Anthony Hopkins Books
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Parkinson's Disease: A Complete Guide for Patients and Families (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)
Published in Paperback by The Johns Hopkins University Press (2001-04-06)
List price: $17.95
New price: $95.00
Used price: $0.20
Used price: $0.20
Average review score: 

Must have
Helpful Votes: 15 out of 15 total.
Review Date: 2004-09-21
Review Date: 2004-09-21
If you have PD or care for someone or know someone with it you will find this book helpful in any of those situations. I learned many things from this book. Including that some things my husband, who has early onset PD, was going through that turned out were symptoms and not just random events. I thank those that wrote this for helping me care for him and being informed. Also, they section on young onset PD really helped because i was beginning to feel he had intermediate PD when really it was signs and symptoms from his Y.O.P.D. It lifted a heavy weight knowing he wasn't that far into the disease (intermediate stage). I was able to rely many things to his nuerologist that he was experiencing based upon my reading so he can get better care. Thank you.
Good Information
Helpful Votes: 15 out of 15 total.
Review Date: 2002-02-13
Review Date: 2002-02-13
Never having had any experience or knowledge on the basis of this disease, I got the book to help me understand my father's disease. I have gotten a fuller understanding of the causes of the disease, the symptoms, the treatments (and making decisions regarding the selections of the treatments), and the progression of the disease. I feel much better informed and feel I can support my father better because of it. It was definitely written to help support the patient and family supporting that patient.
Parkinson's Disease
Helpful Votes: 20 out of 20 total.
Review Date: 2002-04-19
Review Date: 2002-04-19
The author of this book did a great job in explaining what Parkinson's Disease is and giving information for the patient and the caregiver. I am a dental hygienist and I learned just an overview of the disease in school. After having my first patient with the disease I decided to learn more about it. I learned alot from this book that I should of already known for my patient. The book tells you the symptoms and the side effects of the disease and advice on drug therapy, diet, and exercise. Some people don't even know that they have the disease for a couple of months or even years. They think it is just old age or arthritis. The book also states what kind of medical advice to seek.
I have never met a patient with Parkinson's Disease until a couple of months ago. I didn't know what to expect. When the patient walked in I was shocked. She looked normal and wasn't shaking. She was the sweetest patient I had met. She explained to me her life and how she lives with the disease. She said that she sometimes gets embarrased to be seen in public when she has her tremors because she thinks that everyone is staring at her. But she said she is the same person as all of us. She just has to take medication and she gets tired alot more than you and me. When I was cleaning her teeth she only had mild tremors so it wasn't that difficult to work on her. But one day I will probably get a patient who has severe tremors but I am ready thanks to this book in guiding me with the knowledge of what I needed to know. I think that if you know someone who has Parkinson's disease or if you would like to learn more about the disease buy this book and you will be filled with all the information you need to know about Parkinson's disease.
I have never met a patient with Parkinson's Disease until a couple of months ago. I didn't know what to expect. When the patient walked in I was shocked. She looked normal and wasn't shaking. She was the sweetest patient I had met. She explained to me her life and how she lives with the disease. She said that she sometimes gets embarrased to be seen in public when she has her tremors because she thinks that everyone is staring at her. But she said she is the same person as all of us. She just has to take medication and she gets tired alot more than you and me. When I was cleaning her teeth she only had mild tremors so it wasn't that difficult to work on her. But one day I will probably get a patient who has severe tremors but I am ready thanks to this book in guiding me with the knowledge of what I needed to know. I think that if you know someone who has Parkinson's disease or if you would like to learn more about the disease buy this book and you will be filled with all the information you need to know about Parkinson's disease.
Excellent Guide
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-08
Review Date: 2007-03-08
I have Parkinson's, and this is the most comprehensive, up-to-date book on the subject I've seen. If you are buying one book on this topic, this is the book to get.
Parkinson's Disease: A Complete Guide for Patients and Famil
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 10 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-03
Review Date: 2004-05-03
EXCELLENT resource book !!! I am back ordering a second copy for our family to share around.... gives excellent, detailed information on both the physical side of the disease and the side-effects of the medications... easy read... very comprehensive... I recommend HIGHLY !!

