The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals

Book Description

The bestselling author of The Botany of Desire explores the ecology of eating to unveil why we consume what we consume in the twenty-first century

"What should we have for dinner?" To one degree or another this simple question assails any creature faced with a wide choice of things to eat. Anthropologists call it the omnivore's dilemma. Choosing from among the countless potential foods nature offers, humans have had to learn what is safe, and what isn't-which mushrooms should be avoided, for example, and which berries we can enjoy. Today, as America confronts what can only be described as a national eating disorder, the omnivore's dilemma has returned with an atavistic vengeance. The cornucopia of the modern American supermarket and fast-food outlet has thrown us back on a bewildering landscape where we once again have to worry about which of those tasty-looking morsels might kill us. At the same time we're realizing that our food choices also have profound implications for the health of our environment. The Omnivore's Dilemma is bestselling author Michael Pollan's brilliant and eye-opening exploration of these little-known but vitally important dimensions of eating in America.

Pollan has divided The Omnivore's Dilemma into three parts, one for each of the food chains that sustain us: industrialized food, alternative or "organic" food, and food people obtain by dint of their own hunting, gathering, or gardening. Pollan follows each food chain literally from the ground up to the table, emphasizing our dynamic coevolutionary relationship with the species we depend on. He concludes each section by sitting down to a meal--at McDonald's, at home with his family sharing a dinner from Whole Foods, and in a revolutionary "beyond organic" farm in Virginia. For each meal he traces the provenance of everything consumed, revealing the hidden components we unwittingly ingest and explaining how our taste for particular foods reflects our environmental and biological inheritance.

We are indeed what we eat-and what we eat remakes the world. A society of voracious and increasingly confused omnivores, we are just beginning to recognize the profound consequences of the simplest everyday food choices, both for ourselves and for the natural world. The Omnivore's Dilemma is a long-overdue book and one that will become known for bringing a completely fresh perspective to a question as ordinary and yet momentous as What shall we have for dinner?

Customer Reviews:

Important, but needed more editing.......2007-10-18

The Omnivore's Dilemma is an often-quoted book, and for good reason. Pollan does a very impressive job gathering mountains of information about the American (and to an extent, world) food chain. He divides the book into three sections, devoted to the "industrial" chain, the products of which you'll see in your average supermarket; the "organic" food chain, represented on one end by WholeFoods, and Joel Salatin's Polyface farm in Virginia on the other; the "hunted-gathered" chain is the last one. The surprise here is that WholeFoods fare is "industrial organic" which is at the moment only slightly better than "industrial". The ideal is seen in the Polyface farm, an enlightened place where nature's cycles are respected and harnessed. The last section shows Pollan trying to hunt, gather and cultivate his own food, and seems separate from the previous two sections, more a philosophical exploration of eating than an investigation of an industry.

The book is at its best when Pollan shows that "organic" does not necessarily mean eco-friendly, sustainable or humane, and has become just another label. His description of Salatin and his farm is wonderful. The description of the US's dependence on, and subsidizing of corn, and how this corn is used to "grow beef", is concerning and repulsive. You realize the extent to which a well-intended policy can create a monster.

Now for the flaws, which are important. In a book that is clearly ambitious and seems to attempt comprehensiveness, Pollan allows himself freedom to introduce arguments at face value.
You'll see him quote reams of articles and statistics to back up some statement, and right next to that he'll criticize an establishment because "the animals look unhappy" or "the smell is nauseous". Those arguments would be fine in many types of books, but here it seems the author just stopped digging. Is "bad smell" necessarily a bad thing? Can he better describe what he understands by an unhappy animal, and how that unhappiness affects its own life, and our health?
Pollan describes four meals, representing industrial, organic, local-organic and hunted-gathered. The industrial meal is represented by getting take-out from McDonald's and eating it in his car. Point taken, but I'm sure plenty of healthy and tasty industrial meals can be had. I would have liked to hear, say, a chef defending some industrial product - I'm sure one could have been found.
Another problem is that Pollan settles into arguments, and particular words, that he then repeats to exhaustion. Often, his personal thoughts seem out of place, and not that original anyway - there is a brief foray into vegetarianism that left me unimpressed, for instance.

