Chore Wars: How Households Can Share the Work & Keep the Peace

Amazon.com

To me, it seems fitting that this book should have been written by a man, one who admitted his oblivious-ness to the work involved in running a household until his wife was eight months pregnant and bedridden! The book shows how to analyze the amount of work needed to run the home and who's doing what (which for the huge majority of households will be quite an eye-opener, especially for those guys who think they are doing their share 50/50). This is not just a married couples' guide, either. It covers children, extended families, and roommate situations (I just happen to know a roommate who will be getting a high-lighted copy of this book as soon as I'm finished with it ...). Funny stories, lots of helpful ways to resolve conflicts, and even practical, basic cleaning advice make this a book that should be in every household.

Customer Reviews:

Pretty helpful...didn't cover all syles of family life.......1999-08-15

I thought this book was interesting and in fact became the topic of a dicussion group. The only issue it didn't address, that our group was looking for, was how stay-at-home moms can avoid the battles. It really comes from a basis of 2 working parents. But the quiz is a good communication opener.

What a relief!--my wife and I are not alone!.......1998-03-18

This is a wonderful book! It's funny and insightful, with loads of great advice, such as playing romping Rossini tunes whenever one cleans house! But truly the most valuable part for my wife and me was reading the testimonials of other couples and how they struggle with their differing cleaning styles. It made us laugh in recognition of ourselves, and feel more relaxed about a very touchy issue! Kudos to Thornton!

This book could save more marriages than Masters & Johnson!.......1997-05-01

What's the one topic that causes more domestic strife than any other? Money? Sex? Politics? In-laws? Nope. In terms of sheer, strength-sapping, soul-numbing volume, it's household chores -- no contest. Chore wars -- arguments over who's going to do what, and when, and how thoroughly, and with what sort of an attitude -- probably cause more bickering, resentment, and outright pain than all other cohabitational hassles put together.

At any rate, that's the well-demonstrated thesis of James Thornton's "Chore Wars," one of the most truly *useful* books I've come across in a long time. It's thoroughly researched and very entertainingly written (sample question from a self-assessment quiz: "Would you rather have okay sex in a clean house, or great sex in a messy house?"). However, what sets it apart from other books in its genre is a quality that might best be called "confessional." Mr. Thornton clearly has been through the chore wars. We gather that he is a former stereotypical male: a sock dropper, a beer-can strewer, a bathtub-scum ignorer, a veritable rancher of dust bunnies. Circumstances (his wife's problem pregnancy) forced him to change his Cro-Magnon ways, and he not only lived to tell about it, he found that he was much, much happier as a full participant in the running of his household. It's positively inspirational.

"Chore Wars" urges couples to focus not on blame, but on practical, one-step-at-a-time solutions. It also contains revealing profiles of real-life couples discussing their personal attitudes toward and experiences with chore wars -- including one glimpse of a "garbage house" that is absolutely chilling.

As someone who almost never reads books in the so-called Self Help category, I was doubly impressed with "Chore Wars." It's a bona fide page-turner with therapeutic value -- a very rare feat indeed.

Book Description

America's origins are inextricably linked to warfare. In Struggle for a Continent, John Ferling tells the complex story of conquest and survival not only in the encounters between European settlers and the native peoples of North America, but also the North American wars among the great powers of Europe to win hegemony in America. While Professor Ferling's unflinching narrative recounts the heroism, anguish, valor, terror, treachery, and barbarism of early American warfare, it also carefully addresses such questions as the difference between the nature of warfare in America and that in Europe; who in the colonies soldiered in these wars; the changing role of the militia; and how warfare affected civilians. The author assesses the capabilities of America's amateur soldiers and Europe's professionals and examines the nature of Indian warfare. Finally Professor Ferling links the warfare of the colonial era to the American Revolution itself.

Customer Reviews:

Touching.......2002-04-22

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is very emotional and heartfelt. Each interview opened my eyes to the daily life and status of slaves. I found this book very insightful and recommend anyone who has the least bit of interest in history.

Average customer rating:

Historical fiction with plenty of soul

A young man seeks his roots; discovers the small is ever swallowed by the big

powerful character study

Bird of Another Heaven
James D. Houston
Manufacturer: Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life

Alice Waters and Chez Panisse: The Romantic, Impractical, Often Eccentric, Ultimately Brilliant Making of a Food Revolution

ASIN: 140004202X
Release Date: 2007-03-20

Book Description

From the author of Snow Mountain Passage, a saga of the Donner Party, comes a deeply engaging new novel, set in both our time and the late nineteenth century. It centers on a California woman, half Indian, half Hawaiian, who became consort and confidante to the last king of Hawaii.

