NA PORCUPINE (Smithsonian Nature Books Series, No 8)

Customer Reviews:

Covers More Than Quills.......2000-04-26

This is a naturalist writing at his best. Uldis Roze does a magnificent job of introducing readers to the porcupine, its habitat, biology, interaction with other animals, folklore, sociology, and much, much more. And he manages to do it all in a style that makes for great reading whether you are a naturalist or just a fan of nature. I laughed out loud several times during the book.

Outstanding........1998-10-23

The definitive work on the North American Porcupine. Detailed enough for wildlife professionals, yet simple enough for the layman to understand. Excellent observations.Engrossing text.

The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals

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Dream come true!
A complete, high-quality reference.

The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals

Manufacturer: Smithsonian Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 1560988452

Amazon.com

The United States and Canada are home to more than 400 species of mammals, ranging from the marsupial opossums of the Atlantic seaboard to the beaked whales of British Columbia. Some, like the mountain beaver and the Camas pocket gopher, are intensely local, their ranges confined to small areas; others, such as the white-tailed deer and red squirrel, are broadly distributed in large numbers across the continent.

Volume editors Don Wilson and Sue Ruff enlist some 200 experts to produce this richly illustrated, definitive reference work, the offshoot of a recent initiative by the American Society of Mammalogists. Each species entry includes a distribution map; accounts of behavior, diet, reproduction, habitat, and other aspects of ecology; notes on field identification and demographic status; and, where applicable, a roster of subspecies. The text is organized to emphasize evolutionary relationships among orders and families, and most entries include notes on the evolutionary history of the animal in question. ("The timid nature of the black bear," notes one such entry, "probably stems from its having evolved with such powerful predators as short-faced bears and sabre-toothed cats [both now extinct], and more recently with grizzly/brown bears, gray wolves, and humans.")

Readers from many fields will value this fine--and peerless--book. --Gregory McNamee

Book Description

This book covers every species within ten North American mammalian orders, including those that inhabit offshore waters. Written by more than two hundred experts, each with extensive experience in the field, descriptions include distribution maps, identification guidelines, scientific and common names, and information on behavior, diet, reproduction, growth, longevity, predation, and habitat preferences. The accounts summarize the current population status of each animal and detail distribution changes owing to human activities.

From opossums to manatees, badgers to pronghorn antelope, this authoritative volume will serve as an invaluable reference for general reader and specialist alike.

Customer Reviews:

Dream come true!.......2000-03-23

This is the book I have been looking for all my life! It is the magnificent accomplishment of numerous experts in the field of Mammalology. The level of authoritive detail is unparalleled in any Field guide, Book of Mammals, or Wildlife manual. Coupled with excellent Photos (almost all color) and plenty of information on every species, This book dominates the literature on the subject. As informative as a species account in a scientific journal, but easy to read, this book is an absolute must have for nature lovers, wildlife professionals and everyone in between! The hands down winner of my extensive animal library. Deserves more stars (10! ).

A complete, high-quality reference........2000-01-27

This book was indeed a welcome and valuable addition to our high school library. It provides an interesting and comprehensive commentary on each mammal, including such topics as the special features or habits, the risks to the animal in today's world, efforts being made for its protection, descriptions of typical dens or living quarters, social group characteristics, food preferences and hunting, etc. Each article is signed and then followed by a summary such as would be found in a field guide (size, common names, references, etc.). Includes indexes by both common and scientific names, a glossary, bibliography, and photography credits.

Average customer rating:

original and independent

best technique book

Excellent Review of Aikido's Link to Swordfighting

Great Book

The Aikido book

Structure of Aikido: Volume 1: Kenjutsu and Taijutsu Sword and Open-Hand Movement Relationships (Structure of Aikido, Vol 1)
Gaku Homma
Manufacturer: Frog, Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Aikido | Martial Arts | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Martial Arts | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Aikido Weapons Techniques: The Wooden Sword, Stick, and Knife of Aikido

Aikido Exercises for Teaching and Training

Aikido for Life

The Hidden Roots of Aikido: Aiki Jujutsu Daitoryu

The Aikido Master Course: Best Aikido 2

ASIN: 1883319552
Release Date: 1997-05-16

Book Description

In this remarkable interpretation of the foundation of Aikido technique, Gaku Homma focuses on the relationship between Japanese swordsmanship and open-hand movement, uniting historical tradition with the contemporary development of the art of Aikido. Although the study of Kenjutsu and Aikido have long been associated, this is the first book in which actual Aikido techniques are related to sequences used with the sword. Sixteen hundred frame-by-frame photos mirror the movement shared by both arts.

