The Great Northwest Nature Factbook: A Guide to the Region's Remarkable Animals, Plants & Natural Features

Book Description

A fun, take-along guide filled with fascinating facts about Washington, Oregon, and Idaho: rain forests to desert, geoducks to rattlesnakes, mariposa lilies to fireweed.

Customer Reviews:

The Great Northwest Factbook.......2000-04-02

What a fun book! It's easy to read and informative. The descriptive language encourages you to visualize each entry. I plan to use it to encourage research at my elementary school with this book. Students studying Washington State, and environmental education will find this resource very helpful.

Book Description

For businesspeople, students, travelers-- perfect for anyone who wants to quickly find a word, its pronunciation and use. This "pocket pal" can be used equally well by beginners or by those who already have a good working knowledge of the language.Over 11,000 entries (5000+ Spanish/English, 5000+ English/Spanish). Pronunciation accompanies Spanish words on both sides, along with helpful usage information.Pronunciation Guide explains the sounds of Spanish, how to produce and combine them-- takes the mystery out of developing a good accent!Concise Spanish Grammar for a quick overview or specific explanations; sections include nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, sentence formation, etc., plus verb tables for instant look-ups.Phrases for Use Abroad gives you the right thing to say (and how to pronounce it) in a number of everyday situations.Menu Reader, complete with pronunciation, ensures you'll never be surprised by what you order!

Book Description

The Horizon Scientific Press titles focus on high-level microbiology and molecular biology topics. Written by internationally renowned and highly respected leaders in the field, titles in this series comprise of review manuals, practical manuals, and reference texts for research scientists, bioscience professionals and graduate students.

Engineering living cells continues to pose immense challenges to the researcher. In fact many bioengineers have only just started to appreciate the full extent of the hierarchical control used by living systems: upon attempts to increase the activity of a "rate-limiting" step, the multiple feedbacks at the metabolic, signaling and genetic levels result in the rate limiting step shifting to elsewhere in that pathway or even to elsewhere in the whole organism. The advent of full-force genomics should enable preventing this response, however, it has been difficult for researchers to know where to turn for guidance. This book aims to help the reader understand and deal with the plasticity of living cell factories and to turn the plasticity into the desired rather than the adverse direction.
The book brings together all the recent, most important breakthroughs in this exciting field: Internationally renowned key scientists have reviewed each topic in detail. In the Introduction, the editors give an overview of new approaches and spell out what the engineer and the industry may now really begin to aim for; they even adapt the definition of metabolic engineering to befit the post-genomics era.
Other topics included are: the experimental approaches necessary to understand cellular regulation at all of its hierarchical levels, including proteomics [Chapter 2], metabolomics [Chapter 3] and fluxomics [Chapter 4]; new tools that help metabolic engineering [Chapters 5-7]; modeling of living cells, e.g. finding metabolic pathways [Chapter 8] and comparing the actual and predicted use of these in living organisms such as E. coli and Corynebacteria [Chapters 9, 10]; the optimization of cell factories as production organisms (e.g., use of whole cell models, silicon cells, and coordinate manipulation of multiple genes [Chapters 12-15]). A chapter on future perspectives directs further developments of the field in the near future.

Metabolic Engineering in the Post Genomic Era is an essential reading for everyone with an interest in engineering living cells including: Metabolic egnineers, bioengineers, biotechnologists, molecular biologists, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Customer Reviews:

A heterogeneous collection by various authors.......2005-01-08

The best place to start reading this book is the last chapter - not the back cover, which says obscurely and uninvitingly that "this book aims to help the reader understand and deal with the plasticity of living cell factories and to turn this plasticity into a desired rather than an adverse direction," and not the first chapter, which is too dense to provide the introduction that the book needs. The final chapter, in contrast, lists a set of fourteen highly pertinent questions that an engineer might ask, starting with "I have now activated the rate-limiting step in the metabolic pathway leading to my product. Why do I not see an increase in production?", and provides short practical answers together with pointers to appropriate chapters where the questions are dealt with in more detail. As there is no Preface, this is the best guide we are likely to get as to why the particular set of authors were collected together to write the book.

