Book Description
Amass more than $900,000 in properties in one year, without using any of your own money, or that of your investors.
Real estate investing can be an excellent way to build wealth. With its advantages of cash flow, appreciation, tax benefits, equity buildup and leveraging, real estate may be the only vehicle that can carry the average person to retirement wealth.
Real estate investor, attorney, and author Larry Loftis has developed a safe, easy, and lucrative way for new investors to get into the game, and for experienced ones to enhance their portfolios. In Investing in Duplexes, Triplexes and Quads: The Fastest and Safest Way to Real Estate Wealth, he draws on both his real estate investing experience and legal acumen to explore advantages you may not have considered about residential multifamily properties of two to four units.
Learn how to:
•Buy duplexes, triplexes and quads with no money down, AND get cash back at closing.
•Eliminate risk, and guarantee that your mortgage payments are always covered.
•Use ""cash-out"" from refinancing to purchase more properties.
•Decide whether to buy and hold or ""pyramid"" to a large apartment complex.
•Use inflation, tax laws, and rehab to build a massive retirement nest-egg.
Customer Reviews:
Decent investment book, but overly optimistic.......2007-08-18
The basic investing information in this book is solid, the problem is that the plan for gaining wealth is overly optimistic for many areas of the United States. Larry bases his wealth building plan on very fortunate appreciation that he experienced on his first investment property. Then as the plan is taught you refinance that first property after one year and use that money to buy another property. In Orlando, FL (where Larry bought his property) around that time the appreciation was 25%, but what about the least appreciating cities like the one where I live at 3%? Then the wealth building plan that Larry talks about goes out the window.
I thought the best part of the book was the info on closing, ideas that I have not reading anywhere else. Word of advice, skip over the property management chapter, the weakest chapter in the book where Larry advocates screening tenant by using your "gut". That is a recipe for disaster.
WOW!!!!!!!!!.......2007-08-16
Strongly recommend reading this book regardless of your level of expertise. I've learned, been motivated, and have a better insight of investing in income properties. Very simple to read and understand.
Great Book.......2007-08-08
The author is very knowledgeable, very honest with the subject because he actually practices what he preaches.
Definitely Worth Buying.......2007-08-06
I brought about 3 books on real estate investing. I, too, have a three apartment building and a small investment property. When I look back a few years ago, I wish I actually have read this book to evaluate the potential purchases. I did okay in the end, but having to know the concepts and the GRM (Gross Rent Multiples) was the simplest thing to understand and only consistent way for me to compare investments properties. Other books tell you to compare the recent comparable sales, the replacement cost, building cost, etc to come up with the right figures. Frankly, those 'tools' mentioned in other books were not as useful as the GRM method mentioned in this book. The author also explains how the GRM changes, depending on the neighborhood and the locations. So, having that knowledge, I am able to compare properties very quickly to weed out the ones that I do not want. Once I have narrowed down the list of potential properties, then I can use the other methods to do the detailed analysis. I feel better now that I can now compare apples to apples. The sections toward the end were skimpy, but the overall value of this book is great. I recommend to a novice investor, as well as someone like myself who has been in it for about 6 years and still have a lot to learn.
Basic Read.......2007-08-02
Great book for beginner investors who want the basics of multi-unit investing. There are a lot of strategies that can be learned from his experiences.
This book would go great with another book I read called Bubble Proof: Real Estate Strategies that Work in any Market by Tonja Demoff. She has such a great attitude and spin on real estate investing.
Book Description
Save the day with over 2,300 clever, ingenious, smart ways to use everyday household products—all guaranteed to save you time and money!
Did you know that tea can hide gray hair? Or that aspirin can revive a dead car battery? How about the power of table salt to make panty hose last longer? Or that shaving cream can remove rug stains? Yes, there's a treasure trove hidden in your pantry, medicine cabinet, garage, and basement. This remarkable book shares amazing secrets to save you time and money—and shelf space in the process. Fully illustrated and written in a clear, down-to-earth style, this practical guide contains over 2,300 handy tips about using more than 200 common household items like aluminum foil and dental floss in exciting new ways. Don't spend your hard-earned money on expensive storebought products. Restore, replace, repair, or revive practically everything in your home with this indispensable handbook that features:
• Nearly 400 full-color illustrations
• Easy A-to-Z format to find items easily
• Clear, step-by-step instructions
• At-a-Glance section provides the Best Uses for every item
• Hundreds of sidebars full of extra tips and informative ideas
• Complete index for cross-referencing
Throughout, Did You Know?, Science Fair, and Kids' Stuff sidebars add to the wonder and fun of this easy-to-use reference. From Alka-Seltzer to baby shampoo, pepper to pillowcases, vinegar to yogurt—discover the untold value of hundreds of everyday items with
Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things.
