The Wonderful Towers of Watts (Reading Rainbow Books)

Customer Reviews:

Dream the Big Dream............2002-05-31

"...Old Sam's real name was Simon Rodia. He was a small man who dressed in ragged overalls, a shirt with the sleeves cut off, and a greasy hat. His arms and face were always covered with dust..." So begins Patricia Zelver's fascinating and engaging true story of an Italian immigrant, with no formal engineering or architectural training, who over a thirty-three year period constructed the Watts Towers in his backyard. Sam lived in a poor neighborhood called Watts, on the outskirts of Los Angeles. Over the years he collected all kinds of things other people threw away...broken bottles and tiles, pieces of mirrors and other glass, seashells and bits of pottery. He spent most of his money on cement, sand, and steel. Neighbors could hear him working behind his tall fence, and wondered what Sam was doing with all that junk. "One day, to the neighbors' amazement, something strange and beautiful rose up over the fence in Sam's backyard..." Ms Zelver's simple and straightforward text is captivating, and complemented by Frane Lessac's bold, bright, and magical artwork, done in an almost childlike style. Excitement builds with each page turn as the Towers grow taller, more intricate and beautiful. Perfect for youngsters 5-10, The Wonderful Towers Of Watts is an evocative treasure that is sure to inspire readers, pique their interest, and send them out looking for more. As Ms Zelver tells us at the end of the story..."Watts is still a poor part of Los Angeles. But no other place has the Watts Towers. Every year people come from all over the world to marvel at Old Sam's crazy dream."

WHAT CREATIVE ENERGY !!.......2002-03-08

Patricia Zelver tells the story of Simon (Sam) Rodia, an Italian immigrant who 'grew' a dream of monumental proportions in the impoverished Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. It took him over 30 years to build the three amazing towers he named "NUESTRO PUEBLO." In this century it could be called a fantasy dedicated to recycling. When people asked Sam "Why?" he answered "I just felt like it." What creative energy in his imaginative salvaging of mosaic tiles, pieces of pottery, anyone's discards! And there is energy, too, in the colorful paintings of Frane Lessac, all demonstrating the hope symbolized by Rodia's art.

we're all lying in the gutter, but some of us see the stars.......2001-02-15

thanks to oscar wilde for the above quote & paticia zelver for the book that brings it to life!

i grew up with reading rainbow & still watch it whenever i get the chance ~ i don't believe we ever truly outgrow enjoying being read a wonderful tale, and this book will give you a tale worth telling. it has a powerful & positive message & even better is that it's true! i've used it in classes to spur students into researching different topics, and everyone i've shared it with (regardless of age or ability) has been glad i did.

Great read-aloud for primary teachers! One-of-a-kind story!.......1999-04-13

I've been checking this out from my public library for the past two years to read to my 1st grade class. The library lost it so now I'll gladly buy it! It incorporates well into my "Earth Day" unit because we concentrate on recycling. It also is a really inspirational story.

The Los Angeles Watts Towers (Conservation and Cultural Heritage)

Average customer rating:

fabulous
Bravo, Rodia!
A good testament to a great American art work

The Los Angeles Watts Towers (Conservation and Cultural Heritage)
Bud Goldstone , and Arloa Paquin Goldstone
Manufacturer: Getty Trust Publications: Getty Conservation Institute
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Sculpture | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Medicine | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0892364912

Book Description

The Watts Towers, located in south-central Los Angeles, are the monumental work of one man: Simon Rodia. Born in Ribottoli, Italy c. 1879, Rodia immigrated to the U.S. when he was about fifteen. In 1921, he purchased a triangular-shaped lot at the end of a dead-end L.A. street and over the
next thirty years he worked single-handedly--without machine equipment, scaffolding, bolts, rivets, welds, or drawing-board designs--to build the nine sculptures that constitute the Watts Towers.

This book recounts the story of Rodia and his creation, as well as the considerable history of the Watts area itself. Other chapters discuss Rodia's building techniques and materials, as well as the conservation efforts underway at the site. Visitors to the Towers and the armchair traveler alike
will enjoy this in-depth look at Rodia and his singular creation.

Customer Reviews:

fabulous.......2007-05-26

This book was better than seeing hte Watts Towers in person. I saw more in the book than I did when I visited. Plus the photos were taken when the Towers were in better repair.

Bravo, Rodia!.......2003-08-19

I am a distant relative of Sabato Rodia, and I'm always on the lookout for information about him and his beautiful towers. This book has some of the most beautiful pictures I've seen of the towers, as well as lots of fascinating information about the man and his work.

This book actually has something for everyone. If you're interested in the history of Los Angeles, this book offers an interesting slice of that history. If you're interested in the immigrant experience in America, you'll get a lot of that. If you're interested in pottery, tilework, sculpture, or visual arts of any kind, bingo. If you're interested in engineering, there's a bit of that as well.

