Special Topics Books

Building Codes Illustrated: A Guide to Understanding the 2006 International Building Code (Building Codes Illustrated)

Francis D. K. Ching, Steven R., FAIA,PE Winkel

Amazon Price: $32.97 List Price: $49.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Wiley Amazon Marketplace: 67 new & used starting at $23.73

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Buildings & Construction
Subjects -> Law -> General
Subjects -> Law -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 22 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Get the easy-to-use, illustrated guide to the 2006 International Building Code®.

As the building industry moves toward a single set of construction codes that have no regional limitations, architects, builders, engineers, and interior designers need an interpretive guide to help them better understand how the code affects their practices. The seond edition of Building Codes Illustrated fills this need by interpreting the updated 2006 International Building Code® (IBC) in a visual format that designers both need and understand.

This unique marriage of bestselling author Francis D.K. Ching's illustrative talent and Steven Winkel's code expertise provides an accessible, time-saving companion guide to the latest code. The visual presentation of information extracts the core portions of the building code that are most relevant for professionals and hones building codes down to the essentials. Organized to correspond with related subject matter in the IBC, Building Codes Illustrated enables architects, engineers, and other design professionals to quickly find clarifying information on the nonstructural provision of the IBC. You'll gain a clear and complete understanding of those sections at a glance through enlightening computer-rendered illustrations and succinct yet thorough interpretations.

There's no excuse for not being up to code. Avoid costly mistakes with the invaluable help of Building Codes Illustrated, Second Edition.

Content from this book is available as an online continuing professional education course at http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-320255.html#int_building_code.  WileyCPE courses are available on demand, 24 hours a day, and are approved by the American Institute of Architects.

2006 International Residential Code - Softcover Version (International Residential Code)

International Code Council

Amazon Price: $73.35 List Price: $81.50 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Delmar Cengage Learning Amazon Marketplace: 37 new & used starting at $59.99

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Buildings & Construction
Subjects -> Law -> Business -> Construction
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Civil -> Construction -> Building Codes & Laws

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Can a residential Architect live without this book? 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This Christmas we gave this book to our son, at his suggestion. He is a residential Architect working in Kansas City. I asked him what he thought about the book, after having time to review it. His response was, "Tell them its irritatingly indispensable."

Amazon is always outstanding in the supply and delivery!

Everything you need to build a garage (or house)! 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

If you are acting as a contractor on your home or garage project, then this book is invaluable to make sure that the subs are building to code or making sure that you are building to code. As an retired contractor and engineer, I've come to realize over time that codes actually do have a purpose in life besides making the building process a pain. The old farm house I bought probably wasn't built to code and it shows. A lot of farmers around here have to get up on their out-building and shovel snow because every year one or two more of their buildings collapse.

The book is well organize by project phase so things are easy to find--cement pad, walls, floors, roof, etc.

Editorial Review:

The 2006 International Residential Code®brings uniformity to construction of one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses up to three stories high. A comprehensive code for homebuilding, this book brings together all building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical provisions. It establishes minimum regulations using prescriptive provisions, and is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of new materials and building designs.

The Annapolis Book of Seamanship: Third Edition, Completely Revised, Expanded and Updated

John Rousmaniere, Mark Smith

Amazon Price: $29.70 List Price: $45.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Simon & Schuster Amazon Marketplace: 50 new & used starting at $21.50

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Transportation -> Ships -> General
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Transportation -> Ships -> General AAS
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Special Topics -> Military Engineering

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 26 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

First launched in 1983, Annapolis remains the sailor's bible, a comprehensive chapter and verse guide to all aspects of seamanship from the simplest ABC's to the most advanced skills and latest electronics. And while much of the original edition has been left in dry dock to make way for the many changes on the water since 1983--like multihull vessels, satellite tracking, and the reality that while all ships remain "she," there is no longer the assumption that it's a "he" at the helm--Rousmaniere still emphasizes what he's stressed from the first tack: the importance of mastering sailing's fundamentals. This means knowing every inch of your boat and how to handle her, understanding the importance of safety on the seas and preparing for all emergencies, reading the weather, learning to navigate, knowing essential boat maintenance, and being aware of the traditions every sailor steps into whenever he or she sticks feet in a pair of topsiders. Clearly organized and presented, cleanly and smoothly written (given how much technical information he presents, Rousmaniere's prose is blessedly jargon-free), and thoroughly illustrated with photos and drawings, Annapolis is as essential as a good wind, perhaps the one volume no sailor should leave port without. --Jeff Silverman

