I saw Brian Gage speak at an author panel in Santa Monica, and thought he was an interesting character. A couple months later, I broke down and bought Snark, Inc.

It's now officially one of my favorite books. It takes the guise of a kids book, only to then turn the entire format on its head and deliver the reader a completely unexpected message. It's funny, dark, and painfully true. It's a very well thought out commentary on modern society - right down to its appearance of a kids book. I recommend it highly. Check out the Web site too! It's hilarious.

I agree with the reviews below. Snark Inc. is a great book and does a fantastic job of poking fun of Corporate America. The verse is really charming and the pictures are great.

I do have to disagree with the reviewer from Germany. Snark Inc. is a great book, but it's no masterpiece. Lolita is a masterpiece, For Whom the Bell Tolls is a masterpiece. Snark Inc is just a fun book with a sharp slant on consumerism.

Dark and forboding, Snark Inc. is a brilliant satire on corporate America. Disguised as a children's book, Snark seduces you into it's world before you are aware that what you are reading is a sharp, dead-on attack at many of the misguided values we collectively share. Brian Gage's words are clever and powerful. Tom Ellsworth's illustrations are thoughtful. His depiction of the 'boss' as a snake-like dollar sign is simply brilliant. I highly recommend this book and eagerly await future work from these two artists.

This book is very informative. It touches upon all aspects of survival in the woods. Starting with basics of shelter and the finer details including furniture and tools.

There are many diagrams with patterns and measurements to follow which are easy to duplicate. The techniques in this book would be excellent in teaching a survival class to youth or adults.

There are also many nature craft ideas coming from the Native American background. These ideas would do well in a cultural art class.

I have had the chance to see this book in a previous print which was very old. The newer version is quite like the old one and proves to be just as good.

This is the first book I took out of a library c.1952. It is still pivitol in the way I think and do things. Jaeger is most entertaining and inspiring. His illustrations are magic. This is the ultimate book on making things for the right reasons.

I think this book is a must have for anyone interested in the great out doors. For people who enjoy minimalist camping, this book has great ideas. The illustrations and directions for making stuff are easy to follow.

I first discovered Bill's work in 1997 through his online gallery. I was amazed by the incredible detail in his textures and his different way of using the Bryce 3D software. Bill was, and is, truly inspiring to me in my pursuit of sucess in digital graphics. This book is yet another example of his incredible body of work, both 'analog' and digital.

A truly awesome visual journey.

Bill Ellsworth is leading the way in creating digital art that is truly Art with a capital "A".If you want to see the work of a master in a new medium, get this book.

I want to personally thank Mr.Ellsworth for sharing this fascinating and beautiful book with me 9/11/99 at Orion sound studios. His unique vision can be compared, to a certain degree, with German expressionist Paul Klee (given the information and impressions dictated by my own interperatave apparatus) had he had access to the contempory medium of computer-assisted art. Hopefully by this epoch, the public as well as the art cogescenti-intelligentsia (the latter of which I must emphasise I myself have no pretence of being included) have accepted graphic works as part of the mainstream of ever-evolving Fine art.

Hurray. This book is wonderful. It's inventive and original. Why haven't I heard of this Valorie Fisher before? I see she has two other books? How does she do it? I wish they made postcards of these great photographs, they are so cool and intricately designed. I'd send them to everybody I know. My kids looked at the pages for the longest time--which is a miracle. I am going to buy Fisher's My Big Brother and My Big Sister right now.

As a father, it's difficult for me to find kids books that I like to read with my kids. This book will appeal to everyone and it was very special for me.

This is an absolute gem of a book, one of the most delightful and imaginative I've seen in a long time. I can't imagine a child who wouldn't love it, or an adult for that matter. My only problem is, I wish I'd thought to create it myself, being a closet wannabe children's book illustrator myself. Valorie Fisher sounds like someone I'd love to have for a friend, but will happily settle for just owning her book. Bravo!

I'm in tenth grade and am using this book in my English class. Take it from me, a girl who has lived through many a boring and completely useless grammar book, that this book is gold. Not only does it explain grammar and mechanics in a simple (hence the title) way, but it actually is interesting (well, as far as grammar goes...). It appeals to the average reader because it uses modern examples, not the junk from the fifties ("Julie helped her mother in the kitchen while Dan helped his father with the car"). For example, on the first "grammar" day, all of my fellow classmates were astounded that it mentioned "Shakespeare In Love" (the movie).