Customer Reviews:
Great Household Help .......2007-09-09
Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things offers recipies for many environment friendly cleaning products, quick self help, beauty remedies ,and even introduces ways to entertain kids budget friendly.
Some of the remedies explained are well known, others seem a little far off, but all in all this book certainly can help to cut cost of cleaning products etc.
If you are willing to experience "new" methods, that were old timers for your grandparents this is the book to get. It also is fun just to cross read, and be in awe of some of the things one can do.
Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things: 2,317 Ways to Save Money and Time.......2007-07-27
So much information that really can be used. Can not absorb with one reading. Marked most useful and will re-read balance over time.
2,317 Ways to Save Money and Time.......2007-07-09
This is a very good resource for solving problems with household care, health issues, and just about everything. Easy to use, and simple to read
fun and useful.......2007-06-24
I never thought I would enjoy this book as much as I have been. It is 400 pages of fun facts with all those things you would find in your home and all the normal problems you would run in to. For example, onions remove rust stains from silverware, use bananas as a face mask, nail polish to remove warts, vinegar for carpet stains and to defrost windsheilds, beer and salt to make windows frosty for the Christmas holidays, use a vacuum nozzle with a pair of pantyhose to find that valuable object on the floor without sucking it up, etc.. I love this book! =)
Good for the non-handy.......2007-06-08
This is an excellent book for those (like me) who are rather unimaginative when it comes to making/fixing/cleaning things. I was quite impressed with many of the ideas.
Amazon.com
When describing a favorite room in the house, do you find yourself using terms such as "expansive," "formal," and "spacious"--a marble foyer or a formal dining room perhaps? Or do the words "cozy," "intimate," and "warm" come to mind--a cheery little breakfast nook or a window seat complete with plenty of pillows and a breathtaking view? More than likely, you--like thousands of other homeowners--are drawn to the more personal spaces in your home, where comfort, beauty, and efficiency meet. In The Not So Big House, respected architect Sarah Susanka and coauthor Kira Obolensky address our affinity for the "smaller, more personal spaces" and propose "clear, workable guidelines for creating homes that serve both our spiritual needs and our material requirements." The heart of the not-so-big house--which is not "just a small house ... [but] a smaller house," that uses "less space to give greater quality of life," and is designed to not only "accommodate the lifestyles of its occupants" but also to express "our values and our personalities," is discussed in chapter 1, entitled "Bigger Isn't Better." Susanka's urging for homeowners to get creative with their space as well as loads of ideas to encourage that creativity are covered in "Rethinking the House" and "Making Not So Big Work." Discussions of specific needs, such as a home for one and designing for kids, can be found in "Lifestyles of the Not So Rich and Famous," while "Dreams, Details, and Dollars" gets down to the nuts and bolts of the operation, looking at quality versus quantity, budgeting, and what "low end," "middle ground," and "high end" really mean in home design and construction. Lastly, the authors look at the home of the future, which involves simplifying, recycling, reducing waste, and using energy-efficient construction. With more than 200 color photographs, as well as floor plans and Susanka and Obolensky's intelligent and lively dialogue, The Not So Big House is perfect for homeowners ready to rethink their space. --Stefanie Hargreaves
Book Description
Sarah Susanka contends that people are naturally drawn to intimate spaces. Large structures inspired by outdated patterns tend to result in houses that just don't work. In The Not So Big House, she proposes clear guidelines for creating homes that serve spiritual needs as well as material requirements. Topics covered include designing for specific lifestyles, budgeting, building a home from scratch, and using energy-efficient construction. With more than 200 color photographs as well as floor plans, the book is perfect for homeowners ready to rethink their space. “Susanka says to evaluate what makes you feel at home and let your activities define your rooms.” — San Francisco Chronicle
Customer Reviews:
Great concepts, middling design.......2007-09-25
I've found this book to be an invaluable resource and appreciate the philosophy and information contained within it. I also found the numerous photos and illustrations to be helpful to convey Susanka's ideas.
The only problem is that I found the actual design and decor of the homes in the book somehow dated and uninspiring. This is definitely a personal reaction, and I'm sure others would disagree. Despite my issues with the actual look of the homes, I'd recommend this as an essential resource along with John Wheatman's books (whose design does resonate for me).
