A fascinating look at Emperor Penguins in Antarctica. It's a fascinating story, told by a photographer, hired to document one year in the life cycle oA fascinating look at Emperor Penguins in Antarctica. It's a fascinating story, told by a photographer, hired to document one year in the life cycle of these amazing birds. Lindsay McCrae is a talented storyteller and you find yourself drawn in, anxious to learn more and find out what happens next.
There is no pedantic science jargon, just a great story about the last true wilderness on this Earth. It's an easy read and I really enjoyed it....more
I have a new respect for those who are fighting to protect the ocean against illegal fishing, pollutants and other damaging activities. A good investiI have a new respect for those who are fighting to protect the ocean against illegal fishing, pollutants and other damaging activities. A good investigative piece, really makes you think....more
Whatever. Well researched, but it's hard for me to like Janis. She had so much talent and threw it all away. Stupid woman. So, a good book but a disagWhatever. Well researched, but it's hard for me to like Janis. She had so much talent and threw it all away. Stupid woman. So, a good book but a disagreeable character....more
Got this on clearance at B&N. I like it because all the recipes are simple to make, and the book covers everything from breakfast to dinner, to desserGot this on clearance at B&N. I like it because all the recipes are simple to make, and the book covers everything from breakfast to dinner, to dessert and snacks. I use my IP a lot and now, it'll get almost daily use....more
I seldom give 5 stars but this book really rates it. Instead of the usual recipes (chicken wings, cornbread, whatever), this one offers a wide varietyI seldom give 5 stars but this book really rates it. Instead of the usual recipes (chicken wings, cornbread, whatever), this one offers a wide variety of dishes, including Chinese, Indian and Japanese in addition to some of the usual staples of cast iron cooking. There are also historical references and descriptions of current manufacturers. Tons of beautiful photographs and multiple ribbons, so you can mark several recipes you want to try. Good luck picking your first one, I want to make almost all of them! This book is obviously a labor of love and I am proud to add it to my collection. I live in a small house with a small kitchen so I am picky. This one earns a top spot in my kitchen....more
A thorough look at the lives, loves and art of the women who helped shape modern art. Clearly the author did thorough research and is passionate aboutA thorough look at the lives, loves and art of the women who helped shape modern art. Clearly the author did thorough research and is passionate about the subject of women in art. However, the book is 944 pages and honestly, would be more accessible if it were shorter. Some subjects are covered repeatedly e.g. these artists were dirt poor, since art meant more to them than money. Or, women artists were viewed differently by the public depending on what times they lived in (pre or post WWII) and so on. This made the book almost too thorough.
If you are REALLY interested in the subject, this book is a good one. But if you don't want to wade through 944 pages, try something less thorough....more
This book is a collection of fine art prints of America. There are no portraits, but lots of images of barns, plains, lakes, rivers, mountains. The imThis book is a collection of fine art prints of America. There are no portraits, but lots of images of barns, plains, lakes, rivers, mountains. The images are heavily post-processed, some resemble old photos of the late 1800s, and some are vignetted or colorized in a way that makes them look soft and idealized.
The author's foreword contains a dire message about preserving American's heritage. While I acknowledge the importance of what he's saying, I want to look at the pictures, not worry about lost rural lands. There is no technical information provided which is frustrating. I would have like to have known if he used film or digital, what post-processing was involved and what cameras were used. Some artists refuse to provide such information, claiming it takes away from the images. Perhaps Spencer is such an artist.
Many of the images are absolutely breathtaking but some are so post-processed you can't get past it and are actually a distraction.
So, three stars. Many beautiful images but more technical data and less lecturing would have been appreciated....more
Great guide to pulp and horror fiction of the 70's and 80's. If you remember those cheap paperbacks and loved them, grab this book and settle in for aGreat guide to pulp and horror fiction of the 70's and 80's. If you remember those cheap paperbacks and loved them, grab this book and settle in for a fantastic and humorous trip down memory lane....more