Product Description
Theodore Taylor was one of the most brilliant engineers of the nuclear age, but in his later years he became concerned with the possibility of an individual being able to construct a weapon of mass destruction on their own. McPhee tours American nuclear institutions with Taylor and shows us how close we are to terrorist attacks employing homemade nuclear weaponry.
Amazon.com Review
Theodore B. Taylor was among the most ingenious engineers ofthe nuclear age. He created the most powerful and the smallestnuclear weapons of his time (his masterpiece, the Davy Crockett, weighedin at a svelte 50 pounds) and also spearheaded efforts to create anuclear-powered spacecraft. But in his later years, Taylor becameincreasingly concerned that compact and powerful bombs could be easilybuilt not just by nations employing experts such as himself, but by singleindividuals with modest technical ability and perseverance. McPhee tours American nuclear installationswith Taylor, and we are treated to a grim, eye-opening account ofjust how close we are to witnessing terrorist attacks using homemade nuclearweaponry. The Curve of Binding Energy is compelling writingabout an urgently important topic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Makes me glad the cold war is over
As in many of his books,John McPhee and his capacious memory and notebook spend time with interesting people--in this case a man who begins his career designing nuclear weapons at the start of the cold war.Also like others of his books, our intest is captured as much by the personalities as the subject.Besides meeting a fascinating and hightly idiosyncractic physicist, I learned enough nuclear physics from this little book to really liven up my 9th grade physics classes.I gave 4 stars because the book is necessarily dated, but I'm awfully glad we are a step or two further from the brink than some experts at the time expected, since we did not go down the road to using plutonium in nuclear reactors.On the other hand, the threat of terrorism is greater than it seemed then.

Great Info on Nukes
The Curve of Binding Energy by John McPhee is just a terrific read for anyone interested in the twin topics of nuclear energy and the nuclear bomb.We've all read stories about the negative environmental effects of storing used nuclear fuel, but you rarely are made aware of the other negative externality of used nuclear fuel; the threat to national security.

In this quickly-read, reportorial book written at the end of the seventies, McPhee follows the thoughts of Ted Taylor, a nuclear physicist and bomb designer.Taylor provides accounts of his work at Los Alamos and how the development of the nuclear bomb evolved from Fat Man and Little Boy to Super Oralloy and Mike.This is very interesting stuff with descriptions of bomb material, explosive yields, fission and fusion.Taylor was clearly conflicted with his work around the bomb and subsequent to leaving Los Alamos has devoted his expertise to developing safeguards and to raising awareness of the threat of a rogue bomb.This is where the connections are made between nuclear energy and nuclear weaponry.Much of the spent nuclear fuel stored in various physical states can be used to develop a workable nuclear bomb.Taylor focuses on the weaknesses in protective measures and the vulnerability of these supplies.An interesting point that is brought up near the end of the book is the comparative figures invested in fission research and coal power versus the amount of investment in fusion research (a much cleaner, less dangerous alternative).It leaves you seeing no reason why the government would resist funding a Manhattan Project around fusion technology.While no one can debate the usefulness of nuclear energy, especially given current conditions, it is important to remember the negative externalities associated with this power platform.

As with any McPhee book, I'm amazed at the level of detail he is able to provide which leads you to a much better understanding of a topic you may have known very little about before.The book also seems very topical as economic pressures will now encourage further development of nuclear power resources.

Thought provoking and enlightening
The book is written by a respected author who appears to have become enamored with Theodore Taylor, an nuclear weapons designer. The two traveled to many places together, and the author plied Taylor with questions. The setting was the early 1970s, and nuclear weapons information was still secret, and the nuclear industry still appeared to be viable. Taylor did his best to answer questions and explain nuclear physics without violating classification. Since then, much has changed, and today Taylor could be more specific. When I wrote my first novel, a story based upon gun-type atomic weapons, I would Goggle an item to see what was in the public domain before using the material in my book. Frankly, I was amazed and frightened by the amount of nuclear weapons data available on the internet.

THE CURVE OF BINDING ENERGY must be viewed in this context. Also, the author, John McPhee, had to record and then present in a understandable manner, the technical information provided by a remarkable man. The author does not have a degree in physics or nuclear physics, and thus can be excused for not understanding some of what Taylor told him.

The book contains a wide ranging view, from Dr. Taylor's perspective, of the early nuclear industry and weapons program. Most of the errors I found are unimportant, since only people in the nuclear weapons program would recognize them. These I attribute to the author not understanding Taylor's remarks. I do take exception to Dr. Taylor's obsession with plutonium as a source of nuclear weapons materials for terrorists. Plutonium is the wrong choice for complex technical reasons. Should a terrorist obtain weapons grade plutonium (Pu-239), he would most likely accidentally assemble a critical mass, a self sustaining nuclear fission reaction--the equivalent of a nuclear reactor melt down. In other words, a small Chernobyl.

Dr. Taylor grossly oversimplifies explosive implosions spheres. He talks about fabricating one from TNT or C-4, using bowls as a mold. Pure fantasy. He also describes casting plutonium components, half spheres for the "pit" of an implosion device. Yes, in general terms that is how it is done, but he left out a large amount of details. Anyone attempting to follow his crude outline will meet with an untimely end, and so would the neighbors. Perhaps that was his intention.

Taylor styles himself as the inventor of several innovative small, high yield nuclear warheads. He looks at nuclear weapons from an inventors perspective, while I look at the weapons from an engineer's and users' perspective. I do not recall coming across his name, but since most of my dealing were with Sandia Corporation and the AEC, this in not surprising. I am, however, familiar with the weapons he mentions. I will only point out one minor mistake: the Mk-41 was similar in physical size to the Mk-17, and had a yield of 25 MT. It was the highest yield nuclear weapon in the U.S. inventory.

Taylor's major concern centered on the isotope he worked with--Pu-239. As stated in the book, Pu-239 is superior to U-235 for small, high yield nuclear weapons. Pu is a very toxic, hazardous metal to work with. For example, plutonium has five phases, while most elements have three: solid, liquid, and gas. Recovering Pu-239 from power reactor spent fuel rods is extremely difficult and expensive. Plutonium used in nuclear weapons is produced in a special type of nuclear reactor, a breeder reactor. Iran has one breeder reactor operating and another under construction. Dr. Taylor's warning about nuclear weapons proliferation is right on target.

Much of the book is devoted to the danger of theft of nuclear materials from poorly guarded storage facilities. If Taylor were discussing these issues with McPhee today, I believe he would place emphases on two different issues: poorly guarded spent nuclear fuel rods stored in cement pigs at nuclear reactors, the ideal source of radioactive materials for a dirty bomb; and, nuclear programs in North Korea, Pakistan, and Iran.

Today's terrorist nuclear threat is uranium nuclear weapons--gun-type U-235 devices that a terrorist can make if provided with a sufficient amount of highly enriched uranium (90% U-235). Dr. Taylor mentions the Little Boy (page 220), the simple gun-type nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima, and gun-type nuclear bombs several times. He, Dr. Taylor, finally gets to the real danger on pages 189-191. In 1973, Dr. Taylor, nor I, could envision a world where a rouge nations (North Korea, Iran, and Pakistan) would obtain the ability to produce weapons grade U-235 and Pu-239. Our concern was the Soviet Union and China. Weapon design information did not exist on the internet--there was no internet--and the thought of a nation purposefully providing U-235 and plans for a simple gun-type nuclear device to terrorists was beyond comprehension. Today this situation exists.

Today, it is possible to take the Little Boy design, and by incorporating commercially available components, build a nuclear device with a yield several times the Little Boy. A that can be disassembled and imported as parts into the U.S. or any other nation.

The CURVE OF BINDING ENERGY is a thought provoking, enlightening, if out of date, book. Reading it will be time well spent.

