Casting Alpha: Amtracs in Vietnam

Book Description

Casting Alpha depicts the daily life of U.S. Marine Corps amtrac crewmen during the Vietnam War and the continuing anxiety, as a result of enemy land mines, referred to as the big wait.

Customer Reviews:

Realistic and down to earth of the everyday life in Nam.......2004-03-28

I served in that unit about during the same time period in both Chu Lai and Danang. The one thing that struck me about the book was the way Jim dealt with the everyday realities and boredam of life coupled with the moments of danger and insanity. I was taken back to the days of my youth and really was moved by the book. There is a section about burning the latrines which is classic and brought back some funny memories. I am buying two copies and sending them to my children so they can understand in some small way what their dad did during the war.

Amtracs are big armored vehicles that float (sort off) and were used in Nam to do many different things. His portrayal refreshed memories that have been long surpressed and hidden in my own mind. It covers the life as we lived it every day. It was 37 years ago but it seems like yesterday when I read this book.

I highly recommend it for those children of us "old vets" to better understand us.

Book Description

The book presents the life and personality, the scientific and philosophical work of Ludwig Boltzmann, one of the great scientists who marked the passage from 19th to 20th century physics. His rich and tragic life, ending by suicide at the age of 62, is described in detail. A substantial part of the book is devoted to discussing his scientific and philosophical ideas and placing them in the context of the second half of the 19th century. The fact that Boltzmann was the man who did most to establish that there is a microscopic, atomic structure underlying macroscopic bodies is documented, as is Boltzmann's influence on modern physics, especially through the work of Planck on light quanta and of Einstein on Brownian motion. Boltzmann was the centre of a scientific revolution, and he has been proved right on many crucial issues. He anticipated Kuhn's theory of scientific revolutions and proposed a theory of knowledge based on Darwin. His basic results, when properly understood, can also be stated as mathematical theorems. Some of these have been proved; others are still at the level of likely but unproven conjectures. The main text of this biography is written almost entirely without equations. Mathematical appendices deepen knowledge of some technical aspects of the subject.

Customer Reviews:

Great for Physical Chemists.......2006-12-31

Why are you here? Why are you looking for a biography about Boltzmann? If you are looking for a strong science biography with a lot of mathematical detail, then you'll want this book. The book is not just a historical biography but a mathematical one. For this purpose I would have given it 5 stars.

However, I was looking for a biography in the same category as Lindley's "Degrees Kelvin" (William Thomson aka Lord Kelvin) or Mahon's "The Man Who Changed Everything" (James Clerk Maxwell). While much of the math is placed into appendices, chapters 4, 5, and 6 will be difficult for the typical science history reader. The first three chapters were wonderful and detailed the life of Ludwig Boltzmann. Before this book he was simply the guy who's name was attached to a constant (which is why I want to read more about him!).

The back cover praise is extremely misleading-

"...accessible to all..."

"Much of the book will be interesting to the general reader."

"I can warmly recommend the book to everybody who is interested in the history of science."

Umm... no. If the second paragraph of my review is what you are looking for then I would suggest you try Lindley's "Boltzmann's Atom". While I have yet to read it, I did read his book about William Thomson/Lord Kelvin, "Degrees Kelvin", and really enjoyed it.

A Life in a Time Just Before Great Changes.......2006-04-25

In the last half of the 1800's there was a lot of ferment in the world of physics. The basic descriptions of how the world worked was put together by Newton was being challenged by new discoveries such as the Michelson-Morley experiment that proved Newton's wave theory of light was incorrect, or at best incomplete. Other experiments were identifying other problems. This was a time when the world of physics was about to undergo massive changes, but of course that was still in the future.

Ludwig Boltzmann was working during this time. He was formulating theories that explained some of these problems. Some of his work was later to become part of the underlying basis for Einstein's famous papers of 1905. There were unfortunately a number of physicists in this same category. They provided a basis for Einstein but never quite had the spark of understanding that carried it to the next step.

During his time Boltzmann was ahead of many of his contemporaries, many of whom disputed his theories. Time has shown that his work on atomic theory were fundamentally correct but only as a first step. Atoms, matter, and energy are now viewed as being much more complex than his first theories.