There are some excellent chapters, including Stefan Schuster's account of metabolic pathway analysis, which deals with a problem that has become especially acute now that the avalanche of new genomic data has given us a huge amount of sequence information unaccompanied by the enzyme characterization needed for making sense of it all. His own analysis of elementary flux modes provides one way of trying to deduce something about the biochemistry of an organism from the genome alone, without using the (usually missing) kinetic information, but he also mentions alternatives such as extreme pathways (discussed by Bernhard Palsson and colleagues elsewhere in the book).

Other good chapters include accounts of magnetic resonance methods as tools for functional genomics (Kevin Brindle), analysis of regulatory strengths in networks (Pedro Mendes and others), use of databases (Peter Karp), mathematical modelling (Wolfgang Wiechert and Ralf Takors), and so on. Some of these are individually excellent, but it is not easy to see how the whole collection hangs together to make a book, and hence not easy to guess who is likely to buy it.

Incidentally, the answer the editors give to the question that I quoted at the beginning is that it is rare to have a single rate-limiting step in a pathway, and even if there is one control will readily shift to a different enzyme if it is overexpressed. True enough, of course, but I wonder how convincing it is to people who have managed to ignore the message from metabolic control analysis for some three decades. As the experimental evidence (for overexpression of phosphofructokinase in fermenting yeast) has been in the literature now for more than half of that time, it might be better to start with the observation and give the explanation afterwards.

Book Description

This book presents the foundations of Euclidean geometry from the point of view of mathematics, taking advantage of all the developments since the appearance of Hilbert's classic work. Here, real affine space is characterized by a small number of axioms involving points and line segments making the treatment self-contained and thorough. This treatment is accessible for final year undergraduates and graduate students, and can also serve as an introduction to other areas of mathematics such as matroids and antimatroids, combinatorial convexity, the theory of polytopes, projective geometry and functional analysis.

Extremal elements of certain convex cones of functions (National Science Foundation research project on geometry of function space : report)

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Extremal elements of certain convex cones of functions (National Science Foundation research project on geometry of function space : report)
E. K McLachlan
Manufacturer: University of Kansas, Dept. of Mathematics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Ordered incidence geometry and the geometric foundations of convexity theory (Research report)

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Ordered incidence geometry and the geometric foundations of convexity theory (Research report)
A Ben-Tal
Manufacturer: Center for Cybernetic Studies, University of Texas
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Book Description

Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia, leaves the easy life of the Happy Valley, accompanied by his sister Nekayah, her attendant Pekuah, and the much-travelled philosopher Imlac. There journey takes them to Egypt, where they study the various conditions of men's lives, before returning home in a `conclusion in which nothing is concluded'. Johnson's tale is not only a satire on optimism, but also an expression of truth about the human mind and its infinite capacity for hope.

Customer Reviews:

When Is A Novel Not A Novel?.......2006-08-21

When Samuel Johnson published his THE HISTORY OF RASSELAS, PRINCE OF ABYSSINIA in 1759, his reading audience did not know quite what to make of it. It was brief, rambling, and read more like a tract on philosophy than a work of fiction. In fact, all three were valid conclusions. Its brevity is a given. Its rambling style is more of a comment on the author's mode of expression than on its content. And as for its unclear classification of genre, the reader of today is just as puzzled as the reader of Johnson's day.

For, Sam Johnson, as one of the leading figures of an age that prided itself on the harmonius and logical interaction between man and nature, it was inconceivable of him to indulge in any excess of the emotions. He did not deny their existence, but he definitely thought they should be subsumed into a rational linkage of heart to head. Given this, it is reasonable to assume that as far as RASSELAS is concerned, Johnson meant for his readers to value the implicit theme over the rambling plot. This theme he had earlier hinted at in his poem "The Vanity of Human Wishes." This poem dealt with pride as the great obstacle to human happiness. For RASSELAS, an equivalent obstacle lay in man's not knowing that the source of human happiness is always right there in front of his nose. Thus, any attempt to find happiness in the external world guaranteed the failure of that attempt.