The Spider Chronicles
Published in Paperback by Moonstone (2007-04-04)
List price: $16.95
New price: $10.53
Used price: $10.10
Used price: $10.10
Average review score: 

The Spider Returns
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-11
Review Date: 2007-05-11
A great collection of stories of the old pulp character, Anyone with an interest in the old pulps of the thirties and forties will enjoy this book. I'm glad to see a resurgeance of interest in these characters, A new series of reprints of the Spider is also on the way. Well worth the price. Buy it!
the pulps are back!!!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-10
Review Date: 2007-04-10
I have not gotten my copy yet, but feel I should make some comments on this book. It is great to see a resurgence in interest in the pulps. I hope we see new stories with The Shadow, Doc Savage, The Phantom Detective, G8 and His Battle Aces. These were great action packed series. Great escapism. Love it!!!
Rumors of The Spider's demise are greatly overrated!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-31
Review Date: 2007-05-31
As long as there are those who still recall and love the glory days of the hero Pulp Magazine, the heroes will never die! Reprints were our only contact with the Master of Men, the Violent Avenger, until the release of this action-packed trade paperback! Pulp authorities such as Will Murry, Joe Gentile, and C.J. Henderson have cooked up a brand new batch of two-fisted tales that will make the true pulp fan slaver and drool. The earth-shaking artwork is a more realistic version of the Spider as described in the old magazines, but as he seldom appeared on the covers. This collection is a Royal Flush. You can't beat it. It leaves the true pulp fan longing for other hero collections: Doc Savage, The Shadow, The Avenger, G-8, The Green Lama, etc. Now if I went story by story, I might ding a few authors, but as a cillection, solid pulp! Quote the Raven...

Walker's Primates of the World
Published in Paperback by The Johns Hopkins University Press (1999-10-28)
List price: $25.00
New price: $26.13
Used price: $14.91
Used price: $14.91
Average review score: 

An excellent resource
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-17
Review Date: 2006-10-17
All of the books of this series are exceptional resources for biologists (amateur and professional), zoo workers or frequenters, students, teachers, or Discovery Channel watchers. The scope of information includes descriptions of basic biology, like diet, habitat, reproduction, and life cycle, and also has in-depth scientific information for those who would use it as a scholarly resource. I would recommend these books to anyone with an interest in the subject.
You can enjoy the primates world with this book!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2000-11-09
Review Date: 2000-11-09
Before I got this book, I didn't know about pramates at all. Because I didn't have much interest to primates. And now I'm interested in primates, and want to know more. On this book, there're many photos and stories about primates. You can enjoy primates world with this book.
Excellent for research, not something to curl up with...
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2001-03-14
Review Date: 2001-03-14
This book is an excellent resource if you're looking to do any type of research, it would also be perfect to use as a ready reference tool for identiying certain species, but it is written in a dictionary type of style so it is not an incredible easy read.

Burt Munro Indian Legend of Speed (The World's Fastest Indian)
Published in Paperback by George Begg (2003)
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New price: $34.95
Average review score: 

If you want to know more about Burt Munro, BUY this book.
Helpful Votes: 24 out of 24 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-16
Review Date: 2006-04-16
If you saw the movie, "The World's Fastest Indian", and want to know more about Burt Munro, BUY this book. It was written by one of Burt's closest friends and tells Burt's life story. It rambles some at times, but is full of information on Burt and has b&w and color pictures.
There is much more to Burt Munro than the movie could cover and he led a fascinating life, actually racing motorycles (including the Indian in the movie) in Australia and New Zealand for decades before going to Bonneville numerous times in his later years. If you want to know the whole story of Burt Munro, this book is a must.
There is much more to Burt Munro than the movie could cover and he led a fascinating life, actually racing motorycles (including the Indian in the movie) in Australia and New Zealand for decades before going to Bonneville numerous times in his later years. If you want to know the whole story of Burt Munro, this book is a must.
An old timer not to be fooled with
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-13
Review Date: 2006-10-13
This guy was smart. Not book smart but real world smart. A good read and as R. Merritt said the movie does not come close to capturing the complexity and realality of what this man did in his life. I'm inspired by this book but unlike the NY Times writer who said this story is "...just Seabicuit on wheels.." I consider this story a common mans tale of the human spirit
Anthony Hopkins
Published in Paperback by Virgin Books (1990-06)
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Used price: $8.49
Average review score: 

