2 comments about Haunted Places in America: A Guide to Spooked and Spooky Public Places in the United States.

1. THIS BOOK TELLS YOU A LOT ABOUT THE HISTORY ABOUT THE HAUNTINGS, WHICH THAT IS INTERRESTING. THIS IS A PRETTY GOOD BOOK



2. good for planning a ghost tour style vacation or getting ideas for paranormal investigations if you are a professional or amateur researcher.
   
   overall though it lacks the more indepth information as it tries to compress quantity instead of quality information on the selected locations.

1 comments about Hotel, Restaurant, and Travel Law (Hotel, Restaurant and Travel Law).

1. The seller was very understanding when I purchsed the incorrect book and gave me a full refund. The book was sent in a timely matter despite my mispurchase.

5 comments about Living and Retiring in Hawaii: The 50th State in the 21st Century.

1. Yes, say the Smiths, authors of this excellent resource to our 50th state, yes it IS possible to retire to Hawaii, but please be sure to do your homework first. Luckily, the Smiths give you a wealth of information in these pages to help you get a good start in making a decision that is truly right for you. They try to cover as many bases as possible: What its like to live on each island, what to expect in the way of nightlife, activities, medical resources, and senior resources. They also cover the question of buying and/or renting, both apartments and condos, and thankfully, their info INCLUDES PRICES (a few years out of date, to be sure, but at least they give you a ballpark idea of what to expect) and even gives sample budgets to show what a typical retired couple might expect to spend in a given month (Warning: Be sure to notice the Assumptions connected with each budget!). The Smith's Top Ten Places to Retire in Hawaii is also listed (with particular emphasis on Oahu and the Big Island). They even consider the possible impact of the Hawaiian Sovereignty movement on tourism and politics. (This final chapter, Wither Hawaii, starts strong, but the ending is rather confusing: the Smiths don't make a definitive conclusion or even a conjecture about how much the Sovereignty movement may impact tourism. However, if you go back through the entire book, they really have made a very strong case that retirees in 21st Century Hawaii will form such a strong voting block that any official/unofficial movement to make the state less welcoming to Mainlanders will probably be thwarted at the polls.) In any case, this book is a must purchase for anyone (especially retirees) planning to make the big move to the Aloha State. Get it today! Such a move may not be easy or in everyone's best interest, but thanks to this wonderful book, a move to Hawaii may be in your future someday if not sooner!



2. If you are over 80 and prefer the large type Readers digest, this is the book for you. Really nothing new or informative in this book for a young person or family looking to move and work in hawaii. The Polancy book was more informative for someone more interested in getting a job versus finding a hospice.



3. What is the net worth required of a retiree couple in order to purchase the minimum 800 sq ft STARTER home in the volcano-prone zone of the Big Island? The STARTER homes there are listed at $500,000. How much of a multi-millionnaire must one be to move to Hawaii?



4. The authors of this book obviously conducted a lot of research and cared a great deal about their subject. As other reviewers have said, it does contain a lot of useful information for someone thinking about retiring to Islands. Unfortunately, however, the book suffers greatly from two serious flaws. First, it is incredibly poorly proofread; it is replete with distracting and annoying spelling and typographical errors. (One wonders what the publisher was doing!) Second, large portions of the book provide information about matters that change very quickly. In particular, the prices cited are already wildly out of date. I think it would be great if the authors, perhaps with some help from an editor, updated the information and cleaned up the text.



5. This book is worth reading for people seriously interested in moving to Hawaii for retirement. The authors provide lots of economic data on how much it costs to live in Hawaii but it is accurate for about the year 2000. It is a thoughtful book written like an academic paper (with footnotes all the way to clxxxv!).

No comments about Pennsylvania Off the Beaten Path, 9th (Off the Beaten Path Series).

No comments about The Secrets of Masonic Washington: A Guidebook to Signs, Symbols, and Ceremonies at the Origin of America's Capital.

5 comments about Inside the Sky: A Meditation on Flight.

1. Langewiesche is a gifted writer. It is a daunting task to put into words the emotion and spirit involved in flying, but he does a fantastic job of adding spiritual dimension to his well renowned family craft. Then he takes a side trip to an alternate destination beginning in about chapter 2 or 3 which unfortunately never returns to his original course. Vignettes of his experiences as a professional pilot are at first entertaining, but continue to take the reader off his or her intented path throughout the book and conclude in a political ediditorial about the FAA and large airlines (retelling the details of the ValueJet 592 crash as the catalyst). I was very dissappointed by this book. Not by its quality of prose but simply by its misleading title and jacket text. This is NOT a meditation on flight. This is one chapter of meditation and 6 other random reflections from Mr. Langewiesche's memoirs of involvement in the business of flying. It does not qualify as a meditation and does not qualify on a memoir/reflection. It doesn't crash and burn - it's held aloft by Langewiesche's gift of the language - but it is a bumpy ride that lands hard in an unexpected destination.



2. This book chagned the way I think about flying. In general it is well written and has the added value of being written by someone who is obviously intimately familiar with the subject matter. The rational and informative discussion of flight safety helped with my anxiety around flying (I read it on the plane). A friend of mine who is an airforce pilot enjoyed the book too but said that most pilots are not as passionate about flying as the author of this book.



