02-13
This is a fantastic book for anyone who really enjoys fresh bread. I wore out a bread machine and learned to knead all my favorites by hand. This not only explains every part and ingredient's role in making bread, it also has all the description and scientific explanation to build an outdoor bread oven. We're planning on building an outdoor kitchen and the bread oven in this book will be a part of it.
The Bread Builders: Hearth Loaves and Masonry Ovens.......2007-01-16
I purchased 5 of these books one for me and four for friends. I was phoned and thanked for such an "interesting and illuminating gift". This book is honest, sensible, healthy and really useful. I am so glad I was advised to get it from a sourdough baker in Australia!! Yes it is better than Good.
Art and science of artisanal baking.......2007-01-09
The only thing I would add to all these other laudatory reviews is this:
Be careful before you order this book. There is a good chance you will be overtaken with equipment lust and just HAVE to have a masonry oven in your backyard!!!
Seriously, it's a great book. If you're at all curious about old-fashioned leavened bread as opposed to the baloony-yeasty variety, check this out.
Best Book on Everything About Baking Bread.......2006-11-05
This books is excellent...gives detail, explicit descriptions about the entire science and process of bread building!! I have read this book over and over and each time I learn more than I did before. It is an easy to read book, there is just so much detail on everything. The recipe testers for "Cooks Illustrated" (a fabulous magazine for very serious cooks) used this book to help refine their bread recipes!! A must have for bakers!!! Also a good book for recipes is "The Laurel's Kitchen Bread Book."
Book Description
This book offers a pragmatic, reader-friendly approach that helps teachers explore, evaluate, and effectively integrate the full range of instructional technologies they are likely to find in their classrooms.
Founded in learning theory and instructional design, this book explores the current and emerging technologies available to teachers while consistently maintaining an instructional focus. Using practical applications and real-world examples, the book offers readers the opportunity to explore technologies as tools to enhance and support instruction. It culminates with an exploration of the teacher's role in technology planning and in ensuring its ethical implementation. The reader will find Web activities and a wide range of activities in each chapter including reviews, group, critical thinking and hands-on experiences.
Teachers and technology coordinators.
Customer Reviews:
Useless, outdated, and idiotic.......2007-03-04
I had to read this book for a Technology and Education class, and it was a total waste of time and money. I'm a professional computer consultant in the middle of a Masters in Education, so I feel qualified to discuss the technical aspects of this book.
While this book was Copyrighted in 2005, almost all the pictures and content are so dated I think that little has changed since the first edition. A Third edition has just been released, which may be more up to date, but I feel it will be just as useless.
The main problem with this book is that it covers everything with no regard to technical ability. For instance, the book informs the reader what a scanner is, and then says they can be usefull for converting a printed page to editable text on the computer. If you are learning what a scanner is for the firs time today, then you AREN'T ready to start using OCR to import documents. In other places, it says floppy disks (yes, the 3.5 disks) are useful for storing information (most computers don't even accept floppy disks).
Additionally, the book is entirely pro-microsoft. It briefly touches upon 'free' software as it distinguishes between shareware and freeware, but doesn't mention Free/Libre Open Source Software. Between Sakai, Open Office, Firefox, and the myriad of other programs, this is inconceivable. All the pictures are for Word, Outlook, and Internet Explorer. It also makes no mention of Apple Computers (at least I didn't find any) or GNU Linux/*BSD.
Finally, it is filled with cute buzzwords that mean nothing, at least to me, such as "The DID's formative feedback look ensures performance objective validity." which appeared on the sidebar with a lightbulb.
Basically, if you don't know anything about technology, this book will be of no use, as much of it will gloss over what you need to learn, and if you are already a competent computer user, this book will be dated and provide scattered information that might have been helpful 5 years ago.
I would recomend not buying this book. If you are a teacher and want to see how technology can be used in your classroom (without learning useless information like what a POST is) I'd try Will Richardson's Blogs, Wikis and Podcasts. That was useful and interesting, while not being too technical.
Book Description
Basics of Biblical Greek Vocabulary Cards are keyed to Basics of Biblical Greek Grammar, have frequency numbers included, and contain principle parts of verbs. These cards are a convenient way for students to quiz themselves on new Greek words being learned. Want to find a card number for a particular Greek word? Click "Take a Closer Look" above. You'll find a listing of all the 1000 words in Greek alphabetical order. This list is not included in the Vocabulary Cards product. You'll want to print it out here as a study aid for yourself.