Hi Tom!!! 12 Year Old Chivas Regal Scotch For $37.50 At Dan Murphy's!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-10
Review Date: 2005-10-10
In this book the author gives a very detailed account of the life and career of actor Anthony Hopkins. It is interesting to note that Mr. Hopkins only agreed to contribute to this book on the condition that the author did not interview his first wife who he left along with his baby. In reading this book one can only come to the conclusion that Mr. Hopkins is to be greatly admired as an actor but he leaves a lot to be desired as a husband and father.I would also like to say "Hi" to Tom who works at the Video Store and is always very patient with me in my hunt for little known movies. If you are reading this Tom I hope you invested some of your hard earned cash on a good bottle of 12 year old Chivas Regal Scotch which goes very well with a couple of chunks of ice. Leave Jim Beam for the peasants to drink!!!

Anthony Hopkins: The Biography
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Virgin Books (2005-06-01)
List price: $7.95
New price: $3.08
Used price: $0.37
Used price: $0.37
Average review score: 

What An Extraordinary Man!!
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2004-05-08
Review Date: 2004-05-08
A beautiful written book about one of the best actors ever. Quentin Falk nails it on the head clean. With more information and stories about the actor, not to mention another section of beautiful pictures, this book tops the edition before it easily. Any fan of Sir Hopkins is very likely to love this book too. I highly recommend it to my fellow Tony fans!

Turning Pain into Power: A Retreat With Gerard Manley Hopkins and Hildegard of Bingen (Retreat With-- Series)
Published in Paperback by Saint Anthony Messenger Press (1995-12)
List price: $8.95
New price: $3.52
Used price: $1.50
Used price: $1.50
Average review score: 

A Retreat with Gerard Manley Hopkins and Hildegard of Bingen
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-11
Review Date: 2006-07-11
I've used several of the books in the "Retreat with..." series, and find this one of the very best! Thank you.

The Frighteners
Published in Video Download by ()
List price:
New price: $2.99
Average review score: 