Critical Listening Skills for Audio Professionals

F. Alton Everest

Amazon Price: $31.49 List Price: $49.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Artistpro Amazon Marketplace: 37 new & used starting at $31.11

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Digital Music -> General
Subjects -> Computers & Internet -> Digital Music -> General AAS
Subjects -> Entertainment -> Music -> Recording & Sound

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Audio productions are made or broken by the quality of the recording engineer's ears. The ability to properly discern sounds, identify subtle problems, and act accordingly to apply the necessary fix makes all the difference in the quality of the final tracks and master. The good news is that these crucial skills can be learned. The ability to instantly identify frequencies, hear hidden distortions, and instinctively reconcile conflicts in the EQ of instruments, audio elements, vocals and more are traits of those who have mastered the art of audio production. The best engineers have trained their ears to immediately recognize audio problems that the consumer and those new to recording arts would likely not hear, but that, if left unresolved, would result in an amateurish final product. For more than two decades, students of F. Alton Everest's Critical Listening and Auditory Perception courses have rapidly developed these skills by using the intense lessons found in this book and on the CD. Unfortunately the books and CDs included with the course were usually too expensive for aspiring engineers to purchase and were often available only in colleges, universities, or school libraries. Now for the first time these indispensable training sessions are available with this release of Critical Listening Skills for Audio Professionals. Through hundreds of illustrations and an accompanying disc containing high-resolution MP3 files with nearly five hours of narration of the entire course, you can acquire the audio discernment skills of a seasoned recording engineer by studying this course at your own pace, in your own home.

How to Read a Nautical Chart : A Complete Guide to the Symbols, Abbreviations, and Data Displayed on Nautical Charts

Nigel Calder

Amazon Price: $11.53 List Price: $16.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press Amazon Marketplace: 44 new & used starting at $8.92

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> History -> Military Science
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Transportation -> Ships -> General
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Transportation -> Ships -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The best handbook on chart usage, from one of the most trusted names in boating

In 2000, the U.S. government ceased publication of Chart No. 1, the invaluable little book that generations of mariners have consulted to make sense of the complex system of signs, symbols, and graphic elements used in nautical charts. Now Chart No. 1 is not just reborn but expanded and improved in How to Read a Nautical Chart. The demand for a book like this has never been greater.

Arranged and edited by Nigel Calder, one of today's most respected boating authors, --and containing four-color illustrations throughout,-- How to Read a Nautical Chart presents a number of original features that help readers make optimum use of the data found in Chart No. 1, including a more intuitive format, crucial background information, international chart symbol equivalents, electronic chart symbology, and thorough explanations of the practical aspects of nautical chart reading.

Storm Tactics Handbook: Modern Methods of Heaving-to for Survival in Extreme Conditions

Lin Pardey, Larry Pardey

List Price: $19.95 By: Pardey Books Amazon Marketplace: 7 new & used starting at $19.97

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> History -> Military -> Naval
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Special Topics -> Applied Atmospheric Sciences
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Special Topics -> Military Engineering

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Heaving to techniques from cover to cover 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

After reading this book you will know a lot of theory about when and how to heave to. Diagrams and well-written explanations describe methods and techniques of survival during a storm at sea. Also consider "Heavy Weather Sailing" (revised edition) as an excellent source of information on storm tactics and heavy weather sailing. It describes the yacht's stability in more detail.

