Snakes of Western Australia

Product Description

An extensively revised field guide to identify the more than 100 species of snakes found in Western Australia and its surrounding seas. Each species account provides scientific and common names, description, distribution map, and b/w line drawing of the upper and lateral head shields. Over 100 full-color photographs, b/w line drawings, and maps.

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SNAKES OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
G.M. et al: Storr
Manufacturer: Pan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000W2RZ9A

Book Description

The Rough Guide to Portugal is the ultimate handbook to one of Europe''s most beguiling countries. The full-colour introduction includes stunning photos of the best sights and activities, from the famous resorts of the Algarve to the nightlife of Lisbon, from historic Evora to the wine lodges of Porto. There are lively accounts of all the attractions, including those well off-the-beaten-track and practical tips on outdoor activities such as exploring the country''s magnificent mountains, endless beaches and stunning national parks. In every chapter there are good maps and plans, complete with keys for all accommodation, eating and drinking establishments. Finally, in the ''contexts'' section there is unrivalled cultural background Â- from fado to cuisine, football to history.

Customer Reviews:

Cannot recommend (10th edition).......2005-02-16

Although I usually stick with Lonely Planet when backpacking Europe, Amazon.com reviews of Lonely Planet Portugal were mixed and I found Rick Steves' Portugal to have quite incomplete coverage of the whole country (just look at the table of contents for proof), so I decided to try Rough Guides. Unfortunately, this was a mistake. Note that unlike the other reviewer, I am not comparing Rough Guide to Lonely Planet; I have not had a chance to use Lonely Planet Portugal.

On the positive side, unlike Rick Steves', the book is quite comprehensive and covers many different cities across Portugal, including my favorite hilltop town of Marvao. The maps are generally good and accurate as to where streets, accommodations, restaurants, tourist information, and bars are located. I also really enjoy the "40 things not to miss" in the front of the book, complete with pictures. Good history section on Portugal as well.

However, my negative experiences with this book on the road outweigh these positives. Here are some examples:

I was in Evora with an hour to go before my bus left and while on the town, I needed to know (1) where I could exchange my traveler's cheques without paying an arm and a leg and if I couldn't do this, (2) does my pensao take credit cards? This book was not able to provide either information! There was zero exchange or bank information either written on Evora or on the map, and no credit card information provided for any of the accommodations. I would point out that Evora is one of the more frequented cities in Portugal, and certainly the hub of the Alentejo region. I walked back to my pensao without exchanging, only to find they did not accept credit cards. I made my bus but had to do a lot more walking.

I also arrived in Fatima in the evening and the book provided no map of the town. While it is not a gigantic town, Fatima is a very important site for Catholics and also receives tens of thousands of visitors in both May and October. I feel a map is essential. Tourist office was closed. We spent an extra half hour trying to find a recommended hotel and had to ask directions several times.

I also didn't care for the organization of the Lisbon section and found it very frustrating. Here's why: Accommodation options for all sections of town are listed first. Then, for each section of the town, the guide provides the map of the section with accommodations and restaurants on the map, then goes into the sights for that section. Finally, restaurant options for all sections of town are listed last. I constantly had to flip back and forth 20-30 pages to find the map of the right section of town (see where it is), and then find the listing for the restaurant or accommodation (see if I want to eat or stay there). Better organization is clearly needed, and the restaurants and accommodations for a single section needed to be in the same section where the map is given.

The other thing I was not happy with is putting "travel details" such as travel times between city A and city B at the very end of a section of the country. Lonely Planet usually includes this in the "Getting to and from" for each city, and it is clearly better.

One more road tested problem: Portuguese-English translations are in the back of the book but I couldn't find how to say "coffee with milk" when I really needed to in a café. I later discover the translation is in the "guide to coffee" section in a different part of the book. Not helpful, needs to be in both. Same problem with ordering red wine, white wine, beer, in a restaurant.

I can't speak whether these organization problems are consistent across Rough Guides, but they were very troublesome during my time in Portugal. It just seems like they didn't actually test it out themselves on the road. I would recommend another option over this book, or at least have another book as your primary guide and this as secondary for additional restaurant or accommodation options.

I would also always recommend that you see if a DK Eyewitness Guide is available, as is the case for Portugal. I love DK Eyewitness Guides for the pictures, history, information about sights, and also the restaurant and accommodation options when you want to splurge a little more.