Fun, slightly creepy, and imaginative good time
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-11
Review Date: 2008-05-11
I had never seen this movie until this past October, and that was only a portion. Still, I must say I was intrigued enough to order the DVD. And then I thought, hey, I'll go for the director's cut. So I really have nothing to compare that to, but let's just that I truly enjoyed it.
I understand that the movie is something of a cult classic and it is easy to see why. I hate to call it pure horror as it is much funnier and sweeter than that, but it does have the stuff of such. In truth, it is a movie about ghosts rather than a scary movie and the tortured man who works a con operation with them.
I'm a huge fan of Michael J. Fox and I think he does pretty good in this. His character is a little more sensitive than what I have seen him and he pulls it off, but he most comes to life as the stalwart and brave soul we all know he is.
The tale itself is really quite imaginative, especially those fascinated by the fun ghosts can offer. In fact, most of the ghosts we meet are nice and funny rather than scary. And hey, someone was actually to make ghosts work with objects in a logical way!
This is a great Halloween movie and if this had extra scenes I liked them. The extras are also plenty of fun, featuring the making of, interviews, and even a bit on real ghostly experiences.
I understand that the movie is something of a cult classic and it is easy to see why. I hate to call it pure horror as it is much funnier and sweeter than that, but it does have the stuff of such. In truth, it is a movie about ghosts rather than a scary movie and the tortured man who works a con operation with them.
I'm a huge fan of Michael J. Fox and I think he does pretty good in this. His character is a little more sensitive than what I have seen him and he pulls it off, but he most comes to life as the stalwart and brave soul we all know he is.
The tale itself is really quite imaginative, especially those fascinated by the fun ghosts can offer. In fact, most of the ghosts we meet are nice and funny rather than scary. And hey, someone was actually to make ghosts work with objects in a logical way!
This is a great Halloween movie and if this had extra scenes I liked them. The extras are also plenty of fun, featuring the making of, interviews, and even a bit on real ghostly experiences.
Entertaining, but not really a horroe film
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-24
Review Date: 2008-04-24
I caught this movie on TV, and it was entertaining enough for me to sit through the whole film. I would have liked to give it a 3.6 stars if I could. I think it has a spark of something which makes it a little better than average, but I hesitate to call it excellent (4 stars). Since I knew nothing about this film, I was quite amazed to find people categorize it as a horror-comedy when I later looked it up here on Amazon.
I am an easily terrified person, so I generally stayed away from horror or gory movies. I remember when I finally gathered enough courage to watch "The Shining" because it is said to be such a classic, I had to turn my head away every time I sensed something potentially scary coming up. In the end, my total viewing time of that movie was less than 5 minutes. I suppose this explains how much I can stomach a horror movie. When I watched this movie, the word "scary" never came into my mind. I though it was fun, the special effect nice, and it was nice to see Michael J Fox again after a long while (although I wished his character weren't so headstrong, as usual). The plot could have been a little more unpredictable. But it was fun, entertaining, but no horror movie.
I am an easily terrified person, so I generally stayed away from horror or gory movies. I remember when I finally gathered enough courage to watch "The Shining" because it is said to be such a classic, I had to turn my head away every time I sensed something potentially scary coming up. In the end, my total viewing time of that movie was less than 5 minutes. I suppose this explains how much I can stomach a horror movie. When I watched this movie, the word "scary" never came into my mind. I though it was fun, the special effect nice, and it was nice to see Michael J Fox again after a long while (although I wished his character weren't so headstrong, as usual). The plot could have been a little more unpredictable. But it was fun, entertaining, but no horror movie.
Two or three different movies in one
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-22
Review Date: 2008-04-22
The director's cut of The Frighteners doesn't help the film's awkward shifts of tone much, but then this always seemed like two or three good ideas that never really gelled into the same movie. The idea of Michael J. Fox's paranormal investigator running a scam with a trio of real ghosts who haunt the houses he charges to exorcise is never given enough of a comic workout, just as the inspired idea of an undead serial killer trying to beat the competition in the body count stakes because "the title should be held by an American" never becomes a genuinely chilling figure. There are a few neat twists, but the film still feels more like it had a pitch and a treatment rather than a solid script, offering only a third as much fun as it really should. Still, no complaints about the lavish extras on this flipper disc (theEuropean release spreads the same extras over a 3-disc set) - aside from the usual deleted scenes and trailer there's even a four hour documentary produced by Jackson!
GREAT HD DVD IN PERFECT CONDITION/ FAST SHIPPING
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-10
Review Date: 2008-04-10
ITEM ARRIVED IN PERFECT CONDITION AND VERY FAST SHIPPING. I WOULD DEFINATELY ORDER FROM SELLER AGAIN!!!!!
Somewhere between funny and frightening...but neither!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-09
Review Date: 2008-04-09
Having never seen "The Frighteners" in the theatre, and now seeing Peter Jackson's Director's Cut makes me wonder why such a cut was released? This film, with all of it's slick special effects and Alan Silvestri-Knock-off-music by Danny Elfman, goes on and on and on without being truly funny (the endless one-liners are as old and corny as can be!) or truly scary; in short, the film is probably best described as campy with an overuse of effects and no focus on acting. If Trini Alvarado was meant to be bad, then this Andie MacDowell knock-off WAS every bit as numbing as her more famous look-alike. Michael J. Fox was not funny at all, and the endless barrage of ectoplasm and spirits and a Dee Wallace Stone in her finest role since Cujo (25th Anniversary Edition), made this film pretty tough to stomach. Glad to see that Peter Jackson did better work before AND after this one! Why a Director's Cut, though? Wasn't the theatrical release silly enough?

The Frighteners
Published in Video Download by ()
List price:
New price: $9.99
Average review score: 