The book is also very well organized and it is easy to find what you are looking for. There is a good index in the back and a "Quick Locator Chart" on the back cover. Each section is easy to understand with useful charts and examples. And the book is very thin, so for all of us who are suffering from horrible backs due to our heavy backpacks, this book is a gift from heaven.

I urge all teachers to use this book in class, and students who need extra help with grammar of mechanics. Some of my friends from other schools actually use this book so that they can understand the grammar they are leaning from their grammar books.

This book is my bible. It's concise, easy to understand, yet absolutely complete. For the natural-born editors and the ESL students alike. No other book simplifies English better.

On the recommendation of one of my college instructors, I have used this reference since its fifth edition (1985). Aside from the rather bland cover, I can't imagine how this valuable resource could have been improved. It is well structured, simple to use, and straight to the point! So, if you have come this far, I strongly urge you to purchase this booklet. You can't go wrong! Hell, if you don't like it, give it away as a gift.

It was great. I loved this book and I think everyone should read it.

The Shrouding Woman does a beautiful job of depicting a child's internal conflict when an unwanted strong adult turns up in her life. Evie resists her Aunt Flo at every turn, but Flo, the shrouding woman, is consistent, fair and solid. Ellsworth gets to the heart of a kid's struggle to reach out and accept what is good in her life--even if it isn't what she originally wanted. This is a good read, with a backdrop of lovely detail about life on the prairie, and some great interesting stuff about "laying out the dead."

This book takes place in the same time frame as the Little House Books...but delves into a topic never touched before...well written, this book will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Touching our heart with a young girls' attempt to deal with the death of her mother this book is a very timely piece...I found both girls and boys enjoyed this book and gave them the opportunity to address this difficult subject. This book will be a classic in years to come.

I got my first copy of this book in college, and ordered the 8th edition some time ago. It is ESSENTIAL reference material for anyone who wants to write CORRECTLY and USE the English language correctly. Your writing will improve, and a great side effect is that everyone will think you are incredibly smart! Get and USE this book! Those of us who cringe at the continuous abuse of the English language will thank you!

I am a technical writer with a Bachelors degree in English. I picked up this book in college, and I still use it to this day. Many grammars are lengthy and exhaustive, but this book's light weight and logical break-down of grammar make it the ultimate reference. Whether you are a struggling student, or a professional writer, you need this reference on your bookshelf.

A workbook is also available, which follows this reference to the letter.

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Perhaps the most complicated and convoluted set of regulations is those concerning hazardous waste, its handling, disposal, and response to its release. Of course it can be considered that the Federal Government did err by calling process by-products hazardous waste instead of following its performance-based philosophy as demonstrated in the OSHA regulations. Regulatory compliance could have been so much simpler if the definition employed was - this by- product has the potential of being hazardous if miss handled, such miss handling entails the following. Alas, this is not the case and we are burdened with a set of regulations that can turn youth aged overnight.

There is hope however, and a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel can be seen. Coming like Dumas' Three Musketeers of old, galloping into the fray and seeking to make order out of chaos come the Hackmans with their Hazardous Waste Operations & Emergency Response Manual and Desk Reference. Since receiving this volume, it has become a ready and useful reference. It provides 16 chapters along with a CD-ROM of essential compliance information. A true compendium of valuable and useful data, guidance, and analyses.

For example, consider Section 2. Hazardous Waste Defined: Contained therein are the following major topics: The OSHA Definition, EPA Definitions, The DOT Definition and Training Aids and Resources. These are then further broken down into sub topics. Such organization, scope and thoroughness provide a valuable tool when evaluating a particular situation or compliance methodology. Other sections cover such topics as Material Hazards, Chemical Incompatibility, Toxicology, and Sampling and Monitoring to name a few. The most substantial section is entitled Superfund Sites and Brownfields: Site Investigation, Control and Remediation. This alone is broken into 22 subsections, each of which is further subdivided.

Perhaps one of the best technical writers of the last century was Samuel Glasstone. His volumes on Chemistry and Nuclear Engineering were very easy to read, understand, and use. This is because he endeavored to number every new topic so that easy reference could be made. This also provided logic to the subject matter, which assisted in the flow of the information that was providing. The Hackmans have effectively employed this numbering technique, and by doing so have provided not only simple logic and understanding to complex subject matter, but have also provided easy access to the information provided in the text.