3. This is the first thing I've read by William Langewiesche. The closer you are to aviation, I believe, the more you will like it. As a pilot for 30 years, Langewiesche writes what I would, if I had his incredible ability with words. He captures so much of what how flying changes those who pursue it as their passion. Some other reviewers suggest he rambles a bit, but I felt everything was connected and after all, the subtitle is "Meditations on Flight".

   I can't overstate how much I enjoyed this book. Flying is so much more that just piloting an airplane through the sky and Langewieche captures all this better than anyone else I've ever read.




4. I enjoyed this book immensely. I read it on the plane which seemed a fitting place to be led through experiences of someone who really knew the sky.

   This book contains not only meditations but also technical information that will keep your interest to the end. I came away feeling I had learned something new in more ways than one about the space above and my interest in aviation has been boosted by this book. Each chapter leaves plenty of room for meditating on that certain aspect leaving at the end a panoramic view of the world above.

   People of all levels of interest in aviation should read this book: from the person afraid of flying as it explains in realistic terms what causes trouble in flight in a manner that neither glosses over the facts that accidents do happen or scare the dickens out of you, to pilots who inhabit the sky more than the ground by renewing or boosting their love for the world above.




5. With the subtitle "Meditations on Flight," this promised to be a thoughtful look at the wonder of flight, or something along those lines. As a reader of Atlantic Monthly for many years, I knew that William Langewiesche had been writing articles for them about aviation. I remembered one article especially, Slam and Jam, about air traffic control, that I read when it first appeared in the magazine in 1997. I was an air traffic controller at the time and read the entire piece with great interest, remarking to colleagues that I thought it was quite a well-balanced look at the conflict between union and management. My colleagues disagreed.

   Six years later, and four years after I left air traffic control, I reread the article which appears as one of the seven chapters in Inside the Sky. This time around, the article didn't seem quite as even-handed to me. While Langewiesche doesn't seem to find either management or the union admirable, he really does a number on the controllers, belittling the work they do.

   I could go on about Slam and Jam, but I really don't imagine that anyone outside the business of commercial flight would be interested in it in any case. If I hadn't had a professional interest in the subject, I doubt I would have read the article at all.

   There are two chapters devoted to air crashes. Even as someone who has more than an average interest in aviation, I do not care to dwell on air crashes and other disasters. I read them when they first appeared in The Atlantic Monthly, and did not feel compelled to read them again. It seems that Langewiesche has made a second career (after a career as a pilot) of examining crashes and other disasters, which is a shame. Important as it is to understand the causes of air crashes, so that they may be avoided in the future, I wonder how necessary it is to wallow in disaster page after page for, let's face it, entertainment.

   One chapter that lives up to the promise of the subtitle and that I found worth rereading was The Turn, about the physics of flight from a passenger's point of view. This is the sort of article that makes me remember how much I enjoy flying (as a passenger) and how I hate it when the flight attendant asks me to lower the shade so that others may enjoy the movie. The show outside is much better.

5 comments about One Best Hike: Yosemite's Half Dome.

1. My brother and I had a perfect experience on our first hike to the top of Half Dome due largely to the advice and information in this book. It allowed us to psychologically and physically prepare as best as possible. Much thanks to Rick Deutsch for sharing his vast knowledge and experience.



2. This is a great dvd collection if you are considering the half dome hike. It takes you step by step all the way to the top from a hiker's position. Great footage, even if you just want to have a souvenir from your own hike up the dome.



3. This book is required reading for anyone attempting to hike Half Dome. The key to this hike is preparation - practical, mental and physical, and Mr. Deutsch does an excellent job of addressing all 3 of these parameters. By breaking the hike down he also allows one to "visualize" the hike before setting out, and provides useful benchmarks by which to pace onesself on hike day. His advice is circumspect and focused on safety at all times - there are many potential dangers up there, and without being alarmist, he shares his accumulated wisdom as well as regulations put forth by the NPS to educate hikers about what awaits them. An added bonus is that this book becomes a "keepsake" of sorts - his exquisite detailing of the hike itself allowed me to "relive" this wonderful day and recall details that would otherwise be forgotten. I purchased copies for everyone in my hiking group - and look forward to taking this book to the summit many many more times.



4. I just wanted to thank Rick for a WONDERFUL guide. A couple of high school buddies and I (we graduated 30 years ago!) completed our hike on September 28th, 2007. The book prepared me for the arduous task of completing the most exhilarating hike of my life! He included references to many things that we would not have known about had I not read the book. FANTASTIC!!



5. My friends, if you plan on hiking Half Dome, this is your bible! It goes into every single little detail you can think of regarding this hike. It's well-written, well organized and extremely informative/helpful.
   
   Half Dome is a hike that needs to be taken seriously and this book will walk through it with you. Be sure to read this well before your trip so you can prepare mentally and physically (especially if you have never been). Following Rick Deutsch's advice will make your hike a wonderful and pleasant experience! Going to Half Dome unprepared will most likely lead to misery.