Fun, slightly creepy, and imaginative good time
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-11
Review Date: 2008-05-11
I had never seen this movie until this past October, and that was only a portion. Still, I must say I was intrigued enough to order the DVD. And then I thought, hey, I'll go for the director's cut. So I really have nothing to compare that to, but let's just that I truly enjoyed it.
I understand that the movie is something of a cult classic and it is easy to see why. I hate to call it pure horror as it is much funnier and sweeter than that, but it does have the stuff of such. In truth, it is a movie about ghosts rather than a scary movie and the tortured man who works a con operation with them.
I'm a huge fan of Michael J. Fox and I think he does pretty good in this. His character is a little more sensitive than what I have seen him and he pulls it off, but he most comes to life as the stalwart and brave soul we all know he is.
The tale itself is really quite imaginative, especially those fascinated by the fun ghosts can offer. In fact, most of the ghosts we meet are nice and funny rather than scary. And hey, someone was actually to make ghosts work with objects in a logical way!
This is a great Halloween movie and if this had extra scenes I liked them. The extras are also plenty of fun, featuring the making of, interviews, and even a bit on real ghostly experiences.
I understand that the movie is something of a cult classic and it is easy to see why. I hate to call it pure horror as it is much funnier and sweeter than that, but it does have the stuff of such. In truth, it is a movie about ghosts rather than a scary movie and the tortured man who works a con operation with them.
I'm a huge fan of Michael J. Fox and I think he does pretty good in this. His character is a little more sensitive than what I have seen him and he pulls it off, but he most comes to life as the stalwart and brave soul we all know he is.
The tale itself is really quite imaginative, especially those fascinated by the fun ghosts can offer. In fact, most of the ghosts we meet are nice and funny rather than scary. And hey, someone was actually to make ghosts work with objects in a logical way!
This is a great Halloween movie and if this had extra scenes I liked them. The extras are also plenty of fun, featuring the making of, interviews, and even a bit on real ghostly experiences.
Entertaining, but not really a horroe film
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-24
Review Date: 2008-04-24
I caught this movie on TV, and it was entertaining enough for me to sit through the whole film. I would have liked to give it a 3.6 stars if I could. I think it has a spark of something which makes it a little better than average, but I hesitate to call it excellent (4 stars). Since I knew nothing about this film, I was quite amazed to find people categorize it as a horror-comedy when I later looked it up here on Amazon.
I am an easily terrified person, so I generally stayed away from horror or gory movies. I remember when I finally gathered enough courage to watch "The Shining" because it is said to be such a classic, I had to turn my head away every time I sensed something potentially scary coming up. In the end, my total viewing time of that movie was less than 5 minutes. I suppose this explains how much I can stomach a horror movie. When I watched this movie, the word "scary" never came into my mind. I though it was fun, the special effect nice, and it was nice to see Michael J Fox again after a long while (although I wished his character weren't so headstrong, as usual). The plot could have been a little more unpredictable. But it was fun, entertaining, but no horror movie.
I am an easily terrified person, so I generally stayed away from horror or gory movies. I remember when I finally gathered enough courage to watch "The Shining" because it is said to be such a classic, I had to turn my head away every time I sensed something potentially scary coming up. In the end, my total viewing time of that movie was less than 5 minutes. I suppose this explains how much I can stomach a horror movie. When I watched this movie, the word "scary" never came into my mind. I though it was fun, the special effect nice, and it was nice to see Michael J Fox again after a long while (although I wished his character weren't so headstrong, as usual). The plot could have been a little more unpredictable. But it was fun, entertaining, but no horror movie.
Two or three different movies in one
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-22
Review Date: 2008-04-22
The director's cut of The Frighteners doesn't help the film's awkward shifts of tone much, but then this always seemed like two or three good ideas that never really gelled into the same movie. The idea of Michael J. Fox's paranormal investigator running a scam with a trio of real ghosts who haunt the houses he charges to exorcise is never given enough of a comic workout, just as the inspired idea of an undead serial killer trying to beat the competition in the body count stakes because "the title should be held by an American" never becomes a genuinely chilling figure. There are a few neat twists, but the film still feels more like it had a pitch and a treatment rather than a solid script, offering only a third as much fun as it really should. Still, no complaints about the lavish extras on this flipper disc (theEuropean release spreads the same extras over a 3-disc set) - aside from the usual deleted scenes and trailer there's even a four hour documentary produced by Jackson!
GREAT HD DVD IN PERFECT CONDITION/ FAST SHIPPING
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-10
Review Date: 2008-04-10
ITEM ARRIVED IN PERFECT CONDITION AND VERY FAST SHIPPING. I WOULD DEFINATELY ORDER FROM SELLER AGAIN!!!!!
Somewhere between funny and frightening...but neither!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-09
Review Date: 2008-04-09
Having never seen "The Frighteners" in the theatre, and now seeing Peter Jackson's Director's Cut makes me wonder why such a cut was released? This film, with all of it's slick special effects and Alan Silvestri-Knock-off-music by Danny Elfman, goes on and on and on without being truly funny (the endless one-liners are as old and corny as can be!) or truly scary; in short, the film is probably best described as campy with an overuse of effects and no focus on acting. If Trini Alvarado was meant to be bad, then this Andie MacDowell knock-off WAS every bit as numbing as her more famous look-alike. Michael J. Fox was not funny at all, and the endless barrage of ectoplasm and spirits and a Dee Wallace Stone in her finest role since Cujo (25th Anniversary Edition), made this film pretty tough to stomach. Glad to see that Peter Jackson did better work before AND after this one! Why a Director's Cut, though? Wasn't the theatrical release silly enough?