Customer Reviews:

original and independent.......2007-04-03

I love Gaku Homma's books for their straightforwardness. This one is exactly what the subtitle says it is. I wish there were a higher text-to-photo ratio, but mostly I wish Gaku Homma had finished the series of which this was the first book. If you train in aikido already, I suspect there's a good chance you've seen this material already. But if you train in other martial arts and have an interest in aikido, I think this book could be very informative for you.

best technique book.......2005-09-11

This is the best technique book I have ever read. The book is very practical in the order that it is layed out; and clear in showing the relationship between the the arts. The clearity and order of the photos make it very easy to follow each technique from start to finish. Each technique is true to its Japanese art; their does not look to have any mix of other arts or peronal change to any of the movements. This is an excelent book.

Excellent Review of Aikido's Link to Swordfighting.......2004-11-17

This book will deepen your understanding of how Aikido techniques are linked to sword fighting. An excellent, visual presentation of Aikido footwork, timing and mental attitude. I wish Mr. Homma would complete the series he had planned with the publication of this book. Highly recommended!

Great Book.......2003-04-02

This book shows in great detail how aikido empty hand techniques related to techniques with weapons.

The Aikido book.......2001-03-22

I found the book very good, useful and interesting. It shows that even though Aikido is gracful it is also dangerous.

Average customer rating:

Excellent communication book

A wise book on listening

One of the best books I've read on communication

very helpful book, I recommend it

Awesome lessons in positive communication

The Art of Talking So That People Will Listen: Getting Through to Family, Friends & Business Associates
Paul W. Swets
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

People Skills: How to Assert Yourself, Listen to Others, and Resolve Conflicts

Messages: The Communication Skills Book

The 7 Powers of Questions: Secrets to Successful Communication in Life and at Work

How to Say It At Work: Putting Yourself Across with Power Words, Phrases, Body Language, and Communication Secrets

Listening- The Forgotton Skill: A Self- Teaching Guide (Wiley Self-Teaching Guides)

ASIN: 0671761552

Customer Reviews:

Excellent communication book.......2007-10-02

This book is an excellent all around communication book written for the person just entering the business world, the seasoned professional, parents, or simply anyone that would like to become a better communicator. It's fairly large font size and smaller book format make it very easy to read.

The book covers literally everything from the very basics of communication to effective listening and even includes a section on communicating with children! I was impressed with many of the real life examples given in througout the book that most of us can relate to. The type of examples used made it very easy to relate the topic of discussion to my own personal life and apply the concepts with confidence.

I have noticed a difference in the reactions of people I am trying to communicate with when applying the techniques spelled out in the book. If this book was required reading in High Schools I believe we see much improved parent-child relationships and a more effective new work force due to improved communication.

A wise book on listening.......2007-03-08

I expected cliches. Instead, this book gives wonderfully useful advice on how to communicate with people. I found it wise, profound, easy-to-read, and packed with practical steps to improve listening. I have taught a listening course for years. Paul Swets' book taught me about many techniques that I did not already know. It also taught me how to listen much better than I had been doing--although I was already a trained mediator. More than that, it taught me a lot about how to be a better human. I recommend it strongly to anyone who teaches communication, or who simply wants to communicate better. Enjoy!

One of the best books I've read on communication.......2004-04-27

"The Art of Talking so That People Will Listen" offers great insight and practical tips and language skills to use in building and strengthening your relationships. I have used this in course content I develop and it is always received very well. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to sharpen their verbal and written communication skills.

very helpful book, I recommend it.......2003-11-01

The art of talking so that people will listen help you (1) establish goals to improve (2) understand and improve in communicating (3) provide strategy for persuasive communication.

Having read other similar books, I'd say this one was very helpful. This book would probably be of little value to experienced communicators, because it covers basics. Which is good for beginners, it is short. You really must practice what you learn from the book in order to improve, not just read it. To help you better understand what's in the book, here are some topics.

