Bean Books

I don't have enough space in this forum to express my total appreciation for this book. I've had it for over a year and I've barely used a fraction of it's valuable ideas. The ones I have used, I've used over and over again! I'm sitting here right now thinking of making some bread. I can either grind the grain by hand or use the recomended grinder I discovered from the book! I'm pretty much all set! A Must Read!

This book is a great way to use food storage and have nutritious meals. I am intrigued with the idea of the bean flour in baked goods as a way of more complete protein and fiber. I haven not seen this in other places and have tried it and it's great!

My family does not like beans and lentils. I was looking for ways to incorporate these storage items into our diet. I am really excited about the ideas contained in the book.

The recipes use ingredients that are found in your cupboard. They are healthy but not time consuming. There are many ways to hide the beans in food they would normally eat.

I am a lazy cook. I have to be in the mood and feeling good. Being able to give my family healthy meals without spending ages doing it is fantastic. I highly recommend this book to everyone that is looking to cut down or cut out meat in their diet or using up all the beans and lentils in their food storage.

I am somewhat a WWII history buff, so I am not objective, but I really liked this book. I remember seeing a movie about this when I was a kid with Steve McQueen jumping fences with his motorcycle... This is the real story, not the stylized Hollywood tale. The thought of being in a small diameter tunnel, hundreds of yards from the opening in the barracks and digging with rudimentary tools makes one shudder. The odds that these guys faced between detection and tunnel collapse, are amazing.

There are quite a few books out on the Great Escape. This one repeats most previously-written information, but also has some novel items. A fair amount of biographic detail is devoted to "Big X"-Roger Bushell. There is a picture of him on the British ski team in 1932. Several other pictures, apparently not found in any other book on the Great Escape, are also in Gill's book. This book is also relatively unique in that it has short blurbs of paragraphs, written by individual ex-POWs, interspersed within the main text. There are also brief commentaries by some of the relatives of the 50 murdered escapees.

Much detail is devoted to the processes wherein documents and papers were forged. It is amazing to read that the camp artists could actually paint letters to closely resemble typewritten ones, complete with typos and other typed idiosyncrasies. The need to construct a makeshift theodolite (surveying telescope), as opposed to using a real one, is identified as a major source of error in measurement of the distance that the tunnels had to go in order for their exits to be in the woods. This helps explain why Harry was some 20 feet short of the pine treeline.

The discovery of the escape in progress from tunnel Harry, at just before 5 AM on March 25, 1944, is presented as one that took place when a German guard patrolling the wire perimeter noticed one of the escapees moving through into the forest. According to other versions of this event, the guard was initially attracted to the column of steam coming out of the exit shaft of tunnel Harry, and only noticed the escapees when one of them yelled "Don't shoot!" in German. Mention is made of the fact that the stiff wind periodically helped dissipate the column of steam through the night.

Gill discusses the German people's reaction to Nazi rule, almost tacitly suggesting that the Germans had no choice in the matter. No mention is made of the fact that 89% of the German population voted for the Nazi Party in earlier free elections. Gill also devotes some attention to the hunt for the German war criminals responsible for the murder of 50 of the 73 recaptured escapees.

We all know the story: US GIs and British Tommy POWs at Stalag Luft 3 staged, during World War II, probably the greatest escape operation of all time. This is the true story of what went on, and it is a great story.

The reader will appreciate the courage and perhaps even more, the ingenuity of the soldiers who managed to turn the POW camp's "operational purpose" to be to conduct escape attempts. The basic notion was that by focusing on escape, the captive Allied soldiers could contribute materially to the war effort by tying down a disproportionate amount of German military and police forces. This they did do.

The "Great Escape" largely ended in tragedy, but this in no way detracts from the heroism of the men who conducted it. This is a fascinating and engaging read to which the discerning reader will return many times.

Heart-wrenching and totally mesmerizing. I was completely engrossed, especially because it is all so real, all the mundane details, and all the big historical events. I didn't find a single moment where the story dragged. Completely engrossed by this book--highly recommend.

I remember reading this book years ago in the original French when I was a student, and I find it amazing that such an important primary source on the French Resistance and German occupation of France has taken sixty years to be translated. Agnes Humbert's sheer tenacity in banding together with her comrades to publish and distribute the illegal anti-German newspaper Résistance is a riveting profile in courage, yet Humbert never really draws any attention to her heroism, presenting her actions merely as what was required of a moral, patriotic person in a conflict where there were only two sides: for the Nazis or against them.