OLD book needs massive update, still interesting
First and foremost this book was published in 1973.Any book about nuclear security that's 35 years old will have some obvious gaps but this one makes many bold predictions about the growth in nuclear power that obviously did not happen.
There is quite a bit to learn here though and anyone interested in how nuclear materials might be used for terrorism would do well to read this.
I found it very enlightening and honest and a good read on some reasons why nuclear power could be a problem in the future.Truly though, this is a book in need of a major rewrite and updating.The same material covered once again would be very worth reading.

books can kill
I picked up this book to learn something about the risks associated with nuclear technology in the hands of terrorist states.What I read instead was an unexpected cautionary tale about the risks of irresponsible journalism.

The Curve of Binding Energy is an early piece by the talented essayist, John McPhee.McPhee explores the psyche and experience of a nuclear engineer, Ted Taylor, who in the 1950's made substantial contributions to the miniaturization of fission bombs and then became an advocate for "nuclear safeguards" - i.e. methods and policies to keep weapons-grade material or bomb-making technology out of criminal or terrorist hands.

Mr. Taylor's involvement in the book is highly ironic.Like most in the nuclear weapons community, he originally justified the work for its deterrent potential.Looking back two decades later, Taylor tells McPhee that the original rationale was naive.But unconsciously applying the same logic, Taylor was now willing to publicize all that he knew about the easiest ways to make a cheap A-bomb in the hope that proliferation of that knowledge would scare governments into adopting more effective safeguards.

Throughout the book, McPhee relates conversations in which he pumped Taylor for technical details about bomb construction.Each time, Taylor states that he has gone into just as much detail as he can on various subjects without breaching official secrets.This of course is nonsense.Any attempts to delineate the bounds of official secrets, and especially the juxtaposition of related methods and means are expressly forbidden by the security oath that Taylor once swore.If a terrorist nuclear bomb is ever detonated, Taylor will bear direct personal responsibilty.

Fortunately, the value of Taylor's technical insights is much less that McPhee implies.He reports many kind comments about Taylor from distinguished nuclear physicists who worked on the same projects.But none of these scientists express particular respect for his technical skills.And at least one of Taylor's important judgments in this book - that successful fission detonations are easy to achieve - was proved untrue last year when a DPRK demonstration fizzled.

No, to date no one has been killed or injured by one of Ted Taylor's creations.But the same cannot be said of John McPhee.The most intriguing details in The Curve of Binding Energy are its repeated speculations about the attractiveness of the WTC towers as terrorist targets and their vulnerability to destruction from a sub-nuclear explosion.It appears highly likely that this book was the original motivation behind O. A. Rahman's truck-bomb attack in 1993 and K. S. Mohammad's follow-on attack in 2001.

This is not a personal criticism of John McPhee.The point is that journalists - even great journalists - plying their own craft can do just as much unintended damage as any of their usual suspects. ... Read more

Product Description
Obesity is reaching alarming proportions. In this insightful new approach to understanding why this is happening, acclaimed mood scientist Robert Thayer offers a new appreciation of the real cause-emotional eating. But this is not just emotional eating as previously known; rather it is a new scientific analysis of exactly how different moods affect eating. He shows how unprecedented stress in society and epidemic levels of depression have led people to food as a poor means of managing mood. In this original approach, Thayer describes how people's daily energy and tension variations occur, and how this knowledge helps overcome the urge to eat the wrong food and to achieve the goal of ""calm energy."" Also, in this most up-to-date scientific analysis of exercise and mood, he shows how physical activity is essential to psychological and physical health, yet why it is resisted. Thayer's work has been discussed in hundreds of magazine and newspaper articles, and here he outlines in detail the cutting-edge theories and scientific research findings that have generated this extensive media attention. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Sane approach to mood and diet!
Great book!It makes so much sense to consult a nutritionist for understanding weight issues!Also, love that the book is available for viewing with the online reader - great feature!

Calm Energy Book
Excellent read, very informative.Great for people struggling with moods and their desire to eat based on those moods.

Wonderful book on food and mood !
Ever dived into a chocolate cake after a stressful day at the office? Had your way with a bag of chips after fighting with the kids? Stuffed down more than your share of greasy fried food when you were feeling low?

Many of us are stress overeaters. And there are a number of books on the market that mention how we have emotional roadblocks that keep us from becoming slim. But few of these books discuss this issue in the depth that "Calm Energy" does.
And few give helpful solutions.

The author Robert Thayer Ph.D describes in detail how when we are feeling tense, tired, or depressed we often turn to high fat sugary foods. Citing a number of studies Thayer explains why we do this.

Then Thayer explains simple solutions. According to Thayer, "exercise is the single best way of coping with the tension and fatigue that inevitably result from stress." He describes simple techniques you can do when your urge to eat, what you don't need seems to overwhelm your body. A brisk 5 minute walk is one idea.

One paragraph in the book made a huge impact. Thayer recounts how a taxicab driver was very calm despite bad traffic, radio calls etc. The driver used worrybeads to release tension. According to Thayer small systemic movements like moving beads or squeezing soft rubbery objects can help relax your body.
I quickly hijacked my 14 year olds stringed bead bracelet and by manipulating the beads slowly released some stress and managed to avoid a trip to the kitchen to gobble up some goodies I didn't need! Simple, effective technique that I will use more often.

Overall an excellent look at the mood food connection with super tips on what you can do to destress and become healthier.

Excellent
While a bit repetitive in the beginning, I loved this book! It provides a framework for thinking about your behavior based on biologically-driven moods. It makes you more aware of your own moods, what causes them, and how they, in turn, influence your behavior (and not only in terms of food and exercise).

The author addresses the perplexing question of why people who know better still eat unhealthfully and do not exercise. I have often wondered myself, if I know exercise or meditation or whatever makes me feel so much better, why don't I just do it everyday? The concept of Calm-Energy vs. Tense-Tiredness is very convincing and useful. Also, the book puts the idea of "emotional eating" in it's larger context. Compared to the treatment emotional eating gets in the popular media, this is much more interesting and makes it seem very possible to intervene and change habits.

This is not a standard self-help book and doesn't give the clearest instructions on how to apply all this information to your everyday life. Rather, it gives you knowledge, understanding, awareness and--with the extensive footnotes and references to research--confidence that this guy really knows what he's talking about. I'm planning to read his "The Origin of Everyday Moods" next.

Making the connection with Calm
Here is a great read for folks from all walks and talks of life.I first went searching for ways to feel better--the food-sleep connection is very compelling even though everybody has that hunch.Thayer gently sells you on taking action in even small steps.Then I applied his ideas to improving my success at the weekly poker game.Bingo, or flush, it works there too.Academically sound and enjoyable, toss away your make a million books and manage your insides first.This one is a winner even if you occasionally have a bad beat along the way! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Great and informative book!
This is a very detailed book which lays out for you what items drains energy needlessly and what a homeowner can do to remedy the situation. A lot of things can be done cheaply and with no effort all.

Practical, Informative, Money-saving
This book is filled with practical advice and energy saving suggestions, with illustrations and instructions that explain the "hows and whys" of energy savings.The book takes you through the house from attic to appliances, from windows to CFL lights, with the Real Story on each. The advice is highly practical and much better than some books that simply point out the obvious. The book is FULL of practical projects you can do this weekend to make your home more efficient.This book will pay for itself the first weekend you own it.

Simple black-and-white illustrations help to clarify key points in this solid money-saving guide.
Written by Jennifer Thorne Amann (Senior Associate in the Buildings and Equipment Program at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy) Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings is a handy resource for homeowners, state utility companies, and anyone else interested in saving money and reducing environmental impact. Now in its ninth updated edition, Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings offers in-depth comparisons between available energy-saving technologies, cost-effective repair and replacement options, step-by-step instructions for finding the right equipment for one's needs, and much more. "Try to install your clothes washer as close to the water heater as reasonably possible and insulate the hot water pipes leading to it to minimize heat loss through the pipes. Also, if possible, locate the washer and dryer in a heated space. This is particularly important with dryers, which depend on heat to dry." Simple black-and-white illustrations help to clarify key points in this solid money-saving guide. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
The availability of clean, renewable power is without question going to be the defining challenge and goal of the 21st century, and wind will lead the way.