Inspiration & ideas for rethinking your living space.......2007-09-02
The ideas in this book encourage you to think about how you would like use your home space and how to accomplish this marriage of functionality with comfort and aesthetics. Almost every photo has some new little idea to think about. It gives me hope that I'll finally be able to create a comfortable home that integrates everyone's interests & needs. It's inspirational for those of us who have to adapt living spaces to growing families & to those like me who are now empty nesters (but who still need bed space for visiting family members).
A must Have If You Plan To Build.......2007-06-27
Useful, practical, creative. Anyone can gain something from this book even if you aren't building.
Reviewed by Amy Lignor.......2007-06-21
Have you ever found yourself asking, "Is this all there is to life?" We are running in a world of cell phone and blackberry technology, where life is so fast that we never have time to do what we truly want: sit back and enjoy our lives while we have one. This author, with a background in architecture, has put together a fantastic psychological blueprint, if you will, to make changes that will offer you a more rewarding life. This is not like the usual "schlock" that says close your eyes and all good things will come. No, this author takes the time to reveal that things like form and function are not only useful in building a house, they can be translated into building a better life. In a house, you can tear down interior walls to make more space and bring in more light; in your life, you can tear down your fears and open new possibilities.
This is a lovely read filled with wise advice. The author has successfully interwoven her extensive architectural background into well-compiled thoughts on how each and every one of us can make small changes in our lives that will allow us to treasure the time we have.
My advice? If you wish to begin taking time out to enjoy your life - begin by reading this book.
Insightful book with great ideas.......2007-05-26
I was starting to think I was crazy for wanting to build a small house, but this book perfectly articulates the thoughts I was having so much conveying. It is a wonderful basis for discussion and offers many practical, well thought out ideas for implementation.
Average customer rating:
- --Interesting glimpse of old Hollywood--
- Mr. Dunne, I adore you!
- Dominick Dunne is fascinating
- Beautiful collection of photos
- THE WAY WE LIVED THEN
|
The Way We Lived Then : Recollections of a Well-Known Name Dropper
Dominick Dunne
Manufacturer: Crown
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ASIN: 0609603884
Release Date: 1999-09-28 |
Amazon.com
In a previous incarnation, writer Dominick Dunne was the toast of Hollywood--entertaining movie stars and socialites and invited by moguls to clambakes and black-tie dances. Long before he started churning out his romans à clef set in the private recesses of Hollywood and penthouses of New York City and his dispatches from notorious murder trials, he spent his days on movie sets, producing films like Ash Wednesday and working as an executive at various studios. In the off-hours, he and his wife Lenny ate dinner with Vincente Minnelli, Jack Benny, Rock Hudson, and Elizabeth Montgomery. They went to beach parties hosted by Jane Fonda and Roddy McDowall--and threw not a few bashes of their own, attended by, well, everyone and often photographed for Vogue magazine. Dunne seemed to carry his camera with him everywhere and "was always sticking [it] into someone's face." Kirk Douglas biting into an oversized hotdog, a scantily clad Paul Newman perusing a picnic table, Princess Margaret smoking, Mia Farrow dancing, and Natalie Wood hamming. Each weekend he carefully arranged his snapshots along with the week's invitations, telegrams, and news-clippings into a set of scrapbooks.
The Way We Lived Then closely resembles those scrapbooks, filled as it is with images culled from them. Dunne sews the scraps together with a loose memoir that moves from the mundane (how the house was decorated for a certain party, how the subjects of a given photo were feeling about one another at the time) to the grand (meditations on his marriage and his children). All of these famous friends, glittery parties, and cozy evenings did add up to a picture-perfect life for a time. But by the mid '60s, Dunne was drinking hard, insulting acquaintances in public, and being a perfectly terrible husband to the lovely Lenny. He was soon arrested carrying drugs into the country from Mexico, divorced, nearly poverty-stricken, and living in a cabin in Oregon. But he lived to tell about it, and though his story is something of a cautionary tale about the dangers of success and excess, punctuated as it is by his dreamy photos, one can't help but wonder if he'd happily go back to the way he lived then. --Jordana Moskowitz
Book Description
Mesmerizing, revelatory text combines with more than two hundred photographs -- most of them taken by the author -- in a startling illustrated memoir that will both astonish and move you.