The plot involved Rasselas, a prince of Abyssinia, who left the comfortable cocoon of his castle with three companions to find the happiness that they thought they lacked at home. As they travel they find strangers who are truly miserable. They also find those who are only too willing to rob them. The ending involves Rasselas' returning to his country in a manner that reminds me of THE WIZARD OF OZ, in which Judy Garland tells Auntie Em, "There's no place like home!" In THE ENGLISH NOVEL, Walter Allen notes that this book is "an expression of a stoicism that would be the deepest pessimism were it not for its author's almost despairing Christianity." I disagree. In Rasselas's return to his country, he has learned that in his duty to his subjects, he has found the same source of happiness as has Voltaire's Candide: the need to work one's own garden.

A Search for Happiness.......2004-11-05

Rasselas was a prince of Abyssinia, doomed to spend his life in "Happy Valley," unless he is chosen to be the King. In Happy Valley Rasselas' every need is met. He is fed and cared for and protected. However, Rasselas is unhappy in Happy Valley. Eventually he finds a man of the world who has come to Happy Valley and by the rules of entry, is now unable to leave. Eventually Prince Rasselas, the poet Imlac, Princess Nekayah and her handmaid Pekuah find a way to leave Happy Valley to journey into the world.

The travelers leave with a quantity of jewels so that they might find their way made easier, as poor travelers typically find their travels harsh. They begin to visit many different kinds of people in an effort to find happiness and thus be helped in deciding their "choice of life." The group visit common people, shepherds, an astronomer, teachers, a wealthy man, and many others. However, the group encounters an unexpected problem; they are unable to find a person who is happy. Even people who appear happy often turn out to have complaints regarding their life. The apparently happy wealthy man complains that others want his wealth. The shepherds turn out to want to live somewhere else. Everyone is dissatisfied with their lot in life.

Adding to the complexity of their search is that people take advantage of the seekers. Some people scam them out of their money. The Princess and Pekuah are kidnapped by desert raiders seeking to ransom them. It seems as though the world is a harsh place compared to Happy Valley. The seekers wonder how anyone can be happy in such a harsh and unforgiving world.

Rasselas is a philosophical tale that wonders about the nature of happiness. However, be careful of your expectations because Rasselas does not provide any ready-made answers. The answers are left to the reader. My observation regarding Rasselas and his band of travelers is that those they encountered would have thought that Rasselas led a happy life because he and his group were able to travel freely where they liked, learning new things and meeting new people. Little did the seekers realize that while they were searching for happiness they were happy.

Rasselas provides an opportunity for a person of learning to contrast his life with those who seek to find something without that is truly within. For those who look, the answer is there, including the answer to where happiness lies. Rasselas was closer than he knew, but he knew not where to look. Unfortunately the learned Imlac provide no assistance and, indeed, steered Rasselas further from the truth.

Typically philosophy books are difficult to read because they tackle complex arguments in ways that are difficult to follow. In the case of Rasselas the search for the choice of life and the search for happiness are told as a parable, making the reading somewhat easier. However, Samuel Johnson wrote this story more than two centuries ago, and the writing style and vocabulary used are likely to be challenging for many. Balancing the difficulty in reading the story is that the story is not long.

Considered by many to be a classic, here is a book that anyone who has styled himself a philosopher or just a seeker after truth should read.

A book to be read again and again.......2002-05-27

Modern America is obsessed with the pursuit of happiness. It is in the Declaration of Independence, after all. Supposedly, the pursuit of happiness is one of our "inalienable rights."

The brilliance of Samuel Johnson is that he understood that those who seek happiness are the very ones who will never find it. This book is all about Rasselas and his friends as they try to figure out which "choice of life" will lead to happiness.

The conclusion of the book is that no choice of life will truly make you happy in this world. Happiness only comes after death when we meet up with our Maker.

The key is to simply accept life as it comes. Do not try to find happiness. If you stop searching for happiness, you will be shocked suddenly when you realize that something like happiness has snuck into your life by the back door. How did that get there?