Customer Reviews (5)

Windpower is freedom from fossil fuels !
Fantastic and easy-to-read explanation of what can be done NOW to make our cities and countries free from fossil fuels.

As the title reveals, this is a Basic introduction without too many technical details of how a homeowner or small business / estate can go about 'getting off the grid', with many examples of who has done it, how they do it, and how they profit from it.

Knowledge is power, so empower yourself by reading this and spreading the power of wind !

Superb book for Wind Power Basics and Public Policy
Paul has well captured the basics of wind power in an easy and understandable way.The book is a delight to read.What I didn't expect and have not read before is Paul's excellent commentary on wind power public policy.Europeans tend to build community based wind whereas Americans build corporate based wind.This means that in Europe, individuals tend to benefit financially from wind whereas as in the America, corporations tend to benefit. Very interesting stuff here.Also, public policy is very different as well, with feed-in tariffs being popular in Europe and the USA tending to supply money up front to build projects (a big mistake).Additionally, anyone considering vertical axis wind mills or ducted fan based windmills might want to read what Paul has to say first.

John C. Briggs

Not what I expected
An interesting book, just not what I expected.Thought it would give me information about how to select a wind turbine and it is all about telling you to invest in a commercial size unit rather than a household size unit.Not much information about starting an LLC or raising millions either.

Good introduction to wind energy
Paul Gipe is not only a leading authority on wind energy but he is an exceptional teacher. This second edition of Wind Energy Basics covers most of the current models of wind turbines on the consumer and commercial market as of 2009. The book is an excellent introduction to wind energy that will serve both potential wind turbine buyers and those interested in wind energy well. There is some math involved but nothing over basic high school algebra and it is kept to a minimum. This is a great, inexpensive way to learn about wind turbines. If you are more interested in design and want more in depth analysis, Paul's other book, "Wind Energy", is an excellent choice.

The perfect pick for any lending library
The availability of clean, renewable energy is the world's modern challenge and wind-energy expert Paul Gipe predicts wind will lead the way. His second revised, expanded edition of a classic primer offers homeowners and consumers insights on wind energy, from applications to political and social policies, and includes a new section on the concept of 'community wind'. Charts and color photos pepper a user-friendly introduction to all aspects of wind energy, making it the perfect pick for any lending library. ... Read more

Product Description
Energy Free is designed to equip building professionals and homeowners alike with a toolkit for creating homes that use no more energy than they produce—this means homes that are free from the vagaries of energy-price fluctuations and that help to free society of the high political and environmental costs of fossil fuels.

Customer Reviews (9)

Energy free homes for a small planet
The book is poorly researched with a lot of misinformation. The author attempted to cover every possible subject and ended up doing most of them poorly. The math on things like solar thermal systems is skewed to fit apreconceived idea.

Now I understand what I am looking at ....
What a great book! Finally someone has made it possible to systematically think about understanding the parameters for designing and building an efficient energy making home in our current economy. Now I understand what I am looking at when I see the choices made by others in designing their energy efficient home. This book contains a treasure trove of references for someone to seek out more information or make contact with the people involved in improving homes in our country. This book is a must read for people serious about designing their dream home. Thanks Ann V. Edminster!

Energy Free Homes For A Small Planet
An excellent book. In fact, one of the best available resources for designing a net-zero energy house.
It is clearly laid out, filled with wisdom, and practical tips.

Very informed, distilling research into practice
Ms. Edminster has written a wonderful book, which clearly spells out the design and performance decisions required while carving a path towards a zero-energy home.This information is simply not available elsewhere.For those unwilling to pour through numerous case studies, DOE national lab publication pages, and the Building America research reports, read this book!It distills and synthesizes the valuable content of cutting edge home performance research, making it accessible and useful to the design and construction community.There are no universal or easy answers on a zero-energy project.Those projects that ultimately meet their design goals, require great effort in terms of design, analysis and construction quality control.Accordingly, Energy Free does not attempt to provide boiler plate answers that treat every site, homeowner and climate zone as identical.Ms. Edminster's discussion of the topic is nuanced and informed by research and experience.I found it to be a great read, which summarized all the knowledge that I had sought over several years searching through obscure websites and conference proceedings.

Accessible and Authoritative resource
I'm an architect experienced with zero energy building design, and I'm currently working on a house with a new client.They kept referring to things they learned in this book, so I got a copy to see for myself what they were reading.I've found it to be accessible for an intelligent client, without glossing over the technical issues and details.It provides extensive references (most available instantly and free online) to authoritative resources if you want to dig deep into a specific issue. It includes a broad range of topics from how to select an architect, to cost and finance options, to detailed discussions about numerous technical issues (which is where I've used it the most).I've found it to be completely up to date, drawing on the top experts in the field today. Scott Shell, EHDD Architecture ... Read more

Product Description
Energy security has become a rallying cry in recent years, especially in the wake of increased terrorist threats in the Middle East and elsewhere. But what does the term energy security really mean? For many it is ensuring the safe supply and transport of energy as a matter of national security. For others, it is developing and moving toward sustainable, low-carbon energy sources to avoid environmental catastrophe. Still others view it as increasing oil drilling to achieve independence from foreign markets and ensure affordability.

Yet the fact remains that the vast majority of global energy production still comes from fossil fuels, and it will take a thorough understanding of the interrelationships of complex challenges&#151finite supply, environmental concerns, political conflict, and economic volatility&#151to develop policies that will lead to true energy security.

This volume presents a realistic, cross-disciplinary look by recognized authorities at the global quest for energy security. While each nation faces different geopolitical, economic, and environmental challenges, the prescriptions offered here could well lead us in the right direction.

Contributors include William Antholis (Brookings), Jason Bordoff (White House Council on Environmental Quality), Marilyn A. Brown (Georgia Institute of Technology), Erin E. R. Carter (Brookings), Manasi Desphande (National Economic Council), Erica Downs (Brookings), Ann Florini (Brookings), Suzanne Maloney (Brookings), Pascal Noel (National Economic Council), Pietro Nivola (Brookings), Michael O Hanlon (Brookings), Andrea Sarzynski (George Washington University), Frank Southworth (Georgia Institute of Technology), Evie Zambetakis (Brookings) ... Read more

Product Description
The 2006 International Energy Conservation Code encourages energy conservation through efficiency in envelope design, mechanical systems, lighting systems and the use of new materials and techniques. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Review of Intl. Energy Conservation Code
This book was in excellent condition, and was very helpful in a professional exam that I had to take. ... Read more

Product Description
Awakening the Energies of Love illuminates the awakening of the human heart and mind to a different kind of Love--one that has long been misunderstood. Anne Hillman suggests that such a love is an intelligence to which we are all heir and have been forever called. There are many books that purport to argue for or against God, or science, or psychology, or a given religious or spiritual path. Anne takes us beyond these personal and cultural perspectives and invites us into a larger embrace. The changing cadence of her voice leads us from the familiar tributaries of our scientific, psychological, religious, or non-religious convictions into deeper waters that hold the promise of Love. Whether you are just beginning to explore this kind of awareness or have been inquiring for many years, you will find Awakening the Energies of Love to be an adventure and a sure guide to the deeper currents within and around you. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Back Cover Endorsements
ENDORSEMENTS
Few of us know what it is to be claimed by Love, not as an obsession with another, but taken hold of,
shaken, brought to our knees in awe and gratitude, and eventually strengthened. This is love as Fire,
and the core of what this book is about.
From the Foreword by RICHARD MOSS, MD
The Mandala of Being and The Second Miracle

