Product Description
To call John Waters a cultural icon is almost insulting.This is after all a man who's entire career has been dedicated to the explosion of mainstream culture. But nonethless, from his earliest films he has been the center of controversy, acclaim, revilement, and reverence.He is the director of the notorious Pink Flamingos (in which the 300 pound transvestite Divine snacks on poodle poop) and Female Trouble (in which Divine as a man--with really nasty skidmarks on his shorts--rapes himself as a woman) as well as the crossover smash Hairspray (which introduced Ricki Lake to the world) and Serial Mom (in which Kathleen Turner offed Patty Hearst for wearing white shoes after labor day.)From the days when the press wouldn't return his phone calls to the present, promoting his new films on network morning shows, and giving commentary on NPR, CNN, TNT, and The Sundance Channel, Waters has consistently been the outrageous voice of avant garde cinema.Critic Robrt Pela, examines Waters's life and impact on our culture in this book which is a remarkable, often hilarious, always illuminating look at his films, their impact, and the not to be believed cult of Waters fans.The Films of John Waters:Mondo Trasho, Multiple Maniacs, Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, Desperate Living, Polyester, Hairspray, Cry Baby, Serial Mom, Pecker, Cecil B. Demented ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Romping reflections of Waters!
A unique biography/filmography for a unique individual.Tackling the complex life of an icon such as John Waters would be anything but simple, yet this author has done just that. Pela reveals all we want to know about Waters early relationships, his film career, and more.It was a great read filled with quirky facts and hilarious recollections from Walters.

A light read that offers nothing new to the seasoned John Waters fan
While "Filthy: The Weird World of John Waters" is servicable as a brief overview of John Waters' career, it really doesn't offer anything one couldn't learn by reading Waters' "Shock Value" and "Crackpot: The Obsessions of John Waters", Frances Milstead's "My Son Divine", or even by watching Steve Yeager's great documentary Divine Trash, all of which are vastly superior to this book.In fact, most of the quotes in "Filthy" are taken from those other works, implying that the author hasn't actually come into contact with any of the people involved with John Waters' films (or as fans like to call them, Dreamlanders).The book begins with a concise look at Waters' childhood and travels through the making of his films, all but skipping over his latter period works like Serial Mom and Cecil B. Demented.Unfortunately, the chapters aren't laid out very well and the film anecdotes are interrupted by idiotic stories like an unnecessary and disrespectful segment where the author supposedly channels Divine through a psychic, or mean-spirited descriptions of a few Waters fans told through the eyes of a man who clearly isn't as big of a fan as he makes himself out to be.

Another unpropitious aspect of "Filthy" is that the author makes one too many mistakes throughout the text, either with facts or with plot descriptions.These errors may be considered minor to the casual Waters fan, but will absolutely ruin the reading experience for John Waters fanatics by prompting them to take what the author says with a grain of salt.For example, Pela states that Jean Hill has no lines in Polyester.Anyone who has seen the film, and enjoys it as much as I do, knows that this is not true.Her scene is one of the funniest moments in the film, as she spews out insults a mile a minute to a passing car full of teenagers.

In addition, one can easily tell which films Pela doesn't care much for because he nearly eschews them completely.The passage about Serial Mom is less than a page, which is disappointing because it is the best film from Waters' post-Polyester days.It's also sad when what seems like half of the book is comprised of a filmography with cast and crew lists, plot synopses, dialogue, and other assorted facts that are either repeated from earlier chapters or could (and should) have been placed elsewhere in the book.

What is good about "Filthy"?It is well-written and is pretty comprehensive in outlining how these films were made, in a cramped sort of way.The chapters on Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, and Polyester were thorough and the chapter about the author's visit to Baltimore was mildly amusing.There were a few quotes from Waters, Divine, Mink Stole, and others, that I had never read before and a couple of facts here and there that enlightened me to a point.I suppose "Filthy" would be a good guide for people who know little or nothing about John Waters and his films, but it is obvious that Pela has no first-hand experience speaking with the people behind these films.The chapters about the fans and about Pela contacting Divine beyond the grave--not to mention the bloated filmography at the end of the book--are simply filler.The author has taken all of this information from other works of reference and condensed it into one compact resource, which may be fine for some, but leave others like me begging for more substance.

