Save Americas Windows

A vivid, unforgettable story of an unlikely sisterhood—an emotionally powerful and haunting tale of friendship that illuminates the plight of women in a traditional culture—from the author of the bestselling The Pearl That Broke Its Shell and When the Moon Is Low. For two decades, Zeba was a loving wife, a patient mother, and a peaceful villager. But her quiet life is shattered when her husband, Kamal, is found brutally murdered with a hatchet in the courtyard of their home. Nearly catatonic with shock, Zeba is unable to account for her whereabouts at the time of his death. Her children swear their mother could not have committed such a heinous act. Kamal’s family is sure she did, and demands justice. Barely escaping a vengeful mob, Zeba is arrested and jailed. As Zeba awaits trial, she meets a group of women whose own misfortunes have also led them to these bleak cells: thirty-year-old Nafisa, imprisoned to protect her from an honor killing; twenty-five-year-old Latifa, who ran away from home with her teenage sister but now stays in the prison because it is safe shelter; and nineteen-year-old Mezhgan, pregnant and unmarried, waiting for her lover’s family to ask for her hand in marriage. Is Zeba a cold-blooded killer, these young women wonder, or has she been imprisoned, as they have been, for breaking some social rule? For these women, the prison is both a haven and a punishment. Removed from the harsh and unforgiving world outside, they form a lively and indelible sisterhood. Into this closed world comes Yusuf, Zeba’s Afghan-born, American-raised lawyer, whose commitment to human rights and desire to help his motherland have brought him back. With the fate of this seemingly ordinary housewife in his hands, Yusuf discovers that, like Afghanistan itself, his client may not be at all what he imagines. A moving look at the lives of modern Afghan women, A House Without Windows is astonishing, frightening, and triumphant.

Repairing Old and Historic Windows Windows are a common problem in nearly every rehabilitation project should they be repaired or must they be replaced? What can be done to repair a water-damaged sill? Can a window be retrofitted with storm windows? How can windows be replaced while still maintaining their historical integrity? Repairing Old and Historic Windows explores these questions and provides detailed information on how to go about refurbishing windows within current preservation standards. Written for homeowners, architects, builders, engineers, and preservationists, Repairing Old and Historic Windows is the complete and authoritative guide to window maintenance and repair. Chapters focus on window problems, including deterioration, weather damage, paint problems, and condensation; window maintenance, including cleaning, weatherstripping, and installing shutters; and window replacement, including design, fabrication, and installation. Some 140 photographs and illustrations, many of which are technical drawings, an extensive glossary of window refurbishing terms, and a suggested reading list provide further ideas and guidance for undertaking the repair of old and historic windows. The complete primer on window repair and maintenance.

Jeff Speck has dedicated his career to determining what makes cities thrive. And he has boiled it down to one key factor: walkability. The very idea of a modern metropolis evokes visions of bustling sidewalks, vital mass transit, and a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly urban core. But in the typical American city, the car is still king, and downtown is a place that's easy to drive to but often not worth arriving at. Making walkability happen is relatively easy and cheap; seeing exactly what needs to be done is the trick. In this essential new book, Speck reveals the invisible workings of the city, how simple decisions have cascading effects, and how we can all make the right choices for our communities. Bursting with sharp observations and real-world examples, giving key insight into what urban planners actually do and how places can and do change, Walkable City lays out a practical, necessary, and eminently achievable vision of how to make our normal American cities great again.

This definitive book covers the operation, care, repair, and restoration of all kinds of wood windows, along with chapters on weather-stripping, repainting, and refinishing.

The Window Sash Bible is about the repair, maintenance, restoration and improvement of old or historic windows made from about 1800 to 1940. With so much misinformation provided by replacement window contractors and vendors, this book aids homeowners, do-it-yourselfers, carpenters, architects, designers, preservation commission members, and anyone in the old-house business make sound decisions about windows. Since most homeowners are unaware of their alternatives, The Window Sash Bible provides an array of options to save money, energy, and historic windows for decades to come.The information is gleaned from my experience as a window repair contractor and old-house enthusiast, from other craftsmen, books, catalogues, journals, trade manuals, and ah-ha moments. Most of the recommendations are based on available materials and simple techniques that were once common. Whether doing the work yourself or hiring it done, the Window Sash Bible will help you understand how to evaluate any problems and how to undertake the repair process. Instructions range from simple tasks that anyone can do like replacing broken cords and cutting glass to repairs requiring intermediate wood working skills, for example, making a new sash rail.The book begins with window and glass history and nomenclature. Familiarity with the pieces and parts prepares you to discuss your windows knowledgably with vendors, contractors, or other professionals and also sheds light on how your windows are supposed to work. Basic repairs and putty work include removing sashes, installing new sash cords and other balances, glazing (puttying), replacing broken glass, and everything you need to know about finding and using old wavy glass. Almost any old window can be retrofitted with effective weatherstrips. You'll learn how to weather-seal your windows with materials that are usually superior to those found on new and replacement windows. Choose materials and techniques to last ten years or for the 50 year solution. After learning all you need to know about durable and inferior wood species, carpentry instructions range from a simple Dutchman repair to replacing a broken muntin or meeting rail. You'll also learn the ins-and-outs of long lasting epoxy repairs and patches.Thinking about putting those old wood storms and screens on the curb? Confused if your ugly aluminum storms are worth keeping? Learn how to convert your old wood storms into efficient, handy combination units or how to extend the life of your aluminum storms by renewing the weather seals. And what about painting? Did you know that your painter is often your window's worst enemy and that inappropriate painting techniques and poor choices of paint are the leading cause of sticky windows and ineffective weatherseals? You'll find instructions for painting inside and out, the best and worst choices for paint, and precautions to keep everyone safe from lead dust and debris. The Window Sash Bible promotes environmental friendly solutions for window maintenance, repair, and restoration. After reading it, you'll understand why most replacements are unnecessary and why your existing windows are superior to any you may replace them with.

Chronicles the development of American decorative glass art in windows and door panels from 1840 to 1920 with representative color illustrations

Profiles more than forty habitat dioramas from the American Museum of Natural History, describing each one's contents and creation and presenting full-color photos and archival images.