This Land: The Battle over Sprawl and the Future of America
Published in Hardcover by The Johns Hopkins University Press (2006-04-21)
List price: $24.95
New price: $13.29
Used price: $6.95
Used price: $6.95
Average review score: 

Jeremy's review
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-28
Review Date: 2008-02-28
The book came in extremely good condition. it came in the time I indicated. Amazon is easy to use and I will continue to purchase things from them.
Very balanced and insightful
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-07
Review Date: 2006-09-07
I find Anthony Flint very balanced and insightful in this book. I like the fact that this book's author, in addition to explaining how and why sprawl came about in the first place, the drawbacks of sprawl, and the solutions to it, also explains the reasons why there is so much resistance to the alternatives to sprawl, and the solutions to that resistance.
America the Beautiful
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-22
Review Date: 2006-08-22
Anthony Flint does a great job of enlightening us about the history of sprawl in America and how we got to where we are today. It sure surprised me. He also offers solutions to the problems of sprawl, so the book provides hope. This Land is well written and easy to understand.
Flint wants citizens & planners to plan for 60-72 million immigrants. Flint says you're an extremist/radical if you oppose
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-24
Review Date: 2007-01-24
I'm against sprawl. But I and the majority of U.S. citizens can't and should NOT accept Flint's outrageous portrayal (see pp 125-6) of those citizens who have examined and are deeply concerned with U.S. population projections for the next 50 years--120 million more, with a staggering 60% of those immigrant--as on the 'radical fringe' and as 'tree-huggers who agree with Pat Buchanan and Michael Savage.' This is idiotic McCarthy-like baiting at its finest. And dullest.
Flint appears to be clueless as to what democratic planning consists of. Perhaps he needs to research what U.S. citizens think 'building smart' for 72 million immigrants truly means. There SHOULD be a democratic debate about immigration and planning, and the sooner more Americans--and planners-- enter it, the better. But not for this author. Flint's biographical essay contains not a single reference to the impacts of illegal immigration (an estimated 12 million people)on municipal, regional and environmental planning practice. Is this acceptable to the majority of Americans? To planners? Instead we find Flint capitulating with this ridiculous reminder on how to 'deal' with the incoming masses (p 248):
"Remember those 100 million new people expected in the country by 2050? They're the reason we're going to need more compact places."
Just like that.
My other critique of this book (released in 2006) is the absence of ANY real discussion of the impacts of global warming on urban and regional development, planned or unplanned, smart or stupid. Flint covers planning issues for homeland security instead. But with popular coverage of planetary warming now a daily norm on the TV and in the media, you'd think writers steeped in planning issues would make the connection. Flint misses the boat in a rising sea...again. A LSU geoscience professor informs us on national news last night that coastal regions will be facing some serious threats in 40 years from melting ice caps. This book mentions nothing on the challenges of global warming for the planning profession, or for readers who happen to occupy the populated coastal areas of the country who'll see their populations soar from both legal and illegal population growth. Not to mention planning impacts of drought, flooding, urban heat islands, energy supplies for cities gong through hyper-growth, etc. Without population and global warming considerations (addressed in POPULATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE (2005) by O'Neill, and also see "Human Mobility in a Globalizing World: Urban Development Trends and Policy Implications" by Wm Clark and available online at the CA Center for Population Research), how smart can Flint's brand of American 'smart growth' really be?
I have grave doubts that the biologist E. O. Wilson, who has watched the planet get chewed to hell in his lifetime, would've given this book such high praises had he actually READ the book.
Addendum:
For a thoughtless and perhaps unethical critique of my book review by a Boston planner (academic?), click on 'Comments (2)' below. In summary and with my embellishments, this Flint supporter appears to be implying
1) The illegal immigration issue has nothing significant to do with land use planning (again: 60-72 million plus according to Flint added to the US population, and certainly the greater proportion arriving in violation of Federal immigration law). Focus uncritically on planning for the millions who are here legally and can afford to own planned developments. Aging baby boomers will need "young" people (who cares about their status) to do the menial work and pay into SS. The non-unionized undocumented will help build and maintain the compact habitats only aging boomers can afford. Like the sprawl they are constructing right now. How else will we keep some of our lawless and immoral regional economies humming w/out lots of young, undocumented, eager, and poverty stricken individuals? Who cares if this intensifies America's two-tier society?