Anne Hillman completes Teilhard de Chardin's work by providing the next step--a pathway into the
most significant transformation humanity has ever undergone. She shows how what he called the
energies of Love can ignite us and, once we have caught fire, how to embody its "200,000 volts" in
our lives.
BRIAN SWIMME, PhD
The Universe Story with Thomas Berry and The Powers of the Universe

Anne Hillman puts flesh on the larger view--that we live immersed in a sea of energy beyond all
comprehension, and that it is ours, not by domination, but by invocation.
THOMAS BERRY, SJ, PhD
Evening Thoughts, The Great Work and The Universe Story

Masterful! Reading this inspiring book is like breathing a fully conscious breath that invites deep
attention and radical aliveness.
The Rev ELLEN GRACE O'BRIAN
Living the Eternal Way and A Single Blade of Grass

In a simple and direct way, Anne articulates the core hunger to be awakened in us by the mystery of
love, and her own journey becomes a model of fidelity to the process. I will recommend this book to
all my directees!
DON BISSON, FMS
Marist brother. Jungian Psychology and Spiritual Direction

A work of great beauty, a clarion call! I know of no one else who has tackled our vital need for awakening
to the transforming powers of love as thoroughly as she has. This pioneering work strikes the right note
for which many people are waiting. Let us hope that it will be widely read.
URSULA KING, PhD
Teilhard de Chardin's biographer, author of Spirit of Fire: The Life and Vision of Teilhard de Chardin and
Spirituality and Society in the New Millennium

It is always a joy to see love taken out of the small enclosure of personal relationships where our Western
culture has trapped it, into the real arena of the heart which includes all of creation. Through Anne
Hillman's voice, we can feel the deeper currents of this primal power that both makes and unmakes us,
and that leads us to the depth of being and beyond.
LLEWELLYN VAUGHAN-LEE, PhD
Sufi teacher and author, Working with Oneness and Traveling the Path of Love [...]

Fire, indeed! Led by visionaries like Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, we are piecing together a radiant new/
old vision of human be-ing itself, and Awakening the Energies of Love will add real momentum to that
holy work.
CAROL LEE FLINDERS, PhD
Lecturer and author, Enduring Lives: Portraits of Women and Faith in Action and
Enduring Grace: Living Portraits of Seven Women Mystics [...]

If you are interested in the deeper implications of dreams and dreaming, do not miss this book! Anne
Hillman`s examples and understandings as she traces several paths of awakening are most illuminating.
JEREMY TAYLOR, DMin
Unitarian Universalist tradition, author of Dream Work and The Living Labyrinth [...]

The difference between a martial artist and someone focused on self defense is love. For the martial artist,
to receive a blow is an opportunity to say "yes" and ultimately, to love--not fear--the attacker. Anne
Hillman understands this and with a story teller's beauty, writes of this journey from one to the other.
RICHARD FARMER
Tai Chi Master. Founder and Principle Instructor of the International Rising Dragon Tai Chi School
[...]

Awakening the Energies of Love is not intended to give an academic rush. But if you read it with an open
spirit so that you can sense what comes through its pages, you will be buoyed up--an updraft that is real,
immediate, and quite abiding.
BILL KUEPPERS, PhD
Transpersonal psychology, Roman Catholic tradition, Educator
[...]

Anne Hillman is like a master gardener who first prepares the ground so that what already lies deep and
waiting to grow is given the opportunity to thrive.
MARIGOLD FARMER
International conference and retreat organizer Teacher, Alexander Technique
[...]

Finally, something different
Hillman's depth and breadth of knowledge and insight, combined with her inclination toward poetic language make this book one that generations to come will, no doubt, call a classic.Wherever she has been and whatever she has been doing up to now, thank God she has chosen to share.Not an easy read, this book is a must read for all those change agents serving humanity's spiritual needs and all other conscious travelers on the spiritual path.

Awakening the Energies of Love Anne Hillman
I have found this book a source of inspiration, especially the last chapters. Hillman has drawn on personal experience and wide reading, and from input from her own workshops. The structure of the book could benefit from more editing but the content is valuable and thought provoking.

Love is The Mystery
After reading this book, it struck me that some books tell 'about' the Truth and others tell the Truth. 'Awakening the Energies of Love' tells the Truth. The author steps right into it, up to her neck, as it were, and takes us with her. On virtually every page the author takes us into her life--courageously, unabashedly. But while standing this deep in the Truth at times can be discomforting, it never feels like what she reveals is 'too private'. On the contrary, what she describes turns out to be as much ours as it is hers since her words then embrace and caress her experiences, becoming reflections of what those deeply personal experiences mean universally, spiritually. How do we use in our own lives these deep inner Truths she has touched? As intimate and deeply personal as Hillman's writing is, it carries, in beautiful prose and poetry, a universal message about love that is rarely articulated quite so clearly and personally. In her own words, we learn that the love we yearn for, even as we erect barriers against it, is "not something we do. It stands revealed as who we really are. Walls fallen away, we find ourselves in communion with everything--in communion with Being itself--I AM." (p. 331)I suspect I will never finish reading this book, for each time I open it again, usually to a random page, I discover a part I have perhaps understood too quickly and so must read again as if for the first time.

A Work of Art
Anne Hillman is a philosopher and a poet in this wise guide to deepening self-awareness and self-knowledge. She has created a tapestry of rich themes and voices that tell a story of the power of love. I could hear the music of her words on the page and feel the power of her hope. It's a wonderful book. ... Read more

Product Description
Winner of the prestigious Benjamin Franklin Award, The Healing Power of the Aura shows you how to work with the aura to improve physical health. It outlines exactly what the aura is and how it supports the physical body. It introduces a powerful yet simple and easy to follow meditation to accessing an unlimited source of healing power for all types of physical conditions with detailed healing meditations for over 80 physical conditions from headaches to cancer. Generously illustrated, all material is written from direct clairvoyant observation and 35+ years of clinical experience. Endorsed by medical luminaries C. Norman Shealy and Dr. Richard Gerber. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Empowering
This book is a Godsend. The information provided is clear and to the point. If you practice the meditations and visualizations on a regular basis you will begin to experience a change. Yes, you can actually EXPERIENCE transformation which will manifest as a marked change in your thoughts, your emotions, and then in your body.

I recommend this book to everyone dedicated to healing.

Clairvoyance, Spirituality
I have known about clairvoyance since 1953 by reading the books of author Prentice Mulford and attending a lecture on Clairvoyance by the brothers Gmelig Meijling in Bloemendaal, The Netherlands at that time. Clearly, clairvoyance is a gift that few people have and that allows them to experience other realities than what our normal five senses can give us. Our normal human consciousness and our intuition seem to be only a shadow of this gift.
A classic book " Cosmic Consciousness" by Richard Maurice Bucke, M.D. has searched out many famous people's quotations to indicate the existence of a higher universal consciousness in a small fraction of the present human population, but that in human evolution will increase. It may be the fulfillment of earth evolution when all humans have this consciousness in which love, joy, all knowing, creativity, no fear and no negative emotions and acts exist.
I visited tea leaf readers at Tremont street in Boston, MA and was surprised about the accuracy of their predictions for me.
The books by Barbara Y. Martin and Dimitri Moraitis gives very valuable additional understanding of clairvoyance and your own spirituality.

Eye opening!
Barbara Martin is so wise. I am learning more than I thought possible about the use of light in healing and well-being and passing it on to others. Her book gives me confidence to believe.

heaven sent !!
This book is truly an educational tool is written in such a practical and professional manner that you will know you will benefit from its knowledge even if you decide to keep one tiny bit of insight; be patient do as is so pack with info one may get overwhelmed this is grounbreaking info and in general most are new to it and it takes some time to digest. i had an emotional experience in one of the chapters i am sure it will be different for others since we all have different needs and healing want. i highly recommend this book.