The text is enhanced by a Glossary of 91 pages plus a 12-page list of Acronyms. Both of these reference aids are important and necessary because of the complexity of the subject matter and that Federal Regulations breed and feed on acronyms and convoluted terminology. It is almost impossible to maintain understanding and awareness of all of them. In fact, the extensive glossary is a welcome adjunct because of the myriad of technical terms and regulatory definitions a fractioned needs to employ and understand. For example, in this glossary, the term hazardous substance is defined by 7 specific requirements; CERCLA, Federal Water Pollution Control Act, Section 112r of the Clean Air Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, DOT, Solid Waste Disposal Act and OSHA. This depth and breadth is valuable because it enables a comprehensive evaluation of a particular situation and assists in eliminating or at least minimizing the chance of an omission error.

It must be remembered that many practitioners are experts in a particular technical or regulatory area. As such, they need a tool that assists them in understanding and in becoming aware of requirements outside of their area of expertise. The provision of comprehensive definitions and information helps to foster such a broad perspective.

In addition to the book a special CD is provided as an additional resource. According to the authors this CD serves three purposes: It provides downloadable and printable resources for trainers - these include a sample HAZWOPER Worker exam, It provides a selection of NIOSH Databases which includes the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods and the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, and lastly it provides 18 appendices to the text - these appendices include Limits for Air Contaminants ("Z Lists") 29CFR1910.1000 and the OSHA HAZWOPER Standard, 29CFR 1910.120. Just the contents of the CD is worth the purchase price of the text. All in all, according to the contents, the CD covers 33 separate topics.

When dealing with the complex issues that practitioners face every day, the information contained in the CD forms a comprehensive foundation of knowledge, data and information. This is presented in a concise and easily usable format. Also, instead of creating a second volume, the authors wisely chose this option of the CD to compliment the text, thereby producing one volume packed with essential information and resources.

One of the major frustrations a practitioner faces is that it is usually necessary to consult various references in order to address a particular situation. When a volume comes along that provides an encyclopedia of useful and necessary information, it does simplify many other time-consuming information search tasks. The profession has benefited from this work because it provides that simplification. The authors have brought together information from diverse sources into one volume. One volume, that has already proved its value to my practice.

The only shortcoming is that the use of color, especially in the signs and placarding examples would have been useful and would have assisted in making its reference value even greater. Seeing these items in the colors specified by the regulations would have enhanced the understanding of their meaning and employment. Perhaps just a color insert or inside cover display would have served this need adequately.

This volume has become a useful and welcomed addition to my reference library, and well worth the modest price.

We own an environmental contracting company and we are responsible for training our employees. This is the best book that we have seen to date. It is simple to read and easy to use. One of our services is hazardous material training for our client base. We are planning to use this book in the training classes. We enjoy how the book is laid out and how one subject rolls into the next. The subject matter is right on track for our industry. It is about time a book like this was printed. We are planning to generate revenue from the sale of this book and the upcoming classes that we are developing.

I am Louisa Barnes Pratt's great-great-great-great granddaughter and my mother gave me this book to read a while ago. It is not only inspirational but it is a fascinating description of LDS History.

This book follows a strong woman through a fascinating life filled with trials, tribulations, joys and surprises. It gives a view into the pioneer life from a, most of the time, single mother's perspective. Louisa Barnes Pratt is a testament to her faith in God and her will to follow her convictions and beliefs at any cost. I would recommend this book to anybody interested in history and women's issues!

By labeling this book as merely juvenile fiction, you have committed an error. Yes, this book could be enjoyed by a fifth grader, but its enormous wealth of details, its presentation of sophisticated concepts, and its intricate descriptions of such events as religious ceremonies, put this book within the adult reading level. There are even Lenape words sprinkled throughout the book and a tiny Lenape/English phrase dictionary at the back of the book. This novel is a fictional account of an English boy's rescue from drowning by a Lenape family. It details his life and the lives of those around him as he learns about and adapts to the ways of the Lenape people. He is eventually adopted into the family of his best friend. Along the way the reader is guided into every facet of Lenape life, down to the tiniest detail as to how leather was tanned and crops were grown, to the grandest concepts involving myth, legend, and the Sacred. This is not only a story about the Lenape people in particular, it is an excellent source of information for anyone wishing to know how the human race flourished before the advance of technology. Note: This review is based on the 1966 copyright version of the book by M.R. Harrington with an introduction by Mary V. Gaver.

Excellent book, drawings, dictionary. Reading level 3rd to 5th grade. (Not preschool - 1st)!