The story is told by her great-grandson, Sheridan Brody, a Bay Area talk show host, whose life has reached an unexpected standstill. He can’t quite commit—he doesn’t know why—to his Japanese-American girlfriend and her five-year-old son. A corporate merger may soon threaten his job. But when he receives an on-air call from a woman claiming to be his grandmother, Sheridan feels compelled to uncover all he can about this previously unknown branch of his family, embarking on a quest that will change how he sees his future and his past.

What he finds, through the journals of his great-grandmother, Nani Keala (aka Nancy Callahan), and through his own investigations, is an almost mythic tale: how Nani, a shy girl from a remote Indian village, learns English at a local white rancher’s school and meets the Hawaiian king, David Kalakaua, on his grand progress by train across the United States in 1881, and returns with him to Honolulu. There, as his young ally and protégée, ever more assured and charming, she plays an integral role in his attempt to revive the monarchy and spirit of his people and, eventually, witnesses the mysterious circumstances surrounding his downfall.

Bird of Another Heaven is rich in historical scene and character, based in part on actual events. Nani’s life unfolds against the backdrop of the opening of northern California and America’s rising ambitions in Asia and the Pacific during the 1800s. It is also a story of emotional intensity and compassion, equally compelling for Sheridan’s contemporary journey of self-discovery and the beautifully imagined journey of Nani, a woman of extraordinary power and appeal.

Customer Reviews:

Historical fiction with plenty of soul.......2007-07-13

It's a captivating story, but even more rewarding to the reader is the exploration of values of the major characters.

A young man seeks his roots; discovers the small is ever swallowed by the big.......2007-05-05

Moving between his narrator's view in 1980s San Francisco and the narrator's great-grandmother's story a century earlier, Houston reels out a soulful tale of ruthless conquest and dying cultures in the context of a young man's search for roots and meaning.

Alternative-radio talk show host Sheridan Brody never knew his biological father. Sheridan Wadell died in the Korean War and his son was brought up by as good a stepfather as a boy could ask for. But when a woman claiming to be Sheridan's grandmother, Rosa Wadell, calls in to his radio show, he can't help but be intrigued.

In addition to pictures and stories of his dead father, Rosa has stacks of notebooks belonging to her mother, Nani Keala, a half Indian, half Hawaiian woman who was a friend and lover to the last king of Hawaii, David Kalakaua. She was a witness to the last days of her mother's tribal culture and her father's Hawaiian nation. She was with Kalakaua when he died in San Francisco and was always suspicious of the circumstances.

Nani was born in one of California's last Indian villages. The place slowly disappeared as elders died and young people moved off to find work and when Nani's parents died she was sent to a rancheria where Indian ways were preserved on a white man's estate.

There Nani lives a dutiful life, helping out in the Mistress' school, agreeing to marry a man she doesn't love. But then a Hawaiian kinsman comes to fetch her to see their king when he visits Sacramento. Her notebook entries are brief, stilted, even shy, but Sheridan fleshes them out with his own research and eager imaginings.

He recreates Nani's father's life, from his days exploring and establishing an outpost in the wilderness with Capt. John Sutter, through the gold rush, and his adoption into his wife's tribe. His exile from Hawaii remains to be explained and becomes part of the fabric of American conquest as the story goes on.

Sheridan imagines how Nani captivates the king with her mixed heritage, her quick mind, her languages. And her beauty, of course. She accompanies him to Hawaii where his extravagant coronation sparks the wrath of the white merchant community who see him as a wastrel. But Kalakaua's aim is to appear as a king among kings, to make his people proud of their island nation, now so encroached upon by the whites.

Houston weaves the history seamlessly into his narrative, illustrating to the reader how European and American greed and self-righteousness informed the times. The U.S. wants a Pacific port, Pearl Harbor, and pressures the king, exasperated by his resistance.

"Peabody's smile was almost derisive. He held degrees from Columbia and Yale. He had practiced in New York and in San Francisco. He saw himself as the voice of right reason and common sense."

"'What am I to do with such a man,'" the king says when Peabody is gone. "'He was born here and his father too. Yet their loyalty is not to me. It is to a roomful of senators six thousand miles away.'"

Nani becomes witness to the demise of her Indian and Hawaiian culture; her great grandson does not even know he has Indian or Hawaiian blood until he's told as an adult and he regards it as something exotic and romantic. This idealization never quite goes away, even when he becomes immersed in the history.

Inspired by the notebooks, the great-grandmother Sheridan envisions is a young man's creation. She is myth embodied, almost a saint. She owns an abundance of love, and is alive to everything, with a rich sexuality and a deeper modesty. Truly a young man's ideal.

His girlfriend, smart beautiful - but with a young son - is not quite so simple an icon.

Houston's writing is beautiful; his word-pictures are mesmerizing. The narrative has a hypnotic effect, fed by the mythical frame of it, the slow inevitable decline for the two halves of Nani's heritage.

