Interesting read that looked at various issues humans have with 'nature' around the globe. Solid questions about what is really a nuisance vs. a legitInteresting read that looked at various issues humans have with 'nature' around the globe. Solid questions about what is really a nuisance vs. a legitimate problem and what, if anything, should be done if that line is crossed.
I've not read any other books by this author, so I don't have any point of comparison, as other reviewers have made, but I found it to be a decent mix of humor, research, thought exercise questions, and interview notes from a diverse and quirky cast of characters. ...more
A humorous and entertaining "awareness level" book on the history of pigeons and exemplars as an entry point into the world of bird watching, particulA humorous and entertaining "awareness level" book on the history of pigeons and exemplars as an entry point into the world of bird watching, particularly for Urban dwellers the world over that may not have a ton of opportunities for connection with nature aside from the delightful, yet misunderstood / oft maligned avians. ...more
Definitely a spot dated being written, what? 8yrs ago? I thought it was more recent when I grabbed it.
Interesting perspectives. The importance lent doDefinitely a spot dated being written, what? 8yrs ago? I thought it was more recent when I grabbed it.
Interesting perspectives. The importance lent do treating it as an entrepreneurial venture to help focus was a bit different from other approaches I've seen.
The one thing that resonated and I kept pulling back to and agreeing with ~ you must create exceptional content. It's true of all writing, but highlighting that 'influencers' can capture follows and attention and short term gains ~ if their content isn't compelling enough, those metrics are all hollow, as there's no true engagement from the readers. ...more
Solid book. I'm giving this to my mother as a gift and planning to tell a number of people about it.
Even though this is step-by-step what to do, it'sSolid book. I'm giving this to my mother as a gift and planning to tell a number of people about it.
Even though this is step-by-step what to do, it's still overwhelming, especially with the amount of updating everyone will have to do (we all create new accounts, have updated contacts, etc. all the time) to ensure it's current.
Probably one of the more practical books I've read in a while....more
An interesting trip through Scottish history with some.... Unique... guides.
Part travelogue, part history, part buddies taking potshots at each otherAn interesting trip through Scottish history with some.... Unique... guides.
Part travelogue, part history, part buddies taking potshots at each other every chance they get.
The Highlanders have a long, brutal history, fighting the elements, their enemies, themselves, and Scotland herself from one invasion to another famine, to another harsh winter. And yet, the Highlanders produced an epic history, oral tales and songs, global Monarchs, and traditions still practiced today.
Heughan and McTavish bounce along from one significant site to another, meeting locals, interspersing their knowledge of history and their personal histories, all while trying to (lovingly) kill the other through whiskey and (mis)adventure. ...more
Decent read. Been a while since I've slipped back into my research-backed psychology roots. I appreciated the recent studies and updated f3.75-4.25ish
Decent read. Been a while since I've slipped back into my research-backed psychology roots. I appreciated the recent studies and updated feel to the book.
idk that I'd say it's widely applicable, given the low incidence of psychopathy in the general population, but it certainly sheds light on characteristics of the Dark Tetrad and their ties to psychopathy while giving both, workers and managers an overview as to what they might be seeing and how to address it.
I was happy to see the two sections on picking up your personal and professional life, so individuals could start navigating the path towards recovery. ...more
An interesting, high-level overview of multiple philosophies and religions intended to highlight the key components of each and encourage an on-3.5ish
An interesting, high-level overview of multiple philosophies and religions intended to highlight the key components of each and encourage an on-going self-reflection into one’s own worldview....more
This book was pretty much what I hoped it would be ~ very high-level, 'teaser' types of chapters to give a flavor of Japan while showi3.5-3.75ish ***?
This book was pretty much what I hoped it would be ~ very high-level, 'teaser' types of chapters to give a flavor of Japan while showing some linkages and giving the reader a jumping off point for future reading / research.
There was an interesting mix of travelogue vs. insider sense to it, as the author is a European living and working in Japan for a number of years. Touristy, but with insider knowledge, so to speak. The copious amount of imagery ~ photos, drawings, and maps ~ made it accessible and helped to understand such a different nation.
My main complaint lies with the editors at Tuttle, which is a fairly large press. I can't imagine all the issues with writing about Japan by a native Spanish Speaker then possibly translating into English (unless Mr. Garcia wrote the full draft in English) ~ but the number of typos was shocking and some fully interrupted the flow of the reading as they were so jarring. ...more
This was a timely book, as my writing group is going to be talking about "Publishing for the Beginner" at our next meeting.
