Search results for ""Enthusiast""

Knit unique beanies inspired by the beauty of California’s natural treasures and distinctive landmarks.Eureka! From the sea life of Monterey and the surfing culture of SoCal, to the glamour of Hollywood and the majesty of the Coastal Redwoods, California has some of the most unique and diverse landscapes in the United States. Capture the history, spectacular scenery, and fascinating landmarks California offers with original beanie patterns created by knitting designer, author, and proud Californian, Nancy Bates. The 26 beanie patterns in this book range from simple beanie constructions depicting the gold rush or the Golden Gate Bridge, to more challenging stitch patterns such as the Forests of the North. From wine country to orange groves, gray whales to monarch butterflies, and everything in-between, the beauty of California is depicted in these charming beanies. Clear charts, easy-to-read keys, and thorough instructions help any knitter, whether beginner or experienced, through these gratifying projects. Show your love for California with these beautiful beanie designs you can wear any time and any place. 26 BEANIE PATTERNS: Including both simple and more challenging stitch patterns, there is something for everyone with these 26 beanie patterns INSPIRED BY THE BEAUTY OF CALIFORNIA: From the state flag to the beautiful Big Sur coastline, each beanie pattern celebrates the beauty of California THE PERFECT GIFT: Perfect for any knitting enthusiast, this book is the gift that keeps on giving with the beanies also being great gifts for fans of Californi SPECTACULARLY PHOTOGRAPHED: Each pattern is accompanied by photos of the finished beanie and California's landscapes, landmarks, flora, and fauna EASY-TO-FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS: Each of the 26 beanie knitting patterns has been tested and offers clear charts so that knitters of every skill level can knit a beanie in no time

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Host any size event with ease, whether it’s a big holiday gathering or a picnic for two, with this fun, flexible cookbook featuring 100 recipes from charcuterie board guru Sandy Coughlin (@reluctantentertainer). As the original Big Board influencer, Sandy Coughlin reimagined the charcuterie board as a stunning surface for special occasion spreads, family get-togethers, delicious desserts, and more. Now, she expands her repertoire with individual recipes for any occasion, large or small, indoors or out.Organized by season and size of gathering and including gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based options for customizable convenience, Reluctant Entertainer’s Big Boards and More will spark your culinary imagination with the endless possibilities of boards. Elements include: Seasonal celebrations and special days: For holidays, weddings, or just a birthday bash, try Winter Solstice Charcuterie Board, Baked Brie Dinner Board, Broiled Al Pastor Tacos, Tiramisu French Toast, Fudgy Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches, and more. International inspiration for the curious cook: Regional recipes from around the world to light your travel fuse, including Baba Ghanoush with Poblano Chilies, Tikka Masala Tender Bowls, Miso Parmesan Udon Noodles, and Caffe Mingo’s Sugo di Carne. Just close friends: Smaller boards for 2–4 people, whether it’s date night or game night, such as Roasted Apple Crispy Prosciutto Crostini, Oven-Roasted Caramelized Onions and Chicken Thighs, Corn Bacon and Cheddar Waffles, and Pear Puff Pastry Tart. The great outdoors: Portable, sustainable recipes for camping, road trips, and outdoor entertaining all year round, including Warming Hut Brothy Quinoa Bowls Board, Hot Chocolate Firepit Board with Buttermilk Rough Puff Pastry Ribbons, and Poolside Pina Colada Poptail Board. Whether you’re a board enthusiast already or a first-time host, Reluctant Entertainer’s Big Boards and More has everything you need to make a serious splash—all year round.

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This title deals with the art of fabric decorating and painting in over 20 beautiful projects. The versatility of batik is celebrated in inspirational designs and practical projects. It features over 20 handsome and original ideas illustrated with step-by-step photographs. It offers comprehensive coverage of the many aspects of this technique, with expert instruction at every stage. It features fine contemporary pieces by leading designers. It outlines all the materials, equipment, fabrics and basic techniques you will need to get started. Templates are provided; just enlarge to get to the finished size. There are clear step-by-step instructions for projects such as a cotton sarong, a cushion cover and a cosmetic bag. The versatility of batik has led many designers to develop this traditional craft, with innovative and original results. The basic equipment and materials such as papers, fabrics and dyes are outlined in this book, which also explores the various methods of resist dyeing in both classical and contemporary projects. Techniques include making a basic frame, pinning the fabric to it, using a dye bath and direct dyeing. Effects such as cracking, canting and ragging are also shown. Batik designs can range from extremely simple to the very complicated, and each design is unique owing to the technique of resist dyeing. This book provides informative instruction for newcomers to the craft, and will inspire more experienced batik artists to experiment by working with different materials, such as paper and wood, as well as textiles. There are over 20 stunning projects to try yourself, including a silk square scarf, a paper pastel blind, a batik screen, a picture frame and a cotton sarong. A gallery of contemporary designers' work provides further inspiration for the dyeing enthusiast.

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David Busch's Canon EOS R8 Guide to Digital Photography is your all-in-one comprehensive resource and reference for the exciting new Canon EOS R8, which is aimed squarely at enthusiasts looking for an affordable full-frame entry to mirrorless photography. It boasts a 24.2 sensor with superior low-light performance and action-friendly 40 frames-per second continuous shooting capabilities. Advanced video features include 4K and HDR video, and 10-bit C-log3 capture for sophisticated color grading.Three available adapters make it easy to supplement your RF-mount lenses with a broad selection of legacy Canon EF and EF-S optics. The R8 also features wireless connectivity to computers and smart devices. With this book in hand, you can quickly apply all these advanced features to your digital photography, while boosting your creativity to take great photographs with your Canon EOS R8.Filled with detailed how-to steps and full-color illustrations, David Busch's Canon EOS R8 Guide to Digital Photography covers all this upscale camera's features in depth, from taking your first photos through advanced details of setup, exposure, lens selection, lighting, and more, and relates each feature to specific photographic techniques and situations. Also included is the handy "roadmap" chapter, an easy-to-use visual guide to the cameras' features and controls. Learn when to use each option and, more importantly, when not With best-selling photographer and mentor David Busch as your guide, you'll quickly have full creative mastery of your camera’s capabilities, whether you're shooting on the job, as an advanced enthusiast, or are just out for fun. Start building your knowledge and confidence, while bringing your vision to light with the Canon EOS R8.

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David Busch's Nikon Z5 Guide to Digital Photography is your all-in-one comprehensive resource and reference for getting the most out of your Nikon Z5 mirrorless camera. Nikon s most affordable full-frame mirrorless model boasts up-scale features, including dual memory card slots, five-axis image stabilization for sharp images even when using slow shutter speeds, and an advanced hybrid autofocus system with face/eye detection and 273 AF points. The Z5 s 24MP sensor supports 4K and Full HD movie shooting, and an innovative Focus Shift mode that produces stunning deep-focus images. With this book in hand, you ll master all the camera s impressive features, and fine tune your camera skills as develop your creativity taking great photographs with your new Z5.Filled with detailed how-to steps and full-color illustrations, David Busch's Nikon Z5 Guide to Digital Photography covers all the camera's capabilities in depth, from taking your first photos through advanced details of setup, exposure, lens selection, lighting, and more, and relates each feature to specific photographic techniques and situations. Also included is the handy visual guide to the Z5, with close-up photos and descriptions of the camera's essential features and controls. Learn when to use each option and, more importantly, when not to use them, by following the author s recommended settings for every menu entry. With best-selling photographer and mentor David Busch as your guide, you'll quickly have full creative mastery of your camera s capabilities, whether you're shooting on the job, as an advanced enthusiast, or are just out for fun. Start building your knowledge and confidence, while bringing your vision to light with the Nikon Z5 today.

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In its far-ranging and comprehensive scope, Crafting: Transforming Materials & the Maker is at once both a manual and a manifesto for crafters and craft enthusiasts the world over. A must-have for any craft and educational library, it is a volume that draws together an unparalleled range of craftspeople, practitioners and educationalists from a mix of backgrounds so eclectic that the overall feel of this volume is one of refreshing new perspectives on age-old issues. It is underpinned throughout by critical thinking on a range of social, economic, cultural and ecological debates, and is committed on the seriousness with which we must engage hands-on and outdoor learning as part of a curriculum that values the individual and celebrates the human position within the planet. This is a book that causes us to rethink what constitutes wisdom and knowledge in an age that has detached us from that which defines us as both thinkers and makers. The context of craft, an overview of craft history and the development of a tradition, along with the spiritual underpinning and deep origins of craft production, are all given a thorough review before chapters that embark on an exploration of fabrics, leather, baskets, green wood, pottery, and metal - and glass-working. This timely contribution to the world of contemporary craft revival is a book that is to be applauded for the manner in which it will engage a wide and diverse audience. From master craftsperson to novice beginner, from enthusiast to critic, Crafting: Transforming Materials & the Maker will be an inevitable source of inspiration and an invocation for social change. I certainly envisage it won't be long before my own copy is well-thumbed as a consequence of repeated visits to its passionately written chapters. Alexander Landland, author of Craft: How Traditional Crafts Are About More Than Just Making Faber & Faber 2017

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Get outdoors with this guide to 60 of the best hiking trails within an hour or so from Sacramento, California, leading you to scenic beauty. The best way to experience Sacramento is by hiking it! Get outdoors with hiking expert Jordan Summers. Now in full color, this popular guide helps you locate and access the top hikes within 60 miles of Sactown. A perfect blend of popular routes and hidden gems, the selected trails transport you to scenic overlooks, wildlife hot spots, and historical settings that renew your spirit and recharge your body. Enjoy the Victorian-style garden with your family at the California State Capitol Park. Go bird-watching near the Mokelumne River on the Lodi Lake Nature Trail. Challenge yourself along the China Gulch Trail—a delight for wildflower lovers. Take in the beautiful views at Hidden Falls Regional Park. With California author and outdoors enthusiast Jordan Summers offering advice about where to hike and what to expect when you get there, you’ll learn about the area and experience nature through 60 of Sac’s best hikes! Each hike description features key at-a-glance information on distance, difficulty, scenery, traffic, hiking time, and more, so you can quickly and easily learn about each trail. Detailed directions, GPS-based trail maps, and elevation profiles help to ensure that you know where you are and where you’re going. Tips on nearby activities further enhance your enjoyment of every outing. So whether you’re a local looking for new places to explore or a visitor to the area, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Sacramento provides plenty of options for a couple hours or a full day of adventure, all within about an hour from the city.