As the author points out in his closing paragraph, there are indications now that we are headed for a 'great change' in theoretical physics as something new comes to explain some of the problems identified in quantum mechanics. But, of course, that's predicting the future.

A stimulating biography of a great scientist.......2000-05-31

Cercignani provides a stimulating biography of a great scientist. Boltzmann's greatness is difficult to state, but the fact that the author is still actively engaged in research into some of the finer, as yet unresolved issues provoked by Boltzmann's work is a measure of just how far ahead of his time Boltzmann was. It is also tragic to read of Boltzmann's persecution by his contemporaries, the energeticists, who regarded atoms as a convenient hypothesis, but not as having a definite existence. Boltzmann felt that atoms were real and this motivated much of his research. How Boltzmann would have laughed if he could have seen present-day scanning tunnelling microscopy images, which resolve the atomic structure at surfaces! If only all scientists would learn from Boltzmann's life story that it is bad for science to persecute someone whose views you do not share but cannot disprove. One surprising fact I learned from this book was how research into thermodynamics and statistical mechanics led to the beginnings of quantum theory (such as Planck's distribution law, and Einstein's theory of specific heat). Lecture notes by Boltzmann also seem to have influenced Einstein's construction of special relativity. Cercignani's familiarity with Boltzmann's work at the research level will probably set this above other biographies of Boltzmann for a very long time to come.

Ludwig Boltzmann, the man who trusted atoms.

Average customer rating:

Ludwig Boltzmann, the man who trusted atoms.
Carlo. CERCIGNANI
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000ORAHPW

Average customer rating:

Beauty secrets

enjoyed this book

I agree with Shaz Oi you it's full of great ideas

One of Diane's best books

GREAT

World's Best Kept Beauty Secrets: What Really Works In Beauty, Diet & Fashion
Diane Irons
Manufacturer: Sourcebooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Beauty & Fashion | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Diets | Diets & Weight Loss | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:

philosophy hope in a jar daily moisturizer

ASIN: 1402203837

Amazon.com

Who knew that models use hemorrhoid cream to combat eye puffiness? Diane Irons knew, that's who. She's a model herself and has compiled a bunch of little-known but definitely useful beauty tips. Her advice ranges from the unusual (play classical music at mealtimes and you'll eat less; add aspirin to shampoo to combat dandruff) to the downright wacky (use mascara to touch up hair roots; use antiperspirant on your feet in summer). Hey, if it works, it works! She's also included tons of diet tips, including 50 recipes that check in at 200 calories or less per serving, as well as lists of herbs and supplements to aid quick weight loss. With many of the tips geared toward women on the run, this book is like a Hints from Heloise for the glamour set.

Book Description

America's favorite beauty book is back and better than ever! The World's Best-Kept Beauty Secrets is a completely revised and updated edition of Diane Irons' bestselling beauty book.

A former model and confidante to the stars, Irons demystifies the hype surrounding costly products and fads of today's cutthroat beauty industry. From a supermodel's tips on disguising breakouts in an instant to dropping weight quickly and safely for big events, The World's Best-Kept Beauty Secrets is a must-have shelf reference for women everywhere.

This completely revised second edition includes new information on:

€ Updated skin care news and information € Current and classic fashion trends € All-new beauty recipes € Revised and up-to-date bargains and freebies € Common beauty questions with Diane's expert advice

Customer Reviews:

Beauty secrets.......2007-07-29

This is my third Diane Irons books,I love every one of them.Great savings on my face creams, i have done most of her skin treatments and the do work for me.

enjoyed this book.......2007-01-03

found it practical and inspiring. since i spend a small fortune on cosmetic products, i view this as a way to spend less and use more natural products.

I agree with Shaz Oi you it's full of great ideas.......2006-07-27

I appreciated Shaz's comment in her June 26, 2001 addendum in which she wrote the following:

"I was particularly interested in the tip of using coffee grounds for cellulite control. I emailed Diane Irons office regarding a more specific application of the coffee grounds, and this is what she wrote back:

"The coffee grounds should be warm when applied. Sit on the edge of your bathtub (or in your shower w/ newspaper beneath you). While you're massaging in the grounds, most will fall to the floor. The residue is what remains, and this should be wrapped (she didn't specify, but I assume any old plastic food wrap will do). Leave on for 5-10 minutes to detoxify and smooth. Rinse off with warm water and a loofah or vegetable brush".

