Lifestyle Book Reviews

Page One of Two

Developing Feeds with RSS and Atom by Ben Hammersley
O'Reilly, April, 2005
Trade Paperback, 253 pages
ISBN: 0596008813
Ordering information:
Amazon.com

RSS and Atom are two technologies that have the potential to rapidly change the way we use information. RSS and Atom feeds make it easy for people to subscribe to and stay updated with multiple blogs and websites. Microsoft has already approved support for RSS on Longhorn, the next upgrade of the Windows operating system and for the next version of Internet Explorer. RSS and ATOM by Ben Hammersley explains what RSS and Atom feeds are and how to create them. Hammersley also explains each of the varieties of syndication feeds in detail, including RSS 2.0, RSS 1.0 and Atom. One section describes about tools and programs for parsing and using feeds. Another chapter in the book teaches readers how to let people know about their feeds by enabling autodiscovery and registering with aggregators. Feeds are not just for blogs and news websites; Hammersely provides a section which lists other, less conventional uses for feeds. Descriptions and reviews of tools, aggregators and online resources are also provided. This is an excellent book for any blogger, webmaster or web developer looking to get feeds live on their blog or website. Highly recommended.

The Great American Detox Diet: 8 Weeks to Weight Loss and Well-Being by Alex Jamieson
Rodale Books, June, 2005
Hardcover, 288 pages
ISBN: 1594862311
Ordering information:
Amazon.com

Remember Morgan Spurlock, the guy who ate nothing but McDonald's for 30 days to see how it would affect his health? His descent into unhealthiness was chronicled in his hit documentary Super Size Me. But what is perhaps the more interesting story is how Spurlock regained his health with the help of Alex Jamieson, his girlfriend who just happens to be a gourmet natural foods chef. Alex detoxed Morgan, and she can detox you, too. First, she explains why fast food is so bad for you. It's not just the extra calories that are the problem: it's the fact that even the bread in the hamburger buns isn't real bread. Everything is over processed and chock full of unspeakable chemicals. She moves on from chemicals to the horrors of hydrogenated oils, the evils of sugar, caffeine, animal fats and why water is a detoxing dieter's best friend.

If you're already a Dr. Weil fan, you'll no doubt rush into your kitchen to whip up a Refreshing and Cleansing Radish Salad as soon as you hit that recipe. Everyone else should go slowly, and start with Hearty Morning Oatmeal Porridge, Orange Date Scones (wheat and dairy-free), Corn Mushroom and Potato Chowder, and the very yummy Spicy Sweet Potato Fries. Ms. Jamieson is a true evangelist for the whole foods movement, and there is no doubt that if you follow her advice, you'll be a lot healthier. And if you can't go cold turkey from Krispy Kreme, why not take it slow and work in those healthy changes a little at a time?

Lifestyle Book Reviews
Page One | Page Two

Return to Book Reviews Index

Lifestyle Book Reviews

Developing Feeds with RSS and Atom by Ben Hammersley

The Great American Detox Diet: 8 Weeks to Weight Loss and Well-Being by Alex Jamieson