I have the impression the book tries to be too many things - an indictment on an industry, a travelogue, a philosophical treatise, a literary work and an impartial documentary. I would have liked it much better if it had focused more clearly and consistently on one of its aims.

A need to read for sure!.......2007-10-18

If you don't know the history and significance of corn in the U.S., you need to read this book! Very informative.

Warning! This book may change the way you eat!.......2007-10-13

This book will change the way you think about what you eat. And not just in terms of your own individual health/nutrition/monetary cost but also in an increased awareness of the larger ramifications of those choices. Pollan gets the reader really thinking about where our food - animal, vegetable and "other" comes from. Did you know how amazingly pervasive corn is? Do we really need to be eating bread that's loaded with high fructose corn syrup? I'm not a vegetarian and don't plan to become one, but do animals really need to be subjected to nightmarish conditions and given food they were never intended by nature to consume? Why should you care how a steer lives before it ends up on your plate? Because how an animal lives, how it is slaughtered and how it goes through the process to end up in that neat plastic package in the meat department has a direct effect on your health, that's why. You'll never look at the products lining the aisles of your local supermarket the same way again.

Food is highly processed, o rlly??.......2007-10-13

Thanks for nothing. Tell me something that everyone on the planet doesn't know. The only point in this book worth mentioning is that lots of the food we eat comes from corn. I could have done 5 minutes of research online and learned every single fact in this book. Get a brain, moran.

A Detective's Take on The Food We Eaty.......2007-10-12

This is certainly not your Mother's cookbood. In fact, it's not a cookbook at all, nor is it intended to be. It examines, in very fine detail, the way we used to eat, and what exactly constututes the primary food we eat today. Just what is this stuff called food? It fills American supermarket shelves...seemingly from floor to ceiling. Much of it is based on one crop - including the packaging. Is it a healthy diet? It's certainly not what our bodies were designed to consume. A dilemma, to be sure, but also a facinating examination of our nation's food business. The key word is business, not to be confused with nourshment. It's a good read. If you're really interested in learning where our staple food originated, and the many ways it is being used today, you won't regret learning about "The Omnivore's Dilemma".

Average customer rating:

perfect
book "Fancy Nancy"
Great Read
Great children's book
A very "fancy" book

Fancy Nancy
Jane O'connor
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060542098
Release Date: 2005-12-13

Book Description

Meet Nancy, who believes that more is ALWAYS better when it comes to being fancy. From the top of her tiara down to her sparkly studded shoes, Nancy is determined to teach her family a thing or two about being fancy.

How Nancy transforms her parents and little sister for one enchanted evening makes for a story that is funny and warm -- with or without the frills.

Customer Reviews:

perfect.......2007-10-18

this book is perfect for any litle girl who likes to dress up and be a princess. Our daughter absolutely loved the book-as it fits her perfectly!!

book "Fancy Nancy".......2007-10-02

WOW - the book came in just a few days. Great service. The book was in good shape and packaged well. THANK YOU!

Great Read.......2007-10-01

My 3 year old absolutely loves this book. The first time we checked it out from the library I didn't really think she cared for it much. But, then I happened to order it for one of her little friend's birthday and she was sooo excited! She ran around saying, "it's Fancy Nancy mommy!" It took some convincing to be able to wrap it up for her little friend. Everybody needs a little "fancy" in their life.

Great children's book.......2007-09-30

I bought this book for my four year old grandaughter and it is now her favorite book. We are now going to have a 'fancy' party at a local restaurant just like Fancy Nancy did. Well written with nice illustrations.

A very "fancy" book.......2007-09-26

I purchased two of the Fancy Nancy series for my 5 year old granddaughter - she loves them! When the book arrived, along with it's counterpart "Fancy Nancy and the Posh Puppy", she couldn't wait for us to read them together. She loved the story and the illustrations, and was attracted to the "girly" colors and the "before" and "after" drawings of Fancy's Nancy's bedroom! I think my granddaughter may be a "fancy" girl at heart!

