Many books contain patterns of decoys of particular species, but are often not easily transferable or even the correct size to reproduce. Also, they are in book bindings which further reduce the ease of transfering the image. "Carving Duck Decoys" transcends this frequently frustrating initial experience for beginning carvers and old pros by contributing a working book that has all the popular duck decoy species.

Beginning carvers may find it difficult to fashion a dimensional block of wood into the species which they desire without first using a good example of the decoy they wish to craft. "Carving Duck Decoys" allows the user to simply cut out the template as well as view illustrations which display not only the profile but also the conformation particular to the duck species.

In addition, the eye diameters are given for inclusion of artificial eyes which add realism and make the decoy "come to life." The text portion of the book discusses how to carve, paint, and add keel weights. A special photo section with the finished decoys from the authors lends itself well for useful comparison of your own progress.

"Carving Duck Decoys" is a splendid addition to any wood working enthusiasts reference materials.

~ ~ After the obligatory obnoxious and odious character is murdered, there is naturally a nice damsel in distress whose name needs to be cleared. Each of the amateur detectives (all members of the Sherlock Holmsian exclusive club), seizes upon a slightly different bit of evidence and goes off on their own private investigative track, each coming up with wildly different results.
Each of these sections in narrated in a style closer to the different authors that created each detective. The result is just wonderful for anyone who's read enough mysteries to recognize at least 3 or 4 detectives. Any that you don't recognize specifically will be recognizable by type.

~ ~ I lost my copy of this book a long time ago, probably lending it out to other mystery lovers. I was so thrilled to see this listing at Amazon[.com], that I not only had to write a review, I'm putting it in my shopping cart immediately for my next purchase. I can't wait to reread it.

~ ~ Maybe the best thing about the book is that while Boucher, a talented critic himself, is mocking other detectives, it is very clear that he himself has enjoyed reading tales of these beloved detectives himself. He could never write such an accurate spoof, without being an addict himself.
This is one of those rare books you want to share with everyone! Definitely 5 ***** stars!

THIS IS THE TALE OF 2 MEN IN LOVE WITH THE SAME WOMAN. THE FORTUNES OF THESE 2 MEN CONSTANTLY SHIFT THROUGHOUT THE STORY DUE TO A FAMILY INHERITANCE QUESTION - WHICH FORMS THE CENTRAL MYSTERY OF THE BOOK. AND AS THEIR FORTUNES CHANGE, THE MOTHER OF THE WOMAN WHOM BOTH LOVE, CONTINUES TO INTEFERE AND ATTEMPT TO SELL HER DAUGHTER'S HEART TO THE RICHEST BIDDER.

I'VE READ A LOT OF TROLLOPE, AND I WOULD RATE THIS ONE OF HIS FINEST. THE ONLY PART OF THE BOOK THAT I FOUND NOT THAT INTERESTING, WAS THE HISTORY PERTAINING TO THE GREAT IRISH FAMINE.NEVERTHELESS, IF YOU LIKE TROLLOPE, DO READ THIS ONE!

This is one of those books where the Amazon.com referal system worked for me. I would never have found it otherwise. It is a timely book, and it has direct relevance to the 9-11 catastrophe because everything this book talks about in terms of "cultures of catastrophe" (one could call them cultures of oblivion or cultures of inattention) resonates with the findings of the joint congressional panel on the many ways in which the CIA, FBI, and NSA failed America.

What most engaged me about this book, apart from its outstanding attention to the relationship between cultures of inattention or distraction and major catastrophic events (the book makes clear that catastrophe's don't have to happen--they make the jump from disasters when the over-all system of first responders and related parties fails to act quickly and correctly in harmony, precisely because of their past culture), is its focus on the total system, on every feature of society in relation to the environment.

The editors write: "One of the common sources of the policy-practice defect is its construction on culturally bound assumptions. In disaster contexts, aid often gets delivred in inappropriate forms and according to unsuited principles." The book excells at looking at the uneven record of disaster preparedness, and the lack of understanding to local contexts that often help turn disasters into catastrophes.

I recommend this book as a primary reference for national security practitioners as well as state & local responders. The ... billions now in the Homeland Security budget was not designed with this book's lessons in mind, and will in all likelihood do more damage than good when we are tested again.

The message of the book is so important it merits emphasis--no amount of money is going to prevent catastrophe--absent a commitment to creating a culture of attention and interoperability and information sharing, we will create our own catastrophes each time we are challenged by what could have been nothing more than a localized disaster.

The statistical analysis gives proof to the claims of solid performance of Catholic school students, and it gives lie to criticisms that Catholic schools shortchange minority and disadvantaged students--those students tend to perform better in Catholic schools than in other schools, the study finds.

Among the reasons for the success of Catholic schools, the book suggests the following: expectations of student success, individual attention, and a supportive environment and community that is created by students, staff, and parents.

For supporters or critics of Catholic schools, this is an important book.