I tried this, and after one session, I swear my skin felt taught the rest of the day. Brilliant!"

Thanks Shaz, for elaborating on how to use that coffee ground tip in the book. Because of your review I bought the book and I'm glad I did.

Most of the tips are really straight forward. But knowing how to apply that one tip alone is worth the price of the book! The price of cellulite creams and potions are astronomical and used coffee grounds are free!

And there is so much more.

This is a keeper.

May I suggest you use a highlighter and review the book once in a while for more tips to try. Or a sticky note in the flyleaf with notes for fast reference.

One of Diane's best books.......2003-09-08

I recently purchased this book because I am a big fan of Diane Iron's books. All of them are filled with interesting, inexpensive, and easy-to-apply tips in diet, beauty, and fashion, and I was very pleased with "The World's Best-Kept Beauty Secrets". Diane compiles over 230 essential pages of tips, advice, and secrets. Besides covering beauty, this book also features hair care advice, very neat fashion tips, delicious recipies all under 200 calories, diet secrets, and much, much more. For example, you can make cleansing masks out of kitty litter and mayonnaise (yes, kitty litter and mayonnaise), that work just as well, if not better, than store-bought masks. What to do if that party information says "Formal Dress" or "City Attire"? Turn to this book to find a description of good things to wear! Also, an entire chapter is devoted to secrets of models that seem to always look perfect. Did you know that many models use toothbrushes to clean their lips?- the bristles help slough off dead skin. Or that small birthday candles can get a stuck zipper to get going again? How about washing that scorched shirt from your iron with a basin of hydrogen peroxide and mild detergent?- it will bring your shirt back to life! Find many more of these useful tips, and much more in "The World's Best Kept Beauty Secrets". It's a great invesment for all women, and will help you look your best no matter what.

GREAT.......2003-03-03

This book was EXTREMELY interesting. It had fun, and interesting tips for things such as slimming fashion ideas, natural weight loss herbs, relaxing spa tips, and things that every woman should carry in her purse. It was very helpful. It's like the Bible for all women.

The World's Best-Kept Beauty Secrets What Really Works in Beauty, Diet, and Fashion

Average customer rating:

The World's Best-Kept Beauty Secrets What Really Works in Beauty, Diet, and Fashion
Diane Irons
Manufacturer: Rodale Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Cosmetics | Beauty & Fashion | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1594862788

Average customer rating:

The World's Best-kept Beauty Secrets - What Really Works In Beauty, Diet And Fashion
Diane Irons
Manufacturer: Sourcebooks, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JZP2J0

The World's Best-Kept Beauty Secrets: What Really Works in Beauty, Diet & Fashion

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The World's Best-Kept Beauty Secrets: What Really Works in Beauty, Diet & Fashion

Manufacturer: Sourcebooks Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000EONS9M

Product Description

The author reveals hundreds of insider tips on how to look and feel fabulous, inside and out, for practically pennies. A former model and confidante to the stars, Irons demystifies the hype surrounding the costly products and fads of today's beauty industry. Energize your own great style with these amazing secrets!

Average customer rating:

The World's Best-Kept Beauty Secrets, What Really Works in Beauty, Diet & Fashion
Diane Irons
Manufacturer: Sourcebooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H5ATTK

Book Description

Rioja is Spain’s most famous wine region—and this guide has the most up-to-date information on more than 450 producers and their vintages. Here are details of the key changes to the wine laws of this region, which were revised in 2003, with all aspects of the wines fully covered—from the traditional estates to the most innovative bodegas to the newest types being produced.

Average customer rating:

Travel guide, not a useful wine guide.
Rioja and its wines

Rioja and its Wines
Ron Scarborough
Manufacturer: Survival Books, Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Spirits | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Europe | Travel | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1901130312

Book Description

The most comprehensive and up-to-date source of information available about the region and its wines, and required reading for lovers of fine wines and beautiful, unspoilt countryside. In addition to introducing you to the delights of Rioja wine, the author takes you on a guided tour through this charming region, its history, architecture, villages, wildlife and warm-hearted, friendly people.

