The Human Impact Reader: Readings and Case Studies (Blackwell Readers on the Natural Environment)

Book Description

This is a multidisciplinary collection of thirty-nine key articles concerned with the human impact on the natural environment. It is divided into six thematic parts, each introduced by the editor. It is designed to be used in university courses on environmental analysis and management, either on its own or in conjunction with Andrew Goudie's standard text, The Human Impact on the Natural Environment (fifth edition, 2000).Environmental change directly attributable to human action dates back at least 10,000 years, but has become increasingly significant following urbanization, industrialization, agricultural intensification, and the exponential growth in human population. It is now a central concern not only of many scientific disciplines, but of governments, business, international organizations, and the public at large.Deforestation has reduced the diversity of species. Local and trans-national air and water pollution have damaged health and agricultural productivity. Overfishing has reduced the stocks of many species to below the level of, at best, short-term recovery. Dams and river diversions have provided irrigation at the cost of salinification and the downstream desiccation - including the virtual loss of the Aral Sea. Fossil fuel omissions have contributed to global warming, among whose likely consequences are the desertification of many temperate regions and the loss of huge areas of land to the sea. These are among the topics to which scientists in this book address themselves.The consequences of the human impact on the environment present the planet's dominant species with perhaps its most intransigent and complex problems. The Human Impact Reader is a wide-ranging and stimulating resource for the study and understanding of contemporary environmental processes at local, regional and global scales.

Amazon.com

As the hedonists of the world search for a relaxing haven to kick back and spend a vacation of leisure, it's well to keep in mind that not all resorts are alike. Seeking the best in luxury, comfort, and atmosphere, Stern has compiled a selective inventory of more than 100 fine international resorts, with color and black and white photos of each. Taking into account such factors as location, accommodations, service, food, price, what there is to do, and what your fellow guests might be like, he helps guide you to the resort most suitable to you, from secluded, dreamy hotels in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Tahiti, Bali and Fiji to sophisticated sensations in Europe, Asia and the U.S. --Stephanie Gold END

Customer Reviews:

Extensive travel advice and resort descriptions.......2002-10-10

Now in a fully updated and substantially revised eighth edition, Stern's Guide To The Greatest Resorts Of The World by world traveler Steven B. Stern is an informed and informative travel guide to more than 100 of the most luxurious self-contained resorts found worldwide. Extensive travel advice and resort descriptions that include facilities, black-and-white photographs, contact information and much more fill out this excellent and enthusiastically recommended resource for the vacationer determined to go in style. Also very highly recommended for traveling public is the new Stern's Guide To The Cruise Vacation: 2002 Edition (1565549422, ...)

Not bad but only useful for those who live in the US........2001-09-10

The resort information is good but this is clearly targetted at US residents. If Arizona, California and the Carribean are inconviently far away then there is not much for you. There are a few in Bali but Asia is poorly covered and Europe hardly at all.

Where will you go for next vacation?.......2000-04-13

This guide book covers wide selection for the best choice for world wide resorts. It includes the continental US. the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, South East Asia resorts, Australia, Africa, the Indian Ocean, and Europe. The author provides explanation about Accomodation, Restaurants, Entertainment, Sports, and so on for each resort (i.e. each hotel), and this may be helpful for selecting resorts. However, contrary to my expectation, he does not describe much about his 'personal' impression. The book titel is; 'STERN'S' guide...... Where is his own point of view? Anyway, if you want to use this guide book as 'dictionary' for world wide resorts, I can strongly recommend you. (P.S. this book contains a lot of photos of resorts, but most of them seemingly from hotel or tourist agent's brochures. You maybe have seen them anywhere before!)