In addition, in Sheridan's present, he too fights for cultural survival as his small radio station is swallowed by a conglomerate that will no longer be happy with niche markets. Not on the same scale as swallowing a culture perhaps, but emphasizing, nonetheless, that might and self-righteousness always wins in the end.

A lovely, moving word picture, though maybe a tad too long.

powerful character study .......2007-03-24

In 1980s Northern California radio host Sheridan "Dan" Brody has always wondered about his roots, but did nothing to learn more about the identity of his father. However, when he sees his birth certificate, it includes the name of his sire. He wants to know more about his paternal side.

Not long afterward, Rosa Waddell calls Dan while he is on the air to inform him she is his grandmother. He goes to meet her and she shares family stories and her mother's diaries that tell quite a heritage. His great-grandmother was Nani Keala who was the wife of Hawaii's last king, David Kalakaua. Now Dan seeks an audio of his ancestor's regal trip to the Palace Hotel in San Francisco.

BIRD OF ANOTHER HEAVEN is a delightful tale of a San Franciscan seeking his roots. Once Rosa contacts Dan, the story line becomes one sitting throughout as readers will want to more about his Hawaiian ancestry and that missing tape. This it behooves fans of remarkable family dramas to give this fine novel a chance; once Dan gets started there is no turning back for him or the audience. James D. Houston provides a powerful character study of a soul searching person looking for his unknown heritage.

Harriet Klausner

Birdlife of Houston, Galveston, and the Upper Texas Coast

Average customer rating:

An excellent book.
Birdlife of Houston...Upper Texas Coast
TX Gulf Coast birds
Color Pictures Needed
What a fabulous book!

Birdlife of Houston, Galveston, and the Upper Texas Coast
Ted Eubanks , Robert A. Behrstock , and Ron J. Weeks
Manufacturer: Texas A&M University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 158544510X

Book Description

In the last thirty years, the Upper Texas Coast has become a "must go" destination for birders around the globe. This book will serve as an essential companion to the customary field guide and pair of binoculars for all visitors to Houston, High Island, Galveston, Freeport, or any of the area's other exciting birding spots. It also places the birdlife of the region, a seven-county area with a larger bird list than forty-three states, into historical and ecological contexts.

Authors Eubanks, Behrstock, and Weeks—all recognized authorities on the migrant and resident birds of this region—present a thorough introduction to the area's history, physiography, and avifauna. Then, in generous discussions of bird families and species, they synthesize years of records, tracking the comings and goings of more than 480 birds and incorporating their own lifetimes of experience to create an "ornithological mosaic" of lasting significance.

Customer Reviews:

An excellent book........2007-03-11

This is not a field guide, but rather a compilation of short pieces about the bird species of the upper Texas Coast. It includes maps, photos, and habitat information. As such, it provides a greater amount of information about this area than has been available in any one place prior to this. If you live, or bird in this area, it is excellent addition to your birding literature. I will go further and say that even for someone out of this area, who is interested in birds, it is extremely worthwhile. Although the individual species accounts are necessarily brief, they give you quality information about the birds,and their history in the area.
I strongly recommend purchasing this book.

Birdlife of Houston...Upper Texas Coast.......2007-01-22

Great service from Amazon; good price on the book, but I was indeed disappointed in the book. While the book is very detailed and informative, there are no pictures to accompany the interesting information associated with the species' descriptions. Unfortunately, to enjoy the book, one has to have additional books to view the bird species that Birdlife of Houston... tells about... most disappointing. The book is a great idea, but falls short on being a great choice for bird lovers in the region. I would not highly recommend it.

TX Gulf Coast birds.......2007-01-16

The book is very good for helping me identify which birds are common in my area and where they can be spotted. When I use a companion book that shows a picture of the bird and I think it might be the one I saw, I refer to this book to see if my identification was correct.

Color Pictures Needed.......2006-12-27

Since my husband and I are semi-retired, we now have more time to travel around the Gulf Coast and have enjoyed noticing the birds in the area. We discovered that we need a book about birds that will help us to identify birds, besides the mockingbirds, cardinals, bluejays, and doves that we have seen in our back yard. So after reading a very favorable review in "The Houston Chronicle" about this birding book, I gave the book to my husband for a Christmas present. Unfortunately, I did not look at the book before I ordered it. The details about each bird are very interesting, but without pictures, we still don't know how to identify many birds that we have seen.

What a fabulous book!.......2006-12-24

As one who has birded the Texas Coast since I was in my teens, I love the information, the photos and history that is covered in this book.
It is a must for serious and weekend birders of the Texas Coast.
Feather Fest is coming in March! Bring this book for a successful and
informative birding experience.

