I enjoyed reading all sections of this book, but especially the parts about the places I've been. It included phrases from my birthplace of Chicago that I didn't even realize the rest of the country doesn't use. For example, "gapers delay": the traffic jam caused by people slowing or stopping to stare at something, like an accident. My only complaint is that his description was too narrow. In Crotty's definition, a gapers delay is caused one particular billboard which I'm sure is gone by now. But believe me, the gaper's delay is still there somewhere.

"How to Talk American" is an irreverent but surprisingly accurate (at least based on my experience) guide to the local slang and terminology of various American cities, regions, and subcultures. Crotty's book delves deep into the lingo of places and people that the reader would not otherwise experience (no matter who that reader is). Perhaps the main value of this book, however, is its demonstration that, despite the rapid homogenization (or McDonaldization) of our society, there is still a rich supply of local terms, or words shared by a limited group of people with shared interests, and that these terms have not (yet) been appropriated by the larger culture. Surprisingly, these terms are for the most part actually interesting and funny, especially when viewed through the eyes of the roving and perceptive author. If this book has a weakness, it lies in the plot and character development. Wait--there is no plot and no character development--it's a guide to slang! OK, if this book has a weakness, it is that at times the author is overambitious and includes some terms better left out and fails to focus on a smaller and perhaps more representative sample. But that fault can be readily forgiven. It's a good, if not a quick, read, and it's absolutely indispensable for anyone who has more than a passing interest in the state of American language.

this compilation of phrases, slang, and witicisms really tickled me! Especially enjoyed the midwest section as I was born in Omaha, NB and raised (reared?) in Indiana and Iowa . . .fun!

This is an odd story about a girl who is fascinated by trolls. She finds that her mother has had an experience with outsmarting a troll, and eventually the girl must also outsmart a troll she encounters while walking through the dark woods. James Marshall, the illustrator, is the author & illustrator of the beloved "George and Martha" books - I suppose the author of this book, Edward Marshall, is his brother(?). This book is easy for children to read on their own.

I believe that Edward Marshall was a pen name that James Marshall used for many of his early books. I don't know why, or why he dropped it later on.

This funny story should definitely be returned to print. It's a bit wordier than some of Marshall's later books, and it doesn't have any sequels, but it is charming, amusing, and memorable. It's also a good early-reader that features a quick-thinking little-girl heroine. A great book for all kids, and especially for girls.

This book is a wonderful children's book that should be part of everyone's collection. The protagonist- Elsie Fay Johnson, outwits a rather lumbering and not too intelligent troll.

As a cardiologist that has been involved recently in dealing with hypertension and pregnacy I found this book very useful, but with surprise I notice that in Chapter 19, Chronic Hypertension and Pregnacy by P. August and M. Lindheimer there isn't any mention about the interference that can produce methyldopa in the laboratory diagnostic of pheocromocytoma.

IT'S ESENCIAL FO GYNAECOLOGIST TO HAVE THE CONTROL IN THE MANAGE OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE DURIG PREGNANCY, AND THIS BOOK WILL PROVIDE YOU ALL THE INFORMATION YOU'LL NEED TO DO IT

The characters of this book were well developted. You could tell what George and Martha were like. The book shows how important a friend really is. Even thouhg you may get into fights, it's best to forgive. The book shows this idea through a couple of different situations.

This sequel to the popular book, "George and Martha"tells even more shared adventures of this dynamic duo. The storiesare easy to read, easy to enjoy.

This additional set of short animated stories about two good friends shouldn't be missed.

Will George make it into the air by balloon?

Another 5 stars for these two good friends!

Following the defeat of the Japanese at Midway and Guadalcanal, the United States launched a campaign to reclaim the two islands in the Aleutians which were occupied by the Japanese during the Midway operation, while also attacking the Japanese bases in Micronesia (Gilberts and Marshalls). Attu and Kiska were occupied by the Japanese and the thought of them on American soil outraged many Americans back home. Thus, a campaign was launched to retake them. After some hard fighting, the islands were recaptured, but the Japanese managed to evacuate their garrison from Kiska right under our noses, much the same way they did at Guadalcanal.

Operation "Galvanic", the invasion of the Gilbert islands, got underway in November, 1943. The main objective was the island of Tarawa. The island is completely surrounded by a dangerous coral reef, and the tides are very unpredictable as well. It was against these obstacles as well as a dug in enemy that the Americans made their attack. As fate would have it, it happened to be low tide when the Americans attacked, thus exposing the coral reef and forcing the landing craft to unload much further from the shore as was preferred. The Marines had to wade as much as 800 yards to the beach under horrific fire from the Japanese. The bombardment by the Americans did little to the well-fortified Japanese defenses, and they made the landings extremely costly for the Americans. Although Tarawa was secured in less than a week, the Americans suffered terrible losses which shocked the folks back home. However, the Americans now possessed an excellent air base to further their operations.

