Amazon.com
That tireless verbivore Richard Lederer is at it again, this time providing, in cahoots with coauthor Richard Dowis, a quick-and-dirty grammar guide. In a time when Sing and Snore Ernie says, "It feels good to lay down," and Columbia University professor Edward Shapiro employs a whom where who is called for (in his book Shakespeare and the Jews), we are clearly in need of Lederer and Dowis to set us straight. In Sleeping Dogs Don't Lay, the authors steer us away from problematic words and phrases (such as Aren't I); remind us of definitions we may have, er, confused (of, say, flotsam and jetsam, podium and lectern, prone and supine); and teach us to use comprise correctly.
But Lederer and Dowis are hardly anachronous sticklers. Their section on grammatical myths advocates the judicious splitting of an infinitive, using a preposition "to end a sentence with," and even, sometimes, embracing clichés. "Different from" is almost always right, they say, but "if your ear tells you otherwise, choose different than." Their "rule" concerning comma use states that "If the addition or omission of a comma makes the meaning clearer, add it or remove it even if doing so seems to violate some other rule." How refreshing it is to encounter grammarians who do not live in a vacuum, who know that "connotations are often more important than definitions, and that the true meaning of a word or phrase is the effect it has on readers." --Jane Steinberg
Book Description
For years Richard Lederer has entertained fans of the English language with his keen insights, common-sense advice, and witty patter. Now Lederer and Richard Dowis take readers on another journey through our most "wiggy" of languages. How many times have we all heard the word "viable" used in company meetings? The authors show us how "viable" was at one time extracted from medical books, where it is literally defined as "capable of living," and placed into our consumer marketplace. Then there is the confusion between "lay" and "lie," which the authors clear up once and for all. These and dozens of delightful examples make this book pure pleasure for language buffs, writers, and teachers.AUTHORBIO: Richard Lederer is the author of a shelf of books on language and grammar, including, most recently, THE BRIDE OF ANGUISHED ENGLISH.He co-hosts a weekly show on NPR in San Diego, and speaks throughout the country.He lives in San Diego, California. Richard Dowis is president of the Society for the Preservation of English Language and Literature.He is author of THE LOST ART OF THE GREAT SPEECH and, with Richard Lederer, the co-author of THE WRITE WAY.He lives in Waleska, Georgia.
Customer Reviews:
Required Reading for All of Us.......2004-09-12
"Our children need to 'score' better in math and science." Whenever I hear this plaintive mantra so common in both Canada and the U.S.A. nowadays, I want to retort with a primal scream: LET THEM BECOME LITERATE FIRST! This excellent reference book belongs in every student's backpack, in every home, in every office. (In a perfect world, every English teacher would be required to memorize it.)
Entertaining Language Guide.......2004-08-06
This book contains many useful and entertaining snippets of English language usage (none of which are used in this review). The topics range from busting language myths to clearing up common word misuses. Personally, I found the Ten Minute Writing Lesson to be the most helpful chapter (again, none of the tips are employed here).
Overall, it is an entertaining way to beef-up your writting.
entertainingly innacurate.......2003-08-19
The book is entertaining, and as long as you already know the correct use of the English language, you might enjoy the read. The author presents us with a self assured "I am right, and PLBPLBLB on those who may disagree..." type of attitude, which would be OK if only the author was correct. But the book is full of errors and opinions, along with correct and accurate information. So, if you can sort it out yourself, you're all set. Otherwise, I'd find some more qualified authors work to base my education on.
Not just for the grammatically challenged.......2003-01-09
This is an instructional book with a sense of humor. Rather than be lulled to sleep with rules, this book wittily explains some of the finer points of writing.
Tips abound in this volume of insight into the world of grammar. A fair part of this book is focused on commonly confused words. Knowing the difference in the words will help any writer overcome the false confidence that spell-check and grammar-check give. This book is not just about grammar. The authors included a section on improving spelling and a section on improving writing in general. Each is explained well and has examples.
Another feature of this book worth mentioning is the quizzes given. The answers are in the back, which allows the readers to test their knowledge.