Average customer rating:

Birds of Houston
B. C. Robison , and John L. Tveten
Manufacturer: University of Texas Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Birds | Field Guides | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

General | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Book Description

No matter where you see birds in the city--in parks or woodlands, on power lines or in parking lots--they are the natural soul of the urban landscape. They enhance the city and the lives of those who watch them. Nature writer B. C. Robison and wildlife photographer John Tveten have teamed up to produce this field guide for birders who want to identify the birds most commonly seen in Houston. Fifty-five species are included, ranging from such well-known favorites as the mockingbird and cardinal to the more exotic yellow-crowned night heron. A full-color photograph for each bird appears alongside warm and often witty description. For quick reference, a summary of the primary field marks of the adult bird is also provided. This summary includes not only identifying features of the bird but also its habitats, the time of year it can be found, and its distinctive behavioral traits. Aimed at the beginning birder, the guide also gives tips on buying binoculars and on attracting birds to your yard.

Condors & Vultures (World Life Library.)

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Condors & Vultures (World Life Library.)
David Houston
Manufacturer: Voyageur Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0896585239

Book Description

This top-selling series introduces the wild creatures of the world and examines the natural world. Good general introductions for ages 10+, these volumes contain the knowledge, personal experiences, and research of leading naturalists and scientists, accompanied by stunning photography. Unless otherwise noted (*), all volumes are sturdy paperback.

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Gotta Love Texas
Precious!

Texas State Bird Pageant
Todd Michael
Manufacturer: Quail Ridge Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1893062759

Book Description

When Molly Mockingbird enters the Texas State Bird Pageant the other birds call her a "copy-bird" because she only mimics their songs. But thanks to her best friend Gabby Green Jay, Molly discovers her "own true voice" and finds the courage to, at last, sing her own original song! Proud Texans, natives and transplants alike, hold on to your tail feathers and get ready for the Texas State Bird Pageant! It's a bird bonanza, extravaganza. Find out how the Mockingbird, Molly Mockingbird that is, became the official state bird of Texas.

Customer Reviews:

Gotta Love Texas.......2005-09-05

Very entertaining but educational too, this book has already become my 8 year old daughter's favorite bedtime story. I'm also sending this story to some Texas friends currently living in other states, so that anytime they get homesick, they can pick up this book and get a little dose of home!

Precious!.......2005-09-04

This picture-book about how the mockingbird became the official State Bird of Texas is an original and well told tale. Although the story is fiction, there are lots of educational facts about The Lone Star State; its geography, its birds and its uniqueness! Our students truly enjoyed this story of how Molly Mockingbird finds her own true voice and song just in time for the talent competition of the Texas State Bird Pageant ... other favorite characters included Gabby Green Jay, Owlma Owl, Bonita Blackbird, Carley Cardinal, Guadeloupe Gull & Dovie Crockett! Learn about Texas birds in a fun way and don't miss this exceptional addition to really good Texas Children's Books ... apparently the author and illustrator are also working on other State Bird Books, these will be wonderful to collect, especially if you are an Elementary School Librarian like I am!

Houston Birds: An Introduction to Familiar Species of the Upper Texas Coast (Pocket Naturalist - Waterford Press)

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Houston Birds: An Introduction to Familiar Species of the Upper Texas Coast (Pocket Naturalist - Waterford Press)
James Kavanagh
Manufacturer: Waterford Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1583551433

Book Description

Houston Birds, An Introduction to Familiar Species of the Upper Texas Coast, is a must-have, reference guide for beginners and experts alike. Whether you're on a nature hike or in your own backyard, you'll want to take along a copy of this indispensable guide. The Pocket Naturalist(tm) series is an introduction to common plants and animals and natural phenomena. Each pocket-sized, folding guide highlights up to 150 species and most feature a map highlighting prominent sanctuaries and outstanding natural attractions. Each is laminated for durability.

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Birder's guide to Houston county
Karla A Kinstler
Manufacturer: Houston Nature Center
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006RPTNK

The birds of the Saskatchewan River: Carlton to Cumberland, (Saskatchewan Natural History Society. Special publication)

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The birds of the Saskatchewan River: Carlton to Cumberland, (Saskatchewan Natural History Society. Special publication)
Clarence Stuart Houston
Manufacturer: Saskatchewan Natural History Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Birds of Yorkton-Duck Mountain (Special Publications of the Saskatchewan Natural History Society, No. 24)

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Birds of Yorkton-Duck Mountain (Special Publications of the Saskatchewan Natural History Society, No. 24)
C. Stuart; Anaka, William Houston
Manufacturer: Saskatchewan Natural History Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0921104200

Birds sing in Houston (His Outdoor nature series)

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Birds sing in Houston (His Outdoor nature series)
Ralph Abraham Selle
Manufacturer: [Carroll printing Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0008659XY

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