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I Gave You All I Had introduces Cuca Martinez - a.k.a. Cuquita, Cuchita, the Girl - the youngest child in a brood of five, born in prerevolutionary Cuba to a flighty would-be actress and a Chinese enthusiast of New World riches upon whom fortune has consistently failed to smile. At sixteen, she heads for Havana in search of work. There, a pair of strumpets named La Mechanga and La Puchanga introduce her to the sweet mischief of nighttime Havana, in which she meets Juan, the love of her life - only to see him disappear for eight years. When Juan resurfaces on the eve of the Revolution, Cuca believes her dreams are finally to be realized, but the political climate and Juan's shady dealings force him into hasty exile in America. And so Cuca, like Cuba itself, waits. She waits for the promised dreams - of happiness, of plenty, of joy, of love - to arrive, and watches her country slide into a barren, repressive slumber. And while she waits, Cuca and her friends struggle, in the midst of those shattered dreams, to survive: they improvise, they scavenge, they make love, they remember, and above all, they talk. Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade, Yucca, and Good Books imprints, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in fiction—novels, novellas, political and medical thrillers, comedy, satire, historical fiction, romance, erotic and love stories, mystery, classic literature, folklore and mythology, literary classics including Shakespeare, Dumas, Wilde, Cather, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

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Before the development of the first self-governing windmill, settlement of the upland areas of the American West was almost impossible. Windmills were needed to pump underground water to the surface. As soon as their design and manufacture had been perfected, the mills became the most prominent feature of the American landscape, not only in the western two-thirds of the nation but also in the East and particularly in the Middle East. Besides supplying the needs of farmers and ranchers, windmills performed such tasks as pumping water to the roofs of New York tenements, cleaning our mine shafts and ships' bilges, and providing water for the boilers of locomotives.This guide to America's windmills is both a complete general history of turbine-wheel mills and an identification guide to the 112 most common models, which still dot the landscape today. With this guide a traveler or enthusiast crossing the plains and prairies of North American can identify virtually every farm-style windmill that he or she can see with a good pair of binoculars. The guide also serves as a handbook for the restoration of antique mills.In his lively narrative T. Lindsay Baker clearly explains the technical evolution of the mills and shares a wealth of windmill folklore. Among the 376 illustrations are unpublished historical photographs, long-lost engravings, field photographs by the author, and detailed India-ink drawings of the 112 most popular designs. Appendices identify all the known windmill manufacturers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico and all the known windmill models from the 1850s to the present day. The comprehensive bibliography is the first published list of source materials on the history of wind-power utilization.

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The most comprehensive publication of Kodojin – beautiful and mysterious – a collection of more than 100 paintings with the English translations of his inscribed Chinese poems. The Art and Life of Fukuda Kodojin is the first publication in English to offer an in-depth examination of Kodojin's life, painting, and poetry. This fully illustrated publication draws from institutions and private collections worldwide, and is the result of fifteen years of extensive research into almost eight hundred works of inscribed poetry, literati landscapes, brush paintings and calligraphy. A beautiful and contemplative look into the world of Kodojin, this coveted edition accompanies a special exhibition held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Fukuda Kodojin (1865-1944) was a multifaceted artist, recognised for his poetry, painting and calligraphy, and is one of a handful of artists who continued the tradition of Japanese literati painting (nanga) into the twentieth century. Kodojin's painting style is characterized by bizarrely shaped mountain forms rendered in vivid color or monochromatic ink, often with a solitary scholar enjoying the expansive beauty of nature and bits of inscribed poetry. Creating over 700 works in his lifetime, he also made simple paintings of plants and flowers in his dramatic brushwork, and distinctive literati landscapes. Kodojin literally means "Old Taoist" which seems to reflect the path he chose of resilience of an old tradition facing new conditions and new challenges, and is theme felt throughout his art. There is both beauty and mystery in his life and work, and his landscapes can be rich in costly green and blue pigments, detailed layers of ink shading and strokes, or purely abstract. Unique, mysterious and distinctively expressive, The Art and Life of Fukuda Kodojin offers an unprecedented walk through the Old Taoist's mind, sure to both surprise and enlighten the curious reader, scholar, or literati enthusiast.

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Bringing planet earth to life, this colourful and fun addition to Lonely Planet Kids takes you on a trip around the world that you’ll never forget. Filled with continental and regional maps, lively text, an entry for every country on the planet, plus mind-blowing facts, and an emphasis on the species that live on our planet, this is an essential resource for young readers wanting to learn about the world.With 240 pages of illustrated maps, engaging infographics, mind-blowing photography and a large dose of humour, this fun and informative world guide, written by children’s author and wildlife enthusiast Alexa Ward, is the definitive guide to what our planet is really like. From exploration of indigenous peoples all over the globe, to illustrations of festivals in Brazil and each country’s individual history, young readers will be enticed to go on a journey to some of the furthest corners of the globe, learning intriguing facts as they go. Take a trip around the world that you’ll never forget with the Amazing World Atlas!About Lonely Planet Kids: Lonely Planet Kids – an imprint of the world’s leading travel authority Lonely Planet – published its first book in 2011. Over the past 45 years, Lonely Planet has grown a dedicated global community of travellers, many of whom are now sharing a passion for exploration with their children. Lonely Planet Kids educates and encourages young readers at home and in school to learn about the world with engaging books on culture, sociology, geography, nature, history, space and more. We want to inspire the next generation of global citizens and help kids and their parents to approach life in a way that makes every day an adventure. Come explore!

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★★★★★ "Truly better than watching YouTube videos."Filled with detailed how-to steps and full-color illustrations, David Busch's Nikon D5600 Guide to Digital Photographyis your all-in-one comprehensive resource and reference for the Nikon D5600 camera.This ultracompact and light weight Nikon digital SLR has new SnapBridge wireless Bluetooth communication so you can use your iOS or Android device to control the camera. Nikon has also added an easy-to-use time-lapse feature to its impressive capabilities, which include a swiveling touch screen LCD that makes taking photos or changing settings quick and easy. The D5600 captures 24-megapixel still images and 1080p 60 fps high-definition movies with stereo sound, too. With this book in hand, you can fine tune your camera skills as you explore the world of digital photography, develop your creativity, and take great photographs with your D5600.David covers all the camera's features in depth, from taking your first photos through advanced details of setup, exposure, lens selection, lighting, and more, and relates each feature to specific photographic techniques and situations. Also included is the handy visual guide to the D5600, with close-up photos and descriptions of the camera's essential features and controls, including the versatile LCD touch screen. Learn when to use each option and, more importantly, when not to use them, by following the author’s recommended settings for every menu entry. With best-selling photographer and mentor David Busch as your guide, you'll quickly have full creative mastery of your camera’s capabilities, whether you're shooting on the job, as an advanced enthusiast, or are just out for fun. Start building your knowledge and confidence, while bringing your vision to light with the Nikon D5600 today.

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Here is the officially licensed anniversary celebration of the world’s longest continuously published and best-known automotive magazine.HOT ROD Magazine: 75 Years celebrates the stunning content that has been created and published by the magazine’s staff in all or parts of nine decades. Witness how HOT ROD has been on scene for the entirety of the postwar performance movement with photographs and articles detailing dragsters, roadsters, slingshots, Funny Cars, coupes, customs, lead sleds, muscle cars, and their builders and owners. Take a look back through pages that have captured the imaginations of gearheads nationwide by featuring the works of customizing greats like Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, Von Dutch, and George Barris, to name a few. There’s also a look at the great journalism of such hot-rodding legends as Gray Baskerville, and the creations of builders like Pete Chapouris, Boyd Coddington, Steve Moal, Roy Brizio, and Chip Foose—complete with decades of archival black and white and color photographs of the cars and personalities that comprise hot rodding history. In the late 1940s, a young photographer and Army Air Corps veteran named Robert E. Petersen astutely noted the rapidly growing hot rod scene in Southern California. Buoyed by war veterans with tech savvy, disposable income, and a need for speed, the hot-rodding hobby was without much in the way of informational publishing. In a brilliant stroke, Petersen stepped into the void in 1948, launching HOT ROD magazine. Petersen Publishing would grow into a worldwide media empire featuring several publications. Today, HOT ROD magazine endures as one of the most iconic enthusiast publications ever.HOT ROD is not simply a magazine—after 75 years, it’s still the magazine of automotive enthusiasts, known and appreciated the world over. This is the definitive and officially licensed look back at that influence.

