Book Description
"I haven't been so moved by a natural history book since I read Rachel Carson's Under the Sea Wind forty years ago," says Rice University's Paul Harcombe about Life on Matagorda Island.
From most people's point of view, a barrier beach is a paradox: appealing to visit but appalling to live on. An enjoyable day's excursion requires shade, dark glasses, sunblock, drinking water, food, and, of course, a shower afterward. Take all those amenities away and consider existing alone on the island full-time, even during hurricanes.
When Wayne and Martha McAlister moved to Matagorda Island, a wildlife refuge off the central Texas coast, they anticipated staying perhaps five years. But sent to take up duties with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wayne McAlister fell under the island's spell the moment he stepped out of his aging house trailer and met his first Matagorda rattlesnake. Seven years later, the McAlisters were still observing the flora and fauna of Matagorda. Except for the road and some occasional fence posts, the island appears untouched by humans. In Life on Matagorda Island, Wayne McAlister shows what life was like amid such isolation. McAlister revels in the ghostly twinkles of nights on the beach, as luminescent comb jellies, sea walnuts, and glow worms light up every crest of wave. He watches hungry whooping cranes snatch striped mullet trapped in tidal pools; hunts for Hurter's spadefoots, reclusive amphibians that surface during warm deluges; and sinks to his knees in the sand, flashlight in hand, to catch a glimpse of a whip eel's sharp snout. Not all observations are limited to the psammobionts--the creatures of the sand. McAlister recounts petting a fat-bellied coyote pup and handing out kitchen scraps to wild turkeys. Badgers make their home on Matagorda Island, as do alligators, raccoons, and hundreds of varieties of insects, including the aggravating salt marsh mosquito. But McAlister doesn't merely observe: he tells why and how. Why oysters spit, why pistol shrimp snap, or how debris from offshore boats affects the beach environment. He also relates the more sinister aspects of living on a barrier island, such as finding himself ankle-deep in quicksand. But it's all in a day's work--or play--to the McAlisters, as they balance their lifestyle with the will of the island and its nonhuman inhabitants. "We try to stay in the background, enthralled observers," McAlister writes. "We do not belong, can never truly belong, but we can coexist and commingle. Close enough."
Average customer rating:
- Looking Over an Overlooked Treasure
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Matagorda Island: A Naturalist's Guide
Wayne H. McAlister , and
Martha K. McAlister
Manufacturer: Univ of Texas Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0292751508 |
Book Description
Once, all barrier islands were natural places where sand dunes and sea grasses, waterbirds and beach creatures flourished, undisturbed by human development. Matagorda Island still is. Part of a chain of five major barrier islands that shelter the Texas coastline from the Gulf of Mexico, Matagorda Island is the only one completely under public ownership-- the only one with a fate entirely in the hands of the people. This guide to the island seeks to acquaint first-time visitors and seasoned naturalists alike with the natural wealth and ecological fragility of Matagorda. In chapters on geology, history, ecology, vegetation, mammals, birds, herptiles, fish, and invertebrates, the authors show how the island is a living ecosystem, where every plant, animal, and sand dune has a role to play in maintaining the balance of nature. They also discuss the human history of Matagorda--the Karankawa Indians, European explorers, Civil War-era settlers, lighthouse keepers, and the U.S. Air Force, which used Matagorda for a bombing range during the 1940s and 1950s. Useful appendices on plants, wildflowers, and birds; maps; and line drawings amplify the text. This unique combination of human and natural history gives a full sense of what the island's past has been and what its future can be. It offers hope that on this one island, at least, humans can learn to enjoy a natural environment nondestructively, respecting the intricate web of relationships that connects the land and all living creatures.
Customer Reviews:
Looking Over an Overlooked Treasure.......1999-10-15
Once, all barrier islands were natural places where sand dunes and sea grasses, water birds and beach creatures flourished, undisturbed by human development. Matagorda Island still is. Part of a chain of five major barrier islands that shelter the Texas coastline from the Gulf of Mexico, Matagorda Island is the only one completely under public ownership. This guide to the island seeks to acquaint first-time visitors and seasoned naturalists alike with the natural wealth and ecological fragility of Matagorda. The book also tells the human history of Matagorda - the Karankawa Indians, European explorers, Civil War-era settlers, lighthouse keepers, and the U.S. Air Force, which used Matagorda for a bombing range during the 1940s and 1950s. There are appendices on plants, wildflowers, and birds as well as maps and line drawings
Average customer rating:
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Yorkshire Car Tours (Travelmaster Guides)
Ordnance Survey
Manufacturer: Jarrold Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0711708266 |
Book Description
In the sixth book in this popular series, Zoey makes a shocking discovery. What Zoey saw is turning her life upside down. She used to think her family was perfect, that their parents were really in love. But what she saw changed all that. And it's making Zoey think about love in a whole different way.