When Dominick Dunne lived and worked in Hollywood, he had it all: a beautiful family, a glamorous career, and the friendship of the talented and powerful. He also had a camera and loved to take pictures. These photographs, which Dunne carefully preserved in more than a dozen leatherbound scrapbooks -- along with invitations, telegrams, personal notes, and other memorabilia -- record the parties, the glittering receptions, the society weddings, and scenes from the everyday lives of the Dunnes and those they knew, including Jane Fonda, Frank Sinatra, Paul Newman, Roddy McDowall, Elizabeth Taylor, Natalie Wood, Brooke Hayward, Jennifer Jones, and David Selznick. You'll meet them all in this fascinating book -- captured in snapshots as these celebrities relax at poolside barbecues, gossip at cozy get-togethers and dance at the Dunnes' dazzling black-and-white ball. And you will meet Dominick Dunne's beautiful wife, Lenny, and his children, Griffin, Alex, and Dominique, as they celebrate Christmases, birthdays, and graduations. But, most of all, you will meet Dominick Dunne and learn about the peaks and valleys of his years in Hollywood, the disastrous turn his life took, and the long road back that led to his triumphant career as a writer. With its engaging photographs and candid text,
The Way We Lived Then is a riveting and unvarnished account of a life among the stars and a life almost lost.
Customer Reviews:
--Interesting glimpse of old Hollywood--.......2005-08-18
THE WAY WE LIVED THEN is a look at the lives and personalities of some of the most famous entertainers in the world.
I've been aware of the author, Dominick Dunne for a long time, but until reading this book, I had no idea what kind of background he had or what made him so knowledgeable about so many celebrities. Dunne was a director and producer of various TV shows and apparently was good at his job. People enjoyed working with him and he and his wife gave wonderful parties and were invited everywhere.
The book is as much about Dunne and his family as it is about the people that he socialized with. His story is rather sad because he ended up losing his wife because he became addicted to drugs and the fast Hollywood lifestyle. There are more than a few moving stories in the book. One pitiful entry has Dunne and Peter Lawford sharing drugs at a party. Years before, they had been friends and neighbors, but at this low point in their lives, they were both broke and seemingly without friends.
You can also read about Elizabeth Montgomery, Gig Young, Natalie Wood, George Hamilton, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Jane Fonda and dozens of other Hollywood "big" names. Dunne took a lot of photographs and I think that I enjoyed the snapshots as much as I did the text of the book.
Mr. Dunne, I adore you!.......2004-02-03
I think I was probably one of the very first people who purchased this book...and I loved every page and every minute of it! Some of the earlier reviewers I read below simply don't seem to "get" this book. It is not meant to be great literature. It is meant to be a great read with one-of-a-kind photos, and it delivers both in spades! Also, I believe it is meant to be somewhat of a love letter, both to the parts of Mr. Dunne's ealier life that were happy and held great promise, AND perhaps to the fans of his books...giving all of us glimpses into what was an incredibly fascinating "Hollywood existence" and giving us a peek at the REAL people that he has thinly veiled, completely disguised, or combined to create the fascinating characters that populate his terrific books. Mr. Dunne, if you read these reviews (I know that I probably would!!), please know that I eagerly await everything you publish, including your monthly "Diarist" articles in Vanity Fair. Your writings are so incredibly enjoyable, fascinating, and provide a much-needed escape for me. You must feel very blessed to have finally found your calling - so many never do.
Dominick Dunne is fascinating.......2002-11-05
It is easy to see why celebrities, criminals and perfect strangers have told Mr. Dunne their secrets. He is so interesting in a gossipy, name-dropping but sweet way. His Hollywood life makes an engrossing tale, much more entertaining than fiction.
Beautiful collection of photos.......2001-10-06
This book is filled with beautiful photographs of almost every star imaginable with personal anecdotes from Mr. Dunne to go with them. There are beautiful photos of Natalie Wood and a young (brunette) Elizabeth Montgomery. Mr. Dunne's life has certainly had its ups and downs, but this is NOT another celebrity pity party...he writes of the bad times he has faced, as well as the good, in a very matter of fact style, which is (thankfully) not at all whiny. But, again, the real treasure here are all the beautiful photographs of beautiful people in beautiful places. Thanks, Mr. Dunne, for sharing them with us.
THE WAY WE LIVED THEN.......2001-06-27
Mr. Dunne can work the room no matter where he is, no matter what social strata. I would have had an anxiety attack had I been face-to-face with Betsy Bloomingdale. Yet, this why I love Mr. Dunne. Reading about Betsy, she retained the warm, kind, classy image that I imagined her to have from various books and magazines. I loved being a fly-on-the-wall when Mr. Dunne was in Washington since I knew so little about politics. It was fun the way he scribed it in the pages. I feel safe reading Dominick's stories - although I feel like I am there, I don't have the real fear!