Although the wording is easy to follow, beginners may not get the most out of this book unless they are already familiar with the parts of speech. As a reference for those wanting to upgrade their writing, this fits the bill. I would recommend it.
strange book.......2002-03-05
This is not really a book about grammar; for example, if you misuse the word "literally" or "penultimate" because who don't know what it means, well, bob's your uncle, but you are not struggling with grammar. The book has a lot of examples like these, but doesn't address many of the really difficult grammatical mistakes that I make and that I hear.
I am extremely surprised, for example, that the author does not mention the use of "Fred and I" when "Fred and me" should be used, in for example "Jane played golf with Fred and me". Strangely, the author does mention the use of "myself" in place of "me" (thus, "Jane played golf with Fred and myself") but seems to think people say "myself" because they feel it pretentious to say "me". I believe they say "myself" because they are not sure if "me" or "I" is correct. Maybe it's just I, but me hear people say "with Fred and I" all the time now, and it's driving I crazy, believe you myself.
Average customer rating:
- Very good dog book!
- Good intro, but not much detail
- WARNING!!!!!! Dangerous info
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Essential Dog Book (Practical Handbook)
Peter Larkin
Manufacturer: Lorenz Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Dogs
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0754807533 |
Customer Reviews:
Very good dog book!.......2005-11-05
This book is the second most used book in our house, next to our king james bible. We just love to study dogs and the many breeds. It is very basic for the beginner of the dog world and has good pictures and a brief descriptions for those of us who want a challenge. Yeah, the descriptions could go into a little more detail, but I have read about ten other "dog breed" books and they are ALL very small in the descriptions. this is a very good reference book for dog breeds and the basic care of a pet.
Good intro, but not much detail.......2004-04-07
This book is a good introduction for people who don't know which kind of dog they want, and would like to peruse a book with pretty pictures.
The pictures are excellent. But unfortunately it comes at the expense of the text. Each dog's listing is very brief (a few short paragraphs each) and it leaves you wanting more.
Also worthy of note: this book is geared towards a reader in the United Kingdom. Weights and measures are listed in metric units first, with U.S. units (whatever they're called) in parentheses. This also means that when a name for a breed is different between the two countries, the authors go with the European name.
So I would say don't buy this book if you're looking for lots of detail on each breed, but DO buy it if you love pretty pictures.
(I did not weigh the review about the chocolate in this review.)
WARNING!!!!!! Dangerous info.......2003-09-03
This book has a very dangerous statement in it. On page 31 of the hard back in "Food Requirements" under a picture it has the following statement. "Very nearly every dog loves chocolate." Nothing else. What it doesn't say and what my vet just confirmed is that chocolate is poisones to dogs and cats. It can give them diabetes. Although I like much of the rest of the book I cannot recomend any book with such misleading and dangerous information.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful.......2002-06-07
A tremendous guide and one which has worked wonders in re-establishing my dog's sense of self-worth after the reaming he recently took. I think the jazzy new look is definitely "him" and my heartfelt thanks go to Ruiz.
Average customer rating:
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Complete Guide to Dog Care (Practical Handbook Series)
Peter Larkin , and
Dr. Peter Larkin
Manufacturer: Lorenz Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
Care & Health
| Dogs
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Dogs
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0754800318 |
Book Description
The dog has been man's best friend at work and at play for thousands or years. No animal lover can fail to admire this versatile and endearing creature, combining as it does strength, personality, intelligence and a willing nature. The Complete Guide to Dog Care is an indispensable, Comprehensive, and highly practical guide for all dog owners. It details all aspects of dog care with advice on bedding types and equipment, safety at home, feeding, and grooming, as well as a more specialized sections on breeding, training a dog, health care, and basic first aid. The informative test is complemented with step-by-step photographs for a useful and thorough reference.
Book Description
Owners and prospective owners of virtually every breed of dog will find advice on the care of their pet, as well as photo-illustrated short profiles of more than 60 of the most popular breeds, from Afghan to Yorkshire Terrier. Readers will also find a wealth of charts and tables on a variety of canine topics, including which breeds make the best companions for owners of various age groups and life styles. Attractive, candid color photos show dogs at play, at rest, and interacting with their human companions. Eye-catching sidebars offer fast-read tips on everything from training and grooming to nutritious feeding and health care. This book features hundreds of color photos, handy checklists for dog owners, a quick-reference glossary of canine-related terms, and an extensive index.