Customer Reviews:
What a shocker.......2002-06-14
I thought this book was great.I think Lucas reacted quite well when Zoey was undoing her buttons. I know a couple of lads that wouldn't care if I were upset they would just jump in for the killer. I also think it was horrible of him and Claire. None of them bothered to ask how she was feeling or tried to get some answers. I think Christopher needs to cool down abit. I actually felt sorry for that bald man.I would like Jake and Zoey to get back together.Also Christopher and Aisha should make up their minds about weather or not their dating. Oh and Lucas shouldn't have demanded sex off Zoey. I feel so sorry for zoey, the world is just crumbling around her.
What a shocker.......2002-06-14
I thought this book was great.I think Lucas reacted quite well when Zoey was undoing her buttons. I know a couple of lads that wouldn't care if I were upset they would just jump in for the killer. I also think it was horrible of him and Claire. None of them bothered to ask how she was feeling or tried to get some answers. I think Christopher needs to cool down abit. I actually felt sorry for that bald man.I would like Jake and Zoey to get back together.Also Christopher and Aisha should make up their minds about weather or not their dating. Oh and Lucas shouldn't have demanded sex off Zoey. I feel so sorry for zoey, the world is just crumbling around her.
Keeps getting better.......2001-10-04
Thsi storyline is tremendous. Lucas needs to grow up and learn how to respect Zoey's decision . He like most young people do not realize how sex changes the dynamic between two people. He also needs to understand that it is not his way or no way, especially after what Zoey saw. I really hope this storyline involves Louis Kronenberger a little more, she keeps it real
Drama, tears, surprises..........2000-05-03
Well what a shocker! i never would of put Jake's dad and Zoey's mum together in a million years! the book portrayed a sensitive issue really well, but i thought Zoey was being really harsh with Lucas. c'mon, what he did wasn't all that terrible and i don't blame him for being a bit peed off with Zoey. Why didn't she tell him for God's sake? Benjamin and Nina are as cute as ever and are my two favourite characters. Poor Christopher though. let's just hope he doesn't end up in prison or something! i love the series and i'd recommend it to anyone!
To close for comfort.......2000-02-20
Here we see Zoey tring to come with the fact that her family may be falling apart around her. In this book you cannot help feeling sorry for Zoey and Benjamin as many teenagers today have to face the exact same problem. It is a realistic acount of family problems, very well written.
Average customer rating:
- Everyone has to read this book!!!
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What Zoey Saw (Making Out)
Katherine Applegate
Manufacturer: Macmillan Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Applegate, K.A.
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ASIN: 0330397931 |
Customer Reviews:
Everyone has to read this book!!!.......2003-05-05
this is an awesome book...the whole series is incredible...once you start reading them you can never stop..this is the best book out of the series so far!...zoey walked in on her mom with her ex-boyfriends dad!...you have to read this to get more information but i promise you that u will love it!!
Product Description
multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.
Average customer rating:
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Systems Analysis and Modeling: A Macro-to-Micro Approach with Multidisciplinary Applications
Donald W. Boyd
Manufacturer: Academic Press
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0121218511 |
Book Description
This book presents a fresh, new approach to systems analysis and modeling with a systems science flavor that stimulates systems thinking. After introducing systems modeling principles, the ensuing wide selection of examples aptly illustrate that anything which changes over time can be modeled as a system. Each example begins with a knowledge base that displays relevant information obtained from systems analysis. The diversity of examples clearly establishes a new protocol for synthesizing systems models.
* Macro-to-micro, top-down approach
* Multidisciplinary examples
* Incorporation of human knowledge to synthesise a systems model
* Clear and concise systems delimitation
* Complex systems using simple mathematics
* "Exact" reproduction of historical data plus model generated secondary data
* Systems simulation via systems models
Book Description
The material for this series was selected from the past 20 years' examination questions for graduate students at the University of California (Berkeley), Columbia University, the University of Chicago, MIT, the State University of New York at Buffalo, Princeton University and the University of Wisconsin.