5 comments about Lewis and Clark on the Trail of Discovery: An Interactive History with Removable Artifacts (Lewis & Clark Expedition).

1. 
   Keeping history in perspective is important.What is 200 years?I am creeping on to 70 and my father was born in 1891.So,it was only 85 years before my father was born that Lewis and Clark completed their journey.Another way to look at it is that Clark died in 1866 only 25 years before my father's birth.Not really all that long ago,when you think of all that has happened in that short time.
   This is a very unique book,only 48 pages;but a real excellent effort.Scattered throughout the book are over a dozen packets containing authentic looking reproductions of maps,letters and other documents that were prepared along the trip.It's almost like handling museum documents.Also included are many excellent paintings of scenes along the journey as well as sketches,maps and photographs of important items used.The paper,printing and overall construction of the book is superior in every way.At the back of the book there is a wealth of source material covering,acknowledgements,credits,notes and transcriptions.
   All in all,a first class book on the Lewis and Clark Journey that shaped America.



2. This is a very fun book to read. It has many pockets that contain maps, receipts, and letters that look and feel like the real artifacts. One gets the feeling of history looking through these things. It is appropriate for young people, and adults. It is not a book to read though for the "details" however. I highly recommend this book to school libraries or young people with an interest in Lewis and Clark history. For details of the expedition look at Undaunted Courage, and/or Moulton's book.



3. I purchased this book for my daughter after we visited Fort Clatsop, Oregon where The Lewis and Clark Expedition settled for the winter. My daughter is ten years old and absolutely loves the interative features of the book, such as the replicas of the maps and journal entries from the expedition. The book was such a hit for my daughter's birthday that my parent's ordered the book and a little girl at the party ordered one also.
   The replica maps and writings are a little hard to read as the writing 100 years ago has evolved to what we have now. But helping your child interpret these readings makes this book a true family book.



4. Much has been written, let it simply be said this is the type of book you can pick up for ten minutes and learn something new and fascinating. The pop-outs and pull-out copies of historical documents is wonderful. I've stumbled on it at a retail outlet and have since bought several more as gifts. A good investment for all ages.



5. This truly is a masterpiece! Wonderfully illustrated and historically accurate book for young and old. Every student and household should own this amazing book. The personal letters of Merriweather Lewis to his mother were very interesting, they made you feel as if you were there with them. Reading this book makes you more appreciative of the country we live in and the wonderful contributions Lewis and Clark did for this nation. This is certainly a MUST read!

2 comments about Frommer's Oregon (Frommer's Complete).

1. Frommers Guides provide a well rounded informational review of a particular area. The Oregon Guide is no exception. The reviews of restaurants that we tried were spot on. As well, the overviews of cities were written pretty accurately. It is great for all parts of Oregon, giving equal importance to each region - north, south, west coast, east, and Portland. This is not the book to get if you are wanting more back road information or fully off the beaten path and into nature facts. For that, the Moon guides are a bit better. Overall, definitely buy this one if you would like a full overview with well written and reviewed places to see in Oregon.



2. I am planning my first trip to Oregon and found this book to be extremely thorough and informative. I am amazed at how much information is in this book concerning places to stay, eat, and visit.

4 comments about 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Chicago: Including Aurora, Northwest Indiana, and Waukegan (60 Hikes within 60 Miles).

1. The title of the book caught my eye, and the book itself more than lived up to it! I live in downtown Chicago and was looking for hikes that could be done as day trips - the 60 hikes included are within this distance. The book makes it easy to search by type - for example, river hikes, lake hikes, hikes for wildlife viewing, hikes with children, and then also by distance (1-3 miles, 3-6 miles, and 6+ miles). Each hike has a trail map, directions, a full description, and key info at a glance (e.g. length, configuration, difficulty, scenery, facilities, and even exposure - shady, sunny etc.).



2. I bought this book as a referrence for a planned trip. I was so pleased with the graphics and format that I am buying more books in the series. The maps and desciptions are clear and informative. The hikes seem do-able for casual day hikers.



3. I almost finished writing my review, hit the wrong button and lost it. Just to sum up, you will not find information so thorough, accurate and well-written on the subject. Mr. Villaire is the closest thing to a personal guide.I've lived in Chicago all my life and am pleased to have discovered and rediscoveredl so many worthwhile nature areas. Author Ted Villaire is obviously passionate about sharing his information with fellow nature lovers. Everytime I Google one of the recommended hikes, I find little that adds to the info found in the book. And forget Mapquest- this book gets driving directions right every time. The book is hardly pocket-sized, and the detailed trail guides will have you pulling the book out of your backpack often. My solution is to copy the pages and take those with. (Whoops- did I just confess to copyright violation?)



4. I bought this book about a year ago, and I'm working my way through all the hikes. So far, every one (I've done about 15 of them) has been enjoyable. I found that I recently had to purchase a binder for the book because it's so much easier to rip out the pages and take them along on your hike. The author does tend to patch together pieces of different trails, so you really do need the description and map along with you for each of the trips.
   
   One side note for dog owners - double check before bringing your dog to some of these places - IL Beach does not allow dogs on their trails, but the book says dogs are allowed, on a leash. That was kind of a long drive to find that out the hard way.