1) Eliminate negative commutation habits
2) Learn the art of listening
3) Discover how communication works
4) Win peoples attention
5) Develop the courage to say no
6) Establish respect when talking to kids
7) Create closeness with people you care about
8) Dissolve discord
9) Persuade people to cooperate with you

The most helpful chapter for me was on perusing people to cooperate with you. He rightly stated that most people resist change unless they can see its resulting benefit. So he provided five steps for achieving cooperation. (1)Attention, (2)Comprehension, (3)Belief, (4)Retention, (5)Action. I enjoyed reading his explanation and suggestions for each step. I believe they are right on target.

He tells us to set goals to our communication so that our speech won't be left to habit or impulse of the moment, he then proceeds to tell you how and why. Because he says that people pick up clues not only from voice, but from our actions, our facial expressions, and tone of voice.

Another really good and helpful chapter was on listening. If we don't know how to listen, our communications will suffer. And so here too he talks about five level of listening.

Bottom Line: If you are interested in improving your communication, this is a very good book to start with. I was not disappointed with this book, but its not all that great to receive 5 stars. One reason is because there are some good information missing in this book.

Awesome lessons in positive communication.......1998-12-20

I feel a need to write a review of this book for two simple reasons: Number one is that it has had a profound effect on my life regarding my self-image and effectiveness in dealing with others, and number two, it will do the same for you. The bonus is that just by learning the information presented by Dr. Swets, it will also have a tremendously positive impact on those you love as well.

The title gives a hint (yet can't possibly do justice) to the actual wisdom and teachings contained in the book. Obviously, most people, because they are talking, feel as though they are also communicating. But that's not so. Just hearing you or me talk does not necessarily mean that the other person is "listening." And unless they are listening, what you and I say will not have much impact. A key to personal success is talking so that the other person not only will listen, but be inclined to take your point of view as well. This is true regardless of whether one is dealing with spouse, small and teenage children, friends, neighbors, employees, employers, customers, prospects, or that person you may meet just one time in your life.

I love what Dr. Swets says on page four: Communication that wins a positive response from others can provide you with a new way of life. Nothing is more essential to success in any area of your life than the ability to communicate well. Nothing can compare to the joy of communicating love, of being heard and understood completely, of discovering some profound insight from another's mind . . . Self-concepts are enhanced, attitudes broadened, beliefs depended, perspectives clarified, hopes restored, frustrations dissolved, hurt feeling healed.

Although much of what Dr. Swets teaches will show you how to live life with a minimum of personal 'hassles' with others (in other words, 'prevention'), he also includes a brilliant chapter dealing with "Conflict Resolution" for those occasions when conflicts do occur, as they inevitably will. The fact is, there are times when conflict and misunderstandings will take place. When that happens, there needs to be a positive, win-win solution. Dr. Swets provides this in a simple-to-understand- and-apply fashion. Reading that one chapter will ensure that you'll never again have to feel as though a conflict with anyone in your life cannot be worked out. It is simply magnificent information, and worth many, many times the price of the book itself.

I feel I could write volumes just on what I learned from this book, however, I'd rather you purchase the book yourself and learn from it first hand. Let's put it this way: The venerable Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, in a very complimentary Forward to this book, put it wonderfully well when he wrote, .. . a book that outlines procedures of communication with the completeness of Dr. Swets' study becomes a working manual that can be invaluable. And I do not know of a book that more comprehensively covers the entire subject of communication. Moreover the author himself communicates in a clear and understandable manner . . . He knows how to write so people will understand, how to talk so people will listen . . .

And may I add one more note? In all the classics dealing with communication and people skills (and The Art Of Talking So That People Will Listen ranks right up there with the classics) such as How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, How To Have Confidence And Power In Dealing With People by Les Giblin, as well as those on general success such as Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, the great authors all teach in terms of "universal principles", natural laws that have stood the test of time and will transfer from situation to unique situation. Yes, techniques change from time to time, but principles never do. The principles taught by Dr. Swets will work for you, your children, your grandchildren, etc. I could not personally give this book a higher recommendation.

Book Description

Whether you are a quiet, stay-at-home mom or a seasoned public speaker, Talking So People Will Listen gives you practical new communication tools. Florence and Marita know their subject inside-out. Here it is-a personal seminar in a book, just for you.

