Pythons of Australia: A Natural History

Book Description

For thousands of years, snakes have inspired both fear and fascination, and no serpent has proved more intriguing than the python. Long neglected by researchers, these remarkable reptiles have attracted increasing attention over the past few decades, and a clear picture of their ecology is now emerging. Pythons of Australia: A Natural History is the first attempt to gather together everything known about the biology of Australia's pythons into a single, accessible and easy-to-read volume. Illustrated with 34 spectacular color photographs and some wonderfully detailed line drawings, Pythons of Australia covers anatomy and physiology, behavior, reproduction, ecology and conservation. It provides detailed accounts and descriptions of all of the species, from the tiny pygmy python, the world's smallest, to the scrub python, which can reach up to five meters in length. Pythons are becoming increasingly popular as pets, and the book also contains a valuable overview of their captive care and breeding.

Customer Reviews:

This is a really good book for python keepers.......2004-10-18

not much to add,but in general I can say that this is a professional book with all information for experienced pythons keepers,who want to know more.

Pythons of Australia: Australian Natural History Series (Australian Natural History)

Average customer rating:

Pythons of Australia: Australian Natural History Series (Australian Natural History)
Geordie Torr
Manufacturer: University of New South Wales Press (UNSW Press)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Pythons of the World: Australia (Herpetocultural Library)

Average customer rating:

Excellent book over boids
A must-have for any reptile enthusiast!

Pythons of the World: Australia (Herpetocultural Library)
David Barker
Manufacturer: Advanced Vivarium Systems
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Australia | Australia & Oceania | History | Subjects | Books

Reptiles & Amphibians | Field Guides | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1882770277

Customer Reviews:

Excellent book over boids.......2004-06-20

This book covers all python species found in Australia. It provides in depth information, both as it relates to captivity and natural history and behaviour. There's also some magnificent photographs.
This book has the most complete info published for many of Oz's pythons species; it covers the obscure ones better than any other (trust me, try to find any other info on rough scaled pythons!). It gives the best information in any one source for many of the common ones.
Furthermore, this book actually caters to people that are neither hard core, PhD holding scientist, nor novices. It's great; a book for those of us that aren't either extreme. We're a neglected market. If you're interested in pythons in general, this book is worth having, if you can get ahold of it; it provides insights into python physiology and ecology that will serve you in good stead. And if you're interested in any of the Oz pythons, it's a must have! Great info, and lots of it, good photography, and solid, new information; this is one of the better herp books out there, and I really hope they can finish up the series.

A must-have for any reptile enthusiast!.......1999-05-08

This Book documents, describes and differentiates between the various species of python found on the continent of Australia. Anyone familiar with the work of David and Tracey Barker also knows that this book was inevitable for them to write. Very few other people have the knowledge and experience necessary to even attempt the task of dividing and classifying such a variable group of creatures. This daunting taxonomic task is accomplished with an approach of pure scientific sensibility. The book contains many beautiful photographs, some of which are of pythons rarely seen in the wild or in captivity.Each python is described in meticulous detail with notes on the captive care and breeding. The only possible improvement that could have been made would have been the inclusion of standard as well as metric measurements. This book easily stands out as one of the finest herpetelogical works ever written and is truly deserving of the 5 star rating. Oh, and by the way, spend the few extra bucks for the hardcover, you'll be glad you did!

Book Description

Now in a special 25th anniversary edition and filled with brilliant wisdom and insights, Beyond Boredom and Anxiety offers a timeless introduction to the concept of flow and the scientific basis behind it-all through the work of one of the field's great scientists, Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi. Through real-life examples, discover how enjoyable activities provide a common experience-a satisfying, often exhilarating, feeling of creative accomplishment and heightened functioning-and under what conditions 'serious' work can also provide this intrinsic enjoyment.