Stern's Guide to the Greatest Resorts of the World

Average customer rating:

Frequent traveler

Stern's Guide to the Greatest Resorts of the World
Stern Steven
Manufacturer: Stern's Travel Guides
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0977860809

Product Description

Offers a richly detailed description of the world's most luxurious and exotic resorts for the discriminating hedonist. Opens with several introductory chapters covering essential topics such as how to select a resort, how to plan and book the trip and what to take along. Describes the resorts by location, including the Continental U.S., the Caribbean Mexico, Hawaii, the South Seas, Australia and the Far East, Africa and the Indian Ocean and Europe. Stern details each resort's history, accommodations, dining, sport and other facilities, grounds, entertainment and environs--providing all the information needed by travelers and travel agents, including an up-to-date price list and a chart rating each resort in eleven categories. The descriptions are enhanced with over 500 color photos depicting each resort's special qualities and unique charm.

Customer Reviews:

Frequent traveler.......2007-05-09

This was one of the most beautifully illustrated and informative books I have ever read covering luxury resorts. It was most helpful to have a third party describe these properties and provide ratings in eleven essential categories.

GH, Frequent Traveler

Book Description

Talk about dysfunctional! Miki is horrified to learn that her parents have swapped with another couple, and that all four now plan to live under one roof. But when her new stepbrother, Yuu, shows up, he appears to be just the one to ease her mental anguish... that is, until she sees the bitterness beneath his cool exterior. The strange romance that follows would make any love triangle seem ordinary by comparison.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing.......2007-10-17

I was so pleased when I obtained this product. It arived on time and it was in perfect condition. I recomened this seller!!!

Disappointing End to a Great Start.......2006-09-29

Right, so about the first half of the Marmalade Boy series very nearly makes it one of my favorite shojo manga series ever. It was a humorous tale with unpredictable characters, plenty of plot twists, and- best of all- loads of humor. There were actually quite a few laugh-out-loud moments, which I don't find often in shojo manga.

Really. What happened?

I'm guessing that Yoshizumi got rushed after the first half of her series. The characters started becoming bland and unpredictable, and as the relationship between Yuu and Miki grew heavier, the romance just never grew touching for me. It only seemed sappy- possibly because Yuu, totally dropping his teasing act, merely became embarrassingly emotional and angsty most of the time. He lost everything that had once made him such a fun and interesting character. Ditto with Ginta and Arimi. Everything just felt so- what's the word? Fixed? Hmmm. Maybe the translation just got worse: for example, somewhere along the line it was like all the characters just suddenly stopped using contractions. It made the dialogue unnecessarily awkward in a lot of places.

All that came to its peak in this last volume, where all the nonsense between the parents gets explained at last in an abrupt, convolted manner. There's a whole lot of sap that goes on between Miki and Yuu, of course, and everything is tied up neatly with a few corny jokes and such.

Of course, if you've been a fan of the series all the way through even as (in my humble opinion) it went downhill, chances are, you'll find all the squishy romantic goop here makes up a satisfying conclusion. But personally, I found it to be a big letdown.

An Awesome Teen Romance Story.......2006-04-15

Marmalade boy was my second manga series and I'm extremely glad it was.
The main charaters Miki and Yuu are both Freshmen at highschool(In American terms at least) and had nothing to do with each other, not even going to the same school, until one day at tea, Miki's parents (The Koishikawas) announce that they are getting divorced. A while later, it enters teh story that Miki's parents are getting divorced and then marrying another couple's partners(The Matsuuras who are divorcing to marry the Koishikawas) In Miki's mind things couldn't get any worse. Of course she was wrong for the time being. Yuu Matsuura is the son of the other soon-to-be-divorced couple, and isn't the help Miki hoped he would be! In fact, instead of helping her in her protest against the whole Divorcing and Marrying thing he agrees to the entire deal! When they move into one big house as "One big happy family" things take on normalcy. Well as much as you can expect, a.k.a. none.
Marmalade Boy is an enchanting story that no Romantic/Comedy Manga fan should ever miss. The Story is full of twists, rivalries, and affairs that always seem to catch you in surprise! I have passed my now-worn copies of the entire 8-book long series to all my friends, who in turn passed it to their friends. Now i'm telling you, that you simply can't miss out on this story! Once you being reading it you will instantly become attached to the characters, arrangement, beatifully drawn scenes(With the cute little chibi-drawings or extras like profiles and authors notes added in), and most of all the plot.

