African summer

Book Description

This is the first comprehensive study of an east African lake for thirty years. It represents the culmination of research expeditions which stretch back twenty years and is thus able to pick up long term changes which the individual research activities do not reveal. Lake Naivasha is a tropical lake whose natural fluctuations are now dwarfed by human impacts. Papers show how the irrigation for horticulture and power cooling has reduced the lake depth significantly; exotic arrivals have altered the plant community beyond recognition and its commercial value as a fishery and a tourist feature are reduced by over use. Despite this, the lake has considerable conservation value at present. It provides a different case study in the ever-growing library of the effects of human follies. Lake Naivasha has achieved global importance in the past ten years because its waters are used to sustain the largest horticultural industry in Africa. The book highlights its fragility under such pressure and points out the way towards sustainable use of the water and the ecosystem.

Comparison of the hydrological and hydrochemical evolution of Lake Naivasha (Kenya) during three highstands between 175 and 60 kyr BP [An article from: ... Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology]

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Comparison of the hydrological and hydrochemical evolution of Lake Naivasha (Kenya) during three highstands between 175 and 60 kyr BP [An article from: ... Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology]
A.G.N. Bergner , and M.H. Trauth
Manufacturer: Elsevier
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Elsevier | By Publisher | e-Docs | Formats | Books
ASIN: B000RR4VA6

Book Description

This digital document is a journal article from Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, published by Elsevier in 2004. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Description:
Three diatomite beds exposed in the Ol Njorowa Gorge south of Lake Naivasha, Central Kenya Rift, document three major lake-level highstands between 175 and 60 kyr BP. Diatom transfer-function estimates of hydrological and hydrochemical parameters suggest that a deep and large freshwater lake existed during the highstands at ~135 and ~80 kyr BP. In contrast, a shallower but more expanded freshwater lake existed at ~110 kyr BP. The best analog for the most extreme highstand at ~135 kyr BP is the highstand during the Early Holocene humid period from 10 to 6 kyr BP. The environmental conditions as reconstructed from diatom assemblages suggest long-lasting episodes of increased humidity during the high lake periods. This contrasts to the modern situation with a relatively shallow Lake Naivasha characterized by rapid water level fluctuations within a few decades. The most likely cause for the variable hydrological conditions since 175 kyr BP is orbitally driven insolation changes on the equator and increased lateral moisture transport from the ocean.

Report on the investigation into the tilapia population of Lake Naivasha, Kenya (EAFFRO occasional paper ; 1)

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Report on the investigation into the tilapia population of Lake Naivasha, Kenya (EAFFRO occasional paper ; 1)
H. Y Elder
Manufacturer: East African Freshwater Fisheries Research Organization
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Stratigraphy and hydrothermal alteration of well OW-601 Olkaria geothermal field, Kenya (Report / UNU Geothermal Training Programme, Iceland)

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Stratigraphy and hydrothermal alteration of well OW-601 Olkaria geothermal field, Kenya (Report / UNU Geothermal Training Programme, Iceland)
Geoffrey G Muchemi
Manufacturer: UNU Geothermal Training Programme, National Energy Authority
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Knives, Knife Fighting, And Related Hassles: How To Survive A Real Knife Fight
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Heavy Knife-related Info

One of a handful of good books on the subject!

A review written for the would be buyer.

Wish I'd read this a long time ago

Garbage

Knives, Knife Fighting, And Related Hassles: How To Survive A Real Knife Fight
Marc Animal MacYoung
Manufacturer: Paladin Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Martial Arts | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Violence in Society | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0873645448

Book Description

Knife fighting is ugly business, so you'd better know what you're doing if you ever find yourself in one. This book will show you the down-and-dirty reality of knife fighting, from choosing the best knife to devious street tricks commonly used to get in the first strike.

Customer Reviews:

Heavy Knife-related Info.......2007-10-14

I have zero experience with issues covered in this book. However, M"A"Y has some very plausible things to say, and the section on various concealment grips alone was worth the $$. His information corroborates and expands on that contained in "Logic of Steel" (by another author), the book I chose to begin my study of steel.

One of a handful of good books on the subject!.......2006-11-02

Being the author of several books on the martial arts and fighting, I am always looking for books of exceptional quality to add to my library. If I have a book in my library, it's definitely worth owning. One such book is Marc "Animal" MacYoung's, "Knives, Knife Fighting and Related Hassles."