I agree with the previous reviewer that the second half of the book detailing Humbert's arrest and imprisonment is more interesting, better written, and overall more compelling than the early sections, which are indeed dry and expository. Which brings me to my only real objection to this very useful addition to the English-language literature on the civilian experience of the war: the publishers should have gone to greater lengths to commission a truly spirited and detailed introductory essay orienting the lay reader (or, more importantly, college students) to the timeline and chain of events in the Nazi takeover of France, the division into Vichy and German-administered provinces, etc. I think there is a great deal of room for confusion here for people unfamiliar or only vaguely familiar with the historical background.

Nonetheless, it's wonderful to know that this book is now available in English (and in a very nice, fluid translation)--a great addition to the reading list for any college course on WWII.

Résistance is the harrowing journal and memoir of Agnès Humbert, a middle-aged art historian in Paris, and her experiences in Nazi occupied France during WWII. When Humbert first hears the rumors of an occupation, she is distraught and numb, but soon finds a strong will of opposition inside her. She begins to contact others who are like-minded and is soon embroiled in producing Résistance, a newspaper filled with propaganda, which she and her colleagues distribute anywhere and everywhere they can. Agnès meets several important contacts and knows that danger is only a heartbeat away, for if the Germans find out about her anti-Nazi sentiments and activities, she will be imprisoned. Though she knows the dangers, she continues with her work, only to be brought in for questioning regarding her activities. Following her eventual trial, Agnès is convicted and sent to prison. What ensues is the heart-breaking story of what she was subjected to after being becoming a political prisoner in France, and later Germany.

The first section of this book was given over to the specifics and details of who and what her group of friends did in opposition to the German invasion. Many were implicated, yet as her journal was never found, Agnès was not the cause of any imprisonments or executions. Unfortunately, many of the people responsible for Résistance were tried and convicted anyway. I found this section to be a little dry and methodical. It almost seemed that this part of the book acted as a type of ledger of information, rather than a chronicle. Many of the people were only briefly mentioned, and I had some trouble in understanding who was who and what part they played in the opposition. While I believe that it was important to know the events that led up to her imprisonment, this section seemed a little too matter-of-fact.

The majority of this book was devoted to the time that Agnès spent as a prisoner and laborer. During this time she suffered many abuses at the hands of the Germans. The tortures that she and her fellow prisoners faced in the prison were terrible, from starvation and beatings to severe confinement. Despite their atrocious treatment, the women were able to form friendships and take joy in the company of others, sharing news and small victories with each other. Many would not recant their political ideology even after being subjected to daily bouts of cruel treatment. I found it hard to believe that things could get any worse for them, but when they were moved to a German work camp, what had come before paled by comparison. In the labor camps, it was obvious that life was expendable and cheap. The overseers' attitudes went beyond the malicious and into the area of savagery. They were worked like dogs, with no care given to injuries or illness, and the living conditions and rations were pitiful. While Agnès and her fellow laborers struggled, inhaling caustic chemicals that gave them temporary blindness and suppurating ulcers, they still found ways to share political information and news among themselves. Sometimes these friendships were cut short, as their overseers didn't like their fraternization, and women would be moved to other areas of the workhouse. Agnès, nevertheless, found ingenious ways to sabotage her work, as it was the only way she could oppose the occupation from inside its confinement. She never let them break her spirit, no matter what was forced upon her. When help finally arrived in the form of American troops in April of 1945, Agnès had been imprisoned for 5 years. Despite her experiences, she immediately took charge and helped the American forces seek out fleeing Nazis and created a temporary hospital for the refugees and Germans alike. She took command of many aspects of this new civilian life, and was greatly esteemed by the Allied forces, fellow prisoners and the community.

One of the most amazing thing about this book was Agnès' remarkable wit and sense of humor. No matter what horrors the day brought her, she had an amazingly beautiful spirit that enabled her to continue laughing. She never showed despair and defeat; rather a cynical cleverness in which she documented the sufferings of herself and those around her. Despite all that happened to her and her compatriots, she never let go of her beliefs and fought in the only way she knew how. Agnès never let herself sink into depression, despite her many injuries or disappointments. I very much admired her courage and strength.

This story was both haunting and inspiring. Among the atrocities committed in WWII, this remains a story that is not often heard but that truly needs to be told. It may enlighten others to the fact that Jews were not the only victims of this terrible war. I found myself feeling maudlin and upset while reading this book, but I am glad that I read it. It is a terrible tale, but behind that tale lurks the spirit of of a woman who would not give up, turning a story that could only be ugly into a thing of beauty.

I think it is a nice book. Pricey for the content and paperback quality.