Now a couple of other quick tips if you are considering a trip to Portugal: the pousadas are lovely places to stay and the staff is unbelievably helpful. The Barrio Alto region of Lisbon is an amazing place for all kinds of different ethnic restaurants, packed in a tight little area. I come from the world of trains across the rest of Europe, but the buses are always faster and more frequent in Portugal. Sintra, Obidos, and Marvao are must sees, the latter being somewhat hard to get to.

Rough Guide (9th ed.) vs. Lonely Planet (2nd ed.).......2000-08-24

This review compares the Rough Guides Portugal (9th ed.) with Lonely Planet Portugal (2nd ed.).

We just returned from 2.5 weeks in Portugal. This was our first trip to Portugal and we took and used extensively the Portugal books from Lonely Planet and Rough Guide. We didn't visit the Algarve or Alentejo, concentrating on Lisbon and north.

Both books were good, but overall we preferred the Rough Guide book. It was better organized and more up to date. It's writing was more incisive, lively, and witty.

Here are some details as I saw them:

LP maps often covered a wider area and had more detail than the RG maps, but they were in smaller type and often difficult to read. On more than one occassion a cab driver pulled out his spectacles to read the LP map.

Rough Guide had more up to date phone numbers. LP did not have the up to date area codes (the leading 0 has been changed to a 2). In addition, for many properties in the north they had a 5 digit phone number, when now they are all six. More disturbingly, they have no update on their website for either the corrected area code or phone numbers. In fact, there was no Portugal update to the guide at all. (I'm not talking of the 'unverified travelers' reports.)

LP provided more detailed information about the nitty-gritty details of traveling, e.g., money, trains, internet access, etc.

RG presented the towns around Aveiro better. It was through it that we learned of Sao Jacinto, Torreira, and so on. These were not indexed in LP. We didn't discover that LP had some information on them until much later because it was more hidden in the Aveiro section. Since we had already decided to not stay in Aveiro we didn't think to look there. Although they were also in the Aveiro section of RG, they had their own headings and were also indexed.

Similarly, RG highlighted Belmonte in the mountains. This town was interesting in itself and also in that it now holds one of Portugal's largest remaining Jewish communities and its new synogogue. Jews had previously worshipped secretly in a town house until 1974, now replaced by the new building. (I'm writing this using a mouse pad I purchased at the Belmonte castle for $1.50 with images of columns from the Mosteiro da Batalha!)

I also preferred RG's treatment of Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela and of Parque Natural de Montesinho.

We used several recommendations for restaurants and accommodations from the books. Their batting averages were about the same: good but not great. One African dance club listed in both books was now a female stip place, as my wife discovered when seeing if the cab had taken us to the right address. (I was waiting in the cab.) I felt they were generally too generous in their evaluation of hotels and restaurants.

Both books had several failings common to them and to other guide books that we've used.

Nearly all the accommodations and restaurants are in tourist areas. We were fortunate to stay in Lisbon in a residential district. It was comforting to leave in the morning and not be surrounded by hordes of fellow tourists. Similarly, we were the only obvious tourists in the local restaurants, some of which were excellent. Nor were we out in the sticks where a car was required. We were right off the #28 tram line, recommended as the best tram to ride simply for riding it in both books.

Several other times during the trip we stayed and ate outside the centro area. In some cases a car would have been needed, but we were only several km out of center. In any case, I think both books should offer more 'out of centro' possibilities, especially when transportation is available.

LP is out front in saying that its reviewers do not stay at all the hotels or eat at all the restaurants they list. I would like it if the reviews would be initialized with the reviewers initials for the ones that they personally tried. This would also allow us to see and evaluate each reviewer's tastes and standards as our trip progressed, not to mention to see which places they really tried. One LP writer (not an author of this book) in discussing restaurants wrote: "As one of those LP writers I can tell you that it is not physically possible to eat even a 'little bit of a meal' in each of those restaurants :-) What we all tend to do is eat at a broad cross-section within the norms of natural eating times and visit the other restaurants and talk to the owner or even the diners if it can be done discretely. In the same vein we don't sleep at every hotel!"

Talk to the owners! Now there's something for an unbiased, disinterested evaluation!