Average customer rating:

GOOD MANNERS BOOK
good start
Positive reinforcement
Nothing like a toddler who has manners
SIMPLE--CUTE--PERFECT FOR TODDLERS!

Excuse Me!: A Little Book of Manners

Manufacturer: Grosset & Dunlap
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0448425858

Book Description

"Please" and "thank you" are fun and easy to remember with Excuse Me!. Simple and repetitive, it's the perfect way to introduce those magic words that all little ones should know. From burping to breaking a sibling's toy, toddlers will love seeing these appealing babies in situations they know all about, and they'll have fun lifting the flaps to discover the right words to say-"Excuse me!" and "I'm sorry!"

Customer Reviews:

GOOD MANNERS BOOK.......2007-10-14

GOOD MANNERS BOOK. HOWEVER, THERE'S A PAGE ABOUT NOT WANTING PEAS FOR BREAKFAST. WE JUST CHANGE THE WORDS WHEN WE READ IT TO HER. THE REST OF THE BOOK IS GREAT. MY DAUGHTER ENJOYS READING THE BOOK OVER AND OVER!

good start.......2007-09-15

we learned the book by heart and have been using the words in our daily life, beautiful book, awsome drawings, very interesting, and is on our daily reading list.

Positive reinforcement.......2007-08-22

I agree that there is nothing more heart warming than a polite little toddler. The illustrations are a colorful blend of good behavior. Although I believe the best way to teach a child is to lead by example, this book is a fun reminder of good manners!

Nothing like a toddler who has manners.......2007-07-22

Don't have time to put your darling little one in a dress and pig tails? No problem, there is nothing cuter then a toddler with manners. When my daughter says "Thank you" to waiters, or "Your welcome" to a thank you, or "I bupped mama, suse me." it melts hearts! The most amazing one of all is "Bess you!" when she hears a sneeze. I won't fully credit this book for that, but it is wonderful reinforcement. She loves knowing the answers on the other side of the page. If you are into manners, get this book. There is nothing more precious then a polite toddler. (It doesn't mean they will start listening)

SIMPLE--CUTE--PERFECT FOR TODDLERS!.......2007-06-15

I was excited to see how simple it was, and am hoping my little ones will focus on the manners! Very large letters, for easy teaching!!

Average customer rating:

not nice
terrible book from an otherwise wonderful illustrator
won't read this to my son
The first read book!
The Bad Tempered Ladybird

The Grouchy Ladybug
Eric Carle
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0064434508

Product Description

The Grouchy Ladybug Eric Carle. Progressing through a series of brilliantly colored die-cut pages, a bad-tempered braggart becomes a nicer, happier, better-behaved bug. The arrangement of the book also introduces concepts of comparative size and telling time. 48 pages. Trim sizeÊ10 1/4" x 10 1/4".

Customer Reviews:

not nice.......2007-09-10

I typically like Eric Carle books, but I wish I'd never heard of this one. This was on my 6 year old daughter's summer reading list for first grade. The ladybug goes around to each animal wanting to fight. Maybe we're naive but I want to keep the innocence going in our family as long as possible. It's just NOT NICE and it doesn't really seem to teach a good lesson. I'd skip this one and buy one of his other books.

terrible book from an otherwise wonderful illustrator.......2007-08-13

why does eric carle have to make some of his characters so unappealing? what kid or parent would want to read a story about a total grouch who goes around the world being a pain in the neck? to me, this book and the very busy spider, who is an antisocial workaholic with no time for her neighbors, set really bad examples of behavior. why should i waste my time or my son's reading about characters i don't like? save your money for his better books--the chameleon, the polar bear, the kangaroo, the caterpillar, etc.

won't read this to my son.......2007-07-02

Thank goodness this book is beautifully illustrated b/c I won't be reading the text to my son. The whole premise of the book is that this ladybug goes around asking people to "fight" and rather than turning the ladybug down (b/c fighting is wrong) they agree to and then the ladybug chickens out.