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An acclaimed photographic guide to these marvelous and enigmatic birds—now in a new, updated editionPenguins are perhaps the most beloved birds. On land, their behavior appears so humorous and expressive that we can be excused for attributing to them moods and foibles similar to our own. Few realize how complex and mysterious their private lives truly are, as most of their existence takes place far from our prying eyes, hidden beneath the ocean waves. Now in a new, updated edition, this stunningly illustrated book provides a unique look at these extraordinary creatures and the cutting-edge science that is helping us to better understand them. Featuring more than 400 breathtaking photos, this is the ultimate guide to all 18 species of penguins, including those with retiring personalities or nocturnal habits that tend to be overlooked and rarely photographed. This revised second edition features updated scientific information and some spectacular new photographs.Penguins is the most ambitious book to date by Tui De Roy, Mark Jones, and Julie Cornthwaite. Their travels, spanning more than two decades, have seen them crisscross the southern hemisphere to virtually everywhere that penguins are found, from the sun-baked lava shores of the Galápagos to some of the remotest subantarctic islands, as well as all around the Antarctic continent, where Emperor penguins breed on the deep-frozen sea.A book that no bird enthusiast or armchair naturalist should do without, Penguins includes discussions of penguin conservation, informative species profiles, fascinating penguin facts, and tips on where to see penguins in the wild. Covers all 18 species of the world’s penguins Features more than 400 stunning photos Explores the latest science on penguins and their conservation Includes informative species profiles and fascinating penguin facts

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The top resource for strength band training is now expanded, updated, and better than ever! Strength Band Training shows you how to maximize strength, speed, and flexibility in the gym, at home, or on the road. With more than 160 exercises and predesigned workouts for fitness and sport-specific training, you will discover why strength bands are the ultimate tool for targeting, isolating, rehabilitating, and developing every major muscle group. The third edition includes a strength assessment index to measure progress, new chapters addressing training for older adults and rehabilitation, training tips connecting research to specific exercises, and injury prevention guidelines throughout. The book is organized to group exercises by upper and lower body strengthening, joint and muscle isolation, core stability, flexibility, and total body fitness. The full-color photos throughout the book showcase both flat bands and tubing. The elastic resistance exercises allow you to add resistance in multiple directions--something free weights and machines cannot do--for resistance routines that can simulate sport-specific demands, strengthen your core, or help you prevent or recover from common injuries. The book has a total of 27 different programs designed for optimal fitness, team sport training, individual sport training, or rehabilitation. Portable and easy to adjust, strength bands provide resistance for any level of strength, fitness, or ability. If you're an athlete, fitness enthusiast, older adult, or someone recovering from injury, you will find the exercises and programs you need to improve strength, shape your physique, and regain movement. CE exam available! For certified professionals, a companion continuing education exam can be completed after reading this book. Strength Band Training, Third Edition Online CE Exam, may be purchased separately or as part of the Strength Band Training, Third Edition With CE Exam, package that includes both the book and the exam.

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This volume of R A Burt's magnificent bestselling three-volume history of British battleships covers the pre-dreadnought era which has, in recent years, acquired a new and fervent following. The Russian war scare of 1884 and the public's anxiety about the Royal Navy's ability to fight a modern war at sea resulted in the Naval Defence Act of 1889 and a vast programme of warship construction. Over the next twenty years a fleet of 52 battleships was built, construction finally interrupted by the revolutionary _Dreadnought_ design. In this new volume, the author presents full details of design and construction, armament, protection, machinery and performance, all backed up with accurate data tables listing design figures, trials results, and full particulars at different stages in the ships careers. The history of each battleship is chronicled and the reader is reminded of their major contribution in the First World War. They bore the brunt of the action at the Dardenelles, bombarded the Belgium coast, patrolled the North Sea and the Channel, reinforced the Italian Fleet, and served in East Africa, the East Indies and the White Sea. Most were extensively modified during the War and this variety has made them of special interest to the historian, enthusiast and ship modeller. Magnificently illustrated with detailed line drawings and superb photographs from the author's massive collection, this new softcover edition is simply a must-have addition to every naval library, and will enthuse a whole new generation of readers. **'This is a magnificent book well up to Seaforth's very high standard with a wealth of detail and a mass of excellent illustrations and photographs. Most strongly recommended to all interested in the Royal Navy.' **_Scuttlebutt_

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Get outdoors with this guide to 60 of the best hiking trails within an hour or so from Portland, Oregon, leading you to scenic beauty. The best way to experience Portland is by hiking it! Get outdoors with local author and hiking expert Paul Gerald. Now in full color, this best-selling guide helps you locate and access the top hikes within 60 miles of Rose City. A perfect blend of popular routes and hidden gems, the selected trails transport you to scenic overlooks, mountain retreats, and beautiful forests that renew your spirit and recharge your body. Hike around Mount Hood on the Timberline Trail. See migrating fish in the Salmon River. Enjoy the wildflowers at Tom McCall Preserve in the Columbia River Gorge. Explore the wildlife sanctuary at Oaks Bottom, right in the heart of the city. Stroll behind waterfalls in Silver Falls State Park. Whale watch from high up on Cape Lookout. With Portland author and outdoors enthusiast Paul Gerald offering advice about where to hike and what to expect when you get there, you’ll learn about the area and experience nature through 60 of Portland’s best hikes! Each hike description features key at-a-glance information on distance, difficulty, scenery, traffic, hiking time, and more, so you can quickly and easily learn about each trail. Detailed directions, GPS-based trail maps, and elevation profiles help to ensure that you know where you are and where you’re going. Tips on nearby activities further enhance your enjoyment of every outing. So whether you’re a local looking for new places to explore or a visitor to the area, 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Portland provides plenty of options for a couple hours or a full day of adventure, all within about an hour from the city.

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"I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Whether used as a reference or a beautiful keepsake, it's a very worthy addition to the world of Mah Jongg." —Ruth Unger, President, National Mah Jongg LeagueThis is the first book to fully capture the story of the exotic and exciting game of Mahjong or "Mah Jongg," offering an intimate look at the history of the game as well as the visual beauty of the tiles. When authors Ann Israel and Gregg Swain began playing Mahjong, they were unaware of the vintage collections that existed not only in the United States but also across the globe. Slowly, they started to collect their own sets of Mahjong and as their collections grew, so did their appreciation of the history of, and interest in, the game.Finding few references, Israel and Swain set out to create a book that chronicles the early beginnings of the game and documents Mahjong sets from the most basic, made of paper, to the most precious materials such as ivory and mother-of-pearl. Recognized and respected scholars and game experts have collaborated with Israel and Swain, contributing essential chapters on the game's history and its pieces as well as technical information on the tiles. Lastly, prominent collectors from around the globe have shared their incredible sets and memories for the first time in one book for everyone to enjoy.With hundreds of beautiful new images by renowned photographer Michel Arnaud, and including historical documentation and ephemera, Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game fills the void between the past's and today's game, providing vision, inspiration and resources. Anyone who has ever been intrigued by a Mahjong tile will find in these pages visually stunning photographs that will entice them into becoming an enthusiast of the timeless game of Mahjong.

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David Busch's Canon EOS R7 Guide to Digital Photography is your all-in-one comprehensive resource and reference for the exciting new APS-C format Canon EOS R7. Enthusiasts will appreciate this 33-megapixel camera s superior low-light performance and action-friendly 30 frames-per second continuous shooting capabilities. Image stabilization built into the R7 s body integrates with lens-based stabilization found in many lenses. Three available adapters make it easy to supplement your RF-mount lenses with a broad selection of legacy Canon EF and EF-S optics. The R7 also has two memory card slots, wireless connectivity to computers and smart devices, and high-definition 4K and Full HD movie-making capabilities. With this book in hand, you can quickly apply all these advanced features to your digital photography, while boosting your creativity to take great photographs with your Canon EOS R7. Filled with detailed how-to steps and full-color illustrations, David Busch's Canon EOS R7 Guide to Digital Photography covers all this upscale camera's features in depth, from taking your first photos through advanced details of setup, exposure, lens selection, lighting, and more, and relates each feature to specific photographic techniques and situations. Also included is the handy roadmap chapter, an easy-to-use visual guide to the cameras' features and controls. Learn when to use each option and, more importantly, when not to use them, by following the author s recommended settings for every menu entry. With best-selling photographer and mentor David Busch as your guide, you'll quickly have full creative mastery of your camera s capabilities, whether you're shooting on the job, as an advanced enthusiast, or are just out for fun. Start building your knowledge and confidence, while bringing your vision to light with the Canon EOS R7.