After the capture of Tarawa, the Americans moved to attack the Marshall islands, with the main objectives being Kwajalein and Eniwetok. The lessons of Tarawa had been well-learned. Both of these islands were subjected to a murderous bombardment by the American fleet and air forces, so the Japanese resistance; although spirited; was less effective here. The Americans managed to capture these islands in under a week and were now a step closer to Tokyo.

As with previous volumes of this excellent series, Mr. Morison has included numerous maps and photographs to expand upon the text. There are some good personal narratives in this volume as well. I recommend this volume along with the others of this series. It gives an excellent first-hand account of one of the early amphibious assaults by the Marines.

This is one of the most used books on our shelf. The kids love to hear it and I love to read it. Anyone who has suffered through unwanted childhood lessons (piano, dance, etc) will relate to the cut-ups predicament.

Each chapter is a short historical description of related discoveries followed by individual descriptions of the elements themselves. There is some repetition in this (which would have been hard to avoid).

Marshall has included a huge amount of fact in a small space without the book becoming too text-book like or disjointed.

It is both a historical reference and an interesting read and a very good way to get familiar with the elements without "trying"... so that shiny stuff in the top of valves (vacuum tubes) must be ceasium... and what a curious group the "rare earths" are! You really get a feel for the characteristics of the elements and the amazing achievement that the periodic table is.

Ulysses S. Grant had attended West Point but didn't exhibit any sterling qualities as a student. He served in the Army for a decade and ended up a clerk and alcoholic. For all intents and purposes Grant was an abject failure until March of 1861 which would change his life and make him one of the greatest generals of all time.

Grant As Military Commander is an thorough analysis of Grant as a commander from the perspectivd of Sir James Marshall-Cornwall, a general in the British Army. Sir James explored Grants background, early campaigns, achievements and failures. As someone who served in two world wars, Sir James took into consideration all aspects of Grants campaigns and personally visited the battle sites, studied Grants tactics and reports.

Many books about the Civil War and the tactics of the generals become boring pieces of literature particularly when dealing with the analysis of the strategic and tactical aspects of the battles. Sir James takes away this boredom and endowes it with life. You see and feel why Grant moved in a particular way and why he did a certain thing. You also find out that the conduct of the war was much more than winning battles. Dealing with personalities and the logistical side of the house was even more challenging in a war that tore a nation apart.

Grant is viewed as a man who was able to deal with the personalities of his superiors and able to get what his Army needed even in the most dire situation. As a commander, Grant exceeded all expectations even from his former West Point classmate Robert E. Lee.

This is a refreshing portrait of a military commander given from another perspective. The lessons learned from Grant's experiences are invaluabe in today's military as we deal with strategic, tactical and logistical problems not too far removed from this time.

Written and illustrated by James Marshall, The Guest conveys the important message that although friendships are important, the bonds of family are stronger. When Maurice the Snail becomes a welcome guest in the home of Mona the Moose, the two newfound friends do everything together and become inseparable. One day, however, Mona wakes to find that her friend has left her alone again. The book ends happily when Maurice returns and brings Mona a special surprise. The Guest is a colorful picture book that tells a story and sends a positive message to the reader. Everyone who reads this book will be reminded of a time when family came before friends. Readers could just as well tell the story using the illustrations as by reading the text. That is what makes this book so special.

The transcendentally goofy charm of James Marshall is the only thing that holds this "novel" together, but that's plenty. At the raw end of winter, Emily the pig and Eugene the turtle are trying to cheer up their sick and grumpy friend Carruthers the bear. Finally Eugene succeeds with a story about the three of them taking an imaginary summer boat ride down the river. The encounters Eugene describes are funny and vivid. Although his tale doesn't add up to a real story, Carruthers and Emily don't appear to mind. My kids (7 and 3) didn't mind, either; the three of us loved the book. Still, I couldn't help thinking it was all an elaborate inside joke. The incidental characters are drawn with remarkable sharpness, and their behavior has a kind of real-life untidiness. They sound like caricatures of people we don't know -- but would recognize on sight. In one chapter we meet two mole sisters who have somehow gotten stranded on a rock in the middle of the river, and the three friends help them to shore. "'We never found out how they got to be on that rock in the first place,' said Emily, when they were once again on their way." (page 53) If you figure it out, please let me know.