Customer Reviews:

Woman of Confidence.......2005-09-23

This book allows the readers to see things from another person's point of view, which is a very valuable life tool.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A MENTOR, LOOK NO FURTHER!.......2001-08-26

Yes, it is true that Talking So People Will Listen is an excellent resource for professional speakers, but it is also an excellent resource for anyone wanting to be coached and mentored regarding communications. You will learn to be a more effective in all areas of communication--verbal, written and electronic as well as public speaking. This well written, easy to read book offers many practical and personal suggestions covering a variety of subjects. For example in written communication, when you send a sympathy card be sure to include a note about what the surviving relative meant to the deceased. "Sally, your mother was blessed to have you as her daughter. I know how much she cherished you, not only as a daughter, but as a friend, too." Ever struggled with handling compliments? What about criticisms? This book gives you suggestions for handling both in a gracious manner. More practical tips are gleaned from a study on the four basic personalities. Depending on what personality type you are communicating with, you will learn how to adjust your approach so you can be more effective with that person. Ever wonder what to wear? You even get great fashion advice in this book! And of course there are important tips, suggestions and resources for the professional, the aspiring and even the terrified public speaker. You will learn how to organize your material, develop your subject matter and sharpen your presentation style--even if all you need to do is make an introduction. Which, by the way, is a very important job! Whether you speaking to the masses or to the grocery store clerk, don't miss the opportunity to be coached and mentored by two of the best in the field of communication. After all, no matter where we communicate, we are called to "shine like the stars" (Philippians 2). Talking So People Will Listen definitely helps you shine!

The Total Communicator.......2001-08-23

The title doesn't do justice to all that's offered in this book. To adapt a title from the 1970s, this book is about "The Total Communicator." Florence and Marita help us understand communication from several angles, but, most important, coach us on how to make a difference with the words we write and speak. In keeping with their niche as personality analysts, they help us see we can change certain personality habits to better communicate with others. Recognizing that written communication is equally important, they include two chapters on writing notes. You'll want to bookmark the suggestions on what to write in difficult times, such as failure or bereavement. The last third of the book includes many of the suggestions offered in their training seminars for public speaking. If you find yourself frustrated in trying to communicate with other people, shy about saying what's on your heart, or just yearning to do it all better, absorb the real-to-life ideas in this book.

Improve Your Communication Skills!.......2001-08-17

Whether you're speaking before a crowd of thousands, an office staff of dozens, or just trying your best to communicate with your own family, TALKING SO PEOPLE WILL LISTEN is an excellent source for communication tips and practical advice. Florence and Marita Littauer, gifted communicators in both the spoken and written word, will help you discover your own natural communication style, and even improve on it. With plenty of the authors' own anecdotes, this book is fun to read and full of good information. If we're going to survive in this world, we have to learn how to interact with each other. We need to speak so others will listen, and we need to listen, really listen, to what others are saying, and not just what we think they're saying. This book helps us do just that. If you want to be a more effective communicator at home and on the job, I highly recommend it.

Improve Your Communication Skills!.......2001-08-17

Average customer rating:

Talking So People Will Listen
Florence and Marita Littauer
Manufacturer: Family Christian Stores, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UZZOHE

ART OF TALKING SO THAT PEOPLE WILL LISTEN

Average customer rating:

ART OF TALKING SO THAT PEOPLE WILL LISTEN
Paul Swets
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OHQIS2

The Art of Talking So That People Will Listen: Getting Through to Family, Friends, and Business Associates

Average customer rating:

The Art of Talking So That People Will Listen: Getting Through to Family, Friends, and Business Associates
Paul W. Swets
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000P3XC1G

Book Description

Striptease recreates the combustible mixture of license, independence, and sexual curiosity that allowed strippers to thrive for nearly a century. Rachel Shteir brings to life striptease's Golden Age, the years between the Jazz Age and the Sexual Revolution, when strippers performed around the country, in burlesque theatres, nightclubs, vaudeville houses, carnivals, fairs, and even in glorious palaces on the Great White Way. Taking us behind the scenes, Shteir introduces us to a diverse cast of characters that collided on the burlesque stage, from tight-laced political reformers and flamboyant impresarios, to drag queens, shimmy girls, cootch dancers, tit serenaders, and even girls next door, lured into the profession by big-city aspirations. Throughout the book, readers will find essential profiles of famed performers, including Gypsy Rose Lee, "the Literary Stripper"; Lili St. Cyr, the 1950s mistress of exotic striptease; and Blaze Starr, the "human heat wave," who literally set the stage on fire. Striptease is an insightful and entertaining portrait of an art form at once reviled and embraced by the American public. Blending careful research and vivid narration, Rachel Shteir captures striptease's combination of sham and seduction while illuminating its surprisingly persistent hold on the American imagination.