Maum provides a number of eThis was a timely book, as my writing group is going to be talking about "Publishing for the Beginner" at our next meeting.
Maum provides a number of excellent, in-the-trenches insights from multiple aspects in the industry (honestly, a number of things I never even considered as being considerations).
This is one I'll be sharing with the group, recommending, and probably adding to my home library. ...more
Some stories had me laughing. Some made me cry. Others made me happy that we've moved beyond where we once were...
I'm a late-to-life hunter and haven'Some stories had me laughing. Some made me cry. Others made me happy that we've moved beyond where we once were...
I'm a late-to-life hunter and haven't fished in years, so I'm probably not *that* outdoorsman they're likely writing to. I don't hunt with dogs, so a lot of those stories were just misses for me. Some authors were amazing at putting me in a place and seeing the world around, others were trying to make it through. There were a couple that I had to set it down a few times and steel myself to continue.
I'm happy I read it and am feeling marginally inspired to write a few more pieces and shop them around. TBD! ...more
An interesting system. I might try it, but I have some apprehension as to the time commitment and my tendency to track more than is useful. Thi3.5ish*
An interesting system. I might try it, but I have some apprehension as to the time commitment and my tendency to track more than is useful. This has potential to be beneficial, but it can also become a time-suck like other methods I've tried in the past...
Fairly dense in parts and light / swift in others.
I found numerous overlaps with multiple aspects of other readings ~ science, nature, naturalist traiFairly dense in parts and light / swift in others.
I found numerous overlaps with multiple aspects of other readings ~ science, nature, naturalist training, folklore, ancient rituals, modern 'green-living'... It's hard to pin it down to a single genre or tag.
I recognized some of the places in NY and knew a bit of their stories. Some of the First Nations were familiar, but their ways and traditions were new. Reminded me of a number of traditions from other cultures and those gleaned from the fairy tales and folklore of old. Some things are more universal than others. Other items reminded me much more clearly of my naturalist training and volunteer work... A fascinating amalgamation of the spiritual, scientific, secular, and social lessons in life.
Would recommend to those that have the time and energy to try to unpack it. ...more
Mostly a collection of small vignettes held together by the themes of the individual chapters. Abrashoff has a very relaxed, casual, and con4-ish ****
Mostly a collection of small vignettes held together by the themes of the individual chapters. Abrashoff has a very relaxed, casual, and conversational way of presenting the stories aboard the USS Benfold.
A number of the techniques alluded to seem to be good common-sense, but we all know what's said of common sense. Also, I'm not a Sailor, so I'm not sure that a lot of the underlying issues Abrashoff may have faced were obvious to someone with my lack of background in the area.
I have a small handful of passages marked up with notes and simple "-->" indicators. There's nuggets of wisdom everywhere ~ I'm hoping that some of these are ones that might find a place with me or provide me an opportunity to implement some variation there-of.
A decent read, recommended by LTC(OH) McNeil in hopes of inspiring future leaders, and encouraging them to make a modest stab at improved leadership techniques. ...more
Brief overview on the world of starting HF radio operations. Things to think about before ever looking at a radio / antenna setup and considerations nBrief overview on the world of starting HF radio operations. Things to think about before ever looking at a radio / antenna setup and considerations needed to evaluate needs and radio opportunities....more
Interesting read on a very controversial, nuanced, and complicated topic. Contains a number of shorter essays from academics, activists, form3.75-ish.
Interesting read on a very controversial, nuanced, and complicated topic. Contains a number of shorter essays from academics, activists, formerly incarcerated individuals, and others. Research heavy with piles of end notes in each section, this addresses the history, current state, and future of incarceration in the US as well as guidance to approach drug use and violence (causes for incarceration) from a public health perspective, not a criminal justice one. Additionally, this work looks at opportunities for a more holistic approach towards working with individuals that would otherwise end up in contact with the criminal justice / prison systems. Wraps up with an interesting perspective on the "pull" nature of incarceration and how small communities that rely on prisons as their major employer, have an out-sized influence on policies that lead to longer sentences and higher rates of incarceration, especially as it pertains to for-profit prisons.