Perfect introduction to the world of John Waters
Before reading this book, I knew little to nothing about John Waters. I'd only seen two of his films, Pecker and Cry-Baby, and I enjoyed both. One day I was shopping at my local bookstore when I noticed a announcement for a reading of this book by its author. I decided to attend. I'm glad I did. Not only did I get a couple of autographed copies, but I became introduced to a whole new world of trashy films.

I am a person of patterns. I like order. The way this book is set up chronologically really appeals to me. Robrt Pela did a great job setting up a description of each Waters project, along with a background on each of the players and Mr. Waters himself. I had no idea how disgusting John Waters really was (and continues to be). And how willing he was to put it all on film. In a trashy way, that appeals to me. Can't be perfect all the time.

The interviews with the bizarre Waters fans were well done. One would have to be pretty brave to converse with some of these folks. I liked how these interviews were set in-between the rest of the back story on Waters and his camp. I enjoy Robrt's sassy approach to his over anticipated introduction to Baltimore, and how at every turn he was disappointed that it wasn't more trashy.

My two favorite chapters are six and ten. I like six because it is nothing but quotes about one tiny scene. And ten because its the, "guide to recurring imagery and motifs in Johns Waters film." In this chapter, all the work has been done for the viewer. What could be better?

The filmography at the end is one of the best I have ever seen. I am constantly seeing and reading about movies. So to be able to read one as thorough as this one was, was a pleasant surprise. It was the perfect introduction to Waters world.

Well done Mr. Pela :)

Delightful!
In Filthy, Robrt Pela brings many things to life for the John Waters fan including some outrageously funny and far out fans! Baltimore itself comes to life throughout the book as Pela spins the tales of movie making history. But the most brilliant and hilarious resurrection Pela manages to pull off is that of Divine in Chapter Three.

The themes and motifs chapter and the filmography chapter were packed full of odd bits of trivia that were entertaining and fascinating. The book is informative yes, but incredibly funny! And how else could you, SHOULD you write about John Waters and his movies?

Waters himself said, "I pride myself on the fact that my work has no socially redeeming value." Maybe he's right, but he's become a movie icon and pop culture hero to many people nonetheless and Robrt Pela does a good job of explaining why that is in Filthy: The Weird World of John Waters.

The Adventures of Robrt Pela
There are things about Robrt Pela's book that I really like. For instance, I enjoyed his accounting of his first and aparently only trip to Baltimore. Without knowing it, Pela steps on the toes of nearly every fan who has fun in John's world. Pela missed out on the fun.It took John Waters a lifetime to fall in love with Charm City's characters, so much so that he escaped the suburbs to join them, film them, and present them to the rest of us as a loving parent, showing off his children. As a man who makes his living reviewing theater, Pela's approach is understandable.I guess I like the book because John liked it and who am I to argue with that?I recommend reading it as a guide for the novice, the curious, the uninitiated. ... Read more

Product Description
The settlement of Indian water rights cases remains one of the thorniest legal issues in this country, particularly in the West. In a previous book, Negotiating Tribal Water Rights, Colby, Thorson, and Britton presented a general overview of the processes involved in settling such cases; this volume provides more in-depth treatment of the many complex issues that arise in negotiating and implementing Indian water rights settlements. Tribal Water Rights brings together practicing attorneys and leading scholars in the fields of law, economics, public policy, and conflict resolution to examine issues that continue to confront the settlement of tribal claims. With coverage ranging from the differences between surface water and groundwater disputes to the distinctive nature of Pueblo claims, and from allotment-related problems to the effects of the Endangered Species Act on water conflicts, the book presents the legal aspects of tribal water rights and negotiations along with historical perspectives on their evolution. ... Read more

Product Description
Comprehensive in scope, this book provides an analytical description of the structure and dynamics of water as a global resource and relates this to the technology and economics of water resource conservation, policy, and administration. Treats emerging resource trends in water use and estimates of future resource demands. ... Read more