As you already know, if you have read any of my reviews of Marc's books, one of the great things that I absolutely love about Marc's writing is his no-holds barred direct approach to getting his point across. There is never any sugarcoating or politically correct terminology is his books. He simply tells it like it is, whether you like it or not. Marc's not-so-politically correct way of explaining things is always refreshing in today's society where everyone wants to sugarcoat everything so as not to offend anyone. In some ways, I would compare Marc's method of teaching to the comical rants of George Carlin. You may be offended by what he says, but by golly it's the truth. And yes, sometimes the truth hurts.

Once again, Marc gives you a no-holds barred look at the reality of fighting and surviving on the street. This book deals with the use of knives and the related problems that come from not only using them, but having them used on you. Marc stresses a very important point in this section, that fighting in a combat situation during war time is a whole lot different than fighting some obnoxious drunk at the local bar in front of a dozen or more witnesses.

Marc starts out with a brief overview, which is immediately followed with a "Nuts and Bolts" section in which he discusses the various legalities and types of knives you are likely to face when, and if, you are ever in a confrontation involving knives. Marc also gives you some good advice on how to choose a knife and what to look for in choosing one.

The next chapter, Mental Homework, I found particularly interesting. In this chapter Marc covers such areas as awareness, witnesses, using your brains, and my favorite M.P.S. Now I am not going to do a spoiler here and tell you what M.P.S. stands for, you are just going to have to buy the book in order to find out.

The next chapter discusses the use of avoidance as the best possible method and if that isn't a viable alternative, then the following chapter discusses the use of blocking and parrying the knife. Marc like most good instructors on knife fighting is a strong advocate of avoiding a knife fight first and then running if you can't avoid it. Only as a last resort should you actual engage in a knife fight if at all possible. This chapter also gives you a few good training ideas that you can use to increase your mobility and balance.

Chapters six through nine focus on the use of the knife during a fight from the perspective of you being the one with the knife. Marc covers all the basics in these chapters such as:

1. How to hold a knife and the various grips you can use.
2. Picking a knife that fits you.
3. Various knife fighting stances.
4. Utilizing a "Quickdraw" in order to get your knife into use.
5. Various types of draws for getting your knife out and ready to use.

The next two chapters are gems all by themselves. In the first of the two chapters, Marc talks about the difference between a knife fight and combat. In the former it may be possible to merely wound your opponent and then give them the opportunity to retreat. In the latter, you must be prepared to kill him, or be killed yourself. If you are faced with a combat type situation involving a knife, the final chapter in this book gives you some things to consider before you are ever in that particular situation.

Also in chapter ten Marc includes a section on basic training principles and methods in order to improve your knife fighting and defending skills. Like all of Marc's books, I find this information on the principles behind the techniques very useful, and it is usually a very good indicator of a high quality self-defense and/or martial arts book.

A review written for the would be buyer........2006-09-03

I read the two negative reviews on this page and have to disagree. if you suggest a book, the USMC close combat manual, a book at which all the reviewers said it was garbage, over this book, then i would have to discredit your review for that.

Okay the book itself is written by Marc Macyoung, who has done knife fighting in the L.A. streets before, so its written from first hand knowledge. The book itself is not a drill book on how to knife duel or how to kill an unarmed person with a blade, it is a book written on teaching you the lessons, tips and tricks that the author learned from experience. while it isn't like a karate book that would tell you something like "when the opponent throws a punch, block it and then kick him in the chest" it does teach you many useful thing, more so than a book of knife drill might.

What the book teaches is: selecting a knife, options and opinions on how to carry it, stances and opinions on those stances, shows you assassin grips and how to watch for them, a drill or two on drawing and targeting with your knife (not on were to target, but how to target, its different subjects)and tips on what to do if your in a knife fight.

Overall, this is a great book to read if you want to learn about knives and other related hassles.

Wish I'd read this a long time ago.......2004-11-05

I survived two knife encounters through sheer luck and stupidity before I found this book a few years ago. As a knight in a medieval recreation group (sort of like a black belt of swords, shields and stuff) I thought I really knew what I was doing. Problem is, street confrontations are nothing like tournament competition.

I learned two essential lessons from MacYoung's book: The first is that there is no such thing as a knife fight as the author pointedly states (pun intended). It is really a knife ambush. Unless you are lucky or highly trained you'll never see it coming. Fortunately both punks I tangled with were rank amateurs who flashed their blades giving me enough time to react. The second is a comprehensive understanding of where, how, and why street thugs conceal their knives to pull off an effective assassination. The awareness is illuminating and very possibly life saving as well.

Knives are as ubiquitous as cell phones these days. Working in a stadium where weapons of all types are prohibited and bags are searched on the way in, I nevertheless pull knives off at least a couple of fans every game. Imagine how often you find them out in the street where they are more or less legal. This book is packed with stuff you gotta know!