Both books are oriented to train travelers, but they should have some more info on driving too, which is not expensive. For example, neither had a mileage chart between major cities and, more importantly, neither had a chart of expected driving times. Using the 'N' roads which look like major highways can take quite a bit of time because they are mostly two lane roads, often twisty and hilly, and can have a lot of SLOW truck traffic. You'd probably be better off driving on the back roads, both for time and scenery, and for that small village, local feel. But you'd never know it from these books. This complaint isn't restricted to just LP and RG, of course.

In addition, both books were quite short on history, culture and demographics. How religious are the Portuguese? (We were asked on several occassions whether we were 'religioso'.) What is the median and mean income of each of the areas (even of Portugal as a whole) and how does this compare to the rest of western Europe. What are contemporary middle-class Portuguese characteristics?

It wouldn't have taken more than an additional 10 or 15 pages for such information, and it would have made our trip more meaningful.

In sum, again, both guides were good with room for improvement, with our preferring the Rough Guide overall.

A great guide book - don't go to Portugal without it!.......2000-08-08

I have been to Portugal countless times and just like the country itself, the Rough Guide to Portugal never ceases to amaze me. This book is the perfect guide - light enough to carry around in a purse and yet absolutely comprehensive. All regions of Portugal are covered, even small villages are described if they have something of interest. And the way places are described is what makes this book so good - the writing is so witty, so apt, that I find myself rereading sections just for the chuckle. The guide includes tons of maps, precise directions, prices for museums, transportation, hotels, restaurants. The directions are oriented towards non drivers - that is, if you are relying on public transportation or your own two feet to get you around Portugal, then this book is excellent. The recommendations are always right on target and I have always found the information to be accurate. There are no color photographs in my edition which doesn't detract at all from the book. However, the new edition does have some nice pictures.

So, my advice to you dear reader is: Visit Portugal - and take your Rough Guide with you!

Customer Reviews:

Thank you, Francisco Palou.......2000-02-24

Palou dedicated his life to the missionary works in America, along with his friend Junipero Serra. Together they visited many cities in both Mexico and California preaching Christianity to the natives. Palou wrote a book on the life of Serra to preserve his memory and the great works that he accomplished. Many historical facts about California have also been discovered as a result of this book. We owe alot to Fray Francisco Palou.

Father Junipero Serra and the California Missions: And the California Missions (Proud Heritage-the Hispanic Library)

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Junipero Serra and The California Missons
Father Junipero Serra and the California Missions

Father Junipero Serra and the California Missions: And the California Missions (Proud Heritage-the Hispanic Library)
Sarah Bowler
Manufacturer: Child's World
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

Hispanic & Latino | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Traces the life of the Spanish explorer and missionary who traveled to Mexico and California to teach the Indians about Christianity and who established nine missions along the California coast.

Customer Reviews:

Junipero Serra and The California Missons.......2004-08-03

I enjoyed reading this book. It was easy to read and understand. It is a great resource to use in the classroom. The book contains a lot of information regarding Father Serra. It is written in a form that provides just enough information for the average fourth or fifth grade student.

Father Junipero Serra and the California Missions.......2003-11-04

I thought this book was good because it offers very good information about Father Serra, and it's easy for children to read. There are not many books on Father Serra, I only found a few but they were too long for young children to read. I was very interested while reading the book, and I enjoyed it.

Bicentennial Mission San Buenaventura 1782-1982 The Ninth of Twenty-One California Missions Founded By Father Junipero Serra

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Bicentennial Mission San Buenaventura 1782-1982 The Ninth of Twenty-One California Missions Founded By Father Junipero Serra
Patrick et al Hughes
Manufacturer: San Buenaventura Mission
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J44K7Q

Father Junipero and his work;: A sketch of the foundation, prosperity, and ruin of the Franciscan missions in California (Butterfield express bi-centennial series no. 1)

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Father Junipero and his work;: A sketch of the foundation, prosperity, and ruin of the Franciscan missions in California (Butterfield express bi-centennial series no. 1)
Helen Hunt Jackson
Manufacturer: Frontier Pub. Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Father Junipero Serra: California Missions Founder

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Father Junipero Serra: California Missions Founder
Carole Marsh
Manufacturer: Gallopade Pub Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Father Junipero Serra: The Traveling Missionary

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Father Junipero Serra: The Traveling Missionary
Linda Lyngheim
Manufacturer: Langtry Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

jp-unknown2 | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 091536901X

Never Turn Back: Father Serra's Mission (Stories of America)

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Never Turn Back: Father Serra's Mission (Stories of America)
James J. Rawls
Manufacturer: Steck-Vaughn
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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The Iron Dragon Never Sleeps
By the Great Horn Spoon!
Island of the Blue Dolphins

ASIN: 0811472213

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Old Father's Long Journey
Beulah Karney
Manufacturer: Clc Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Book Description

The true and historically informing story of the founding of the California Missions is viewed through the mind and heart of the young Achastan who was Fathera Junipero Serra's interpreter and guide. Together they made the dangerous journey by sea and muleback from Monterey to Mexico City. There Serra obtained the order that freed the missions from military authority and placed their Native American residents under mission protection.

