Reviews (2)

From Malthus to morass
The purpose of Turchin's tome is to answer the question "Does Population Ecology Have "Laws"? (the subject of an earlier paper by him). Turchin wants to claim that population ecology is a "mature science", and uses some largely philosophical arguments to claim similarities to Newton's laws. I was not convinced.
Essential work for professional
Politicians often say things like, "Let's not follow each other off a cliff like lemmings," but it's not true that lemmings really follow each other off a cliff in nature.What IS true is that some species of lemmings have huge populations some years, and become almost extinct in other years.Read more

Subjects:  1. Life Sciences - Biology - General    2. Life Sciences - Ecology    3. Population biology    4. Science    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Biological Sciences    7. Ecological science, the Biosphere    8. Human geography    9. Population & demography    10. Science / Biology   

Subjects:  1. 1981-    2. Canada    3. Description and travel    4. Earth Sciences - Geography    5. Economic conditions    6. Human Geography    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Regional Geography    9. Science    10. United States    11. North America    12. Science / Geography    13. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    14. USA   

Reviews (3)

McWilliams is the best....
....California historian known to me, with his pithy style, his endlessly fascinating observations, and his anecdotes, rich in history and amusing in detail, which unlike the rivers of my state flow one after the other without any damming.I'm a native of Southern California, and I have yet to find a better book on this territory even though this one was originally penned in the late 40's. One for the heart
For all residents of Southern California past, present, or potential, there can be no better book about this unmatchable part of the world. Past residents (like myself) will sigh with fond remembrance, current residentswill be amused, and potential future residents will be astonished. All willbe entertained. The land, the geography, the history, and the weather.They're all discussed. The social outcasts, the wierd misfits, the kooks,the characters, and their schemes and dreams. It's all here, along with sovery much more. Written by a longtime resident in a very entertaining stylethat combines dinner conversation with classroom lecture, this book will bea joy to anyone who has a love for the irreplacable experience of Living InSouthern California. You will truly FEEL as though you are there. This bookis one for the heart as well as the mind. Oh Los Angeles, how I miss you.Carey McWilliams, thanks for taking me back.

A Critical Contribution to Social and Economic History!
Originally published in 1946, McWilliams describes the socio-historical and economic formations of Southern California from the "bottom up" in a way uncharacteristic for his time period.He unveils theracist, eurocentric, environmentally devastating, materialistic andotherwise ruthless basis for the area's hegemonic culture, economy, andsocial relations.Moreover, he adds great insight into the incorporationof California into the world capitalist system.He covers the use, abuse,and devastation of various peoples in the area including Native Americans,Californios, Chinese, Japanese, Oklahomans and Mexicans.He also offersinsight into the materialism or 'fake' culture which has emerged from thearea only to exploit the cultures it has destroyed.The book is a bit longwinded at times, but overall is a must read for anyone intersted in thetopics I've described.It would be of interest to anyone who appreciatesAlmaguer's Racial Faultlines, Pitt's The Californios, or even Montejano'sAnglos and Mexicans in the Making of Texas. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. California, Southern    2. Description and travel    3. History    4. Travel    5. Travel - United States    6. United States - Pacific - California    7. United States - West - Pacific (General)    8. Social Science / Human Geography   

Subjects:  1. Earth Sciences - Geography    2. Europe - General    3. Human Geography    4. Politics/International Relations    5. Science    6. Social Science    7. United States - General    8. Cartography, geodesy & geographic information systems (GIS)    9. Europe    10. History of ideas, intellectual history    11. History of specific subjects    12. Medical / History    13. USA   

Subjects:  1. Congresses    2. Earth Sciences - Geography    3. Evolution (Biology)    4. Hybrid zones    5. Hybridization    6. Life Sciences - Evolution    7. Life Sciences - Genetics & Genomics    8. Nature/Ecology    9. Organic Evolution    10. Science    11. Science/Mathematics    12. Evolution    13. Genetics (non-medical)    14. Human geography    15. Life Sciences | Evolutionary Biology    16. Science / Evolution   

Reviews (11)

