Yeah I was afraid that might happen. I came very close to purchasing, but the Longwood Gardens library is less than an hour away, and there's always some excuse to go there a couple times a year anyhow. Not to disparage the writer's efforts...as I posted in another thread, it was one of the most amazing books I've perused on any subject, period - but books, especially reference works, are essentially an anachronism these days. The authors IMMHO (my most humble opinion) should be negotiating with Amazon for the second edition to be an electronic edition. You can't globally search a paper book in milliseconds. However, I highly doubt that will happen. And yes, it should be cheaper, because the cost is much lower than another round of very high quality printing.

Jen - that is CRAZY! Lukki you are not alone! It is very hard for me to hold my tongue but in the past I felt that I had to so that I would conform a bit more to 'societies political correctness' of accepting everything. I've been accused of being rude in the past because, as my family puts it: I'm blunt and say what's on my mind. Somehow that stopped but once I had my 1st baby I decided that I didn't want him to grow up in such a rude world w/ so many egocenntric, thoughtless people so I started speaking up again. I work in a Dr.s office and one of the things that I point out to each new patient when they arrive (it's something in the paperwork that they sign) is: If you know that you can't make an appointment please call us. 'I know the paperwork says 24hrs but obviously that's not always possible and we certainly understand that.' I try to show that we are reasonable first. Then I say 'And if you know or think that you are going to be late PLEASE call us in advance. We schedule our appt.s every 20 mins. and the patient that is scheduled behind you may require strict one on one attention w/ the therapist and we certainly wouldn't want to shotchange that persons need.' And yet I still can't believe how many people just show up 15 min. late EVERY SINGLE FREAKING TIME! If someone is on their cell phone and they try to do business w/ me I tell them that when they are done they can come back. And if they try to talk w/ me while on the cell phone to conduct their business, I talk w/ them as if I were the only one in the room - I don't care if they are trying to speak w/ the person on the other end of their phone. Then I get up and walk away when I'm done so that they have to follow me for all of the information that they just missed. If they are just generally talking on their cell phone while in the waiting rm. I ask them to leave. I have business that I also need to conduct in this small office. On the retail end of it: One night I was closing our store when a last minute shopper came in 5 min. before closing. She putzed around for about 15 min. I asked her if there was anything that she was looking for and if I could help. She said that she was just browsing (talking on her cell the whole time) and I told her that the store was getting ready to close as it was past closing time. At 15 min. past closing I had the staff shut off the main store lights and started sending people home. 30 min. past closing (the mall was shutting of hall lights) she finally brought something to the register (still on that phone). I didn't do anything. She put her hand over the mouthpiece of the phone and mouthed to me that I could go ahead and ring her up. I very loudly told her that I would wait until she was off of the phone as I like to make sure that my customers have my undivided attention. She immediately hung up. As for the rude drivers, if it's daylight and in a very populated busy area, I have been known to put my car in park at a red light, get out of my van and let them have it. I know it's not a good idea but sometimes I just don't care. You should have seen the look on the guys face that tried to cut me off and then rode my bumper giving me the finger. He about died when we got to the red light (him behind me) and I got out of my van 8 months pregnant and headed for his car. He couldn't get his window up fast enough.

I went to the photographer's web site and found more info about the book(s) these photos are taken from; I think they're from Hungry Planet, but some may be from What I Eat. The photos are definitely intended to be provocative. The books include much more info on the families' daily lives, calorie intake, community, etc., as well as essays and interpretations, and they're highly acclaimed by reviewers. I couldn't find out how the families were selected or how "typical" they're claimed to be, but several countries in the series, including the U.S., were represented by more than one family. Sue Here is a link that might be useful: Hungry Planet

Well. I almost won this time. Baby is due on Sunday. Quilt is about half finished. On my way to by batting, my Bonobo texts me with "She's not gonna be induced anymore. They're on the way to the hospital." FAIL! I ALMOST made it! ALMOST! Maybe if I work really really hard tonight and tomorrow (hah. it's knit night and knit night = good food, good company and good wine)... I can get it done. Pictures soon!