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CLASSIC STYLES EXPLAINED The origins and development of bonsai are traced, and the underlying principles of this fascinating art clearly explained. The classic styles are listed and illustrated, together with full descriptions of how they were derived from models in the world. Outstanding examples of plantings in all of the various styles are shown. The types of containers are detailed, and the importance of their use for different trees or styles explained. Advice is given on placing and exhibiting your completed bonsai. CLEAR STEP-BY-STEP SEQUENCES There is comprehensive information on how to create a bonsai from a seedling, cutting, or garden center plant. Clear step-by-step sequences take you from the initial raw material through to the finished bonsai, showing the superb results that can be achieved. All the tools and techniques of bonsai are illustrated and explained, and their use described in detail. Maintenance and propagation sections tell you everything you need to know to keep your bonsai beautiful and healthy, or to create your own trees. DETAILS OF MORE THAN 100 SPECIES A photographic catalogue of bonsai trees and shrubs lies at the heart of the book, providing the cultivation and styling details of over 100 different species. Each entry is accompanied by an original full-color photograph of at least one outstanding specimen. This section is supplemented by a further compendium of trees and shrubs that can be grown as bonsai, giving a total of over 300 to choose from. The Complete Book of Bonsai reveals every aspect of the art, with inspirational ideas and practical advice at every turn. Whether you are a beginner who would like to grow just one or two trees, or an experienced enthusiast who wishes to build up a whole collection, it is the essential reference work.

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Gorgeously illustrated with NASA photography, the large-format (12 × 12 inches) NASA Missions to Mars examines everything from the first tentative steps toward the fourth planet to the 2021 landing of rover Perseverance and beyond. Space exploration has always been about pushing boundaries, but perhaps the achievement which has most piqued a sense of possibility has been the exploration of Mars. Beginning with Soviet and American flybys in the early 1960s that were part and parcel of the Space Race, acclaimed space historian Piers Bizony continues through complete coverage of the Viking 1 and 2 missions of 1975–1976. Bizony also traces NASA’s acclaimed rover program, describing the development, technologies, mission histories, and achievements of the rovers Sojourner, Opportunity, Spirit, and Curiosity—all on the 25th anniversary of their first landing. This awe-inspiring book features: An engaging and complete history of Mars exploration A treasure trove of imagery from the NASA archives, including photos and cartography beamed home, artworks and concept drawings created during development phases, as well as photography created to document testing phases A glimpse of future plans for Mars exploration and habitation Coverage of orbiters sent to the red planet by not only NASA but by space agencies from Russia, India, Japan, Europe, China, and the UAE A two-sided 24-inch gatefold Humankind’s fascination with Mars can be traced back to prewar science fiction. While the billions of dollars and ingenious innovations have allowed us incredible views from more than 51 million miles away, no less incredible are the insights these missions, hardware, and scientists have provided into our universe—and our own planet. NASA Missions to Mars is your complete illustrated history of those efforts and a necessary volume for the bookshelf of any space enthusiast!

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Most of us spend a lifetime trying to figure out who we are and how we relate to others and God. The Enneagram is here to help. Far more than a personality test, author Chris Heuertz teaches us that the Enneagram is a sacred map to the soul.Lies about who we think we are keep us trapped in loops of self-defeat, but the Enneagram uniquely reveals nine ways we get lost, as well as nine ways we find our way home to our true self and to God. Whether you are an enthusiast or simply Enneagram-curious, this groundbreaking guide to the spiritual depth of the Enneagram will help you: Understand the "why" behind your type beyond caricatures and stereotypes Identify and find freedom from self-destructive patterns Learn how to work with your type toward spiritual growth Awaken your unique gifts to serve today's broken world Richly insightful and deeply practical, The Sacred Enneagram is your invitation to begin the journey of a life transformed.Praise for The Sacred Enneagram:"Integrated within these pages is Chris's extensive knowledge and understanding of this ancient tool, along with depth in his teaching of contemplative spirituality as practiced by Jesus. Readers are offered a powerful way forward in their unique journey of spiritual transformation through aligning Christian contemplative prayer postures to specific Enneagram types."--Nina M. Barnes, Dean of Spiritual Formation & Leadership, University of Northwestern-St. Paul"The Sacred Enneagram is a groundbreaking contribution to the Enneagram community, providing unique spiritual growth insights for all nine types. If you're not yet convinced of the value, depth, and accuracy of the Enneagram, Chris demystifies and makes this ancient wisdom more accessible than ever."--George Mekhail, pastor, The Riverside Church NYC

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Why are some plants so important to humans? The chemistry of the plants has a lot to do with it! The plant world offers a fascinating way to explore basic chemistry concepts. The spectacular variety of colors, fragrances and other characteristics of plants are driven by the seemingly subtle differences in the structure and properties of organic compounds. Well-known flowers, like daffodils and narcissus, are examples of plants that provide ample perfumes, pigments and poisons as part of their intricate and fascinating chemistry. This second edition retains it accessibility, expanding on the first edition and combining scientific concepts with colorful pictures and stories in simple, clear language. Readers will find introductory information on some chemistry and plant biology. This prepares them for the more complex chemical structures that compose plant substances, many of them of vital importance to humans. The final chapter has been expanded, in particular the sections on medicinal plants and on genetic modification. The end-of chapter references have been thoroughly updated with articles, books, and relevant websites that illustrate the topics discussed. Dr Margareta Sequin, an organic chemist and plant enthusiast, has taught popular undergraduate college level courses on plant chemistry to non-chemistry majors and has led numerous field seminars for the general public. The comments and questions from these audiences and the topics that especially captured people's interest have greatly shaped this book. The Chemistry of Plants addresses an audience with little previous chemistry knowledge, but will appeal to the expert reader looking for an understanding of more complex plant compounds. It can be used both as a text to introduce organic chemistry as it relates to plants and as a text of reference for more advanced readers.

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★★★★★ "A must have for beginner photographers."Filled with detailed how-to steps and full-color illustrations, David Busch's Nikon D3500 Guide to Digital SLR Photography is your all-in-one comprehensive resource and reference for the Nikon D3500 camera, the company’s most compact and easy-to-use entry-level dSLR. Taking and sharing pictures is easier than ever, thanks to the D3500’s enhanced Guide Mode and SnapBridge Bluetooth Low Energy wireless link between the D3500 and your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet.. This 24-megapixel camera offers Full HD 1080p 60 fps video, continuous shooting at up to 5 frames per second, and increased battery life of up to 1550 shots per charge. With this book in hand, you can fine tune your camera skills as you explore the world of digital photography, develop your creativity, and take great photographs with your D3500.David covers all the camera's features in depth, from taking your first photos through advanced details of setup, exposure, lens selection, lighting, and more, and relates each feature to specific photographic techniques and situations. Also included is the handy visual guide to the D3500, with close-up photos and descriptions of the camera's essential features and controls. Learn when to use each option and, more importantly, when not to use them, by following the author’s recommended settings for every menu entry.With best-selling photographer and mentor David Busch as your guide, you'll quickly have full creative mastery of your camera’s capabilities, whether you're shooting on the job, as an advanced enthusiast, or are just out for fun. Start building your knowledge and confidence, while bringing your vision to light with the Nikon D3500 today.

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No other regiment in Wellington's Peninsular army can compare with the 95th Rifles. Even before Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe novels and television series, the Rifles were the most famous of all the British Army's fighting formations. Unlike the red-coated regiments of the Line, the Riflemen were trained to act with a degree of independence, selecting their own targets in battle. As a result, a number of the officers and some of the men were more literate than their counterparts in the Line, or at least were more willing to record their experiences fighting the French. Consequently, many of the finest memoirs of the era have come from the pens of the likes of Harry Smith, Johnny Kincaid and Riflemen Harris and Costello, and have found their places on the shelves of every enthusiast of the era. However, these well-known works were written years after the fighting when memories had faded and were bulked out with incidents borrowed from others and heavily edited with grand descriptions of derring-do' for their Victorian audience, and heavily constrained by the strict morals of the day. Through many years of research, Gareth Glover has uncovered other memories written by members of the 95th which have never been published before or have not been brought to the attention of the present-day public, that were written at the time. These honestly state what really happened on the battlefields of Spain and Portugal - the suffering, the awkward incidents, the rumours and camp gossip - presenting a very different picture of life in Wellington's army than the sanitised versions we have been presented with until now. Also included are rare or unpublished memoires written by members of the staff of the Light Division, enabling the reader to understand the division's command structure and organisation to provide a rounded and realistic vision of this famous fighting force.