Editorial Review:

A new, completely revised and expanded version of this book is now available. Storm Tactics Handbook 3rd edition was released in July. It contains all of the information in this edition plus nine additional chapters including: Notes from a voyage around Cape Horn, Preventing Rudder damage, Storm Staysails, An interview with the Late Sir Peter Blake on storm tactics. The new edition also has updates on important items such as choosing a para-anchor, check lists for getting fin keeled boats to lay hove to, when to heave to without a para-anchor and when to deploy one. Several new chapters telling the stories of people who have weathered severe storms using these tactics are also included. You will find the 3rd edition much more user friendly and up to date. Reviewers are recommending that people who used the second edition will find sufficent addirional information to buy the more recent 3rd edition. To go directly to this edition click on other editions on the opening page of this one.

2006 International Plumbing Code - Softcover Version (International Plumbing Code)

International Code Council

Amazon Price: $61.20 List Price: $68.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Delmar Cengage Learning Amazon Marketplace: 36 new & used starting at $43.25

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Law -> Business -> Construction
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Civil -> Construction -> Building Codes & Laws
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Civil -> Construction -> Contracting

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

It is what it is. 2 out of 5 stars.
9 of 9 people found this review helpful.

This "international plumbing code," is a poor substitute for your state or local municipality's plumbing code.

Most states have created their own version of plumbing code with many, major municipalities adding restrictions at local levels.

In a perfect world, "the" plumbing code would rigorously define a system of best practices - this "International," and most state's plumbing codes reflect insurance company interests in establishing a safe and reasonably, low level of liability.

The "code" is written by attorney's in cooperation with plumbers, builders, supplier's of materials and various, other, self interest groups.

It is vague, possesses no visual representations, poorly indexed, unreferenced and in many cases a hinderance to the adoption of new materials and design.

It makes more sense to purchase a copy of your state or local municipality's plumbing code. In most cases, the local codes are available to everyone and are inexpensive. Periodic updates are usually available for a modest fee. The sad part is that most local codes also explain very little and are poor substitutes for books oriented towards plumbing system, design or repairs.

Over the years I have witnessed countless, unworkable "do it yourself" implementations. In fact - many professionally plumbed, jobs also prove to be less than perfect. If you are planning a slab addition - do yourself a favor - and spend a few bucks on a mechanical engineer who will be more than happy to school you on the do's and don'ts. I admit that it looks simple - but don't be fooled. Plumbing is a hell of a lot more difficult than it may seem.

Because there is no popular movement to make the code "more accessible -" we are stuck with it.

It is what it is!

Editorial Review:

The 2006 International Plumbing Code®addresses the design and installation of plumbing systems through requirements that emphasize performance. Provisions are provided for fixtures, piping, fittings, and devices, as well as design and installation methods for water supply, sanitary drainage, and storm drainage. The code provides comprehensive minimum regulations for plumbing facilities using prescriptive- and performance-related provisions. The objectives of the code provide for the acceptance of new and innovative products, materials, and systems.

2006 International Building Code - Looseleaf Version (International Building Code (Looseleaf))

International Code Council

Amazon Price: $106.20 List Price: $118.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Delmar Cengage Learning Amazon Marketplace: 25 new & used starting at $102.79

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Home Design -> Buildings & Construction
Subjects -> Law -> Business -> Construction
Subjects -> Professional & Technical -> Engineering -> Civil -> Construction -> Building Codes & Laws

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

IBC New Kid on the Block 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

The newest edition of the IBC has finally come up with an easy-to-read version that allows users to easily access information in a familiar format but also allows quick reference and notes the deletion of important paragraphs and sections. I would highly recommend this book for all those in the construction industry. This book is the future of our profession...

IBC Loose leaf code 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Like the loose leaf edition the only complaint is that the holes need to be a little bigger.

Editorial Review:

The 2006 International Building Code®addresses the design and installation of building systems through requirements that emphasize performance. Fully compatible with all the International Codes, the 2006 edition provides up-to-date, comprehensive coverage that establishes minimum regulations for building systems using prescriptive and performance-related provisions. Content is founded on broad-based principles that make possible the use of materials and building designs. Structural as well as fire- and life-sfety provisions covering seismic, wind, accessibility, egress, occupancy, roofs, and more are included.