Customer Reviews:

A Good Read!.......2001-09-06

Mihaly Csikszentmihaly presents a detailed examination of motivation based on a study of a half-dozen groups of people involved in recreational pursuits: rock climbers, composers, dancers, chess players and basketball players. He chose these groups in an effort to understand more fully what motivates people to engage in activities that are extremely challenging or offer few external rewards. Although some of his conclusions may be of interest to executives and managers seeking ways to motivate employees, most readers will find this academic study too detailed. Some of the interview comments are interesting, but much of the book describes survey results, a discussion that non-statisticians may be hard put to follow. Because of this complexity and because of the book's somewhat dense prose, we [...] recommend this 25-year-old reissued classic primarily to scholars or to those who are intensely curious about the nuts-and-bolts of motivation. But any human resources professional or leadership specialist should have at least a passing familiarity with its concepts and contents.

When good observations meet bad metaphors........2000-05-11

One of the major conceits in the history of psychology is that the act of paying attention can be a portal to amazing or magical things. Pay attention to a swinging watch and you become hypnotized, focus on your belly button or a mantra and you enter a blissful meditative state, and concentrate real hard while tapping your shoes together and you just may get to Kansas. The latest wonderful mind state that occurs thanks to paying attention is 'flow'. Upon interviewing a few thousand people as they went about their ordinary lives, Dr. C. discovered that many of them reported a state of pleasure or even ecstasy when they engaged in demanding tasks that challenged them to the limits of their capabilities. The fact that mountain climbers, artists, doctors, etc. reported some real good feelings while having to rapidly shift their attention to stay on a ledge, keep inspiration, or keep a patient alive seemed to indicate once again that attention, if focused just right, can be a portal to some mighty good things. In this his first book on the topic of flow, Dr. C. waxes poetic about how flow represents a heightened sense of self, undreamed level of consciousness and so on, without grounding any of it to actual neural processes. Dr. C.'s house of metaphorical cards however collapses if attention was not the antecedent for flow, but the stuff of flow itself. The critical question that Dr. C. studiously avoids is whether attention is in itself a pleasurable or hedonic thing. Modern research in neuropsychology answers the question in the affirmative, as it is well known that when attention rapidly shifts between a host of important precepts, the neuromodulator dopamine is released that keeps us rooted, alert, promotes efficiency in thinking, and feels good to boot. Dr. C. does not concern himself to explore any of these findings, preferring instead to view attention as a portal to all those good metaphysical feelings, and not a source of those good feelings themselves. But again, if Dr. C. actually was intent on finding out what flow actually is, instead of reveling in its poetry, his book would be shorter by two thirds, and lose its representation as a model for vacuous New Age thinking, which in toto represents the intellectual con of the 20th century.

Flow In Sports: The Keys to Optimal Experiences and Performances

Average customer rating:

Good book, not well written
Good, but there are better
Flow in Sports
Flow 101 - the practical guide
A nice sports psychology book

Flow In Sports: The Keys to Optimal Experiences and Performances
Susan A. Jackson
Manufacturer: Human Kinetics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Sports Medicine | Specialties | Medicine | Subjects | Books

Sports Psychology | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0880118768

Book Description

The experience of flow is still one of the least understood phenomena in sport. And yet it is one of the richest, most memorable experiences an athlete will ever know.

Some call it a natural "high." Others refer to it as being "in a zone." Whatever the label, flow is that elusive and desired state of consciousness that athletes, coaches, and psychologists have tried to understand, harness, and employ to their benefit ever since Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi first coined the term back in the early 1970s.

Written by Susan Jackson and the world-renowned Csikszentmihalyi, Flow in Sports both explains the phenomenon of optimal experience and identifies the key antecedents and conditions associated with its occurrence. Moreover, the authors specify several thoughts and actions that athletes and coaches can engage in to set the stage for flow to occur during training sessions and performances. Their insights are supported throughout the book with real-life examples, testimonial quotes, and research findings.

Find the peak experience—the added fun—that you've been missing. Get in flow, and achieve the most incredible performance state you'll ever know.

Customer Reviews:

Good book, not well written.......2004-02-19

I recently went on a binge of "mental training" books. This one came highly recommended, and I have to be honest, I am not very impressed. The main problem is the style of writing is, well, boring. I found myself constantly reading, then re-reading pages. ZZZzzzzzzz.... I am going to re-read the book - it does have some good info in it - maybe a second read through will be easier.