Customer Reviews:

A "Highbrow" look at a "Lowbrow" art form........2005-11-22

This book really started my serious fascination with Burlesque Striptease. It truly deserves status as an art form. Shteir has broken it down and explained the history of the style from its inception, in a studied and reverant way. If you really seek a firm understanding of the history of this art form (perhaps to better appreciate the burlesque revival we are currently experiencing) this is a wonderful book for you. Ladies will enjoy the astute feminist take on the topic, as well as the empowered women of the Burlesque world. Gentlemen with likely appreciate the eye-candy, as well as the vintage element of the tease--buy a copy, and tell prospective girlfriends that you are "...so tired of explicit internet images..."

I don't know what to believe is true with this author.......2005-11-12

After Ms. Shteir wrote a "hatchet job" of an article on a recent conference I organized, I had to take a look at her book. I wish I had done so before I had allowed her to attend and write about our conference. Her article was so filled with errors, misquotes, and mean-spiritedness. I was reassured to read the reviews online here about her book and to find that many others shared my concern about her sloppy attention to facts. She is the most unprofessional writer I have encountered. In breezing through her book, I had no faith in her historical accounts and noticed a style more concerned with its own edgy language than in conveying an authentic and accurate description and mood of its subject matter. I would alert any potential reader of this book to beware. It is self-serving, self-promoting, and provocative for the sake of being provocative. I'm sure there must be better books on this subject.

A sober history of an intoxicating subject.......2005-10-18

Shteir's thorough research is fleshed-out by her concise writing and moderate tone. This is a scholarly but entertaining review of how show-business from the early 19th century to the present has explored its outer limits, and how the clientele have responded. It will take its place in due course with contemporary accounts of gladiatorial contests, bear-baiting and the bullring: those times and places where entertainment as either the living spectacle, or the distant retrospective confronts us with just what sort of people we are, that we get our jollys in such a medium.

Filled with errors.......2005-06-05

This was probably the worse book I have ever had the misfortune to examine. Did the author check anything she wrote in the book, or did she just blindly copy her "National Enquirer" type sources? Dixie Evans is NOT an alcoholic and Rose LaRose was NOT a pornographer.

Burning to death from tap shoes is probably the silliest thing I have ever read!

Stick to "Gypsy" or "My Journey Burlesque" for first hand accounts. There are other excellent reference books available.

Untruths.......2005-05-05

I own a number of burlesque-themed films on VHS, mostly actual stage performances from the 1940's and 1950's. These films are discussed in the book, and I was surprised to find descriptions that sometimes seem drawn from thin air.

On page 287, author Shteir tells us, "For example, in A Night At the Follies (1956), a murder provides an excuse to see undressed women backstage." There is no murder nor any other plot and no visits backstage -- it simply films an actual burlesque show.

On page 287 - 288, stripper Tempest Storm in A Night In Hollywood is described as "guiding audiences through an evening of burlesque striptease, comedy, ragtime and jazz music, and stripping." Storm doesn't guide anybody through anything. She does not appear until the very end of the show, as was the custom for the star, and dances for eight minutes without one audible word.

On page 288, describing female impersonator Vicki Lynn's act in Varietease, "In the last moments, Lynn takes off the wig to reveal her bald head." Actually Lynn has a full head of hair, without any sign of baldness.

On page 289, turning to mainstream movies, Shteir comments on the 1958 hit The Naked and the Dead, and stripper Lili St. Cyr's role. She tells us the movie "pumped up the sex and violence considerably, partly by casting St. Cyr to play Croft's wife." Wrong. Sergeant Croft's wife was played by Barbara Nichols. Lili St. Cyr played Private Wilson's girlfriend, and she was only in the film for two minutes. Shteir does not mention the brevity of St. Cyr's role, but tells us, "St. Cyr plays a selfish, cold, neurotic, sexually omnivorous stripper - a cartoon of a woman." Wrong, wrong, wrong. The only thing right is that St. Cyr played a stripper. Everything else is completely at odds with the film, where Lili is a warm, smiling, light-hearted woman who knows she'll be arrested if she strips but performs as usual because, "I gotta have integrity with my public, even if I gotta pay for it." All we see of her act is a slow dance that resembles a hula (and reveals less). Wilson adores her, and she sends him money when he's overseas.

Shteir has academic credentials and a reputable publisher, but I wouldn't trust anything she says.

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