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This is the definitive story of one of the longest and most controversial conflicts in US history.Created in association with the Smithsonian Institution, this authoritative history of the Vietnam War examines the key figures and events of the conflict, and its lasting effects on the world. This history book for adults combines compelling text with maps and archive photography, A Short History of the Vietnam War is an all-encompassing showcase of every aspect of the fighting and the wider political landscape, from the struggle for civil rights to the treatment of prisoners.Inside the pages of this retelling of America's bloodiest conflict, you'll discover:- Vivid, moving, and informative details of the Vietnam war, including eyewitness accounts and iconic photographs - A clear and compelling account of the conflict, in short, self-contained events from the Battle of Ia Drang to the Tet Offensive and The Khmer Rouge - Biography spreads highlighting major military and political figures- Features on everyday life in the war offering additional context- Stunning image spreads displaying weapons, spy gear, and other equipment that defined the war- Maps and feature boxes provide additional information on major events during the conflictDetailed descriptions of events, from Operation Passage to Freedom to the evacuation of the US embassy in Saigon, are brought to life with eyewitness accounts and iconic photographs. Gallery pages present collections of infantry weapons, artillery, aircraft, and armoured vehicles, while diagrams and maps show exactly how battles and decisive moments unfolded, and biographical entries provide essential insight into the roles of significant individuals from Henry Kissinger to General Thieu.The perfect read for the military history enthusiast, A Short History of the Vietnam War is a stirring visual record of the suffering, sacrifice, and heroism that occurred in America's bloodiest ever conflicts.

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Forest Life collects George Washington Sears' timeless writing about the joys of exploring the wilderness, edited for a modern audience. In text both practical and inspirational, Sears' provides enduring wisdom about trips into the woods and lakes, including equipment, campfires, fishing, camp cooking, traveling light, and canoes.The original "forest bather," Sears wanted others to enjoy the woods as he did. His published Woodcraft in 1884 to help prepare skillful, self-reliant woodsman and to extol the restorative power of nature, writing "There are men who, on finding themselves alone in a pathless forest, become appalled, almost panic stricken. . . And there be some who plunge into an unbroken forest with a feeling of fresh, free, invigorating delight, as they might dash into a crisp ocean surf on a hot day." In addition to Woodcraft, Forest Life contains many of his articles from Forest and Stream, as well as his nature poetry. Sears is especially eloquent about canoeing, which he helped popularize with published tales of his adventures. In 1883, when he was 61 years old and suffering from tuberculosis, he used a 9-foot, 10-1/2 pound canoe to travel 266 miles through the Adirondacks, writing, "The easy, gentle rocking of the canoe was the best incentive to drowsiness I ever found, and by night or day was nearly certain to send me into dreamland. A score of times I have gone to sleep drifting on deep, wide water, to be awakened by the pressing and bumping of the little craft among the dead balsams and spruces that make [up] half the shorelines of all the lakes in the North Woods."This two-color gift book, illustrated with period etchings of scenes, people, flora, and fauna of the Adirondacks, is the perfect gift book for the outdoor enthusiast. This handsome, affordable collection will be especially appealing to the millions who canoe, camp, and fish.

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Since Mondors times in the forties of the last century there was no other book in surgery to be written so easy and witty Boris D. Savchuk, World Journal of Surgery This, the fifth edition of Scheins Common Sense Emergency Abdominal Surgery, builds on the reputation of the four previous editions. Already a worldwide benchmark, translated into half a dozen languages, this book guides surgeons logically through the minefields of assessment and management of acute surgical abdominal conditions. Tyro and experienced surgeons alike will benefit from the distilled wisdom contained in these pages. The direct, no-nonsense style gives clear guidance while at the same time providing amusing (or saddening) insights into our collective surgical psyche. Old chapters were revised or rewritten and new chapters have been added, including a completely new colorectal section with its new co-editor. Finally, in an attempt to rejuvenate the book, Danny took over the helm while the aging Moshe was pushed down the line Selected reviews and comments from readers of the previous edition What to say, perhaps the most appropriate medical book ever written. This is written with short punchy chapters making it a very difficult book to put down. By the end I was a total enthusiast this is a text like no other I read Unreservedly recommended to old and young alike. A Must Have Book. I am about to end my chief year in general surgery residency my copy of the first edition shows the wear of half a dozen total read throughs and probably hundreds of referencings... Simply perfect. The best choice in surgery for trainees! It makes the more difficult surgery areas very easy to understand. I recommend it to all surgeons. One of the best books I have read in my life! Must read for all docs out there. But the moral of the book is that if scientific rigorousness (protocols, guidelines, evidence-based) and common sense are at odds, follow common sense.

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Photographing children is not easy. They are not like other models. They move around. They look the wrong way. They dribble, sneeze, and cry. And, as any parent will tell you, they never do what you want them to do when you want them to do it! It is this unpredictability that makes child portraiture the fascinating challenge that it is. Capturing the beauty of children, and their freedom of spirit, in one image requires a unique combination of creativity, photographic technique, and child psychology. Mastering Child Portrait Photography contains everything you need to master the art. Written and photographed by the award-winning photographer behind the Children of London project, the book describes and demonstrates all the requisite skills: from choosing the best kit and mastering the essential techniques; through using the most effective lighting, setting, and props to achieve your desired atmosphere and effect; to learning the secrets of working harmoniously and professionally with models of all ages, and using the best post-production techniques to get the most from your prints. For the keen enthusiast, this is an accessible guide to capturing images of your children that will last a lifetime. For the aspiring professional, it is a complete handbook for a wonderful lifestyle business, one in which you can create mini masterpieces that will enhance family homes and bring pleasure to lives for generations. AUTHOR: Richard Bradbury's child portrait photography is highly regarded and widely known through his annual project, The Children of London, which is retained by Her Majesty the Queen and raises thousands of pounds every year for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity. Richard also travels the globe shooting for The Guinness Book of World Records. He has earned many creative industry awards, including M.P.A. Creative & Commercial Photographer of the Year and S.W.P.P. Commercial & Advertising Photographer of the Year. He is currently the A.O.P. Editorial Photographer Of The Year, and Honorary President of The Master Photographers Association.

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By following the lessons in Cartoon Animation with Preston Blair, you can make any character—person, animal, or object—come to life through animated movement! While animators must first know how to draw, the animation process involves much more than just good drawing skills. In this new edition, acclaimed cartoon animator Preston Blair shares his vast practical knowledge to explain and demonstrate the many techniques of cartoon animation. Learn the knowledge and skills animators must have, including: How to construct original cartoon characters by developing a character’s shape, personality, features, and mannerisms How to animate movements such as running, walking, dancing, posing, skipping, and more How to create realistic-looking mouth movements during dialogue, as well as body movements and facial expressions while the character is speaking The finer points of animating a character, including drawing key character poses and in-betweens Full of expert advice from animation pioneer Preston Blair, and packed with helpful drawings and diagrams, the new edition of Cartoon Animation with Preston Blair is a book no animation enthusiast should be without. THIS REVISED EDITION INCLUDES:Chapter 1: Getting Started Tools & Materials Drawing Basics Animation MethodsChapter 2: Cartoon Construction Parts of a Cartoon Character The Body The Head Facial Expressions The HandsChapter 3: Character Design & Development Cartoon Examples The Cute Character The Screwball Type The “Pugnacious” Character More Animal Characters Fictional People ChildrenChapter 4: Basic Character Movement Comics to Life Line of Action Rhythm & Design Basic MovementChapter 5: Animation Principles Beyond Simple Movements Rough Sketches Balance Paths of Action Animation EffectsChapter 6: Animated Acting Expressing an Attitude Three Rules for Actors Body Language DialogueThe Collector’s Series offers a broad range of projects across a variety of mediums and genres, such as drawing, oil, acrylic, watercolor, cartooning, calligraphy, and others. This series is suitable for beginning to intermediate artists, and each title features in-depth instruction about how to work with the tools of the trade, master techniques, and use newfound skills in practical application.

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With Drawing: Birds, learn to render a variety of beautiful, realistic birds in graphite pencil. Artists of all skill levels and bird enthusiasts alike will find creative inspiration and valuable drawing instruction in Drawing: Birds. This comprehensive, 10.25 × 13.75–inch book book opens with an introduction to essential drawing tools, including graphite pencils, erasers, paper, and other materials. Then learn a variety of basic drawing techniques, such as shading, stippling, hatching, crosshatching, and others. Discover helpful tips for creating a good composition, understanding and seeing value, transferring photo references, and taking artistic liberties. After learning the drawing basics, jump into the easy step-by-step projects to draw specific birds, including a barred owl, a great blue heron, a ruby-throated hummingbird, a gray parrot, a pileated woodpecker, and black-capped chickadees. In this book, professional artist and nature enthusiast Maury Aaseng offers simple, comprehensive instruction for drawing a range of lovely birds, as well as information for achieving accurate proportions, capturing motion, and building up form. Aaseng also shows you how to create realistic textures, such as feathers, nests, tree bark, and water. With his easy step-by-step projects that start with basic shapes and progress to detailed final drawings, you can draw many birds, from the common to the exotic. Easy-to-follow instruction and art tips throughout make Drawing: Birds a complete guide for creating realistic and detailed drawings of these feathered friends. For the aspiring avian artist, this book is a must-have art-instruction reference. Designed for beginners, the How to Draw & Paint series offers easy-to-follow guides that introduce artists to basic tools and materials and include simple step-by-step lessons for a variety of projects suitable for the aspiring artist. Drawing: Birds allows artists to develop drawing skills by demonstrating how to start with basic shapes and use pencil and shading techniques to create varied textures, values, and details for a realistic, completed drawing.