Customer Reviews:
Where are the verbal roots....?.......2007-07-09
These cards are great for learning vocabulary. However, William Mounce, as part of his "system" for learning verbs, stresses the exact memorization of verbal roots as the key to recognizing all the different tense stems. For verbs, these cards list all the different tense stems that occur in the NT, but no verbal roots. In fact, "Basics of Biblical Greek" (the textbook) does not include the verbal roots for any verbs other than those occuring more than 50 times in the NT. Maybe memorization of the roots is not really essential. While it's not a show stopper by any means (you can usually figure out the root) if you are really trying to use the Basics of Biblical Greek "system" for learning verbs these cards lack a key component. Perhaps this is a way to get us all to purchase the Mounce morphology book.
Great cards for learning greek.......2007-07-05
The quality is excellent and the extra info on the cards such as conjugations and amount of times the word is found in the NT make it an excellent value.
Great supplement to the book.......2007-06-26
These cards are immensely helpful for the rote memorazation part of biblical greek. I was relieved to find that I would not have to make my own flashcards.
Just a quick few words of caution..........2007-03-16
I am just starting out on a journey to teach myself NT Greek and I purchased a set of these cards without also purchasing the author's text. I strongly suggest you get both, as the cards are much more useful with the text, to which they are indexed.
I must also not that these cards are NOT printed to flip in the most logical way, top edge back to reveal the English translation of the Greek word. Instead, they must be flipped the more awkward side edge to the back to reveal the properly positioned English.
I was also just a bit disappointed that there was no more complete information on the parts of speech on the cards, but then, I expect that will all be revealed in the text, which I have just ordered.
Vocabulary Cards a Must.......2007-02-10
These cards are invaluable. The size of each card is just right. I was able to take these with me whenever I travelled and I could easily review the words each day. Before I knew it, I had a sizeable vacabulary memorized and could easily identify the words in Scripture.
Average customer rating:
- The Ultimate One
- How bridges, highways, tunnels and others were built
|
The Builders: Marvels of Engineering
National Geographic Society
Manufacturer: National Geographic Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
History of Technology
| Technology
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0870448374 |
Book Description
* Winner of the International Architecture Book Award
* More than 400 photographs, detailed diagrams, and period engravings
* Handy reference format
This fascinating book chronicles some of the world's greatest engineering wonders from ancient times to the present -- the longest bridges, the highest dams, the tallest buildings, the grandest cathedrals. Learn how ancient Romans built a highway network that rivals the U.S. interstate system. Explore the world's most ambitious man-made landmarks from the Great Pyramids and St. Peter's Basilica to the Golden Gate Bridge and the English "Chunnel." Six chapters describe engineering feats, highlight the technological break-throughs, and introduce the builders who made them possible. The Builders celebrates how humankind harnessed nature's power, overcame its challenges, and constructed monuments to our society.
Customer Reviews:
The Ultimate One.......1999-11-28
ý'm a student in civil engineering department of civil engineering department of Middle East Technical University-ANKARA.I can only say "excellent" for this book.
How bridges, highways, tunnels and others were built.......1997-12-01
This National Geographic book does a great job of explaining in some detail how bridges, roads, tunnels, aquaducts and others were built. It focuses on the 19th and 20th centuries and has many pictures and illustrations. I liked it as much as our 13-year-old son did.
Amazon.com
The common and sensible dictum among carpenters--"Measure twice, cut once"--is only the beginning for Carroll, who manages to take some very complex information and distill it into readable and understandable form. There are chapters devoted to laying out foundations, frames, roofs, stairs, masonry units, and finishing materials, and many little-known tricks of the trade and shortcuts. Carroll covers all the basics of tools and techniques, shows how to measure larger dimensions on projects while working alone, and shows that one needn't be a master mathematician to assure accuracy in projects, nor use space-age, high-tech equipment to achieve near-perfect results in a building project. From the simplest how-to project for a home handyperson to constructing an entire house, proper, accurate measurements are the very foundation of a successful result. Using common sense and care in measuring can save time, materials, and money on any home repair or construction plan. This is the book to tell you everything you need to know before you get started. --Mark A. Hetts
Customer Reviews:
Worth a Truck Load of Tolls.......2007-07-19
This is probably the most important book I own in my "how to build it" arsenal.