2) You're xenophobic if you call attention to this demographic and planning challenge for the projected 60-72 million immigrants (note: her finger-pointing mirrors perfectly Flint's accusations of 'radicalism' mentioned in my book review. If you're not for unlimited population increase you're 'on the fringe'). Planners should not be concerned with what the majority of American citizens have to say about future land use in their own country.
3)Any voiced concerns with current failures of urban and regional planners to address the planning impacts of 12 million undocumented (in less than 12 years) or consider future planning demands for 60-72 million individuals are irrelevant; it's not what land use planners do. Remember: you're a xenophobe like millions of other Americans for even thinking that. Planners don't think this way. Just focus and push for legislation and regs that result in 'smart growth'.
4) Global warming is for env. science books, not land use planners who already know that stuff. Drought, urban runoff, regional flooding, building for a warmer climate, urban heat islands, energy and watershed water supplies for cities and regions, and the rise of sea level in urbanized coastal regions have NOTHING to do with American land use.
5) Flint's de facto and uncritical support for 60-72 million more individuals of unknown status entering this country in the next 50 years is not the point of the book. Good planning is simply a social challenge. We need enlightened planning laws. So to hell with immigration laws.
6)Repeat daily the 'smart growth' mantra.
Flint appears to be clueless as to what democratic planning consists of. Perhaps he needs to research what U.S. citizens think 'building smart' for 72 million immigrants truly means. There SHOULD be a democratic debate about immigration and planning, and the sooner more Americans--and planners-- enter it, the better. But not for this author. Flint's biographical essay contains not a single reference to the impacts of illegal immigration (an estimated 12 million people)on municipal, regional and environmental planning practice. Is this acceptable to the majority of Americans? To planners? Instead we find Flint capitulating with this ridiculous reminder on how to 'deal' with the incoming masses (p 248):
"Remember those 100 million new people expected in the country by 2050? They're the reason we're going to need more compact places."
Just like that.
My other critique of this book (released in 2006) is the absence of ANY real discussion of the impacts of global warming on urban and regional development, planned or unplanned, smart or stupid. Flint covers planning issues for homeland security instead. But with popular coverage of planetary warming now a daily norm on the TV and in the media, you'd think writers steeped in planning issues would make the connection. Flint misses the boat in a rising sea...again. A LSU geoscience professor informs us on national news last night that coastal regions will be facing some serious threats in 40 years from melting ice caps. This book mentions nothing on the challenges of global warming for the planning profession, or for readers who happen to occupy the populated coastal areas of the country who'll see their populations soar from both legal and illegal population growth. Not to mention planning impacts of drought, flooding, urban heat islands, energy supplies for cities gong through hyper-growth, etc. Without population and global warming considerations (addressed in POPULATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE (2005) by O'Neill, and also see "Human Mobility in a Globalizing World: Urban Development Trends and Policy Implications" by Wm Clark and available online at the CA Center for Population Research), how smart can Flint's brand of American 'smart growth' really be?
I have grave doubts that the biologist E. O. Wilson, who has watched the planet get chewed to hell in his lifetime, would've given this book such high praises had he actually READ the book.
Addendum:
For a thoughtless and perhaps unethical critique of my book review by a Boston planner (academic?), click on 'Comments (2)' below. In summary and with my embellishments, this Flint supporter appears to be implying
1) The illegal immigration issue has nothing significant to do with land use planning (again: 60-72 million plus according to Flint added to the US population, and certainly the greater proportion arriving in violation of Federal immigration law). Focus uncritically on planning for the millions who are here legally and can afford to own planned developments. Aging baby boomers will need "young" people (who cares about their status) to do the menial work and pay into SS. The non-unionized undocumented will help build and maintain the compact habitats only aging boomers can afford. Like the sprawl they are constructing right now. How else will we keep some of our lawless and immoral regional economies humming w/out lots of young, undocumented, eager, and poverty stricken individuals? Who cares if this intensifies America's two-tier society?