Book Description
As indoor kitchen design books do, The New Outdoor Kitchen covers initial design and planning and, in subsequent chapters, covers "stove" options (grills, smokers, wood-fired ovens); the rest of the kitchen (outdoor refrigerators, sinks, cabinets, and countertops); the entertaining and eating areas (including a discussion of outdoor heaters, social fire-fireplaces, firepits, and chimineas--and bug control to increase your season of enjoyment); and, finally, the grace notes of the outdoor kitchen--lighting and sound systems, plantings, and water features. Ten portfolio kitchens will be laced between the chapters, and the book will conclude with an extensive source list. The kitchens pictured in the book will run the size, price, ambition, and creativity gamut, from kitchens sited on decks and patios to a small urban backyard set up to elaborate built-in, freestanding outdoor environments.
Customer Reviews:
simply beautiful - a must have!.......2007-06-06
Deborah does an amazing job with this how - to on outdoor cooking. beautiful pictures and designs to inspire even the most uncreative of readers. highly recommended - she even includes pictures of her own amazing outdoor kitchen which is just a testament to her knowedge and experience. even if you are just looking for ideas or creative possibilities pick up a copy and you will not be disappointed- you truly get what you pay for. i wish i could just carry out all of the projects she puts in here!
Book Description
The way you live in a home and the way you sell it are two different things. That's the premise of Staging*, a concept that teaches you to look at your home through a buyer's eyes and make adjustments to improve its appeal and value.
In any real estate market, Staged homes sell faster or sell for more money—or both. With Home Staging, you'll learn how to play up your home's strong points and improve its presentation. By rearranging furniture, trimming overgrown bushes, painting a room, and clearing out the clutter, Home Staging will help you spotlight your property for a fast, profitable sale.
Filled with organizing tips and checklists, plus before-and-Staged photographs that dramatically show how Staging can transform your home inside and out, Home Staging has all the answers you'll need when looking to increase the sale price of your home.
*Staging is a federally registered trademark of StagedHomes.com
Customer Reviews:
A trashy commercial.......2007-09-15
This book has convinced me that hiring a home stager trained by the author or her company would be a disaster. The only way this book could have 4 out of 5 stars on Amazon is if Barb Schwarz's employees and her ASP trainees are writing the good reviews.
Eighty-five percent of this book is a commercial for the author's business, 10% is common sense. The remaining 5% suggests projects, such as a headboard made of paper plates, which could only make a potential home buyer question the taste and judgement of the home owner. This book is a testament to poor taste and Barb Schwarz's ego.
Only written for the wealthy?.......2007-09-05
Books and magazines frequently choose wealthier homes to show pics of staging. Don't authors realize a lot of us live in apartments, condos, mobile homes and the like? Why purchase a book/magazine if it doesn't fit my life style?
Dont waste your time or money.......2007-09-01
This book was dreadful. More than half of the book was the author telling you over and over and over again how she is the creator of home staging. Content wise, there is very little that you dont already know. There are very few before and after photos and non would be judged to be good example of good furniture placement or design. I would suggest "Dress your house for Success" or "Using What you have Decorating".
Useless bit of self-promotion by Barb Schwarz - a waste of money.......2007-02-17
This book tells you what you already knew - clean, declutter, fix broken stuff, and clean up the yard. That's about it. The reason the book is more than ten pages long is that it is chock full of the author's stories about how wonderful she is and what a staging pioneer she is. I really wish I hadn't wasted my money on this fluffy piece of advertising.
Written Infomercial.......2007-02-11
Reading this book is like reading the script for an infomercial. The entire purpose of the book was profit for Barb Schwarz in book sales and additional customers. At least once per page, sometimes once per paragraph she re-credits herself with inventing the entire concept of Home Staging from the name to the work to the profession. The only person to take more credit for anything was Al Gore and the infamous internet issue. There are maybe 10 total ideas/concepts for actual home owners to implement themselves, but they are very general. The other 200 pages are various ways of reiterating that Barb Schwarz created the concept of Home Staging, all homes should be staged before sale, and that the home owner should hire a licensed, professional Home Stager, preferably trained by Barb Schwarz. If your purpose of buying this book is to find out the value of Home Staging, or justifying the cost of professional Home Staging to an unwilling seller (spouse, relative, client) than this is a very useful book. If you are a home owner that already believes you should stage your home and are looking for creative ideas on how to do it yourself - don't bother with this book. The book does give insight in how to choose a professional Home Stager, what to look for when interviewing Stagers for your project, what to expect from Home Staging, the value of it, and general ideas of what a Home Stager can and should do for you. I agree with the reviewer who said, "Not for Do It Yourselfers." For Do It Yourselfers The Designed To Sell book is quite a bit better for what is out there that is very current. 50 Simple Steps to Sell Your House for More Money in Any Market by Ilyse Glick is also better, but not as current.
