Help Wanted

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The world's best how-to?

I consume vast quantities of how-to material. My kids joke that I always prefer to learn things from books rather than from a person, and it is true. A great how-to book can be much better than on okay teacher. There's mountains of very good material to choose from today in almost any subject you can think of. What I am looking for right now are examples of legendary, extraordinary, amazingly great cases of how-to guidance. What are the best how-to books, videos, software, websites that you've ever seen? I don't care what the topic is, I am primarily interested in the execution. What's a book or program that teaches its skills and information better than anything/anyone else? Again, the subject can be anything -- rock climbing, rock gardening, rock music, rock polishing, whatever.

Another way to say is, who's a teacher you never met that taught you some skills in a way you never forgot?

What the best non-teacher/non-classroom how-to you've encountered? And where can I get hold of it?

Posted on June 8, 2004 at 9:20 PM

What's a good intro into glassblowing?

After a visit to a Venitian glassblowing shop on our vacation this summer, my kids are interested in fooling around with some simple soft glassblowing experiments. Can anyone suggest an entry level book/video/catalog or website on setting up a basement trial? I'm looking for a minimum of equipment and maximum of fun and education. Pointers welcomed.

Posted on July 29, 2003 at 5:21 PM

What's your favorite catalog?

Catalogs never cease to inspire dreams because they are doors to possibilities. Browsing them unleashes ideas and ambitions we would never get otherwise. Do you have a favorite catalog -- either online or in paper -- that you look forward to immersing yourself in? I'm collecting suggestions.

Posted on June 7, 2003 at 8:12 AM

Best songwriting how-to?

Can anyone tell me, from experience, what the best book on songwriting and how to write lyrics is?

Posted on June 7, 2003 at 8:05 AM