Good, but there are better.......2004-01-23

This is a good book. It is very interesting subject, and the qualifactions of the authors is without doubt. But. There is a but. It is not great. It could be more readable, it could cover more ground, it could have a lot more examples than 'simon' who is some never identified cyclist. If you search for flow, zone, deep play, inner game and sports you will find plenty of books that are not just good, but great.

Flow in Sports.......2002-05-12

If you know some better psychingbook as this so tell me.

Flow 101 - the practical guide.......2001-08-24

Flow in Sports by Susan A. Jackson is a well written, clear, practical manual that offers well grounded advice to any level athlete. This is the best book I have seen on the topic since the original classic by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi because it delivers the concepts without fanfare. Flow is just another practical took for the modern day athlete, the same as good nutrition and dedicated practice schedules. This tone and the plentiful, flow-accurate blurbs from atheltes in several different sports, make for a fun and exciting read. Every athelete will identify with the concepts and find inspiration to expand on the methods in their own specific sports training.

A nice sports psychology book.......2001-06-15

I readed this book with great interest. Unfortunately I didn't do the "exercises" it tells you to, so I don't know how this could really have helped me in practice, only in theory.

This book helps you to understand some aspects of sports and our participation in sports we usually never stop to think about. It helped me a lot in finding why am I performing worse than I was two years ago - a motivation problem, I found myself much better than my competition and therefore I feel bored, without challenges. It them helps you to do some routines to keep yourself motivated, and defines one optimal zone of performance, called the "flow". He keeps telling this is related to how you perceive the chalenges and your abilities, and helps you to get to the point of balance where you can make your experiences the best (flow).

Book Description

The flow scales are self-report instruments designed to assess the construct of flow, or optimal experience. The scales were developed and validated primarily in physical activity settings; therefore, most of the data discussed in this manual were collected from participants in physical activity settings. The authors also present information in the manual on the psychometric properties of the scales from initial data collected in the areas of music and the creative performing arts, in addition to sports, exercise, dance, and yoga.

Against the Flow: The Inspiring Story of a Teacher Turned Record-breaking Yachtswoman

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Against the Flow: The Inspiring Story of a Teacher Turned Record-breaking Yachtswoman
Dee Caffari
Manufacturer: A&C Black
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Memoirs | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Biographies | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0713685336

Book Description

"Dee has inspired the imagination of a worldwide audience. She has joined only four men who have achieved this feat. Other women may follow, but she will always remain the first."-Sir Chay Blyth

This is the inspirational story of an ordinary woman who gave up her career to learn how to sail and become the first woman to circumnavigate the world against the prevailing winds and currents.

Her story is an adventure in the true sense of the word. It is about physical hardship in terrible conditions, overcoming solitude, sleep deprivation, the worry of crucial equipment failing, thirty-four days of gales, twelve-meter waves, cyclones, and a lightning strike. It is also about a woman who stepped outside her safe zone and gave up a good job and financial security, all because she wanted to sail. She dared to dream, and her courage resulted in a place in the history books alongside a handful of men.

Includes a foreword by James Cracknell, the double Olympic Gold-winning rower.

After an early career as a high school physical education teacher, Dee Caffari realized that her destiny was a life on the water. She gave up her job and worked with Mike Golding Yacht Racing, completing a number of offshore races. During the 2004Ã¢Â€Â“2005 Global Challenge Race, Caffari successfully skippered eighteen amateur yachtsmen around the world. In the same 72-foot yacht, Aviva, she completed her record-breaking circumnavigation, finishing on May 18, 2006.

Average customer rating:

As complete a Guide as one would hope to find.