How to Build Military Grade Suppressors

Keith Anderson

Amazon Price: $14.93 List Price: $21.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Desert Publications Amazon Marketplace: 5 new & used starting at $14.05

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> History -> Military -> General
Subjects -> History -> Military -> General AAS
Subjects -> History -> Military Science

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Danger Danger Danger!! 1 out of 5 stars.
37 of 44 people found this review helpful.

The first reviewer must be the author himself. This book is for someone with a death wish. Quotations below are from the book.

First, the author makes no attempt whatsoever to discuss the legalities of silencers. Silencers are legal in 36 U.S. States and a BATF Form 1 must be filed and a $200 making tax must be paid to the Dept. of Justice, BATF & E. in Martinsburg, WV. Only after the approved tax paid Form 1 is received from BATF can an individual begin to build a legal silencer otherwise you are subject to a $250,000 fine and 10 years in Federal Prison for an unregestered NFA weapon.

Secondly, the silencers designs are no where near military grade not even for a 3rd world country making improvised weapons in the midst of a civil war. They are circa 1970's baffle technology.

Far more important & worse, the materials specifed are grossly unsafe.

For example, the .223 silencer design starts with chainlink fence post for the outer tube. No sane individual would ever use seamed tubing for a silencer that is required to contain the pressures associated with a center fire cartridges let alone a tubing that has NO structural rating whatsoever. In addition, the wall of such tubing is too thin to endure the heat that must be dissapated by the silencer. Heat plus high pressure, well we've all chewed bubblegum, and blown bubbles. In addition, the tubing is galvanized and a structually safe weld cannot be made on galvanized material without removal of the galvanized coating.

The author specifies soft automotive freeze plugs for the baffles.

Next the author specifies "special hole punching ammo" to bore the baffles. This ammo is made, in the case of the .223 silencer by taking a standard .223 cartridge and removing the projectile "with pliers" then dumping the powder out, "raking it into a line cheech & chong style", dividing the powder into fourths and placing one forth of the powder back into the case, reinsterting the projectile "and crimping it in place with pliers". Then the silencer is installed on the rifle, wrapped in a towel, and the round is fired "into a block of wood" so as to drill the silencer concentric to the bore axis, or kill the builder with shrapnel, flip a coin.

To make matters even worse, the author specifies 2.5" muffler pipe (seamed non structual) for a .50 BMG silencer!!

A Lincoln "Buzz Box" is the welder of choice for silencer construction.

The book is not even usefull as reference material, best to stick with the series by Alan C. Paulson for a technical reference. There are far better examples on the internet of quality designs along with the legal guidelines neccessary for building a silencer.

The Complete Rigger's Apprentice: Tools and Techniques for Modern and Traditional Rigging

Brion Toss

Amazon Price: $26.37 List Price: $39.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $21.61

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> History -> Military -> Naval
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Transportation -> Ships -> Repair & Maintenance
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Transportation -> Ships -> General

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 16 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Combining and updating the renowned Rigger's Apprentice and Rigger's Locker, meets the changing face of modern materials and technology while remaining true to rigging's best traditional principles and practices. It's much more than a knot book, though the knots a sailor needs are all here. It's a book for sailors who want the satisfaction and hard-cash savings of stepping their own masts, inspecting and maintaining their own rigs, and turning their own tailsplices and wire eyesplices. It is for boatowners who want to replace an entire gang of rigging themselves--measuring, choosing appropriate wire, turning soft eyes, leathering, and serving. It is for bluewater voyagers who want to feel secure in the knowledge that, should a shroud carry away far at sea, they will be able to repair it.

The Complete Rigger's Apprentice is also a free-roaming collection of useful ideas and tips on everything from supplementing winches with block and tackle, to rigging snubbers at anchor, to using pantyhose for an emergency fanbelt. In short, it's the definitive book on the art of rigging, written by its most entertaining practitioner.