Average customer rating:
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Never Trust a Calm Dog: And Other Rules of Thumb
Tom Parker
Manufacturer: Harpercollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Cats, Dogs & Animals
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Self-Help & Psychology
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Self-Help
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Encyclopedias
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Humor
| Encyclopedias
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Curiosities & Wonders
| Fun Facts
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
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Rules of Thumb 2 (Rules of Thumb)
ASIN: 0060965207 |
Book Description
Create a signature look with stamped images you carve yourself!
Can't find that perfect stamp for a special project? Carve it yourself! Art Stamping Workshop introduces you to the world of carving and printing soft blocks to create great gifts, home décor items and personal apparel—all with a look uniquely yours.
Detailed instructions on carving tools and techniques get you started. Then learn to create 20 projects on paper, fabric and alternative surfaces, such as wood and polymer clay. Additional features include:
• Friendly step-by-step instruction for every project to get you stamping quickly
• Patterns for stamp designs used in the projects
• Lots of variation ideas for personally adapting the projects
• An inspirational gallery with works from 28 artists to motivate you to take stamping to the next level
• Tips for developing your own logo and artistic identity
Carving your own stamps gives you the freedom to use any image at any size and sets your work apart from the crowd. Discover the satisfaction that comes from printing your own images and start carving your stamps today!
Customer Reviews:
art stamping workshop.......2007-09-02
This book is my new stamp carving bible! The projects are inspiring and there are no hard to find tools required. Thanks to the detailed instructions carving a stamp from an eraser is easier than carving a pumpkin. A great book.
Takes practice.......2007-01-03
It's a neat book.But I need to work at doing more stamps more often.
A Stamping & Carving "Must Have"!.......2006-11-27
If you need some inspiration, I strongly advise reading this book. Before reading the book, I didn't understand and was very intimdated about carving. After reading Art Stamping Workshop, I am now carving and printmaking!! I also teach this form of art in various schools and art stores.
One of the reasons I advise my students and online members to read this book, is because it is both teachable and progressive. It is an excellent book to study for classes, workshops, and personal study. With each technique, Gloria Page teaches in a way that you are bound to understand, and you are not left in the dark or in confusion in any way.
In an online group that I host -Artists of the Round Table- we read this book from cover to cover, and tried each of the projects. "ALL" of the member LOVED it.....adults, as well as the children!!! Gloria Page was kind enough to make herself available during the workshop to answer any questions, and to give advise and commendation. What an "encouragement" this was to the members studying her book!
Loving author.....AWESOME book. A perfect combination!
Sincerely,
~Jacqueline F. Graham
President, Artists of the Round Table
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ArtistsOfTheRoundTable/
THE book for stamp carving!.......2006-06-27
If you are interested in learning how to carve your own art rubber stamps then you need this book as well as The Weekend Crafter:Rubber stamp carving.
Both books provide clear cut instructions on how to carve your own stamps to make artistic and fun stamps that are one of a kind. But this book is much better of the two and I'd suggest this one if you can only buy one book on the subject of stamp carving.
The projects in this book are lovely, artistic and not cutesy or cookie cutter similar to everything out there. You will easily be able to begin carving right away with this book alone. Well worth the 15 bucks here on Amazon! I recommend it.
5 stars!
Thank you, Gloria Page!.......2006-06-20
I have always wanted to make my own art stamps but never knew how or where to begin. Thanks to Art Stamping Workshop, all of my questions have been answered! After reading this fabulous book, I was able to create a stamp from items I had around the house. Gloria's instructions are easy to follow and the photos clearly show how each step is supposed to look as you go along. Gloria Page makes stamp carving easy and FUN! The variety of projects in this book are different from anything I have seen in other stamping books and are easily adaptable to any style.
Book Description
Because finding the right plant for a shady situation can be a challenge, 100 Favorite Plants for Shade highlights the easiest and most dependable shade-tolerant plants, taking the uncertainty out of purchasing decisions. A brief introduction outlines shade gardening basics, from assessing your shade to improving your soil. One hundred entries—each with a color photograph—provide such critical information as bloom time (if the plant is a flowering variety), cultural conditions, habit, and eventual size, as well as a description that details landscape uses, recommends cultivars, and explains any special requirements. Whether you want a woodland garden dotted with flowers or a few select plants to grow beneath a shade tree, you'll find the right candidate in this beautiful volume.
