Braced Against The Wind

The Manhattan skyline is one of the great wonders of the modern world. But how and why did it form? Much has been written about the city's architecture and its general history, but little work has explored the economic forces that created the skyline. In Building the Skyline, Jason Barr chronicles the economic history of the Manhattan skyline. In the process, he debunks some widely held misconceptions about the city's history. Starting with Manhattan's natural and geological history, Barr moves on to how these formations influenced early land use and the development of neighborhoods, including the dense tenement neighborhoods of Five Points and the Lower East Side, and how these early decisions eventually impacted the location of skyscrapers built during the Skyscraper Revolution at the end of the 19th century. Barr then explores the economic history of skyscrapers and the skyline, investigating the reasons for their heights, frequencies, locations, and shapes. He discusses why skyscrapers emerged downtown and why they appeared three miles to the north in midtown-but not in between the two areas. Contrary to popular belief, this was not due to the depths of Manhattan's bedrock, nor the presence of Grand Central Station. Rather, midtown's emergence was a response to the economic and demographic forces that were taking place north of 14th Street after the Civil War. Building the Skyline also presents the first rigorous investigation of the causes of the building boom during the Roaring Twenties. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the boom was largely a rational response to the economic growth of the nation and city. The last chapter investigates the value of Manhattan Island and the relationship between skyscrapers and land prices. Finally, an Epilogue offers policy recommendations for a resilient and robust future skyline.

Abby Marlow, computer security expert, lands a job at the best IT security firm in the country. Her sole focus is financial independence so she never has to rely on others again, especially a man. But why does her boss make her wires short circuit? Ted Endicott, CEO and founder of the IT security firm, is hard of hearing. Although an expert in his field, he's still uncomfortable admitting his hearing problem to clients or employees. So why is he willing to accept Abby's help? As Ted and Abby work together, barriers fall away, and the lines blur between colleagues and lovers. But a security glitch in a client's system shows one of Ted's employees is the hacker, and all signs point to Abby. Can they get past the suspicion and find a future together?

A dark power has usurped the throne and schemes to extend its corruption throughout the Land. The last city of free men and a mountain rumored to be the home of the Dwarves are all that stand in his way. Unknown to both, a far older power works to restore the rightful King to the throne through a young man who must overcome foes without and fears within. The Power of the Promise is that which leads to the defeat that occasions victory. The future is at stake as the Hamar, dread servants of the Dark One, set out to destroy the Land's Deliverer and with him the last hope of the Land. Will the Last Promise be enough for the free peoples to win through to the Day of Deliverance?

Brannigan’s Building Construction for the Fire Service, Fourth Edition is a must read for fire fighters, prospective fire fighters, and fire science students. This edition continues the Brannigan tradition of using plain language to describe technical information about different building types and their unique hazards. This text ensures that critical fire fighting information is easy-to-understand and gives valuable experience to fire fighters before stepping onto the fireground. The first edition of Building Construction for the Fire Service was published in 1971. Frank Brannigan was compelled to write the most comprehensive building construction text for the fire service so that he could save fire fighters’ lives. His passion for detail and extensive practical experience helped him to develop the most popular text on the market. His motto of: “Know your buildings,” informs every aspect of this new edition of the text. Listen to a Podcast with Brannigan's Building Construction for the Fire Service, Fourth Edition co-author Glenn Corbett to learn more about this training program! Glenn discusses his relationship with the late Frank Brannigan, the dangers of heavy construction timber, occupancy specific hazards, and other areas of emphasis within the Fourth Edition. To listen now, visit: http://d2jw81rkebrcvk.cloudfront.net/assets.multimedia/audio/Building_Construction.mp3.

The updated edition of the authoritative and comprehensive guide to construction practice The revised fourth edition of Barry's Advanced Construction of Buildings expands on the resource that has become a standard text on the construction of buildings. The fourth edition covers the construction of larger-scale buildings (primarily residential, commercial and industrial) constructed with load bearing frames in timber, concrete and steel; supported by chapters on offsite construction, piling, envelopes to framed buildings, fit-out and second fix, lifts and escalators, building pathology, upgrading and demolition. The author covers the functional and performance requirements of the main building elements as well as building efficiency and information on meeting the challenges of limiting the environmental impact of buildings. Each chapter includes new "at a glance" summaries that introduce the basic material giving a good understanding of the main points quickly and easily. The text is fully up to date with the latest building regulations and construction technology. This important resource: Covers design, technology, offsite construction, site assembly and environmental issues of larger-scale buildings including primarily residential, commercial and industrial buildings constructed with load bearing frames Highlights the concept of building efficiency, with better integration of the topics throughout the text Offers new "at a glance" summaries at the beginning of each chapter Is a companion to Barry's Introduction to Construction of Buildings, fourth edition Written for undergraduate students and those working towards similar NQF level 5 and 6 qualifications in building and construction, Barry's Advanced Construction of Buildings is a practical and highly illustrated guide to construction practice. It covers the materials and technologies involved in constructing larger scale buildings.

Many moons and suns ago, a baby cradled in a gentle creature's beak floats downward from the stars onto a cottage doorstep. As a sleepy man and wife open the door and stumble over the basket, they lift the blanket and can hardly believe their eyes. With a gurgle of delight, the tiny baby holds out star-like hands. As the childless couple drops to their knees, they read a note pinned to the basket that tells them to guard her well, for she is Sazani Ayan, beloved child of the Ishtari. Brought by ancient thunderbirds to impartially record the lives of Mother Earth's hidden creatures, Sazani is given a mentor and the name Wind Walker. But nothing prepares her for the determined creatures she soon encounters that include a teasing rock spirit and his shape-shifting mother; a lisping baby dragon; dancing Neldons; quarreling tree spirits; a dour whale; and a clairvoyant Yeti. Suzani must put any hesitations aside, for it is now her mission to help the creatures bring strong messages for humankind. In this delightful fantasy tale, as Wind Walker and a new friend discover their special gifts, they must summon help from Earth's magical creatures in order to overcome painful obstacles and grow into their true destinies.