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In 1947, Bill Gaines inherited EC Comics, a new venture founded by his legendary father M. C. Gaines, who was responsible for midwifing the birth of the comic book as we know it during his tenure at All-American Comics, bringing the likes of Wonder Woman and Green Lantern to the world. Over the next eight years, Bill Gaines and a “who’s who” of the era including Al Feldstein, Harvey Kurtzman, and Wally Wood would reinvent the very notion of the comic book with titles like Tales from the Crypt, Crime SuspenStories, Weird Science, and MAD. EC delighted in publishing gory, morbid horror and crime comics that had snap, ironic endings—but they also pioneered the first true-to-life war comics, the first “real” science-fiction stories, and a series of tales about such then-taboo subjects as racism, bigotry, vigilantism, drug addiction, police corruption, and anti-Semitism. Too good to last, they were eventually caught up by various 1950s guardians of morality, who were convinced that EC’s often over-the-top content was causing juvenile delinquency. A year or so after a full inquiry investigating horror and crime comics, the incredible EC Comics were no more. TASCHEN presents the full, fascinating story of this fabled company, written and expertly curated by EC-authority Grant Geissman. Even the most die-hard EC Fan-Addicts will find something new within these pages, with the Gaines family archives providing more than 100 rarities that have never seen print. Many of the cover images are reproduced from Gaines File Copies, which are widely regarded as the best surviving copies of the EC Comics. Gathering more than 1,000 illustrations that include the rarest and most notorious covers, interior pages and panels, photos, vintage original artwork, and some of the most celebrated stories ever to be printed in four colors for a dime, this is the ultimate EC Comics compendium and a must-have for any comics enthusiast or pop culture historian.

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You don't need to be ultra-fit or highly experienced in the outdoors to enjoy outdoor guru Patrick Kinsella's selection of 30 activities across Britain. 'A sense of adventure and an explorer's heartbeat' is all that's required, he says, and he should know, having spent two decades walking, running, riding, paddleboarding, swimming, canoeing, kayaking... and more besides, in all corners of the country. Bradt's Caving, Canyoning, Coasteering... is both an atlas of adventure and book of secrets, enticing readers out of their comfort zone to explore the often-unseen elements and quieter corners of Britain, where the wild experiences live. Some of the activities described take place on the very edges of large urban centres, easily accessible for anyone, yet even many locals don't know about them. Others happen in far-flung corners of the country - places people may never have considered exploring. 'This title will take you on a highly adventurous tour of Britain's extraordinary cliffs, caves, canyons, coasts, forests, fells, beaches, Munros, moors and tors, via a range of outdoor pursuits - many of which were conceived and pioneered on this island' says Kinsella. 'It's all about wild time spent in wonderful places, from the mysterious depths of the labyrinthine limestone underworld beneath the Mendip Hills to the top of ice-clad arêtes and snow-dusted peaks of monstrous Munros in the Scottish Highlands, via seascapes and sub-aquatic environment in Devon and Cornwall, tumbling streams and ghylls in the Lake District, and cascade-concealed caverns in the waterfall-soaked world of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) in Wales. It's not for the faint of heart, but there are escapades here to excite everyone.' Whether you're an experienced outdoor type or someone who's new to the outdoors but seeking guidance on where to go and what to do, a wildlife and fresh-air enthusiast or an armchair traveller, a lone adventurer or family with young children, Caving, Canyoning, Coasteering... is brimful of ideas. And if the adrenaline gets too much, you'll even find advice on the sedate Japanese art of forest bathing.

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This new, thoroughly updated third edition of Bradt's Tajikistan is the most practical guide dedicated exclusively to this breathtaking country, central Asia's smallest, but home to the biggest tea house in the world! Bradt's Tajikistan caters for all interests, whether you're a nature lover, explorer, just want to soak up the stunning surroundings, or a wildlife enthusiast in search of eagles, elusive snow leopard or extraordinary Marco Polo sheep. Locals call Tajikistan 'Bam-i-Dunya', the Roof of the World, and travelling the Pamir Highway you can understand why. With first-hand descriptions of everything from Sogdian ruins to playing the traditional sport of buz kashi, trekking on the Murgohab Plateau and eating shashlik in garden tea houses, the authors bring the country alive. This latest edition covers all the most recent developments, notably the significant increase in hotels, restaurants, guesthouses and homestays, along with improvements to travel and transport, all following the government's investment in tourism. New attractions are also featured, including the new cable car in Khujand over the Syr Darya Sirdarya river and new trekking destinations, festivals and exhibitions. There are also details of which sites require additional permits and permissions and how much they cost, and where border crossings have been closed or have become more accessible. Mountains, crystal clear lakes (including Lake Sarez), wildlife and epic trekking routes are all here, as well as ancient Buddhist sites, Silk Road trading posts, medieval shrines, and planned Soviet cities. The modern population continues to draw upon its diverse heritage from Persia, China, Afghanistan, and Russia, creating a complex and intriguing culture. Bradt's Tajikistan covers every corner of the country, from the Wakhan Corridor to the Fann Mountains and Garm Chashma springs, Dushanbe to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sarazm and Tajik National Park, making this comprehensive guide an ideal companion for a perfect trip whether travelling independently or on an organised tour.

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Scratching the Surface: Adventures in Storytelling is a deeply personal and intimate memoir told through the lens of Harvey Ovshinsky's lifetime of adventures as an urban enthusiast. He was only seventeen when he started The Fifth Estate, one of the country's oldest underground newspapers. Five years later, he became one of the country's youngest news directors in commercial radio at WABX-FM, Detroit's notorious progressive rock station. Both jobs placed Ovshinsky directly in the bullseye of the nation's tumultuous counterculture of the 1960s and 70s. When he became a documentary director, Ovshinsky's dispatches from his hometown were awarded broadcasting's highest honors, including a national Emmy, a Peabody, and the American Film Institute's Robert M. Bennett Award for Excellence. But this memoir is more than a boastful trip down memory lane. It also doubles as a survival guide and an instruction manual that speaks not only to the nature of and need for storytelling but also and equally important, the pivotal role the twin powers of endurance and resilience play in the creative process. You don't have to be a writer, an artist, or even especially creative to take the plunge, Ovshinsky reminds his readers. ""You just have to feel strongly about something or have something you need to get off your chest. And then find the courage to scratch your own surface and share your good stuff with others."" Above all, Ovshinsky is an educator, known for his passionate support of and commitment to mentoring the next generation of urban storytellers. When he wasn't teaching screenwriting and documentary production in his popular workshops and support groups, he taught undergraduate and graduate students at Detroit's College for Creative Studies, Wayne State University, Madonna University, and Washtenaw Community College. ""The thing about Harvey,"" a colleague recalls in Scratching the Surface, ""is that he treats his students like professionals and not like newbies at all. His approach is to, in a very supportive and non-threatening way, combine both introductory and advanced storytelling in one fell swoop.

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It is hard to believe that Hope for the Flowers, by renowned ecologist, peace and environmental advocate, and organic food enthusiast, Trina Paulus, is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary. Hope is a book that has transcended boundaries of all sorts and has become a favorite for many—from multiple generations. A note from the author: “Somehow we each have to understand, that uncomfortable as it may feel, in some way you and I were meant for this time.” Regardless of the quotidian events that are swirling around us, some with the dubious ability to divide rather than unite—age, sex, class, religion, country, politics, the scourge of a present- and post-COVID world—we are grateful that Hope, and everything it stands for, was given to us as gift. Over four million copies have been printed in English, with over twenty translations across the globe. Paulist Press invites you to join the celebration! Media buzz: Many fans have commented, ranging from the well-known to the enthusiastic everyday reader: “In this book, two caterpillars get caught up in the fallacy of competition and struggle to reach the top of a caterpillar pile. By journey’s end, however, they learn that their true nature is not one of winning and being at the top, but of going within and emerging as beautiful butterflies who were born to soar.” —Deepak Chopra "Hope For the Flowers is one of my favorite children's books. Everyone is like a butterfly; they start out ugly and awkward and then morph into beautiful, graceful butterflies that everyone loves." —Drew Barrymore “The take is transformative. The caterpillar and the butterfly are powerful metaphors for dying for the good to become one’s best. This is a story that you will read over and over as you seek to become and achieve your highest and best self.” —Karen Briscoe Please note that the 50th anniversary edition is now available in hardcover and paperback. †

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The ultimate pocket-sized guide to more than 300 feathered residents of North America’s Eastern Region. Whether you are a budding bird-watcher hoping to find species in woodland or someone curious about the feathered visitors in your own backyard, find out everything there is to know about your favorite feathered friends, with this pocket-sized guide to many of the birds found in North America’s Eastern Region.Compact and easy-to-use, this stunning field guide is perfect for any bird and birding enthusiast, regardless of age or level of experience. High-quality photographs bring the bird species most commonly seen west of the Great Plains to life on the page, capturing their beauty and making identification quick and effortless. Significant differences in plumage variation between juvenile and adult, male and female, and winter and summer are clearly pictured.Soar into the pages of this beloved book on birds to discover:- Detailed bird profiles include information on behavior, habits, and flight patterns to ensure accurate identification.- Covers 370 species commonly seen in the Eestern region of North America.- Full-color photographs show the adult bird in typical plumage, with male/female, juvenile, and seasonal variations included as appropriate.- Detailed illustrations show typical plumage and posture in flight.- Maps accurately locate where the bird can be seen in summer, in winter, all year round, and on migration.- Includes free access to audio recordings of bird songs and calls to aid identification. Ideal for the dedicated bird-watcher, this beautiful bird-watching book includes stunning full-color photographs of over birds, revealing each species with unrivaled clarity. The reference pages pack in more data with lists of record breakers and endangered species, as well as many other fun facts. The Pocket Genius series is perfect for all children, whether they are learning about birds or are amateur bird spotters already! Produced in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History, Pocket Birds of North America Eastern Region is an essential field guide for identifying birds in North America.