My husband and I are hardly what you would call conservative, but I just don't see why I want to invite the notion of fighting in to my sons life. Eric Carle has so many other wonderful books. I suggest just skipping this one.

The first read book!.......2007-06-21

I had to make an entry for this book as it was the first time my daughter read a book by herself. Well with the help of a couple words.

The story is simple. Two ladybugs see a leaf with aphids and decide to have them. The nice ladybug will share but the grouchy ladybug wants them all and offers to fight for them. He is stared down by the nice ladybug and the grouch declares the nice ladybug is not big enough and flies off to find somebody to fight.

He flys by several bugs, reptiles and animals which get larger and larger as he keeps declaring them not to be big enough. The final animal a whale ends up slapping some sense into the ladybug.

It's a fun little book and it's repetitive so it will help a new reader as they learn.

As to the claims of fighting? Well I am not sure it's a valid concern. You don't see any tension and the other creatures respond with "If you insist" to which the answer is "Oh, you're not big enough"

The telling of time comes to play and there are drawings of clocks on each page show the time for each hour. This allowed an introduction to telling time for my girl.

The artwork is good and I liked the concept of the text getting bigger as each new creature got bigger.

Overall a fun read for my girl.

The Bad Tempered Ladybird.......2007-05-19

While this is not one of my favourite Eric Carle books to read aloud, my 4yo son loves it and will sit there pretending to read it to himself. He has long been a fan of the Very Hungry Caterpillar so was thrilled to discover this book.

Average customer rating:

This one's a real gas
Six year old loves Walter
OMG they're not terrified?
Great book. Kids 6, 4 & 2 enjoy!
Shreiks of laughter!

Walter the Farting Dog
William Kotzwinkle , and Glenn Murray
Manufacturer: Frog Ltd Children's
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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

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ASIN: 1583940537
Release Date: 2001-11-01

Amazon.com

We hold this truth to be self-evident: farting makes kids laugh. Walter, an apologetic-looking dog adopted from the pound, passes gas morning, noon, and night, no matter what he eats, whether it's a 25-pound bag of low-fart dog biscuits, cat food, or fried chicken. On the bright side, "If Uncle Irv let one slip, he just went and stood near Walter." When Father reaches the limit of his patience with Walter's flatulence, he decides the pooch is once again pound-bound, despite Betty and Billy's pleading. Poor Walter knows his days are numbered and "He resolved to hold in his farts forever." That very night, two burglars break into Walter's family's house, and (you can see where this is going) Walter gasses the burglars with a "hideous cloud" that forces them to drop their loot and run into the clutches of the police officers, "choking and gasping for air." The next morning Father and Mother discover Walter has saved the day--or at least their silverware and VCR. "And so the family learned to live with Walter, the hero dog. And that is the end of our tail." (Or is it? Fans will be pleased to discover the next book Walter the Farting Dog: Trouble at the Yard Sale.) Audrey Colman's highly stylized illustrations, imbued with a surreal, Monty Pythonesque collage look, are as absurdly comical as this silly story that is purely powered by natural gas. (Ages 5 to 8) --Karin Snelson

Book Description

Warning: This book may cause flatulence. Walter is a fine dog, except for one small problem: he has gas. He can't help it; it's just the way he is. Fortunately, the kids Billy and Betty love him regardless, but Father says he's got to go! Poor Walter, he's going to the dog pound tomorrow. And then, in the night, burglars strike. Walter has his chance to be a hero. Destined to become a children's classic, this story will have kids rolling on the floor with laughter. Adults are permitted to laugh too.

Customer Reviews:

This one's a real gas.......2007-10-16

Face it, people. The act of farting, even the name itself, makes kids giggle. So why not celebrate that with a literary treat? Walter is a dog with a problem that many young men face today: he can't stop farting. It's so stinkin' bad that his new owners are threatening to send him back to the pound. Luckily some burglars try to break in that very night and I'm sure you can figure out what Walter does to save himself and his family. You guessed it - gasses 'em. The illustrations are wonderfully wacky - just like the book. Can't wait to sniff out the next treasure in this series.