One of My Favorite Shoujos.......2005-11-29

Marmalade Boy is one of my most favorite shoujos of all time! Miki Koishikawa WAS a normal high school girl until her life got turned upside-down. One day, while Miki was drinking tea (with the special tea set!), they (her parents) announced to Miki that they were going to divorce. What's weird is that her parents still love each other, just not in a romantic way. What's even more weird was that they had met another couple that felt the same way, on a trip to Hawaii (Miki was not on the trip). The two couples decide to divorce their current spouse, then remarry the other couple's spouse.

So, the Koishikawas and the Matsuuras (the other couple) divorce and of course, remarry, as I had mentioned. Now, the Koishikawas had a daughter, Miki (our heroine here), and the Matsuuras had a son, Yuu, who was the same age as Miki. At first glance, Miki had thought Yuu would be a great step-brother, until she realized that he enjoyed playing quick 'pranks' on her. Soon afterward, Yuu transfers into Miki's school.

*SOME CHARACTERS YOU WILL ENCOUNTER IN THE FIRST VOLUME*
Meiko Akizuki...she is Miki's best friend
Ginta Soui...he is in the tennis club with Miki; he and Miki have some sort of relationship (maybe)...
Na-chan...Mr. Namura; teacher at Miki's school

What I think of this manga series...Yoshizumi-sensei has done a great job with this manga. The story has an interesting plot, and difficult to understand romances (not really, I just wanted to say that^_^). This series is 8 volumes long. If you enjoy shoujo manga as much as I do, I suggest that you get yourself a copy and start reading!

*OTHER POPULAR WORKS OF YOSHIZUMI-SENSEI*
-Handsome Girlfriend...not yet released in the U.S. (sorry)
-Mint na Bokura...?
-Random Walk...not yet released in the U.S. (sorry)
-Ultra Maniac...published by VIZ
I know of 2 other titles, but they aren't released.

Thank you for reading this review!! ^_^

*by the way, I refer to myself as 'Manga-Addict'*

Last volume.......2005-07-17

Marmalade Boy is a wonderful series we can all relate to. My boyfriend and I and others can relate to the characters a lot. Marmalade Boy is a wonderful romance with a relationship. The characters and relationships are lovable and realistic and the plot is very touching. The whole series is great.

Average customer rating:

Classic Story
Awesome series
Miki and Yuu are finally a couple!

Marmalade Boy #5
Wataru Yoshizumi
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1591820715

Customer Reviews:

Classic Story.......2003-05-15

This is a GREAT/CLASSIC story. I have 1-8 in the original Japanese formats & can only say this story if very unique. Although this story line can be seen in a LOT of other shoujo (girl) comics, Wataru Yoshizumi took the concept and turned it in to something new and wonderful.

Awesome series.......2003-03-11

I picked up 1-4 a couple months ago and got hooked into the story right away. I couldn't wait for 5 to come out and it definitly doesn't dissapoint. There are 2 new characters who add to the mix of Yuu and Miki's relationship. I can't wait to find out what happens in 6.
If your looking for more great reads try Ceres, Card Captor Sakura, and Sailor Moon.

Miki and Yuu are finally a couple!.......2003-03-09

This is quite possibly my favourite book out of the Marmalade Boy series. What everyone was waiting for has finally happened, Miki and Yuu have become an official couple. But just as soon as this happens a cute (and sneaky) model threatens to ruin their new relationship. The art, plot and characters are all great. I highly recommend this book!

Average customer rating:

Good volume
Great book
Loved book
One of the best mangas ever

Marmalade Boy #4
Wataru Yoshizumi
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1931514577

Book Description

The rumors about Miki and her "stepbrother" Yuu are scandalous enough, but the latest relationship to hit the gossip mill is even more shocking. Miki's best friend Meiko is seeing her teacher Nachan?! At least this takes the heat off of Miki's love triangle for now.