Elementary .......2007-04-07
I was disappointed to say the least by this book. As a contractor with over thirty years of experience, I should have known I knew more. There are also some rather out-dated building practices put forth in this book. So, I would say, if you are already a pro, don't buy this book. If you are a DIY'er go fer it, or if you live somewhere they don't have building codes, yahoo. This book was clearly written for the less experienced builder.
for the pro's by the pro's!.......2007-04-05
I'm so glad I purchased this book, what a blessing! My wife and I are planning to build our dream home next year and the amount of detail for this type of project is NOT to be underestimated. This book covers the "how to" in great detail and shows the "tricks of the trade". I especially like the technique's for when your working alone (I always knew there was a better way, now I know). If your a "SKILLED" do-it-yourselfer but lack professional training then this book is definitely for you. I wish I had this book years ago it would have saved me a lot of time and headache. Also the price is right and you will start to get results like the pro's.
good reference book.......2006-03-18
author goes into a lot of detail...i learned a lot from this book
Over 20 Years In The Trade, I Still Learned A Thing Or Two........2005-11-28
I read this book thinking I might find something interesting. I was not disappointed. The book has historical commentary and personal experiences that are interesting. Old timer's secrets of layout, very cool. Geometrical calculations are easier to understand when you can see how they are to be applied. The formulas used in the book are reasonably simple. Most importantly, when there is a shortcut, it's shown in this book. From the ground to the roof, and all in between, there's detailed(but basic, no really fancy decorative work) explanation and excellent illustration. Handrails, masonry units, roofing, the book shows where to start and what to do next. He shows how to build many of the jigs and measuring/marking secrets that I use regularly. I don't do everything exactly as he does, but everybody has their own way of doing things. If this guy writes any more books, I and many of my competitors may not be needed any more. MANY secrets of the trade.
HEY! DON'T BUY THIS BOOK!! SOMEBODY STOP THIS GUY!!! I GOT KIDS TO FEED!! YA' CAN'T JUST GO AROUND INSPIRING CONFIDENCE IN THE AVERAGE HOMEOWNER! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? (gasp!) You might even make my competitors more competitive! Horrible book! I'm keeping mine, but I'm a professional!! Don't try this stuff at home!
_Call a PRO!!_
Seriously, Thank You Mr. Carroll. I enjoyed your book.
Book Description
The definitive reference for design and construction-in an updated edition!
Entering its seventh decade as the industry leader, Simplified Engineering for Architects and Builders remains the reference of choice for designers and constructors. This new Tenth Edition is thoroughly revised and updated to reflect the latest practices in the design of structures.
Long considered a standard in the field, this bestseller provides a clear, accessible presentation of the engineering information that is essential for architects and builders. Offering a concise, highly readable introduction to the investigation and design of ordinary structures for buildings-including information on structural analysis, materials, and systems-this thoroughly updated Tenth Edition includes:
* A new focus on Load and Resistance Factor Design Method (LRFD) for steel and concrete structures
* The latest building and material codes
* A wealth of exercise problems and illustrative examples
* Essential formulas for the solution of structural problems
* More than 200 descriptive illustrations
* Simple solutions to everyday problems architects and builders encounter
* Coverage of wood, steel, concrete, and masonry structures
* A new companion Web site packed with learning resources
An unparalleled resource for students and professionals in architecture, construction, and civil engineering, Simplified Engineering for Architects and Builders, Tenth Edition boils structural engineering down to its essentials and provides the simple design solutions that are used for the vast majority of buildings.
Customer Reviews:
A very good book for the beginner.......2007-04-11
The book explains the fundamentals of structural analysis well, mainly statically determinate structures. The book also covers design fundamentals for various materials, mainly: wood, steel, concrete and masonry.
I used an earlier version of this book many years ago, as an introductory book. The book is good for the beginner.
Simplified for better understanding.......2006-11-05
This Book is excellent. easy to read and understand. this book has given me all the info i needed and then some. i highly reccommend this book!!