Dive Scapa Flow
Rod MacDonald
Manufacturer: Trafalgar Square
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Scotland | Europe | History | Subjects | Books

Naval | Military | History | Subjects | Books

World War I | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | Water Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

As complete a Guide as one would hope to find........2004-01-12

Rod Macdonald has put together a very professional guide book to the dive sites of Scapa Flow. Personally, I have conducted professional assignments to Scapa on a number of occasions and, as a "guide," I have yet to find this book lacking in any way. It also served another very important purpose in that it is a very good read.

"Dive Scapa Flow" measures a little under 10" x 7" with a hard cover and comes from "Mainstream Publishing" of Edinburgh. There are 160 pages of narrative - all well supported by a large number of black and white photographs (most of which are historic), diagrams and maps plus a further eight pages of colour photographs in the middle. The book is well laid out. The first 2 chapters are devoted to historical events - the scuttling of the Imperial German Fleet and the incredible salvage operation that took place in later years, with the remainder of the book being dedicated to diving.

1919 was a time when Europe was coming to terms with the revelation that "millions" had died on all sides during the carnage of WW1. The Imperial German Fleet had been defeated and was interned in Scapa Flow with a skeleton crew on each vessel. The German Navy itself was in complete disarray with lawful orders being ignored and workers co-operatives running most of the ships. This was a time when all sides awaited the outcome of the Armistice from which the final decisions with regard to the disposal of each German ship would come. Basically, the ships would be distributed amongst the victorious allied navies with the Royal Navy getting the lion's share - thus making the British Fleet so large as to be unassailable throughout the world. Despite his many difficulties, Rear Admiral Ludwig von Reuter retained overall command of the fleet - and he had other ideas. Knowing he could rely on sufficient people on each vessel to carry out his final command, Admiral von Reuter ordered the German Fleet scuttled and that order was executed on 21st June 1919 - right under British noses.

Rod Macdonald's account of those historic events is a fine précis and most relevant to this book. The same comment applies to the following chapter describing the incredible salvage operation which explains why so many of the scuttled ships are no longer to be found in Scapa Flow.

So, after two chapters of well-researched material and some equally excellent historic photographs, we now get down to the diving. This commences with an overview of what the diver can expect to find. All the ships are listed and this is followed by information on such important factors as; bye laws, visibility, seabed, equipment, photography, decompression and the various means of getting to and from each site.

The scene is now well and truly set and it's time to get down to cases. In chapter 4, each shipwreck is fully described in excellent detail in which there are 4 elements; An historic photograph of each vessel, a sketch describing her attitude underwater, a painting which shows the entire vessel as she lies on the seabed and a narrative which not only gives the technical details of the vessel in question but also goes on to describe the specific diving conditions relevant to that ship.

Of course, the wrecks of the Imperial German Fleet are not the only shipwrecks in Scapa Flow and the next 3 chapters are entitled; Alternative Wreck Dives, Diving the Blockships and Scapa's War Graves - all of which are self-explanatory. With a final chapter reserved for travel, accommodation and dive boat charters, this book is as complete a guide as one would hope to find.

NM

Diving and Snorkeling Guide to Scotland: Includes Shetland Islands, Scapa Flow, and the Hebrides (Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Great Barrier Reef)

Average customer rating:

Well Organized info and lots of photos!

Diving and Snorkeling Guide to Scotland: Includes Shetland Islands, Scapa Flow, and the Hebrides (Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Great Barrier Reef)
Lawson Wood
Manufacturer: Pisces Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Water Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

Book Description

31 dive sites in Scotland, including Shetland Islands, Orkney Islands and Scapa Flow, Outer Hebrides and Northwest Coast, Inner Hebrides West Coast and East Coast. Dive highlights: One of the top wreck diving areas of the world, including HMS Royal Oak, Inverlane and Brummer. Rugged, spectacular diving.

Customer Reviews:

Well Organized info and lots of photos!.......2005-02-20

There are great photos and the contents are divided up nicely: overview of scotland, diving in scotland, diving along the east coast, scapa flow, shetland islands, outer hebrides, NW coast, etc...and a chapter on scotish marine life. The appendices have valuable info on Dive Centers and Services as well as, Emergency Information. There is specific info on Depth and Visability, required diving experts, bottom terrain, currents, marine life, safety tips, local dive shops and charters, accommodations and transportation. The dive sites and difficulty ratings of the site are shown on convenient color maps. It's a nice guide for anyone considering diving in Scotland or for the diving enthusiast. The photos alone make this a nice addition to any collection of diving material.