Book Description
Practical, real-world solutions to lockouts. Learn to open doorknobs, deadbolts, car doors, padlocks, handcuffs, et cetera. This book sold out as "Lock Bypass Methods," and has proven to be the best manual on keyless entry available. Since your resources are usually on the other side of the door when you're locked out, it shows how to improvise tools from garbage and common, everday items. Multiple entrance options are provided in case of stubborn doors or limited materials. Thousands of people have successfully opened doors using techniques they learned in "Lock Bypass Methods." This expanded edition has more illustrations and new techniques.
This book will not waste your time trying to explain how to pick sidebar locks, or activate magnetic-stripe readers without a key card. It DOES explain how to open doors protected by these locks, simply and without damage, through bypass techniques. A latch holds something shut, and a lock is a gateway to that latch. This book teaches ways to climb over the fence and ignore the gate. You will learn how to pick locks, a skill that works 60-70% of the time. More importantly, you will learn methods to trip actuators, move linkage rods, take advantage of mechanical design flaws, exploit tolerances in a lock's setting, and other practical means of entry.
The book's focus is on problem solving, not presenting methods that are too difficult to accomplish. Many other books in this field suffer from too much theory and too little delivery. If it doesn't work, it isn't in here. This book is designed to give the reader skills that open locks without keys or damage. It is not a whitewashed or glossed-over set of instructions that leave a reader feeling as if failure is his fault and he just hasn't developed some special esoteric talent. Difficulties encountered in opening methods are identified, explained, and solutions are given to cope with them. The book is clearly written and illustrated, and covers problem solving, how locks work, picking, bypassing, and tool making. If you are interested in opening locks without keys, you should have this book.
Customer Reviews:
Good ideas.......2007-03-09
Helped me understand various lock systems better. I appreciated the innovative ideas the author presented, many of which actually may have a hope of working in the real world. Definitely has a MacGyver-esque quality to it, without being hokey and completely unfeasible.
Far from easy ...........2004-12-09
I had been trying to open an old S&L moneybox for some time - the lock mechanism is "simple" per this book. Curiosity can be frustrating. I didn't want to spend any money on tools for a one off project (I ended up doing this and bought another book). The intellectual satisfaction was worth it. I'm interested in antiques so may get some payback for learning in the future. (I can now also open simple padlocks, and furniture locks, with an improvised tool in fairly quick time.)
The information on getting into a locked car is easy to follow; I knew some of this before buying the book but the process will be easier in future. The stuff on handcuffs also appears straightforward - if you use them for business or pleasure - I don't - this could be worth reading.
This is a practical book but hard work and requires practice. Worth reading if you have a real interest in locks and will practice. Not for beginers; I bought this book first then came back to it.
Just about there........2004-09-20
personally im only interested in picking locks and this book does help abit, but it focuses more on bypassing security systems and teaches you how.
the paragraphing is kinda compact and so are the instructions and diagrams for me- someone with little technical background.
a good read for the hot and lazy afternoon or those boring plane trips.
Informative book.......2004-02-25
Even though it is quite a small book, it's one that is highly recommended. Some of the items are obvious, while others are helpful and make you think about your surroundings or for just utilizing cheap alternatives to professional tools that might not be in your bag of tricks. For example, the author says to use a cut out of a clear 2liter bottle for a plug remover to hold the pins & springs, while seeing what is going on through the clear plastic. Neat idea and not obvious to all.
I'm just a novice at picking, but learning quite rapidly. There are exercises to improve your skills.
The only thing bad I can say about the book is the first chapter. Long winded, but basically states the following: 1) picking what you aren't supposed to is illegal and will get you into trouble, 2) don't be egotistical and show off to your friends thinking you can pick anything, and 3) practice practice practice, that's the only way you'll be proficient in lock bypassing & picking.