Average customer rating:
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Favorite Shade Plants (The Canadian Garden Collection)
Marjorie Harris
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Flowers
| Gardening & Horticulture
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Gardening & Horticulture
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
Shade
| Gardening & Horticulture
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0006380409 |
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful!, Overview of 50 plants, great tips & ideas.......2000-01-03
This is a marvelous book of information and ideas for exciting garden projects suited to shady areas. From formal to city and container gardens, there are possibilities here to fit any application.
Site evaluation and selection of suitable plants are covered first. Then there are some great tips on soil preparation, planting and care of the plants. You learn how to use a lath house or tunnel house to shelter young plants.
The design section presents a number of specialized thematic ideas including wildlife, woodland and water gardens. Photographs of many beautiful examples bring these ideas to life.
There is a selection of 50 distinctive plants that thrive in shade profiled in detail and beautifully photographed. Characteristics and uses of each plant are described. Overall there is a wealth of useful information here.
Book Description
Take the frustration out of toilet teaching with the first comprehensive guide based on understanding your child's needs first. Sensible and sensitive, this new, easy-to-use book will turn toilet teaching into a natural, growing experience, as you learn: How to instill reassuring daily routines; how to ease the transition from diapers to underpants; how to reinforce success--and alleviate stress, and much more.
Customer Reviews:
Very helpful.......2002-05-11
This book was very helpful, and priced at a much lower rate than other books with less information. It will give all parents - especially the frustrated parents - enough information to put their mind at ease. The main thing for a parent to remember is that their child will not become potty trained until they are ready... however, this guide will give you the information to know when they are ready, to talk to them without discouraging them, and what you can do to get them ready.
A great holiday gift for Grandmothers!.......2001-11-15
A good summary of modern American thoughts on toilet learning: basically, relax! As things have changed drastically since we were in diapers, this is a good way to bring older relatives up to date--and to verify the advice they give you! One thing to beware of though: the cover photo (girl sitting her teddy on the toilet) may lead to imitations in your house....
Highly recommended.......2000-04-12
This is a wonderfully practical book. I plan buying it for my friends when their children turn two. I purchased 2 other books regarding toilet training, and I have 4-5 bookmarks in this one while the others are back on the shelf. This is an excellent book to read before your child is ready as it outlines the preparation phase to toilet training very well.
Great Book.......2000-02-11
This book has completely calmed my nerves regarding potty training. I bought two other potty training books and while they were good this book was the most straightforward, practical, and easy to read of the three. The book discusses, among other topics, when your toddler is ready, how to prepare your toddler, and then step by step instructions to accomplish toilet learning. The chapter on preparing your toddler is great. It provides a lot of examples and continually reiterates that every child is different.
Product Description
This is a 4-book collection by Ballintine Publishing.
Product Description
Four books in a slip case.
Books:
- Starting right with tropical fish
- Starting Your Marine Aquarium
- Step-By-Step Book About Chinchillas (Step By Step)
- Teddy Bear All-Occasion Postcards: 24 Full-Color Ready-to-Mail Cards (Card Books)
- The Quotable Cat Lover
- The American Mixed Border
- The Animals of Grandfather Mountain
- The Bat House Builder's Handbook, Completely Revised and Updated
- The Bears of Alaska in Life and Legend
- The Blessing of the Animals: True Stories of Ginny, the Dog Who Rescues Cats
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Complete Mage: A Player's Guide to All Things Arcane
- Billmeyer and Saltzman's Principles of Color Technology, 3rd Edition
- April Shadows
- Botanical Illustration Course: With the Eden Project
- Complete Puzzle World: Puzzle Island/Puzzle Town/Puzzle Farm/Puzzle Castle/Puzzle Planet/Puzzle Moun
- Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook
- Realist Vision
- An Illustrated Dictionary of Jewelry
- Lost Ark: New and Rediscovered Animals of the Twentieth Century
Comma Sense: A Fun-damental Guide to Punctuation
Anguished English: An Anthology of Accidental Assaults Upon Our Language
The Write Way: The S.P.E.L.L. Guide to Real-Life Writing (Society for the Preservation of English Language and Literature)
The Bride of Anguished English: A Bonanza of Bloopers, Blunders, Botches, and Boo-Boos
The Play of Words