Six year old loves Walter.......2007-10-08

I bought this as a gift for my best friend's six year old boy. He absolutely loves all of the Walter books.

OMG they're not terrified?.......2007-09-26

Many people seem to be concerned that reading this book will encourage potty humor and make kids afraid of intruders. I have to say, this book is a favorite at our house and I have yet to see an increase in the fart jokes or have any of my kids fearful of burglars. Hmmmm..... I wonder if the same people have reviewed books such as, lets see, Hansel and Gretel and worried that their children may suddenly become frightened of candy and ovens.

All snarkiness aside, this is a hilarious children's book. I found the illustrations to be quite nice--different from the traditional watercolor or pencil drawings. I love when an illustrator uses a new style. This book will stay in our family's favorite reading pile.

Great book. Kids 6, 4 & 2 enjoy!.......2007-09-26

We got this book, as well as Walter the Farting Dog Goes on a Cruise. My kids request this book every night, and over and over. We're pretty animated when reading, but besides that, this is a funny book. Who doesn't want to laugh at a fart? I think this also takes some of the 'kick' out of the WORD fart, since it's used in the book, and it takes some of the 'taboo' or naughtyness out of using it, so my kids use the word less these days, thank god....what's the fun, anymore, right? :) I definitely recommend this book. It's nice when I can have fun reading a book series, as well as my kids enjoying it, and in this forum they can finally SAY the word without me giving them the 'mom' look. Ok, well, I still give them the look....but this time I get to laugh.

Shreiks of laughter!.......2007-09-17

I gave this book as a gift to my friend's son. To say that he was happy and excited doesn't even begin to describe it. After opening tons of Matchbox cars, action heroes, etc., he at last came to Walter The Farting Dog and abandoned all toys for this book! Everyone had to take turns reading to him, and he spent quite some time quietly reading to himself.

I give this book high praise, indeed, because it encouraged a love of reading!

Average customer rating:

great way to teach manners
Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons
Cookies - Bite Size Life Lessons
Tasty Terminology
Amazing

Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons
Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 006058081X
Release Date: 2006-04-25

Book Description

Everyone knows cookies taste good, but these cookies also have something good to say. Open this delectable book to any page and you will find out something about life. Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons is a new kind of dictionary, one that defines mysteries such as "fair" and "unfair" and what it really means to "cooperate." The book is by turns clever, honest, inspirational, and whimsical. Go ahead, take a bite!

Customer Reviews:

great way to teach manners.......2007-10-10

I bought this book for my 4 yr old who is an avid reader. She loves this book, and we've read it many times. Together, apart, a lot! I like the idea of using cookies to illustrate what each manner (or emotion) means. The 'retro' illustrations are wonderful as well.

Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons.......2007-09-26

I'm SO pleased I chose this book for my grandchild! This book is meant
to build good character in a child and with optimism! Before I give it to
my grandchild I should read it several times to REMEMBER...! a book for
ALL times, for ALL people especially those engaged in wars.

Cookies - Bite Size Life Lessons.......2007-09-24

Such a clever book - very different from the other kid books out there, and a great way to explain concepts that little kids otherwise have a difficult time grasping. A great gift-book, too!

Tasty Terminology.......2007-07-13

Wondering how to teach your preschooler or young child about putting others first? This book offers a sweet way to gently teach a child the meaning of cooperation, gratitude, honesty and more. Each character trait (positive or negative) is illustrated with a vignette relating to baking, eating and sharing cookies. The pictures are charming and endear children to the attributes. My 3 year old daughter requests this book over and over again and we enjoy the pictures and the humorous, sweet explanations. My favorite shows a little girl reaching over a long table to hand part of her cookie to a tearful kitty cat who has just dropped his cookie on the floor. It reads, "Compassionate means . . .Don't worry, it's okay. You can have part of my cookie." We all have something to learn from this book.