Product Description
This handbook provides water treatment operators thorough coverage of the common math problems they use daily and is designed for study for Certification testing. The four sections match the four (4) Grade Levels of Certification. Each section includes 100 math problems for that level followed by detailed solutions on how to work out each problem. There is also a 10 question test (with answers) at the end of each Chapter. Appendices cover common equations, conversation tables and formulas, units of measures, and a list of chemicals. ... Read more

Product Description
The only basic, current book on well drilling that completely covers recent issues with siting and site assessments for wells, methods for drilling, water quality concerns and regulatory issues.Includes extensive illustrations.Useful to civil engineers, public utility officials, water plant operators, hydrogeologists new to the field, planners looking for well sites, water resource engineers, water quality personnel and elected officials or managers who want to understand more about well issues.Especially useful for small to mid-sized utilities who usually do not have this expertise on staff. ... Read more

Product Description
More than the economy, more than changing demographics, even more than education, water is the key to the future of Texas. It is not much of an overstatement to claim that water is the future of Texas.

In the fall of 2000, a conference on "the world's most crucial natural resource" was held at Texas A&M University. It was a gathering of people with many viewpoints and areas of expertise, all focused on what the book's editors rightly say is and will be the state's defining issue--water.

Together, the observations and recommendations brought together in this volume represent some of the best thinking about Texas' connections with water--in the past, present, and future. Ranging from broad historical overviews to technical and scientific discussions, the chapters address the questions of where we have been and where we are headed as we enter a new century of challenges to provide water for Texas. ... Read more

Product Description
Here are three of the filthiest-and yet, in their own way, sweetest—screenplays ever written: Pink Flamingos, Desperate Living, and Flamingos Forever. Intermixed with the scripts are dozens of classic stills from the films.

In Pink Flamingos, Waters's muse and leading lady, Divine, a 300-pound cross-dresser who could turn your stomach in one scene and break your heart in the next, competes with her family for the title of "filthiest people alive"—as readers will see, it's really anyone's game. Desperate Living is a perverse fairy tale featuring gun-toting lesbians, leather-clad castle guards, and a repulsive queen who has her own daughter gang-raped among other atrocities. Flamingos Forever is the unproduced sequel to Pink Flamingos, set fifteen years after the original, when the rivalry for "filthiest people alive" is revived; it was never filmed, Waters tells us, because by the time it was written, too many of the original cast had died—this book is the only chance for Water's fans to read it. ... Read more

Product Description
Enjoy days of pleasure exploring the flatwater lakes and ponds of New Hampshire and Vermont. Great for paddlers of all ages and abilities, this updated and expanded guide offers detailed descriptions of more than 90 scenic destinations - including 55 new paddles.

Special features include: detailed descriptions of each lake and pond, with paddling routes, local flora and fauna, and seasonal highlights; driving, parking, and put-in instructions; safety tips; local picnicking and camping spots; equipment choices; advice for padding with children; low-impact travel tips; illustrated sidebars on New England's fascinating waterside wildlife. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

book review
Item was in as good condition or better than advertized.I have several of the Quiet Water guides, and they are very informative and interesting for calm kayaking.Shipping was quick.THANKS.

More, please!
As a canoeist I can only pray for titles similar to this series to span the continent. These guides offer listings by region and alphabetical indices, area maps, launch site directions and parking advice. Wilson mentions special points of interest -- geologic formations, settlements, graveyards, and odd indigenous species -- with sidebars covering nature lore. A super gift for the New England canoodler in your life.

There are others........
I purchased this book as a guide book for kayaking lakes that I may have not known about. I found the book lacking on listing ALL the possible lakes not just some the author knew. I was looking for a lake guide book that list every lake, pond, maybe river not just a few. I had the older book and that listed even less. This also concentrates on the wildlife and plant life rather than describing the actual lake. This could be a really good guide book if it were done better...........