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The ultimate photographic guide to more than 650 species of bird found in North America.Ideal for the armchair bird enthusiast or dedicated bird-watcher, this beautiful bird-watching book includes stunning full-color photographs of over 650 birds, revealing each species with unrivaled clarity. A lavish introduction describes bird characteristics and behavior, while stunning full-color photographs reveal individual species for easy identification. The 550 most commonly seen birds are pictured in clear, close-up photographs, with images of similar birds provided to make differentiation easy, from game birds and waterfowl to shorebirds and swifts to owls, hummingbirds, finches, and so many more. Soar into the pages of this brilliant bird book to explore: - 650 birds species found in the United States and Canada- Bird profiles feature information on social behavior, nesting & feeding habits, and flight patterns. - Full-color photographs show the adult bird in typical plumage, with male/female, juvenile, and seasonal variations- Color-coded maps highlight resident and migratory distributions to help spotters discover which species to expect when and where-Includes bird sound audio app for mobile phone use- Produced in association with the American Museum of Natural History, one of the world’s leading authorities on ornithologyDiscover which species to expect when and where with up-to-date, color-coded maps highlighting habitation and migratory patterns. The most commonly seen species are given a whole page in the species catalog and each full-page profile includes images of plumage variations, subspecies, information on similar birds, and artworks of the bird in flight that reveal their outstretched wings. Rare birds and vagrants who occasionally stray into North America are also described. With easy-to-read accessible information provided throughout, accompanied by beautifully large illustrations, AMNH Birds of North America is a must-have book for bird-watchers of all ages and experiences, and doubling up as the perfect bird-watching gift for the budder birder in your life.

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Discover your inner superhero with the adventures of the SUPERQUESTERS! Ada Twist, Scientist meets PJ Masks in this unique, interactive adventure book series expertly designed to develop children's STEM skills in immersive ways never done before. Meet Lilli and her best friends Leo and Bea - three endlessly curious kids with BIG imaginations. When they unite to solve a challenging science problem, they turn into SUPERHEROES Lillicorn, Leo Zoom and Bea Bumble and journey to a world full of magic, adventure and quests. And now they want YOU to join in the mission and the fun. Can you help them to track down Lord Grumble and his Snapettes and return the stolen sun to Questland? This unique interactive story with hands-on activities is expertly designed in line with the Key Stage 1 and early Key Stage 2 Computing, Maths and Science National Curriculum to help children develop their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills in innovative new ways. Children develop 12 STEM skills including problem solving, coding, sequencing, debugging and algorithms as they complete each interactive quest…and discover their inner superhero along the way. Motivating and empowering, each book features over 100 reusable stickers including magical charm rewards and a reward chart to help children mark their progress and celebrate success. To support grown-ups, spark children's curiosity and bring the adventure further to life there's a 'how to use this book' guide, glossary and answer page, plus free additional hands-on activities and further learning resources to download at: www.questfriendz.com If you're a superhero enthusiast, love learning through play or enjoy books such as Ada Twist, Scientist, Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, Look Up! and the Fantastically Great Women series, you'll LOVE this! It's time to Read, Quest, Learn! Also available in the series: SuperQuesters: The Case of the Missing Memory - Shortlisted for The Week Junior Book Awards 2023: Children's Book of the Year - STEM category SuperQuesters: The Case of the Great Energy Robbery - out 5th October 2023 SuperQuesters: The Case of the Angry Sea - coming in 2024

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“Any backyard astronomer or space enthusiast would be delighted to have this visual journey on their shelf.” —The Strategist, The Year’s Most Giftable Coffee-Table BooksA Barnes & Noble Best Gift Book of 2022 A Publishers Weekly Holiday Gift Guide 2022 selection6 orbiters, 140 missions, 355 astronauts, 500,000,000 miles—all in one rich and beautiful photographic journeyThe Space Shuttle tells the story of NASA’s amazing Space Shuttle program and its 140 space flights (135 missions, plus five Approach and Landing Tests) in a uniquely designed and covetable way. Long before the James Webb Telescope rekindled our fascination with astronomy and our place in the cosmos, the Space Shuttle began to capture the world’s attention with its first mission (a test launch) on April 12, 1981 and continued to do so until its final mission on July 8, 2011. The program’s six orbiter vehicles are Enterprise, Columbia, Challenger, Discovery, Atlantis, and Endeavour. Each mission has its own fascinating story, and The Space Shuttle retells these stories, in chronological order, through incredible photos taken by NASA photojournalists, fine art photographers, and the astronauts themselves. Each image is accompanied by a short text that includes quick facts such as crew members, launch date, and landing date, as well as a short overview of highlights and purpose. For example, STS-78’s mission was to study circadian rhythms in space; STS-41G’s mission was to take photographs in-flight, seen in the IMAX movie The Dream Is Alive; and famously, the first untethered space walk, taken by astronaut Bruce McCandless on STS-41B using a self-propelled backpack unit (called a Man Maneuvering Unit [MMU]), allowed astronauts to capture satellites for retrieval and repair and for the planned construction of what became the International Space Station (ISS). Prior to this mission, astronauts were attached to the shuttle with safety lines. The photo of McCandless floating above Earth’s surface is one of the most celebrated and famous space photographs ever. These are just a few of the 140 stories Miller tells in this beautiful volume.

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David Busch's Canon EOS R6 II Guide to Digital Photography is your all-in-one comprehensive resource and reference for the exciting new Canon EOS R6 II full-frame mirrorless camera. The EOS R6 II boasts continuous shooting up to 40 frames per second, in-body image stabilization, and a 24 MP sensor. Its upgraded autofocus subject recognition now provides lightning-fast tracking of people, animals, motor sports vehicles, aircraft, and trains. Three available adapters make it easy to supplement your R-mount lenses with a broad selection of legacy Canon EF and EF-S optics. The EOS R6 II has wireless connectivity to allow linking the camera to a computer and iOS or Android smart devices, high-definition 4K and Full HD movie-making capabilities, and a versatile swiveling touch screen LCD. With this book in hand, you can quickly apply all these advanced features to your digital photography, while boosting your creativity to take great photographs with your Canon EOS R6 II. Filled with detailed how-to steps and full-color illustrations, David Busch's Canon EOS R6 II Guide to Digital Photography covers all this upscale camera's features in depth, from taking your first photos through advanced details of setup, exposure, lens selection, lighting, and more, and relates each feature to specific photographic techniques and situations. Also included is the handy EOS R6 II 'roadmap' chapter, an easy-to-use visual guide to the camera's features and controls. Learn when to use each option and, more importantly, when not to use them, by following the author s recommended settings for every menu entry. With best-selling photographer and mentor David Busch as your guide, you'll quickly have full creative mastery of your camera s capabilities, whether you're shooting on the job, as an advanced enthusiast, or are just out for fun. Start building your knowledge and confidence, while bringing your vision to light with the Canon EOS R6 II today.

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The Ultimate Cigar Book is a classic on the subject, covering everything from how cigars are made, to storage, etiquette, and accessories.Richard Carleton Hacker’s category bestselling is often credited with helping to create a new generation of cigar aficionados. No other book contains as much detailed and factual information on virtually every facet of cigar making and cigar smoking. And now this trendsetting has been revised in this fourth edition for the aficionado of the future!Forget 1492. This book starts out in B. C. (Before Columbus) and transports the cigar enthusiast on a fun and fact-filled adventure into virtually every realm of today’s popular and growing cigar smoking pastime. Written by one of the most knowledgeable and internationally-celebrated pipe and cigar authors of our time, Richard Carleton Hacker’s well-known wit and wisdom will keep the reader enthralled with every turn of the page, as he takes you on an information-packed would tour of cigars.Starting off with a history of cigar smoking, the author then shows us how cigars are made today (handmade, handrolled, and machine made), divulges the secrets of finding the “perfect” cigar, and discusses the ritual of smoking and how to properly care for and store our cigars. From there the book lists a number of innovative cigar accessories, suggests which beers, wines, whiskeys, brandies, and cognacs go with what cigars, enlightens us with a chapter on cigar smoking celebrities, and concludes with the world’s first International Compendium of virtually every cigar brand known today, complete with histories and observations on taste, according to the author’s HPH (Highly Prejudiced Hacker-Scale) ratings. If that was not enough, there is even a dictionary of CigarSpeak!The Ultimate Cigar Book is the most comprehensive, factual, and up-to-date book for the cigar smoker or for those who just want to learn more about the fascinating and popular world of cigar smoking.