Customer Reviews:

Travel guide, not a useful wine guide........2003-09-27

The title misleads. The book is a travelog of the adventures of the author. I have some personal knowledge of the region and have had similar experiences to those of the author-the book will be useful to a traveler as a planning tool. It does not contribute to the knowledge base on Rioja wines.

Rioja and its wines.......2003-05-11

A must for anyone wanting to travel in the Rioja region of Spain. I am planning a trip soon and this book will be constant companian.

Manual de los vinos de Rioja (Textos ludicos de Pantagruel)

Average customer rating:

Manual de los vinos de Rioja (Textos ludicos de Pantagruel)
Jose Penin
Manufacturer: Penthalon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Average customer rating:

Nuestros vinos: Rioja Alavesa
Jose Maria Busca Isusi
Manufacturer: Caja Provincial de Ahorros de Alava
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Bodegas Y Vinos La Rioja (Bodegas Y Vinos)

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Bodegas Y Vinos La Rioja (Bodegas Y Vinos)

Manufacturer: Editorial Bruno
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Spirits | Drinks & Beverages | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

Spain | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

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El tinto por antonomasia. (Por los caminos del vino (2): la Rioja 1a parte).(principios y desarrollo de la vinicultura; España)(TT: Red wine's supremacy. ... industry; Spain): An article from: Epoca

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El tinto por antonomasia. (Por los caminos del vino (2): la Rioja 1a parte).(principios y desarrollo de la vinicultura; España)(TT: Red wine's supremacy. ... industry; Spain): An article from: Epoca
Joaquín Merino
Manufacturer: Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008IPF0O
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Epoca, published by Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA) on October 12, 2001. The length of the article is 2007 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: El tinto por antonomasia. (Por los caminos del vino (2): la Rioja 1a parte).(principios y desarrollo de la vinicultura; España)(TT: Red wine's supremacy. (History of wine: Rioja Region).)(TA: beginnings, development of wine industry; Spain)
Author: Joaquín Merino
Publication: Epoca (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 12, 2001
Publisher: Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA)
Page: 72(3)

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High expression: new wines from Rioja.: An article from: Wines & Vines

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High expression: new wines from Rioja.: An article from: Wines & Vines
Christopher Sawyer
Manufacturer: Hiaring Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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History of Technology | Technology | Science | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Wines & Vines, published by Hiaring Company on January 1, 2004. The length of the article is 2100 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: High expression: new wines from Rioja.
Author: Christopher Sawyer
Publication: Wines & Vines (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2004
Publisher: Hiaring Company
Volume: 85 Issue: 1 Page: 38(6)

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Marqués de Murrieta Igay 98. (sabores).(vino)(TT: Marqués de Murrieta Igay 98.)(TA: wine)(Evaluación): An article from: Epoca

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Marqués de Murrieta Igay 98. (sabores).(vino)(TT: Marqués de Murrieta Igay 98.)(TA: wine)(Evaluación): An article from: Epoca

Manufacturer: Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0009FMQEY
Release Date: 2005-06-01

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Epoca, published by Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA) on May 10, 2002. The length of the article is 393 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Marqués de Murrieta Igay 98. (sabores).(vino)(TT: Marqués de Murrieta Igay 98.)(TA: wine)(Evaluación)
Publication: Epoca (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 10, 2002
Publisher: Difusora de Informacion Periodica, S.A. (DINPESA)
Page: 73(1)

Article Type: Evaluación

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Rioja vineyards: as old as the hills. (wine industry in Spain)(Industry Overview): An article from: Wines & Vines

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Rioja vineyards: as old as the hills. (wine industry in Spain)(Industry Overview): An article from: Wines & Vines
Larry Walker
Manufacturer: Hiaring Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | e-Docs | Formats | Books
ASIN: B00098AEY0
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Wines & Vines, published by Hiaring Company on September 1, 1998. The length of the article is 1627 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Rioja vineyards: as old as the hills. (wine industry in Spain)(Industry Overview)
Author: Larry Walker
Publication: Wines & Vines (Magazine/Journal)
Date: September 1, 1998
Publisher: Hiaring Company
Volume: v79 Issue: n9 Page: p34(2)

Article Type: Industry Overview

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