Healing the Aura and Body by Envisioning Colors
Martin uses a healing technique that includes prayer, meditation, and envisioning certain healing colors such as the blue white fire of eternal life, the orange red flame of purification, and the pure white light with the spirit substance. She claims to have had some success with healing people this way as long as the illness is not due to a karmic debt that must be paid. She was raised as a Greek Orthodox, but was a clairvoyant from an early age with the ability to see people's auras. She didn't always like what she saw, such as the black of hatred, the dull green of envy, the dull red of anger, the grey of illness, the mustard yellow of lethargy, and the cocoa brown of stubbornness and cruelty. All these colors and emotions cause illness and must be released from the aura by envisioning the good colors such as the golden light of wisdom, the silver ray of intelligence, the red ray of vitality, the orange of motivation, the lemon yellow of concentration, purple of peace, the rose pink of love, and the emerald green of harmony. A meditator should imagine these rays of color coming down from the higher self point above the head down to the spiritual centers in the head, throat, heart, and belly, to the mental body that surrounds the body, to the astral body, down to the specific body parts that the meditator wants to focus on.

I never liked meditating that much, but my pain has inspired me to do it daily and at least I have a mental task to do while meditating so I won't get bored. I think that the meditation may have helped relieve my pain and has given me a boost of energy sometimes. Sometimes I do the meditation with the tumbled stones in the The Crystal Healing Kit by Judy Hall. The prayer is simply asking out loud for the rays to come down to each part so your mind won't wander. I have yet to memorize the prayers; I just simplify them into a single sentence.

The philosophy behind the healing technique is that disease starts in the spiritual parts of one's being before it reaches the physical part. It is important to get the spiritual parts cleared out before disease reaches the physical parts because it is harder to remove disease once it has reached the physical. The spiritual part protects the physical by taking on disease before it reaches the physical, although if nothing is done, it will eventually reach the physical. One must watch what thoughts and emotions you are having and make sure that they are not negative and destructive to your being. I suppose with the daily news coming out with the latest outrage against truth, peace, justice, common sense, and civilization and the continual bitter disagreements about what those terms mean, it is hard not to think and feel negatively, but this healing technique helps you deal with the feeling that the world is falling apart underneath your feet.

This book has some beautiful illustrations of what the author talks about, some of which are in color. It has quick start guide to help you start immediately using the meditation techniques to attempt to heal yourself. It lists certain conditions and what may be the spiritual root that is causing the disease such as STD's being caused by paying too much attention to the sexual part of yourself or fibromyalgia being linked to destructive thinking.It has other meditation techniques at the end of the book such as the one in which you meditate next to a tree, using the energies of the auras of the earth and the tree. I like to use that one when I go for a walk in nature. It is a good book for those interested in this form of alternative healing which examines the spiritual nature of disease first, rather than the usual way of looking at only the physical.


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Product Description
Upending most conventional ideas about energy use and the economy, Invisible Energy shows how expanded efforts toward efficiency-supported by new technologies and governmental regulations-can drastically reduce greenhouse emissions. Arguing that the economy has been hobbled for the last 35 years by negative climate and energy policies, this book shows how improved efficiencies will promote greater economic growth, not less, providing significant economic benefits both to consumers and a wide range of businesses. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

You must believe in energy efficiency
David Goldstein is a MacArthur Fellow who believes that social and economic problems have solutions.
But these solutions require understanding, dedication, and hard work. As I perused his highly readable book,
INVISIBLE ENERGY: STRATEGIES TO RESCUE THE ECONOMY AND SAVE THE PLANET, I kept wishing that people will read it
with an optimistic heart. Because in order to accept Goldstein's arguments, we must believe we are capable as people to do things differently---and more successfully---than we have in the past. And, in light of the recent
BP blowout and on-going oil hemorrhage, it is clear that we must do things differently.

The author challenges us to re-imagine energy efficiency as an energy resource. This leap of understanding is
critical to make the fundamental changes required for the U.S. to thrive.

Energy efficiency means delivering an equal level of service--or an improved level of service--to consumers for
less energy expended. The "invisible energy" in the title is precisely the energy not used to produce the desired
services. An example would be the energy technology to illuminate a room with 30 Watts that previously was lighted by 300 Watts. The 270 Watts saved is energy efficiency--a 90% reduction in energy previously expended.

Goldstein shows how energy efficiency can be the foundation for the creation of new industries through technologicalinnovation, producing more jobs, reducing energy costs, creating a new market for consumers, and increasing competitiveness. Energy efficiency will be most successful when government, labor, business,
the media, and consumers are all engaged in pursuing better alternatives to the current system.
INVISIBLE ENERGY gives us a blueprint for how this is possible.Believe it.

A Revelation
Amidst the BP Oil Disaster and the ongoing Great Recession, we just might be ready for better options.Author David Goldstein, a MacArthur "Genius Award" winner, is a prophet who shows us how to tap into the vein of Invisible Energy to restore what's most important to us, our economy and the planet we all rely on.It's a revelation to learn how powerful energy efficiency can be to solve our multiple crises, and Goldstein not only helps us see our invisible potential, he shows us how to make a better future real. Read it, share it.

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Product Description

This bestselling handbook is the most comprehensive and practical reference available on energy auditing in buildings and industry. This latest edition includes revisions throughout covering ASHRAE Level 1 and 2 energy audits, as well as a new chapter on water conservation. Topics include energy assessment and computer software that will guide you in planning and carrying out a thorough and accurate energy audit for any type of facility, including electrical, mechanical, and building systems analysis. Clear, easy-to-follow instructions guide you through accounting procedures, rate of return, and life cycle cost analysis. Also covered is information on understanding your utility bill and using that knowledge to trim your energy costs. Loaded with forms, checklists and handy working aids, this book is must reading for anyone responsible for conducting or overseeing a facility energy audit.

Product Description
THE HEALING ENERGY OF YOUR HANDS demystifies the art of healing. Beginning with a basic explanation of the nature of healing energy, illness, and the role of the mind in the healing process, Bradford offers techniques so simple that anyone, even a child, can work with healing energy. The author'¬?s intention is that anyone using his book can awaken his or her natural healing talents quickly and easily.

Topics include sensing energy, clearing energy blockages, eliminating negative self-talk, using affirmations, balancing the chakras, cleansing the auric field, relieving pain, and creating forgiveness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Good Practical Healing How-To
I really enjoyed this book.Michael Bradford explains exactly how to use your hands to develop the ability to heal.I tried many of the exercises he described and found most to be useful.He is very encouraging about getting started and improving with time.He also describes how to work with a partner and a willing test subject.Good stuff.I recommend this book if you are interested in adding to your knowledge and to give you a nudge to try out healing.

I must relay one incredible spiritual experience. In doing one of his exercises I felt some energy flowing.I then heard a clear voice in my head saying "There is so much more".I get chills thinking about it.I had been worrying about something and agonizing over it.Hearing a voice say "There is so much more"was very uplifting and moved me to a much better place.

Peace

It is a o.k. book on spiritual healing
After reading this book it seem that the main focus of it was on energy forces and how thoes forces can be used in the healing process. If you are interested in learning how your energy effects your health then this is the book. If you are interested in overall spiritual healing processes and instructions then this may not be the book.

The Healing Energy of Your Hands
I thought this book would be just about Reiki.But to my surprise it was about other types of Healing. I enjoyed this book so much I read it in one day.There were a few times my stomach groweled and i ignored it Smile..This book used every day words that were easy to understand not medical terminology.I started practicing as I read the book and got results.I can't wait to ask my friends to be my assistants and share what Ihave learnedThe Healing Energy of Your HandsEnergy Medicine

Great for the beginner or advanced Healer
Great story and experiences.I am a healer and I learned a lot from this book.It is not complicated like other books like it.Not boring, but a great read.