I bought "Bean's About Baseball" because I had heard it mentioned on an infosports.net discussion board.

I have coached highschool, Little League, and adult baseball so I beleive that I know something about the game but I also know there is always something to learn. I read the book hoping to learn something I did not know and with the thought that I would get another coach's perspective on the game.

If one reads this book, it must be done the first time from cover to cover. If you "skim" the book, you may very well come away thinking it is terse and sexist. However, early on the author explains why the book was written in this way and those aspects drft into the background.

The book is full of tips and drills while it helps identify and explain common mistakes made by young players. From my perspective in having some knowledge of the game, the book was a great review. I even took away some new thoughts and ideas for my practices and certain players. That is the wonderful thing about this game, like Earl Weaver used to say: "It's what you learn after you know it all that really counts".

Bean's About Baseball covers only the basics. Basics that managers and players have to go back and reveiw through their entire "careers". If you are expereinced, the book will be valuable as a review and you may learn a little something new. Another coach's perspective can often be valuable.

If you are a new coach, this book is an excellent starting point. Take an evening to read the book (about 120 pages) and go back to it as you need it. After you read it, you will know the basics of hitting, pitching, and fielding. When you know the "how to" basics, you have to convey that to your players and this book helps there also. Good coaches know the game and can teach it. This book will get you closer to being a good coach.

I have given my copy to one of the first year managers in my league that sought me out to ask about practices and drills for young players. I do not expect to see that copy again. Like many books on youth baseball, readers of this book will need to make value judgements on certain aspects as they relate to the local league rules and philosophies.

I will be recomending to our local board of directors that this book be given to each manager as part of their packet for next spring. I will further recommend that a companion sheet accompany the book to elimnate conflicts between it and our local rules and philosophies.

Like many lagues, ours has many well meaning coaching volunteers that do not really know youth baseball and how to teach it to kids. If my proposal is adopted, "Bean's About Baseball" will be a primer to next year's coaching clinic.

I would strongly recommend it for new coaches and old.

Just my thoughts, Splitter

My wife bought this book several years ago at a homeschooling convention. My sons have not had an interest in baseball until recently. I blew the dust off the book, read it cover to cover, then "coached" two of my sons, ages 9 and 12. With just a few practices, they have gone from knowing zippo to looking like they have played for years. I refer to the book frequently for techniques and drills.

I am giving copies of it as a gift to the coaches of their baseball league.

[[ASIN:0941022161 Adult Echo]; This is a nice way to get familiar with possible question wording for the registry. I would prefer more content on some of the topics. (i.e. ischemia)

This book is a wonderful tool for those seeking to pass the RDCS, or RCS exams. It is broken down into easy to use sections and the questions are well written. I highly recommend this book as a learning suppliment to anyone seeking to take the echocardiography boards.

Matthew Esham RCVT,RDCS

This is a very fun book and these animals are very easy to make! Anyone who likes to sew or enjoys stuffed animals will have a great time with this book. There is a fair amount of variety in types and styles of animals, plus it's very convenient that groups of animals share the same basic pattern (less cutting=good). This is one of the best stuffed animal pattern books I have used and would highly recommend it.

My only two critisms would be: 1) a few of the animals look a little too much like Beanie Babies...just my opinion! It would be nice to see a little more originality in a few of the designs. 2) some of the materials used in the projects are not easy to find. The author attempts to be helpful by providing the addresses of two stockists at the end of the book, but since I live in the United States and the stockists are in the U.K., it doesn't help me at all. It would have been more helpful is the author either provided a larger list of stockists worldwide, or gave some basic hints on ways to find the recommended materials. This didn't turn out to be a big deal to me as I used fleece for just about all the projects I made from this book, whether it was the recommended fabric or not and I've been very happy with the results.

Easy to follow instructions. My 9-year-old daughter and I finished the duck project in 2 hours and it wasn't one suggested for beginners. Overall, it was a fun project to work together. We can't wait to start on our next one, the polar bear. My suggestion is when tracing the patterns, use white gift wrapping tissue paper.

I have used this book for about 10 years.

The recipes taste good and it is one of my favorite cook books.

All of the recipes are vegetarian and most of are vegan( or easily adapted to being vegan ).

I liked that the recipes had serving suggestions for making complete meals.

The book has an interesting history of legumes in addition to helpful information on identifying, preparing, storing, and cooking beans.

I would buy this book again if a revised edition came out with only vegan recipes.

The only other thing I would like to see is nutrition information with the recipies

This isn't a glamorous book but I did enjoy the recipes I made from it

Amazing recipes with alot of global variety. Very informative. It is exactly what I expected.