2) You're xenophobic if you call attention to this demographic and planning challenge for the projected 60-72 million immigrants (note: her finger-pointing mirrors perfectly Flint's accusations of 'radicalism' mentioned in my book review. If you're not for unlimited population increase you're 'on the fringe'). Planners should not be concerned with what the majority of American citizens have to say about future land use in their own country.
3)Any voiced concerns with current failures of urban and regional planners to address the planning impacts of 12 million undocumented (in less than 12 years) or consider future planning demands for 60-72 million individuals are irrelevant; it's not what land use planners do. Remember: you're a xenophobe like millions of other Americans for even thinking that. Planners don't think this way. Just focus and push for legislation and regs that result in 'smart growth'.
4) Global warming is for env. science books, not land use planners who already know that stuff. Drought, urban runoff, regional flooding, building for a warmer climate, urban heat islands, energy and watershed water supplies for cities and regions, and the rise of sea level in urbanized coastal regions have NOTHING to do with American land use.
5) Flint's de facto and uncritical support for 60-72 million more individuals of unknown status entering this country in the next 50 years is not the point of the book. Good planning is simply a social challenge. We need enlightened planning laws. So to hell with immigration laws.
6)Repeat daily the 'smart growth' mantra.
Flint provides a lucid account of the complex battle over sprawl in America
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-09
Review Date: 2006-09-09
'This Land' by Anthony Flint is written by a journalist in a journalistic style. The core of this book is devoted to the battle of ideologies over land use in America: the smart growth movement advocating for control on suburban growth, the new urbanists insisting on the need to rethink our zoning laws currently favoring inefficient sprawl, and property right advocates and lobbyists fighting to gain full control over what can be developed on their property. This story spanning over essentially half a century is told using a myriad of anecdotes and examples from all across America. One such story relates how land owners request compensations for lost revenues (equated to governmental takings) resulting from the restrictions on development outside urban growth boundaries. Flint remains critical and objective, avoiding an overt endorsement of anyone in particular. Many of the themes discussed in books such as `Suburban Nation' or `The Geography of Nowhere' are covered, but with a journalistic tone and restraint.
Beyond merely covering the familiar arguments, he suggests, somewhat surprisingly, that smart growth is itself a `conservative idea'. Our current growth practices are not truly a reflection of the free market; they are highly subsidized by way of highway investments and the costly expansion of public services by local governments (e.g. roads, sewers, schools, fire and police departments). Instead of building on brown sites and urban infills, cities expand on greenfields further and further away stretching tax dollars up to a point of imminent bankruptcy.
This book's strength is in providing a non-partisan account of the political and economical battles over land use in America. Its weakness may be an overabundance of short anecdotal stories found in the middle part of the book. Some suggestions are made in the very last chapter as to what can be done to improve our public space and reduce the wastefulness of our current growth practices. Those seeking a severe and incisive criticism of modern urbanism may be better served by reading `Suburban Nation'. However, this book presents the multitude of conflicting positions that other authors are essentially arguing for or against.
Beyond merely covering the familiar arguments, he suggests, somewhat surprisingly, that smart growth is itself a `conservative idea'. Our current growth practices are not truly a reflection of the free market; they are highly subsidized by way of highway investments and the costly expansion of public services by local governments (e.g. roads, sewers, schools, fire and police departments). Instead of building on brown sites and urban infills, cities expand on greenfields further and further away stretching tax dollars up to a point of imminent bankruptcy.
This book's strength is in providing a non-partisan account of the political and economical battles over land use in America. Its weakness may be an overabundance of short anecdotal stories found in the middle part of the book. Some suggestions are made in the very last chapter as to what can be done to improve our public space and reduce the wastefulness of our current growth practices. Those seeking a severe and incisive criticism of modern urbanism may be better served by reading `Suburban Nation'. However, this book presents the multitude of conflicting positions that other authors are essentially arguing for or against.
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