The Healing Energy of Your Hands
An excellent , easy step by step journey into healing, it talks on energy, positive and negative, Aura's, Chakra's balancing, contains step by step instructions, and diagrams on energy flow, I found it to be an easy read and anyone can do it . cover is different on the 1993/94 edition.Peace love and light.
Nicole (NY) author of rainy day poems and more 1 and 2 .. ... Read more

Product Description

Covering the latest codes and standards and the Energy Independence and Security Act, this edition includes information on software packages from the Best Practices Program of the U.S. Department of Energy; and emerging technologies such as oxy-fuel combustion, high efficiency burners, enhanced heat exchangers, and ceramic membranes for heat recovery. This reference will guide you step by step in applying the principles of energy engineering and management to the design of electrical, HVAC, utility, process and building systems for both new design and retrofit projects. Topics covered include how to do an energy analysis of any system; electrical system optimization; state-of-the-art lighting and lighting controls; thermal storage; cogeneration; HVAC and building system optimization; compressed air systems; third party financing and much more. The text is thoroughly illustrated with tables, graphs, diagrams and sample problems.

Customer Reviews (2)

Useful Book but Needs Improvement
I purchased this book as a reference for the Certified Energy Manager's exam. At first, I was taken aback by the cost of the book, but rationalized that the price was well worth the future fruits I would gain with certification. I found the material to be very useful. The problem with the book, however, is that it is POORLY organized. The table of contents is a quick short list of topics. The chapters contain sub categories that are covered again and again in other chapters. This makes for alot of confusion. The index of the book is abolutely worthless. I have spent alot of time adding words, subject matter, etc to the existing index in order to be able to quickly access the information. While the content of the book is useful...good luck quickly accessing it. I recommend that the author update the book with an exhaustive index of topics and expand the table of contents to include all of the sub-topics that are located in each of the chapters. I also think more information about the energy policy and codes prior to EPACT or at least a source reference would be useful.

Useful Reference
Useful handbook for introduction to energy analysis
Boring reading for those looking for some exciting material. ... Read more

Product Description
This unique and comprehensive book reveals the Taoist secret of circulating Chi, the generative life force, through the acupuncture meridians of the body. Illustrated with detailed diagrams that aid the development of a powerful energetic flow, for psychological and spiritual health and balance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

Great Book... reveals secrets of qigong and Taoist practice seldom taught in the West before...
The short review:Great Book!

This book reveals secrets of qigong/chi kung and Taoist practice that are seldom taught in the West even today... and were virtually unheard of before the publication of this book...

Had I reviewed this book when I originally read it, I'm sure I would have given it 5 stars.I only gave it 4 stars because Healing Light of the Tao is more modern, covers these same exercises and expands upon them (and shows the increased wisdom of 25 more years of practice and teaching by Mantak Chia).If you only read one, I would encourage you toward Healing Light of the Tao over Awaken Healing Energy Through the Tao.

After working with the exercises for a while, it seems to have lifted my energy and... 'softened' my personality.

Any time I am settled (relaxed and centered) I can usually feel expansion in my head right away when I breathe energy up my spine.

If there is one Taoist energy exercise that everyone should know... it is the Inner Smile.This exercise will bring more joy into your life right away... I can't keep from smiling even when I'm only thinking about it.

I don't know if I'm any smarter as a result of these exercises... ;-) but I do appreciate myself for reasons other than intelligence, now.

Mantak Chia has made major contributions to the understanding/practice of Qigong/Chi Kung/Taoist Yoga for the western practitioner... and this book is one of the first.It is well worth reading for any student of Taoism, meditation, or energy work.

keep smiling,

Benjamin

If you would like to learn meditation quickly and powerfully, check out
Master Meditation, Master Your Life

Microcosmic orbit
No other book offers you a complete and clearer instruction about circulating your energy through the microcosmic orbit, which is the basis of the whole chi kung sistem.

The Microcosmic Orbit and More...
I found this to be a good book and one which I have referred back to many times during my energy training. The microcosmic orbit meditation alone is worth the price of the book. Awaken Healing Energy Through the Tao contains a lot of easy to understand information that anyone who is interested in working with chi or energy will find useful. While reading this book, I found many techniques which I had been taught by other martial artists over the years. Though many people teach some of the techniques which this book contains, not many understand why they are doing these techniques. This book explains in detail the reasons as well as the techniques. It is worth your time.

Bohdi Sanders, author of Wisdom of the Elders

The Practical Dao
I ve been familiar with this work for a few years, and it has been a valuable source of information on the practice of Daoist Alchemy. In fact for a while it was the only source.

Other than that, i hope that whoever becomes interested in Daoist cultivation steps on this path gradually, without grabbing. Try not to practice everything all at once. Do some "physical" chi-gong exercises, yoga, or tai jiquan, so your body gets ready, your energy distributes smoothly and gradually, and naturally aquires an understanding of the jing (ching). This is not something that happens over night, it takes time.....

Mantak Chia is a great teacher, but the book is still only a book. A competent live instructor would be a great complement.

The Most Powerful Force in the World: Chi
Chi is the generative life force that gives us health. Mantak shows people how to develop this powerful energy flow to achieve physical, psychological, and spiritual health and balance. Chi is the most powerful healing method in the world. The Tao connects to us through Chi.

Chi is an experience that must be learned from a true master in life.
However, this book is the best guide for those without access to mentors.

I recommend Master Zhao in the Bay Area (Fremont).
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Product Description

Customer Reviews (15)

Read Jonny Bowden
Jonny Bowden's health books are very informative and fun to read. He definitely can motivate you. His books are highly recommended.If you work with Jonny, you can change your health and your life.

A great way to get motivated
This book had some very simple and easy tips for boosting energy. Some ideas were simply reminders of things we should all know but probably don't do but nonetheless it was good to be reminded. I particularly liked the section on the different natural supplements and their different effecs.

A useful book to boost your energy
This book contain many useful tips on how to boost your energy level. It covers many areas of your life that may affect your energy level like
- what to eat and drink
- how to get quality sleep
- how to exercise
- taking supplements
- detox
- controlling your emotions and stress level
Although I have tried many ways to combat fatigue in the past, this book provides other means to do so.
Sometimes when I am tired, I just open one page and apply the tip in that page for the day. I will highlight those tips that works for me. This is how I am going to try all 150 tips.

To me, the energy level determines one's success or failure.

Take one giant step back...and think.
Doctor Jonny gives sage advise, and a myriad of Jonny fans write puff pieces to his eternal wisdom and energetic good looks.

The advise Jonny gives is wildly contradicting in spots.(Why do none of the other reviewers pick this up?!)He pumps out advice on nutritional supplementation as quickly as a late night exercise program pumps out energetic promises.The advice may be good in places but this type of "150 ways to boost energy" is geared for an author to overstep science and understep where caution for certain individuals are concerned.

True, this is true for many other authors too, but there is little reason (besides money) for Jonny Bowden to write such a book at this point.It makes his earlier works suspect.Or so it seems to me.

Should the book be given two stars for the bits of advice which are good and well written?I think that most people will read this and glaze over reading how THIS nutritional supplement will do x for you.... and how "some new research suggests" that this other nutritional supplement will do the same thing... and how "there is more evidence" that XYZ will do these things... and (times 150).

Most simply won't have the background to know what is a good approach to take.

Books like this make a lot of money, and get people in trouble as they experiment.People then go to their doctors with "ringing in their ears," with irritable bowel and worse, with headaches that won't stop... and these self-experimenters admit to trying this new regimen of high dosage mega-cure-all pills and potions. But with that warning, see a well schooled MD with lots of dietary background (most have virtually none, and dieticians are more political action groups touting pseudo-science than you would care to believe, go and get solid advice from a good medical doctor who understands nutrition, and there are some things that can help with energy, especially for Baby Boomers who are fueling this craze.