I've always felt Sabato Rodia was a genius, but I couldn't put words to how or why. After reading this book, I have a better understanding of why the Watts Towers are so miraculous. The story of the Watts Towers is a story of immigrant determination and the American Dream. It's a story about the power of one person. It's a story about the strength of community. It's a story for everybody. Read it and be inspired.

A good testament to a great American art work.......1998-07-17

The Watts Towers are one of America's great unique works of folk art/ architecture. The Goldstones' book documents their mysterious construction, the battle for their preservation, and provides many color photographs. But the disappointment is that the authors are unable to provide much insight into Simon Rodia, the enigmatic immigrant who built this mosaic monument in his backyard and then just walked away from them. The Watts Towers are visually glorious, but also speak to the artistic vision in "ordinary people" and the importance of obsession.

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The Dream of NUESTRO PUEBLO

The Watts Towers
Leon Whiteson
Manufacturer: Mosaic Press (NY)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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The Los Angeles Watts Towers (Conservation and Cultural Heritage)

ASIN: 0889623937

Customer Reviews:

The Dream of NUESTRO PUEBLO.......2002-03-20

In the book's foreword, Tom Bradley, then mayor of Los Angeles in March 1987, calls the Watts towers "a symbol of Rodia's talent and tenacity." An Italian immigrant, Sabato (Sam) Rodia, came to central California in 1926 with a vision which culminated in a "miniature walled city" -- folk art which grew in what was then a rural community, crisscrossed by railroad tracks, on the fringe of Los Angeles. The author Whiteson describes it as a "sleepy urban village edged with onion fields and swamplands." There Rodia built his dream: towers which reached 99.5 feet high at the peak, with spires, gazebos and fountains, embellished with green Seven Up and blue Milk of Magnesia bottles, and endless bits of crockery -- all with no financial assistance from anyone.

Until 1987 he worked with steel rods & concrete, giving this gift of identity to the community. In 1954 Rodia deeded the property to a neighbor and left, never to return. From the helpful TIME LINE we learn that the city engineers conducted structural tests in 1959 and the towers were allowed to stand. The Watts riots followed in August of 1965; in 1975 the long-neglected masterpiece was donated to the city. In 1985 a Conservation Conference was held to draw up an extensive repair program which is still being implemented. The story is fascinating; the reality even more so.

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The Watts Towers of Los Angeles
Leon with Tom Bradley Whiteson
Manufacturer: Oakville : Mosaic Press (1989)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KROTQY

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Dr. Joseph and Bootsie Howard ethnic instrument collection at Watts Towers Arts Center
Willie Collins
Manufacturer: Cultural Affairs Dept
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006R8QPI

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Evaluation of the Community Arts Partnership at California Institute of the Arts, Plaza de la Raza, Social and Public Arts Resource Center, Watts Towers Arts Center: Final report
Patricia S Seppanen
Manufacturer: RMC Research Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006QW5Z6

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Simon Rodia and His Towers in Watts: An Introduction and a Bibliography/Architecture Series/a 1674 (Architecture Series--Bibliography, a 1674)
Daniel Franklin Ward
Manufacturer: Vance Bibliographies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1555900240

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The Watts Towers of Los Angeles
Leon Whiteson
Manufacturer: Mosaic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KP5VGS

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The Watts Towers of Los Angeles
Leon Whiteson
Manufacturer: Mosaic Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IMKW3K

Book Description

Third book in a series of acrylic painting books. This one explains drybrushing in detail. Shows several specific techniques, what brushes to use and how to use them. Techniques can be used on ceramic bisque, plastercraft, gypsum or wood.

Customer Reviews:

Disappointed.......2005-09-14

I almost hate to say anything bad about this. The author is clearly knowledgeable and I'm sure I could learn a lot from her. The quality of the book (pamphlet?) is very poor. I've seen mimeographed school projects that were easier to read. The illustrations are impossible to discern. It's not worth the wait, and it's not worth the price. Save your money.

Illustrations a disappointment - need to be in color.......2002-05-02

It took me over 2 months to get this book, and it was somewhat of a disappointment. It appeared to have been photocopied from an original that may have had color illustrations, because the author kept referring to the color shading. These did not show as well in this b/w copy. It was poorly edited, and poorly assembled. The techniques might be useful for a book that looks like my neighbor copied it in b/w, and is only 18 pages in lenghth, was disheartening. If the writer or publisher reads this, I will trade my copy for a new edition with color illustrations!

Book Description

There are many diverse activities and issues surrounding product management in retailing and it is a complex area for students to fully comprehend. This fully revised and updated textbook is the perfect introduction for students of retailing, guiding readers through all of the issues relating to product management in retailing.

With a concise and highly practical approach, the book has been updated to include the most up-to-date theory, case examples and resources as well as new chapters on product range and promotional activity, specific product management challenges, category management and the use of new technology in retailing.

Taking an integrated approach that incorporates established theory, contemporary commercial practice, examples and case studies, this accessibly written textbook is key reading for all students in the area.

Download Description

A text for anyone studying retail product management or buying and merchandising at degree level. It covers all retail operations, from stock level management, through allocation of outlet space for products, to Digital TV shopping.