This profound and wise insight is written with the usual Johnsonian artistic and literary brilliance. A must read for modern people who think happiness is something you can buy.

an overall great book.......2001-01-03

The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia was a disheartening story about a prince who leaves the "happy valley" to pursue the choice of life. The princess and the prince, as well as the princess's favorite and their guide, enquire with all types of people in different positions to assist them in making their choice of life. I focused more on the philosophy than the story, and this, in the end, did nothing more than reassure me on the downfalls of human nature and society. It was enjoyable to read such a melancholy message expressed in an artistic and imaginative way, as I do not think that anything else would have lifted my spirits more than to know that although the downfalls illustrated in the book permeate our existence, people still retain creativity enough to express them in a pleasant way. This book is well written and the message is entertaining. It is a story that compliments the reader, as it can entertain with both its story and its opinions.

disheartening but excellent.......2001-01-03

'The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abissinia' was a disheartening story about a prince who leaves the "happy valley" to pursue the choice of life. The princess and the prince, as well as the princess's favorite and their guide, enquire with all types of people in different positions to assist them in making their choice of life. I focused more on the philosophy than the story, and this, in the end, did nothing more than reassure me on the downfalls of human nature and society. It was enjoyable to read such a melancholy message expressed in an artistic and imaginative way, as I do not think that anything else would have lifted my spirits more than to know that although the downfalls illustrated in the book permeate our existence, people still retain creativity enough to express them in a pleasant way. This book is well written and the message is entertaining. It is a story that compliments the reader, as it can entertain with both its story and its opinions.

The History of Rasselas: Prince of Abissinia (Dover Books on Literature & Drama)

Average customer rating:

Good book...poor edition

The History of Rasselas: Prince of Abissinia (Dover Books on Literature & Drama)
Samuel Johnson
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 048644094X

Book Description

The distinguished English writer's only novel provides a compelling glimpse of his moral views as he assails 18th-century optimism and man's unrealistic estimates of what life has to offer. Rasselas ponders such subjects as romantic love, flights of imagination, the great discoveries of science, and speculations about the meaning of happiness.

Customer Reviews:

Good book...poor edition.......2006-02-21

I liked the book, as it was one I would not have read myself. It was for class, and the rest of the calss bought theirs from the campus store (usually more expensive) and I got mine from Amazon and Dover. The class' edition was twice as helpful to read, due in a large part to the in-depth analysis in the intro and other included additional writings.
In all, I think the book should be read by more people as it is one mostly off the modern radar - but if you enjoy reading in-depth or getting background information, go for another edition (our class had a Penguin)

THE HISTORY OF RASSELAS PRINCE OF ABISSINIA

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THE HISTORY OF RASSELAS PRINCE OF ABISSINIA
Samuel Johnson
Manufacturer: Van Vechten & Ellis
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000QPSB3C

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The History of Rasselas Prince of Abissinia

Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HO1SSC

A History of Rasselas Prince of Abissinia

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A History of Rasselas Prince of Abissinia
Samuel Johnson
Manufacturer: J. M. Dent & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000PS7GYA

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The History of Rasselas Prince of Abissinia

Manufacturer: Oxford University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000I56Z2Y

The History of Rasselas Prince of Abissinia. Edited with an Introduction by Geoffrey Tillotson and Brian Jenkins.

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The History of Rasselas Prince of Abissinia. Edited with an Introduction by Geoffrey Tillotson and Brian Jenkins.
Samuel Johnson
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press 1971. (English Novels)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000L5ETFQ

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THE HISTORY OF RASSELAS, PRINCE OF ABISSINIA
SAMUEL JOHNSON
Manufacturer: PENGUIN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000S56XLC

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THE HISTORY OF RASSELAS, PRINCE OF ABISSINIA
SAMUEL JOHNSON
Manufacturer: PENGUIN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000S56X2G

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History Of Rasselas, Prince Of Abissinia
Samuel Johnson
Manufacturer: Penguin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JZQRI0

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