This volume comprises 165 problems. The section on Solid State Physics includes crystal structures and properties, electron theory, energy bands and semiconductors. The Relativity section covers both the special and general theories. Topics that were not appropriate for the other 6 volumes in this series appear here under the heading of Miscellaneous Topics.
Customer Reviews:
Invaluable.......2002-10-07
All of these books titled "Problems and Solutions on (subject): Major American Universities Ph.D. Qualifying Questions and Solutions" are invaluable tools for a physics graduate student, in my experience.
It is difficult to find solved problems concering the topics in this text, so it is smaller than some of the others. However, it is still invaluable.
Criticism: Sparse index. You might find yourself adding a lot of notes of your own to the index as well as the contents.
If you are a student in physics, I suggest that you get your hands on these books.
Not useful for review of special relativity.......1999-03-17
I have not reviewed the Solid State portion of the book, and my review is limited to the relativity portion. I have been very pleased with the other books in the excellent series, but in the area of special relativity, I found this one somewhat disappointing. There were only seven problems in this area, and three were essentially the same thing. One was the basic derivation of the Lorentz transformation, which can be found in any relativity textbook. As I mentioned, I can not speak for the Solid State part of the book, but if you expect a variety of useful problems on special relativity, you will be disappointed. The general relativity part is OK, but I do not know of many schools which include general relativity on their qualifying exams.
Book has lots of problems. Good for a quick review.......1998-03-06
This book has LOTS of sample problems. Though the solutions are not indepth, they do point you in the right direction. A good book to have if you need to study for a PhD exam, though your school should have it's own library.
Average customer rating:
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The Adventures Of Harry Richmond
George Meredith
Manufacturer: IndyPublish.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1414213085 |
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The Adventures Of Harry Richmond
George Meredith
Manufacturer: Hesperides Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1406702862 |
Book Description
Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Hesperides Press are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.
Average customer rating:
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The Adventures Of Harry Richmond
George Meredith
Manufacturer: IndyPublish.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1414213050 |
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The Adventures Of Harry Richmond
George Meredith
Manufacturer: IndyPublish.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1414213077 |
Book Description
The fog choked us. Perhaps it took away the sense of hunger by filling us as if we had eaten a dinner of soot. We had no craving to eat until long past the dinner-hour in Temple's house, and then I would rather have plunged into a bath and a bed than have been requested to sit at a feast; Temple too, I fancy. We knew we were astray without speaking of it.
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The Adventures Of Harry Richmond
George Meredith
Manufacturer: IndyPublish.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1414213093 |
Average customer rating:
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The Adventures of Harry Richmond
George Meredith
Manufacturer: Adamant Media Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1402199856
Release Date: 2000-11-28 |
Book Description
This Elibron Classics book is a reprint of a 1913 edition by Constable & Company, Ltd., London.
Average customer rating:
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The Adventures Of Harry Richmond
George Meredith
Manufacturer: IndyPublish.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1414213034 |
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The Adventures of Harry Richmond
George Meredith
Manufacturer: 1st World Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 1421815397 |
Download Description
The surgeon, who attended us both, loudly admired our mutual delicacy in sparing arteries and vital organs: but a bullet cuts a rougher pathway than the neat steel blade, and I was prostrate when the prince came to press my hand on his departure for his quarters at Laibach. The utterly unreasonable nature of a duel was manifested by his declaring to me, that he was now satisfied I did not mean to insult him and then laugh at him. We must regard it rather as a sudorific for feverish blood and brains. I felt my wound acutely, seeing his brisk step when he retired. Having over-thrown me bodily, it threw my heart back to its first emotions, and I yearned to set eyes on my father, with a haunting sense that I had of late injured him and owed him reparation. It vanished after he had been in my room an hour, to return when he had quitted it, and incessantly and inexplicably it went and came in this manner. He was depressed. I longed for drollery, relieved only by chance allusions to my beloved one, whereas he could not conceal his wish to turn the stupid duel to account.
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- Marine Reef Aquarium Handbook (A Complete Pet Owner's Manual)
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- Men at Work: Art and Labour in Victorian Britain (Paul Mellon Centre for Studies)
- Microcomputers in Physiology: A Practical Approach (Practical Approach Series)
- Molecular Genetic Ecology: In Focus
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