Chemistry of Pyrotechnics: Basic Principles and Theory Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a book that discusses chemistry, on perhaps a freshmancollegiate level (or slightly lower), with an emphasis on thechemistry that occurs in pyrotechnic devices. It is intersting in that it references chemical mixtures from both military and entertainment pyrotechnics. Somewhat overpriced. Does not cover construction of fireworks, nor are the example formulas extensive enough to make this a usefull refernce for the pyrotechnic hobbyist. However, it is educational, and will teach you what is going on, along with some of the why.

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A perennial bestseller, Chemistry of Pyrotechnics and Explosives: Basic Principles and Theory, is simply the most definitive reference in this field. Author J.A. Conkling first covers the requisite background in chemistry, thermodynamics, and light emission, introduces oxidizing agents, fuels, binders, and retardants, then explores virtually every aspect of formulating pyrotechnics. Topics include the requirements for and preparation of high-energy mixtures, ignition and propagation, heat and delay compositions, and color and light production, including sparks, flitter, and glitter. The journal Pyrotechnica said this book "'belongs on every pyrotechnist's bookshelf."

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Plants of Power: Native American Ceremony and the Use of Sacred Plants Review

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(More customer reviews)This is one of those small but great gems that is not getting the recognition it is suppose to. I first purchased the book in Spanish, and then got the English edition, and I have to say I found this book to be really informative and helpful. Learn the ceremonial usages of Copal, Sweet Grass, Ritual Tobacco, Osha Root, White Sage, Cedar, Mugwort and Lavender. Learn the historical and ritualistic usages for these plants as was used by the Wise Men and Woman of the various Indigenous tribes who used them, and passed on these wisdoms to the healers, spiritists, and witch doctors of modern time.
Traditionally in my Spiritist back ground we offer tobacco to our Spirit Guides and Ancestors, the book offers traditional prayers that can be used or adjusted a bit to work for your spiritual purposes.
I found the historical information very useful and informative. One of those books that does not get the recognition it desreves. It's Spanish edition has become quite the favorite to Curanderos, Brujos, and Santeros. I highly recommend this small little wonder, Useful information.

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This book is a guide to the sacred plants traditionally used by Native Americans and other indigenous people. It is an excellent tool for those seeking to connect more fully with the mysterious world of plants, animals, and Spirit.For thousands of years Native cultures have used plants to heal physical and spiritual ailments. Highlighted here are 14 significant plants, with information on their properties, growing conditions, and medicinal applications, along with descriptions of Native American ceremonies and rituals in which these plants play a central role.

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Sacred Smoke: The Ancient Art of Smudging for Modern Times Review

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(More customer reviews)Recently, amazon.com delivered to my door a very wonderful book... Sacred Smoke by Harvest McCampbell is a primer and reference text regarding how to identify, collect, and even grow a wide range of sacred plants used for smudging. In her book, Harvest has succeeded in writing of sacred things without "crossing the line." She totally avoids being cloaked in shadowy mysticism and strives to communicate facts which can then be applied to one's own traditions and teachings.
I found this book to be valuable on two levels... As an "evening's read" I felt like Harvest was sitting next to me having a conversation about her grandmother and the wisdom she passed on regarding sacred plants. As a reference work, I found Sacred Smoke to be filled with well documented herbal facts and sources that are organized for easy reference.
One of the difficulties any author faces with works of this type is how to impart knowledge on paper that can really only be learned through experience. Harvest succeeds marvelously in this by introducing concepts, then directing the reader to other sources for further research - including the internet - all the while continually reminding us to seek out our own elders and find our own traditions.
In short, Harvest has crafted a book that should be of great interest both to beginning students and experienced herbalists.
It's been a long time since I've found a book I was so happy to have in my library for many years to come!
Voice of Golden Eagle
musician, dreamer...

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Beyond Smoke and Mirrors: Climate Change and Energy in the 21st Century Review

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(More customer reviews)After hearing and reading a great deal in the popular press about climate change caused by human activities, I became convinced that most of what one hears on this subject is highly biased and unreliable. The problem is that almost everyone who speaks out on this controversial subject has either an economic interest, a political interest, or a professional career interest to advance by taking a biased or extreme position. Seeking a balanced and unbiased presentation of this topic, I found it in this excellent and highly readable book by Burton Richter. As a Nobel Laureate in physics with extremely high intelligence and none of these special interests to influence him, he seems to be the ideal person to tell the straight story.
And tell it he does, in a very clear English that anyone can read. The few portions of the book that are even slightly technical are designated with a grey background so the reader can skip them if desired. He describes each problem and each possible solution in ways that show how large or small a contribution it makes to the big picture. The end result is a very balanced and reasonable overview of the entire global energy usage and greenhouse gas story.
In summary, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to look past the "smoke and mirrors" of the climate change and energy usage debate to discover the facts that should help guide us to a more sustainable energy future.


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Global climate change is one of the most important issues humanity faces today. This book assesses the sensible, senseless and biased proposals for averting the potentially disastrous consequences of global warming, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions on switching to more sustainable energy provision. Burton Richter is a Nobel Prize-winning scientist who has served on many US and international review committees on climate change and energy issues. He provides a concise overview of our knowledge and uncertainties within climate change science, discusses current energy demand and supply patterns, and the energy options available to cut emissions of greenhouse gases. Written in non-technical language, this book presents a balanced view of options for moving from our heavy reliance on fossil fuels into a much more sustainable energy system, and is accessible to a wide range of readers without scientific backgrounds - students, policymakers, and the concerned citizen.

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