Amazing.......2007-07-04

I purchased this because of a wonderful review. I was not let down. My children, 4 and 6 love it as well.

Average customer rating:

This was a very funny book!
Hot Diggety Dog - your kids will love this!
Not as good as the "Bus" or "Stay up Late" books
love it love it love it
A Morsel of Gem

Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!, The

Manufacturer: Hyperion
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0786818697
Release Date: 2004-04-19

Amazon.com

Sesame Street veteran and Emmy Award-winner Mo Willems returns with a fast, funny follow-up to Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!--only this time, the short-tempered pigeon faces his perfect foil in a "special guest star" duckling. In the previous Pigeon book, author and illustrator Willems expertly distilled the escalating emotions of preschoolers all too anxious to get their way. The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog--also a simple and sparsely illustrated story--explores the flip side of that coin, exposing the poker-face persuasive powers of young negotiators. The pigeon just wants to greedily eat the hot dog that he's found: "Oooooh! A hot dog! Yummy! Yummy! Yummy!" Then along comes the duckling, "scooty scoot scoot!" with his insistent questions about hot dogs: "What do they taste like?...Would you say that it tastes like chicken?...Hey, I'm a curious bird." At first, the pigeon entertains the duckling, "Each morsel is a joy! A celebration in a bun!", but then he soon suspects the little bird might have designs on his delicious dog. In the end, of course, the clever duckling gets his way--and half of the hot dog: "You know, you're pretty smart for a duckling." (Ages Baby to Preschool) --Paul Hughes

Book Description

Sesame Street veteran and Emmy Award-winner Mo Willems returns with a fast, funny follow-up to Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!--only this time, the short-tempered pigeon faces his perfect foil in a "special guest star" duckling.In the previous Pigeon book, author and illustrator Willems expertly distilled the escalating emotions of preschoolers all too anxious to get their way. The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog--also a simple and sparsely illustrated story--explores the flip side of that coin, exposing the poker-face persuasive powers of young negotiators. The pigeon just wants to greedily eat the hot dog that he's found: "Oooooh! A hot dog! Yummy! Yummy! Yummy!" Then along comes the duckling, "scooty scoot scoot!" with his insistent questions about hot dogs: "What do they taste like?...Would you say that it tastes like chicken?...Hey, I'm a curious bird." At first, the pigeon entertains the duckling, "Each morsel is a joy! A celebration in a bun!", but then he soon suspects the little bird might have designs on his delicious dog. In the end, of course, the clever duckling gets his way--and half of the hot dog: "You know, you're pretty smart for a duckling." (Ages Baby to Preschool) --Paul Hughes

Customer Reviews:

This was a very funny book!.......2007-08-31

This book is very funny, and young kids as well as old will enjoy it very much.

Hot Diggety Dog - your kids will love this!.......2007-08-22

Kids love finding books about familiar characters and Mo Willems has created a new one with his comical pigeon. Instead of playing along with the reader, this time he answers to a little duckling who just wants a bite of his hot dog. The duckling is pretty sneaky and asks all kinds of questions (which drives the pigeon CRAZY) until finally the pigeon gives in and shares his hot dog with him. More great facial expressions and a simple story everyone will enjoy!

Not as good as the "Bus" or "Stay up Late" books.......2007-07-03

My daughter prefers this one to the others, probably because hot dogs are her favorite food. It's not interactive like the others, but it teaches sharing and has a cute, curious bird to make it fun.

love it love it love it.......2007-06-21

my daughters absolutely ADORE this book. it even inspried my daughter to start reading. it's just a clever and fun book that my daughters have reciting ever since the first time we read it.

A Morsel of Gem.......2007-04-15

It is amazing how in so few words and lines one of the most dreaded human behaviors can be exhibited as in this book: Conscience in the form of the Duckling wondering why the Pigeon doesn't do the right thing. And what a happy relief it is to do the right thing.

Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette, 5e (Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette)

Average customer rating:

One of the better wedding books for general questions
outdated
Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette
Disappointing
Fantastic

Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette, 5e (Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette)
Peggy Post
Manufacturer: Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Weddings | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Etiquette | Weddings | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0060745045
Release Date: 2005-12-27

Amazon.com

What makes a perfect wedding? "[The bride] and the groom both look as though there were sunlight behind their eyes, as though their mouths irresistibly turned to smiles," wrote Emily Post in 1922's Etiquette. Great-granddaughter-in-law Peggy Post, author of the fourth edition of Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette, absolutely agrees with Miss Emily. To ensure those bright eyes and smiles, she imparts thoughtful and commonsensical advice on how to plan for not just your wedding, but for all the social and familial obligations and traditions that a wedding entails.

Unlike many wedding manuals, Post includes advice for the "encore" bride as well as for the new bride. In this day of remarriages and blended families, tact and strategy are often needed to make sure feelings aren't hurt and everything runs as smoothly as possible. A chapter on multicultural and interfaith marriages addresses differing world traditions and how they can be incorporated into a touching ceremony that makes both the couple and their families happy. If you are unsure of who is supposed to do what, Post gives you clear instruction, often including a flow chart that delineates the responsibilities of all people involved in the wedding party (bride's parents throw the engagement party, best man returns the tuxes, flower girl's family pays for her outfit).

Throughout Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette are sidebars with questions asked of Post regarding an amazing array of wedding-related conundrums ("My daughter's fiancé wants to follow his family's tradition of having a money tree at the wedding. I personally find this distasteful; can I say so?"). This is a great book to find the answers for all those sticky questions. All involved in the wedding process should leaf through, get their bearings, smile, and then forge ahead. --Dana Van Nest

Book Description

The classic indispensable, comprehensive guide to creating the wedding of your dreams.

Today's weddings are more complicated than ever, with new traditions replacing old, and new relationships to consider as family life grows more complex. In this new edition, Peggy provides sensible solutions to wedding questions old and new, showing how to manage the big decisions and the little details with tact, consideration and confidence–– leaving you free to enjoy all of the happy times along the way!

With new chapters on the groom's involvement and incorporating today's technology into your wedding plans, plus updates and expansions on destination weddings, same–sex unions, wedding expenses, and more, the 5th edition answers every couple's contemporary questions. And Peggy Post continues to provide the tried and true guidelines every couple needs for a memorable wedding, from announcing the engagement, to budgeting for the ceremony and reception, to choosing the perfect caterer, florist, photographer and music–– and bringing it all off with minimum stress and maximum style.

Customer Reviews:

One of the better wedding books for general questions.......2007-09-23

This was one of the better basic books, for a few questions you can't find the answer to - writing letters, listing on invitation, etc.

outdated.......2007-09-01

I am a traditionalist but found no help from this book - there were so many options that there were no 'real etiquette' answers

Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette.......2007-08-09

Emily Post is known as the expert on wedding etiquette, so naturally that's what I ordered for a friend. The book was shipped promptly and arrived in excellent condition.

Disappointing.......2007-05-14

I'm getting married in a couple of years, and I already had Emily Post's 16e book on general etiquette, so I thought it would be good to get the full scope of weddings with this book. I feel really stupid for that now, because the book is small, doesn't contain most of the information that the general etiquette book has on weddings, and therefore isn't something you can use separately anyway. It's completely lacking on information, and so if you have to choose between getting this book or getting the general one and having some extra information about other things, get the general one and save some money.Emily Post's Etiquette, 17th Edition (Thumb Indexed)

Fantastic.......2007-04-05

This book has all the information you need about traditions, planning, pulling it all off. Every tiny detail brides are supposed to somehow know automatically is here and is easy to find.

Much of the book is geared toward people planning very traditional weddings - which I am not. Ms. Post gives plenty of more casual examples and perfectly acceptable informal options. The information is also presented in such a way that it is easy to modify her examples to make them your own.

This is a must-have resource for any family planning a wedding!

Colin Cowie's Extraordinary Weddings: From a Glimmer of an Idea to a Legendary Event

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Wedding Wishbook!
Speaking from a florist point of view
A little on the frivolous side, but so is the wedding!
Awe-Inspiring Weddings & Unique Event Ideas
A feast for the senses...