Customer Reviews:

A fairly good text book.......2005-08-20

This book does give a good idea of the subject. However, I found that it is rather basic, and is suitable more as a text book, and not for the purpose that I was looking. As a person experienced in business and manufacturing, and having recently entered the retail segment, I was looking for a book that would give me more in-depth information on the subject.

Retail Product Management: Buying and Merchandising

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Retail Product Management: Buying and Merchandising
Rosemary Varley
Manufacturer: Taylor & Francis, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MUWL2I

Book Description

The only book to look at the uniquely delicate situation that confronts every Western business-woman, whether traveling to Japan or meeting Japanese clients at her home office. Using real-life anecdotes, cultural explanations, and extensive lists of tactics and dos and don'ts, Doing Business with Japanese Men tells women how to quickly establish their authority and work effectively. Included are practical discussions of preparation, meeting protocol, socializing, and gift giving, as well as tips on wardrobe, make-up, special health and safety concerns, and fending off unwanted attention.

Customer Reviews:

Doing Business with Japanese Men.......2004-08-30

Contains a great deal of information that may or may not be useful to anyone, male or female, doing business in Japan depending on the situation. Everything should be taken with a grain of salt. Seems to be focused on people in relatively large companies doing business with relatively large companies. Would have been enhanced by a thorough editing by someone familiar with Japan and things Japanese as it is marred by some obvious mistakes. Statements about "tea leaves" and "cookies" being used in a tea ceremony, "peanut sauce" being one of the two common sauces used in the shabu shabu dish, etc. make one wonder about the veracity of other statements.

Prepare for the worst! Japan is still male-dominated society.......1999-12-28

As a Japanese businesswoman working for some 20 years, I believe this book will help a lot for those women doing business with Japanese men. Especially those who are new to Japan. Unfortunately, Japanese business world is still male-oriented, and most of Japanese businessmen don't know how to deal with women in business. One of the Japanese businesswomen's complaints is, "Japanese men treat business women only in three manners. Treat them as their wives, daughters, or hostesses at the night bars. They just don't know how to treat them as a collogue or business partnerc" This book consists of actual experiences of many foreign women and how they dealt with. Those experiences are no exaggeration from my eyes. It will be a good preparation to know what you may confront in Japan.

Good.......1999-10-13

The title may ward of half of the population, and that is unfortunate. There are lots of great points that apply to business etiquette in general and are not unique to "women doing buisness" in Japan. The author implies that the foreign woman should take every advantage of her feminin charms on the helpless Japanese Industry, I would only suggest common sense.

Disappointing.......1999-05-10

I was so excited to see this title when I was sent to Tokyo (with 2 American men) on very short notice! I read this book cover-to-cover in preparation. When I got to Tokyo, I was surprised to experience a much more contemporary, advanced culture than had been described. For example, the attire suggestions were completely wrong (and sometimes contradictory). You won't go wrong with classic American business attire. I found that by paying close attention to your Japanese counterparts' mannerisms, being slightly more aggressive than usual (I live in NYC, that may be much more aggressive than I think!), and having someone well-respected introduce you to whomever you will be working with will be very helpful. It also would have been useful to learn more about the Japanese tendency to agree with you, when they really don't understand what you're talking about!

A must-have for any woman doing business with the Japanese.......1998-07-25

A friend loaned me this book, and within minutes, I knew I had to have a copy for myself. Particularly useful for the female executive, this book covers how to establish your authority (and how to handle Japanese men who ignore you and insist on talking to your male subordinates), how to dress, socializing, gift giving, the business card rituals, where the power seat is in the conference room, how to handle inappropriate behavior and sticky situations, communication and correspondence protocol, and numerous other subjects. I am appalled to discover how many mistakes I have made in my business relationships with Japanese companies, but now am sufficiently enlightened to avoid many in the future. If you are female and do business with the Japanese, whether in Japan or in your home country, you must have this book.

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The Handbook of Negotiation and Culture

Manufacturer: Stanford Business Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | International | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Decision-Making & Problem Solving | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Negotiating | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Business & Investing | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0804745862
Release Date: 2004-07-28

Book Description

In the global marketplace, negotiation frequently takes place across cultural boundaries, yet negotiation theory has traditionally been grounded in Western culture. This book, which provides an in-depth review of the field of negotiation theory, expands current thinking to include cross-cultural perspectives. The contents of the book reflect the diversity of negotiation—research-negotiator cognition, motivation, emotion, communication, power and disputing, intergroup relationships, third parties, justice, technology, and social dilemmas—and provides new insight into negotiation theory, questioning assumptions, expanding constructs, and identifying limits not apparent from working exclusively within one culture.

The book is organized in three sections and pairs chapters on negotiation theory with chapters on culture. The first part emphasizes psychological processes—cognition, motivation, and emotion. Part II examines the negotiation process. The third part emphasizes the social context of negotiation. A final chapter synthesizes the main themes of the book to illustrate how scholars and practitioners can capitalize on the synergy between culture and negotiation research.

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