Beyond political agendas and judgmental shame tactics: just simple talk about living well in America.
There's some rubbish going around that there are two rigidly defined, black-and-white categories of people in the USA: conservative Republicans who don't care about the environment, and Al Gore's superforce of environmental enthusiasts. Or, if you prefer, blissfully ignorant normal people vs. crazy green hippie radicals. As a moderate who likes anybody whose category can't be rhymed with 'glass bowl', I dislike any either/or mindset. It's not the reasonable people who gain media attention, it's the radicals, and they become the stereotype of what we should avoid. In this vein, the absolute worst threat to the environment today is, ironically, the most passionate of environmentalists, whose self-righteous smugness and brimstone rants turn off the average reasonable person, understandably dismissing such vile attitudes. As with religion, environmental consciousness brings the stigma of personal manipulation via shame--for there are, no question, those who try to induce and exploit guilt for a hidden personal gain. The majority recognizes such 'activism' for what it is--at its worst, the pleasure of feeling superior to the 'unenlightened masses', labelled lazy, stupid, ignorant, blind, etc. simply for living in the world as it is. Those radical environmentalists who truly care at heart must see others from an empathic viewpoint, one which doesn't include heavy-handedness or bitter judgment, and thus has a chance of actually convincing others. This is the age of the new environmentalist--common people who come together for a cause that transcends political platforms, because regardless of our personal differences, we all want the same thing: a better life for us all. And you can bet that politicians across the board will need to listen. We are the voters, we have the power here, and we can encourage each other to use it in ways that benefit our country and our families.
Good overview of "living green"
I'm not a die-hard eco-liver, but I like to be good to the environment where I can.This book gave a lot of good ideas for just that.I also bought "Green Living" by The E Magazine at the same time.This one was better.It kept my interest and wasn't just a collection of fact and figures.
Buy a copy for your local library
The book may not have all that much to offer to those of us walking the talk environmentally, but it has great value as a book to give as a gift to someone who could use some wisdom and can do attitude as far as being materialistic.
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Subjects:  1. Conservation of natural resour    2. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    3. Environmental Studies    4. Environmental protection    5. Human ecology    6. Nature    7. Nature/Ecology    8. Organic living    9. Nature / Environmental Conservation & Protection   

Reviews (2)

Insightful and Much Needed Philosophy
In his book, Arne Naess brilliantly provides the philosophical basis for deep ecology. He uses reasonable arguments that resound with all aspects of life. In a time when the market economy is pervading more and more areas around the globe, a philosophy like Naess's that can help us reconnect with the bigger picture is much needed. I am finishing up a degree in environmental economics and from my first year in environmental studies, Arne Naess's ideas have been pivotal in the re-shaping of my relationship with the world. His philosophy has been cited time and time again by professors of different disciplines and this book is required reading in many courses. This book is not too context specific and can be understood by any audience. It is highly recommended for the reader interested in philosophy, ecology, environmentalism, and life in general.

A treaty of ecophilosophy
The author develops the foundation of his nature-oriented philosophy with the traditional rigor, logic and method employed to describe new system of values. A bit harsh sometimes but philosophy demands that. For a more accessible and pragmatic artwork on the same subject, I would advise "Small is beautiful" by E. F. Schumacher. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Environmental Science    2. Environmental Studies    3. Human Geography    4. Life Sciences - Biology - General    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Bio-ethics    8. Ecological science, the Biosphere    9. Human Ecology - Philosophy    10. Human ecology    11. Science / Biology   

Subjects:  1. Case studies    2. Cities and towns    3. Crime prevention    4. Europe    5. Evaluation    6. Human Geography    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Sociology - Urban    10. Urban policy    11. Causes & prevention of crime    12. Urban & municipal planning   

Features

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Reviews (3)

Use of Internet for Non-business and non-workplace Scenarios
The comment on editor (using the reviewer's sacred space) is not out of place. Amazon has a different logic to treat people. In the previous incarnation amazon.com had an option for author's to comment. Now, I presume, it is turned into Guide.
Shouldn't the editor identify himself in a review?
I'm sure this is a good book but I'd like to see truth in advertising!

The real world of the Internet -- from the Co-Editor
[Note: For some reason, another "reviewer" from Troy NY mad the dispariging comment, "Shouldn't the editor identify himself in a review?" But, I did and continue to do so, in the title of this little statement. My "review" is really a guide + a Table of Contents) to what the book is about. So I don't understand this person's comment. BW] Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computers    3. Computers - General Information    4. Human Geography    5. Information Technology    6. Internet    7. Internet - General    8. Internet users    9. Social Aspects - General    10. Social aspects    11. Sociology - General    12. Computers / Social Aspects / General    13. INTERNET_SOCIAL ASPECTS    14. Impact of computing & IT on society    15. Sociology, Social Studies   

Subjects:  1. Crises    2. History & Theory - General    3. Human Geography    4. Politics / Current Events    5. Psychic trauma    6. Psychological aspects    7. Public Policy - Social Services & Welfare    8. Social Science    9. Social aspects    10. Social problems    11. Sociology    12. Sociology - General    13. Social Science / Sociology / General    14. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (2)

a classic - worth the wait
As a graduate student many years ago, I bought the last shelf copy of the first edition to Caswell's text on matrix population models for our bookstore. After 10+ years of using the book, both in research, and teaching, I'm glad I did. The 2nd edition is a lucid and masterful update, with several nice touches that should be appreciated by both newcomers and experienced modelers. In particular, some of the more turgid text from the first edition has been clarified, and expanded, and several new very important chapters have been added (yes, using branching process theory you can handle demographic stochasticity with matrix models). A superb book, made even better by the inclusion (at last!) of some basic MATLAB code for some of the more esoteric calculations. My only complaint (related perhaps to the 'code') is that the many good 'worked examples' are not treated more fully. I'd have liked to have seen the actual matrices involved, or some further detail, in some cases, rather than a figure or table summarizing the results. However, a minor complaint - perhaps easily solved by a companion website with code for each example in the book 9something I'm probably going to do on my own, but should be standard these days for any technical text).