My only complaint is that while it is long and deep on theory it is a bit short on technique. There are plenty of good sources to supplement this knowledge so that is not a serious detractor.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

Garbage.......2004-06-24

This book is a waste of money. I gives the appearance of being written in the 1970's. I would recommend the USMC Clost-Quarters Combat Manual instead.

Book Description

Japanese difficult? Study boring? No way! Not with this "real manga, real Japanese" approach to learning. Presenting all spoken Japanese as a variation of three basic sentence types, Japanese the Manga Way shows how to build complex constructions step by step. Every grammar point is illustrated by an actual manga published in Japan to show how the language is used in real life, an approach that is entertaining and memorable. As an introduction, as a jump-start for struggling students, or (with its index) as a reference and review for veterans, Japanese the Manga Way is perfect for all learners at all levels.

Wayne P. Lammers has taught Japanese at the college level and is an award-winning literary and commercial translator. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

Customer Reviews:

Surprisingly Informative Book.......2007-09-09

Since there weren't any actual reviews of this book, I thought I'd contribute one. First, I'm a long-time student of Japanese, having studied to some degree of seriousness, for 15 years. I have enough grammar,vocabulary and text books for any three people.

Having said that, this book actually stands out in some ways from all the rest. At first it seems like many other solid grammar books, covering things like how to express: "If/when," "should/must do," etc etc. but what sets this apart from all those other books is it is focused on CONVERSATIONAL Japanese. If you are new to Japanese, let me save you a LOT of time and heartache by telling you that the Japanese you learn in books is rarely how it is actually spoken in casual conversation. Don't let the fact that this is a manga-type book fool you. The information here is very relevant and very accurate.
Speaking the kind of Japanese in your textbooks is perfectly fine, and your Japanese friends will understand you. But if you want to understand THEM, you'll need this kind of information. You won't be disappointed. Highly recommended.

Very good intermediate book.......2007-05-22

This is the best book I have seen for intermediate Japanese learners. For beginners, it probably goes too fast on the basics, and it does not approach vocabulary building on the basis of frequency. However, it will give you a lot more in the way of how Japanese is actually spoken (or written in manga). Many common expressions and particles that beginners' textbooks skip (probably because you can make yourself understood without them) are explained here. My main goal in studying Japanese is ability to read manga, and this book has been a breakthrough for me.

Splendid textbook if you want to read japanese.......2007-05-14

This is quite possibly the best language textbook I've encountered so far. Language textbooks use to have this little problem: they are quite boring. Mr. Smith at the airport; Mr. Smith at a restaurant; Mr. Smith shopping. Not this one: Japanese the Manga Way is fun to read. Who would've thought that language textbooks could be fun?

Its format is quite unique: there aren't long grammatical explanations, and almost all the examples are taken from manga. A lesson begins with some explanation, then a panel from some manga, followed by its translation and notes explaining new or unusual grammatical constructs found in it. Other books use manga panels as examples, so what's new here? Two things: first, the author explains the context in the story for every panel, so that the reader can follow the chain of events and understand what the characters are saying; and second, the book is organized so that examples only rarely use language constructs that weren't explained yet. Furthermore, there are a lot more examples than in similar books, as the whole exposition is guided by them.

This is all very good and dandy, especially if you want to learn to read manga, but it's important to be aware that the book is "an illustrated guide to grammar and structure" as it says on the title, so it's not a complete japanese course. It doesn't present any method to help learning the japanese writing system (kana or kanji), only kana charts at the beginning. Also, it obviously won't help with the spoken language. But within its own objectives, it's a very good book.

A basic japanese course for self-study could be organized like this: first, learn kana & kanji; my recommendations are Heisig's books Remembering the Kana: The Hiragana / The Katakana and Remembering the Kanji: A Complete Course on How Not to Forget the Meaning and Writing of Japanese Characters. Then read this book to get a general feeling for the language; you won't of course be able to memorize all the details given in the notes, but you should get an idea how the language works. You should get a good dictionary too. Then the real learning begins with practice: read lots of manga, watch anime and movies (or TV), listen to japanese music, immerse yourself in the language and culture. And keep Lammers' book nearby; as you read manga you'll encounter many constructs covered in the book, so you can get back there and re-read the notes. With practice, it all gets internalized in your language skills.

And forget about other japanese books that teach through manga: I have the Japanese in Mangaland series, and while it's not that bad, it's not nearly as good as this one. I wish there were more language textbooks like this one, for other languages besides japanese.