Customer Reviews:

Good volume.......2006-01-16

Another good volume. Miki is in love with Yuu, who becomes her boyfriend. This volume is very sweet, as Miki's feeligns for Yuu grow. In continuing volumes, Miki and Yuu become boyfriend and girlfriend and get together. The series is very realistic and everyone can relate to it.

Great book.......2003-05-18

out of all the comics i've read this would have to be my most favorite.all of the books before this one kept me in suspense at the ending wanting me to buy more and more and thats what i did!

Loved book.......2003-05-18

i love this book it's my favorite series.It's filled with comedy romance and helps you with drawing!!!!!I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!

One of the best mangas ever.......2003-02-18

When i first picked up this book I was so excited because the last three marmalade books left no dissapointment except that i didnt have more... i storongly reccomend this book.. my fave manga used to be sailor moon hands down but since ive read this book its hard to decide and im a hard core sailor moon fan..so its hard to admitt to a better book...

The Boy on the Back of the Turtle: Seeking God, Quince Marmalade, and the Fabled Albatross on Darwin's Islands

Average customer rating:

Islands for insight

The Boy on the Back of the Turtle: Seeking God, Quince Marmalade, and the Fabled Albatross on Darwin's Islands
Paul Quarrington
Manufacturer: Greystone Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1550547011

Book Description

In The Boy on the Back of the Turtle, Quarrington attempts to discover his own little niche in the cosmos. Cruising the volcanic Galapagos Islands on a 90-foot liner in the company of his daughter, age 7, and his father, age 73, he tries to find his place as a Son, as a Father, as a Mortal frolicking beneath the heavens. Given that the Galapagos is the historic site of God’s greatest setback, he points out, it is a fitting place to play out the battle within him. Quarrington employs his trademark combination of wry wit and poignant observation as he takes readers on a wide-ranging investigation of everything from blue-footed boobies, careerism, taxonomy, and the nature of creation to pirates, frigate birds, Herman Melville, and the precarious ecology of the islands and the planet. The exploration of questions big and small make this an enlightening voyage for the reader as well.

Customer Reviews:

Islands for insight.......2003-10-17

What prompts sixty thousand people per year to visit an isolated group of barren, arid, volcanic islands? They tramp dusty trails, peer into bushes and caves, suffer equatorial sun and strange animals almost without a murmur of complaint. A few, like Paul Quarrington are seeking some answers. Sometimes it's The Answer that's sought. These pilgrims are trailing the man who conceived the best idea anyone, any time, ever had. They retrace the footsteps of Charles Robert Darwin, who visited the Galapagos Islands, then returned home to think about what he'd seen. What Darwin saw and thought led to the first understanding of how life, the universe and everything, actually works.

Quarrington visited the Islands with his daughter Carson, seven years old, and his father, "ten times that age". Quarrington, in an illustrious account, sought what Darwin found - a Great Insight. In keeping with that quest, his narrative is highly personalized and introspective. That is, after all, what "insight" is - looking inward. He recounts his boyhood adoption of divine Special Creation of the universe. Over the years, however, he came to understand how unsatisfying divine creation is in explaining life. As with those thousands of others, he came to see a pilgrimage to the islands as a likely source of enlightenment.

He admits the symbolism of visiting the Galapagos with three generations. The account explains his travails as both a son and a parent. Where does "natural selection" fit in his dealings with his father and his daughter? He examines his own life, what he knows of his father's and how confesses to how adroitly Carson manipulates him. Through it all, Quarrington gives snippets of Darwin's life and thinking, that of natural selection's critics and how many questions have been pondered and answered. In order to accomplish this, he relies on a bevy of writers listed in a five-page bibliography. That's an enterprising effort for a writer listed as a "humourist". Yet, the humour, rich with ironies, is in full flower in this lucid account. Between the science, the charming [and sometimes not so charming] wit, he has provided a singularly readable account of one man's wrestling with the attempt to find something divine, where divinity has no place. It's a book reflecting what many have experienced, although likely with less success.

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