Excellent introductory book.......2000-04-05
This book explains the fundamentals of structural analysis (mainly statically determinate structures) and then goes on to the design fundamentals for different materials (wood, steel, concrete and masonry) followed by the design of the structural system for a building. I first used an earlier edition of this book when studying for my undergraduate degree as an introductory book before reading the course texts. The present edition maintains the "easy to understand" explanations of the earlier edition while adding new materials, expanding other sections and updating the design methods in line with the building codes. Emphasis is placed on understanding, the explanations given are very clear and there are numerous worked examples to illustrate the principles. The book is excellent for the beginner first getting used to structural analysis and design or for the practising engineer who has not touched structures for a while and wants to refresh his memory. However this book is only the first step and the undergraduate or practising engineer would do well to follow up on this with other more specialised books like Wang and Salmon's "Reinforced Concrete Design", Salmon and Johnson's "Steel structures: Design and behaviour", or Halperin and Bible's "Principles of Timber Design for Architects and Builders".
Book Description
Groovy, the brand-new language for the Java platform, brings to Java many of the features that have made Ruby popular. Groovy in Action is a comprehensive guide to Groovy programming, introducing Java developers to the new dynamic features that Groovy provides. To bring you Groovy in Action, Manning again went to the source by working with a team of expert authors including both members and the Manager of the Groovy Project team. The result is the true definitive guide to the new Groovy language.
Groovy in Action introduces Groovy by example, presenting lots of reusable code while explaining the underlying concepts. Java developers new to Groovy find a smooth transition into the dynamic programming world. Groovy experts gain a solid reference that challenges them to explore Groovy deeply and creatively.
Because Groovy is so new, most readers will be learning it from scratch. Groovy in Action quickly moves through the Groovy basics, including:
Simple and collective Groovy data types
Working with Closures and Groovy Control Structures
Dynamic Object Orientation, Groovy style
Readers are presented with rich and detailed examples illustrating Groovy's enhancements to Java, including
How to Work with Builders and the GDK
Database programming with Groovy
Groovy in Action then demonstrates how to Integrate Groovy with XML, and provides,
Tips and Tricks
Unit Testing and Build Support
Groovy on Windows
An additional bonus is a chapter dedicated to Grails, the Groovy Web Application Framework.
Early PDF chapters of Groovy in Action are available from the Manning Early Access Program (MEAP) at http://www.manning.com/koenig. As part of this program, readers can also discuss the early manuscript with the author and help shape the manuscript as it's being developed by joining the Author Forum.
Customer Reviews:
You can't live without Groovy. You just can't........2007-08-18
I am going to make this short, because I want to get ONE message across to you, loud and clear. If you are working with Java, you MUST take a look at Groovy.
I cannot overemphasize the coming importance of Groovy on the Java platform, not just in web development, but everywhere. Just try it already. You'll "get it." Just trust me and do it!
Groovy in Action is a first rate introduction and reference, and you really do need a book for this language. I don't recommend trying to go it alone with online reference material, though there is plenty there to give you a taste of why Groovy is about to become your new favorite language.
Read the other reviews. I'm not going to repeat a bunch of stuff here. But whatever you do, TRY GROOVY. You will quickly come to wonder how you ever got along without it.
Cracking stuff.......2007-07-20
Whatever you think about the merits of Groovy as a language, a serious contender on the JVM, or a complete mess, you couldn't hope to find a better advocate for Groovy than this book.
One of the secrets of GinA's success is that it assumes the reader is already proficient with Java development, including Swing, Ant and JUnit. It would also help to know about XML, SQL, HTML, JSP and a vague idea of how MVC applies to web apps. You don't need to be an expert in these areas, though. If you've sufficient knowledge to decode the preceeding alphabet soup of initialisations, you'll be ok.
The reward for possessing this background knowledge is that GinA doesn't waste time with trivial examples, and barrels through Groovy the language in the first part, leveraging your existing knowledge of Java to highlight the important differences in Groovy. In particular, the advantages of interpolating strings, simple hash and array construction syntax, optional typing and metaprogramming are stressed. The big win in Groovy over Java is the use of closures and their used in a block-based approach to iteration, which is as well motivated here as the material in, say, The Pickaxe is for Ruby.
The second part of the book provides examples of the Groovy library. It begins with an excellent chapter on Groovy's Builders, which provide a very neat, uncluttered syntax for putting together hierarchical structures. An obvious application is XML, and by extension Ant scripts, which appears to have some major advantages compared to the challenging readability of vanilla Ant. Even more impressive is the SwingBuilder example, which builds a GUI with the minimum of fuss and a complete lack of anonymous inner classes.