Old Father is written in the classic tradition of a story for all ages, yet with a simplicity children Fourth Grade and older can read, comprehend, and enjoy.

Design!: A Lively Guide to Design Basics for Artists & Craftspeople
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A clear (and gorgeous) presentation

Easy Reading Design Education

Well-written guide with a wide range of aesthetically pleasing examples.

A Great Resource

A pleasant reading

Design!: A Lively Guide to Design Basics for Artists & Craftspeople
Steven Aimone
Manufacturer: Lark Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Commercial | Graphic Design | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Creating Sketchbooks for Embroiderers and Textile Artists

Color Works: The Crafter's Guide to Color

Quilt National 2007: The Best of Contemporary Quilts (Quilt National)

Landscape in Contemporary Quilts: Design and Technique

Creative Embellishments: For Paper, Jewelry, Fabric and More

ASIN: 1600591361

Book Description

Professional artists, photographers, gardeners, chefs, and even hosts trying to set a pretty table will welcome this handsome exploration of design principles. Through hundreds of photographs and accessible text, even the most abstract design concepts—such as rhythm and balance—become easy to visualize and understand. Find out how to manipulate visual elements, work within the design space, create attractive symmetrical arrangements, establish a focal point, and more. Examples of good design range from ceramics, jewelry, architecture, and painting to clothing, hair styling, gardening, sushi, and vintage movie posters. Plus, guided exercises help users grasp each principle.

Customer Reviews:

A clear (and gorgeous) presentation.......2007-10-02

As a beginning student of design, I've been looking at a number of texts. This is the best I've come across so far. The concepts are presented concisely and in a well-organized format. The illustrations are superb, drawing from a number of crafts, media, and styles. The tone is friendly and encouraging. Recommended highly!

Easy Reading Design Education.......2007-08-07

This book is a very good choice if you are looking to broaden your horizons in design. There are lots of pictures for examples, and the text is easy reading.

Well-written guide with a wide range of aesthetically pleasing examples........2007-01-09

The book is well-written and the examples include some stunning and unusual pieces of art and craft (including painting, photography, pottery, needlework, quilting and more). It is an excellent introduction to design for beginners (artists, craftsmen and art-lovers) but even intermediate readers will find it useful.

A Great Resource.......2006-08-17

This book is a great resource. It is packed with exciting, richly varied visuals and clear, informative exercises that will enrich daily appreciation and application of principles of good design all around us. As a professional artist and teacher, I enjoy this book for myself as well as share it with my students. Design! is a great resource for the student or professional.

A pleasant reading.......2004-10-15

True! Design is everywhere you look but if you don't understand what you are staring at then design is useless. Fortunately, Steven Aimone's Design! will open up your mind and guide you to see the purpose of design. What are descriptive, narrative, emotive, utilitarian, and decorative of designs? What are the elements of design (lines, shapes, textures, colors, etc.)? Why are a certain elements arranged they way they are? Why is design space important? If you're unclear about the answers to these questions, this book will help you straightened out.

As someone who gets involved with web design as a passion, I had no prior training on design. While my classes at La Salle were too busy shoving down Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, and other software programs, the fundamentals of design were not part of the curriculum. One of our art professors realized the important of the missing part and tried to cover it but the class was not as successful as it should be. The hands on assignments she gave us (the black squares exercises) were definitely on the right track but most of my classmates thought they were kindergarten because the theories were missing. If she had this book to accommodate her assignments, the class would have been a huge success; therefore, Design! should be a required textbook for any Art 101 or Introduction to Visual Design classes at colleges and universities.

Design! is not only an invaluable design inspiration but an enjoyable reading as well because of its easy to read approach and clear visual examples. I recommend this book enthusiastically to anyone who designs for a living or pleasure and to anyone who simply enjoys and appreciates the aesthetic qualities from the work of art.

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