Lockpicking 301.......2004-02-12
This book ought to be the third level for someone who is interested in learning how to pick locks though it contains
information which may be useful to anyone. From this book one can learn how to develop and use a number of common items to unlock locks of a variety of sorts whether the lock be on a car or a house. Though I am not a locksmith, I have been practicing lockpicking for some time because somebody always forgets the keys. Conkel's book contains a number of ideas which will open locks easily which had never occurred to me.
Book Description
Ladies, Tighten Your Tool Belts and Make Your Home Your Own!
Heidi Baker and Eden Jarrin did just that when they found themselves living in fixer-uppers and couldn’t afford to hire professionals to help. With virtually no home improvement experience but plenty of eagerness to learn, they put on their tool belts, picked up their nail guns, and turned their blah and boring houses into beautiful homes they loved. The unexpected bonus? A sense of confidence that touched every aspect of their lives. Inspired by the experience, they started Be Jane, a company that empowers women to change their lives by taking on home improvement projects they never thought possible.
And what the Be Janes can do, you can do!Be Jane’s Guide to Home Empowerment provides all the know-how and reassurance you’ll need to undertake more than fifty projects large and small, from replacing doorknobs to adding trendy concrete countertops in the kitchen. Everything in here can be done by the most inexperienced do-it-yourselfer–just check the JQ (Jane Quotient) to see how much time and effort a project will take. So let the sawdust fly . . . and join the thousands of Janes who have learned that home improvement isn’t scary–it’s downright empowering!
Customer Reviews:
Great book.......2007-09-09
This book is written with easy to understand directions. I am doing some home renovations and have been able to do most by myself with the help of this book.
It really is empowering!.......2007-04-08
I love my husband, but he's definitely not a Mr. Fixit kinda guy, so I used to have a handyman on speed dial. Every time I called him it would cost me at least $75, once it cost me $1,300! "Jane" is lot cheaper, plus I love that it's written by women--it's like having a really helpful girlfirend who believes tools aren't just for men and gives you the confidence to do it yourself.
Love This Book For Ease of Use!.......2007-03-09
The BE JANE Home Improverment book is great. Easy to get to the info you want, layed out well for easy reading, and clear instructions with great pictures to help guide you. I think this is the first home improvement book I've actually just sat down and read! This is a perfect book to get for a daughter or friend living on her own! I just bought one for my niece who just moved into her first "real" place!
Must have for the female DIYer.......2007-01-15
Heidi and Eden are two girls that know what they are talking about. The book is very well laid out and instructions are clear cut. I've been fans of these "Janes" for awhile so when I saw that they had a book, I had to be one of the first to get it. I'm very glad that I did. One of my favorite and most interesting projects in the book is changing the face of your appliances to stainless steel. I was planning on buying all brand new appliances until I learned that you could do it with stainless steel adhesive. These girls definitely rock! If you are a first time homeowner like me and short on money to pay a contractor, then this book is a must!
Great, inspirational book!.......2007-01-04
I really love the way the book is laid out. Very useful information combined with great photos and inspiration for why you should take on home improvement! This book makes home improvement approachable and is truly empowering as the title suggests.
Book Description
Are you a Collector? A Concealer? An Accumulator or a Tosser? Find out how to end your household clutter once and for all according to your personal junk style with the Q.U.I.C.K. (Quantify, Unload, Isolate, Contain, and Keep It Up) method developed by everyday experts in the field of cleanup. From tossing tips to storage solutions and organization ideas, theres nothing these folks havent seen, and theyll help you tackle every room in the house, clearing big messes and little ones. Illustrations help demonstrate do-it-yourself clutter busters. From kindergarten teachers telling you how to organize a kids room to professional recyclers tips on how and where to recycle practically everything, youll get the straight scoop from folks who live these issues every day. Get your information from the source, not a cut-and-dried efficiency expert. This is the book that readers will turn to again and again as an invaluable tool for organizing their homes and simplifying their lives.
Customer Reviews:
A delightful, helpful book.......2006-08-15
After reading the widely disparate reviews, I got a copy from the library. I found the book to be delightful and helpful, and I have ordered a copy to own. I lead a complex life, producing beautiful, organized work but leaving debris around me as drafts, printouts, and other papers accumulate. The author is very understanding of the thought processes and problems of Accumulators and Paper Pilers. Her humor makes the task of organizing and disposing less of a chore. As a person with some ADD difficulties, often overwhelmed by distractions, I find her methods of working on little parts of a problem a big help.