Japanese is fun.......2007-05-04

If you are a beginner learning Japanese, you must have this book. It's fun and it teaches you the important grammatical facts with all bells and whistles in a very enjoyable way. It's great to brush up your Japanese too.
Kudos to the writers who managed to make a difficult language a joy to study. They also give lots of information about Japanese culture and life.
Best language study book I ever read.

very useful supplement.......2007-02-13

Mr Lammers explains grammar clearly and concisely. I've never enjoyed learning foreign languages before, but this book makes me //want// to study Japanese. I'm a beginning Nihongo student (1.5 months) and like to be spoonfed --- I've already learned so much from this book in only 2 days and cant wait to learn more. "Japanese the Manga Way" and a good textbook should be all you need to get started. It's worth far more than $17 IMHO.

Japanese the Manga Way: An Illustrated Guide to Grammar And Structure

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Japanese the Manga Way: An Illustrated Guide to Grammar And Structure
Wayne P. Lammers
Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Reference | Subjects | Books

General | Manga | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1417673796

Customer Reviews:

MJD story rocks, the others... not so much.......2007-03-08

Other reviewers have rehashed and summarized this anthology many times over. I was swept away by the James Bond gender bender in "The World is Not Big Enough". It might be one of my favorite short stories from MaryJanice Davidson EVAH.

Its been three days since I read it and can barely recall what the other stories were about. Three stars because the other two didn't have the staying power, "World..." gets a 5 star on its own.

Sumptuous.......2006-07-10

A collection of three romantic stories; the boys do play with expensive toys. The first has an extravagant spoilt dog. The second is with lavish gadgets. The third is a prospect of a multimillion computer program. In the third story, the woman is actually the rich one, owning stores all around the world. The second tale is James-Bond-ish. The first involves an appealing French figure. The similarity between the three stories - they are all hot and bothered on the same subject. Also, all the men are over six feet. And, all the women are beautiful, possessing flat abdomens. A fast read on a lazy Sunday.

Bad Boys with Bad Plots.......2005-02-15

As a general rule, I do not read romance novels. I have, on occasion and at the request of friends, read some historical romance novels, and I did find those entertaining. I prefer a book with a few more brains in the binding, so to speak, something with intellectual layers and levels, and I expect this from all the books I read. If you enjoy a shallow book with no higher levels than what you see on the page, then you may like BAD BOYS WITH EXPENSIVE TOYS.
This book contains three novellas: "The Fourteen Million Dollar Poodle" by Nancy Warren, "The World Is Too Darned Big" by MaryJanice Davidson, and "Anything You Can Do..." by Karen Kelley.
In "The Fourteen Million Dollar Poodle," Warren tells the story of Vince "Bulldog" Granger, a tough guy living in New York, who inherits his eccentric aunt's pampered French poodle Mimi. His wealthy aunt also wills her entire estate to Mimi, which in turn will go to him, but only after the dog dies of natural causes. This clearly does not sit well with Vince's greedy cousins, foreshadowing some plot twists towards the end of the story. Vince has trouble caring for Mimi, who only understands French and who is accustomed to a more refined living than a New York bachelor can provide her. After becoming acquainted with Sophie Veneau, a pretty French nanny, Vince decides to hire her to dog-sit Mimi. Sophie and Vince become romantically involved, and with the help of Sir Galahad, a stray doberman, they must protect Mimi from a sinister plot that would end her life.
The characters in this story are extremely flat and stereotyped roles; the dialogue is dull and cliché. The poodle and the doberman reflect the main characters Vince and Sophie in personality, which strikes me as very appropriate. The plot is rather predictable. The setting, while realistic, is not detailed, and only serves as a venue for this tedious story to unfold. Even the sex scenes are dull and boring. There really is no theme to this story, other than perhaps whether it is ethical and legal to will an estate to a dog, or to give said dog a Cartier diamond-encrusted collar and leash.
Davidson's "The World Is Too Darned Big," while a slightly more interesting story-line than the previous one, is extremely unrealistic and unbelievable. Benjamin Dyson is a technology geek working for the CIA whose current project is a skeleton key card. Tara Marx enters his life, a bad-ass freelance agent who informs Dyson that his last project was not for the CIA, but for a group of bad guys posing as the CIA. Dyson and Marx track down the agents at the Mayo clinic, where there is a show-down, and find some time for canoodling together.
This novella is more interesting than the last simply because the characters are not as flat. While their emotions are very stereotyped, their personalities have some dimension that adds interest to the story. Still, the setting and the plot are very unrealistic. The bad guys are very non-lethal, and their motives are just silly.
The final story, "Anything You Can Do...," is to me the most interesting of the three stories. Alex Cannedy is a notorious playboy spending time in Las Vegas. At his sister Lisa's wedding reception, the attractive Kagen Yates, a wealthy interior decorator, catches his eye. Lisa has given Alex the keys to her apartment to house-sit while she is away on her honeymoon, and so he will have a quiet place to work on his big computer project. She is unaware that her husband Steve has also given an apartment key to his friend Kagen, so that she can decorate the apartment for the couple while they are gone. Meanwhile, Lisa finds out about Alex's interest in Kagen, and she makes him pinkie swear not to seduce her, since Kagen has been hurt in relationships in the past. When Kagen and Alex learn that they are sharing an apartment for the week, Kagen decides she will seduce the attractive Alex, and Alex tries his best to keep his promise to his sister.
The plot is relatively interesting, out-lining a game of seduction in a rather funny way that does a good job at building tension. In fact, this is actually a good story up to a certain point in the plot when the tension breaks, at which point you may as well put down the book and not spoil what you have just read. A series of sexual interludes become more and more contrived and pathetic, and the plot-line nose-dives into the same state as the other stories. The characters are slightly more interesting and dimensional than those in the other stories, and some interesting themes do emerge from this story: Is it right to set limits on someone else's love life? Is it better to avoid the possibility of getting hurt in a relationship than to jump head-in? Does a pinkie swear count if it doesn't involve spit?
All three stories sound as if they could have been written by the same person. There is nothing new or exciting about the language, characters, or story-line. On the contrary, they are very clichéd and contrived, and I am sorry to have wasted time on them. If, however, you enjoy a books on a third-grade reading level with some soft-core erotic scenes that require no exercise of the mind, then this is the book for you.