Clear and accessible introduction to population modeling
There is often a false dichotomy drawn between differential (or difference) equation models of populations and agent-based (artificial life, individual-based, configuration) models.Agent-based models canrepresent more of the complexity of biological systems at the expense ofanalytical tractability.Matrix population models form a bridge betweenthe two approaches.Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Simulation    2. Data processing    3. Life Sciences - Ecology    4. Mathematics    5. Matrices    6. Population biology    7. Research    8. Science    9. Science/Mathematics    10. Ecological science, the Biosphere    11. Human geography    12. Mathematics for scientists & engineers   

Reviews (4)

I never leave home without it.
Although a bit heavy this book is a must for any serious outdoorsman. Whether you like mountaineering, ice or rock climbing, hiking, biking, canoeing, snowboarding, piloting or just simply travelling this book is suffused with helpful tips on staying alive.
What a Great Book!
This book is full of Information that anyone can use, especially if they are an outdoors person, or travel alot. You can not go wrong buying this book. Way to go Reid. Amazing Amount of Information
I certainly hope I don't have to use such fascinating information!Read more

Subjects:  1. Outdoor Skills    2. Personal & Practical Guides    3. Reference    4. Safety    5. Study Aids    6. Study Guides    7. Survival after airplane accide    8. Survival after airplane accidents, shipwrecks, etc    9. Survival skills    10. Test Prep    11. Wilderness survival    12. Outdoor survival skills    13. Sports & Recreation / Outdoor Skills   

Reviews (1)

A Profound Study
More than any other differentiated group of people, African Americans have moved.
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Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    3. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - Histor    4. History    5. Human Geography    6. Migration, Internal    7. Migrations    8. Minority Studies - Ethnic American    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. Sociology - General    12. United States    13. United States - General    14. History / General   

Subjects:  1. Earth Sciences - Geography    2. Historical geography    3. Human Geography    4. Science    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Social sciences and history    7. Sociology    8. Bloch, Marc Lâeopold Benjamin,--1886-1944    9. Science / Geography   

Subjects:  1. Atlases - U.S.    2. Canada    3. Earth Sciences - Geography    4. Geography    5. Human Geography    6. North America    7. Regional Geography    8. Regionalism    9. Science    10. Science/Mathematics    11. United States    12. History / Ancient / General    13. USA   

Subjects:  1. Archaeology    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Central America    4. Civilization    5. Civilization, Ancient    6. Culture    7. Ethnoarchaeology    8. Middle East    9. Social Science / Anthropology / Cultural    10. Social Science / Human Geography    11. Social evolution    12. Sociology    13. Anthropology - Cultural    14. Human Geography   

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Case studies    5. Economics - Theory    6. Human Geography    7. Industries - General    8. Regional economics    9. Space in economics    10. Economic geography   

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Earth Sciences - Geography    3. Economic Conditions    4. Economic Geography    5. Economics - Theory    6. Management - General    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Public Policy - Economic Policy    9. Science    10. Business & Economics / Economics / Theory   

Reviews (5)

Brand Scan
Both authors are from public health schools. One is from Amherst, MA. Go Umass! This does make studying statistics more interesting. One can easily adapt the sampling design and methods to marketing surveys that are required of MBA students.

Easy to Read But too many Errors
This book is very practical. It is easy to get along as all the formulas are summarized in a nice way.
A review, solely about the text.
I am a Ph.D. student in public health (epidemiology), and I already have a Ph.D. in the behavioral sciences. I will sign my name, unlike the other writer. Rather than solely talk about the issues of the text, the student complains about the administration of the course in question.
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Subjects:  1. Demography    2. Population    3. Probability & Statistics - General    4. Sampling (Statistics)    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. Statistical methods    9. Statistics    10. Mathematics / Statistics    11. Population & demography    12. Social research & statistics   

Reviews (1)

important issues
The point here is that plently of people do not migrate even when economics would seem to suggest migration should sky rocket.The works concentrate on European regions or generalize across the globe--but the point is important and suggest we don't always focus on the "big" picture when we talk about migration -- someone always stays home.For US scholars working on Mexican/US migration this is crucial stuff to consider ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Economic aspects    2. Economic development    3. Emigration & Immigration    4. Emigration and immigration    5. Ethnic Studies - General    6. Human Geography    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Anthropology    10. Civil rights & citizenship    11. Immigration & emigration    12. Social Science / Emigration & Immigration