Amc Quiet Water Canoe Guide
Excellent book, I recommend this to anyone.I use this book for canoe trip planning with my family.Detailed information is given here.As usual it is another fine book by AMC. ... Read more

Product Description
This book teaches the fundamentals and principles which underlie the mathematical modeling techniques used to analyze the quality of surface waters. The text first provides an overview of the different bodies of water in which water quality problems need to be addressed before examining specific problems that occur across all bodies of water. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Material great, paperback poor quality
I purchased this book for a class.The written material is exactly what I needed, but the workmanship of the paperback version is really poor.I knew I was purchasing a paperback, but I didn't expect to get so little for $100.Some pages are already falling out because the glue binding is so shotty.

Clear and concise yet a rigorous treatment
I used this text at Manhattan College's graduate engineering school and was fortunate enough to be taught by one of the authors. This text covers the material at levels that an undergraduate engineer can grasp, yet issuited perfectly for graduate level training.Written by some of the bestpeople in the business, personally and professionally. ... Read more

Product Description

Water policy seems in perpetual crisis. Increasingly, conflicts extend beyond the statutory authority, competence, geographical jurisdictions, and political constituencies of highly specialized governing authorities. While other books address specific policy approaches or the application of adaptive management strategies to specific problems, this is the first book to focus more broadly on adaptive governance, or the evolution of new institutions that attempt to resolve conflicts among competing authorities.

Adaptive Governance and Water Conflict investigates new types of water conflicts among users in the seemingly water-rich Eastern United States. Eight case studies of water quality, water quantity, and habitat preservation or restoration in Florida were chosen to span the range of conflicts crossing fragmented regulatory boundaries. Each begins with a history of the conflict and then focuses on the innovative institutional arrangements-some successful, some not-that evolved to grapple with the resulting challenges. In the chapters that follow, scholars and practitioners in urban planning, political science, engineering, law, policy, administration, and geology offer different theoretical and experience-based perspectives on the cases. Together, they discuss five challenges that new institutions must overcome to develop sustainable solutions for water users: Who is to be involved in the policy process? How are they to interact? How is science to be used? How are users and the public to be made aware? How can solutions be made efficient and equitable?

In its diverse perspectives and unique combination of theory, application, and analysis, Adaptive Governance and Water Conflict will be a valuable book for water professionals, policy scientists, students, and scholars in natural resource planning and management.

Customer Reviews (1)

Water Wars!
I recommend this book for anyone on the path for clean water.
It fully explains the hurdles in dealing with government policy and practices.
Keep up the fight; water is a basic need not to be exploited! ... Read more

Product Description
This book considers all aspects of hydrology in the humid tropics. The first four parts of the book cover the physical basis of hydrology in the humid tropics: climatology, meteorology, process hydrology, sedimentation, water quality and freshwater ecology. This is followed by extensive treatment of the human and societal issues: land-use changes, water resource management, and rural and urban water supply in the tropical regions. ... Read more

Product Description
72 drawings *
5 x 8 *
* Unique ecologically-based field guide
* Waterfowl, rails, hawks, herons, finches, and more

Praise for Eastman's Birds of Forest, Yard, and Thicket:

"Presented in a readable, easy to follow narrative...a well-researched look at the birds and their lives."--Eirik Blom, Bird Watcher's Digest

Birds of Lake, Pond and Marsh describes how 39 common water and wetland birds nest, mate, and rear their broods in spring; how they feed in summer; whether, how, and where they migrate in fall; and how they survive in winter. This seasonal approach, together with an emphasis on ecological niches, distinguishes Eastman's book from other field guides.Precise illustration complements informative text, making "Birds of Lake, Pond and Marsh" an appealing and educational guide for birders of any skill level. Entries are arranged in the new taxonomic order based on DNA testing; selected bibliography and index are included.