A sizzling erotic romance.......2004-12-04

The Fourteen Million Dollar Poodle by Nancy Warren. Labor negotiator Vince Grange is known for playing hardball; thus he is the last male anyone would expect to own a toy poodle. However, he inherits wealthy Mimi, who only responds to French-speaking commands. Vince hires Sophie Veneau to watch Mimi, but he can't keep his eyes off of his new employee. This amusing contemporary stars three delightful protagonists with the human pair in constant heat.

The World Is Too Darned Big by MaryJanice Davidson. Dr. Ben Dyson invents espionage paraphernalia that helps agents make the world safer. His fondest desire is to use one of his gizmos in a field scenario. When agent Tara Marx struggles to recover stolen intelligence information, she never expected to have a civilian as her partner. This spy who stayed hot in the cold tale is humorous and hot due two strong gender bending lead characters.

Anything You Can Do by Karen Kelley. Playboy Alex Cannedy promised his sister that he would not make a play to get Kagen Yates in his bed for the week that the beautiful woman is staying with him. Alex regrets his vow as he wants her and she seems as willing, but he plans to do the honorable thing by adhering to his pledge. However, Kagen bets him that she will have him in bed within two days as their desires for one another will overwhelm his misplaced ethics. The torrid lead couple provides readers with a terrific war of the sex's tale.

All three novellas are hot, jocular and fun as the hunks exchange their toys for more interesting play things.

Harriet Klausner

A hot and steamy read.......2004-11-23

Bad Boys With Expensive Toys has three hot and steamy stories by three favorite authors.

The Fourteen Million Dollar Poodle by Nancy Warren has Vince Grange a tough and manly labor negotiator who inherits a rich toy poodle. This poodle only answers to French, so Vince hires a nanny. Sophie Veneau agrees to watch Mimi, but her owner Vince is make her heart race. Vince is having serious problems with Sophie he wants her for himself. Nancy Warrens story is funny and sexy, it's a must read.

MaryJanice Davidson's The World Is Too Darned Big has Dr. Ben Dyson wishing he could use the fancy spy gadgets he makes to help safe the world. He gets his chance when spy Tara Marx falls into his willing lap. Tara Marx is working to retrieve some stolen Intel. She wasn't planning on a spy wannabe helping. Ben and Tara's wit and passion will make you laugh and swoon. MaryJanice delivers another story that will tickle your funny bone and steam up your night.

Karen Kelley's in Anything You Can Do... has playboy Alex Cannedy being a roommate for a week with the one woman he promised not to touch. He promised his sister that he would not make a move on her new hubby's best friend Kagen Yates. But all bets are off when Kagen throws a dare that Alex can't last 48 hours before he gives in to his desires. What follows is an amusing and sexy game of one upmanship. Alex and Kagen are a hot and titillating couple.

This is a fun and sexy anthology, you can't go wrong it getting it.

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Bad Boys With Expensive Toys
Nancy; Kelley, Karen; Davidson, Maryjanice Warren
Manufacturer: Brava
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NY2JFM

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