Average customer rating:

Flow im Sport
Susan. Jackson/Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi A
Manufacturer: BLV Verlagsgesellschaft mbH
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

All German Books | German | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 3405158788

Average customer rating:

Heian Flow System

Heian Flow System
John Titchen
Manufacturer: Martial Arts Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0954446623

Book Description

As a student the author enjoyed the power and grace of kata but was frustrated by the lack of intelligent explanation available for the use of the techniques. The bunkai that resembled the kata was awkward and implausible while the bunkai that seemed effective looked nothing like the actual movements in the kata. Convinced that the movements must have had some form of combat effectiveness originally, he decided to study, cross train and look out of the box himself to find an answer, an answer that led to the drills in this book. This book takes the 5 Heian Kata and breaks them down into progressively dynamic training and sparring drills to teach students how to effectively counter the habitual acts of street violence. The drills all initiate from movements that simulate the body's natural primal and protective flinch responses to attacks, and teach students how to close and create distance while moving freely between ballistic and grappling techniques incorporating close range striking, trapping, throwing, unbalancing and locking movements that mirror the forms. Each drill is clearly illustrated with photos and explanatory text. The drills interlink so that students quickly find themselves able to move freely from one Kata to another mid attack and defence to respond to the scenario created by their partner. The book also contains a detailed analysis of technique effectiveness, an outline of the history of the forms and a discussion of the nature of violent crime and its implications for martial arts practice. This book shows how to change kata from a sterile solo exercise into a dynamic form that belongs at the heart of your training. Whether you are interested in competition fighting or want to learn effective self defence, the drills in this book will improve your understanding of kata, timing, distance and repertoire. Heian Flow System will not only change the way you perceive these 'training' forms, but also the way you approach all kata. The author has trained in several martial arts and presently holds instructor grades in four separate systems. In addition to martial arts classes he has taught in secondary education, university and the military. His research training as a Doctor of History has always focused his approach to Karate; searching for effective answers to the question of bunkai. He is known for his practical approach to Karate training through his regular column in Traditional Karate Magazine and has taught seminars across the UK and in the USA. In addition to his writing and research he works as a senior officer in the Royal Air Force Voluntary Reserve Training Branch and teaches seminars across the UK between running two dedicated Personal Safety clubs in Buckinghamshire, England.

Customer Reviews:

Heian Flow System.......2007-10-16

I was fortunate enough to train with Dr Titchen and his Heian Flow System while he was in the USA. The techniques found within this system will enhance any system with their concepts. I highly recommend reviewing the contents of his book and applying the concepts to your own training. I look forward to training with him again in the future. Bravo John - well done.

Kempo-Jitsu Pre 1900 Martial Art: Vol. 2: The Flow Of Combat

Average customer rating:

Fantastic work!
Kempo-Jitsu pre 1900: The Flow of Combat

Kempo-Jitsu Pre 1900 Martial Art: Vol. 2: The Flow Of Combat
Kenneth Melbourne
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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Kempo-Jitsu Pre 1900 Martial Art

ASIN: 1425923445

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic work!.......2007-02-16

Mr. Melbourne clearly explains different techniques and how a continuous flow of movements is essential to fighting. Great pictures which clearly demonstrate each concept! This book is wonderful for anyone who is serious about self-defense!

Kempo-Jitsu pre 1900: The Flow of Combat.......2006-10-25

As a Martial Artist for over 30 years, I find this book to be a welcomed addition to my collection of martial arts books. It is very well written and easy to understand. Mr. Melbourne shares very valuable techniques with a slightly different approach on Kempo-Jitsu. It allows one to open their mind and add a few proven techniques to everything else one has already learned. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. Enjoy it and try to learn something new or different to add to the skills you already have.
Great Job Mr. Melbourne!!

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