John Eastman is author of The Book of Forest and Thicket, The Book of Swamp and Bog, and Birds of Forest, Yard, and Thicket. He lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Illustrator Amelia Hansen lives in Asheville, North Carolina. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Takes up where the field guides leave off
Field guides are great for helping you identify the bird you just scoped, but once you want to learn more about the birds you've been seeing the field guides aren't of much use. This book covers a limited number of birds, but the information provided is excellent. He covers the life history of the birds, including a season by season account of the typical year in the bird's life. Mating habits, habitat preferences, and threats to their enviroment are some of the topics covered.In general, there are 3-5 pages devoted to each species.The illustrations are black and white, but are well done. ... Read more

Product Description
This report focuses on two basic issues: the major water-related challenges facing India, and the critical measures required to address them. It calls for a reinvigorated set of public water institutions to sustain water development and management in India. ... Read more

Product Description
Many predict that by the end of this century water will dominate world natural resources politics as oil does today. Access to water is widely regarded as a basic human right and was declared so by the United Nations in 1992. And yet the water crisis grows: although the total volume of water on the planet may be sufficient for our needs, much of it is misallocated, wasted, or polluted, and the poorest of the poor live in arid areas where water is scarce. The coming decade will require new perspectives on water resources and reconsideration of the principles of water governance and policy.

Water, Place, and Equity argues that fairness in the allocation of water will be a cornerstone to a more equitable and secure future for humankind. With analyses and case studies, it demonstrates that considerations of equity are more important in formulating and evaluating water policy than the more commonly invoked notions of efficiency and markets.

The case studies through which the book explores issues of water equity range from cost and benefit disparities that result from Southern California's storm water runoff policies to the privatization of water in Bolivia. In the final chapter, Water, Place, and Equity considers broader concerns—the impact of global climate change on water resources and better ways to incorporate equity into future water policy.

Contributors: Thomas Clay Arnold, Madeline Baer, Amy Below, David Feldman, Paul W. Hirt, Helen Ingram, Sheldon Kamieniecki, Maria Carmen Lemos, Stephen P. Mumme, Richard Warren Perry, Ismael Vaccaro, John M. Whiteley, Margaret Wilder. ... Read more

Product Description
Mr. Hurley's Our Maryland Heritage Series continues with this book, which investigates the Waters Families, being principally the descendants of John Waters (c. 1648). The family descendants are primarily from Montgomery and Frederick Counties in Maryland ... Read more

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SEA KAY: MID ATL COAST

Customer Reviews (1)

The Guide to Maine Flatwater.
This book is an absolute neccessity for anyone planning to do extensive flatwater paddling in Maine.The book divides maine into regions and then gives detailed descriptions of the most choice paddling spots in thoseregions. Each overall description entails a map of the lake, generaldecription of the lake (scenery,fish species,things to look for etc.),campsite reservation numbers if neccesary, and most important DETAILEDDIRECTIONS.Unless you are confining your paddling to the southern region,most of the lakes will require driving on winding dirt logging roads thatcan confuse even the most seasoned forester(I know I was one).Howeverwith this book, I was able to find the put in with ease every time. HappyPaddling! ... Read more

Product Description
A typical optical system is composed of three basic components: a source, a detector, and a medium in which the optical energy propagates. Many textbooks cover sources and detectors, but very few cover propagation in a comprehensive way, incorporating the latest progress in theory and experiment concerning the propagating medium. This book fulfills that need. It is the first comprehensive and self-contained book on this topic. It will be a useful reference book for researchers, and a textbook for courses like Laser Light Propagation, Solid State Optics, and Optical Propagation in the Atmosphere. ... Read more

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Not many Indian artists recorded first-hand the way of life of the old-time buffalo hunters on the Great Plains.Here, for the first time in print, are presented the full-color drawings of pre-contact Yanktonai Sioux life by artist and teacher John Saul (1878-1971).Saul was born in a tipi on the banks of Crow Creek in what is now central South Dakota.His parents were members of the white Ghost band of Minnesota Sioux who were removed to Dakota Territory after the Minnesota Dakota Conflict of 1862.In their new home, the Yanktonai lived near the Lakota and Yanktons and so adopted many practices common to the tribes that had preceded them on the Plains.Considered by Lakota scholar Martin Brokenleg and American West historian Herbert T. Hoover to be of prime ethnographic significance, these water colors, sponsored by the Works Progress Administration in the early 1940's, depict traditional Sioux religious and social customs, including village games and the making of clothing, footwear, weapons, and parfleche containers. ... Read more