Take it bit by bit.......2005-07-18
Clutter is often a result of having a busy life. Hence, it wouldn't make sense for a book intended to help you clear clutter to involve a lot of your time. The book is designed of short but extremely helpful tips, so that you can read only a little bit and take 15 minutes to fight clutter. In other words, it helps you keep from being overwhelmed by the daunting task of clearing your stuff. I've always been. and always will be, a packrat, but I'm a more organized packrat now.
Stands Well Above Others Like It.......2005-02-28
This book really changed my ideas about decluttering my life. It has great mix of psychological motivation and practical how-tos. After reading it front to back, I go back and pick it up to read specific sections every now and then. This book is practical, a fun read and helped me change my home for the better.
Cut the Clutter, Stow the stuff.......2004-03-10
I believe this book to be very helpful. IF you are not impaired in the ways of organization, then of course this book would have useless ideas for people who already know them. For those of us with this problem of not knowing how to organize, this book is great. It showed me how to organize space more efficiently, gave me a different outlook on how to use different rooms in my home and gave me some resources for what to buy for cabinets, closets and entryways. It is VERY helpful and full of all different advice in the way of organization. IT points out the psychological reasons we hoard things,,,,what type of clutter person you are and with that information helps you fight the habits that got you to the place where you needed to buy the book in the first place. Reading the other reviews, I believe them to unfairly put this book on a low level, seems maybe these people did not need the help to begin with??? It helps...it has major ideas and a lot of them in an easy to grasp format that is easy and pleasurable to read.
cut the clutter don't buy this book.......2004-02-20
I bought this book while I was living in America and have just gotten around to reading it.I wish I had not ,the pages are badly set out with to many side bars making it a pain to read .Also there is not enough good information in it to make it worth buying.A note to the editor if you produce this book for the British market you want to use another word than Tosser this is not a nice word over here and may offend some people.
Customer Reviews:
Wow, just like really good restaurant food at home.......2007-09-22
I have been looking for a cookbook or collection of recipies that would give me an authentic restaurant taste. Athough I have enjoyed recipies from Indian homecooking they didn't satisfy my restaurant craving. This book gives easy to follow recipies that yeild excellent results. MMM I've tried most of the recipies out of this book and have been surprised and delighted that they taste just like my favorite restaurant version. My only warnings: Use ghee instead of vegetable oil and note that imperial cups used in the book are different than US cups. If you have been dissapointed by other cookbooks, you will be pleasantly surprised by this one. Try the chicken sagwala yummy could't get enough.
The food wasn't so good.......2007-07-09
It wasn't terrible but it wasn't very good either. These recipes require tweaking, but are good foundations.
Not so great.......2007-07-08
I found this book to be nothing special. There is not magic secret in this book. It is not worth the money.
The best Curry book in the world - ever!.......2007-01-20
We all enjoy a good curry, which is almost impossible to find here in Las Vegas, so making your own is the only way. Friends recommended this book and my wife has made many curries, and they have all been extremely tasty and authentic. The book explains how to make a good curry in a simple and straightforward manner and lets you in on the secret of how all the restaurants produce such good results in the UK.
A little book with a lot of punch.......2007-01-17
Want to cook dishes as served by your favourite Indian restaurant down the road? Ever wondered why your curries didn't match what you bought at the local curry house? Always wondered what their secret was? Then this book is for you.
Kris tells us the secrets behind the most popular indian dishes, as served in commercial indian restaurants. This book does not teach authentic indian home cooking, but rather authentic "western" indian restaurant cooking. (While this has diverged from what is eaten by those in India, it is now regarded as a cuisine in itself). Tips and tricks include making up generic curry sauces and masalas in bulk, freezing them and then using them to prepare a range of different dishes. These tricks are used by commercial restaurants where individual care and attention for each different dish is just not practical.
I liked this book because it delivers exactly what it claims. The curries are indeed like those you will get in many indian restaurants. What I didn't like was the lack of any pictures. Also, if you are in anyway inclined to cook authentic home cooked indian food, this is not the book for you.
4 stars.
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- Journey Of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives
- Last Resort (Hideaway Series #3)
- Linnea in Monet's Garden (Linnea Books)
- Make Your Creative Dreams Real: A Plan for Procrastinators, Perfectionists, Busy People, and People Who Would Really Rather Sleep All Day
- Master and Commander
- Memoirs (George F. Kennan Memoirs)
- Michael Mina: The Cookbook
- New X-Men Vol. 5: Assault on Weapon Plus
- None Shall Look Back (Southern Classics Series)
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