Beyond the Builders, there are also compelling chapters on templating HTML and server side Groovy (Groovlets), writing DAOs and DTOs in Groovy to simplify database programming, and a chapter on XML, which even manages to find the space to introduce Groovy for SOAP, XML-RPC and REST web services.
The final part of the book describes some non-core libraries and other applications of Groovy. The chapter on Groovy extensions to JUnit is interesting, although perhaps this is one place where it assumes too little on behalf of the reader. I would have assumed that the average developer sufficiently motivated to pick up a book on Groovy knows enough about unit testing and JUnit that more space could have been given to the advanced topics. Particularly appealing is the idea of testing Java code with dynamically typed Groovy unit tests, which would make mocking and stubbing more palatable; I would have liked more on that subject.
Another noteworthy chapter is the last one, which introduces the web app framework Grails. This has a different style to the other chapters, being a dialogue between two of the authors as they build a simple app. This reader admits to finding it a little bit naff, but it does usefully demonstrate the grails way (which is a lot like Rails).
If you have the slightest interest in Groovy, alternatives to Java on the JVM, or dynamic languages, GinA makes the perfect case for Groovy as a first class integration language for all the bits of Java where you really wish you were working with something like Perl, Ruby or Python. It's well-written, with good examples, clear explanations, and it's relentlessly practical, never forgetting its target audience. It's all the more impressive given lead author Dierk Konig's comment in the preface that English is not his first language. Kudos to him and his co-authors for what they've delivered.
One can only wish that every language had its GinA. Outstanding.
Mostly as good as everyone says.......2007-06-22
What more can be said of a book extolled by dozens of reviewers, a book that seems to have matched its subject in ubiquity, a book that will likely become to Groovy what the "pickaxe book" is to Ruby? As much as I would love to be a lone voice (or rather a lone whisper) of dissent, the clarity, simplicity, and accuracy of most of Groovy in Action cannot be overlooked. Let no one be fooled by the size of the book - to learn the gist of Groovy, all you really need is a leisurely stroll through chapters 2 through 7 (chapter 1 is the mandatory introduction/history chapter which, in the frustrating tech book tradition, doubles as the "free sample" chapter). Of course, most of its clarity and concision GIA inherits from the language it describes. Still, it is encouraging to have a book that is as valuable a reference as it is a tutorial, and GIA shines in both capacities.
With all its accolades, GIA does have two caveats. First, it is getting closer and closer to being out of date. Groovy 1.1 is already in Beta, and it has an impressive list of features not covered in this Groovy 1.0 book: EJB3 support, JUnit4 and TestNG integration and annotations, just to name a few. I am reminded of Pragmatic Programmers' Agile Web Development with Rails, whose second edition shipped a year after its first. I sincerely hope GIA 1.0 buyers will not be similarly cheated.
The second caveat is the coverage of Grails. Grails may be the single most attractive Groovy application to date yet its coverage in GIA is flaky at best. The authors decide to abandon their polished, clear, and concise writing style and instead author the entire chapter as a bland conversation amongst themselves. In addition to failing to grasp the humor in such presentation, I find that this style hinders me from following along with the tutorial. It makes scanning back for missed steps or clarifications extremely difficult. Furthermore, vapid attempts at humor occupy space that could be otherwise devoted to some omitted topics, such as mapping domain objects to specific tables or using data sources. Coverage of these topics would have been far more valuable than the authors' purported beer garden conversations with a DBA named Martin.
Despite the pour Grails coverage and the looming Groovy 1.1, Groovy in Action is a must-have for anyone who is even mildly interested in Groovy or dynamic languages in Java in general. Coupled with the ease, clarity, and downright beauty of the Groovy language, GIA can turn even a passing interest in Groovy into a burning passion.
Programming literature.......2007-05-15
It is a Gordian challenge to write an interesting and readable book about nothing but a programming language. Dierk König and his co-authors actually did succeed in cutting the knot. They even accomplished much more: they added lots of insight about object orientation, programming language design and good software development. As long as I only had the PDF availabe, it served me as THE reference for all my questions about Groovy. Now the printed copy makes my commuting time worthwhile. Cover to cover. 700 pages of computer LITERATURE.
An amazing journey.......2007-03-29
The book contains a lot of Groovy interesting features, with samples tested to work,asides the writting style exciting to you to discover the new programming world open in front of your eyes thanks to the exceptional Groovy features.
I consider it as much as a Groovy bible.
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!
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