Kind of a Hack Job
I enjoyed the author's other books, but this one disappoints.What is mostly lacking is a critical eye to what's included--you get the sense that in order to reach his 150 item quota, the author's included a lot of dubious treatments and approaches without researching them very carefully (e.g., weight lifting supplements that have been shown to have serious side effectss (even the guys on "t-nation" stopped taking them), hormone replacement for men, the "subluxation" concept that used to be prevalent in chiropractic medicine, but has been abandoned by most ethical chiropracters).

And while the breezy writing style is still sometimes fun, there's a bit too much name dropping (and promotion of friends' businesses).Overall, what comes through is a rushed effort to crank out another best-seller. ... Read more

Product Description
A former NASA scientist and atmospheric physicist provides the first in-depth study of the human energy field--known in lay terms as "aura." With many color illustrations and drawings, this volume presents techniques on the leading edge of new consciousness and new medicine. (Holism)Amazon.com Review
Hands of Light: A Guide to Healing Through the Human Energy Field, by Barbara Ann Brennan, is a scientist's look at the field of bioenergetic healing, offering specific techniques towards expanding perceptual tools of healing, seeing auras, understanding psychodynamics and the human energy field, and spiritual healing. Trained as a physicist and psychotherapist, Brennan has spent the last 15 years studying the human energy field and working as a healer. Hands of Light goes beyond conventional, objective knowledge while retaining scientific clarity. It details a study of the human energy field and how it is intimately connected to a person's health and well being and contains essential information for anyone involved in healing and conscious health care, including people seeking to heal themselves. Science and spirituality may currently be at odds, but fortunately there will always be scientists who are spiritual seekers, and it is in the mingling of the two worlds where wisdom is born. --Jodie Buller ... Read more

Customer Reviews (72)

alot
alot to take in if u are reader it is ok but if not i can get many misunderstandings

Energy fields / healing
This book is WAY more than a good introduction to this subject.It might be a little challenging for those who are just beginning, and/or are more doing-oriented.
However, this book is a WEALTH of information, and can certainly let you know how deep you wish to delve into the energy/healing fields.It is also a good resource for understanding all the aspects of the energy fields around the body, and how one can deal with or, possibly, change them.
Although the subject matter is "woo woo" to some, Brennan approaches this from and with her highly scientific background.This makes her conclusions and information more acceptable and believable, and in turn, more helpful.

Hands of Light
Excellent seller.The book came quickly and was exactly as described.I would buy from here again.

Hands of light
Excellent book if you want to know all about the chakras and get into the metaphysical. Loved it.

The Ultimate Healing Bible
Without a doubt the very best book for the aspiring healer. I recommend it wholeheatedly to all my students. Well written, this book has stood the test of time and continues to be widely regards in the healing community. Sketches and diagrams of the chakra system assist healers to authenticate their own psychic intuitions. In short a masterpiece - the information it contains is priceless. Review by Jeanette Wilson the medium & healer on SKY REAL LIVES Televison & TV3 New Zealand ... Read more

Product Description
Book 7 of the Ringing Cedars series re-asserts the power of human thought in our lives, in the destiny of planet Earth and in the Universe, and presents ways to consciously control and build up the power of our creative thought. The book sheds further light on humanity s forgotten history, religion, the roots of inter-racial and inter-religious conflict, ideal nutrition, and how a new way of thinking and a lifestyle in true harmony with Nature can lead to happiness and solve our personal and societal problems. Now re-issued with new cover art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Enlightening
I have read all the other books in the series and this one provides insights and information that is truly enlightening. I especially enjoyed the conversation and information from Anastasia's grandfather. The book really makes you re-evaluate our present world and how we got to where we are. It shatters present dogma with some very interestings logical conclusions.

Nature vs Technology
Haven't read this book yet (I'm currently reading #6). Good series if you're interested in the future of humanity or your own spiritual development. Not so good if you love technology (like me), but I don't think science and technology are necessarily holding us back.

Lifting and inspiring!
When a friend excitedly told me about the Anastasia books, I felt the lightness in her energy. Now that I have read one, I also feel lifted and inspired and charmed and invigorated. The story of Megre's meeting with Anastasia and their life journey together continues with this book, which covers the power of positive thinking and visualizing, nutrition, overcoming the negative energies of system structures around us, co-creating positive cultural relationships, and daring to tune outselves with Nature and cultivate our own paradises. This is a book for anyone seeking responsible freedom by learning about that incredible energy inside us which can empower us to give our dreams physical reality.

life changing
I love all the books in this series, they might seem a little off the wall but they speak of real truths in life ... Read more

Product Description
In Solar Revolution, fund manager and former corporate buyout specialist Travis Bradford argues—on the basis of standard business and economic forecasting models—that over the next two decades solar energy will increasingly become the best and cheapest choice for most electricity and energy applications. Solar Revolution outlines the path by which the transition to solar technology and sustainable energy practices will occur.

Developments in the photovoltaic (PV) industry over the last ten years have made direct electricity generation from PV cells a cost-effective and feasible energy solution, despite the common view that PV technology appeals only to a premium niche market. Bradford shows that PV electricity today has become the choice of hundreds of thousands of mainstream homeowners and businesses in many markets worldwide, including Japan, Germany, and the American Southwest.

Solar energy will eventually be the cheapest source of energy in nearly all markets and locations because PV can bypass the aging and fragile electricity grid and deliver its power directly to the end user, fundamentally changing the underlying economics of energy. As the scale of PV production increases and costs continue to decline at historic rates, demand for PV electricity will outpace supply of systems for years to come.

Ultimately, the shift from fossil fuels to solar energy will take place not because solar energy is better for the environment or energy security, or because of future government subsidies or as yet undeveloped technology. The solar revolution is already occurring through decisions made by self-interested energy users. The shift to solar energy is inevitable and will be as transformative as the last century's revolutions in information and communication technologies. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

A reasonable, but dated and opinionated introduction
This book introduces the reader to photovoltaic solar energy and argues why solar energy is the only long-term alternative. However, since this book was published in 2006, lot of information is dated. It may be OK for readers who are reading their very first book on the topic. Others are unlikely to find it satisfying.

Great book not a "go green" take on it, but an economics viewpoint
Great book that discusses the future of energy. This in not a save the planet type book, it gives an analysis for how we will get our energy in the future and the outcome of that analysis is solar. Bradford does a great job of using conservative estimates and giving both sides of the argument as much as possible within the scope of the book. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to know the mechanics of why the shift to solar will happen from a dollars and cents and economics standpoint.

Better titled "The Estimated Rough Economics of Photovoltaics"
This should have been a magazine article in the Economist, not a book.As other reviewers have explained, this is about photovoltaics and only photovoltaics (PV) and even at that it's limited.True, other energy sources are mentioned, such as hydrogen fuel cells, but they get about half a page.

It would be better titled "The Estimated Economics of Photovoltaics."But even at that it's weak.Photovoltaics come in many forms from rigid structures to concentrators to flexible fabrics.Only round numbers are used, such as, "In the case of photovoltaic modules, the cost to produce them in the late 1970s was around $25 per watt but has since dropped to less than $3.50 per kW,..."(p, 109) But there's no mention of the applicable configuration.

Some things are footnoted, like "Various forms of solar energy have been used since prehistoric times."But others, like Figure 7.2 where today's PV costs are shown at $6 per watt are not.And the $6 per watt in Figure 7.2 hardly correlates with the $3.50 quoted above for production costs.Yes, I know one is production cost, the other presumably installed cost, but even that isn't clear and an installed cost that's 1700 times production cost deserves some explanation.

I couldn't find one reference to actual PV conversion efficiency, yet there are statements such as "Even at today's efficiency of PV cells, the land required would be 10 million acres, or 0.4 percent of the total land area of the United States."Perhaps the efficiency assumption is buried in the primary documents but it should be shown here since it's pivotal.I didn't notice any reference to the fact that today's PV's degrade over time.PV efficiency and life is fundamental to PV economics.

There are few diagrams, all economics and order of magnitude.