Colin Cowie's Extraordinary Weddings: From a Glimmer of an Idea to a Legendary Event
Colin Cowie
Manufacturer: Clarkson Potter
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1400048729
Release Date: 2007-02-20

Book Description

What would you like your wedding day to look like?

Maybe you dream of a winter wedding, set against snowcapped mountains. Perhaps you would prefer a barefoot wedding on the beach at sunset, with your friends and family dancing until dawn in an ethereal red tent. Or would your ideal wedding be an exotic, wine-tinged Moroccan celebration capped by a family-style Middle Eastern feast? Lifestyle guru, TV host, and wedding-planner extraordinaire Colin Cowie has created these amazing weddings, and many more. In Colin Cowie’s Extraordinary Weddings, he finally shares his secrets for creating weddings that are unparalleled, memorable, and–above all–personal.

Both wish book and inspirational guide, this gorgeous retrospective reveals every detail of fourteen glittering, romantic, and meticulously thought-out weddings. Full of the sophisticated details and elegant flourishes that only Colin Cowie could have envisioned, these real events are sure to fuel your imagination. First, Colin takes you step by step through all of the sumptuous details, describing how he worked with each couple to weave their interests, heritage, and unique elements of their love story into their celebrations. Colin also provides ideas and tips that you can apply in your own wedding, including:

• Choosing a meaningful theme and carrying it through every detail
• Creating truly personal vows
• Making guests feel at home at your destination wedding
• Deciding on fabulous looks for flowers, fabrics, place settings, and more

Whether you’re hunting for ideas for your event, searching for solutions to your planning challenges, or just dazzled by the romance of weddings, you will treasure this one-of-a-kind book. Enjoy poring over these wonderful weddings and learn how to make the day you say “I do” absolutely special–and absolutely extraordinary.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Wedding Wishbook!.......2007-09-13

From the lush pink suede front cover to the back equally lush cover it's a bride's picture book dream. There's not much nuts & bolts "how to" there, but if you want inspiration, you will find it. The weddings covered definitely fall into the platinum wedding category, so for us mere mortals with real budgets, many of the over the top extravagances are not possible. BUT the look and feel of the radically different weddings contained in the book will spark the imagination - and it will be up to the bride or brides planner to make it their own. Bottom line - wow! for brides & wedding planners.

Speaking from a florist point of view.......2007-08-30

This is such a fabulous book, every bride should buy this book for inspiration. Here at Magnolia Village Florist, we recommend every bride peruse though great books such as Colins before meeting with your florist.

Thank you Colin for another great book!

Magnolia Village Florist
Seattle, WA

A little on the frivolous side, but so is the wedding!.......2007-06-28

I bought this as a gift for my newly engaged sis-in-law, so she could look at all the pictures and get into the excitement of wedding planning. I wouldn't buy this for myself, but it worked as a gift : )

Awe-Inspiring Weddings & Unique Event Ideas.......2007-06-27

Cover to cover, this is an exceptional book!! The photos of these spectalular weddings are gorgeous, and the creativity and attention to detail that Colin Colin used in creating these lavish events is incredible. Each wedding is unique and personal. At the end of each wedding chapter, Colin provides the event layout and some pointers. I found this to be really helpful. While I don't have a million dollar budget, I have truly found some million dollar ideas that I can incorporate into the wedding that I am planning. And the beautiful book looks great even when it's just sitting on the coffee table!! Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone planning a wedding - either a bride, groom, or wedding planner! Thank you, Colin Cowie!

A feast for the senses..........2007-05-18

While the weddings depicted in this book are far out of most people's budget, the pictures are stunning - and the words describing the extraordinary events are even more so. This would make a beautiful coffee table book. An engaged couple is sure to be inspired - and can perhaps afford to even incorporate one or two of Cowie's ideas. Stunning.

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Average customer rating:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers
Pants on fire?
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
Very Interesting
History as Science Fiction

History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 2913621058

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

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