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Originality guide including Cooper, Moke Hornet, Elf, van, pick up and estateNo car has had such a profound impact on the motoring scene as the original Mini. Designed in response to petrol shortages in the late 1950s, it was introduced in 1959 in both Austin and Morris guises, with either basic or De Luxe trim levels. Success came swiftly, and before long its makers at BMC were introducing van, pick-up and estate versions, high-performance Mini Coopers and higher equipment levels on the Mini Super. Right through the 1960s, the success story continued, and the original formula proved so right that the updated Mk II models of 1967 were instantly recognisable as versions of the original and much-loved car.These early Minis are as much admired and sought-after today as ever, offering their own unique blend of nimble driving pleasure with readily affordable running costs. They are also increasingly the subject of detailed, part-number-perfect restorations, and this book is designed to help all those who aim to restore one of these early British-built Minis to their correct specification. Within these pages, respected classic car historian James Taylor gives each major model of Mini its own section. These sections provide full details of specifications and examine individual areas of each model in depth. They are backed up by colour photography of outstanding examples that illustrate the way these cars looked when they were new. Body panels, external trim and badging, paint colours, interior trim, dashboard, instruments and controls, under-bonnet components, engine and transmission, lights - all this and more is comprehensively covered for both Mk I and Mk II Minis.For rapid reference to vital information, this formula has proved to be the most useful one for restorers. With more than 300 specially commissioned colour photographs, Factory-Original Mini will delight and enthral the restorer and the more casual Mini enthusiast alike.

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*** The Sunday Times bestseller ***'Vividly imagined and prodigiously researched' Helen Davies, Sunday Times, Books of the Year 'Such a rewarding read' John Preston, Daily Mail, Books of the Year'This odd, secretive man is brought to life', Robbie Millen, The Times, Books of the YearMaxwell Knight was a paradox. A jazz obsessive and nature enthusiast (he is the author of the definitive work on how to look after a gorilla), he is seen today as one of MI5's greatest spymasters, a man who did more than any other to break up British fascism during the Second World War – in spite of having once belonged to the British Fascisti himself. He was known to his agents and colleagues simply as M, and was rumoured to be part of the inspiration for the character M in the James Bond series.Knight became a legendary spymaster despite an almost total lack of qualifications. What set him apart from his peers was a mercurial ability to transform almost anyone into a fearless secret agent. He was the first in MI5 to grasp the potential of training female agents.M is about more than just one man however. In its pages, Hemming reveals for the first time in print the names and stories of seven men and women recruited by Knight, on behalf of MI5, and then asked to infiltrate the most dangerous political organizations in Britain at that time. Until now, their identities have been kept secret outside MI5. Drawn from every walk of life, they led double lives—often at great personal cost—in order to protect the country they loved. With the publication of this book, it will be possible at last to celebrate the lives of these courageous, selfless individuals.Drawing on declassified documents, private family archives and interviews with retired MI5 officers as well as the families of MI5 agents, M reveals not just the shadowy world of espionage but a brilliant, enigmatic man at its centre.

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In the hundreds of books written about battleships, the authors tend to draw down the curtain on the careers of these great vessels in September 1945, with the surrender of Japan. Yet, on that day some ninety-eight battleships or ex-battleships might be spotted around the world, and eleven of them were in or around Tokyo Bay for the surrender itself. What happened to all those ships? This new book takes a fresh look at the slow demise of the battleship. It examines the decisions made by the major world powers after 1945, and their aspirations to retain battleships in their navies, despite financial stringency. It places the history and role of battleships after 1945 in their geo-political context, centred around the Cold War and the need for the West to face down an aggressive Soviet Union. It also examines the impact on battleships of operational analysis of the Second World War and new technological developments, notably the atom bomb and the guided missile. The book uses the wealth of information from ship's books, ship's logs and gun logs to document in considerable detail what the ships actually did after the Second World War, with a particular focus on those of the Royal Navy. It covers United States battleship operations in Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War, as well as the deterrent role played by battleships for NATO from the 1950s to the 1990s. Finally, it brings the story up to date by documenting the preservation as museum ships of the eight dreadnoughts which still exist today in the United States. Extensively illustrated with photographs of the huge range of activities of battleships after 1945, from their use as Fleet flagships to Royal or Presidential yachts and more poignantly as target ships, this new book will appeal equally to the historic ship enthusiast and naval specialist, and provide a novel perspective through a battleship-shaped lens on late twentieth-century history for the more general reader.

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A stunning visual celebration of the world's aircraft and the pioneers who made a dream become reality.Introducing Flight - a historical and visual exploration of awe-inspiring aviation over a period of one hundred years, from the earliest aeroplane prototypes to today's supersonic jets, this all-encompassing book about aeroplanes takes you on an action-packed flight to explore some of the greatest commercial and military aircraft ever made.So fasten your seatbelt and prepare for takeoff as DK takes you on a journey to explore:-Spectacular photographs and evocative archive images from the Smithsonian collection capture the most memorable events in the history of flight-300 profiles showcase iconic aircrafts, providing key facts-Offers a clear and compelling account of aviation history in short, self-contained episodesExplore stunning photographic galleries of planes, helicopters, and airships, each accompanied by its vital statistics. From the Wright brothers' first powered flight to Concorde's final voyage, Flight takes you sky-high, swooping you through world aviation history. Featuring spectacular photography of iconic aircraft, this book also recounts the feats of pioneers, trailblazers, and jet test pilots, and traces the technological developments so important to aviation's progress.Memorable moments of aerial warfare and record-breaking flights are recalled alongside more than 250 profiles of innovative aircraft in this book packed with flight facts for the aviation enthusiast. The human experience of flying is documented too, and historical quotes give a glimpse into the thoughts and ambitions of key figures in flight history.A must-have volume for anyone interested in aircraft, whether a gift or a self-purchase, Flight is an all-encompassing airplane book that has something for everyone to love and enjoy. Aviation enthusiasts of all stripes and ages will be captivated by DK's Flight- a comprehensive and beautifully presented guide to the story of flight.Explore speed, power and style as you jet across the world with your new-found knowledge on all things aviation!

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The most comprehensive beekeeping resource ever published. This ultimate guide covers all the practical essentials and will teach you everything about caring for bees and safe hive management, with clear instructions and step-by-step illustrations. It also contains a wealth of information about the culinary, medicinal, cosmetic and domestic uses of honey, beeswax and pollen. So much more than just a practical handbook, this beautiful almanac is also a fascinating read, overflowing with charming bee trivia, fascinating folklore, an engaging history of beekeeping and much more besides. Discover bees in literature, learn how to craft beeswax candles, preserve fine wood with your own home-made furniture polish, or indulge your skin with lavender and beeswax hand cream. Enjoy over 100 glorious honey recipes for cakes and breads, sauces and marinades, drinks and even flavoured spirits! Fully illustrated with practical photography, stunning illustrations and unique etchings, this is an invaluable handbook as well as a beautiful addition to your coffee table, whether you're an active beekeeper with buzzing hives, or an armchair enthusiast who daydreams about harvesting your own honey. The plight of the honeybee has been widely reported, as numbers fall at an alarming rate. But its vital role in crop pollination and global agricultural means that the survival of the honeybee is essential; if it is to endure into the next century, we must take it seriously now. The Collins Beekeeper's Bible does just that, bestowing readers with all there is to know about bees, in the hope that it will help secure the future of this fascinating insect. CONTENTS INCLUDEo History of honey and beekeepingo Building a beehive & staying safeo Caring for your bees - pests & diseaseso Growing flowers for beeso Collecting your honeyo Household uses for honey and beeswaxo Homeopathic, medicinal and cosmetic uses for honey and polleno Home craftso Recipes for home-made food and drinks featuring honey

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The ultimate pocket-sized guide to more than 400 feathered residents of North America’s Western Region. Whether you are a budding bird-watcher hoping to find species in woodland or someone curious about the feathered visitors in your own backyard, find out everything there is to know about your favorite feathered friends, with this pocket-sized guide to many of the birds found in North America’s Western Region.Compact and easy-to-use, this stunning field guide is perfect for any bird and birding enthusiast, regardless of age or level of experience. High-quality photographs bring the bird species most commonly seen west of the Great Plains to life on the page, capturing their beauty and making identification quick and effortless. Significant differences in plumage variation between juvenile and adult, male and female, and winter and summer are clearly pictured.Soar into the pages of this beloved book on birds to discover: - Detailed bird profiles include information on behavior, habits, and flight patterns to ensure accurate identification.- Covers 420 species commonly seen in the western region of North America.- Full-color photographs show the adult bird in typical plumage, with male/female, juvenile, and seasonal variations included as appropriate.- Detailed illustrations show typical plumage and posture in flight.- Maps accurately locate where the bird can be seen in summer, in winter, all year round, and on migration.- Includes free access to audio recordings of bird songs and calls to aid identification.Ideal for the dedicated bird-watcher, this beautiful bird-watching book includes stunning full-color photographs of over birds, revealing each species with unrivaled clarity. The reference pages pack in more data with lists of record breakers and endangered species, as well as many other fun facts. The Pocket Genius series is perfect for all children, whether they are learning about birds or are amateur bird spotters already! Produced in collaboration with the American Museum of Natural History, Pocket Birds of North America Western Region is an essential field guide for identifying birds in North America.

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