It is clear that a lot of work went into preparing and documenting the book, but in the end you can't do much with what's here.If you wanted, for example, to crudely estimate say the cost of a megawatt of photovoltaic power so you could compare it to say Nevada Solar One, the solar concentrator facility outside Boulder, NV, you only have the $6 per watt from the chart quoted earlier and that gets you to $6 million/megawatt.But you don't know what PV efficiency that's based on.(Solar One's cost is about $4 million/megawatt)

From this book you'd think PV's were the future.But the Europeans are moving ahead with solar thermal at the bulk stage.Do PV's make sense for example on say roof tops and solar thermal makes more sense at the utility level?From this book, you can't even begin to answer that question, or know if a breakthrough in PV efficiency would make a difference.

I liked one of the reviews on the back cover..."deeply researched and hopeful."Says it all, and says nothing.

Wish I could refer you to a better book, but haven't found one yet.There's material on the net.Scientific American's September 2006 and March 2009 issues cover the technologies briefly, but are weak on the economics.There's an absence of clear economic data on solar energy sources.

You Say You Want A Revolution
I'm trying to do my part in promoting clean energy by investing in green stocks including companies like First Solar, Vestas, Suntech and General Electric so what I wanted to get from this book was some information on whether or not I'm making a wise investment. More specifically I wanted to know what is currently holding back solar energy and the possible timetable for a worldwide energy revolution. The author answered most of my questions but new ones arose. Make no mistake the author is a solar power proponent so there is little to no criticism of it as an emerging energy source.

After getting through a history of energy and comparison of new alternative solutions the author finally gets down to the nuts and bolts. The benefits of solar power include its ability to be deployed quickly and in a piecemeal manner. Solar power can start generating energy in months rather than the years that it takes to build a traditional power plant and additional panels can be brought online as needed. Countries like Japan and Germany that are leading the world in solar power deployment are creating their solar infrastructure in a distributed manner. Individuals can generate there own electricity with panels installed on their homes and then send the excess into a 'smart' grid. Unlike wind power, which is considered by some to be an eyesore, solar panels can be created as "roofing materials, architectural glass, and potentially paint and plastic casing"

The author writes, "The amount of sunlight that falls on the earth every day is equivalent to the total energy that is used by the earth's current population in twenty seven years" What is holding solar power back as a viable alternative to fossil fuel energy is simply cost per watt and the barrier is shrinking every day. The lowest cost for a PV system was $5 per watt in 2005 but First Solar has set a goal of 65 cents by 2012. In one chart the author shows solar power costing between 15 and 27 cents per kWh while other forms of energy ranging from 3 to 15 cents per kWh so there is a gap to close. Mr. Bradford points out that the gap is even smaller than it appears because in addition to the apparent cost we pay for energy, taxpayers pay billions in hidden costs including military costs and the environmental price of using dirty fuels. Once solar power approaches parity with fossil fuels we will likely see a positive feedback loop as increased usage cause prices to drop creating increased usage. As the world's appetite for energy grows solar energy is the perfect solution in that the regions of the world most in need of energy are the same regions that are flush with sunlight and in those areas solar energy doesn't need to compete with an already existing fossil fuel energy grid.

One major problem with this book is that the breakneck speed of technology has left it woefully out of date having been published in 2006. The author writes that the "current" six percent efficiency ceiling of PV panels may reach 30 percent in three to five years. However, in late 2006 a solar cell broke the 40 percent efficiency barrier so the author's prediction was too conservative and the book is already outdated. The author's confidence in efficiency improvements was in response to new solar cells that could generate electricity from light rays outside the visible spectrum which leads to one of the questions I had that the author didn't answer. If electricity can be generated using rays outside the visible spectrum does this mean that electrical energy could be generated even on a cloudy day in winter? This is important for someone like myself who lives in northern Ohio.

I'm 100% sold on solar power but I would like to know what the feasibility and environmental impact is of manufacturing millions of solar panels. I mean that is a lot of material. That's one subject never addressed in the book. My belief is that if solar energy is not adopted soon my portfolio value may well be irrelevant given climate change and other problems related to having a fossil fuel based energy policy so I might as well place my bet. I found this book informative however even at a slender 200 pages it still seemed to have quite a bit of filler and as mentioned previously its numbers are out of date.

It's happening now
Great book.I have taken a renewed interest in solar power the past few years and everything this fellow wrote about only a few years ago is coming to fruition.As the utility companies come to see having residential solar installations not as competition, but rather as a way to ease stress on the grid during peak usage periods (when the sun is the brightest), meaning less brownouts, and less need for new substations, you'll see the rate of change accelerate.And need I say anything about the obvious fact that the Obama Administration is going to kick the renewable energy field and solar into a new gear? ... Read more

Product Description
Completely revised and edited throughout, this latest edition includes new chapters on creating green buildings and web-based building automation controls along with a comprehensive revision of the chapter on lighting. Written by three of the most respected energy professionals in the industry, this book examines the fundamental objectives of energy management and illustrates techniques and tools proven effective for achieving results. Topics include distributed generation, energy auditing, rate structures, and economic evaluation techniques as well as lighting efficiency improvement, HVAC optimization, combustion and use of industrial wastes, and steam generation and distribution system performance.  ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Solutions Manual Available for this Guide
There is a "Solutions Manual for Guide to Energy Management, 6th Edition" By Klaus-Dieter E. Pawlik available for this book.The [...] website has it for $92.00. It is way overpriced on Amazon. Note:I do not own this particular book, had to pick a rating so I picked 4 stars.

A Good Introduction to the Subject
This text was used in the fall of 2007 by my university professor to teach a graduate level engineering class on building energy auditing, reduction, and management. The professor taught a fair amount of material from his own notes. Although somewhat incomplete, I believe he indicated this book was the best text he could find on the subject.

The authors do a good job of explaining the intricacies of energy billing, illustrating economic analyses of energy usage, and showing examples of evaluating options for the reduction of energy consumption with supplied / assumed data. However, this subject area is broad and crosses a number of fields, including mechanical, electrical, industrial, construction, and control engineering, as well as economics. Human factors, design codes, safety, and liability issues are also involved. Entire books have been written on some subjects that are covered in a few pages or a chapter of the text. Regardless of the previous reviewer's opinion, I regard this text as an overview of the subject.

For those reasons, persons who actually want to conduct this work will probably require references from the American Society of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of America (IES) as well as this text. At a minimum, access to the ASHRAE handbooks, IES lighting publications, and good books on HVAC control theory and electrical power quality issues will be needed. These references are required to perform in depth studies with regard to estimating energy usage, requirements, and modifications. Computer software (not supplied) to calculate building heating and cooling loads should also be considered necessary.

Though perhaps beyond the scope of the text, a major omission is information regarding how to obtain the raw data required for the analyses. Information gathering for the purpose of making the required computations and assessing alternatives is no small task in itself. A fair amount of field work requiring physical observations and measurements will be needed to do any credible analysis. Thus, persons conducting this work ought to have an appropriate background (working knowledge, if possible) and a good understanding of the design and construction of the structures, machines, and systems involved. Moreover, they should possess hands-on technical capability to operate, measure the performance, modify, and adjust the mechanical and electrical systems involved. It is quite feasible for the energy analyst to hire qualified individuals to do this work for him. Nevertheless, the analyst needs to direct the efforts of the technician, know the right questions to ask, and be able to critically assess the test methodology, data, and the results.

Very specific, very technical - and very useful for any actively involved in energy management systems
The fifth updated edition of GUIDE TO ENERGY MANAGEMENT represents a fully revised edition for energy managers considering strategies to improve lighting, combustion, and more. Articles aren't light overviews but come from some of the leading energy professionals in the industry, discussing energy management topics ranging from HVAC optimization to improving operations and efficiency ratings of equipment, understanding power factors and energy usage and bills, and fuels and mixtures. Very specific, very technical - and very useful for any actively involved in energy management systems.

Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch
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