You may have a variety of good reasons to eat your beans: whether you have discovered allergies to certain foods, are a diabetic, or pre-diabetic trying to increase your dietary fiber, or simply are a health-conscious person trying to move away from refined foods--whatever your reason you will find much to enjoy in this cookbook. The first thing is that the recipes are very good. I just made a lentil soup from this book that was outstanding. The "Mexican style green beans with chorizo" has become a staple recipe for me. The other helpful element is an extensive introduction about how to cook the different varieties of beans, the health benefits of beans, and how to deal with the "gas glut" caused by beans. I bought this book 8 years ago and I still use it often.

I was so pleased to find this book!

Johnny Valentine writes light hearted children's tales which any child would enjoy. The characters of these stories are no different from any other story book and very subtly, all their parents happen to be gay or lesbian. This is done tastefully and without any mention of sexuality. A perfect opportunity to expose children, ANY children to the concept of same sex relationships, without it being a central focal point.

My own six year old loved the stories and never stopped to question the fact that one character has two mothers. I felt that this created the perfect building blocks of an open mind for my child. With most children's books portraying the stereotypical nuclear, heterosexual family, this book can add a bit of diversity to any children's library .

None of the stories have homosexuality as their main topic. None of the stories have sexual content at all. The stories are funny and moral and just nice kids' stories.

I highly reccomend this book to any parent looking to expose their child to alternative lifestyles in a gentle way. When we can recognize the people around us, in all their beautiful diversity, as the friendly characters from our childhood fairy tales, the world will truly be a more tolerant and loving place. For this reason, I highly reccomend this book to ANY parent

The Duke Who Outlawed Jelly Beans, by Johnny Valentine, is a collection of five original fairy tales: The Frog Prince, The Eagle Rider, the Dragon Sense, The Ogre's Boots and The Duke Who Outlawed Jelly Beans. Embedded within the stories are a cast of gay and lesbian characters.

In The Frog Prince, a little boy is adopted by two fathers. With this little boy's help, a frog becomes a prince again and is also adopted by the fathers. In The Eagle Rider, a young girl fulfills her dream of becoming an Eagle Rider whose job it is to watch out for dragons even though this is a privilege reserved for boys. In Dragon Sense, a young boy and his lesbian mothers are so poor they cannot pay the rent until the boy hears of an old treasure guarded by a dragon. The Ogre's Books tells a story of Little Jenny who is too small to do much, except save one of her mothers from the hungry giant ogre.

The final story is The Duke Who Outlawed Jelly Beans. When the Duke's parents go away an! d leave him in charge, the people of the village are devastated. Not only does he outlaw jelly beans, but anyone who does not have a mother and father is sent to prison. The children of this town see to it that they and their friends are not sent to jail. They strut about the town imitating the Duke and making silly speeches. Horses, for example, are forbidden to burp and pet goldfish have to be toilet trained. As the adults begin to think about these children's comments, they find it difficult to listen to and obey the Duke's speeches.

Many children and adults will find humor in Valentine's fairy tales. These stories are a humorous and needed addition to those which illustrate positive images of gay characters, including gay and lesbian parents. The illustrations are sparsely laid out in the book, but the text is full of imagination. Through the several color illustrations, various races are depicted. The stories do not focus on the gay and lesbian families, except for the! Duke who wants to imprison children who either have too ma! ny mothers or fathers, or not enough. This infusion of lesbian and gay people in peripheral positions in books for children is a refreshing change. These are truly stories for six- and seven-year-old children (and older) because they are not so much explanatory books as they are fanciful tales that all children should be able to relate to.

EagleÍs Plume, by naturalist Bruce E. Beans, is an ambitious book well rendered. In search of bald eagles and the reasons for their recent endangered status and remarkable ñcomeback,î Beans travels from threatened New Jersey wetlands to the wilds of Alaska and provides memorable portraits of heroes and villains as well as indelible images of this most majestic raptor. Readers (in all likelihood, the majority) who have never seen an eagle in the wild will not soon forget his descriptions of the bird in fl

I found this book to be, much to my surprise, a very good read. Examples: The story of the college professor hoarding illegal poisons to sell to ranchers which are then used to kill eagles and coyotes; the retired man who learned to climb 100 ft trees to band eaglets; the Indians who kill, buy and sell eagles and eagle parts for profit; the western ranchers who live off government subsidies but who feel free to kill eagles as pests. There are many heros and bad guys in this book, including undercover agents risking their lives to catch the bad guys. But the good guys are winning and the eagles are going to make it back. A very good and readable book.